'Superstars of Dance' premiere: Just, WHY?

Erika Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 01:05 AM EST

I think I might be the only one left watching the show...but seriously,did anybody notice that when the Russian duo performed their magic/dance number, the only 2 judges that scored them really low were the Australian and S.African ones?And what a coincidence!They were the ones defending their place in top 3 duo!(insert sarcasm)I think it's bull to even consider comparing all these wonderful different dances,especially when the judges don't know the next thing about them.And many people have said before, but the judging needs to be rethought-yea, fine, the judge can't vote for their own country, but they sure can bomb on a dancer from another country to make sure that they don't beat out their own.I also have a feeling that they might even have some behind-the-scenes pacts or something(if you give my team good scores,I'll give your team good scores-you know?)I also want to agree with whoever said stop saying it was soo wonderful and energetic, and then slap the dancer with a 7 or 8.ugh

Nelita Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 12:34 AM EST

What a joke, almost all the real talent has been voted off!! How can you have a fair contest when there are 7 judges there to basically vote off the people they are afraid of, and that is exactly what it looks like to me...Next time you have a contest, pick judges that don't have anything to gain by voting!!!!

Shalika Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 03:17 PM EST

I hate the judges...they are so stupid and irritating...That Argentinian girl that did that bellydancing or whatever...the judges gave her 10's because they thought she was hot?!?! What the hell kind of judging is that? They are so stupid!!!!!

T Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 11:59 PM EST

OK WHAT ARE THEY THINKING!!! How can you compete with other countries on various cultures. If anything just make the show all about learning the different dance styles of each country. I am so upset with this show because I thought it was going to be something big like the previous dance shows I have seen, boy was I WRONG!!! Please NBC listen to the viewers and cut this show now right in the middle of the season.

danceLover Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 11:09 PM EST

Hopefully the producers will read blogs like these and make it a not a competetion but a program to educate the viewers of the wonderful dance cultures of the world with explanations and let viewers just enjoy the beauty of these dance forms.

danceLover Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 11:07 PM EST

I agree with most of the comments. I am only watching the show to get to see the different art forms. How in the wrold can these dances be judged against one another heaven knows. The judges are a BIG JOKE. It would have been much better to simple introduce each dance form with its hstory and the viewers enjoy the show. And I don't know why the judges are so biased. None of them seem to know any technicalities of these art forms. Some seem to know a thing or two about some dances. The Indian solo artists were just sooo wonderful. I love Indian dances for all the wealth of them. Indian classical dance is so deep, that I don't think any of these riduculous judges can even understand even 5% of it. The dance forms have so much theory and technical aspects around them. I don't much about western dance forms, but some of them very nice. Some of these artists are #1 in their countries and they are being , in my option , insulted on this show with the unknowledgble judges.

John Elrod Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 10:39 PM EST

This show insults myself and all those around the world that truly enjoy all the different international dances. How does anyone have the right to judge one culture against another? This show isn't judging dance. It is polarizing cultures. Luckily most of us can see past this garbage.
Honestly, we would, all, enjoy this show if the host were dancing, all the judges got a real job they might know something about, and all the dancers would just dance for our entertainment.
Producers, wake up. This isn't "International Idol"; not even close

mm Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 09:53 PM EST

Some judges are ridiculous with their scoring. Also, they could have promoted a better host than the one they now have. He is not an exciting host, besides, he needs to button up his shirt. I don't want to see his grey chest hairs. I'll be surprised to see the show last any longer than one season.

Zephyr Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 09:48 PM EST

Thanks, doubletrouble. I have loved all forms of dance my entire life. I've been watching ballroom since childhood. The judging is just absolutely awful. And Rekha, I agree with you. I ran out of room before, but I felt a distinct prejudice against India as well. If it was obvious to me, a white American, it must indeed be present. It's a shame really. What today is termed Indian "classical" dance has so many traditions and is such an exquisite art form, with so much difficult subtlety to be panned like this is simply unforgivable. The producers should be ashamed to have denigrated such a tremendous art form so badly, and so publicly.

Doubletrouble Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 09:35 PM EST

Zephyr, I completely agree with everything you said. It's kind of ridiculous...

Stella Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 09:28 PM EST

This is ridiculous! This show will not last. Some person dancing with a shirt gets higher than America. I mean these people know what they do so if they called the acrobats of China and say not enough dancing, well so why'd they call them in the first place, to imbaress them infront of the world. JUDGES GO FIGURE! Russia and Irelend judges rule. They are not afraid and definatly aren't racist! I give you 10!

