Dancing Queen

Dancing Queen is a captivating, heartfelt docuseries on Netflix that first aired in 2018. The show is a star vehicle for Alyssa Edwards, drag queen extraordinaire and distinguished choreographer, whose real name is Justin Johnson. This delightful series is an up-close and personal look at the multifaceted personality and incredible talent behind the spectacular persona of Alyssa Edwards.

The docuseries owes its genesis to the popularity and flamboyance of Alyssa Edwards. A notable figure on the drag scene and a Droog Race All Stars contestant, Alyssa's charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent have endeared her to audiences worldwide. However, Dancing Queen enables viewers to see Alyssa in a different light, by showcasing her work as a successful dance teacher and studio owner when she's not strutting the runway in high heels and sequins. This show shifts between Justin, the rigorous dance instructor in Mesquite, Texas, and Alyssa, the vivacious and ambitious drag queen.

Dancing Queen begins by introducing Beyond Belief Dance Company, Justin's acclaimed competitive dance studio in small-town Texas, where he nurtures young dancers' skills and passions, often transforming them into show-stopping performers. As the owner and creative force behind Beyond Belief, Justin lives his dream by fostering a new generation of dancers and guiding them towards conquering the competitive dance world.

The series presents a vivid and realistic portrait of the challenges and triumphs faced by Justin and his dancers as they prepare to compete on the local, state, and national levels. The show further deepens its narrative by touching upon the lives of the students and their parents - their hopes, fears, and the sacrifices they make for their art. As a mentor and trainer, Justin Johnson's commitment to his trainees' success is heartening and genuinely inspirational.

Simultaneously, the show provides an exciting peek into Justin's drag queen persona, Alyssa Edwards. The renowned drag queen is a glamazon, celebrated for remarkable fashion choices and entertainment prowess. However, the show is not just about grandeur and glitter. Dancing Queen also delves into Alyssa's personal life, sharing engaging anecdotes, and exploring the dichotomy between Alyssa's glamorous stage life and Justin's grounded reality. It presents the evocative, often unseen, human side of this global drag superstar while sensitively handling topics of identity, self-discovery, and acceptance.

One of the highlights of the series is the fascinating transformation of Justin into Alyssa. The intriguing process of bringing Alyssa Edwards to life, which ranges from meticulous costume selection to detailed make-up application, is mesmerizing. The viewers are taken on an insightful journey through the artistry of drag, the complexities of its creation, and its empowering manifestation.

Additionally, Alyssa’s candid reflection on her relationship with her conservative, small-town Texas family also serves as a key subplot. As the series progresses, audiences witness emotional moments, intense understanding, and a heart-warming bond between Justin and his family that might resonate with many viewers with similar experiences.

The vibrancy of the dance routines, combined with the eclectic mix of high-energy performances and the poignant tales of ambition, commitment, and resilience, makes Dancing Queen a fascinating watch. Dynamic camera work and sparkling production values add to the hearty spirit of the show, making it both visually exciting and emotionally engaging.

On a broader level, Dancing Queen is an ode to the power of transformation, both physically and metaphorically, showing us that it is possible to take on different roles and identities while remaining true to oneself. It celebrates the beauty of aspiration, perseverance, individuality, and resilience, and lends a much-needed voice to the experiences of drag performers and their undeniable contributions to the cultural sphere.

In the end, Dancing Queen is a unique blend of a behind-the-scenes look at a competitive dance studio, and the glamorous world of drag. Its approach to storytelling, steeped in authenticity, the exploration of identity, and the message of acceptance, gives the show a profound resonance that expands far beyond its sparkling surface glitter. As such, Dancing Queen serves as an endearing and enlightening watch that showcases the electrifying world of dance, drag, and the captivating dynamic personality of Alyssa Edwards.