‘So You Think You Can Dance’: An unmovable, shellacked bouffant of joy
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Normally, plugs for television shows or movies on reality TV shows tend to go over with the grace and beauty of a lead balloon. Audiences don’t like having commercials sneaked in between commercials, and get irritated when the filler becomes especially unnecessary (like the Jimmy Kimmel segments on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’) Last night’s tie-in to the movie ‘Hairspray,’ however, on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ was remarkably tolerable, nay, enjoyable.
The seeds of goodwill were sewn last night with the knowledgeable and mouthy guest judge Adam Shankman, director and choreographer of the movie (which, of course, was adapted from the Broadway show which was adapted from the John Waters movie). The opening dance for the results show, choreographed by Shankman with plenty of sass, was an effective advertisement for the movie. Joyous, frothy and over the top, the dancers seemed to actually enjoy performing the number, which was the key to the dance. If the movie can re-create the same joy, then audiences are going to love it.
Later on in the show came the more unnecessary tie-in to ‘Hairspray,’ as the contestants on ‘SYTYCD’ piled into a stretch limo to head to the premiere. Even this, as far as results-show filler goes, was fun to watch. The film is about a young lady who dreams of dancing on national television, and the star of the film, Nikki Blonsky, was an unknown talent before getting the role of Tracy Turnblad. As the kids from ‘SYTYCD’ mingled with those from ‘Hairspray’ (the more ‘major’ stars such as John Travolta and Michelle Pfeiffer were absent, but who needs them?), it felt like a really fun high school mixer. The attitude of the show and the attitude of the movie complemented each other, which made for some enjoyable cross-promotion.
Business had to come after pleasure, however, as Cedric Gardner and Shauna Noland were sent home, not with much controversy. Cedric’s ticket off the show was all but issued two weeks ago by the judges -- misplaced, and then found. Shauna, when she was in the bottom three, seemed to define what the judges and audience have in mind when it comes to dancing for her life -- unfortunately, she couldn’t define herself that well, so because of a somewhat muted personality (which in real life is probably sparkling and wonderful but seems more subdued compared with some of the drama queens on the show), was voted off by the judges.
(Photo courtesy Fox)