American Idol knocked down the door, and now the rest of the country is charging though. Reality show contests are taking over at a breathless clip, some of them tired (Fame), some of them just terrible (America’s Next Top Model). But Wreck Da Floor is a different, and more exciting, sort of beast. It’s dancing, and this time the winner isn’t merely an idol or a model but King or Queen of the Dance Floor. The winner must survive a freestyle dance competition–no prepared routines, just talent and the skills to dance to everything from hip hop to dancehall and techno. The regal victor gets $500 cash, a shopping spree and even a shot at appearing in a music video. Wreck Da Floor is currently searching for 16 contestants to compete on the show’s first-ever installment, taping live from July 31 to Aug. 2 at Raleigh’s Club Fahrenheit. Here’s where it gets interesting: Auditions are being held Tuesday, July 8, from 5-8 p.m. at Raleigh’s Sheraton Capital Center Hotel, and Wednesday, July 9, at the same time at Chapel Hill’s Sheraton Hotel. Sorry kids, but all footloose wannabes must be 18 or older, and have two valid forms of ID to audition. For more information, call (800) 783-3088. –Brian Millikin
