Robert N EmersonSo You Think You Can Dance - The Top Ten
March 19th 2008 05:54
I’ve been meaning to write this post since So You Think You Can Dance Australia first aired on our screens. Finally, with the aid of a sliver of free time and a gentle nudge from Dusk Devi, I can now wax lyrical about this guilty pleasure of mine.
I had some initial niggling reservations about the Australian incarnation of the American hit; namely that, with a smaller industry and pool of dancers to choose from, the ‘Land Down Under’ contestants would not be of the same standard as their ‘Land Up Over’ counterparts. I needn’t have worried – the Top Twenty dancers chosen were every bit as talented as I had hoped, and then some. Over the last few weeks many gifted performers have had the chance to show off their prowess in some brilliant routines.
I’m not as convinced about the choice of Natalie Bassingthwaighte as a host. She is a gorgeous woman, although her ever-changing hairstyles don’t always quite hit the mark. I do think she sincerely cares about the contestants, but her delivery and comments sometimes come across as artificial or redundant. Still, I think that is at least partly due to the nature of the medium, and more than likely the wishes of the powers that be. And of course, it could be much worse – like the host of a certain celebrity dancing show…
I’m reasonably happy with the choice of the judges. Thankfully, none of them have decided to take on the role of egotistical and malicious bastard à la Simon Cowell. Matt Lee’s assessment of the performances always seems fair, although at times his ever-present hats have more personality than he does.
Bonnie Lythgoe bears a striking resemblance to SYTYCD judge Nigel Lythgoe, which is a little disconcerting considering she is his ex-wife. She can be a bit ‘spacey’ and rambling at times, but her comments do (eventually) tend to be constructive and supporting.
Jason Coleman is usually a tad more harsh than the other judges, but as the saying goes, sometimes the truth hurts. However, Jason has received quite a bit of flak recently, with some in the dance industry branding him an amateur. I can’t imagine that many amateurs would have ‘choreographing the opening and closing ceremonies for the Sydney Olympics’ on their résumé, but I’m no expert. Personally, I think he deserves the most criticism for his inability to properly button up his shirt.
I have to admit, I have a love/hate relationship with this show, and can see-saw between the two extremes various times during each episode. Most of my issues with the programme arise from the very nature of the reality show format. While I think the assessment by the judges after each performance is usually fairly apt, their decisions regarding who to eliminate is not. The most striking example of this was the elimination of Hilton a few weeks ago – he was an immensely strong dancer who, based on his performances, certainly was more deserving than JD. However, JD continued on, presumably because it was decided that he would make for better television. The whole reality voting system irks me to no end – as Jason has said on many occasions, the search becomes one for Australia’s favourite, rather than best, dancer. And in this case, Australia equals mostly teeny-boppers who are prepared to spend ridiculous amounts of money on SMS voting.
That being said, the Top 10 is very worthy. I was very disappointed by the elimination of Sermsah (once again in favour of JD!), because I just adored his mix of Aboriginal and Contemporary dance – however, based on his continuing troubles with lifts throughout his performances, it was probably his time to go. I would have also liked to see Camilla continue on into the Top 10, and I thought the way her final speech brought tears to everyone was terribly sweet.
Making a prediction of the Top 4 will probably be futile, considering some of the surprise eliminations throughout the series thus far, but I’m going to do it anyway. I think that Anthony, Rhys, Demi and Vanessa will comprise the final quartet, as all of these likeable dancers have consistently showed phenomenal talent and versatility. As for the overall winner, I think that Rhys will take the crown – his dancing is just amazing (and if Priscilla: Queen of the Desert taught us anything, it’s that Australia just loves drag performers).
I had some initial niggling reservations about the Australian incarnation of the American hit; namely that, with a smaller industry and pool of dancers to choose from, the ‘Land Down Under’ contestants would not be of the same standard as their ‘Land Up Over’ counterparts. I needn’t have worried – the Top Twenty dancers chosen were every bit as talented as I had hoped, and then some. Over the last few weeks many gifted performers have had the chance to show off their prowess in some brilliant routines.
I’m not as convinced about the choice of Natalie Bassingthwaighte as a host. She is a gorgeous woman, although her ever-changing hairstyles don’t always quite hit the mark. I do think she sincerely cares about the contestants, but her delivery and comments sometimes come across as artificial or redundant. Still, I think that is at least partly due to the nature of the medium, and more than likely the wishes of the powers that be. And of course, it could be much worse – like the host of a certain celebrity dancing show…
I’m reasonably happy with the choice of the judges. Thankfully, none of them have decided to take on the role of egotistical and malicious bastard à la Simon Cowell. Matt Lee’s assessment of the performances always seems fair, although at times his ever-present hats have more personality than he does.
Bonnie Lythgoe bears a striking resemblance to SYTYCD judge Nigel Lythgoe, which is a little disconcerting considering she is his ex-wife. She can be a bit ‘spacey’ and rambling at times, but her comments do (eventually) tend to be constructive and supporting.
