Dancing

[dancerjodi]

Before getting ready for Manray I caught the first hour of "So you think you can dance" last night. Incidentally, this is the show that had some auditions in Boston months ago, where some in the bellydance community (including my teachers) were asked to participate. I definitely enjoyed it. Its neat seeing various styles and interpretations of dance all in the same show. The judges also seem to be pretty encouraging and forgiving (moreso than what I've heard of judges in American Idol - I never watched it). I also just can't get people that go out and do things that don't resemble dancing in any way (like the stilt guy, or the roller skates guy last night). Those are cool shticks for performing for the public, but don't serve to demonstrate one's dance ability that well. Luckily for them, the judges were willing to give them a chance.

I finally saw crumping (about time). Its not my thing but I can catch the appeal of it and would be interested in seeing the documentary (along with "Mad Hot Ballroom"). I loved the 2 best friends from Suburban california that each did a ballet/modern medley (the woman was asked what she did for money, and she acknowledged that her parents were supporting her - that couple), very strong and beautiful dancers! I felt bad for the woman that decided to dance en pointe to a Queen song . . . good concept and all but MAN was she a piss poor dancer (she blamed the slippery floor, um, no). I found it unnecessary that one of the judges commented on her size though, there was no need (he said something to the degree of 'I really wanted to be excited about this, big girl dancer'). Professional ballerinas definitely have a body type and all, but I've seen fabulous dancers come in all shapes and sizes (and ages).

Its still missing something that was in the plethora of dance shows in the late 70's and early-mid 80's. Dance Fever, Solid Gold, Community Auditions (locally, remember that one? "Star of the Day, Who would it be . . . ") and of course, Star Search. Those shows were competitive and all, they just didn't seem to have the same meat market kind of vibe that your average day talent based reality show has.

Either way, its nice to see dance getting popular again! :)

Comments

[tisana.livejournal.com]

I didn't know about the auditions...they'd have been fun to watch, I think. I might check out the show, if I catch it at DW's on cable, but I'm not keen on the concept of American Idol type things.

And you're now the third person recommending Mad Hot Ballroom--I realy should see it.

dancing

[dancer.livejournal.com]

"I didn't know about the auditions...they'd have been fun to watch"

It was announced on the New England Middle Eastern Dance Yahoo group. You should get on there for these kinds of updates (like, the Rachel Brice thing was posted months and months ago): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bellydancema/ . You can also find general announcements on http://www.helade.com/ (though the auditions weren't posted there).

"And you're now the third person recommending Mad Hot Ballroom--I realy should see it."

I'll go with you - I have nobody to see it with. I heard a review of it on NPR and I've been dying to check it out (I'm not even sure if its still playing or not, though) :)

[deadwinter.livejournal.com]

Professional ballerinas definitely have a body type and all, but I've seen fabulous dancers come in all shapes and sizes (and ages).

Once, in NC, I saw this guy's company:

http://www.goldhuber.com/12801.html

The man is taller and heavier than Ashton, yet he moved with a grace I'd give anything to have.