By Lisa DiCarlucci
Just when it seemed that Bravo made a reality show with every possible theme, “Step It Up and Dance” was born. Clearly the Bravo executives came to their senses and jumped on the competitive dance show bandwagon with the likes of “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Best Dance Crew.” After all, Americans are obsessed with these shows because they love to live vicariously through the limber, graceful hopefuls.
Elizabeth Berkley (“Showgirls,” “Saved by the Bell”) fame hosts “Step it up and Dance.” Clearly her Adderol- induced “I’m so excited” stint has qualified her for this position. Jerry Mitchell, celebrated Broadway choreographer, will serve as the mentor to the 12 contestants. Think Tim Gunn in tights.
The 12 contestants will compete for $100,000 and the chance to perform with “some of the biggest names in dance.” They will compete in challenges based on all different genres of dance, from ballet to burlesque, to see who has what it takes to be the next great dancer.
When Berkley and Mitchell meet the dancers in the first episode, it is clear that there is quite the cast of characters on hand.
Perhaps the one who makes the biggest impression is Miguel, who is obviously the love child of Santino Rice from “Project Runway,” season two and Adam Sandler’s Boy George, wannabe-bandmate from “The Wedding Singer.” When speaking of the possibility of him getting kicked off the show he confidently explains, “It’s like telling da Vinci, ‘I’m sorry. You’re not a good painter, you got to go.'” He quickly finds an equally flamboyant and confident friend in James, and they dub themselves the “mean girls” of the house.
The rest of the notable male competitors consist of Oscar, the European who likes to take his shirt off inappropriately, and Nick, who figured out at a young age that dance was “a great way to meet girls” and really wants us to know he’s straight.
The girls offer a wide variety of personalities and most of them seem fairly enjoyable. Nicole the go-go dancer (“not stripper!”) is forced to leave the competition early because she hurts her leg dry-humping Oscar during the first challenge at the nightclub. What a way to go.
Their first main stage challenge was learning choreography to “Spice Up Your Life,” and Melanie Brown, better known as Scary Spice, was the guest judge.
While the premise seemed a little immature for a first challenge, it played on the fact that everyone loves a good Spice Girls song.
Most of the dancers proved themselves worthy too, with the exception of Jessica, the amateur who ran off stage in the middle of her team’s routine because she went blank and didn’t want to mess them up. She’s lucky she had immunity or she would have been on the next flight home.
Adriana (“totally on the high school cheerleading squad”) is rightfully sent home. In that dramatic Bravo fashion, Elizabeth Berkley tells her “The show is over. It’s time for your last dance.” Then we watch her dancing alone in a dim studio. How magical.
“Step It Up and Dance” is a little quirky but holds animpressive amount of talent. In all honesty though, isn’t everyone just excited to have a new Bravo re-run marathon to watch on Sunday afternoon?