Since its debut in October 2004 on Seven Network, Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) Australia has become one of the nation’s most enduring reality‑TV franchises. Now in its 22nd season, it continues to attract nearly a million viewers weekly. Its mix of celebrity glamour, choreographed routines, and competitive stakes brings dance to living rooms nationwide, but what does this visibility mean for Australian dance as an art form?
Proponents argue that TV exposure is a gateway: ballroom, Latin and jazz styles gain profile, inspiring social dance classes or viewers to explore local studios. Ausdance notes that TV shows like DWTS and So You Think You Can Dance help establish a foundation for lifelong participation in dance as a healthy physical and creative activity.
