/> Another dancing reality show that scored big with the fans was “So You Think You Can Dance.” “So You Think You Can Dance” premiered on Fox in July 2005. The show was created by “American Idol” creators Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe and the format is similar except they search for the best amateur dancers. Nigel also serves as a judge on the show as does ballroom champion Mary Murphy. The third judge of the show rotates between such highly acclaimed dance professionals as Debbie Allen, Tyce Diorio, Mia Michaels, Dan Karaty, Napoleon and Tabitha D’Umo, and Mandy Moore. The top 20 dancers are put through physically and emotionally taxing training as they must learn all types of dance, including the waltz, hip hop, contemporary, and salsa. The winner of the show receives a new car, a cash prize, and a role as a dancer in a major show.
One of the newest dancing reality shows is MTV’s “Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for the Next Elle Woods.” This show offers ten hopefuls the chance of a lifetime – to perform as Elle Woods on Broadway in “Legally Blonde The Musical.” The girls must be able to act, sing, and dance as well as embody the true spirit of the Elle Woods character. They are judged by actor Paul Canaan (who performs in “Legally Blonde The Musical” on Broadway), Heather Hach (who wrote the Broadway version of Legally Blonde), and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (who also directs the show), and casting director Bernard Telsey. By the end of the season, one lucky girl will become the leading lady of a popular musical on Broadway.
The dancing reality shows are fun to watch and may even peak viewers interest enough that they learn to dance themselves. However, there are also benefits for the dancers also.