Zephyr Gentry Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 09:27 PM EST

I have to say this is the most disappointing dance show I've ever seen. The judges are complete idiots. Most of them are thoroughly uneducated in the styles presented here, so they cannot possibly judge the various styles. The two Indian soloists are spectacular in their art. The American couple just did lifts that hardly anyone in the world could do consistently, or as many, in one performance. I got chills wathcing the So African soloist do her tribal swan interpretation in a classical western context. Yet last week, they gave the useless American hip-hop group rave remarks for walking around on stage and doing a few breakdance moves. I've seen better hip-hop on street corners in Miami. I am no expert in any of these styles, but the judging makes little to no sense. I've seen moves here that would win any of the best international competitions anywhere get panned, and absolute crap get 10's and, "OMG that was incredible!" from these idiot judges. Horrible!!!!

rekha Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 09:18 PM EST

Your judges should have educated in the dances from the countries that are represented including the host. The solo indian were great - if only the judges understood them! The group dance, today, 1/19/09 was superb. But the host and judges did not get, again. And the host and some of the judges are biased against India.

SHEREE PATTON Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 04:52 PM EST

THIS SHOW WILL NOT LAST!!! THE JUDGING IS VERY INCONSISTANT, AND VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. THE SHOW THAT AIRED LAST NIGHT WAS TO SAY THE LEAST A JOKE .... THE SCORE'S THEY GAVE THE SOLO AUSTRALIAN DANCER WERE INSULTING, HIS PERFORMANCE WAS TECHINALLY VERY GOOD, AND HE SHOW'S EXTREME VERSATILITY, HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN AT THE TOP OF THE LEADER BOARD NOT AXED OUT OF THE COMPETITION. I LOVE DANCE SHOW'S BUT THIS ONE'S GOT TO GO... AUSSIE GIRL.

Claudia Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 01:40 PM EST

Now mind you, I am NOT Russian (actually I come from a country which, as being formerly a part of the Soviet Union, is supposedly even quite unfriendly to Russia) - but I do think the Russian judge's behavior and his mediocre jokes on this show are just appalling. I mean, lots of the things he says about his country neither make any sense nor are "funny" in a good sense of the word (KGB and vodka - is that ALL he learned about at the Moscow State University, I wonder?)... Anyway, his tirades are simply offesive to the Russian people and don't do justice to the country or its culture. As just a rather plain leader of some mediocre, NY-based Russian folk band he should never have been selected to represent Russia in this or any other public event in the first place! There's plenty of people from the Russian immigrant community here who could handle this task with greater dignity and are way more qualified. He's a freakin' shame and he makes me wanna puke every time I see him on TV!

Rita Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 01:02 PM EST

The show was poorly planned, judges are boring, judging against each othe, South African judge is a joke, Argentina's jude is very nasty. Do not waste time watching it.

Anna Sophia Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 01:00 AM EST

This show is the most ridiculously biased show I have ever seen on television. One would expect something similar or better than ABC's DWTS or Fox's SYTYCD considering the international platform NBC has placed it on. None of the judges have a clue as to what the background of the dances are, they just vote on what amuses them. The first judge to go should be that South African judge, he is rude and has no clue. Some of the dances can't even be classified as dances, they are just "tricks" as some of the judges said. As to what criteria are the judges using to give the dancers their points...absolutely none! I am just amazed that watching just the first ten minutes of the show, it was so obvious it was biased towards the white countries. I mean the U.S. produced it, aired it and now all the other countries are terrified of saying negative things about the U.S. I mean don't get me wrong I am American, but if one of the "white" countries wins, we will know exactly how set up this show is.

mandy Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 11:06 PM EST

The camera work for this show is HORRIBLE!!! Showing dancers from only the waist up is like recording music in 'mono' - you miss half of it! Get with it, producers! Watch some "So You Think You Can Dance" to learn how live dancing SHOULD be videoed. I love this show for the cultural dance element, but think many of the judges miss the mark in judging styles they don't know. Perfect example, the gumboot dance - exciting, synchronized and energetic, yet some judges gave it low scores. Why??? Can the Chinese judge even SAY anything but, "Ba...eight"??? The co-hosts are fluffy nonsense. Cut the mindless chatter and just SHOW MORE DANCING.

femalepharoe Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 09:59 PM EST

"street dancing is a truly American art form. Hip Hop has influenced other parts of the world but its distinctly american"

What's fascinating and offensive about this show as an African American and former B-girl, is that the Groovaloos (or whateva) suck. everyone keeps giving them 10s and 9s and 2. Hip hop is a AFRICAN American art form that has influenced the world. How is it a hip hop break dancing group with ONE black person.

And they SUCK. i mean...get the Jabberwockeez if thats the look we are going for.

And. its ignorant to judge cultural dances beside each other.

