75 replies to this topic

[tua20782]

Couldn't find a thread for this show so here it is. A new show on TeenNick

Dance Academy follows Tara Webster, an aspiring ballerina, at the ultra-competitive National Academy of Dance.Dance Academy premieres Monday, 2/20 at 9:30pm, after a new Degrassi.

Link plus trailer

Haven't really seen any much promotion but it seems to be in a good slot right after Degrassi.

Confession time. I discovered the show on Netflix but I was excited to hear it is being aired in the States. It's set in Australia and is typical teen fare. While it's not a masterpiece I thought it was a pretty interesting and entertaining show. Although Tara is the main character it has an ensemble feel. We get to know the other characters just as well and they do a good job of having them feel like real teenagers. Anyone planning on watching? I'd love to hear other people's thoughts.

[jenmarie]

I was looking for this show in the Drama forums, but found it here...

tua20782, I watched the whole run on Netflix and really enjoyed it for the most part. I did think towards the end of the first series the writing got sloppy. I really enjoyed almost all of the characters with the exception of the lead Tara, and sometimes her friend Kat bugged. But like you said it feels more like an ensemble, so not really liking the lead didn't make me turn it off. The supporting characters and actors are very good, and I want to know what will happen to them in the next series. And I didn't hate Tara necessarily, she was just super annoying at times and the actress who plays may be a good dancer but her acting needs some improvement IMO. She might just be green though.

My understanding is that they are filming the second series right now or just finished filming it, not sure, but that seems odd to me because the first series was shot in 2009 and aired in 2010. According Wikipedia it was a popular show, so why the long gap in filming? Is that an Australian thing? Won't the actors have aged too much in two to three years? They were already pushing the believeability with some of these actors playing teens.

ETA: Also the similarities between the show and the movie Center Stage were pretty striking to me. I would be curious if others agree.

Edited by jenmarie, Feb 12, 2012 @ 7:33 PM.

[tua20782]

I was looking for this show in the Drama forums, but found it here...

I put it here because it airs on Teen Nick. Do you think it should have been in Drama instead.

I really enjoyed almost all of the characters with the exception of the lead Tara, and sometimes her friend Kat bugged

I agree Tara did get a little annoying towards the end but she and Sammy felt the most like typically teens who come from typically families. Tara's a little self involved which I think fits with the whole only child thing. Kat and Christian seem like opposite end of the family spectrum. With Kat coming from a famous wealthy family and Christian being an orphan.

I think that they finished filming season 2 and it will air in Australia in March.

[scarlett45]

Hi. This show is a good fit post degrassi and DOES remind me of Center Stage also. However it seems that Center Stage was about adults (post HS) and these kids seem middle/highschool age. I've never watched an Australian tv show before so I'm excited Teen Nick picked it up. I too think it belongs with Dramas(Degrassi is there). I don't think a "Teen Show" is a kid/cartoon show.

[tua20782]

I'm not exactly sure how to go about moving this thread. If anyone else knows please feel free.

[spanana]

I had watched this on Netflix too and enjoyed it for the most part. Admittedly I'm a sucker for any sort of dance tv show/movie, so there's that.

Afterwards I had looked up Xenia Goodwin, the girl that plays Tara, because I was curious if she had ever acted before and it is my understanding that this was pretty much her first gig, so I think a lot of the issue is just that she is really, really green. Admittedly, I also found myself annoyed by the character, mostly by her back and forth with Christian in the latter half of the season--but I suppose it could be realistic teenage behavior.

Though I think my bar for acting in dance television shows and movies is generally pretty low since they have the difficult task of looking for folks who can dance well enough in addition to act.

Oh, and I think Xenia has a passing resemblance to former Degrassi star, Charlotte Arnold.

I also just realized that Alicia Banit (Kat) was in Summer Heights High and that is why she looked so freaking familiar to me. Never made the connection until now.

Edited by spanana, Mar 5, 2012 @ 3:50 PM.

[TWoP Howard]

I’m leaving the thread where it is. The categories are just a way of grouping shows, not hard-and-fast labels, and there are plenty of shows which would fit into more than one category. Back to talking about the show, please, instead of where it is on the site. Thanks.

