Dance Life (TV Series 2024– ) Poster

(2024– )

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7/10
Worth a Watch -- Dancers Draw You In
labcbaker5 February 2024
I am not into dance myself, but quickly found myself drawn into the angst of young people pursuing their dreams at Brent School Academy. I particular found myself rooting for the student whose body shape and lack of sexiness runs counter to the stereotype. My greatest takeaway from the inside look was simply how athletic these folks are. I love sports and without question dance is a team sport like basketball where you are part of a team in a routine but can shine as an individual. So why was my grade only a 7? Well, first I found these performers were often performing for the "documentary" camera saying things and behaving in ways to help their potential careers. I also felt the show created false dramas following illness and injuries where which the athletes miraculously overcome in order to perform when the curtain goes up. Also the "Grad" stuff becomes larger than life at the end as though their futures all hinge on one last dance. It seemed to me the hysteria was no more than any other high school graduation ritual where emotions are all over the place. Only 8 agents will attend so how much career advancement will these kids get? And furthermore, how many career opportunities for dancers really exist. None of this is remotely explored in the show.
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9/10
This was a revelation!!
amxstphx12 April 2024
This show really showed just how hard dance is! As someone who wants to go and do dance professionally in the future I found it very motivating to keep going and to push harder. I loved following the different dancers around and seeing parts of their home lives, yet how we saw all their work behind their productions and showing just how much goes into their shows. Personally Max O was my favourite to watch, he just really gave something different that I hadn't ever seen before on stage or in the studio. I liked how it wasn't scripted or over dramatised like other dance reality tv shows. The best part was realising that it was filmed at Brent street as I've followed them for so long and love their work it was great to see what it was like to go there! The only thing I could ask for more from it was to see the other gradings and follow maybe two more cast members around. I would have love to have seen and learnt more about Brooke and Georgia.
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8/10
Great show thoroughly entertaining
roxmewild23 April 2024
I loved loved loved this show! Hats off to the writers and producers for doing such a professional job . I binge watched the entire season it was so entertaining and the dancers were superb it was great to see them from the start and get to know them individually and see them grow not just in their dancing career but also their personalities. By the time it came to their graduation I felt like a proud parent myself. I think what those dancers go through on a daily basis to learn their craft and become great at it is very inspiring it is an extremely hard job that takes not just talent but a great strength and determination on a physical and emotional level and they deserve praise. Really hope there will be another season of this show.
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10/10
Finally a fantastic reality show with real characters
angelarichardson-4468519 January 2024
Dance Life. A brand new Australian reality /doco style tv show about the intense world of competitive dance. Absolutely incredible! Highly recommend!! All young people should watch this. Really showcases hard work, dedication, commitment, self discovery and self acceptance. Fantastic messages and really genuine characters. My favorites are Emily, Max O and Tiana. Hopefully big careers ahead for these truly talented individuals. Such a refreshing watch in the reality television genre not to see scripted trashy drama. This felt real and raw. And the choreography is some of the best dance I have ever seen. Very impressive Australia.
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10/10
A Dance Lovers Dream
bree_murphy20 January 2024
Any past or current dancers can relate and appreciate the effort and passion these young dancers have and show during their dance training and performances. Love watching the ups and downs and progress of dancers and this series was a perfect display of this.

Would love it even more if the full performances were shown but then I guess these episodes would've gone on for way too long.

Hearing from the dancers, dance teachers and parents was a highlight and very well directed.

You feel connected to the artists event more so than just watching their dancing.