I have to admit, I have a love/hate relationship with this show, and can see-saw between the two extremes various times during each episode. Most of my issues with the programme arise from the very nature of the reality show format. While I think the assessment by the judges after each performance is usually fairly apt, their decisions regarding who to eliminate is not. The most striking example of this was the elimination of Hilton a few weeks ago – he was an immensely strong dancer who, based on his performances, certainly was more deserving than JD. However, JD continued on, presumably because it was decided that he would make for better television. The whole reality voting system irks me to no end – as Jason has said on many occasions, the search becomes one for Australia’s favourite, rather than best, dancer. And in this case, Australia equals mostly teeny-boppers who are prepared to spend ridiculous amounts of money on SMS voting.
That being said, the Top 10 is very worthy. I was very disappointed by the elimination of Sermsah (once again in favour of JD!), because I just adored his mix of Aboriginal and Contemporary dance – however, based on his continuing troubles with lifts throughout his performances, it was probably his time to go. I would have also liked to see Camilla continue on into the Top 10, and I thought the way her final speech brought tears to everyone was terribly sweet.
Making a prediction of the Top 4 will probably be futile, considering some of the surprise eliminations throughout the series thus far, but I’m going to do it anyway. I think that Anthony, Rhys, Demi and Vanessa will comprise the final quartet, as all of these likeable dancers have consistently showed phenomenal talent and versatility. As for the overall winner, I think that Rhys will take the crown – his dancing is just amazing (and if Priscilla: Queen of the Desert taught us anything, it’s that Australia just loves drag performers).
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Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
Yay, I've missed you on Orble Ninabelle....
Yes, yes and yes to everything you wrote!
I'm thawing about Natalie.
Her smirky hosting is still getting to me but I think she's being trained...she's not raising her chin anymore when she talks to camera and she's more aware of what her mouth is doing.. so now she's not coming across as 'smirky'.
(I just read in a magazine that she played a 'bad girl' in Neighbours so maybe this is what she is used to doing plus her Rogue Traders clips are smirky!)
...BUT...as you
sayimply...it could be worse, much worse... She is a hundred times more watachable than that idiot...I was very disappointed to see Camilla go. I do not understand what the judges see in Miss Lowpants-one -trick-pony-with-a-bad-attitu de (I can tell!) Rhiannon.
Thing is...even if audience voting is what determined the bottom 3 couples...the judges ultmately decide who is to go. They didn't have to let Hilton go. They didn't have to let Camilla go...Camilla is a much stronger dancer.
I like Matt. Even if all I see when I see him is the penguin from 'Happy Feet'!
As for Jason...hmmm...I've met him on a few occasions and he is an interesting character.
I am bit over how much he (they all) suck up to the choreographer Jason. Also a bit over the slang/jargon "chorry"!
Must admit my opinion of Jason is now coloured by what he said to a friend of mine who was a choreographer on the show...and unfortunately I know for a fact that this stemmed from professional jealousy.
This choreographer friend runs a hugely sucessful dance studio and a lot of the choreographers on the show (including Nacho Pop) work for her plus Vanessa is one of her main teachers.
...and my friend was once 'just' a dancer who auditioned for Jason a few times but now -industry wise- she is more successful than he.
Anyway...you (and he) are right about this;
...but I also believe that the Top 10 are worthy...well Top 9...Miss Lowpants has got to go!
I love Demi's 'transformation' as well as Henry and Vanessa's!
I love Rhys!! He's fantastic and I too think he'll win.
One thing that really bugs me though is all this hybrid choreography. Why can't jazz be jazz? why does it have to be 'soul / swing / karate / kitchen sink jazz'???
Okay. I'm done for now. Great to 'see' you back hon.
hugs...
Dusk
Comment by Nina
I was very disappointed to see Camilla go. I do not understand what the judges see in Miss Lowpants-one -trick-pony-with-a-bad-attitu de (I can tell!) Rhiannon.
I'm glad that someone else thinks that she thinks rather highly of herself and has an attitude problem! My (male and fairly macho) boss is a devotee of the show, and on Tuesday we both had a somewhat cathartic rant about her and the departure of Camilla.
What you say about Jason is interesting - I'm always intrigued by what goes on behind the scenes, as what is broadcast never shows the full story. It certainly sounds like you have a great contact within the industry to give you the inside scoop
On the topic of choreographers and judges, I would love for Brisbane-born Wade Robson to play a part on the show (although this seems unlikely, as he is currently busy choreographing for Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas).
I actually intended to mention this - I found it frustrating as well, particularly as the judges commented on how the choreography concentrated on one style over the other. Hybrid styles must be quite confusing for all involved. The foundation dancing styles are already well established and entertaining in their own right - is there really any need to 'jazz' them up?
Hope you're well Dusk,
Nina
Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by Nina
Thanks for stopping by - all comments are appreciated, no matter what the length!
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
And I agree with you totally! Why was JD kept in for so bloody long....he was useless?
Comment by Nina
Comment by postmoderncritic
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I think my favourite dancer is Vivian - very talented girl!
I actually like the hybrid styles, it's very pomo, lol. Like animation hip-hop - that was very cool! And I'd never heard of it before or even suspected it existed.
Hope you're having a good day~
Comment by postmoderncritic
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Comment by Anonymous
i find it fun people can sit and critic things, not being up there, knowing what its like.
He is a hiphop dancer who has taken this challenge on and tried to master different styles.
Yes the tango was not the best but come on, do you think you could learn it with no technical background in ballroom and in 2 DAYS?
please. give my brother a BREAK!
he did amazingly last night in the GF. And i am PROUD!