Private (Couch Potato) Dancer ...

[mrdreamjeans]

Let me begin my day with shout-outs to deanosota and qbear! Happy Birthday, gentlemen!

Though my days have been productive, the past two evenings have been less so. Much channel-surfing has ensued via a horizontal position on my comfy couch, surrounded by pillows and my cell phone, with a refreshin' beverage close at hand:)

After shaking my head at yet another reality program announced for the Fall (American Band), I tuned into reality shows. Tuesday evening, I switched back and forth between a repeat of CSI and a show I'd missed called "On the Lot". In "On the Lot" several director candidates compete by making a short film for a period of several weeks, then are voted off one by one. The episode I caught was the finale. I was drawn in as each of the three finalists picked two of their short films for us to see and made a pitch for the public's vote. The winner receives a contract to work with Steven Spielberg at DreamWorks. All six of the shorts were excellent. The finale judges were Carrie Fisher and Garry Marshall which added a camp feel to the proceedings. Like on "So, You Think You Can Dance", the competitors have real, measurable talent.

Tonight is the two-hour finale of the third season of "So, You Think You Can Dance". I don't know how any of the kids stood up to the grueling pace. In last evening's show, each of the finalists had to perform four routines, each a distinct challenge. Two of the choreographers failed to showcase the dancers properly and I would really like to know why the Hip-Hop choreographer Wayne Sparks seems to have such influence on the proceedings. I haven't liked any of his work or his attitude.

Highlights of the show were a Viennese Waltz danced by Lacey and Danny, a Contemporary routine danced by Danny and Neil, a Cha-Cha featuring Danny and Sabra and Danny's solo. Danny's solo made me tear up. It was the first time on the program where I saw the kind of joy I feel when I'm dancing. I may look like me with my level of ability; but inside - when I dance, I soar like Danny. After wiping the tears from my face, I reached for my drink from my reclining position and sighed:)

Here are my predictions after last night. Sadly, my girl Sabra was not shown off to advantage in two of the routines and it may hurt her in the voting. The voting is for America's favorite dancer, not best ... I will be happy with any of the finalists winning except Lacey.

Who I think will win: Neil
Who I would like to win: Danny or Sabra
Who should win: Danny

Now, where's that remote? I have much to do today, but we're getting heavy rains this morning and I'm staying in till it lets up. If this trend continues, (We're 15 inches ahead of usual rainfall totals for the year) we are going to need an air-conditioned ark.

Comments

[bruinwi.livejournal.com]

I agree with your selections for "So You Think You Can Dance". All four are outstanding, but while Danny is the best, technically, Neil has the screaming Tweener fan base that I think will carry him through.

Still, it's going to be worth the price of admission to see Nigel and Cat dance.

[egbubba.livejournal.com]

Do you think Nigel and Cat will do anything other than a slow ballroom waltz? Will they Krunk? LOL

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

That would be like Leontyne Price singing "I've Got the Music in Me":) (which she did on Johnny Carson many years ago) I still haven't seen the value in Krumping, but appreciate the wide range of styles presented on the show.

[bruinwi.livejournal.com]

I don't know anything about Cat's dancing credentials. Her height would place her at a disadvantage in most dance companies (There are exceptions). While I don't anticipate either Nigel or Cat indulging in any crumping or hip hop (Nigel, doing a head spin? Yikes!), I think any pairs dancing would do well to show off their line and ability to partner. The two of them doing a true Vienese Waltz would be both classy and memorable.

PS

[egbubba.livejournal.com]

Yet more proof that "Dance" is a better show than "Idol."
Nigel and Cat will dance. All off the judges can dance.
Could you imagine Paula (or Randy or Simon) singing on the Idol stage during a show?

Re: PS

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Hopefully, the judges on AI are smarter than to display their lack of talent ... It's one of my beefs with American Idol. Other than Simon, I don't think the criticism is articulate or helpful. I would like to see a talented, experienced singer as one of the judges. Paula should be replaced. Period. End of story.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I agree! There's something about Cat Dealey that is very appealing.

SYTYCD

[egbubba.livejournal.com]

I, too, was underwhelmed by the choreography of the finale. I can still remember choreographer Wade's "Sexyback" number for the final four last year. Nothing like that this year. This was particularly disappointing since every number last week was very strong for the final 6. The choreographers--not the dancers--had a major let down this week.

Among the things I had hoped for but didn't get:
- I would love to see Mia choreograph Sabre. That never happened this season (that I can remember).
- I waited all season to see Danny and Sabre dance together. When they finally did last night, they only got a so-so number. Danny+Sabre+Mia = Could have been awesome.

I agree with your will/would/should. This, despite the fact that Neil getting into the final 4 was a bit of an "upset." The look on his face--as he was staring down Pasha, preparing to congratulate him--seemed to indicate that Neil was as surprised as anyone else.

Left Field Prediction: Once the final confetti drops and the camera turns off, Debbie Allen will be waiting in the wings to snatch up Sabra and Danny for herself. After all, they'll be free agents after Neil wins. [g]

Re: SYTYCD

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I think your prediction is more Center Field:) Debbie is no fool. Those two are amazing.

Re: SYTYCD

[bruinwi.livejournal.com]

Good thing Ms Allen has her foot in the door as a Guest Judge, otherwise, she'd have to take a number a wait in line behind all the other dance companies wanting Sabra and Danny to sign with THEM.

Competitive Spirit

[bruinwi.livejournal.com]

What's always struck me about SYTYCD and AI is the utter lack of bitchiness between the competitors.

It may be due to careful editing, or simply lack of personal time, but unlike many (Most?) competitive/reality shows, there's no back-biting, no personality conflicts, no drama. You just see the kids doing what they do best, and supporting each other.

There may be SOME hope, after all.

Re: Competitive Spirit

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

The kids are always dancing, always switching partners ... You can't afford to dislike someone or be directly competitive or you could land on your ass and be out the door. I think this group does like each other. It's hard to fake, even when editing points us in a certain direction ... I personally think they tore Danny down, so that he would start to gain sympathy and votes.

Less than an hour to go to show time! YAY!

[deanosota.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Neil. It's been a great day so far.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Excellent!! Have fun however and with whomever you celebrate tonight!

HUGS!

[madisonbear.livejournal.com]

Sometimes it's good to have some horizontal couch time! you deserve a rest! Enjoy it!

Mucho mucho hugs!