If you think today's music and dance shows are the pinnacle of entertainment, think again. "The New Dance Show" was the real deal, starting back in Detroit in 1988 and running until 1996. This local television dance party, airing on WGPR-TV62, showcased local dance talent, great music, and got everyone moving. This wasn't just a local phenomenon; it was a cultural touchstone. Hosted by R.J. Watkins, this show captured the hearts and dancing shoes of thousands, proving that dance brought communities together long before the social media era. Not to mention, it was a time when people showed some actual skill on the dance floor, unlike the button-mashing nature of today's so-called "dance battles."
Detroit's Hidden Gem: While the rest of America might have tuned into MTV and the like, Detroit had its own cultural explosion with "The New Dance Show." Operating out of a station that didn't exactly have national reach partially explains why it was such a hidden treasure. But those in the know knew they were part of something special, experiencing music and choreography in a way that stood apart from mainstream programming.
The Real Energy: Unlike today’s overly rehearsed, overly produced performances that require a team of choreographers and a graphics team, "The New Dance Show" thrived on raw, unfiltered energy. That’s right—what you saw was what you got, and that was the beauty of it. People showed up in their finest, ready to let loose and flaunt their style. There was no hiding behind filters or pre-recorded routines.
The Music: The soundtrack featured the pulse of the 80s and early 90s—electro, funk, and the progenitors of hip hop. Nowadays, when you can barely differentiate one pop song from another without Shazam, it's refreshing to look back at a time when music had distinct personalities. The beats were fresh, and people connected to them on the dance floor without trying to gain Instagram followers.
Style for Days: Here was a show that wasn’t afraid of showcasing colors, flair, and, sometimes, some fashion experiments. From leather jackets to vibrant neon outfits, each episode was a visual treat. Back when fashion didn't have to pass through the cultural approval of sanctimonious social media guardians, people wore what they wanted and dared to stand out.
R.J. Watkins: The host with the most. Watkins wasn't imposed by a network looking for the "right look" or "diverse experience" to appeal to desk-sitting marketing execs. He was authentic, and viewers loved him for it. Watkins genuinely cared about the music, the dancers, and the show. He was a local man bringing local talent to the screens.
Real Talent Over Scripted Drama: "The New Dance Show" emphasized talent and passion. These were not people looking to become celebrities by making a scene. They wanted to showcase their skills, and that’s precisely what they did. Unlike today's reality show competitions which spend half the time showing the teary backstories of contestants for dramatic flair, this was about the dance.
Community Vibes: Let’s admit, it often seems that today’s pop culture emphasizes division rather than unity. However, "The New Dance Show" was a community affair. Make no mistake about it—it was the epitome of how dance brought together people from different backgrounds, transcending their differences to celebrate the rhythm of life through dance.
Unfiltered and Fun: By today’s standards, with its flashy graphics and high-definition everything, "The New Dance Show" might look unpolished. But therein lay its charm. Real, unfiltered fun instead of a mass-produced spectacle that we've come to expect with reality TV and professional dance shows. The focus was on living a great moment, rather than outsourcing it for future self-promotion.
Memory Lane: If you lived through the era that "The New Dance Show" encapsulates, the nostalgia is palpable. It's a reality check against today's overproduced versions of reality. A time when authenticity wasn’t a concept but a reality in the entertainment world.
The Legacy: What's left of "The New Dance Show" is a testament to an era when dance was for everyone and not just for 'professionals' aiming for a viral trend. It reminds us of the power of a truly democratic platform that appreciates art in its rawest form. A blast from the past that is likely not coming back but lives on as fond memories in the hearts of its viewers.
This reality of "The New Dance Show" is not merely an alternative to today's options but a mirror held to culture that once celebrated individualism without the wrangling of today’s liberal media complex over every aspect of entertainment. What many of us wish for is a culture that cherishes similar expressions today, one that allows raw talent to flourish without being smothered by online critics or corporate interests.