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So You Think You Can Dance

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Flooding television screens with season four of the US So You Think You Can Dance, Network Ten has presumably been saving up this popular reality show in an effort to steal some ratings amidst the Beijing Olympics.

This instalment sees the remaining 10 contestants continue in their quest to become America's favourite dancer and bask in their 15 minutes of fame. The regular judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy are joined by choreographer Lil' C, whose insights even outside of his specialised genres are surprisingly profound.

The episode begins with drama as viewers learn that one of the dancers has injured themselves and is unable to continue, meaning a previously eliminated contestant is brought back. The dancers pull new partners out of a hat and learn they will also be dancing a solo - a mouth-watering prospect for fans.

There something grating about the fact that the American show is fronted by British personalities, host Cat Deeley and head judge Lythgoe (who is also the creator and executive producer). That said, of all the reality shows this one goes closest in transcending the realms of a competition. The judges, choreographers and dancers themselves all have an unquestionable passion for dance. Moreover, the show's simple and consistent format, coupled with its devotion to expose and develop dancers, makes for first-rate viewing.

So You Think You Can Dance airs on Network Ten on Friday, August 22, at 7:30pm.

Brad Gray, August 2008

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