For those unfamiliar with this series, THIS is the dance show that you should be watching. To be fair, I watch those other shows as well... but as supplementary viewing material. This show not only has the awesome hip hop moves that you might see on America's Best Dance Crew or the elegant ballroom dances that you might see on Dancing With the Stars, it has more. There's pretty much every style of dance that you can imagine on display. From tap to Broadway to krump to Bollywood to ballroom to jazz to contemporary. It hits all the marks.

Tonight will kick off the audition rounds, where contestants of all shapes, sizes and dance backgrounds will audition. It is the same mixed bag as you see on Idol. Talented or atrocious. No middle ground. Some will be given a ticket to the next round, others will be put through the paces of learning some choreography. This often weeds out the b-boys or contemporary girls who can only do steps in their specialty. Cat Deeley is the host and she'll charm the pants off you. I don't know how to describe her aside from saying that I often want to hug her, she's got an insane fashion sense, she's really tall, has a charming British accent and I'd like to be her friend. The permanent judges are Nigel Lythgoe, who used to be a behind-the-scenes guy on Idol, and Mary Murphy. For the uninitiated, you might need to cover your ears when Mary looks excited. She's got an ear-piercing scream. The third seat is a rotating spot for different choreographers who work with the contestants over the course of the season. Nigel twittered the other day that Wade Robson (my fave!) will be back this season, not sure as judge or just instructor, but I'll take it either way.

Anyway, that's the show. there's probably other stuff on, but you might want to give this show a try. Really. It's a good time. And Mary's scream will grow on you... eventually.