Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Dance Academy is a solid teen drama that takes its subject matter seriously. With an 8.0 IMDB rating, it clearly connected with its audience and offers more substance than your average teen show—think less Riverdale chaos, more earnest coming-of-age through the lens of professional dance training.

The biggest limitation? It's from 2010, and that's going to show. Teens today might find it quaint or dated, especially if they're not already invested in dance culture. The Common Sense 16+ rating suggests it tackles real teen issues—relationships, pressure, body image—but without graphic content.

If you've got a teen who loves dance, performing arts, or character-driven dramas, this could be a great watch. If they're lukewarm on ballet or prefer faster-paced content, they'll probably bail after an episode or two. It's widely available on streaming (including free options), so the barrier to trying it is low. Just set expectations that it's a 15-year-old show that won't feel as slick as modern productions.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13-18 who are interested in dance, performing arts, or teen dramas with substance. The 16+ Common Sense rating feels conservative—mature 13-year-olds could likely handle it—but parents should be aware of relationship storylines and competitive pressure themes. Younger kids won't connect; adults probably won't seek it out unless they're dance enthusiasts.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Australian teen drama set in a prestigious ballet school that models dedication, friendship, and perseverance. Characters navigate competitive environments while supporting each other through setbacks. Does deal with realistic teen issues including relationship drama, family pressure, and body image concerns common in dance culture, but handles them with emotional maturity rather than sensationalism.

Imaginative

72

Showcases the artistry and discipline of ballet and contemporary dance, exposing viewers to a specialized world most won't experience firsthand. The competitive dance academy setting offers creative choreography and performance sequences. However, it's fundamentally a teen drama following familiar narrative beats rather than pushing boundaries in storytelling or perspective.

Safe

75

Common Sense Media rates it 16+, suggesting mature themes but nothing graphically inappropriate. As an Australian teen drama from 2010, likely includes relationship storylines, competitive pressure, and potentially some body image discussions inherent to ballet culture. No indication of graphic content, but the emotional intensity and teen relationship drama warrant parental awareness. The 16+ rating seems slightly conservative for what's typically a drama about dance students.

Enriching

70

Strong IMDB rating of 8.0 suggests compelling storytelling that resonates with audiences. Offers insight into the dedication required for elite dance training, explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and artistic passion. Characters face meaningful choices about pursuing dreams versus other life paths. However, it's entertainment-first rather than explicitly educational, and the competitive pressure narrative could be intense.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Strong 8.0 IMDB rating suggests genuinely engaging storytelling that holds up
Offers a window into the disciplined, artistic world of professional dance training
Models perseverance, dedication, and working through setbacks—valuable for ambitious kids
Australian production brings fresh perspective to the teen drama genre
Friendship and teamwork themes balance the competitive pressure narrative

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What to Watch For

Common Sense Media's 16+ rating suggests mature themes—likely relationship drama, competitive pressure, possibly body image discussions inherent to ballet culture
It's from 2010, so expect some dated references, fashion, and technology that might make it feel like a time capsule
The competitive dance world can be intense—characters likely face significant pressure and setbacks that could hit hard for sensitive viewers
Ballet-focused content has niche appeal; kids not interested in dance may find it hard to connect

Conversation Starters

"The characters are under so much pressure to be perfect—when does pushing yourself become too much?"
"How do you balance wanting to win with being a good friend to people you're competing against?"
"What would you be willing to sacrifice to pursue something you're really passionate about?"
"The show deals with body image in dance—how do you think athletes and performers can stay healthy when their appearance matters for their career?"

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