Dance on Sunset
Hip-hoppin' show fun, but heavy on marketing.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this tween-targeted dance/variety series packs a promotional punch with its many music videos, guest performances, and plugs for its own Web site. If your tween is already up on the latest tunes, the show will reinforce their interest; less musically savvy kids will have their attention piqued by guest artists like Ashlee Simpson and The Naked Brothers Band. That said, tweens will certainly enjoy this high-energy show, which features easy-to-follow dance instruction segments that encourage them to get up and move along.
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What's the Story?
DANCE ON SUNSET is a dance/variety series that showcases musical acts, original choreography, and a dance competition for selected members of the live audience. In each episode, the show's pros -- six older teens known as the Nick 6 -- perform two new dances created by choreographer Tony Testa, who breaks the numbers down so both the studio and viewing audience can learn them. Musical guests like Sean Kingston and Menudo mix things up with crowd-pleasing performances, and select audience members compete in a brief dance-off.
Is It Any Good?
Tweens are sure to latch on to this fast-paced show, and for the most part, there's little here for parents to sweat over. Competition takes a backseat to the simple enjoyment of dance, and the instructional segments will encourage viewers to ditch the couch and get their own groove on.
The only drawback is the show's blatant promotion of its own Web site, as well as the featured pop tunes and musical guests. Tweens will be hard pressed to avoid marketing tactics like big-screen music videos and the host's reminders that the songs they're hearing are top-fivers, so be prepared for your kids' musical interests to change accordingly.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the media influences viewers' interests. Did you notice any products being promoted in this show? Which ones? Did your interest in them change as a result of watching the show? Are you more inclined to want things you see advertised on television? For instance, were you inspired to try dancing because of this show?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 29, 2008
- Cast: Johnny Erasme, Karen Chuang, Quddus
- Network: Nickelodeon
- Genre: Variety Show
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Music and Sing-Along
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
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