[soapygirl]

I watched this show on Netflix. I agree Tara was at times annoying but I think the show was more willing to acknowledge it than many teen soaps where she'd be the perfect Mary Sue who could do no wrong.

I also thought the continuity was pretty good in places. For example you'd see to characters taking private lessons for a duet and then find out it was going to be part of a show in a few episodes later.

[spanana]

I agree Tara was at times annoying but I think the show was more willing to acknowledge it than many teen soaps where she'd be the perfect Mary Sue who could do no wrong.

I agree with that too. I think it also helps as was also said earlier, there were also episodes where Tara took a back seat to other characters, so she wasn't constantly being shoved down viewers throats either.

[clemens]

Glad to see this show has a thread now! I looked for one a few months back after watching the entire (long!) first season on Netflix.

I agree, the shifting of focus between members of the ensemble is one of this show's strengths. And I appreciated that the characters/actors don't feel as polished as they would on an equivalent American show - it makes them more real. You can believe that Tara feels a little awkward and dorky as the new kid because she is a little awkward and dorky. And a character suffering negative consequences from an eating disorder/disordered eating without dropping to an unhealthy weight? Refreshing.

[jenmarie]

Though I think my bar for acting in dance television shows and movies is generally pretty low since they have the difficult task of looking for folks who can dance well enough in addition to act.

I know what you mean. Center Stage is the worst example. Xenia is the only one who I really see as being the weak link, acting wise, on this show. Hopefully she can grow into the role more as the next season develops. I think one thing her inexperience might help is to remind the viewers that she is still very young and immature. It's probably good to have someone in the cast who looks and acts like a real teenager.

[scapebabe]

I am absolutely delighted this show has a thread. I discovered it when it was still in Australia, and then was pleased as punch to see it on Netflix. I even got my roomie and her sister addicted to it.


I love the ensemble feel. I love the diversity of the characters (as a Jewish person it always delights me to see Jewish characters portrayed in such a way that their religion is I am absolutely delighted this show has a thread. I discovered it when it was still in Australia, and then was pleased as punch to see it on Netflix. I even got my roomie and her sister addicted to it.


I love the ensemble feel. I love the diversity of the characters (as a Jewish person it always delights me to see Jewish characters portrayed in such a way that their religion is not basically a punchline). I love how you can hate one character for episodes, and then suddenly find yourself really liking them.

As to it being like Center Stage, they totally know it. I mean, come on - there's that scene in the studio while they're washing the mirrors where she says, "Shouldn't we all be having a water fight now?"

But I think the thing that delights me most? Tara Morice! She looks just like she did when she made Strictly Ballroom!

Edited by scapebabe, Mar 6, 2012 @ 11:36 PM.

[romantic idiot]

Thank you guys for pointing me to this show. I took one look at the name, the comments, and inhaled it over 2 days (during the work week - so that was a productive thing to do!!). Anyway - I'm in love with it. It's so sweet. And while the lead is a little frustrating, she is still rootable (unlike say, Karen on Smash who is starting from the same character archetype). In fact they are all screwed up and annoying at times, which is what you'd expect from teenagers - they have big issues. I'm really looking forward to Season 2.

Spoilers for the season Tara/Christian were a little much, but the conflicts didn't feel very shoehorned in, they were fairly believable in the moment. What they didn't really make clear is why Tara was suddenly so into Christian, when she'd been dreamy-eyed over Ethan for so long, and he seemed to be a good boyfriend. I also liked the way they handled, and are handling the obligatory gay coming out storyline. Glee has done 3 of them so far, and I'll kinda say that Dance Academy has them beat. As a teen show for teens, they are touching on a lot of After School Special topics, but have managed to make it seem real, and not patronising, and more importantly having repurcussions in future episodes.

