Dance Reality Shows: Are They Worth the Hype?

Just like other sports, dance is featured on television for entertainment. However, instead of traditional dance competitions being broadcasted, there are reality shows. So which ones are worth the binge? I am here to tell you about my top three dance shows to watch: World of Dance, So You Think You Can Dance, and Dancing With The Stars. Although there are plenty more shows involving dance, like Dance Moms, Flirty Dancing, and America's Got Talent, my top picks check off all the right boxes for dance shows.

The show that I would pick as the lesser of the three is Dancing With The Stars. This show is based around celebrity contestants that learn different styles of dance. These celebrities do not always have a foundation or background in dance, which leads to easier dances and simpler choreography. Although this can be the case, some of the performances have intricate technique and the execution of the performance displays excellent skill. Many of the contestants that have been on the show have been athletes. From football players to Olympians, they always find that dancing is much more challenging and physically exhausting than they ever imagined. This allows people watching at home to see the true skill and stamina needed to compete as a dancer.

Another entertaining show is So You Think You Can Dance. This show follows ordinary people as they try out and compete for a spot on the show. The process is intimidating, physically and emotionally taxing, and puts the dancers through difficult choreography. However, the best of the best survive the long process and eventually get to dance for a live audience. Although they have gotten to this point, there are still countless, long, rehearsals to go through for the live shows. SYTYCD is captivating because it not only films the extravagant performances and stunning costumes, but also the vulnerable aspects behind the scenes. Viewers get an inside look at the pain, injuries, frustration, and exhausting practices dancers experience throughout long days and nights.

Lastly, World of Dance allows the most outstanding dancers of all group sizes, styles, and ages to compete. This show is extremely entertaining because there is so much variety and the performances are flawless. One minute you might be watching an emotional contemporary duo and the next you can not take your eyes off of an incredible hip hop stunt by a large group. The dancers that compete on this show are truly talented and are experts in their style of dance. They are scored and categorized based on different aspects (age, group size, style) and continue to be eliminated until one dancer or group is the winner. If you are looking for the most jaw dropping talent and diversity in dance, this is the show for you!

So if you are looking for your next new favorite show to watch, be sure check out any of these binge-worthy dance shows!