Dance Moms: A New Era set out to revive a beloved franchise with a fresh perspective, but its controversial choices, particularly in Episode 8, have put it on shaky ground
The show’s decision to incorporate a routine inspired by the tragic murder of JonBenét Ramsey was not only in poor taste but also a stark reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with producing content that involves children and sensitive subjects.
As the show moves forward, it will be crucial for the creators to reflect on the lessons learned from this controversy.
By prioritizing the well-being of their young participants and the sensitivities of their audience, they can avoid further missteps and potentially redeem what has been, for many, a disappointing start to a new chapter in the Dance Moms saga.
The reaction from the viewers, particularly long-time fans of the original Dance Moms series, should serve as a wake-up call for the show’s producers.
The audience’s outrage over the JonBenét Ramsey-inspired routine indicates that there is a limit to what viewers are willing to accept, even in a genre known for its dramatic flair.
If Dance Moms: A New Era hopes to sustain its viewership, it will need to strike a better balance between drama and sensitivity, ensuring that future episodes avoid the missteps that have marred the show’s debut season.
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Dance Moms: A New Era– Controversial Reboot
When Hulu announced the release of Dance Moms: A New Era on August 7, 2024, anticipation ran high.1
With Glo Hampton stepping into the shoes previously filled by the notorious Abby Lee Miller, viewers were eager to see how this reboot would compare to the original Dance Moms series that had captivated audiences for years.
However, while many tuned in with excitement, the series quickly sparked controversy, particularly around one episode that left viewers shocked and upset.
The Controversial Episode: “Glo Don’t Give with Both Hands”
Episode 8, titled “Glo Don’t Give with Both Hands,” was at the center of the controversy. This episode featured an 11-year-old contestant, Ashlan Scheide, performing a routine that mimicked the tragic case of JonBenét Ramsey, a 6-year-old girl who was brutally murdered in 1996.
The dance routine was not just inspired by the case; it blatantly reenacted elements of it. Ashlan was dressed to resemble JonBenét, complete with a pageant-style costume and hair, and her performance included a disturbing portrayal of the young girl being strangled.
Dance Moms: A New Era–Viewer Reactions
The release of all ten episodes of Dance Moms: A New Era on the same day meant that viewers could binge-watch the series, leading to immediate reactions online.2
Many fans of the show took to Reddit to express their disgust and disappointment with the episode, particularly the way the show handled such a sensitive subject.
One Reddit post highlighted the shocking nature of the episode: “Did anyone find the JonBenét Ramsey dance insensitive and disrespectful? Like the joke about her makeup and saying ‘you look like how she looked after she was strangled’ and all the moms laughed….. my jaw was literally on the floor. Seems extremely disrespectful to that poor little girl.”
The post quickly garnered comments from others who felt similarly. “Yeah, this almost made me stop watching the show. I understand it’s a well-known case and has been referenced before (ie. Black Patsy) but the way they handled it was so wrong, and asking a young child to research a case that involves the SA of a child is absolutely grotesque,” one commenter replied.
Parental Concerns and Ethical Questions
One of the most disturbing aspects for many viewers was the role that Ashlan’s mother played in the episode. In the show, Ashlan’s mother was seen sharing the details of the JonBenét Ramsey case with her daughter, a conversation that visibly upset the young dancer.
This led to further criticism from fans who believed that involving a child in such a grim and controversial topic was not only inappropriate but also harmful.
“The worst part to me was Ashlan’s mom sharing the entire story with her. It clearly upset her. I couldn’t believe how much Ashlan looked like JonBenét,” one commenter noted, underscoring the uncomfortable resemblance and the emotional toll the routine seemed to take on Ashlan.
A Publicity Stunt or Poor Judgment?
Given the nature of reality TV and its reliance on dramatic moments to captivate audiences, some viewers speculated that the episode was designed to spark controversy intentionally.
Comparisons were made to previous controversial moments in the original Dance Moms series, such as the infamous “Electricity” dance performed in Pennsylvania during Season 1, which also stirred up public outcry.
One fan expressed their frustration: “I was so confused honestly. Like this was on the same level as Glo trauma dumping her miscarriage on these kids. I think it was in super poor taste and also somehow had literally nothing to do with the case at all. They could have made it about pageant kids in general.
