The Dance Scene
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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.
Suggest an Update
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 reality series that follows a celebrity choreographer as she works with a team of dancers is pretty tame, but it does contain some discussions about relationships that may be too mature for younger viewers. Expect some language ("bitch" and "ass," plus some bleeped words) and social drinking. Teens will be drawn to the behind-the-scenes look at the Hollywood dance world, as well as to some of the celebs featured on the show.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
THE DANCE SCENE follows celebrity choreographer and creative director LaurieAnn Gibson as she trains and leads a team of dancers to work and perform with high profile stars at her L.A.-based Boom Kack Studio. Gibson, who is known for her work with artists like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and the Jonas Brothers, mentors talented and ambitious junior choreographers like Sarah Mitchell, Paula Van Oppen, and Kherington Payne, so that they can maintain a competitive edge in the Hollywood dance world. Also joining "Team Book Kack" is senior choreographer Richard Jackson and Gibson's assistant, Lacee Rose. In between meetings, rehearsals, and other dance-related events, each of the dancers tries to sort out their complicated personal lives.
Is It Any Good?
The reality docuseries offers an inside look into Hollywood’s competitive dance world, and what it takes to succeed in it. But the show’s drama also comes from the dancers’ romantic entanglements, including Gibson’s secret romance with business partner Joe Wilson, which lead to some awkwardly voyeuristic scenes.
There are attempts by Gibson to send some positive messages about working hard and having a strong sense of self, but they are sometimes offset by her sense of self-importance and her use of racially oriented remarks. Nonetheless, teens interested in dance and/or the Hollywood scene will probably find the show very entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about professional dancing. How much training does someone have to have to be a professional dancer? Do you have to be formally trained in a dance studio to be considered a "real" dancer? Is having technique and talent enough, or are there other qualities that a dancer has to have to make it big in Hollywood?
Why do reality cast members reveal their personal lives in front of the camera? Do they really expect it to remain private once the show goes on the air? How real do you think these conversations are?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 10, 2011
- Cast: Kherington Payne, Laurieann Gibson, Sarah Mitchell
- Network: E!
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew
Energetic hip-hop contest is a hit for tweens and up.
-
So You Think You Can Dance
Dance version of Idol struts its stuff.
-
Dancing with the Stars
High-kicking series has cross-generational appeal.
For kids who love dancing
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.
See how we rate