So there I was, watching an episode of America's Got Talent with my husband and kids on Monday night when a promo for a new show called Dance Your Ass Off flashed across the screen. As overweight women and men in tight spandex costumes tried to master their choreography, I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach.
In theory, the show sounds like a good idea: Contestants attempt to lose weight by making dietary changes and using dance as a form of exercise. I'm generally all for anything that encourages people to make better choices. But this? I'm just not sure.
Let's start with the show's self-described overview, which reads -- in part -- "[Contestants] shake and rattle their rolls in front of a live studio audience and a panel of expert judges." There's something in the tone of that description that just doesn't sit well with me -- frankly, it feels like poking fun. I understand that these contestants have volunteered to be on the show. But I'm uncomfortable at the thought of some viewers tuning in simply to make fun.
My kids wanted to watch the show, but I nixed that idea. And I quickly changed the channel.
What's your feeling on Dance Your Ass Off? Did you like it? Hate it?
I'm just tired of the fact that nearly every time a person bigger than a size 0 is shown on tv, it's either to lose weight or be made fun of. I refuse to watch this garbage.
Posted by: Jean | 07/01/2009 at 06:35 AM
I totally hate it too; I found it really offensive - almost making a mockery of those who are overweight but have talent. Why discriminate?! And why give people any more fodder to poke fun at the obese? Definitely not funny in my mind ...
Posted by: Melissa | 07/01/2009 at 06:37 AM
I actually loved it. I felt like those contestants had SO much chutzpah and confidence to get up there and show their (real) talent. When I was much less overweight than they are, I still wouldn't dance out of fear of looking fat or bad. I had tears in my eyes while watching them and felt so inspired! I am a sucker for those shows and DO feel like they are trying to make positive change in their lives. I give it a thumbs up. My husband and I were watching it and nobody was making fun, we were just kind of in awe.
Posted by: Foodie McBody | 07/01/2009 at 01:41 PM
Hadn't heard of this but I agree- it sounds more like a show to make fun of people than to actually encourage exercise.
Posted by: Sagan | 07/02/2009 at 08:47 AM
I watched a little bit, and have mixed feelings. The dancers are GREAT, but I wish it was just a dance show, and less about their weight. They dance, then immediately get up onto a giant scale. It seems kind of humiliating, as if the show is saying "OK fine, you're talented, but what REALLY matters is how much you weigh!!!!!!"
Posted by: Alyssa | 07/02/2009 at 02:09 PM
Hey Dara, I haven't seen the show yet but I'm with you on encouraging people to lose weight by having fun and dancing around. Unfortunately there will be people watching just for the humor. I have many clients who stall on starting a gym membership because they feel they are too out of shape to go in there just yet. I would love if some of my clients would realize that exercise is ok for everyone, all shapes and sizes. Maybe this will be a motivator for people that think they are too big to get out and dance, exercise, and have fun getting healthy.
Posted by: Melissa Kirdzik, RD, LDN | 07/02/2009 at 07:52 PM
Thanks, everybody, for weighing in on this (no pun intended)!
Posted by: Dara Chadwick | 07/03/2009 at 07:44 AM