Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this docuseries sensationalizes the pressure-filled world of competitive dance and features tense exchanges among a strong-willed instructor, her young students, and their motivated mothers. The show offers an intriguing glimpse into an image-centric culture that encourages young girls (and sometimes boys) to adhere to a rigid image and to play up sex appeal to score a win. This isn't a show for kids, and there's very little of substance it offers to older viewers, but it's riddled with controversy and explosive personalities, so there's no denying its entertainment value. Expect some strong bleeped language ("s--t," "damn," and the like) and some inadvertent messages about using alcohol as a stress-reliever.

Sexual Content

Some dance moves are designed with sexy in mind, and the instructor encourages the dancers to play up their appeal.

Violence

Not applicable

Language

Heated exchanges between adults sometimes get explicit, but most of it ("s--t," "damn," and the like) is bleeped. Name-calling includes words like "stupid" and "idiot."

Social Behavior

This series highlights the worst aspects of competitive dance, playing up infighting among the dancers and their overbearing mothers and putting on display an instructor's controversial methods of motivation. It also illustrates the importance this culture places on fitting a physical image, as the dancers' appearances and actions are under strict scrutiny at all times. On the upside, the show celebrates the kids' dedication to their craft and the pride they take in doing a good job.

Consumerism

The Abby Lee Dance Company gets plenty of notoriety from the show.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Some moms drink wine and mixed drinks, and it's implied that doing so helps them cope with the pressures of this high-stress atmosphere.