LOOKING FOR 15 MINUTES OF FAME

After Thursday’s initial audition for the show’s producers, 300 dancers were called back Friday and Saturday to strut their stuff in front of four judges: the ballroom specialist Mary Murphy, the husband-and-wife choreographic team Napoleon and Tabitha D’Umo and the show’s executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe.Again and again the judges emphasized technique. They also emphasized appearances and the need to “sell it,” lest hopefuls forget they were auditioning for a television show. Some of the dancers had very little to sell, but then again reality television thrives on awkward moments and dashed hopes.
Still, not all reality shows are equal, as Mr. Lythgoe said during Friday’s lunch break, bemoaning that “disposable celebrities” have replaced true stars.

New York Times
Nov 16 2008