Soon on the box with a beat that's infectiously entertaining, inventive, and surprisingly well-done is e.tv's new reality show Step Up Or Step Out that filmed the second leg of its nationwide audition process for dance groups in Cape Town yesterday.
The remarkable new TV production by Endemol SA that will start on Sunday 8 May at 18:05 on e.tv sees dance groups show up to dance in any range of dance routine with any music (oh how we all love the king of pop Michael Jackson) in front of 3 judges who tell them to either ''step up'' and go through to the next round, or ''step out'' and go home.
Even in this early stages, Step Up Or Step Out is clearly a TV show where all the parts work to make highly entertaining television - a scarcity in local South African television. Several things about Step Up Or Step Out are surprising, and all in a good way.
First off, dance crews actually do show up. And enough of them to make what will now clearly be a highly entertaining TV show. Who knew there really are so many amateur dance groups who practice and do moves and dance routines? They also dress up. Often with a bit of flair for the dramatic, like one group with Michael Jackson white gloves on the one hand. They also drive very far for the opportunity to be a part of the show (up to 3 hours!).
And then the Step Up Or Step Out judges are a perfect fit.
At the Cape Town auditions yesterday groups from all over the Mother City pitched up early, with some like Blade Squad who drove for 3 hours from Robertson (did they make it through? You'll have to watch.)
With names like Enigma, Beat-Root, Flava, Style Destroyers, Last Crew, C Bicks, KCD and even NDC (it stands for Nameless Dance Crew!) groups failed or got put through as they performed in a wide range of dance styles ranging from theatrical pop to freestyle and some amazingly intricate routines. Have you've ever seen a dance routine where someone pours a can of Coca-Cola into a glass? Viewers will in Step Up Or Step Out.
The judges watching the spectacle had praise and scorn. ''I like that there's at least a woman in the group,'' said Arthur Mafokate, who is clearly going to be the hardest to impress. ''This is not a joke,'' he remarked sternly to another group who - despite all their hop, skip and jumpiness in their dance routine - didn't make it. ''Take it seriously,'' he admonished. He did however stand up and give one group a bow so impressed he was with them.
Emile Jansen would often remark about group dynamics during yesterday's auditions. ''There's energy but you need to work together as a team.'' Penelope Thloloe looked for bright spots in even the most disastrous dance performances. ''There were moments when you came through but I don't feel as if I saw a performance.''
The Durban Step Up or Step Out audition will take place Saturday and Sunday 16 and 17 April at the Durban Natural Science Museum's Research Centre at 151 KE Masinga Road (cnr. Of Wyatt Road). Registration will start at 08:00.
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