Maggie Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 09:48 PM EST

This show definitely gets me worked up in a bad way. If I didn't like watching dance so much I wouldn't waste my time!!! The judging is horrendous, especially the South African judge....what is his problem? I DON'T salute you! The lighting on stage is blinding and the camera work is horrible - stay with the dancers!! This show should have been called The World's Got Talent and judged by the audience....well, the few who are still watching!

anniek Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 09:29 PM EST

Ummm, what were Nigel and Simon thinking when they hired those judges!! The first night they gave out 10's and now all they give is 8's. What's up with that? An 8 is not BRILLIANT or EXCELLENT so don't say it and score an 8!! I enjoy watching the dancing, but mute it during the talking.....especially the ANNOYING South African judge...what the heck?

Hooch Sun, Jan 11, 2009 at 12:47 AM EST

Wow, this show is awful. I Love SYTYCD and DWTS, and I was really looking forward to watching this. Finally got around to it and .... noooooo. I did really did like watching the dancers (especially the american cabaret duo, the arentinean tango duo, and the american tap dancer), but I dreaded the judges comments. The S.African, Australian, and Argentinean judges were horrible. As has been said many times, it's ridiculous to "score" these dances relative to each other. The Russian judge was funny. "Well we are next to you China so ... 9!" hahahaha! I hope the dancers were able to ignore everything they said and what their scores were and didn't let it discourage them - most of them were great. And it was great to see Anya & Pasha, as always!

Lola Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 02:30 PM EST

WHERE WERE THE NATIVE AMERICAN DANCERS? are we suppossed to belive America's traditional dance is 'the robot' and 'breakdancing'? PLEASE! every other country on earth represented their cultural background except America who snubbed the natives of our country. how typical. how long has breakdancing/the robot been around? this is bull. i'm calling this show out on their bs...represent the TRADITIONAL culture. Shame on you nbc!

raaja Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 10:08 PM EST

Very happy to see that a certain consciousness has set in about "culturals" and a "world" level competition TV show. Don't put this in the reality class. "Culturals" should be the new type of show where America presents rest of the world in their various facets to the American audience. Thank you, NBC. I really enjoyed the show, especially because I am very eager to understand people and cultures, what better way than this beautiful and simply elegant show. Michael Flatley is all humility and the panel of judges the most enjoyable!!! About the Indian group, I am not sure if Mahajan is aware at all of Indian classical and world-class Indpopular music ofin many languages as the many delightful dance forms. It seems like Mahajan has formed a coterie who happened to be not from India. It is all about rubbing shoulders with the best and you can see no end to the delight. A sample of Indian music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtfYarrllNE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNeRPONvU9U

Anna Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 04:57 PM EST

I tuned in just to see the different dance styles. The judges are SO inconsistent and don't have a clue what they are saying. I feel that the Russian group (cossacks) and the South African gumboot dances were WAY too harshly judged. I'm a Ukrainian dancer and I know how technically difficult that style is, so I was appalled at some of their comments. Brutal.

TAH Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 02:43 AM EST

I agree with everything that everyone has said thus far...not only was the directing off, the judging bad, the host incompetent, but these superstars of dance are not the best I've seen, especially the group representing America...the groups on America's Best Dance Crew make their "choreography" look hackneyed and rudimentary.

JKL Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 10:19 PM EST

I watched this show and was so annoyed with the judging, particularly their claims of "non-dance" within the performances. I was so irked that I wrote an article for my university blog. Comments are appreciated!

http://www.blogut.ca/2009/01/08/non-dance-how-pretentious/#more-1889

Erin Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 05:26 PM EST

My roommate was watching this when I got home on Monday, and I got sucked in, unfortunately. It's one of the worst shows I have had the misfortune of seeing, and I would like to slap the South African judge's face off his face! He's so oily and gross!

fiona Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 01:01 PM EST

Ok I love the past dance shows that have come out in the past and was in shock!!! when I saw this one..

SUPERSTARS OF DANCE?? Are they really the best in the world?? If so then are they "Mad"
I was so board it was not fun and I will not watch it again...board

DanseMacabre Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 01:30 AM EST

Im surprised that no one has mentioned the audience! I mean they look as if they were PAID (and no doubt were) to hold signs (Australia Go for GOLD and NOBODY BEATS CHINA) and flags like it was thier JOB!! I don't know what was worse the audience or the HORRIFIC Judging! Although I have to say the Russian judge is funny but the Argentinian judge needs well...some LOVIN!