Hopefully more seasons to come, perhaps even a where are they now in the future.
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10/10
Those Aussies sure know how to do things right!!
pilarsings21 January 2024
I totally enjoyed this doc/reality series. So impressed with the school, the instructors, the kids and the camera work. It's not easy filming movement like they had with such intense choreography. And that was some special creative stuff. I was a professional dancer in the 70's, danced in musicals, operas, showcases, ballets, and it has developed to where dancers now have to know gymnastics, a plethora of styles and keep physically and emotionally healthy. I also noticed they weren't so picky with body types, they nurtured anyone who was willing to work really hard and dance well. God bless these kids and I hope they enjoy your time in the spotlight, it goes by really fast!
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10/10
The best reality dance series I've ever seen!
handavies22 January 2024
This show had me gripped from the first 3 minutes. The dance and the storytelling is dramatic and emotional and above all, real. You follow each character and develop a connection to all of them. You join them on their journey to becoming professional dancers. It shows the work, the highs, the lows and the opportunities the dancers experience and ends in an eye watering, breath-taking final performance, which only left me wanting more! The editing gives you a feel good factor you can't ignore and keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is a refreshing authentic reality series that shows empathy and non-judgmental observation of young people who are extremely talented but also human beings who are trying to make it into the world as young adults. More please!!!
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10/10
Phenomenal and thrilling documentary/reality series
antinparis22 January 2024
This beautiful and skillfully-directed docu-series that follows a group of young dancers from one of Australia's premier dance schools is nothing short of exceptional. It is a thrilling and exhilarating insight into the world of these super talented and dedicated young individuals, their hopes, dreams, trials and tribulations. Expertly directed, produced and edited, it makes for exciting and heartfelt viewing. You can't help but fall in love with each of the featured dancers (and one of the main choreographers/teachers, Cassie) in one way or another. I was awe-struck and filled with nothing but admiration and emotion for these gifted people and their perseverance, passion and commitment to their art. Simply breathtaking. Highly recommend.
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10/10
Real, raw and surprising - you will fall in love with the cast!
annatdoran23 January 2024
This series was a nice surprise - so much more than than a doco about, or for dancers (I am not a dancer!). The series follows the journey of a group of 18/19 year olds as they chase their dreams, and delves into the myriad of challenges faced by young adults as they find their way in life. It's a rare behind the scenes looks into a world I didn't understand, and you'll fall in love with the cast and find yourself rooting for them all to succeed. I found myself engrossed and binged in one night with my partner and 13 year old daughter, who also both enjoyed. It's raw and real, and a nice deviation form the over the top reality shows on TV today.
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10/10
Brilliant, character-driven, visually spectacular documentary story-telling!
mickelliott-1703026 January 2024
DANCE LIFE is a masterclass in immersive, observational filmmaking. It follows a group of aspiring young dancers at Sydney's elite 'Brent Street' dance school as they navigate the physical, mental and emotional demands of their graduation year.

The dancing is spectacular, but it is the intimate, unguarded moments behind the scenes where as we get to know and care about the students and their teachers.

It is raw, startling and gut wrenching at times, but never feels exploitative or manipulative. The filmmakers sensitively peel back the layers on the lives of the main characters, revealing the utter dedication and commitment that they have to achieving their dreams.

This is joyous, life-affirming documentary storytelling at its very best.
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Must watch, refreshing storytelling and slick production
brendonhunter-966463 February 2024
I finished all 5 episodes of Dance Life.

Wow !! Refreshing !, right from the opening frames of the first episode I was held captive. The production is so slick and seamless and the story flows effectively and effortlessly and is portrayed with an authentic and raw honesty which took me back to gruelling days of dance school myself. The entire season is like a beautifully choreographed performance in its own right , uplifting and inspiring viewing. What can I say, graceful, humble and memorable story telling at its best , truly enjoyable watching each episode unfolding before my eyes. Not just the story either the whole thing, production, filming everything... amazing !! You really all involved should be most proud of yourselves. Well done man 👍👍. Anything this production team does I'll be tuning into now, past , present and future. .
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5/10
Dancing was fantastic. The dancers not so much
JayhawkJuJu12 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The formula has been established. You can't make these types of documentaries work without focusing on the people so that's what this did. The dancing was fantastic. I don't know anything about dancing but I thought they all looked professional (movie or Broadway ready) and I'd be happy to hire any of them.

The problem was that the dancers weren't all that interesting or mature as people, and so I didn't care about them. Very stereotypical: the beautiful one who wants to be seen for more than her looks, the insecure gender-fluid one, the bullied late-bloomer, the brash, straight-forward one, the moody guy(s), the I-want-fame-at-all-costs one, the one with a tough upbringing...I did find Emily more interesting than the others. I wish her luck...

The formula needs adjustment as I wanted more. Yes you can be the best dancer in the world, but the viewers need more character development from the dancers. And I didn't see much progression (yes in the dancing but not much in terms of their development into well-rounded people).

The interviews didn't exactly portray them in a good light. More like needy--and many times--narcissistic babies. One boy while crying: "I know I like need to be better and like engage more with like the people around me but I like just don't know how to like do that?" Or Archer: "someone like looked at me like funny on the like subway and now I'm like feeling down." I heard 'Like" so many times, I almost didn't make it through all 5 episodes. Like OMG, for sure.

Cassie was indeed brilliant, but at one point they mentioned she was getting married. Yet she said something like her focus was 100% on her career. Well what happens when her husband starts to resent her international demanding career that requires travel and probably 60-80 hrs a week in town? Yet no one was raising any questions. I wish her luck in her marriage, but I worry about her perspective.

There was one girl who talked about using her talent as a vehicle for running some sort of business. I thought she was the smartest one of the bunch, as the reality of professional entertainment and sports careers are brutal:

-NFL: The avg QB career is 3 years. The avg WR career is 2 years. The average OL career is 3.5 years.

-NBA: avg 5-6 years.

