One show that has been (strangely) flying under my radar is Paula Abdul's new dance competition, Live to Dance. I say "strangely" because I usually eat and breathe everything dance related. You can't tear me away from Dancing with the Stars, and I would scratch your eyes out to watch So You Think You Can Dance. And, in fact, Live to Dance was one of my most-anticipated shows of the season (right behind Off the Map, which lived up to every expectation)...but, after the first episode, I just kinda lost interest. It's not that the show is bad. Its three judges (headlined by Abdul, of course) are likable and very knowledgeable, its production values are stellar, and most of the talent is off the chain. I think my problem with it is the same problem I have with America's Got Talent: I just don't see its necessity. So You Think You Can Dance is, in my opinion, the perfect dance show. It has a great host, great judges, great new talent, and great alums who return to the show for one reason or another (either as choreographers, guest judges, or the new "all-stars"). Plus, its summer timeslot is completely uncrowded, so I have plenty of time to watch it. Live to Dance doesn't feel inspired when compared to that show (or, for that matter, America's Best Dance Crew), because it isn't working with a fresh concept. On top of that, in a season of television crowded (for me, at least) with Off the Map, American Idol, Hot in Cleveland, The Bachelor, and more, it's been hard for me to remember Live to Dance.
