Television Review: Dance Your Ass Off
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that while the central message of this
weight loss-oriented reality competition is positive for all
ages, the show is targeting adults and older teens, not kids.
(Need a clue that it's not meant for young children? Note the
word "ass" in the title.) Expect to hear some slang words for
body parts -- including "junk" and "booty" -- and see a few
brand-name food and drink items. Costumes tend toward the
revealing, too, occasionally baring midriffs or buttocks.
A pack of plus-sized men and women are trying to lose weight and get healthy in DANCE YOUR ASS OFF, an elimination-style reality dance competition hosted by actress Marissa Jaret Winokur (who won over audiences as the full-figured Tracy Turnblad in Broadway's Hairspray). Over the course of 10 episodes, the 12 contenders meet regularly with a physician, a nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a dance instructor -- the latter of whom then joins them on the dance floor as their partner. Ultimately, they're judged both on how much weight they lose each week and how well they perform their choreography.
A blend of The Biggest Loser and Dancing with the Stars (minus the stars), this dance contest tries hard to entertain. And while some viewers will watch because they find the dancers' stories inspiring, others might be tuning in to have a laugh at their expense. After all, the show goes out of its way to dress the contenders in flashy costumes that are typically unflattering (including fishnet body stockings and ultra-short shorts), so you have to wonder whether producers are milking what could be a 100% postive process for extra comedic potential.
The show also loses points for iffy renditions of popular songs like Cher's "Believe." But at least it's making an effort to help contestants (and, hopefully, viewers) get healthy in a fun, upbeat way.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