-Broadway Dancer: avg wage of $34/hr or $70K/year. Try living on that in NYC.

-Hollywood Actor: avg pay of $51K in LA (2021)

And these are the top 1/2% of all athletes/actors/dancers because they have a career at all. But the famous Britney Spears choreographer lectured her implying that she wasn't dedicated enough. On the other hand, does the dance company implicitly (or explicitly) applaud Arabella for neglecting her academics; she has a spinal tumor that needs to be fixed, but if she does, it means she won't dance again. What will she do when her body gives out, as I'm sure it will? When she had a stress fracture at one point, she just popped a pain pill. (YIKES!! Was it a narcotic?) It was implied that she had nothing more than a high school diploma...and mediocre grades at that. I felt bad for her being encouraged (by someone-not sure who?) to put her eggs in one basket while knowing that that basket will fail sooner than later.

Episode 4 was supposed to feature the dancers yet it was boring as hell, and I fast-forwarded through most of the second half...blah blah blah, they're stressed and nervous. It means everything. Agents will be there. I'm sure I didn't miss anything...I hadn't heard anything revolutionary up to that point anyway.

I just felt like it could be much more inspiring but missed the mark.
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10/10
So emotional
annamidlane1 February 2024
Loved this show, it gets you right in the gut and that is down to the dancers and Cassie the teacher. All of the students are lovely and special shout out to Max O who is just a phenomenal talent.

But fave has to be Emily, inspiring what she has been through and her vulnerability just shone through as well as her incredible talent.

All of the dancers show just how much hard work, dedication, commitment and sheer tenacity is needed. Also loved Tiana who was another dancer who went through a traumatic school experience and shone like a star.

Loved this show, I sincerely hope there is a follow up show.
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10/10
Incredibly moving - not JUST 'a show about dance'
chelseaovijach8 February 2024
The way that this show highlights the Australian dance landscape and showcases the incredible entertainment industry that we're a part of... proving that our generation has just as much tenacity & grit as any other, and offering a peek behind the curtain into an industry that is often under appreciated and overlooked, is amazing.

But, it also goes so much deeper than that. It's not just 'a show about dance'. The overarching story uses dance as a vehicle to address topics that might otherwise be swept under the rug. It gives parents a way to foster real conversations with their little ones about difficult issues, ones that might have previously been avoided or tossed into the 'too hard' basket. It gives hope to people who may be in the midst of a turbulent adolescence or family life, knowing that they aren't alone and that they can make it through to the other side. It even has the power to challenge societal norms, igniting real change through the very real & raw portrayal of these dancers' lived experiences.

There are not many shows quite like this. Dance Life stands out by seamlessly delivering humour, lightheartedness and memorable characters while fearlessly spotlighting crucial and sensitive issues like bullying, gender and body dysmorphia, belonging, rejection, sexuality, privilege, and the universal yearning to 'be seen.'

I've watched it all the way through about 4 times now and I've recommended it to everybody I know. Absolutely brilliant!
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10/10
Damn These Dancers Slay
hamanda-5884130 January 2024
I found out about this studio one night when I fell down a YouTube rabbit whole, and damn y'all are such amazing talents. Now, because of this show we get to see how grounded and supportive of one another you all are. It was quite refreshing. This really was a treat to watch, and hopefully the exposer from this show allows these dancers to fulfill all of their wildest dreams, not that they needed it. I hope we get to see more of them performing in America in the future.

Goto to YouTube and check out the piece they did called "Somebody That I Use to Know." AMAZING! The featured girl dancer Tiana killed it and she did this one flip or jump that I went back and watched a million times. I had to show my mom and my sisters, probably some coworkers. It really was spectacular!
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10/10
Amazingggg!!!!
sofiamarciano24 April 2024
Dance life is such an amazing show and really gives you a better perspective at the real life of full time dancing. All the dancers are just incredible and such role models. I absolutely love how it shows all the good, bad and difficult moments that really go on in the dance industry.

Not only do you get to find out more about the dancers themselves but the choreographers as well, and what they are looking for in a dancer. All the teachers are just amazing and really know how to put together a routine that will be remembered and admired. They know how to train all the dancers and push them to be the best they can be. I would 100% recommend watching this show!!!!
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10/10
Watched it twice in two days!
dcmpjchh8 February 2024
As a performer, teacher and aspiring choreographer I cannot explain just how inspiring I found this series. There is nowhere near enough focus on dance in mainstream media or enough insight into the reality of our training and dedication and it was so refreshing to see something that isn't focused on dressing room drama or scripted reality and just focuses on dance as an art form. The production team, Brent Street studios and everyone involved/featured should be incredibly proud of what they have created & as for Cassie Bartho - your creations are nothing short of phenomenal and I want to work with you!
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10/10
absolutely amazing
I love this show so much and i even got to meet some of the cast, they are absolutely amazing and the whole show is the best. I really loved max ostlers abilities and arabellas enthusiasm, conor being so chill at all times and max simmons talent, erin's work ethic, kim was just stunning, archer was gorgeous and incredibly talented, tiana had amazing skills and tom was just so lovely, emily had an amazing story and they all showed how much they wanted what they were amazingly able to achieve. After meeting 4 cast members i was able to learn some amazing skills that all of the talented performers were able to share and could not recommend this show higher.
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10/10
This needs a season 2!!!
pxnwwhrj11 April 2024
An absolutely amazing show! Left me on the edge of my seat the whole time!

