Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dance competition is kid-friendly but really hokey.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In YOUR CHANCE TO DANCE, average people who aren't professional dancers get the chance to appear on television and dance a "tribute" to their favorite artists, with help from a show-appointed choreographer who tells them what to do and when. Initially, contestants are picked through a video submission process. But once they make it on the show, it's up to the studio audience to score them -- and decide who wins the "Your Chance to Dance" medal and a $10,000 prize. Mark L. Walberg hosts.
Is It Any Good?
In a lot of ways, Your Chance to Dance is a throwback to competition-oriented game shows of the 1970s and '80s, bringing to mind long-forgotten TV classics like Dance Fever (which tested competitors' disco skills) and Puttin' on the Hits (which put their lip-synching prowess to the test). But that retro feel is part of the problem, making the show seem woefully out of touch. Even the logo and theme song feel dated -- and it doesn't help that most of the songs contestants are dancing to haven't been on the hit lists in quite some time.
Of course, that doesn't necessarily take away from the fun; the dancers, at least, seem to be having a better than average time. But will viewers at home be equally entertained since they're not calling the shots with phoned-in votes? In the end, they might vote with their remotes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about competition and how this show compares to other dance contests on TV. What's more important here: dancing well or having fun? Do you agree with the studio audience's decisions? Would you have picked a different winner?
Does the fact that these contestants are average people make it more or less entertaining than a show like Dancing with the Stars? Are celebrities more appealing than "real" people?
Aside from having fun, what are the benefits of dancing? Do you think this show will inspire more people to do it?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 23, 2010
- Cast : Mark L. Walberg
- Network : CMT
- Genre : Game Shows
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
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