After nine long years, the beloved dance show "You Can Dance - Po prostu tańcz!" has made its return to Polish television on TVN. The excitement surrounding the show has been palpable, with its premiere on February 26 attracting both avid fans of the original series and newcomers curious to see what changes have been made to the format.
"You Can Dance" has been heralded as one of Poland’s iconic television programs, credited with discovering numerous dance talents over the years. This new season, creatively promoted as one of the biggest hits of the spring lineup, promises to fulfill the dreams of aspiring dancers who wish to showcase their skills. The show not only offers participants the chance to win 200,000 PLN but also opportunities to collaborate with major stars of the entertainment industry. With such enticing prizes, it’s no wonder the casting calls received hundreds of talented dancers from various age groups and backgrounds.
Initial episodes of the revamped series focus on casting trials, during which dancers of different styles—including hip-hop, ballroom, breakdance, and even oriental dance—will perform before the newly appointed jury. This season’s judges include artists Mery Spolsky, Ryfa Ri, Bartosz Porczyk, and Michał Danilczuk, all known figures within their respective performance arts circles.
Despite the excitement about the show's return, opinions among the audience have been sharply divided since the airing of the first episode. Viewers took to social media, particularly on the program's official Facebook page, to express their thoughts. Some comments have called for changes to the jury lineup, missing veteran judge Michał Piróg, who was unable to return to this season. Many viewers voiced their dissatisfaction, stating, "The jury is not convincing me," and "It's time for new judges!" These sentiments reflect nostalgia for the previous panel's makeup and the icon status of past judges.
On the other hand, numerous fans responded positively, expressing excitement about the show’s return. Comments such as, "I watch the show from the beginning; it's such a great episode, and I will continue to watch!" highlight the enthusiasm surrounding the program's comeback. Such feedback suggests not all hope is lost for TVN and its daring new format.
Throughout the casting processes, the emotional stories of the participants have been at the forefront. The show captures their journeys, not just the dance performances but the personal stakes behind them. For example, there’s Janek, who appeared with his girlfriend, Ida, during the auditions. Although Idr failed to secure her place due to previous issues at precasting, Maciej Dowbor, the show’s host, pushed for her chance to shine. He insisted the judges evaluate her performance alongside her partner's—an offer warmly received by the jury.
During auditions, the couple impressed judges with their unique routines, each highlighting different storytelling through dance. After they both performed to the same song, the jury's feedback was overwhelmingly positive, especially for Ida’s improvised piece. Judge Michał Danilczuk expressed how her dance moved him—something he explained rarely happens. This type of emotional engagement showcases how the show is striving for more than mere performance; it aims to connect with viewers on a personal level.
The production has also aimed to market the show as not only entertaining but as transformational for its participants. Each dancer brings something unique to the stage, and their diverse backgrounds and dance styles enrich the show's narrative. It’s not just about winning; it’s about sharing their passion and artistry with millions.
Yet, as the charming dance moments collide with criticisms over jury selections, the show's future remains uncertain. Can the new iteration of "You Can Dance" attract enough viewers to secure its longevity? The key lies not only with the contestants but also how well they connect with audiences and adapt to the criticisms they’ve received. The diverse styles and the pursuit of personal stories could see them triumph where other formats may have fell short.
Despite the backlash concerning the jury lineup, there is optimism within the TVN camp. Showrunners are banking on the growing excitement as casting rounds continue, and once live shows commence, the energy is expected to reach new heights. It is this sentiment of progress and creativity—from the judges to the contestants—that will dictate the show’s success moving forward.
Each Wednesday night, viewers can tune back to witness everything from cunning choreography to emotional breakthroughs as "You Can Dance - Po prostu tańcz!" embarks on its quest to discover Poland's next dance sensation. Will this revamped edition succeed where previous iterations have set foundations? Only time, and viewer response, will tell.