Bibliographic Info:
Title: Just Dance 2020
Developer: Ubisoft Paris/Milan
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platform: Nintendo Switch, XBox, Playstation 4, Google Stadia, Wii
Release Date: November 5, 2019
Format: Multiplayer video game
Awards: Nominated for “Best Family/Social Game” at Titanium Awards 2019.
Interest Level: 10+ (Salzman, n.d.).
Author Background: I couldn’t find credits for this specific iteration of Just Dance, but according to a Just Dance fan wiki, Mehdi Kerkouche frequently does the choreography and performs as one of the dancers (justdance.fandom.com, n.d.). He grew up in Paris and has been a fashion designer and choreographer. He has also served on the jury for the Just Dance World Cup.
Critical Evaluation: Just Dance is a multiplayer party game where participants try to match the wildly gyrating silhouettes on the screen to earn points. The graphics are fairly simple but the choreography is impressive! The game is updated each year, with a mix of classics and recent hits. The 2020 version, for example, included Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” Lil Naz X’s “Oldtown Road,” and the ubiquitous “Baby Shark.” Some songs feature a single dancer that everyone mimics; others have multiple dancers performing independent movements for an extra challenge. There are a range of skill levels as well, so more seasoned dancers can test themselves, and newcomers won’t be too embarrassed. It’s a fun way to keep bodies moving and anyone from taking themselves too seriously. Nominated for Best Family/Social Game in 2019, critics obviously thought so too.
Creative Use for a Library Program: Teenagers think they’re too cool for school, but Just Dance is silly enough to break down most barriers. Just Dance NOW allows you to download a free app onto a mobile phone so a large group can play together, watching a video projection of the choreography. Perfect for colder seasons when outdoor activities are harder to do, participants can be encouraged to show up in crazy costumes to bring the fun up a notch.
Speed-Round Book Talk: Love it or love to hate it, Just Dance is hard to resist when the music is playing and your friends look ridiculous trying to outdo each other. Come get your blood pumping and fight over which songs to play!
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: Some of the lyrics are considered “mature” (Salzman, n.d.) and very conservative people might find some of the dance moves suggestive. I would argue that the importance of exercise and socialization far outweighs those minor concerns (the game is rated for 10+ so it’s hardly shocking).
Reason for Inclusion: This is a fun way to help teens shake off their self-consciousness and enjoy dancing with their friends, spiced up with a bit of competition.
Haven’t seen it? Here’s the launch trailer with a preview of some of the songs and choreography:
References
justdance.fandom.com (n.d.). Mehdi Kerkouche. Retrieved from https://justdance.fandom.com/wiki/Mehdi_Kerkouche
Nintendo (November 8, 2019). Just Dance 2020 launch trailer. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BrAT_o7yWA
Salzman, M. (n.d.). Just Dance 2020 [review]. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/just-dance-2020
Wikipedia (n.d.). Just Dance 2020. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Dance_2020#Awards
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