Superstars of Heap

I first heard about, NBC's new series Superstars of Dance last Sunday about 5 minutes before it started, which is odd because I generally have my ear to the ground in search of new dance shows. This one looked interesting being produced by So, You Think You Can Dance boss Nigel Lythgoe and hosted by Michael "Lord of the Dance" Flatley and featuring dance singles, pairs and groups from eight countries pitted against each other in a competition described as "equal parts sporting event, rock concert and artistic exhibition, poised to become one the greatest spectacles of dance performance ever seen on television." That’s a mighty claim if there ever was a mighty claim.

Participating countries included: Argentina, Australia, China, Ireland, India, Russia, South Africa, and the USA. The plan, from what I gather, was that each country would demonstrate three dances and be judged figure-skating style out of ten by a panel made up of a rep from each country. I found the format a little clumsy and convoluted (kinda like figure skating!), the judging was arbitrary (just like figure skating!) and overall it was a steaming heap.

If nothing else I was hoping Michael Flately would demonstrate some shirtless jig or at least stumble onto the stage and sloppily kiss the lady dancers while slurring “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” but in fact, they seemed to only shoot him alone, seated and from the neck up – likely because he was drunk and shirtless…