Netflix’s Dance Monsters fans confused at what judges see from their view
Olivia House
Published Oct 13, 2026
Netflix’s Dance Monsters has taken the streaming platform by storm. The show features renowned judges like Ashley Banjo from Diversity, singer Ne-Yo, and popular YouTuber Lele Pons. Ashley Roberts, a member of the Pussycat Dolls, leads the show as the host.
Judges’ Perspective: A Puzzling Question
Viewers are in a state of bewilderment regarding what exactly the judges witness during the performances compared to what the audience sees. The heart of the matter is whether judges have a backstage view of the human dancers or if their perspective mirrors that of the audience.
The View from the Fans
On social media, fans have been actively voicing their confusion. One fan on Twitter pondered, “The dance performances are often interrupted by camera angles switching to judges’ faces..so what exactly are we watching? Judges or the full performances?” Another enthusiast echoed the sentiment, seeking clarity on how both the judges and the live audience experience the Dance Monsters onstage.
One Reddit user weighed in, expressing their perplexity: “Someone needs to explain this because my brain can’t comprehend. Also, it’s criminal that the show doesn’t explain!”
Peeling Back the Curtain: What Do Judges Really See?
Much like the show Alter Ego, both the audience and the judges witness the Dance Monsters’ performances in real-time. However, neither group sees the holographic figures performing on the actual stage, which remains empty during filming.
Netflix provides an insight into the production process:
“The three judges (Ne-Yo, Ashley Banjo and Lele Pons) sit in front of a live studio audience and a real stage. As the dancers perform their choreography on a separate, custom-built performance capture stage, video representations of the monsters appear on the live stage flanked by in-person backup dancers. All of this is possible thanks to a cutting-edge, virtual production setup.”
While the dancers are physically backstage during the performance, they are connected to CGI technology. Ashley explained, “there are humans there but they are hooked up to CGI” during an interview on BBC’s The One Show.
The audience, on the other hand, witnesses the holograms come to life on the screen. Each performance is exclusively displayed on the large screen and doesn’t manifest on the actual stage. It is believed that both the audience and judges have the privilege of witnessing the spectacle in real-time.
My Final Opinion, Dance Monsters employs state-of-the-art technology to create a mesmerizing viewing experience. Understanding the mechanics behind the show’s production sheds light on the unique perspective of both judges and audience members, ultimately enhancing the overall appreciation of the performances.