I haven't been watching much television. But I turned it on last night to the program - so you think you can dance? - and once again was entranced. What is it about watching young people, at the very top of their physical abilities, give it everything they have to win over three judges? You can tell the ones that have been classically trained, probably years and years of dance lessons, recitals, commitments from not only themselves, but parents willing and able to pay and drive. I can tell you, having a daughter that danced for many years, it's not always easy.
Then there were the dancers that you could tell had zero advantages. All they brought to the table was pure talent. A talent, and a love of movement that brought them before those three judges, made of up of some of the world's best dancers and choreographers. Then, of course, there were the ones that didn't have talent, nor did they have training, some didn't even know what they were doing. But when they finished their dance, and walked up to the judges, their faces were all the same. Vulnerable. Pure vulnerability. Would the judges see what they saw, in their mind's eye, when they danced? Could this be the big break they longed for? Could they make it on to the next round, at least?
My heart soared when the ones who had worked so hard to hone their skill, regardless of how they got there, made it. I could feel their joy, their hope, and was truly excited for them. So I'll be there next week, hooked once again, on watching all the elements that make us human in their most raw and elemental form.
28 comments:
i totally dig that show. my favorite last night was the naughty ballerina, go figure
I have watched ”So You Think You Can Dance“ in earlier years and loved it; thanks for the reminder that I should set it to Season's Pass.
The thing that struck me is that dancing these days includes more than it used to in earlier days of that magnificent Cyd Charisse, Fred Astaire, or Gene Kelly. These days the kids include so much more athleticism in their dance, and it sometimes takes the breath away.
I remember some years ago a young couple had to dance to a certain kind of dance, and they did it using a big flat, sturdy business table. They were dancing the role of two people negotiating a business deal, each one trying to ”win.“
At one point the young man lifted himself onto the table, stood on his hands and did a gymnastics move, the way they do over the Long Horse. He held his body parallel to the table, looked at her, and then swung off gracefully to complete a step.
That move won me over. So smooth, so strong, so steady, and actually dance, not acrobatics.
These kids are so talented, Dancing has expanded its definition and I love it.
~Lorna
I try not to watch those shows. I don't need any more distractions from my novel...
I was thinking of you today. I had an award to pass along, and suddenly it hit me... I don't think I've ever given you one. Have I? I surely meant to! This particular one was for blogs new to me, so I thought I'd wait for a more appropriate one, since I've been following you awhile. But I just wanted you to know how deserving I think you are. You are in my top-five to check twice a day! Your writings are so very relative to me. Thanks for what you do.
Carlos - LOL! After reading your blog, I do understand your favorite.
Lorna - I totally agree! Dance has changed so much, like all the sports and arts, it's been taken up numerous notches in athleticism, and just pure creativeness. So fun to watch.
Mzz - Thank you so much. You are a dear, and I love your blog, too.
I've never watched So You Think You Can Dance, but after reading this, I'll give it a go. I like the idea of diligently trained performers competing with untrained performers with heart. Heart vs. training, interesting premise.
I am totally addicted to this show. I think it's much more real than American Idol as it showcases much more of an individual's pure talent as opposed to Idol which just shows how well you can sing somebody else's song...just my opinion.
My personal favorite last night was Nathan Trasoras. First off, I like the almost overly dramatic way he dances, and then I was so happy to see that he was dancing to “Pollen and Salt” by Daphne Loves Derby that he completely won me over. There’s a clip of his audition at : http://modestcomplexity.blogspot.com/2009/05/daphne-loves-derby.html
Joanne - There are many elements to this show that is interesting, but especially the trained v. self-trained.
darci - We share an addiction, that's for sure. Nathan is a very raw, beautiful talent. Can't wait to see him dance again.
Whoops - meant "are interesting", I really need to proof-read...
I will have to dvr and watch it, given that you rate it so high. This is the time of year when I spend all my time at the check-in counter. I feel like I am in a time suspension, just waiting to lock the door and join the real world.
I love this show, as does my son, the dancer. He saw Nick (I think that's his name) the blond from 2 season's ago that Lorna is talking about when he was in New York. He was coming out of Starbucks when Teenager was going in-he thought that was so cool!. That guy is in something on Broadway now. We are totally addicted!
Kid friendly! I love wholesome entertainment. It can be hard to find anymore.
Yes, these programs really pull at our heartstrings...This is a lovely post!!!! I like to hear your reflections on things...so very refreshing...and upbeat! Your writing makes me happy!!! ~Janine XO
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Kathy - We love hearing stories about your campground, even when you're not so happy with it. We are all following along this busy time for you. Probably more entertaining for us? :-)
Missy - To think we may be watching the next star of Broadway is exciting. I can see why Teenager was so excited - I love those kind of happy endings.
Sniffles - I feel the same about yours!
Reveda - I'll check it out.
OMGOSH LOL, this is my absolely favourite show ever. I so look forward to it every summer! They actually had a SYTYCD Canada too last year, it was awesome to be able to participate in the voting! I'm glad you're as entranced as I am. I really get a lot of inspiration watching that show, all about dreams coming true!
i have seen it once or twice and always been impressed by the 'vitality'- less impressed with the judges.......
have not watched recently. my wife was a ballerina for 18 years so have an appreciation of the dance.
It is a wonderful thing to behold. Both my girls dance and they are hooked. I haven't watched this season, but for any of those shows, I hold my breath and always pray for compassion from the judges.xx♥
I am not much of a TV watcher but occasionally, will tune into these kind of shows...kind of like the old Ed Sullivan stuff only with judges. I love to watch dance so will have to tune i as from the comments, it sounds as if people get hooked!
well, i think i could have read this post listening to 'what a feeling', the 'flashdance' soundtrack. well, i don't know what's this show about, but, anyway, it seems like it's interesting to see someday.
by the way, i could see you have watched 'match point', i totally love this movie, so odd. it's one of my favourites from Woody Allen.
I also love SYTYCD. My daughter danced for 13 years and except for some ongoing health issues that would have made for a very short career, she would have majored in dance in college.
I get such joy out of watching the kids that really have a passion for it.
You've just got to admire the energy and enthusiasm of these dancers...just kids themselves. We(my husband and I)just love this show and the judges are pretty uplifting too(for the most part)!
I was a little embarassed to admit that we watch this show but it is inspiring!
I've been dancing since before I was born.(my mother loved to dance too) Didn't get to watch, last night, but love this program, also.
My sister and I looooove this show! Once they pick the top 20 and start learning all the different dances, it gets really fun! I love it when they do tango, waltz, salsa, and Mia's amazing contemporary choreography! The dancers often take my breath away! I still remember Mia's (choreographer) dance she created for her father who just passed...everyone was teary eyed...so beautiful!
I recommend that you keep watching!
I don't think so.Difficult to practice like your picture. but simple dance is OK.
Beautifully written. And I'll be watching with you. I just love that show!
I haven't watched the show yet, but based upon what you've said, I definitely plan tune in.
My daughter was a dancer. I remember the dedications of all the parents involved. It wasn't easy.
The physicality and grace of their performances were definitely worth the sacrifice.
I haven't really watched it, but I have heard good things about it. I can only imagine how terrible it would be to have felt that rejection.
They are braver than I am!
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