The Sauce

"The Sauce" is an innovative and engaging series that originally aired on Quibi in 2020. It merges elements of dance, artistry, and culture into a thrilling creative competition that has a unique appeal. Produced by the award-winning media company, The Cinemart, and hosted in collaboration with Usher and his creative director and renowned choreographer, Aakomon Jones, the show brings a fresh perspective to the world of dance and competition television.

The premise of the show follows Usher as he embarks on a tour across the country to find the most innovative and proficient dancers in America. Set against the backdrop of various iconic landscapes and cities, the tour incorporates the rich diversity and spirit of the American dance scene. In this respect, "The Sauce" is as much a celebration of American dance culture as it is a competition.

To keep the competition exciting and unpredictable, "The Sauce" covers all genres of dance, from hip hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary to even folk and more traditional dance forms. Each episode, different dance couples or duos showcase their distinct style and traditions, infusing their personality and passion in their performances. This remarkable exploration of the dance spectrum helps to turn “The Sauce” into a show that transcends mere competition to become a celebration of the rich tapestry of American dance.

As part of the unique contest format, each dance duo takes part in two rounds of dance-offs – the first round being a pre-choreographed routine, while the second round demands participants to freestyle, offering a platform to demonstrate their spontaneity and improvisation skills. The scoring system is three-tiered, focusing on technical ability, transition, and performance creativity. Usher and Jones evaluate the duos, and the pair with the highest cumulative score moves on to the next stage, culminating in the ultimate dance-off in the finale.

“The Sauce” stands out amongst other dance competitions for its distinctive approach towards judging. The scoring basis may be technical prowess, innovation, and storytelling, but as Usher and Jones emphasize throughout the show, the essence of the contest lies in the originality, authenticity, and the individual’s inherent passion for dance. It's about bringing the 'sauce,' their unique flavor to their performance. Hence, the show champions the notion that technical precision isn't the only factor in considering a dancer's ability- it's as much about the 'soul' they bring to their dance.

The dynamic chemistry between Usher and Aakomon Jones as hosts adds to the show's magnetic appeal. Usher, an acclaimed singer, songwriter and dancer, brings his extensive industry experience to the competition, providing insightful and empathetic feedback to the contestants. Aakomon Jones, apart from being Usher's creative director, also brings a wealth of knowledge as a renowned choreographer that complements Usher's perspective. Their good-natured rapport and passion for dance become very much a part of the fabric of the show.

"The Sauce" features brilliant producible concept, with the filmmakers excellently employing aerial shots, slow-motion effects, and vivid close-ups to enhance the performances aesthetically. The incorporation of these techniques underscores the dramatic and dynamic aspects of the dance performances, adding depth and nuance to the show.

Overall, "The Sauce" serves as an entertaining and absorbing journey into the world of dance, offering an inspiring glimpse into the wide array of talent and creativity inherent within the American dance spectrum. Its character lies in the heart and passion the competitors bring, and it showcases the beauty, the diversity, and the sheer joy that dance encapsulates, making it a viewers’ favorite and a one-of-a-kind competition in the dance genre.