"Superstars" a total flop

Now, I did not expect much of Superstars of Dance, NBC's newest show, but I surely didn't expect it to be as dreadfully bad as it was.

Instead of trying to explain to you why I didn't like it (which I very much did not), I've chosen to post some opinions of Dance Outlook readers about the show.

Todd - This show may have hit new lows in vulgarity. Where was the "dancing"? This was more like a gymnastics talent show staged in Las Vegas. The "Russian" couple is about as Russian as I am. More likely they're from Bensonhurst. The "Indian" girls are probably from New Jersey. This show is unwatchable and, with any luck, it will be off the air mercifully soon. If you want to see real dancing, with class, artistry, grace and beauty -- and on ice skates! -- check out Russia's "Lednikovyi period". I can't wait for "Dancing with the Stars" to return, which puts this show to shame.

Belinda - Having such cultural diversity in dance on one show was great. Hard to compare head-to-head though - some of the more culturally-grounded pieces involved more non-dance skills than dance, but were visually appealing and had good performance quality.

What really bugged me was the camera angles and choices of cameras that the show's director chose. Do these people even understand dance and the importance of seeing the body movement more than Pasha's chest hair or the wide angle shot of the set with the dancers looking like ants? The harsh jumps between angles and the lack of proper filters for lighting glare was vertigo-inducing and amateurish. I get better footage sitting in the audience with my camcorder than we saw on network television.

I hope Nigel throws a fit and gets some dance-savvy camera folks working by tonight. Very disappointing technical showing by NBC.

Nichelle @ Dance Advantage - I must admit I did not watch closely last night - was multitasking. I did DVR it though and will probably try to watch again so that I can make a fair assessment. My initial thoughts:

I appreciate the idea of showcasing talent from other countries. I appreciate the showcasing of professional talent/companies. The competition aspect seems silly though. How do you compare apples to oranges, especially if (as professionals) the dancing quality should be pretty high anyway? From what I saw, all of the scores given were within the range of 4 points (7-10). Seems pointless to me.

I guess I don't get this obsession with competition shows (or this obsession with producing competition shows). Why not just have a show that showcases the MANY spectacular dance artists from all over the world instead of turning it into a meaningless competition? I don't think its the competition that necessarily gets people to watch (particularly if it's lame). I think if the quality on all fronts is there, people will want to tune in. Stop underestimating and patronizing audiences!

Katrina - Belinda, Nigel hasn't had any dance savvy camera people ever. No granted I don't mind seeing Pasha's chest LOL but in general I agree.

Todd... just because someone is technically not from the country doesn't mean they shouldn't be allowed to compete for that country. It happens ALL the time in the Olympics: Tanith Belbin is from Canada but recently got her citizenship so she could be allowed to compete for the US. That's just one example, there are lots more.

Just because they're from a different country, doesn't mean they're "in tune" with their culture. I'm American but I know how to do the Polka (part of my German heritage) and I know how to cook many German foods. It's all how you're raised.

My main issue with this show, was the scoring... just did not make sense...I should know better than to watch any show Nigel produces.

One thing that I really dislike about the show is the judging. Everything is either absolutely amazing (none of it is) or dreadful, yet the lowest score given has been a 7. I hated that Dormeshia was booted so early. I mean, you just don't get better at tap then she is. There is no next level.

The general consensus, at least my interpretation of it? Weird format and show, generally mediocre dancing, incorrect scoring and judging. I predict it will get canceled very very soon.

A Time To Dance, Dancing A La Mode, and Swan Lake Samba Girl have all blogged about the show, among many others.