Thank GOD I have TIVO! Alas, that still dosent save me from the shoddy camera work.

chuckpmts Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 11:23 PM EST

Dear Rudymom, I'm a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and have been to over 40 Tae Kwon Do Competitions. Never once have I seen people do a form with a broadsword or chain, as we do not use these weapons in Tae Kwon Do nor have I seen any Tae Kwon Do practitioner balance their body on 4 spears " It was fantastic, but it was nothing that I haven't seen in countless taekwondo tournaments." this statement is simply not true. Korean Tae Kwon Do is a completely different fighting style which is incomparable to Chinese Gong Fu/Wu Shu

Kim Spruill Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 07:07 PM EST

I was excited for this show. I love seeing ethnic dances and am amazed at what people can do with their bodies. I don't think this should have been a judged show. I would rather just see these people perform their art without hearing from a bunch of people who really aren't good at judging. What is up with South African judge, or really with all of them? To say, you did a spectacular job, it was beautiful and then give them a 7 or 8...really?? If I was the American solo tap dancer I would have been totally insulted when the S. A judge said she needed to mature. She danced with Gregory Hines on Broadway! I do not think I will be watching this show again. It's getting to annoying, not the dancers...the judges!

zach white Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 11:24 AM EST

These judges are just stupid there are so many amazing performances and the judge them low. The performance should also be judged on how well they are entertaining too!! Also i agree with the writer that how can you judge these different types of dance? they should be less on technicality and more on entertainment.

Scott Wilkerson Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 10:47 AM EST

I agree with most here. #1 Airing a prime-time show in standard definition in the year 2009 is unforgivable.
#2 The camera work and direction is the worst I've seen for a network program.
#3 Flatley is the worst host ever
#4 The judges are as inconsistent as I've ever seen. "It was ok. I give it an "8". "That was spectacular. I give it an "8".

This show will not make it through January. At least I hope it doesn't!!!!

Sharon Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 05:00 AM EST

This show was a disaster in every sense of the word. Both the hosts lacked charisma, the judges were hardly qualified, the scoring system made no sense, etc; basically what everyone else has noticed was wrong with the show. And as a Chinese American, I found it so typical that the show picked Shaolin monks to represent China, even though it is a dance competition. Even if some are liberal-minded enough to view martial arts as a form of dance (capoeira would make more sense in this context than kung fu, I think) the judges were certainly not enlightened enough to think so.

...And to have a Shaolin monk on the judging board - that's just weird. Fuller and Lythgoe are simply way in over their heads when they came up with this idea. I for one will not be tuning in again for another minute of this appalling show.

TEEman Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 03:11 AM EST

Truly not a Superstar show. I watched the first night and part of the second. Way more than the show deserved.
Very poor bias judging, they need totally new judges and secret scoring.
I have seen better camera work by first time users. But then I suspect the director was trying to make so so dancing look better than it was. You can't fix everything with the camera, and this show proves it.
I won't watch anymore, I gave them more than a fair chance and I was truly looking forward to this, I love good dancing.

Justin Jackson Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 12:35 AM EST

I liked the show, it was very interesting. I especially enjoyed the South African boot dancers, but the South African guy, Zuluh, was very good. I have never seen anyone kick that hi. I would to learn more about that country, I thought he said he lives in America as well. Does anyone know how I can find him.

Viva South Africah

Watcher Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 12:35 AM EST

This show is a HOT MESS! Why are people judging ethnic dances. This show would have been must better if it was just a display and not a competition. I was excited but now, after watching two episodes I am very disappointed. Stop telling these dancers they are not strong. They are all strong in their own right. Let their dream live and leave your judgments to yourself 'judges". How about you get on the stage and sweat your butt off doing something you worked on and let us call in and say you suck!

Jessie Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:31 PM EST

This show would be so much better if the criteria for judging each dance style was explained before the performance. That way the judges and audience could have a bench mark. The so-called judging would be vastly improved if they locked in their votes before announcing them so other judges opinions couldn't sway them. The show desperately needs a dynamic host that could interject some enthusiasm into the format and camera people that know how to photograph live dance and what to focus on. This show had such potential but really has turned out to be a train wreck. All those poor dancers deserve better. They obviously are coming from prestigious backgrounds to be insulted by judges unschooled in their particular native dance. What a shame.

KVS Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:19 PM EST

As long as Americans continue to slurp at the trough that is reality television (most of it, anyway), we'll continue to see garbage like this show.
Here's a clue, people: quit watching this crap, and maybe, just maybe, the networks and cable will stop producing so damned much.

Jason Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 05:08 PM EST

Did NBC just throw other dance shows in a blender to come up with this crap? Not only is it bad, the fact that it's NOT in High Definition should get somebody fired. The dancers actually look cramped in that little space. Couple that with the horrific directing (seriously, stop moving the camera and stop showing the audience DURING the dances) and the very odd scoring system (are the judges using any sort of criteria at all, or a freakin' mood ring?), the inane and incredibly boring dance lord and showgirl and this is one bad, bad show. I'll not be watching again.

Elizabeth Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 04:14 PM EST

Confirms my theory that Nigel Lythgoe may be single handedly ruining American television. Monday night was better, but the premise of the show makes no sense. On the other hand, I now know how to say 8 in Chinese. Ba.

Nicole Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 03:31 PM EST

JustAGirl,thanks for bringing up the camera work. I was thinking the same thing. I've seen student videos shot better. I don't need to be able to count the dancers pores unless they do some kind of jig.

