With all the build-up over the past couple months about this new dance show, I was pretty excited for it to start. I've watched "So You Can Think You Can Dance" for about 5 seasons now, and it has been an excellently thought-out dance competition show, and very enjoyable, so I figured "World Of Dance" would be a very high-caliber show, with a focus on group competitions.
When I watched the season premiere (this episode being reviewed) I came away very disappointed in the format, delivery, and overall feel of the show. While it had some great dance content, the judging portion of the show fell flat in my estimation. "Lame" was the word that came to mind. The show felt more like a game show or popularity contest than it did a serious dance competition. The subjectivity felt much more keen in this show, which was ironic, given the attempt to use a "grading scale" that should improve objectivity; for some reason it seemed to have the opposite effect. It felt like this show was starting out with the same judging slump that plagued American Idol the last few years of its life. Maybe it's just not a good fit for JLo, and she should focus on the areas where she really shines.
On a more positive note, having Jenna as a host was a good move, and she carried out her role with class and heartwarming empathy.
I enjoy watching dance competitions, so I'll give the next episode a shot, but the show will lose me pretty quickly if it stays on the same trajectory.
