I didn't even watch the first episode but without any info, I am still glad to hear that David Hasselhoff has left the show. He was one of my main reasons for not watching this season. I have to admit that I am more inclined now to tune in.
I may watch next week but have to admit that I'm still not excited about the Jersey Shore guy or Bristol Palin. How, in any sense of the word, can Bristol be considered a "star"? And I can't even think of any words to describe how I feel about someone from Jersey Shore on the show (and also would ask...how is this guy a star?).
Maybe the name of the show should change to "Dancing with anyone who might bring in a little publicity". Why DWTS producers felt they had to select this particular cast however, I'm not sure if publicity was the reason since the show was already doing well in the ratings. I'm truly puzzled.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
I may have to boycot this time...
So the "celebrities" of the 11th season of DWTS have been announced and for the first time, I have to say that I'm not sure I will watch this show any more. In particular, I have issues with the choice of:
1. Bristol Palin: how is she a celebrity?
2. David Hasselhoff: no comment needed
3. The "Situation": ditto text for David Hasselhoff
4. The Hills Audrina Patridge: Can't they do any better than this?
None of these folks qualify as "stars" in my book and I just can't believe that with the popularity of this show and the media attention that it generates...that ABC could not find any people who have accomplished something that would qualify them to be celebrities. For the other six actors, actresses, and athletes on this season, if I were in their dancing shoes, I would be embarrassed to be included as a member of this group.
I also have some issue with the selection of Jennifer Grey, who starred in a movie about BALLROOM DANCING. Is it fair for someone with that background to compete with some folks who have no dancing experience? However, since they have included professional dancers in past seasons (such as last season's winner, Nicole, from the Pussycat Dolls), this is at least consistent with past selections.
1. Bristol Palin: how is she a celebrity?
2. David Hasselhoff: no comment needed
3. The "Situation": ditto text for David Hasselhoff
4. The Hills Audrina Patridge: Can't they do any better than this?
None of these folks qualify as "stars" in my book and I just can't believe that with the popularity of this show and the media attention that it generates...that ABC could not find any people who have accomplished something that would qualify them to be celebrities. For the other six actors, actresses, and athletes on this season, if I were in their dancing shoes, I would be embarrassed to be included as a member of this group.
I also have some issue with the selection of Jennifer Grey, who starred in a movie about BALLROOM DANCING. Is it fair for someone with that background to compete with some folks who have no dancing experience? However, since they have included professional dancers in past seasons (such as last season's winner, Nicole, from the Pussycat Dolls), this is at least consistent with past selections.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Disappointed!!
I think that DWTS needs to have some sort of "safety net" such as what they did on the current American Idol, where the judges can have one opportunity to recall someone if they are voted off. I can think of one other notable time besides this time that they could have used it, and that is the season where Sabrina, who was arguably the best dancer, was voted off mid-way through the competition.
Last week's results show with Lil Kim going home was another time the judges could have used a "safety net". I don't think that anyone would argue that Ty is a much weaker dancer than Lil Kim. I was VERY disappointed to see her go, and maybe because I dance ballroom, it really bothers me that voters are not really voting for the best DANCERS all of the time, but they are voting for WHO THEY LIKE.
I know that the show is the way it is, and anyone can vote for anyone they want to. It is just very disapointing to see a really good dancer go who doesn't deserve to go, if the competition were truly just about dancing.
I guess that is one of my criticisms of DWTS...it's not really a dance competition but is a "dance + popularity" competition. I still watch because I love ballroom dancing and love to see the dancing, and the work and progress the stars make. I just wish it were a more fair sometimes...it hurts when something like last week's results happen.
I guess you could argue that the judges are not always 100% consistent, seem to play favorites, etc. For example, they raved about Melissa's samba, which I thought was not that great. But they do generally end up separating the top dancers whereas sometimes the viewers seem to just pick their favorite person rather than the best dancer.
Oh well...I remind myself..."it's only a dance show!"...
Lil Kim, I'll miss you! Thanks for giving us some beautiful and entertaining dances!
Last week's results show with Lil Kim going home was another time the judges could have used a "safety net". I don't think that anyone would argue that Ty is a much weaker dancer than Lil Kim. I was VERY disappointed to see her go, and maybe because I dance ballroom, it really bothers me that voters are not really voting for the best DANCERS all of the time, but they are voting for WHO THEY LIKE.
I know that the show is the way it is, and anyone can vote for anyone they want to. It is just very disapointing to see a really good dancer go who doesn't deserve to go, if the competition were truly just about dancing.
I guess that is one of my criticisms of DWTS...it's not really a dance competition but is a "dance + popularity" competition. I still watch because I love ballroom dancing and love to see the dancing, and the work and progress the stars make. I just wish it were a more fair sometimes...it hurts when something like last week's results happen.
I guess you could argue that the judges are not always 100% consistent, seem to play favorites, etc. For example, they raved about Melissa's samba, which I thought was not that great. But they do generally end up separating the top dancers whereas sometimes the viewers seem to just pick their favorite person rather than the best dancer.
Oh well...I remind myself..."it's only a dance show!"...
Lil Kim, I'll miss you! Thanks for giving us some beautiful and entertaining dances!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Dancing with the Stars: My top four predictions
Well, it's been an interesting few weeks but I am ready to predict who I think the top four will be (or at least I think who the top four SHOULD BE!). Here goes:
1. Gilles
2. Lil Kim
3. Shawn
4. Melissa
Gilles is my pick for the winner. He is consistent week after week and not only can he DANCE but he has the charisma, talent, and ability to emote that I think makes him the best. In addition, I think he is quickly building a very strong and devoted fan base, me included!!