Stan The Man Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 01:15 PM EST

Biggest train wreck on TV. The judges looked like the only thing missing were telephones in front of them to make it look like a Jerry Lewis telethon. You get a dancer from Argentina who, if you substituted a pole for the chair she used, would have been more appropriate at a strip club. Basically the best way to watch this is to TIVO it and fast forward through the Commercials, judges comments and most of the routines that are sub-standard or more attuned to America's Got Talent.

NikkiB Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:20 PM EST

Sorry the word should be catty. Dang auto correct.

NikkiB Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:17 PM EST

A better question is why not. This was a trainwreck for sure but they had me at Pasha. Plus i've developed a need to see exactly how carry the South African judge will become. Not a bad way to pass the time until SYTYCD returns.

katie Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 11:57 AM EST

ANNIE...I'm surprised no one has told you how terrible your recap is. You did not know the Indian judge was saying nine in his countries language? I think the dancing in the show is entertaining. Everything else could use some work but I'm going to keep watching!

JustAGirl Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 11:19 AM EST

It was much easier to take when we just watched the performer intro vid clips and the performances. Managed to blaze through 4 hours of programming in less than 90 minutes. Couldn't get my brain around the judging anyway. Seems a matter of personal taste rather than technical merit since they didn't seem to explain what makes a good [insert dance type here] vs. an excellent one. Moreover, the BEYOND CRAP CAMERA WORK was so distracting! Wide shots often so wide that they're meaningless, tight shots of faces instead of tappers' feet... GAH! Aaaaugh! Unbearable. And don't get me started on the lighting....

Nancy Rea Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 11:16 AM EST

What's wrong at NBC? First the disaster that was Rosie O'Donnell's vaiety show, now Superstars of Dance? Yank it from the air as quickly as Rosie was, please!

Josephine Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:34 AM EST

Well, I guess we can safely say there will be no "season two" of Superstars of Dance. There shouldnt have been a season 1. I would rather have seen a SYTYCD "show down" of all the previous winners or top tens or something. This show sucked, and sucked HARD.

Sue Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:29 AM EST

When the called it the "superstars" I had high expectations. This was "Superstars of the county fairs". The best each country had to offer? Your joking, right? I would like to have seen the auditions, of the people that DIDNT make, THAT would have been a train wreck worth watching. Yes the American team dance was good, but compared to the teams we have seen audition (not even make it to the top 20) they were ok. I was really expecting to see a higher level of talent, and DANCING. I am sorry, but martial arts displays (which I love to watch) are NOT dancing. I was impressed with the girl on the mans shoulders but again, NOT DANCING. Where was the "wow"? It was a snoozefest.

My Thoughts Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:21 AM EST

I accidentally watched this last night when I was flipping channels. My goodness, this show makes me miss SYTYCD! I did like the Indian group dance more than the judges. Didn't understand the China duo - balancing on someone's shoulders is dancing? Amazing strength, but dancing? Same with the martial arts guy. I LOVED the American group at the end though. Those kids had such energy and hit their moves so well. How these dancers can all be compared to each other makes no sense to me. How someone doesn't smack the judge from Argentina off her chair is also a mystery to me.

Lili Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:47 AM EST

I had such high hopes for a fun filled cheesfest but it ended up being a complete bore. I made it through an hour and then I just had to switch it off before my eyes started bleeding.

Barbara Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:37 AM EST

It would be a great show if it was not supposed to be a contest. A showcase of international dance would have drawn just as big an audience. Instead of judges, how about audience comments. Don't see any point in elimination of anyone, the performers are all superstars in their style.

Pat Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:24 AM EST

The dancing was OK but there were way too many commercials. One dance, insipid comments, vote then break for 5 minutes worth of ads. The pattern went on for the entire two hours. Just a hair over 1 hour of dancing/dialog and another hour of commercials. I won't tune in again.

Iris Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:10 AM EST

Hellooooo Annie! So good to read you again. In fact, your recaps will be the only highlight of this mess of a show. I agree with the person who wrote that the judges seem to be voting against each other (and out of a million billion people they couldn't find ONE Chinese dance expert who speaks some English??) Michael Flatley is a fabulous dancer (hubby and I have seen him in Lord of the Dance... twice) but a lousy host! And we already knew that from his less-than-stellar turn judging DWTS. Hubby and I are only watching this fiasco b/c nothing else is on at the moment. But Idol starts soon!

Sonia Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 03:33 AM EST

I loved the Indian group performance. It was very lively, colorful and totally different from anything I have seen before. The horrible judge from Argentina was rude and all the other judges followed her score. Very disappointing. They have to get rid of all the judges and the let the viewers enjoy the show.

Jasmine Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 03:29 AM EST

The South african and Argentinian judges are both very annoying. They are equally incompetent and biased. It looks like the South African guy hates India and the Russian judge is in love with communist China. The Chinese judge don't have an opinion of his own and his score entirely depends on other scores! Judges suck!

