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Parents' Guide to

Dirty Dancing

By Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Feel-good dance-off will get tweens' toes tapping.

TV WE Reality TV 1988
Dirty Dancing Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Helen M.
Helen M. Adult
November 3, 2017
age 15+

Surprisingly 'Dirty'

Parents (who somehow haven't seen the movie yet) should know that it is very much about a young girl's sexual awakening through the means of dance. In fact, the 'underground' dance club scenes in particular are mildly steamy, with sex-through-clothes type shots. This includes less dancing per say, and more gyrating; with everyone essentially dry-humping their dance partners. *SPOILER* in one scene Swayze throw his partner forward, and begins a thrusting/gyrating motion (the camera is facing them head-on, and her top torso is almost on the ground, so only their privates are touching. This could easily be misconstrued for sex.) Women's bikini-cut underwear under their dresses reveal bare butt-cheeks, and male partners rub, grab, and squeeze these vigorously. Orgasmic faces are made, but nothing heard. *SPOILER* sensitive issues such as knocking someone up and denying responsibility for such actions, as well as subsequent abortions (referred to as 'taking care of it') are addressed, and go horribly wrong. Gendered stereotypes and relationship idealism ensue (due to the time period). A girl spends much time alone with a guy she barely knows including going into the woods, and to his house; a sexual relationship blossoms, but scenes are mild by todays standards; (it starts as a dance, the girls top comes off, [his shirt was already off], dance continues, scene cuts to close-up of them in bed, him on top of her, kissing; they are later on seen in bed with her topless[only her bare back and side boob are seen] and on top of him).
Evelyn88
Evelyn88 Parent of 10, 12 and 13-year-old
March 24, 2011
age 13+
Loved it!
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In DIRTY DANCING, 18 women learn new moves from six male dance instructors and are whittled down until one is left to accept the grand prize -- a professional dancing contract. Cris Judd -- a longtime backup dancer and choreographer who's perhaps best known as one of Jennifer Lopez's exes -- hosts each episode, all of which are set in a lush California resort (rather than the Catskills locale of the guilty pleasure movie that inspired the show's name...). Most of the contestants enjoy dancing but have never pursued a career on stage. They spend their time giggling their way through dance lessons before being outfitted in sparkly dresses and getting professionally made up to perform for the three judges -- Jackie Rios, Eddie Garcia, and Keith Young -- who will narrow the pool to a single finalist. Each of the six male partners works with the same three women throughout the competition, letting them get to know each other.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Since this is reality TV, it's not surprising that the women develop rivalries and jealous feelings when it seems like one of them is getting more attention from their partner than the others. And as in Dancing with the Stars, explosive onstage moves and pretty costumes turn each episode of Dirty Dancing into extreme eye candy for fans of the performing arts. It's all sorts of reality fun rolled in one: makeovers, competition, and some sexual tension. While the latter might turn some parents off, Dirty Dancing is ultimately fine fare for tweens and older, especially those who appreciate the performing arts.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the popularity of dance-themed reality shows. Why do you think people -- both kids and adults -- like shows like this so much? Families can also talk about the amount of hard work, patience, and strength it takes to make it as a dancer. How much training do you need to be a performer? What are your odds of success in dancing (or other creative fields)?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

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