Dance Cam Slam

Dance Cam Slam is a reality competition television series that was premiered on VH1 in October 2010. Conceptually touted as an interactive, innovative, and entertaining piece of programming, the show's main goal was to find the best dance sensation in America through the unique approach of online web cam submissions. Produced by 495 Productions, this compelling dance fusion of reality and digital media was aimed at providing talented dancers across the country with the opportunity to showcase their abilities and compete for cash and recognition.

The show is distinct for its unique concept that was born in the age of the Internet and user-generated content revolution. At a time when amateur YouTube dancers and dance videos were all the rage, Dance Cam Slam capitalized on this trend by allowing the contestants to submit and broadcast their performances from the comfort of their own homes, via webcams.

VH1's Dance Cam Slam was renowned for its all-inclusive nature. Rather than limiting its focus to professional dancers only, the show invited individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of their dancing abilities, to participate and exhibit their passion for dance in a truly democratic fashion. This gave the show an edge as it presented an open platform for the common man, where raw talent could shine and earn recognition, no matter where in America it might be located.

The series was hosted by Ben Gleib, a stand-up comedian, who added his quirky sense of humor and charm to the show, lifting its energy levels up and keeping the audience engaged. His commentary and interaction with contestants brought an element of light-hearted comedy and personality to the series.

The competition consisted of two rounds, with seven sets of dancers competing in the first round and the top two moving to the final round for a chance to win the $5,000 prize. The unique aspect of the competition was that the viewers themselves served as the virtual judges, deciding the fate of the contestants through their votes.

The show employed a panel of celebrity commentators Majid 'Chi Chi' Ra'id, Tiana Brown, and Steffinnie Phrommany, who would provide zesty and insightful assessments, reviews and critiques about the contestants' dances. Their role was not just to pass judgement on the contestants’ performances, but also to provide their expertise and advice, guiding and assisting the participants to enhance their performances. However, the final decision as to the winning performances was handed over to the viewing audience.

A fascinating feature of Dance Cam Slam was its inclusion of dance troupes who performed during each episode. These troupes were used to showcase a particular style or genre of dance. Not only did these segments provide the home audience with professional-grade entertainment, but they also served an educational purpose, broadening the viewers' understanding and appreciation of the diversity and potential of dance.

The Dance Cam Slam's atmosphere was one of camaraderie and celebration of dance, rather than the cut-throat competitiveness so often seen in reality TV competitions. This made the show endearing and connected it directly with the audience at home, creating a feeling of a broad community across the country joining together in a shared love of dancing.

Despite lasting for just a single, 8-episode season, Dance Cam Slam created a precedent of engaging viewer-participation-based television show concepts, making it a game-changer in the world of reality TV. By integrating elements of reality television, social media-driven interactivity, and the widespread love for dance, it provided a unique and inclusive platform for dance enthusiasts across the United States.

In conclusion, Dance Cam Slam was a fresh take on the dance competition genre, embracing technological innovations to bring out everyday talent into the spotlight. By allowing audiences to participate as judges, it added an engaging interactive element to viewers’ experiences. For the brief time it graced the small screen, the show managed to capture the hearts of dance enthusiasts and reality show fans alike, leaving a mark on the genre of reality dance competition shows.