You can’t go a night these days without seeing some sort of dance show on television, from So You Think You Can Dance, to Americas Best Dance Crew. Throw in Dancing with the Stars and America’s Got Talent, and voilà you have prime time TV. I regularly get asked, how I feel about such shows, and after getting hooked on SYTYCD season 3, I have attempted to watch a few of the others to compare notes.
One of my fav’s from the latest SYTYCD, hit me extremely hard.
I trained most of my life as a dancer, and let’s face it there really isn’t too many opportunities for us. You have the very few that are good enough and look the part to make it in a dance company; we are talking about a select FEW. Then you have those who make it on cruise ship lines, making virtually nothing but at least get to see the world while dancing every night. Now we have those who make it in small dance troops around town. These are the dedicated, working for pennies but have more passion then pride. There I just summed up the avenues for dancers. There are no Olympics, no sponsorships, and very few opportunities… until now.
Dancers are getting promo left, right and center. It doesn’t matter if they win or not, talented dancers are getting noticed. Rightly deserved. From these shows dancers who would have never had the opportunity to choreograph are. Jobs are be given to those are talented and those who out shine the others.
Now I don’t think it’s all for good. Unfortunately in our crazy world, people enjoy watching others make fools of themselves. Like American Idol, the audition processes are PAINFUL to watch. They put people who believe they can dance on airtime. They also put stars who have and will always have two left feet and let their publicity gain them votes not ability (cough… Jerry Springer). Another huge peeve of mine, girls have to show more T’n'A then talent, and guys need to rip their shirts off to get votes. I know sex sells, I do work in the fitness industry after all, but when talent is supposed to be the governing agent, then why does it matter how one’s body looks?
But in all fairness, I do love how these shows are opening up dance world to the mainstream population. Never before have I heard your average Joe be able to talk about the difference between modern and lyrical jazz or know who Mia Micheals is. I love I can discuss dance with those who only a few years back couldn’t have cared even a little about my passion. The Paso Doble is a house hold name, and choreographers are being note d in the Emmy Awards again. Plus there is something extremely special about watching dancers that I personally know and have competed with grace not only the stage but also become TV stars. Who would have ever thought?
One the best pieces of choreography I have ever seen.
I challenge you to find something more beautiful.
