Common Sense Media Review
Dance version of Idol struts its stuff.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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So You Think You Can Dance
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a favorite among many viewers, particularly those who are dancers, appreciating its variety and skillful performances. However, some reviews highlight instances of inappropriate dance styles and language, suggesting it may be better suited for older children and requiring parental discretion for younger audiences.
- family-friendly
- dance styles
- language concerns
- variety of performances
- audience appeal
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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
- Premiere date : July 20, 2005
- Cast : Cat Deeley , Lauren Sanchez , Nigel Lythgoe
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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