All White from Randfontein
SCREEN AFRICA EXCLUSIVE: Simba Nyamukachi writes….Johannesburg Park Station was abuzz with excitement this past weekend as numerous hopeful dance groups lined up for the first auditions for e.tv’s new reality dance competition, Step Up or Step Out. The show is produced for e.tv by Endemol South Africa.
Though Step Up Or Step Out is similar to the show Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew, Endemol’s latestreality show is unique to South Africa.
“The idea for the competition was inspired by the many urban youth street dance routines in the country. We recognised a gap in this niche market and that’s how Step Up or Step Out began,’ said executive producer Marie Rosholt.
The concept of the competition is to find eight dance crews that will compete for a grand prize and the opportunity to be crowned the ultimate South African street dance crew. The eight crews will be taken into workshops and trained before competing against each other for a chance to stay in the show.
Rosholt noted that the show is open to all urban youth dance styles. “Any dance crew made up of three to five dancers can perform any street dance routine of their choice. This weekend dance crews are showcasing the country’s hottest dance moves such as Break dance, Pantsula and Kwasa Kwasa.’
As a street dance show Step Up or Step Out will adopt a gritty style that reflects modern day South African urban culture.
“This can be seen in our set and will be maintained throughout the auditions, in-studio challenge rounds and the live finale,’ said Nonzi Bogotso the series director. “We are going for a fast-paced, non-static approach to carry through the concept of fast street life.’
Several dance groups turned up for the auditions in Johannesburg. Bogatso found the turnout satisfactory for the purposes of the show’s content. “We were competing with several other auditions and events taking place on the same weekend, such as the Class Act auditions, Idols auditions and several hip hop dance based events,’ she said.
Kwaito artist Arthur Mafokate, hip-hop legend and break dancer Emile Jansen and renowned ballerina Penelope Thloloe were announced as the judges for the show late last week.
Step Up Or Step Out will premiere on Sunday, 8 May at 6pm, with Step Up Or Step Out Flipside, premiering on Tuesday, 10 May at 8.30pm. Both shows will be hosted by actor, presenter and performer Dalen Lance.
