Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough, and Ne-Yo welcome you to the Olympics of dance.
Ladies and gentlemen, today, that light is Jennifer Lopez.
Because what the world needs now is dance, sweet dance.
Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
Lo, bless her heart, wants to bring us the Olympics of dance.
This is not So You Think you’ve got the option to Dance With the Stars.
This is a global competition of the best and brightest dancers.
This isWorld of Dance.
It all sounds very exciting no?
Unfortunately, the premiere doesnt really hold itself up to its own standard.
Its all a bit overly produced and sometimes lacking the emotional connection that makes dance so special.
Dont get me wrong; these people are talented.
At times though, the show is lacking heart.
Maybe its due to the fact that they spend half of the show explaining the rules.
Each act will be scored in five categories: performance, technique, choreography, creativity, and presentation.
Each category is worth a total of 20 points, with the highest possible score being 100.
The act must get an average score of 80 or above to move on to the next round.
See what I mean?
Theres a lot to explain.
That Announcer Voice is really working hard for his money.
Speaking of, why isnt Host and Dance Mentor Jenna Dewan Tatum explaining all of this?
Her job is very unclear to me.
I think its just hugging parents?
They get one million dollars.
Lo will let them hug her.
SO MUCH IS AT STAKE.
It needs to focus on authentic dancing.
Im going to take my own advice and just get to the dancing.
Theyre in their late 20s and early 30s.
BUT THEY ARE STILL DOING IT.
and my jaw drops.
The judges are also impressed.
They should make it into the next round on Amandas leg extensions alone.
They do some amazing things together.
As Ne-Yo points out, theirWorld of Danceroutine has much more emotional depth than their usual work.
Backstage, Jenna says, Wow.
They seem like good dudes, and who doesnt love a good clog once in a while?
Los laying down some harsh truths, you guys.
Like her 2002 film, J.
The married choreographers perform a routine set to C2Cs Happy that looks like it could be straight out ofAmelie.
It is fun and adorable and tells a cute story about love.
This is what I came for, people.
Their passion wins over the judges.
Ne-Yo responds to the energy, Derek to the musicality, and Im happy to report that J.
This was my favorite of the teams this evening.
It wasnt full of tricks or acrobatics its magic relied on complete synchronicity.
Ne-Yo calls out the fact that these guys made movements as small as bending a finger speak volumes.
Diana is just 11 years old, but she has the power to make human adults cry at will.
She is so darn precious.
According to her mother, Dianas been dancing since she was in the womb.
Shes so proud of her brave, tiny daughter.
Its pretty unbelievable to see an 11-year-old so in touch with her emotions.
This key in of routine raw, powerful has been whats missing from the show.
Up until now, its all felt so glossy and staged.
Diana brings the heart.
She also brings the nickname Miss J.
Lo for our fearless judge, which should earn her 20 points off the bat.
Could be useful information… but what do I know?
It should help the audience become more connected with our dancers, and the show in general.
Also, itll give Jenna something more to do than watch a live feed while wearing a pretty dress.
Its really a win-win for everyone involved.
you could emailchat@ew.comwith your feedback and suggestions.
