Live to Dance, January 4, Part 1: Show Me Something I've Never Seen Before

We begin our newest dance show – and Paula Abdul’s return to the world of TV reality show competitions – with auditions, of course! This debut episode is begins in Los Angeles and then moves to New York. In this Part 1 of the recap, we’ll look at those in L.A. First our host, Andrew Gunsberg, is commonly known as Andrew G. He is of course the prerequisite Brit… or at least the prerequisite British accent. He claims dual nationality, British and Australian. He is best known as the host of the reality series Australian Idol and in 2004 was named “Bachelor of the Year” by Cleo magazine.

Moving to our experts, Travis Payne is an American choreographer, director, and producer. He is best known for working with Michael Jackson, choreographing This Is It. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the “MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography.”

Kimberly Wyatt is an American singer – songwriter, choreographer, model, actress, and dancer. She is best known as a former member of “The Pussycat Dolls.” She began dancing at age seven and earned a scholarship to New York’s “Joffrey Ballet.”

Paula Abdul is an American icon. She does it all, singing, dancing, choreography, record producer, songwriter, actress and television personality, and even cheerleader for the L.A. Lakers. We all know her from American Idol and that show will never be as good without her. We’re glad to have you back, Paula.

The search for the best dancer or dance troop in America begins in Los Angeles. Our host, Andrew G., tells us the dancers have “one dance, one chance.” Special Domes, which look like skating rinks from the outside, have been constructed, both in L.A. and New York, to host the auditions.

The contestants are lined up for what seems like miles. Luckily we don’t have to endure all of the acts. It appears that they somehow whittled the contestants down prior to the show.

We have the intro for the Experts: Kimberly has a lot of advice to give and is not afraid to give it, and Travis is looking for star quality, skill, and perfection.

Then Paula arrives and the crowd goes wild. Paula is looking for unique ability, someone to break the barriers, and the ultimate best new dance act in America.

Andrew G. explains the system. Each Expert has two buttons, a gold and a red. Without conferring with each other, they choose a button after each act and those scores show up as gold or red stars. If the act gets at least two gold stars, they move on to the “Short List.” Two or more red and they’re out of the competition. There is also a chance for an expert to change their mind, if Paula begs or the audience chants loud enough, “change your vote.”

Here we go! First up is Jaylen.

Jaylen – Seattle, Washington

Jaylen is a nine-year-old b-boy and has been dancing for four and a half years – half his life, as Andrew G. reminds us. He never has taken formal dance lessons. He says he learned by watching movies. A very sweet moment ensues when the father tears up and tells us how proud he is of his son. Jaylen is adorable and a pretty good break dancer. Paula thinks he’s amazing, a white light to this show. She wants to squeeze his face. Kimberly says he has mad skills. Travis tells him not to use the same tricks next time. Andrew G. welcomes him to “The Short List.”

Three gold stars.

One Night in Havana – Las Vegas, Nevada

This group is sort of a tribal troop that isn’t very together. Travis says they have energy but no cleanliness. Kimberly says they didn’t nail it. Paula asks if they rehearsed enough and they admit they didn’t. Paula says, “God bless you for being honest.”

Three red stars.

Dak Eubanks – Los Angeles, California

We really didn’t get to see him dance; he must have been pretty bad. It appears to be a contemporary number. Kimberly tells him the choreography didn’t show his ability enough.

Three red stars.

The Academy – West Covina, California

This is a dance troop that we don’t see dance except for a second. Travis feels they weren’t strong enough. Kimberly gives the lone gold star.

Two red stars – one gold star.

Bev & Hap – Los Angeles, California

Andrew G. interviews them back stage. This is our cue to watch, something special or weird is going to happen. In this case, it is indeed special. Bev is 83 years old and Hap is a young 68. They have been dancing together for 20 years; it keeps them young, they claim. They are so cute! Bev tells us she warms up each morning with cartwheels and 20 push-ups. I hope I look that good at her age.

They start out dancing a two-step to “Moon River,” which disappoints the Experts and the audience; we think it’s going to be a snore fest. Then the music changes to “Get Up Off of That Thing” and the crowd cheers! The Experts cheer! Andrew G. cheers! I cheer! They start doing hip hop, break dancing, with a little moon walk thrown in. It’s great. They get a standing ovation from all.

Bev drops and gives us some push-ups. Paula gushes: “Bev, you are one hot mamma. You exemplify what dance is like, what it does to your spirit, what it does to your mind, what it does to your body, what it does to the entire world.” Finally the Paula we all know and love. Travis asks Bev how she stays so young and she says she does stretches, with her leg on the sink while doing dishes. I need to try that.

Three gold stars.

Jill & Jacob – Los Angeles, California

They’re a couple of teenagers with a confusing relationship. They say they’ve never dated, Jacob wants to, but Jill says their relationship is dance. They do a contemporary routine that starts slow, leaving the Experts looking bored. They perk up, though, when the teens do some complicated lifts and flips. Kimberly tells Jill she’s special, she really told the story. Travis loves them to death. Paula say the hair on her arms was standing up.

Three gold stars.

Du-Shaunt Stegall – Las Vegas, Nevada

He drove to California from Las Vegas with his parents. He has his driver’s learning permit, so I’m going to guess he’s about 15 years old. His father said if he gets three gold stars, he can drive home. Du-Shaunt does a break dance and a very good moon walk. Paula says he’s a bright ray of sunshine. Guess who’s driving home, Dad?

Three gold stars.

Tap Sounds Underground – Los Angeles, California

This is a student and teacher pair. They are, as you might guess, tap dancers. Got to have tap dancers.

Three gold stars.

Supatrix – Los Angeles, California

Six very acrobatic young men, with a little kung-fu thrown in, take the stage. Paula says, “Your tricks are amazing.”

Three gold stars.

Dance in Flight – Valley Village, California

This is a ballroom couple. They do some amazing lifts and spins. Paula says they are gifted from above. Kimberly likes their synergy.

Three gold stars.