So You Think You Can Dance

TV review by Pam Gelman, Common Sense Media
So You Think You Can Dance Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Dance version of Idol struts its stuff.

Fox Reality TV 2005
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Parents say

age 8+

Based on 10 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 24 reviews

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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 series is the brainchild of Simon Cowell and bears many similarities to his mega hit American Idol. In the early auditions, some aspiring dancers are clearly looking for their 15 minutes of fame, while others are earnest but lacking in skills. And a few are physically hurt in the process. The judges can be mean-spirited in their critiques of the dancers. When the dancers are good, it's awe-inspiring, but there's too much fluff to sort through to get to the real meat of the show. Once the final 20 are selected, wannabe hoofers young and old will enjoy the competition.

Community Reviews

Senior 72
Senior 72 Adult
October 29, 2020
age 10+

Maximum age limit is disgusting, it needs to be raised to 104

This show teaches children to disrespect their elders. Why in the name of thunder should they go and impose a maximum age limit on talent. Setting a maximum age limit at 30 is pretty disgusting. It even teaches the public to age discriminate against someone which to me is rude. If the show wants to remain on the air, the maximum age limit should be raised to 104.

This title has:

Too much consumerism
nuenjins
nuenjins Adult
July 21, 2019
age 10+

Show takes a weird turn, becomes harsh and mean spirited.

The "auditions" in the show at the beginning are fine, much like World Of Dance. HOWEVER, the show takes a harsh tone once contestants get to the "Academy" where they are NOT encouraged to show individual talents or showmanship, but are ridiculed and put through a tedious guantlet of different dance genres at hyper speed. They literally boot camp these poor people into learning complex dance routines in 90 minutes, one after another, which is not only grueling for the dancers, but also hard to watch. It's like watching "Showgirls" where the dancers are literally forced into becoming jack of all trade Lemmings for the business end and damn any true artistry. The dancers have been called "stupid" among other explatives sometimes being flat out insulted by the judges, especially the old prune who will turn on someone in a split second. I think this show starts off well enough but becomes mean spirited and obnoxious very quickly. Any fans from other "talent shows" may quickly be turned off by this as some of the treatment is arrogant, pretentious and borderline annoying.
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

It'll be hard to keep your feet still while watching SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. After a series of auditions around the country, 20 dancer hopefuls tap, break, or sashay their way to Las Vegas for the formal competition, where they work with five of the nation's top choreographers. Live results determine who keeps dancing, who's going home, and who's crowned America's No. 1 dancer.

Is It Any Good?

When the heat is on, it's great fun to watch a show that combines all types of dance, including ballet, salsa, hip hop, jive, ballroom, tap, and more. But the series needs work. It doesn't have American Idol's polish or fluidity; exchanges between judges are awkward and lacking in conviction, and they give unclear advice to competitors who are turned away.

Kids who like to dance or like to watch dancing will enjoy the program. But some questionable material needs to be screened: One contestant talks about drinking problems interfering with his dancing, another calls himself "Sex" and describes himself as a male sex symbol, others get bleeped when responding to the judges, and so on. If kids (and their parents) can see past this and focus on the dancing, it's very inspiring to watch the dancers' hard work. It's contagious, too.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the amount of hard work, patience, and strength it takes to make it as a dancer. Do you think you could do it?

  • What do you think of the judges' critiques? Which ones are constructive? How can someone bounce back from such disappointment?

  • How do you feel about the competitors who weren't serious about the audition? Do you think that impacts the show's integrity?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love dancing

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