The Hulu series "Dance Moms: A New Era" has come under fire for a recent episode that many found distasteful due to its sensitive subject matter. Episode 8, titled "Glo Don’t Give with Both Hands," featured a controversial dance routine that has sparked significant backlash from viewers.
The critical response focuses largely on the choice of theme, which was the murder of 6-year-old JonBenét Ramsey, a real-life crime that remains unresolved, People reported
The routine, performed by 11-year-old Ashlan Scheide, was choreographed to depict the tragic details surrounding Ramsey's death, which occurred on Christmas Day in 1996. Dance coach Gloria Hampton, who assigned the routine to Scheide, faced immediate scrutiny for her decision.
During the competition, Scheide wore a costume and hairstyle strikingly similar to Ramsey's, heightening the discomfort of the performance. The dance sequence included a reenactment of Ramsey being strangled, which particularly disturbed viewers.
Online reactions were swift and severe, with many expressing horror and disappointment. Feedback was largely negative, as viewers took to platforms like Reddit to share their discomfort and disapproval.
“It was extremely disturbing. I feel with cases like JonBenet ... where the cases are incredibly public ... people start to blur the lines and forget these are actual real-life children,” one Reddit user commented. Many posts echoed this sentiment, with a consensus that the routine was in poor taste.
Another viewer added, “I think a dance about JonBenét could never truly be done in taste ... it’s just emphasizing a horrific murder of a child. They could’ve easily done a beauty pageant routine without exploiting her murder,” suggesting the creative direction could have been handled differently.
Discussions about using a child’s murder as a dance routine theme have proliferated, with many questioning the ethical implications. “I think it was in super poor taste and also somehow had nothing to do with the case at all,” a viewer said, noting the disconnect between the routine and the historical events.
"This almost made me stop watching the show … 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 grotesque," another viewer remarked, questioning the impact on the young dancer involved.
Ashlan Scheide’s routine has impacted viewers and raised questions about TV shows' responsibility in handling sensitive topics. While intended as a poignant tribute to Ramsey's life, Ashlan’s portrayal stirred controversy due to its morose and graphic elements.
Despite numerous media requests for clarification, Hulu and the show's representatives have not issued an official comment.
In post-episode discussions, a viewer remarked, "Did anyone find the JonBenét Ramsey dance insensitive and disrespectful? ... and all the moms laughed … my jaw was literally on the floor,” highlighting the shock among the audience. These reactions spark a broader debate on decency in entertainment, especially with true crime reinterpretations.
The episode's impact on the future direction of "Dance Moms: A New Era" remains uncertain as the production team and network assess the fallout. The JonBenét Ramsey case continues to captivate public attention, evident in the strong emotions this episode has stirred.
As discussions unfold, the community is calling for more sensitive handling of real-life tragedies in artistic interpretations. This "Dance Moms" episode may serve as a case study in the ethical considerations needed when public entertainment intersects with real, unresolved sorrow.
