Parents' Guide to

The Prancing Elites Project

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Male dance team faces prejudice, preaches tolerance.

TV Oxygen Reality TV 2015
The Prancing Elites Project Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

THE PRANCING ELITES PROJECT features an all-male, self-defined African-American gay dance team from Mobile, Alabama. After getting lots of exposure thanks to a favorable tweet from basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, the Prancing Elites got a local talent agent and performed their dance routines, called J-setting, around the country. But when they returned to their hometown and danced in the popular Alabama Semmes Christmas Parade, they became a subject of controversy and continue to face bigotry and discrimination. Despite the rejection, they're committed to keep dancing, performing, and showing the world that they're strong enough to rise above.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The series focuses on the challenges the all-male Alabama dance team faces as they share their J-setting (a dance style developed by the female dancers of the Jackson State University Marching Band and made famous by Beyoncé) skills at local events. Though some of the show highlights them successfully performing, much of what's featured is the unapologetic scorn, contempt, and judgment they face when they do. It also shows some of the overall prejudice they face as African-American, gay, non-gender-conforming men.

As in any reality series, there are some lighthearted moments and interpersonal drama. But it's also honest, thanks to the way it allows viewers to see, through the dancers' eyes, what it's like to be shamed and vilified simply for being who you are are and doing what you love to do. Regardless of one's personal views on the subject of sexual orientation, The Prancing Elites Project honestly reveals the pain of discrimination and the importance of acceptance.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about prejudice and discrimination. Why do some people believe in treating certain groups differently from others? How does the media affect the way people think about these things?

  • Many reality shows focus on communities who look, behave, or even think differently from people in the mainstream. Why? Is it possible to portray these communities without relying on stereotypes? Is this show successful at doing this?

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.

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