Pop culture is now in the age of the dance reality show, with new shows popping up everywhere from network television to streaming services. With audiences captivated, these shows are shaking up traditional approaches to combining dance and storytelling. In this article, we’ll discuss the evolution of the dance reality show and explore how its rise in popularity is changing the landscape of popular culture.
1. What Is the Dance Reality Show?
The phenomenon of dance reality shows is sweeping the global television scene. From the US to the UK, we are being taken in by these whirling spectacles of energy and skill, as contestants battle it out on a frequently dazzling, and often international, stage. But what has caused this dance reality show? Let’s explore.
- The Element of Surprise: The element of surprise is a massive gaming changer in the entertainment industry, and reality TV is often built around the unbelievable stunts or astounding acts performed within the show. In the case of dance shows, those stunning just-in-time-moves you witness during competitive performances are enough to guarantee enthusiastic viewers.
- Accessible to All: Dance reality shows allow people from all walks of life to come together and showcase their unique talents. With almost anyone being able to participate, the shows give voice to the creativity of people who might otherwise be overlooked. This wide access also brings in admirers and participants from different cultural backgrounds, strengthening the show’s allure.
- Celebrity Endorsements: Celebrities have long been attached to a wide variety of TV shows, from sports to dramas. However, their attachment to dance reality shows is something unique. Famous people have taken an active role in promoting dance reality shows, not only endorsing via social media but also coaching by appearing in the show as mentors.
It is no wonder then that dance reality shows are becoming undeniable dominance in many countries around the world; it seems that the culture has truly been shaken up, with dance reality shows providing an all-encompassing platform for those interested in the art form. Whether you enjoy simply watching and admiring from afar or THROWING downsome moves yourself, no doubt you can appreciate the widespread enthusiasm that dance reality shows have cultivated worldwide.
2. How Has This Craze Shaken Up Pop Culture?
The rise of the dance reality show genre has been so rapid and pervasive that you can witness the ripple effect throughout pop culture.
The traditional role and power structures of the music and entertainment industries are changing, and these advancements can be seen and felt in almost every corner of the business. Here are some of the ways that the craze is making a positive impact:
- Fuelling the Popularity of EDM Music – The EDM explosion has been sweeping across the world in the past decade, and dance reality shows have had a lot to do with it. By giving airtime to EDM DJs and artists, the shows have managed to build interest and popularize EDM artists all over the world.
- Encouraging More Collaborations – Collaborations between the different communities within the music industry are becoming much more common. In addition to EDM DJs, many singers, dancers, and instrumentalists have been invited to collaborate on projects for the show. This helps to fuse different musical genres.
- Lifting Up Dance-Based Music Videos – Music videos are being produced in a more detailed and creative manner, with inspiration being drawn from dance reality contests. Music Videos with dance elements and athletics far more popular than before.
- Boosting the Popularity of Award Shows - Award shows that are centered around pop culture figures are increasingly drawing larger and larger audiences, thanks to the influence of dance reality shows. The power and influence of the stars created by these shows have rubbed off on the awards shows.
It is clear that the rise of dance reality shows has been one of the most significant developments in the world of pop culture. From changes in the music industry to creating powerful pop stars, the influence of the genre is relentless.
3. The Impact of Dance Reality Shows on the Music Industry
From Dancing with the Stars to Dance India Dance, contemporary pop culture is full of dance-based reality shows that burst onto the limelight and attract millions. With their larger-than-life entertaining format, dance reality shows are shaking up popular culture, creating a new wave of fame and fan culture around music and dance, and impacting the music industry in a big way.
- Modern Day Fame: Dance reality shows are introducing the idea of modern day fame. Rather than just conventional singing and acting demographics, these shows draw from the world of dance and music, spotlighting their champions and celebrating their success. This creates a larger audience of fans and followers, greatly contributing to the music industry as a whole.
- Platform for Non-Mainstream Styles: The different performances featured on these shows create a new platform for non-mainstream styles, showcasing them to a larger audience. With the increase in viewership, it’s now common to see this kind of music growing in popularity, creating a bigger money-making opportunity for the music industry.
- More Incentive to Dance: Dance reality shows act as a catalyst to drive forward their participants, offering them a platform to hone their skills and compete for awards. This, in turn, acts as an incentive for people to take up dancing as a career, thereby creating more avenues for dancers and giving them a better chance to succeed in the industry.
- Increased Exposure: As the show is broadcasted on television, it gives a large amount of exposure to the contestants, music, and style. This helps to create a buzz around the music, increasing the audience and giving it even more visibility. This, in turn, boosts the profits of the music industry as it potentially brings in more streams and sales for the music.
All in all, dance reality shows have had a tremendous impact on the music industry, creating a platform for new styles and providing an incentive for dancers to rise and succeed in the industry. With their racy and entertaining format, these shows have quickly become an integral part of pop culture, and are set to continue to shake up the music and dance game for years to come.
4. What Is the Future of Dance Reality Shows?
The world of hit dance reality shows continues to boom, with more and more viewers turning in each week. But what’s in store for the future of this popular form of entertainment?
Given the massive success of these shows in recent years, it stands to reason that the trend is going to continue to grow, both in scope and in production value. The popularity of shows like “So You Think You Can Dance?” and “World of Dance” has already created a wave of similar shows, and this trend is likely to continue.
Newer Formats:
We’ll likely be seeing some new formats for these reality shows, such as mixed-genre dancing in a single show, or dancers who specialize in multiple genres or elaborate themed challenges. There could even be a show where dancers must battle each other onstage!
More Specialized Content:
Expect to see further specialization in the content produced for these dance reality shows. In addition to hip-hop and ballroom, we’ll start to see tango, samba, flamenco, and other international forms of dance take the stage. We might even start seeing shows devoted to specific genres of dance, such as jazz, breakdancing, and more.
Upping the Stakes:
Since competition is a huge part of the shows’ appeal – expect the stakes to continue to be raised. Bigger prizes, tougher challenges, and more talented dancers are all likely parts of this ever-evolving pop culture phenomenon.
International Appeal:
International versions of the shows may also start popping up soon, giving dancers from around the world a chance to prove their skills. This would also likely include different dance styles from other countries, further increasing the variety of content available. Whether or not this happens, international dance troupes may start appearing on the stage sooner rather than later.
It’s clear that the dance reality show is going to continue to dominate pop culture for the foreseeable future. The potential for new, exciting formats and content are almost limitless, and the talented dancers taking the stage each week are sure to keep us captivated for years to come. The atmosphere of fierce competition and breakneck pace showcased in the nation’s leading dance reality shows has captivated viewers, reshaping pop culture and providing the US with a steady stream of entertaining moments. From huge live streams to groundbreaking virtual performances, dance reality shows continue to be a major force in the world of entertainment and will undoubtedly be shaking up pop culture for the foreseeable future.
Also read: Grooving Globally: Unraveling Music Festivals’ Cultural Impact!