The world of dance is a mesmerizing art form, captivating audiences of all ages. From the elegance of ballet to the energy of hip-hop, dance transcends language and connects people through movement. While platforms like Dancing With The Stars have long been crowd-pleasers, and Disney Channel’s Shake It Up charmed younger viewers, the landscape of dance entertainment on television is rich and varied.
Television has embraced this dynamic art, showcasing a spectrum of dance styles and formats. According to Ranker, fan votes highlight the most beloved dance-centric shows, reflecting the diverse tastes within this genre.
Note: Rankings are dynamic on Ranker, so current order may differ.
10. Hit The Floor (2013-2018)
The cast of Hit The Floor, a drama-filled dance TV show about the LA Devils dancers, striking poses on bleachers. The show is known for its killer dance routines and adult storylines.
Hit The Floor, broadcast on BET, plunges viewers into the high-stakes world of the fictional LA Devils dance team. This series isn’t just about dance; it’s a blend of intense drama, passionate romance, and electrifying performances. While dance is central, the show also explores the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a professional dance team, delving into the complex personal lives of the dancers and the adult themes that come with it. It offers a unique glimpse into the experiences of mature dancers, navigating ambition, relationships, and the pressures of professional dance.
9. Shake It Up (2010-2013)
Zendaya and Bella Thorne, the stars of Shake It Up, a popular Disney Channel dance TV show, dancing and striking a pose with vibrant energy. The show launched their careers and is known for its catchy music and youthful dance routines.
Shake It Up marked the rise of Zendaya and Bella Thorne. This Disney Channel hit revolves around the teenage duo as they juggle school, friendships, and their burgeoning dance careers on a local TV dance program. The show’s success is undeniable, given the subsequent stardom of its leading actresses. Shake It Up delivered signature Disney Channel entertainment: catchy soundtracks, quirky humor, and engaging dance sequences tailored for a younger audience. Its enduring appeal is evident in ongoing discussions among Disney fans, who recognize its role in launching Zendaya and Thorne into the spotlight.
8. Bunheads (2012-2013)
The ballerinas from Bunheads, an ABC Family dance TV show, stretching and posing gracefully. The show is appreciated for its focus on ballet and its blend of comedy and drama.
Bunheads, an ABC Family original, explored the world of ballet. Though it enjoyed a relatively short run, this series gained a dedicated following as an underappreciated gem. It provided a wholesome viewing experience, balancing comedic moments with heartfelt drama. Bunheads offered viewers not only a peek into the lives of ballet dancers but also showcased graceful and emotionally resonant ballet performances. It stands out as a family-friendly show that celebrated the beauty and discipline of ballet.
7. Bring It! (2014-2018)
Coach D and the Dancing Dolls from Bring It!, a reality dance TV show, posing with determination and hands on hips. The show is known for its fierce hip-hop dance routines and the inspiring coach-dancer dynamic.
Bring It! is a reality TV show that serves up high-energy dance, intense competition, and genuine emotion. The series follows The Dancing Dolls, a youth dance team, as they prepare for competitions under the guidance of Coach D. Known for her demanding yet supportive approach, Coach D pushes her team to achieve excellence. The show captures the inspiring relationship between Coach D and her dancers, resonating with audiences through its portrayal of dedication and teamwork. The hip-hop and majorette-style routines are a major draw, adding to the show’s energetic appeal.
6. Dancing With The Stars (2005-Present)
A glamorous couple dancing on stage, representing Dancing With The Stars, a long-running celebrity dance competition TV show. The show pairs celebrities with professional dancers and is known for its ballroom and Latin dance styles.
Dancing With The Stars puts a celebrity spin on dance learning. This long-running competition pairs celebrities with professional dancers, challenging them to master various dance styles. Despite format changes that have sparked debate among long-time viewers, it remains a highly popular dance competition show. The core concept of watching celebrities, initially outside their comfort zones, progress in dance skills has captivated audiences for years. Viewers are drawn to the excitement of celebrity casting and the journey of watching them transform into capable dancers.
5. So You Think You Can Dance (2005-Present)
With over 17 seasons, So You Think You Can Dance stands as a pillar in the dance competition TV show landscape. Each season consistently delivers high entertainment value, showcasing a wide spectrum of dance talent. From ballroom duos to breakdancing crews, the show embraces dance diversity. So You Think You Can Dance maintains its freshness by rotating judges, ensuring new perspectives and keeping the judging panel dynamic and engaging for viewers each season.
4. World Of Dance (2017-2020)
Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough, and Ne-Yo, the judges of World Of Dance, a high-stakes dance competition TV show, posing together. The show is known for its talented contestants and the grand prize of one million dollars.
World Of Dance elevates the stakes of dance competition. Hosted by a panel of dance experts – Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough, and Ne-Yo – the show offers more than just recognition. The grand prize of one million dollars and the title “Best In The World” attract exceptionally talented dance acts. The level of competition is incredibly high, with contestants pushing boundaries in choreography, costume design, and performance intensity. World Of Dance is characterized by its stunning visuals, ambitious routines, and the palpable drive of contestants vying for the top spot.
3. The Next Step (2013-2019)
The cast of The Next Step, a family-friendly drama dance TV show, posing together. The show, set in a dance studio, is known for its blend of teen drama and diverse dance numbers.
The Next Step unfolds within the walls of a dance studio, where life is about more than just dance. Following the A-Troupe team’s journey to competitions, the show explores the interpersonal dynamics of teenage dancers. Relationships and friendships are tested as the pressure of competition and teenage life intertwine. This family-friendly drama incorporates a wide range of dance styles, from informal beach dance battles to elaborately choreographed studio pieces. The Next Step is cherished for its relatable portrayal of teenage life alongside compelling dance narratives, offering a balance of drama and dance entertainment.
2. Dance Moms (2011-2019)
The Dance Moms cast, a reality dance TV show known for its drama and the rise of stars like Maddie Ziegler and JoJo Siwa, posing together. The show focuses on the lives of young dancers and their mothers.
Dance Moms started as a docu-series focusing on the mothers of young dancers but quickly became a phenomenon of reality television. While the initial concept was to document the lives of dance moms, the show became known for its intense drama, particularly centered around the dance teacher, Abby Lee Miller. The show is controversial due to Miller’s demanding and often harsh teaching methods, yet it’s undeniably captivating. Despite the controversies, Dance Moms is credited with launching the careers of major stars like Maddie Ziegler and JoJo Siwa, solidifying its impact on popular culture.
1. Dance Academy (2010-2013)
The cast of Dance Academy, a drama-focused dance TV show, posing by lockers. The show is known for its storyline about a student navigating life at a top dance academy and its portrayal of dance as a demanding art form.
Similar to The Next Step, Dance Academy leans into drama but with a more serious tone, deeply rooted in the world of dance. The series centers on Tara, a talented student accepted into a prestigious dance academy, navigating the challenges of rigorous training and personal growth. Dance Academy effectively blends compelling storylines with the demanding world of professional dance. Despite its relatively short run, the show left a lasting impression, celebrated for its engaging narrative and authentic depiction of dance as a demanding yet rewarding art.
Dance Tv Shows offer a captivating blend of artistry, competition, and drama, appealing to a broad audience. Whether you’re drawn to reality shows, competitions, or scripted dramas, the world of dance on television provides endless entertainment and inspiration.
