Parents' Guide to

Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Energetic hip-hop contest is a hit for tweens and up.

TV MTV Reality TV 2008
Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 6+

Based on 2 parent reviews

mollsta1234
mollsta1234 Parent of 10-year-old
May 7, 2010
age 8+

a family show!

the dancers dancing can be slightly horny, but everything else is out of this world!!!!!!!!!!!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
LOL SMILEY FACE
LOL SMILEY FACE Parent of 10-year-old
August 26, 2009
age 3+

BEST BABY

ITZ A GOOD AZZ SHOW I LOVE IT!!!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

RANDY JACKSON PRESENTS AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW is a hip-hop dance competition produced by American Idol=http:> judge Jackson and hosted by Mario Lopez. After auditioning hundreds of dance groups from all across America, nine crews were selected to compete. Every week, their hip-hop inspired routines must impress judges like 'N Sync founder JC Chasez and hip-hop superstar Lil' Mama, who choose the top teams. The bottom two finishers must dance it out in the "battle zone," where they each have one more chance to out-step the other. Meanwhile, viewers can cast votes for their favorite teams to help strengthen their position in the competition. The last crew standing wins $100,000 and the title of America's Best Dance Crew.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (7 ):

This fun, lively series offers positive messages about dance, leadership, and teamwork. Unlike in many reality competitions, the judges offer both supportive and constructive criticism about the dancers' work; they also remind the dancers -- who range from self-taught street performers to studio-trained choreographers -- to stay true to their own style and not sell out for the sake of being famous. Also inspiring is some of the behind-the-scenes footage of teammates relying on each other for both inspiration and strength.

But it's during the on-stage action that the dancers really show their love for their craft as they demonstrate the different ways that hip hop can be interpreted while having a great time doing it. While some of the dancers sport some skimpy outfits (usually showing off bare midriffs -- and sometimes underwear) and perform suggestive dance moves, this show is still an excellent example of how young people can turn to positive creative outlets for expression, self-esteem, and fun.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what dancing offers kids. How does dance help kids become strong leaders? Do you think televised dance competitions will get more kids interested in participating?

  • Do you consider dancers athletes? How much work goes into dancing competitively? Do you have to be formally trained in a dance studio to be considered a "real" dancer?

TV Details

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