You’ve Got To Dance with Sky

TVGuide.co.uk gained exclusive backstage access to the filming of Sky1’s new dance contest, Got To Dance (previously named Just Dance). The auditions have just finished, selecting the top 18 acts that get a chance to win the £100,000 prize in the New Year. So is the show any good and should we be tuning in?

As we took our seats inside a studio domey-thing, my first thought was that the stage is much smaller than you would expect! Hosted by Davina McCall, the panel of judges joining her on the show comprise Kimberly Wyatt from The Pussycat Dolls, Ashley Banjo from Diversity (this year’s Britain’s Got Talent winners) and Adam Garcia - star of stage and films like Coyote Ugly.

Being an inherently cynical individual (I wish I could say I had a difficult childhood but alas it’s just me), I fully expected this show to be a cheaper, less impressive version of So You Think You Can Dance? The latter is coming to the BBC around the same time, and I naturally assumed Got To Dance was an attempt to recreate the same show on a different channel. Having seen the US version of SYTYCD and now a glimpse of what’s to come with GTD, I have to admit my cynicism was misplaced! This is a different kettle of fish altogether.

The dance acts that apply for the show can be both individuals and groups. They can also dance in any genre – from hip-hop to classical Indian. This already creates a unique vibe. One group break-danced to Riverdance – pure genius! Another group had won this year’s G-Force Street Dance Weekend Competition, which Diversity won in 2007. They were excellent – although some moves were clearly pinched from US dance crews! It soon became apparent that not only is the standard for this programme high but the entertainment value is also cranked up to 110%. Not to mention the drama; one guy suffered an asthma attack after his performance and had to get medical attention.

I was also impressed with the judging. Adam and Ashley were fair but kind and made sure they gave positive feedback even if the act didn’t get through. However, I was most impressed with Kimberly. She’s clearly more than just a backing dancer in a pop group! It’s obvious she understands the technicalities of dance. She knows what makes a gifted dancer and what makes an engaging routine. Out of the nine acts I saw, only three went through. The judges were harsh, but only because they were looking to maintain a high level of creativity and raw talent. No gimmicks or pantomime on this show! (Ahem, Jed…ahem…ward…)

I predict Got To Dance will be massively addictive viewing in 2010. It provides a much-needed platform to showcase British talent in both individual and group scenarios. And there’s definitely room for two dance shows on our screens considering they’re so vastly different. It’s just a shame you need a Sky subscription to watch this one!