Ballroom Dancing: Reality Show vs. Reality

What is the difference between a reality show and the reality?

For ballroom dancing, it cannot be more starkly contrasted between “Dancing Queens,” a reality TV show, and “Dancing Queens & Kings,” my forthcoming book.

1. The reality show

Below is a list of my reviews of the reality TV show “Dancing Queens,” one review for each episode in sequence:

Here is an excerpt from my last review: The reality show depicts the industry as something it is not. Three examples:

The industry is not [primarily] about working women in age group B (ages 36-50).
The industry is not [primarily] about the working women wearing low-cuts in public and in interviews. Instead, the majority tries to be well-dressed on the dance floor (yes, even sexy in Rhythm and Latin), while appearing regularly outside of the ballroom, especially in front of young children.
The word “frenemy” is a total mischaracterization of reality. Yes, folks do compete, sometimes fiercely. But few take a win or loss very seriously for one reason: most folks are too old and too mature to truly care about it!

2. The reality

My forthcoming book aims at depicting the real world of ballroom dancing.

Four highlights:

It is composed of 50 personal stories, all by the amateurs heavily involved in pro/am ballroom dancing.
It covers the full age range from teenagers to folks in their 70s.
It covers a huge range of accomplishments, from champions to average Janes who have survived cancers via ballroom dancing.
It has the industry’s iconic leaders sharing their insights.

The only requirement for participation in the book is that you, as an amateur, have competed at the USDC or OSB (pro/am). The new timeline:

11/30/2023: 1-page highlight to tell your compelling story.
12/31/2023: 8-page to tell your full story.
3/31/2024: The book will be reviewed by Sam Sodano and Wayne Eng.
5/31/2024: Publication at Amazon.

For more, read Dancing Queens & Kings: Call for Participation (4).

3. The challenge

The reality show is already out, but the book about reality is yet to be written.

To be successful, the book requires (1) your participation and (2) a “genius” to put it together.

Am I that “genius”?

You be the judge – Aside from the “blind trust” from Sam Sodano and Wayne Eng, here is my life story: My American Dream Story.

4. Discussion

There has never been a book like this, nor will there be in the foreseeable future. So, seize the opportunity to make history along with “who is who” in the industry – No guts, no glory!

Twenty years from now, you will be very happy to read this book again, recalling your brilliant past …

Additionally, this book shall be very helpful to all the newcomers in pro/am ballroom dancing: learning faster by standing on the shoulders of giants! For example, when I started ballroom dancing in 2015, many big issues were overwhelming for me. Two examples:

Which dance to learn 1^st?
How to balance my desire to advance fast and the pressure to participate in many competitions?

I wish there had been a book like this to guide me through the jungle …

5. Closing

This book will be published and will be successful, easily surpassing the reality show. This is especially in terms of having a positive and enduring impact on the ballroom dancing industry.

But how hugely successful will it be?

Success is up to your participation! This is a good way for you to give back to the community, which has been so good to you. Fair enough?