Dance Moms: Stupid and unbelievable, but more real than you think

            Reality television fans will probably know about the monster show that is “Dance Moms.”  This show has already gained a massive following and has given birth to a spin off series “Dance Moms: Miami.”  The fact that the show promised attention seeking, middle life crises experiencing mothers was certainly a draw for many people.  Some would compare this show to “Toddlers and Tiaras” but I would disagree.  As the children in “Dance Moms” actually have talent.  The children have more talent and ability in their elbow than their moms have in their entire body.  The moms are also loud and immature, where as the children calm and articulate. The mothers are certainly the most ridiculous in their behavior, but after all, the show is titled “Dance Moms.”

The show does still bring the controversy and debate about the treatment of children as students. Many debate that the dance teacher, Abby Lee Miller, is to harsh and brutal in her methods of teaching, but as you see from the children’s ability, it certainly pays off.  The only major concern that I have with Abby is her interaction with the children’s mothers.  The moms are always fighting and yelling and screaming, it seems.  And it is never good for a child to witness there parents fighting as it can be traumatizing for them.  The mothers say however, they only want the best for their daughters.  I see many of the mothers really aren’t the stage moms that people presume them to be, but are certainly not good social role models for their children.  Sometimes I feel as though every week, I only check in to watch the show to make sure the children are still OK.

This show really makes a point of promoting the children in a professional manner, as some of them have stated that they want to become dancers for a career.  Abby talks about, blatantly, that everyone must make good impressions, because having a career in entertainment means that you must learn to bridge with others, so you will be able to build your reputation and have connections that might enable you to receive a noteworthy position in a well-known dance company or dancing in Hollywood or on Broadway.  Abby often says on the show that these girls are being judged, not just when they dance but when they walk in to the building, whenever the judges first see them.  Every single thing they do matters: how they look, how they speak, and of course their dancing ability.  It does seem as though this is a lot of pressure to put on a child, but to be able to dance well, it takes many hours and discipline.  It might be a lot of work for the girls but it does seem to be that all of the girls love to dance, and are more concerned with the crazy and insane antics of their mothers.