Carol Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 01:56 AM EST

From several sources, dance is defined as: 1) taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music. 2)move in a pattern; usually to musical accompaniment. 3)skip, leap, or move up and down or sideways... So, the judges should not be so narrow-minded when it comes to judging artists that may not be what they are familiar with. Look at the talent before them and judge them as to how well they are performing what they do. And, that Argentine judge should be taken off the show. She's very biased.

Astrojetson Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 01:43 AM EST

I really love to see different types of dancing, gymnastics, martial arts, etc., but what are the producers hoping to gain by having a group of judges scoring dances they obviously know nothing about? It seems obvious that the dancers weren't provided any specific criteria for which they could earn high scores. The judges from Argentina and South Africa seem especially bent on insulting the dancers after they give their all for the audience. It is uncomfortable just to watch them behave so badly. The show would be much better with no judges! The looks on some of the dancers faces after the insult of low scores for a fabulous dance... Kudos to those who stuck up for themselves. Shame on you, producers for allowing this kind of behavior from the "judges".

Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 01:43 AM EST

I wanna know what that song was that Reed from Australia danced to... it was hot!

Kitty Lynch Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 01:06 AM EST

Riverdance was the best performance of the whole show.

Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:53 AM EST

it was not "no" it was "nau" which is 9 in hindi....

Al Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:51 AM EST

The saddest thing about the show is that poor judging leads to a disrespectful attitude towards the performers. The show should have been a celebration of dance and if the producers needed a competition, there should have been clear rules eg. no acrobatics. It didn't feel like a celebration of dance when the "superstars" were actually scored 7 or 8 and of course there is no judging criteria/no explanations. It could have been a good show but it failed.

Stephanie Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:40 AM EST

I have to agree with a few of those comments before me. I had such high hopes for this show. I tuned in excited to see the tribal dances and the sheer variety of the definition for "dance" that would be displayed. I absolutely agree that it would be fifty times better without the judges. ALL of the irish dances have been from Lord of the Dance. I'm sick of seeing it. Nothing original, all from that show. And the response the incompetent judges had to that amazing Indian performance, the solo one that woman made...good for the trainer! He stood up to them. That was flawless. Just because it doesn't fit the box of what the judges think is "dance" ...same with the Shaolin solo from China and the Argentina group. Just because they dance with weapons or objects doesn't mean it's not dance. With the Argentinean group, I was outraged that the judge didn't even support her own team!!! I was so disgusted with it all. Maybe I should just fast forward the judging :P

Espo Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:57 PM EST

What were the producers thinking with these judges? I think they are voting against each other and not the dancers.

EncSA Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:53 PM EST

That South African judge is a tool. I'm embarrassed to be a South African. How can you compare such different styles of dance anyway and proclaim the winning country "The Best Dancers in the World". This show has got to be the dumbest thing I've seen in a while.

Angie Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:42 PM EST

I couldn't believe how bored I was by both episodes. The dances were lovely but the judging was obtuse. I have no idea what the scores are based upon. Robert Muraine and Pasha/Anya from SYTYCD were the only routines I totally enjoyed.

Holly by Golly Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:34 PM EST

I agree that you cannot really compare some of these styles with the others, but for the sheer joy of watching - it is fantastic! I think some of the judges are unfair, but what matters is that we get to see many types of dance by people at the top of their art - who cares what critics say????? All of you with the negative comments are complete killjoys.

Edith Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:28 PM EST

OMG THIS WAS SO DUMB! I miss dancing with the stars and american idol-- some real quality reality talent shows. wow that was a mouthful. i shall not be watching this again, nor that dumb show on ABC called true beauty. i mean... seriously, people actually really DO like quality! i just wish there was better scripted shows, and less "momma's boys". i think the golden age of television has passed. so sad..

zachery Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:15 PM EST

As I said in another blog, it will take divine intervention for me to watch this show again. I watched it last night and again tonight hoping things will be better. Get rid of those judges, especially the woman from Argentina. For most of thejudges, it seems like Ireland can do no wrong.

Steve Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:14 PM EST

By the end of this fiasco, perhaps the judges will have decided what dance is.

chuck Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:05 PM EST

baaaaaaaaaa

Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:58 PM EST

Comment to " BA "--It is not right to make fun of another country's language because you do not speak it.

BA Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:46 PM EST

If you were to record and playback just the chinese judges scores from the first show you would have something like this."BaBabaBaBaBaBaBa" A really good impression of a farm animal.

Sally Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:39 PM EST

Well the show improved a little tonight. At least the judges are now explaining their scores. But I wonder if they know some of the cultural dances. Either they don't, or there was some disconnect when the countries or judges were told about the competition. Some of the performances are more acrobatic, but I think they are supposed to be that way. But the judges are scoring them low. A lot of the performers seemed pretty stunned about their scores.