I think it was said just to drum up controversy in the same way that Electricity dance done in like rural Pennsylvania did in season 1 of the OG.”
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Ashlan Schiede’s Journey on Dance Moms
Dance Moms has been a platform where young dancers showcase their talent, often amidst intense competition and dramatic interactions between their moms and the show’s host, Abby Lee Miller.3
Among these young dancers is Ashlan Schiede, who emerged as a standout contestant. Her journey on the show has been marked by memorable performances, but none as controversial and impactful as her portrayal in a routine inspired by the tragic story of JonBenét Ramsey.
This performance sparked discussions not only about the ethics of using such a sensitive subject in a dance routine but also about the psychological impact it had on the young dancer.
The Influence of Tragedy on Dance Performances
Dance is often seen as an art form that can express a wide range of emotions and tell powerful stories. However, when these stories are rooted in real-life tragedies, particularly those involving children, it raises questions about the appropriateness and sensitivity of such choices.
In Ashlan’s case, her solo performance was inspired by the infamous JonBenét Ramsey case, a harrowing story of a young girl who was brutally murdered in her home at the age of six.
The decision to base a dance routine on this tragic event was met with mixed reactions from both the audience and the Dance Moms community.
Ashlan’s Mother’s Role in the Controversial Routine
Behind every successful dancer on Dance Moms is a determined mother, and Ashlan’s mother played a pivotal role in shaping her daughter’s journey.
When the opportunity for a solo performance arose, Ashlan’s mother decided to take an unconventional approach.
She introduced Ashlan to the story of JonBenét Ramsey, using it as the inspiration for her routine. While she did not explicitly mention the case at first, the details she provided left little doubt about the story’s identity.
The decision to use this particular narrative was strategic, aimed at giving Ashlan an edge in the competition.
However, it also exposed the young dancer to a dark and disturbing story that had a noticeable impact on her emotions.
The Decision to Push Forward
Despite her reservations, Ashlan ultimately decided to move forward with the routine. Her statement that she was “ready to do anything for the win on Dance Moms” reflected her determination and competitive spirit.
However, it also highlighted the pressure that young dancers on the show often face, where success sometimes comes at the expense of their emotional well-being.
For Ashlan, this meant pushing through her discomfort and performing a routine inspired by a story that had deeply unsettled her.
The Reception of Ashlan’s Performance
When Ashlan finally took the stage, her performance was met with a mix of admiration and discomfort. The choreography was haunting and evocative, capturing the eerie and tragic nature of JonBenét’s story.
The judges and audience were impressed by Ashlan’s technical skill and emotional depth, but there was also an underlying unease about the subject matter.
The routine sparked a broader conversation about the ethics of using real-life tragedies as inspiration for dance performances, particularly when the performers are children.
The Ethics of Using Real-Life Tragedies in Art
- The use of real-life tragedies in art has always been a contentious issue. While some argue that art can serve as a powerful medium to explore and process difficult subjects, others believe that there are certain lines that should not be crossed, especially when it involves children.
- In the case of Ashlan’s performance, the decision to draw inspiration from the JonBenét Ramsey case raised ethical questions about the appropriateness of exposing a young dancer to such a dark and disturbing story.
- Critics argued that it was exploitative and insensitive, while supporters claimed that it was a bold and creative choice that pushed the boundaries of what dance could convey.
- One of the most significant concerns surrounding Ashlan’s performance was the potential psychological impact on her. At just 11 years old, she was exposed to a story that even many adults find difficult to comprehend.
- The emotional toll was evident in her initial reaction, and it is worth considering how such experiences might affect young dancers in the long term.
- The pressure to succeed on Dance Moms often leads these children to push themselves to their limits, sometimes at the expense of their mental and emotional health. In Ashlan’s case, the question arises: was the potential for success worth the emotional burden she had to carry?
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Parental Influence and Responsibility
The role of parents on Dance Moms has always been a topic of debate. While they are undoubtedly supportive of their children’s aspirations, their decisions can sometimes have unintended consequences.
Ashlan’s mother, in her desire to see her daughter succeed, chose a path that exposed Ashlan to a story that left her feeling sad and conflicted. While her intentions may have been well-meaning, the impact on Ashlan’s emotional well-being cannot be overlooked.
This raises important questions about the responsibility of parents in such high-pressure environments and the lengths they are willing to go to ensure their child’s success.
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