Netflix is riding on the success of drag queens. After RuPaul's Drag Race, the platform continues to broadcast the solo projects of the participants. Bianca Del Rio was the first with Hurricane Bianca, now it's Alyssa Edwards' turn to see her program available on the video-on-demand service. In the series Dancing Queen, we can follow the daily life of Justin Johnson, owner of the dance studio Beyond Belief Dance Company. In the evening, he transforms into Alyssa Edwards to perform on stage.
In this reality show, we find a very well executed mix between dance competition and drag queen shows. At the beginning of the season, Justin Johnson chooses the dancers who will form the elite of his company, in Mesquite, Texas. We then find ourselves immersed in the phenomenon of "crazy dance moms", who follow their children in all dance classes. They are the instigators of many conflicts with the coach: they will, for example, push Marcella, Justin's collaborator, to resign.
It is interesting to see that throughout the series, Justin Johnson's drag queen craft has an important part, but does not take advantage of his dance company. The season reflects very well the fact that he manages to manage both, with a master hand. Half of the season is also marked by the arrival of other drag queens who participated in RuPaul's show as well as Justin, who participated in season 5. Laganja Estranja and Shangela, both launched by Alyssa Edwards, who became their drag mother, joined her in Texas.
Alyssa Edwards as Justin Johnson's judge
Alyssa Edwards is introduced as Justin Johnson's true alter ego. She appears in front of the camera to criticize him, comment on his decisions or give him advice. She also appears many times in music videos, which illustrate important elements of the series. The presence of the drag queen throughout the episodes gives a rhythm to the story and adds a funny and eccentric touch facing Justin, more calm and concentrated. The production is very well run, it allows to have a fluid result and easy to watch. The series is also inspired by subjects that fascinate viewers and are entertaining: drag queens, crazy dance moms dramas and dance competition.
The season takes on a more personal aspect when Justin talks about his past and the tragic fate of his family. The production is inspired by an emotional charge already exploited in RuPaul's show. The goal (successful) is to show the strength of character of Justin who had to fight to get by. During the season, he is seen visiting his mother's grave that he has never seen or reconciling with his sisters. He also introduces us to his "drag family", the one he built up with his friends over the course of his meetings.
A season 2 in sight?
The whole series is based on the idea of success: inspired by his own success, he wants his students to win trophies. We can follow the hard work of the children, ranging from the "mini" category to "seniors", as they prepare for competitions. This series gives a breath of fresh air to reality TV about dance, as Justin Johnson shows a real commitment to the success of his students, while telling his story. It is the harsh reality of the dance world that is highlighted through his coaching. He pushes them to succeed to help them get out of Texas.
Reality TV ends in apotheosis when Alyssa Edwards begins her first one-woman show in her hometown, while Justin produces the "Winter Showcase" of his dance company. At the end of the show, he prepares to announce the students selected for the elite group, which will travel for competitions next season. The series ends on a cliffhanger, because we do not know which ones are chosen, which therefore predicts a second season that we hope will be as entertaining as the first.
