Episode 2 of the reality TV show “Dancing Queens” was aired on May 16. This is a brief review of it, plus some insights into the show I have obtained since my first review (“Dancing Queens”: A Critical Review) was published on May 13.
1. A brief review of Episode 2
Three highlights:
- The first 20 minutes are good, as it serves as an introduction to competitive ballroom dancing (via Tri-State 2022, Latin, Age-group B). It can be informational to some folks who have never attended a ballroom dance competition.
- Out of nine competitors, three of the six ladies in the show made the final. Here is the result: Sabrina (2nd), Gaëlle (3rd), and Donie (6th).
- The rest of the show is mediocre, as it is about the life of some ladies who happen to dance ballroom without outstanding achievements. For example, Colette, who claims to have spent more than $100,000 a year on this hobby, failed to make the final mentioned above – What a dancing queen!
2. Reality shows in America
It is a big business. Two “successful” examples:
- The Apprentice: It helped Donald Trump win the 2016 Presidential election!
- Jerry Springer (talk show): It aired for 27 seasons and nearly 5,000 episodes. I am doubtful anybody in the industry of ballroom dancing watched much of it, though.
3. The MSM in America
The MSM (Mainstream Media) in America is corporate media, serving its owner(s) with one purpose only: profits (or ratings). Everything else is secondary, from the truth to the subjects’ well-being.
4. What is “Dancing Queens” anyway?
It is a reality show by a sub-MSM outlet named Bravo!
It aims at catching the eyeballs of the Bravo fans, with the truth and the well-being of the industry of ballroom dancing being secondary.
5. Some insights into “Dancing Queens”
Thanks to these two ladies:
- Joanne Kay Smith, a 3-time winner at the OSB (Smooth – B).
- Diane Lee Larsen, a Rhythm champion at the USDC “decades ago.”
5.1 Some insights according to Joanna
Below is Joanna’s comment on my first review (with minor editorial changes).
I was approached/scouted for the show after New York Dance Festival 2020, like a few other competitors. Some chose not to participate, and have their reasons as I did. I am happy for the people who are participating if that is their dream.
My partners and I went through the interview process and meetings with producers to understand their concepts and ideas a few years ago. Originally the idea began as a docuseries about working women who are fierce competitors. The producers were interested in the B age-group precisely because these women have full-time careers, young kids, and huge personal lives, but are hungry, active competitors. This is what they wanted to showcase regardless if they were “queens” of our inner world or not. Obviously, the show, being a reality show, will have mucho drama for ratings. However, they chose this age cohort to appeal to the mass audience that typically tunes in – at least this was my understanding from my personal experience with the production team.
At the end of the day the producers cast the show. The girls who are in it are absolutely wonderful people and very beautiful dancers. They are hard workers with jobs and families. Exactly what Bravo was looking for.
5.2 Some insights according to Diane
Below is Diane’s comment on my first review (with minor editorial changes).
The producers were interviewing dancers just before Covid hit. The whole show is shot from 2022 comps (probably those where the organizers would allow them to be there and a combination of the ladies were attending). I went through a round of interviews for “a show about Dancesport”. They were looking for compelling stories, both personal and dance related. You also had to look really good on camera. They were praying to find drama – our team would not go there. I explained that Dancesport was like the “Wimbledon of Tennis” – a gentleperson’s sport because un-sportsman-like behavior would not be tolerated by the judges or organizers. We genuinely respect and admire our peers, because we all put so much work into our passion. We did not know if the project was going to make it once we were in lockdown. We realized we were not giving the crew what they wanted and we are so totally fine with that! But we know these ladies are acting. Some of it is scripted. They all had to have a punchline and a degree of drama. That is what the channel is all about.
I dance in NYC with some of these ladies and they are sweethearts and not as cold as they come across. I have done a little of my own research so I am pretty sure I know how the season plays out. Also I do not discard them as top dancers: Sabrina has won USDC & Ohio in Latin A. She has recently moved to B. Gaëlle, who we will meet next week, has been second for a while, coming back from pregnancy and yes being the envy of most ladies because she gets to dance with NINO! You can see that the series was launched from Housewives of NJ of which she had a contact. Donie studied dance in college, and is one of the Top Students of the Dance with Me franchise, from which we will see Val. She is a personality on the floor! Leonie is striking in person, and a genuinely nice person who was one of the founders of Pro-Am Rocks group. There is real drama between Colette & Pooja because of the teacher drop, and Pooja has also done well in A and moving to B. I can totally see why the producers went with this group. Also, it is not too bad logistically as three are in Tri-state area, one a train-ride or easy flight away and two in Arizona. And they fit the “Housewives” demo. I hate the “frenemy” thing and cattiness, but it is Bravo (never been a fan). I would love for the show to depict the benefits of dance, but Bravo fans are already hoping for more drama! For the investments we make in time, effort & money – we are all Kings & Queens of the dancefloor.
6. Closing
“Dancing Queens” is just yet another reality show for Bravo!
Its net impact to the industry of ballroom dancing is likely to be zero, as “bad rep” and “publicity” even it out.
