Whether in fiction plots or depicting real life, dance is an element present in many Netflix series. Bringing up competitive but sometimes fraternal environments, it serves as a backdrop for inspiring and overcoming stories. Here’s a list of 10 series on dance on Netflix that tour ballroom dancing, ballet and even ballrooms.
Series about dance on Netflix
1. Pose
Set in New York in the 1980s and 1990s, Pose earned Billy Porter the Emmy for Best Actor in a Drama Series. The production follows several LGBTQIA+ characters, African-Americans and Latinos involved with the underground art scene of the time, and shows the dance and style competitions (the famous ballrooms) held between the “houses” in which they met.
- Creation: Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Steven Canals
- Year: 2018
- Episodes: 18 (2 seasons)
- Cast: Billy Porter, Indya Moore and MJ Rodriguez
- Link on Netflix
2. Tiny Pretty Things
Based on a book of the same name, Tiny Pretty Things follows in the footsteps of a dancer who has just arrived at a dance school and discovers to be a substitute for a girl in a coma, whom they tried to kill. In this scenario, intrigues and secrets of the company come to the fore, and the competitive side of its dancers is increasingly surfaced.
- Creation: Michael MacLennan
- Year: 2020
- Episodes: 10 (1 season)
- Cast: Casimere Jollette, Kylie Jefferson and Brennan Clost
- Link on Netflix
3. Dare me
Teen thriller based on a book of the same name, Dare Me was cancelled by the USA Network, but has a chance to continue at the hands of Netflix, co-producer of the project. The series follows two best friends, heads of a group of cheerleaders, who need to deal with the arrival of a new coach and a growing atmosphere of tension between the team.
- Production: Megan Abbott and Gina Fattore
- Year: 2019
- Episodes: 10 (1 season)
- Cast: Marlo Kelly, Herizen F. Guardiola and Willa Fitzgerald
- Link on Netflix
4. Move
French production, Move is a documentary series in which each of its episodes focuses on the life, career, difficulties and passion of a dancer or choreographer. The production is quite plural, exploring different styles and nationalities of dance, such as flamenco, Indian dance, and even street dance.
- Directed by: Thierry Demaizière and Alban Teurlai
- Year: 2020
- Episodes: 5 (1 season)
- Link on Netflix
5. Cheer
Another documentary series, Cheer shows the universe of cheerleaders from another point of view. Going far beyond the famous pompoms, the production features a team of young people competing in one of the most fierce, valuable and exhausting championships of the scene. With a lot of training and a strict, sometimes stressful routine, there’s no shortage of people around here.
- Creation: Greg Whiteley
- Year: 2020
- Episodes: 6 (1 Season)
- Cast: Jerry Harris and Gabi Butler
- Link on Netflix
6. Navillera
There are also Korean productions among the dance series on Netflix! Navillera has as protagonist a 70-year-old retiree, who after giving up his dreams to support his family, decides to do ballet. In his classes, he meets a young man in depression, but becomes his friend, embarking on a transformative friendship.
- Director: Han Dong-hwa
- Year: 2021
- Episodes: 12 (1 season)
- Cast: Song Kang and Park In-hwan
- Link on Netflix
7. Free in Jail
Documentary miniseries, Free in Jail takes place in a prison in the Philippines. World famous for a viral video from 2007 in which her inmates danced to the sound of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, dance became the hallmark of the place. Amid the music, the documentary addresses the criticism about one of his former detainees having taken over the administration of the place.
- Director: Michele Josue
- Year: 2019
- Episodes: 5 (1 season)
- Link on Netflix
8. Glee
One of the most famous music series ever released, Glee has awards ranging from the Emmys, the Golden Globes and Teen Choice Awards. The title takes place in a college when a teacher takes over the direction of the school choir and decides to diversify its members and their forms of presentation.
- Director: Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan
- Year: 2009
- Episodes: 121 (6 seasons)
- Cast: Lea Michele, Naya Rivera and Cory Monteith
- Link on Netflix
9. Dancing Queen
Documentary production, Dancing Queen follows in the footsteps of Justin Johnson, dancer and daytime entrepreneur, and artist who brings drag queen Alyssa Edwards to life by night. Owner of a renowned dance academy, the title shows his dedication to both professions and focuses on the competitions and stories starring his little dancers.
- Production: RuPaul
- Year: 2018
- Episodes: 8 (1 season)
- Starring: Justin Johnson
- Link on Netflix
10. Baby Ballroom
British reality show, Baby Ballroom takes place in a children’s ballroom dance school. The program accompanies parents, teachers and, of course, dancers, during the trainings and competitions in which they participate.
- Year: 2017
- Episodes: 15 (2 Seasons)
- Cast: Warren and Jane Bullock
- Link on Netflix
And do you know of any other dance series available on Netflix? Tell us what your favourite is!
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