Television Review: Dance Revolution
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this show features a diverse group
of contestants competing for a college scholarship. A panel of
three judges offers comments and criticism along with the
dancers' scores -- but unlike
American Idol (and other reality competitions for older
viewers), the overall tone is always positive and encouraging.
There's an emphasis on learning, since part of the competition
requires that the dancers incorporate new moves into their
routines. The show also highlights some of the benefits of
dancing -- including getting exercise and building
self-confidence -- and health reminders like the importance of
staying hydrated while working out.
Families can talk about fun ways to exercise. What are some of
your favorite ways to get active? How do you feel after you
exercise? Families can also talk about competition and
sportsmanship. What are the benefits of engaging in
competition? Why is it important to be a good sport, win or
lose?
In DANCE REVOLUTION, tween and teen dancing duos compete for a $20,000 college scholarship. Keeping with reality TV tradition, one team is eliminated at the end of each episode based on the impressions of the judges -- Michael Copon ( That's So Raven), Sara Paxton ( Aquamarine), and choreographer Tricia Gomez. Each episode begins with the contestants performing a brief routine of their own choreography, then the show's choreographer, Leah Lynette, gives the kids a quick tutorial on new dance steps they must learn and incorporate into their moves. After a practice session, they return to the stage with their revamped routine, and two of the judges score their efforts. Once all of the teams have finished, Gomez points out what she liked about each group's work and offers constructive criticism before revealing the contestants' "tech" scores, which are added to the other judges' numbers. The duo with the lowest combined score is eliminated, leaving the show with a cash prize.
Dance Revolution is hosted by super-excited (and that's no joke) DJ Rick (Rick Adams), whose hyperactive silliness keeps both studio and home audiences chuckling. Inspired by the hugely popular video game Dance Dance Revolution, this energetic show actively encourages viewers to "get vertical" and try some moves of their own, and frequent pop-ups in the corner of the screen remind viewers that dance is a great way to get some exercise and blow off some steam.
Tweens will enjoy this fun-filled half hour of watching their peers strut their stuff. The show also offers a refreshingly positive portrayal of competition -- laced with good sportsmanship -- that's often lost amid the squabbling and trash-talking usually seen in reality TV.
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