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• A look at TV’s myriad of competitive dance shows

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With a wide variety of competitive dance shows on the air, it is easy to get wrapped up in lights, sequins and drama, and to overlook the actual dancing. Here is what I’m loathing, loving and looking forward to this season.

So You Think You Can Dance

SYTYCD is a show that never fails to deliver. All-star choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, and duo Tabitha and Napoleon D’umo crank out routine after brilliant routine, highlighting the strengths of their dancers while simultaneously challenging them to adapt to new styles. The judges offer intelligent criticism that does not shelter the egos of the dancers onstage. This proponent of the show allows dancers to realize their full potential over the course of 10 short weeks.

SYTYCD has also begun to highlight performers from great companies, like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and to bring back Emmy-nominated routines for a second (or third) look on the small screen. For their accurate representation of a dance world that demands constant adaptation and innovation, I love SYTYCD.

America’s Best Dance Crew

ABDC and I have a love-hate relationship. I have previously criticized the show’s overall misrepresentation of hip-hop dance culture as a style that thrives on a formal stage. Born in the underground of New York and California in the 1970s, dance styles such as popping, locking and breaking were not meant to be performed in sequins and booty shorts. Though I applaud the show (now in its fourth season) for finally beginning to showcase a variety of dance styles in its weekly challenges, I still find the overall premise to be lacking. As ABDC is centered more on choreography, it is understandable that performative elements would be emphasized and critiqued by the judges. Yet, I am sick of hearing Judge JC Chasez tell groups to use more of the stage or to incorporate more levels into their performances. Though these critiques are valid, they are product-oriented and do not foster true development of group choreography.

Despite all of this, I still find myself tuning in every week. Why? Because as much as I hate to admit it, ABDC knows how to sell a performance. I am fascinated by the precise series of isolations (“isos”), heart-stopping acrobatics and overall performance qualities of the competing crews. Not to mention that I love waiting to hear what Lil’ Mama says next.

Dancing With The Stars

Though I have never loyally watched a season of DWTS, I cannot say I care for it. It may stem from the amount of times that I have been asked if modern dance is like what people see on Dancing With The Stars. For those of you unfamiliar with modern dance, do yourself a favor and Google Martha Graham; the rest of you can understand my frustration. DWTS pairs a group of celebrities with professional dance partners and assesses their progress in ballroom dance weekly. Part of me cannot help but think that half of a celebrity winning is based solely on which dancer he or she is paired with. For example, dancers Cheryl Burke and Julianne Hough have both won back-to-back championships.

My biggest gripe with the show stems from their attempts to adapt current music to ballroom style; I have heard some of the most terrible renditions of my favorite songs while watching couples on DWTS waltz across the stage. I also find it hard not to be hypercritical of the celebrities, because many do not even begin to estimate the movement qualities embodied by their professional partners. After being spoiled by shows like SYTYCD, DWTS does nothing for me. I might tune in this season, however, to see Aaron Carter strut his stuff.

Dance Your Ass Off

This reality weight loss show airs on the Oxygen Network. I find it ironic that host Marissa Jaret Winnoker always looks like she can barely breathe in her corset yet encourages contestants to lose weight naturally. Speaking to the actual dancing showcased on the show, it is amateur at best. Contestants rarely extend to create full lines in ballroom dance holds and the amount of sloppy hand gestures that pop up in choreography is frustrating. In addition, the couples rarely utilize their space on stage effectively, which minimizes their already small range of movement. Dancing is a full bodied art form; as the contestants are learning as the weeks progress, over-the-top facials and lip synching can not make up for the kinesthetic pitfalls in a routine. Those elements of the show, which are described by the judges as enthusiasm, come off as kitschy and over-the-top to anyone who appreciates authenticity of emotion in dance performance. This show, despite its intriguing title, is not worth your time.