 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Dance Academy
Common Sense Media says
Realistic Aussie drama explores teen issues like dating.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Australian drama series centers on a group of teens who live and study together at a prestigious dance academy, and the close quarters breed some budding teen crushes, so you can expect some kissing, cuddling, semi-nudity (girls in bras and panties), and references to sex. The mix of personalities also leads to some rebellious behavior like breaking curfew and lying to teachers, as well as some infighting among the competitive dancers. That said, the most striking quality of this enjoyable series is its dissimilarity to many of the flashy teen-geared shows available today, thanks to relatable, diverse characters and realistic interpersonal issues that are handled with maturity.
What's the story?
Tara Webster (Xenia Goodwin) grew up in a small town in the Australian countryside, where she danced through sheep pastures dreaming of taking to the stage as a principal ballerina. When she's accepted into the country's prestigious National Academy of Dance, she's thrilled at the possibility of studying among the best, but she arrives in Sydney to find her skills lagging behind those of her peers and herself as the target of "mean girl" Abigail (Dena Kaplan), who sees Tara's passion for dance as a threat to her top spot in the class. With her new friends, Kat (Alicia Banit) and Sammy (Tom Green), and her handsome new love interest, Ethan (Tim Pocock), Tara hopes to find her place in the academy and finally realize her dream.
Is it any good?
DANCE ACADEMY is a striking departure from the glitzy teen-centered shows that have infiltrated the market for the American audience. These Aussie teens don't carry Prada bags and wear 3-inch heels to high school, where they do more gossiping or primping than studying. Instead, they're focused on their passion for dance and are willing to work hard to achieve their dreams. When they hit bumps in the road, they deal with them with the help of friends and, in Tara's case, a strong family unit that inspires the best in her. Their troubles with peers, dating, and personal insecurities reflect real-world issues for average teens and present opportunities for positive problem-solving and self-reflection.
Navigating teen relationships is a central theme that's explored through the eyes of naive Tara, who copes with back-stabbing from frenemy Abigail, a rebellious influence from good-hearted Kat, and the uncertainties of romantic relationships. This pleasant series takes a realistic look at these kinds of issues within the context of an endearing story about overcoming odds and following dreams. As a bonus, viewers are treated to some impressive dancing of various styles as well as some sweeping Australian scenery.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about peer pressure. Why do some people use their influence to control others' actions? What do they gain from the arrangement? How does this kind of pressure affect how its victims feel about themselves?
Teens: What issues in your life impact your self-confidence? Are there friends who are positive or negative influences on how you view yourself? What activities do you enjoy that make you feel good about yourself?
Do you think this show accurately portrays the nature of teen romances? How do your peers express their feelings toward each other? Why is communication essential to a healthy relationship?
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- All members
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Great show
I have only started watching it but it is really good
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Kid, 11 years old
February 29, 2012
AGE
Dance? More like DRAMA!!!
I like the messages of this show (try your best, be able to take risks, and be the real you) BUT, it's a little bit too sexual for me. In the beginning, Tara goes to the wrong bathroom, and unknowingly takes off her shirt, showing her bra to a guy she's never met. Than she and Kat jump off a BALCONY in their bikini's into a bay, with no idea about what could be down there! A BAY!!!! A boy has to room with Kat, cause their's not enough boy dormitries! That's not right! Infact, while the boys putting in his contacts, Kat's changing, because she think's that he can't see her, when he can! There are fistfights and cattyness. Tara hits a fellow student in the face with her dance shoe! It's very competitive, and the mean girl, Abigail is always trying to get Tara expelled. This show is not about dance, it's about Drama. Drama that parents teach their children not to create. I am not approving this show.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 29, 2012
AGE
Not sure
Looks like a cool show... I'll have to check it out since I'm a ballet dancer.
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AGE
OK
Ummmmm well its very a nice show for tweens and teens but not under 13 the shows basicully about living your life and taking risks I personlly like it but.........Jumping off a balcony into a bay to get in it crazy!!
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AGE
Wonderful show for preteens and up.
I really enjoy this show. I've watched 1 season and a few episodes of the 2nd. I do think you shouldn't let your kid watch it alone and here's why. Although you have a group of teens trying to become great dancers while finding themselves, big thing is their still learning. So they're going to make mistakes and get hurt just like any other teen. So it's important as a parent to make sure your son/daughter understands the consequences of the actions the characters do and why they shouldn't be mimicked. For example the character Kat, is very goofy, loves to be herself, and is very optimistic. Something a young girl would like to look up to. However due to Kat's home life, she doesn't fully appreciate how lucky she is to be at a privileged school. She treats her place sometimes as a joke and gets irritated when her friends don't want to goof off with her. She feels it's better to rebel and do what makes you feel good, rather than do what needs to be done. That's a great chance to talk to a pre-teen about personal responsibility, entitlement, and the importance of hard work. Also, Kat's mother is VERY neglectful, so it better explains why Kat acts the way she does.
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AGE
A+
This a great show. It has a great message about dealing with relationships, and ways to over come them. I DEFIANTLY recommend this show!
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| Topics: | arts and dance, friendship, high school |
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | TeenNick |
| Cast: | Alicia Banit, Dena Kaplan, Xenia Goodwin |
| Genre: | Drama |
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