Dancing Reality Shows Compete for 2008 Summer Ratings

After the big TV shows wrapped for the season, networks once filled the summer programming with reruns. Not any longer. Now, we can look forward to a quickie summer season filled with TV shows that grab your interest quick but don't require you to see every episode to enjoy them. One genre of such summer shows that seems to be getting a lot of airtime in 2008 is the dancing reality show. Three networks plan to roll out dancing reality shows just in time for summer.

First up is Fox bringing viewers its 4^th season of "So You Think You Can Dance." This competition show from the producers of "American Idol" is very similar in format. Each year, the first few weeks are devoted to tryouts where the best and the rest all get airtime either wowing the judges or making laughing stocks of themselves. Next come callbacks, where the promising dancers are whittled down based on talent and personality. The show is hosted by Cat Deeley and features weekly judges, Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, along with guest judges and the best of today's choreographers. According to Lythgoe, what sets "So You Think You Can Dance" apart from other dancing shows is that they are not necessarily looking for the best dancer, but America's favorite dancer. That being said, "So You Think You Can Dance" requires its dancers to learn a gamut of dances from hip-hop to waltz and lyrical to quickstep. Winners are not only those who dance well, but dancers who dance well across a wide variety of styles. "So You Think You Can Dance" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox throughout the summer.

Next, "America's Best Dance Crew" is airing its second season on Mtv. Although "America's Best Dance Crew" wrapped up its first season just a few months ago, the ratings were so high a second season is already set to air. Beginning June 7^th, "America's Best Dance Crew" differs from other reality dance shows in that it seeks out already established groups of dancers. The groups, or crews, are then put through a similar performance/vote off format as they battle their way to dancing supremacy. Mtv hit a gold mine last season scoring record ratings and exposing America to the ultimate winning crew, JabbaWockeeZ. This season will once again be hosted by Mario Lopez and judged by choreographer Shane Sparks, hip-hop artist Lil' Mama, and *N'Sync alum JC Chasez. With such a following its first season, we are sure to be in for a treat as more dance crews try out this season.

Finally, TLC is throwing its hat into the dancing reality show ring with "Master of Dance." Ex "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Joey Lawrence is set to host this series. Like other such reality shows, "Master of Dance" will be judged by a panel of three: Lucinda Dickey of "Solid Gold" and "Breakin'", Tyce Diorio who is also a choreographer on "So You Think You Can Dance," and comedienne Loni Love. "Master of Dance" does change things up a bit in its style though. On "Master of Dance" competitors will be asked to dance, then the music will suddenly change. Dancers must roll with the new music and will be judged on their dancing ability across multiple song styles and their ability to smoothly and creatively transition between them. According to executive producer Craig Piligian, "The winner of this show will be that person at the wedding or party who always has the right moves and knows every popular dance." "Master of Dance" premieres on TLC June 8^th and continues for 6 weeks.

So, if you are a dancer or just a dancer at heart, this summer has a schedule of reality dance shows to fit anyone's taste. Who knows, maybe these shows will inspire you and we'll see you on next year's season's of dancing reality shows.

Sources:
http://www.fox.com/DANCE/
http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/dance_crew/series.jhtml
http://tlc.discovery.com/spotlight/master-of-dance.html