I am not into dance myself, but quickly found myself drawn into the angst of young people pursuing their dreams at Brent School Academy. I particular found myself rooting for the student whose body shape and lack of sexiness runs counter to the stereotype. My greatest takeaway from the inside look was simply how athletic these folks are. I love sports and without question dance is a team sport like basketball where you are part of a team in a routine but can shine as an individual. So why was my grade only a 7? Well, first I found these performers were often performing for the "documentary" camera saying things and behaving in ways to help their potential careers. I also felt the show created false dramas following illness and injuries where which the athletes miraculously overcome in order to perform when the curtain goes up. Also the "Grad" stuff becomes larger than life at the end as though their futures all hinge on one last dance. It seemed to me the hysteria was no more than any other high school graduation ritual where emotions are all over the place. Only 8 agents will attend so how much career advancement will these kids get? And furthermore, how many career opportunities for dancers really exist. None of this is remotely explored in the show.
Review of Dance Life