[scarlett45]

I like this show. My strong reactions from last week's episode are:

Ethan is a dick. I understand being a little embarrassed by the "Pro's and Cons List" (it was embarrassing), but if he were a decent human being he would have realized how embarrassing it was for TARA rather than being a pompous ass- why would he think SHE sent it to everyone?
IMO Abigail crossed a line when she sent that list. Their school is SO small Tara is never going to be able to live that list down.

I feel so bad for the guy who's Mom is dead and brother wont answer his phone calls. Where did he live before coming to the Academy? I guess he might have posed some trouble for his brother, but unless he demonstrated violent tendencies (hereby making him a danger to the brother's family), I do not know why his brother wouldnt at least TALK to him (perhaps his wife wouldnt want to take him in etc). He's just a kid. Its not like his brother has been dealing with this for years and years. Ah....

[tua20782]

Ethan is a dick. I understand being a little embarrassed by the "Pro's and Cons List" (it was embarrassing), but if he were a decent human being he would have realized how embarrassing it was for TARA rather than being a pompous ass- why would he think SHE sent it to everyone?

Although I think Ethan is mostly an arrogant baby I kind of got him this episode. This girl shows up and decides she's in love with him and broadcast it to the school. He most likely thinks she did it on purpose to kind of force his hand or maybe to impress him. A nicer guy would have been more understanding but I don't think Ethan's really a nice guy. Here's what I don't get. Why does Tara like Ethan? He smells like Christmas? What the hell does that mean? He's attractive but I don't see the appeal and every time she goes on about him it makes me embarrassed for her and makes me like her a little less.

Christian is cute but he starts out a little to stereotypical bad boy. Plus I think Jordan Rodriguez? starts out a little shaky acting wise but gets better as he goes along which is better than Xenia who I think has her moments but is the worst actor out of the group.

I like Kat as long as she's not moping and I love Sammy. He's the most empathetic and the best friend. Although I think he's a crappy boyfriend.

[romantic idiot]

I think Ethan has his own issues - he's a decent guy, but not a nice guy. He is very loyal once he likes you though - the Ethan/Kat easy relationship was one of my favourites in the series.

Re Sammy, I think he was a better boyfriend to Abigail before they got together, but he's confused. .

Speaking of Season 2, which started yesterday Like Season 1 was the year of Tara's innocence, I wonder if the theme this year is going to be of her arrogance. I hope not. I'm already prepard to dislike Grace

I must say, I really like how the writers build believable, real teenagers. They are frustrating and stupid and reckless with no sense of consequences. But there are layers to them all. Even Abigail, I felt is not all villain. They allow Tara to be human too. I think Abigail ended up, to me, being the most fascinating person in the Series - I wonder how that will go in the second season.

[tua20782]

I think Ethan has his own issues - he's a decent guy, but not a nice guy. He is very loyal once he likes you though - the Ethan/Kat easy relationship was one of my favourites in the series.

Ethan and Kat have the same issues which is mainly dealing with their parents. They each took the opposite approach to it. Ethan tries to excel and impress their parents and Kat attempts to rebel and antagonize them. Kat takes this to the extreme even losing something that I think she genuinely loves in order to vent her frustrations.

I've seen the whole series but have never noticed Ethan (or the actor playing him) really dance in the series. I know he wants to be a choreographer but he does get offered a spot in the company which means he must be good. Isn't part of Tara's crush based on the fact that he's this amazing dancer. Why don't they show that more?

[romantic idiot]

Tara fell in love at first sight, so I don't think she cared whether he was a good dancer or not. And maybe the actor isn't. We see Ethan dance a bit during that Romeo & Juliet thing, though he's doing bad hip hop. And when Christian and Ethan are competing to get into that workshop, there are glimpses of both of them here and there. In general, Ethan (and Isabelle) were the star couple of 3rd year, so they are supposed to be good. Strangely enough, I never noticed Ethan not dancing much, because we've got Christian and Sammy who are both quite good Maybe we'll see him do some cool contemporary stuff in Season 2.

[tua20782]

Is anyone watching season 2 of Dance Academy?

