Hit the dance floor

On International Dance Day, we take stock of the most popular dance reality shows on TV and find out what makes them work

Reality shows are always in need of some kind of staple, whether it is music, comedy, adventure – or plain gossip. Dance, however remains a particular favourite among audiences. Every channel airs their own version that constitutes popular participants, an even more popular jury combined with brickbats and controversies. Today being International Dance Day, and with two new shows joining the bandwagon (Zee’s Dance India Dance Super Moms and Star Plus’ India's Dancing Superstar), we try and find out what the fuss is all about.

Why are they popular?
From Boogie Woogie, which was one of the first shows that popularised dance on TV to today’s much acclaimed Nach Baliye and Dance India Dance, these shows have come a long way. A choreographer turned filmmaker and also one of the most popular judges on TV today, Farah Khan feels dance reality shows are a great platform for newcomers to showcase their talent. “Dance shows are always about the contestants, they are the people who make or break the show. They get recognition in their cities and make careers even if they don’t win.”

Choreographers in the limelight
Choreographers like Remo D’Souza, Terence Lewis, Vaibhavi Merchant, Marzi Pestonji who feature on many of these shows frequently, have become household names now. Geeta Kapoor was part of the jury panel for Dance India Dance (DID) Season 1 to 3, DID Doubles, DID Superstars and DID Li'l Masters Season 1. She feels being a judge on all those shows shot her to fame. “Even the greatest choreographer is invisible to the public eye. But being part of reality TV gives you your due.”

Win-win situation
Dance shows not only end up garnering high TRPs, but also translate into successful careers for the contestants and jury alike. Remo film ABCD: Anybody Can Dance is an important example in this case. The film has given the choreographer instant popularity and has also launched the careers of former contestants and choreographers from various telly dance shows. With everyone making the best of the opportunities these shows provide, it’s not surprising they are an all-time favourite.