Such talented dancers and so well produced! It's incredible to see insight into full time dance, especially at Brent Street.

The choreography, music, videography and editing is second to none. I love how all the cast were portrayed and how we got to see into their lives too.

It was very inspiring to see young dancers living out their dreams and working so hard for their passion.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the making of Dance Life! You are all absolutely incredible!!!

Can't wait for the next season!!!!!
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5/10
It's cute
AK147523 January 2024
Definitely for teenage audiences. I don't know how does things go in Australia but that's dancing only if u want to be in musicals or concerts. Professional dance needs a pure and solid ballet technique and what they have been showing in this program is definitely not. Most of the youngsters doesn't have it or maybe it's really totally different down under.

Sam & Sam are really talented. Probably the reviews is from people who doesn't understand professional dancing and it's ok but if you go the another channel you can see how it's look like in the us. So again, an nice series to enjoy when it's raining outside but definitely not hard core Dace doc.
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10/10
Phenomenal 1st series
stephenransley-861764 April 2024
I can't believe these creative young people muster so much skill, effort and dedication to getting to the table and making a career out of dancing.

It was captivating to see the progress, the relatable background and personal lives of these dancers, as they moved through their program and constantly showcased their skill. As the name suggests, it really does show the life of a dancer, trying to make a career out of it.

I'm not involved in dance but this gave me genuine insight into what it takes to get to the top of the industry. Extremely good production. Bring on a second season!!

#brentstreet #Dancelife #prime.
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10/10
Addicting!
apowell-9310313 April 2024
The dancers on this show are phenomenally talented! I loved watching their performances & learning about the dancers backstories. It reminded me of the Netflix series "Cheer" for how hard these kids work and how they are the best in their league. Max was especially fun to watch dance because he had such control of his body, yet it looked effortless & powerful, all at the same time. Cassie, one of the teachers is also really inspiring. She's fierce, believes in her students & pushes them to bring out their best, which was so fun to watch. It was so addictive & I really hope they make another season!
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10/10
Dance life is 10/10 Must see!
dyllankearinsopray22 April 2024
I love dance life. As a dancer I really connect to dance life and the characters. Dance life inspires me to work harder in dance and singing because I wish to be in the industry or make it some where big one day. I look up to all the dancers and choreographers, the way they dance and have sharp lines all at once and somehow mange to fit fun activity's and go out with friends amaze me. It has a special pull to it and it draws you in closer and you want to watch it over and over again and again you still never get board it's a 10 out of 10 must see

I hope to one day go to the Brent street full time course.
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10/10
Inspiring. A dance series that changes lives.
lisakilleen27 April 2024
Thank you Jade for your vision and your creation.

What you have given not only the dance community but the world is nothing short of inspiring.

By introducing these talented dancers into our homes, and into our lives, you have sparked a movement that has inspired and influenced countless young dancers to go after their own dreams, their own goals and to push themselves further in their own pursuits of a life in the dance and entertainment industry.

Make no mistake, this series has changed lives.

You have certainly changed my daughter's life.

After meeting these wonderful young adults and the outstanding choreographers in the show, my daughter has found a courage of her own and the ambition to follow her biggest dreams.

Words can not describe the joy and pride I have in seeing my daughter finally begin to believe in herself, and it's thanks to you and the wonderful young cast that shared some of their most vulnerable moments in this series.

Each episode is REAL and showcases the grit, determination and complete dedication that is needed in excel in this competitive industry.

As the dance Mum, I am beyond grateful.
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10/10
Great dance show!
romarciano24 April 2024
If you're a dancer, a dance parent or just love dance definitely give this show a watch. It's energetic, real and the talent is next level. The dancers are so likeable that aspiring dancers will definitely walk away feeling inspired. The editing isn't like other reality shows, it's real and respects the cast.

There isn't much like this on Australian TV so it's good for a show like this to run to allow young performers to showcase their talent.

The teachers and choreographers are amazing, their creativity is a joy to watch and also showing kids that hard work does pay off.

Hope there's a season 2!
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