[romantic idiot]

I am. Or at least as much as I can get my paws on. I posted my thoughts about Season 2 Episode 1 upthread. One thing I wanted to add is if the music and choreography is going to change. Season 1 was very traditional, Swan Lake, Ugly Duckling etc. This season, we saw something more modern, with different music. I wonder if that's going to continue throughout the season. I kinda liked the classical stuff but the new beats were fine too. Also, it feels like Tara is more suitable for the classical stuff, rather than the modern more harsh choreography, so we'll see.

[Solly79]

Oh, I loved the first season of this. Kat, Sammy and Abigail are my favourite characters. The actress who plays Tara is at times kinda terrible but improves later on. I can't get behind her Ethan/Christian obession since I find both boys meh. I did like Tara though and the fact that she wasn't perfect and was called out on shitty behaviour. That was some fine mess though she created in the final minutes of the season. Haven't seen the new episode yet so I don't know how they dealt with her agreeing to spend the summer with both Ethan and Christian. Because that's what she did, right? Also, I want to know how they get Sammy and Kat back to the school.

[romantic idiot]

Abigail has quickly become my favourite - or rather the one I find most interesting too. And (Season 1 spoiler) I love how nicely they are handling Sammy's "confusion". But I'll say I'm fairly invested in all the characters, for now. which is very rare for me.

[jenmarie]

Nothing to see here

Edited by jenmarie, Mar 18, 2012 @ 11:42 PM.

[soapygirl]

I think the show was hinting that Abigail might have a future as a contemporary dancer since she doesn't have the right body type for really elite level ballet. while Tara has the natural body of a ballerina.

[romantic idiot]

Could be - except that Abigail too has thrown herself so much into traditional ballet that she'll take it as her failure. Besides, in Series one, her problem

Spoiler

was said to be that she didn't bring much feeling or heart into the role, rather than her body type which was mentioned just once by someone else. Either way, I want Abigail to be happy as well.

What I really like about this series, especially while watching Smash too, is that here they have a really rootable country bumpkin ingenue. And all they needed to do was show her (1) working hard (2) having detractors (3) working hard some more.

[paulvdb]

I liked Tara in the beginning, but I'm halfway through season 2 now and find myself liking Tara less as the series goes on. I didn't expect this in the beginning, but I think Abigail somehow managed to become my favorite character on the show.

[meatball77]

I love this series (just found series 2). I love that it's a show written for middle school audiences about teenagers and it's not either excessivly over acted and badly written with the kids acting like fourth graders (like disney channel shows) or has the kids overly mature and sexual (like most UPN and ABCFam shows). The kids act like real young teenagers who think that kissing itself is a big deal. I thought the character who came out of the closet/came to accept his homosexuality was done wonderfully in a very honest and real way.

[romantic idiot]

Well, re: the coming out story

Spoiler

I don't think Sammy has accepted his homosexuality quite just yet,

but I've only seen till 2.12. I'm desperately looking for the rest, if you know where I can find it. RE: Tara - I tend to go back on forth. She was good in Season 1, Season 2 beginning I didn't like her (because, man that girl is gullible), but I understand her very well. I think Abigail is my favourite, undoubtedly, but I like and root for all of them. I think I'm the least interested in Kat though, though I daresay she's a lot of people's favourite, including the Academy characters themoselves.

[esearcher]

I can't stand Tara. Also, this show reminds me of Blue Water High, but dance instead. However, I think the characters and stories on BWH were more dynamic each season. S2 of Dance Academy is just a dragging continuation of S1, with a few new faces.

[Solly79]

Season 2 has a lot less of season 1's charme but the actors are better and the dancing looks kind of more polished, too. I do miss the former male dance teacher though. Ethan has become such a pointless character. He's sulking the entire time and has nothing to do with the rest of the kids anymore. I still love Abigail and Sammy, while Kat (like her brother) is in her own little show with a predictable ending to come. Tara and Christian are just there and Grace has the stupidest hair ever.;-) What I miss are the slower scenes from season 1 that allowed the characters to actually talk about things. That's what I liked about the show: characters talking to each other without being all over-dramatic; the writers always remembered that these were teenagers. Now, I sometimes feel like I'm watching Gossip Girl with dancers.