Parents' Guide to

Dancing Queen

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Campy reality features dance, drag, positive themes.

TV Netflix Reality TV 2018
Dancing Queen Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

MetalAngel803
MetalAngel803 Adult
January 9, 2022
age 10+

Love Dancing Queen!

I’ve Loved Alyssa Edwards since Rupaul’s Drag Race. I knew that she had a whole other life with her alter ego, Justin Johnson. But it was thrilling to watch. The way he combines his drag performances, real life, family, chosen family, and those kids and his career are just fascinating to watch. The kids are amazingly talented, and Justin always finds a way to keep you in the edge of your seat. I just found it, and I loved every minute. This would be a great show for families and older kids to watch together to find out more about drag culture in a safe environment. I really hope Netflix brings this back. It’s been off air for a couple of seasons now, and I can only guess COVID had something to do with it. Please, please bring this show back!!! We love it!!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Heather M.
Heather M. Parent
July 9, 2019
age 13+

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

DANCING QUEEN is a reality series about the world of Justin Johnson, former RuPaul's Drag Race contestant and the owner of Beyond Belief Dance Studios, in Mesquite, Texas, where he coaches top competitive dance teams. When he's not choreographing moves or dealing with difficult dance mothers, he becomes his alter ego: Alyssa, a charismatic and empowered drag queen who performs around the world. Now Justin is starting an elite traveling dance company to represent the best the studio has to offer. It's a lot of work, especially when the mothers have their claws out, and the dancers don't always perform as well as they can. Thankfully, Justin and Alyssa have a close circle of friends to to help them de-stress and have some fun.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (2):

This fun reality series combines the drama of Dance Moms and a milder version of the campiness in RuPaul's Drag Race to create an entertaining viewer experience. Justin Johnson shares lots of intimate details about his life, and uses his platform to highlight the importance of self-acceptance, and how dance can serve to help people express who they are with movement. Meanwhile, alter ego Alyssa offers her funny commentary about what's happening. Throughout it all, subtle parallels are drawn between the drag world and the dance world in which they operate.

Dance enthusiasts will enjoy the featured excerpts of some of the more outstanding students' performances, while folks who like the behind-the-scenes drama of the competitive dance scene won't be disappointed. But what sets Dancing Queen aside is how it balances the traditional reality scenes of self-reflection in Justin's life with that of Alyssa Edwards, who dons spectacular outfits, makes frequent cabaret appearances, and stars in her own music video-like features in each episode. It's a fun show with a lot of heart, and is as unique as its two main cast members.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the cultural significance of drag. Why is the makeup and costuming so dramatic, and the performances so campy?

  • What are some of the different ways Dancing Queen addresses the issue of self-empowerment and self-acceptance? Are they all offered within the context of gender and sexuality?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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