The camera work continues to be pretty bad. One of the groups was dancing, maybe the U.S group, and the camera kept showing the audience! Was the audience part of the performance? I wonder what Michael Flatley is thinking of the show. I think he has to be pretty disappointed. The performances have all been good, but the judges have been not scoring them like that.

Nelita Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:08 PM EST

First of all there are only 3 judges that even seem to be giving the dancers a fair score, all the rest are awful, nasty people who I believe are just voting down who they think the real competition is. It might be an enjoyable show if the judges tried to do as good a job as the dancers!!! As far as I can see only the United States, Russia and China are the only fair judges!!!

Tina, NC Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:02 PM EST

"Super Power showdown"? This is where I have to criticize; no need for NBC to go there! They are going to reduce a great show to cold war! It is suppose to bring people together not tear them apart.

I would also agree that the camera angles can use some work!

Doreen Ise Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:57 PM EST

I am enjoying the multi-cultural dancing so much! Each individual style is so interesting and entertaining. I feel the judges are an embaresment. These dancers have worked their entire llves to perform and I think the judges truly ruin the show.

Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:42 PM EST

You're on the right track, Mary, but I doubt NBC had the goal of educating anyone. They should have made it a showing of various different countries' dance exhibitions if that was the case. Guess they would never had gotten as much attention without the competition factor because someone always wants to be a winner and boast their country is the best in something. And I agree completely that some people, as shown on some of the comments here, that they are narrow minded in what dance is.

HockeyMom1368 Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:42 PM EST

Wow. How disappointing. I've enjoyed watching the different cultural dances but someone should have come to a consensus on what was expected. Just saw the Chinese Duet. Ok, when is balancing on your partners shoulder dancing?? It was beautiful but not dancing. That was the world famous Chinese acrobats..not dancers. And the camera people are horrible...zoom in on faces when they should be looking at the feet and vice versa. Yeah...the only thing I've learned is that my remote works. Come on NBC...cancel it and put on re-runs of something else!!

Sam Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:41 PM EST

I am so glad, after reading these comments that I am not the only one who was confused entirely with the show. It seems to me somebody had a great idea and someone slapped it together, really quickly, without thinking things through properly. The producers should be embaressed! Not only does it not make sense to score such drastically and diverse types of dance, but why did Argentina always have to vote first and then it go down the line exactly the same way, each time meaning the latter voters had a chance to see where the votes were going. I thought some of the dancing was interesting and brought to light the various cultures of dance, however being like so many fans of SYTYCD we have been spoiled with exceptional dancers and perhaps even greater choreographers who know how to get the best from their dancers. What a shame, I was really looking forward to a new dance show to fill the void.

yaaaawwwwwn Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:41 PM EST

L, Pasha and Anya's performance was totally mundane. If they had done it on SYTYCD, they would have gotten Nigel's stock speech on how he expected more energy from them.

Nancy Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:38 PM EST

I think the dancers are great! If I look at it as a multi-cultural performance, then its wonderful. However, I think the judges are idiots, and I find the camera work frustrating. I think the judging is basically from the European perspective, and this is NOT what the show should be about! It breaks my heart to see the looks on these people who are dancing their hearts out only to be insulted by the stupid remarks of the judges.

Tina, NC Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:31 PM EST

Mary Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:50 PM EST
"Funny how so many people who have posted are narrow-minded and seem to think that only Irish "Riverdancing" and the tango are dance.

Too many of you seem to be missing the point of this show, which is to educate us about different world cultures and open our eyes to new ways of doing things; in this case, dance. After all, cultural understanding is the key to harmony and peace in the world."

______________________________________

Mary You could not have said it better. Sometimes I am amazed at how narrow minded some Americans are. We are supposed to be the most open-minded and accepting people in the entire world but ALAS, far from the truth. Americans NEED TO REALIZE THAT THERE IS A WORLD FULL OF PEOPLE BEYOND THESE BORDERS!

Tara Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:21 PM EST

This show is horrible. You do not need to be a dancer to know that most of the dancers are bad. If you are from a different culture you can still dazzle people with your talent. No one I have seen has any. I feel embarrassed for most of the contestants and more so for the judges. They are failing themselves and these dancers. One last thing. Why does Flatly have a really bad Irish accent when he grew up in the US.

pat Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:21 PM EST

I am absolutely disappointed in the show. Not so much in the performances but in the judging. Obviously there were no rules given to the performers about what constituted, in the judges mind, dance. Different cultures interpret dance in differenct ways. I believe each country performed a dance baced on their interpretation. The judges have completely missed the ball on this one. At times it appears as if the judges are being vindictive in their scoring. The South African judge is doing a disservice in representing his country. His arrogance and his readiness to argue with the contestants should be addressed by the producers and put to an end.

