By RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com, originally filed August 2, 2011
Do we have enough dance shows? That's like saying we have enough cake shows. Or shows about antiques. Or design makeover shows. Who ever says enough is enough?
BET's latest offering "Born to Dance" is like many a reality competition program. In this case, female dancers vie to become the winner of $50,000.
But there's a lot less formality here than most other shows. There is no panel of judges. There are no fancy departure catchphrases. The host and judge is choreographer and creative director Laurieann Gibson , best known for her E! reality show "Dance Scene" and choreographing all of Lady Gaga's videos.
She puts them through the paces of different dance styles in episode two. In the third episode, they learn moves as if they're in a music video. Gibson is occasionally tough on the girls but not nearly as much as she is with the pro dancers on her E! show.
"I don't put the beatdown on them," she said. "This show is about how to transition dancers and help them become professional. These girls all have natural gifts. This is artist development."
Better yet, she said she hired the top four dancers and "are now part of my family."
This is the first competitive reality program on a major network I've ever seen taped in Atlanta. The women live at a massive loft at Southern Mills off I-20 and Northside Drive. They rehearse not too far away at Dance 411 studios.
The first episode sifts dancers down to 20. With only eight episodes, they get trimmed down quickly. There is one woman from Atlanta who goes by the nickname "Jelly." She's the oldest and weightiest of the crew but can still dance.
During the second episode, Gibson plans to come over to Southern Mills for dinner. The ladies set up the tables and await her arrival. But she doesn't show up. After 90 minutes, one of the girls grabs a salad. Others join in on the meal. By the time Gibson arrives, all the ladies have eaten something - except for one principled woman.
Gibson is mildly upset but then again, she was two hours late. In an interview, she said she had been prepping for the Lady Gaga "Judas" video and that put her behind schedule.
She has worked with a lot of artists over the years. "It's not always about talent," she noted. "It's about when they get a No. 1 record or movie, do they still show humility and gratitude or do they become something else?" Lady Gaga has remained humble, she said. "She's so good and so loyal," Gibson said.
Gibson enjoyed her time at Dance 411, calling it "a beautiful environment." And Atlanta provided her comfort. "There was so much soulfulness. The music community has been groundbreaking. People are friendly and nice. I was able to focus on what's important. It was the perfect backdrop."
Her favorite eatery while here: JR Crickets.
On TV
"Born to Dance," BET, Tuesdays at 10 p.m., debuting August 2, 2011
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By Rodney Ho, rho@ajc.com, AJCRadioTV blog
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