‘So You Think You Can Dance’: We are more than just numbers!
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
One of the refreshing aspects of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ is that the program, and the people in it, appear to dwell in the real world. Except maybe Danny Tidwell, who seems a little too proud that he spends a lot of money on expensive sunglasses. SYTYCD seems to be one of the few TV shows that acknowledges its fans and their opinions -- on the show, not by making tweaks to appeal to focus groups. Judge Nigel Lythgoe has previously mentioned, on air, online reactions to the show (Hi, Nigel!), and last night referred to a petition that was sent to the producers to protest the departure of Jessi Peralta two weeks ago. Although the audience’s plea couldn’t undo the deed, it was listened to with respect, and Lythgoe explained, thoughtfully, his response and rationale. It’s encouraging to see the fourth wall broken down, and to see that viewers can make an impression in ways other than just calling pay-telephone numbers. It makes the show seem more current compared to, say, ‘Survivor,’ where nobody comes out and says, ‘Well it’s not like the producers are literally going to let us starve,’ or how on ‘American Idol’ the website votefortheworst.com never got mentioned, despite its heavy influence in keeping Sanjaya Malakar on the show.
Another way the show seems plugged-in is that the guest judges, such as this week’s ‘Hairspray’ choreographer Adam Shankman and last episode’s Debbie Allen, are not afraid to admit that they’re big fans of the show -- and that they watch it religiously. It’s nice to hear them actually have input for contestants, unlike on ‘Idol,’ where the guest judges are vague or downright embarrassed to be on the show and ALWAYS have something to plug.
The judges, like the audience, seem to be getting more emotionally invested in the couples. Nigel appeared to lose his cool when he snapped at Allen for suggesting that Danny tone down the arrogance in his dancing (which seemed like an appropriate comment, actually). The judges seemed to dig the new pairing of Sara VonGillern and Pasha Kovalev, who really come off as a charming duo, as choreographer Benji Schwimmer pointed out: the sexy Russian and the cool B-girl. Will they have more staying power than Jessi did with Pasha? It’ll depend on Sara’s immune system.
-- Claire Zulkey
(Photo: Kelsey McNeal / Fox)