Kathy Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:21 PM EST

Shouldn't it be mind "meld", not "melt"? Regardless, I agree with the article. Show, I'm just not that into you.

Jermaine Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:10 PM EST

Where did they find these Judges? Do they have any experience with dance at all? The judges will be this shows downfall. You can tell that the judges are in fear of causing some international crisis and are afraid to say how they truly feel about the dance.
Russian Judge: "China since your basically right next to us, I'll give them an 8." -Which proved my point.

elof Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:09 PM EST

This show is terrible. All the dances performed are more than just their "dancing difficulty", complete with deep cultural significance, heritage, and meaningful value. Comparing and judging them with our limited ethnocentric values was a stupid idea and is like comparing apples and oranges. The performers are champions in their respective fields and I applaud them for going out there and doing a spectacular job despite getting judged so arbitrarily. This show is perpetuating dance on such a black and white level. Don't even bother watching it.

L Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:08 PM EST

Newsflash yaaaawwwwn the Russian duet IS from So You Think You Can Dance and you clearly do not know what good dancing is.

sapphire Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:03 PM EST

I was at first excited when I saw the commercials, but this is one TERRIBLE show. The one thing that really erked me was a couple from South Africa dancing to Whitney Houston - what does her music have to do with South Africa??? And the dance looked like a cheap show you would see in Las Vegas... HORRIBLE!!!

Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:49 PM EST

Omg ive been watchin this show for 15minutes and it clearly sux! And wth is wrong wit da chinese dude i mean hello use a translater at least dayuuuum!!!!

Corey Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:47 PM EST

This show was a horrible, cheaply produced, boring mess. I am a former dancer and SYTYCD and DWTS are 2 of my favorite shows because on the former, they are excellent, actually trained dancers and the latter has the celebrity appeal with the amazing pros and the reality of learning to ball dance and getting to know and get along with your partner. These were hardly superstars of any kind from this initial episode and I will NOT be back tonight. I will catch "The Bachelor," "Gossip Girl," and "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" instead. A much more enlightening line-up in any case. I wanted to love this show like I love to watch beautiful dancing but the ribbon girl? the double-jointed popper? the South African tribesman? The solo? Tango dancer? WTF!

Corey Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:47 PM EST

This show was a horrible, cheaply produced, boring mess. I am a former dancer and SYTYCD and DWTS are 2 of my favorite shows because on the former, they are excellent, actually trained dancers and the latter has the celebrity appeal with the amazing pros and the reality of learning to ball dance and getting to know and get along with your partner. These were hardly superstars of any kind from this initial episode and I will NOT be back tonight. I will catch "The Bachelor," "Gossip Girl," and "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" instead. A much more enlightening line-up in any case. I wanted to love this show like I love to watch beautiful dancing but the ribbon girl? the double-jointed popper? the South African tribesman? The solo? Tango dancer? WTF!

Dave Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:45 PM EST

I really wanted to like this. But I didn't. I agree with what's already been said, how can you compare dancing, karate demos & gymnastic demos? If they want to have a show & demonstrate all this with no scoring fine, but don't put it all together & call it dance.

yaaaawwwwn Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:37 PM EST

What an awful, awful show. The Russians did a duet that would have been a mediocre performance on any episode of "So You Think You Can Dance" and everyone gushed over it. And that was typical of the whole show. The only thing I got out of last night's show was that I now know how to say "eight" in Chinese.

Ruthie Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:14 PM EST

This program was awful - a complete waste of 15-20 minutes of my time (as long as I could stand to watch it!!) Actually, I really couldn't stand to watch it THAT long!!

bleh Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:07 PM EST

I don't really agree that dancing competitons have anything to do with world conflict...we fight over much stupider things than that. No, the problem with this show was not its educational merit, but the fact that you cannot effectively compare such diverse styles of dance without some kind of system. How in the world are we supposed to know if the South African judge knows anything about chinese dance, or indian dance or anything like that and how do you compare something like popping to ribbon dancing? It was ludicrous and very disappointing. They should have just left out competition and showcased diverse kinds of dance so people could watch and enjoy and learn something. Instead, it became petty and superfluous with the judging. If you are going to watch this show, I recommend recording it first so you can fast forward through the inane hosting and useless judging and just watch the marvelous dancing that these people can perform.

Mary Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:50 PM EST

After reading these comments, it is no wonder that there is so much conflict and war in this world. First of all, look in any decent dictionary and the accepted definition of "dance" is "a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music" or "to move or seem to move up and down or about in a quick or lively manner". By these definitions, all the performances, including the popping and the Shaolin monks, were certainly dance. Funny how so many people who have posted are narrow-minded and seem to think that only Irish "Riverdancing" and the tango are dance.

Too many of you seem to be missing the point of this show, which is to educate us about different world cultures and open our eyes to new ways of doing things; in this case, dance. After all, cultural understanding is the key to harmony and peace in the world.