Lil Kim is also really excellent; since she already has music, dance, and entertainment skills, that should come as no surprise but sometimes music/dance/entertainment background does not translate into good ballroom dancing. She's equal to Gilles in the dancing...actually better in technique I think... and also has her own fan base but I don't think it is as strong as Gille's fans are and also think that more women than men watch the show so Gilles may get more votes on that front.
Shawn shows her focus, talent, and experience in every dance. She is developing good technique, has good posture, etc. She is very young however, and her depth of performance is not as strong as Gilles and Lil Kim.
And Melissa is really an excellent dancer. Her ballet and cheerleading background are serving her well here and I do think she dances very well. I have to admit that I have a personal bias however. I don't like that her only claim to celebrity is being on "The Bachelor" so don't think of her as a "star". And there is something fake about her, in my opinion...for example, apparently although expressing her love for Jason, the bachelor, she has managed to quickly find love with a different guy. Perhaps I'm being unfair but that is how I feel about her and won't be calling in any votes for her.
That's my predictions for now as of March 31, 2009!
1. Gilles
2. Lil Kim
3. Shawn
4. Melissa
Gilles is my pick for the winner. He is consistent week after week and not only can he DANCE but he has the charisma, talent, and ability to emote that I think makes him the best. In addition, I think he is quickly building a very strong and devoted fan base, me included!!
Lil Kim is also really excellent; since she already has music, dance, and entertainment skills, that should come as no surprise but sometimes music/dance/entertainment background does not translate into good ballroom dancing. She's equal to Gilles in the dancing...actually better in technique I think... and also has her own fan base but I don't think it is as strong as Gille's fans are and also think that more women than men watch the show so Gilles may get more votes on that front.
Shawn shows her focus, talent, and experience in every dance. She is developing good technique, has good posture, etc. She is very young however, and her depth of performance is not as strong as Gilles and Lil Kim.
And Melissa is really an excellent dancer. Her ballet and cheerleading background are serving her well here and I do think she dances very well. I have to admit that I have a personal bias however. I don't like that her only claim to celebrity is being on "The Bachelor" so don't think of her as a "star". And there is something fake about her, in my opinion...for example, apparently although expressing her love for Jason, the bachelor, she has managed to quickly find love with a different guy. Perhaps I'm being unfair but that is how I feel about her and won't be calling in any votes for her.
That's my predictions for now as of March 31, 2009!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
First Night Out…
Well, I guess the rumors were true about Holly and Melissa! Oh well...
OK, here’s my first impression comments about everybody after watching the first show of season eight last night in order of performance:
Lil Kim: She has excellent foot technique and good leg technique. Seems like she might be a contender; needs upper body and posture work and not sure if she has a strong enough fan base that would vote for her to win the trophy.
Belinda: A lot more stiff and nervous than I expected from a Go-go! And surprisingly, not good rhythm. I was disappointed in her dancing.
Lawrence Taylor: Good rhythm and a crowd pleaser but needs much work on foot work (has flat feet!) and posture. Football players always seem to do well so I predict he’ll make it to the top six. Judges tough on him.
Steve-O: The opposite reaction I had to Belinda…he was much BETTER than I expected. Judges were tough on him.
Gilles M: Excellent; best of the night and also, not bad to look at!
Chuck: Very nice dance; sharp, strong, fast, and very good chemistry with partner! Probably will go far.
Holly M: Looks like she’s had some dance or routine experience; Was OK, no strong feelings about her dancing but still not sure she should be on the show.
Ty: Not impressed; needs work. Will probably be one of the first to go.
Shawn: Excellent; should be one of the finalists.
Steve W: Exuberant and enjoyed the dance…I was surprised by his joy. Not a good dancer but there may be some potential although I think he may be the first to go. Judges were too rough on him.
David G: Was OK; funny but maybe tried too hard to joke. He has potential; I predict he’ll land in the middle of the pack.
Denise: Inhibited and nervous; not fun, not a good dancer.
Meilssa: Probably the best current dancer but I was angry because I knew immediately that she had dance background; it is very apparent. I don’t think that this is fair to the others and also, as mentioned in my earlier post, I don’t think of her as a “star”.
Judges: Very mean to some of the contestants. It is possible to offer constructive criticism without being intentionally derogatory and nasty. Carrie Ann’s laugh was getting on my nerves also.
I like Tom B and the band but something about Samantha bugs me.
That’s it for night one!
OK, here’s my first impression comments about everybody after watching the first show of season eight last night in order of performance:
Lil Kim: She has excellent foot technique and good leg technique. Seems like she might be a contender; needs upper body and posture work and not sure if she has a strong enough fan base that would vote for her to win the trophy.
Belinda: A lot more stiff and nervous than I expected from a Go-go! And surprisingly, not good rhythm. I was disappointed in her dancing.
Lawrence Taylor: Good rhythm and a crowd pleaser but needs much work on foot work (has flat feet!) and posture. Football players always seem to do well so I predict he’ll make it to the top six. Judges tough on him.
Steve-O: The opposite reaction I had to Belinda…he was much BETTER than I expected. Judges were tough on him.
Gilles M: Excellent; best of the night and also, not bad to look at!
Chuck: Very nice dance; sharp, strong, fast, and very good chemistry with partner! Probably will go far.
Holly M: Looks like she’s had some dance or routine experience; Was OK, no strong feelings about her dancing but still not sure she should be on the show.
Ty: Not impressed; needs work. Will probably be one of the first to go.
Shawn: Excellent; should be one of the finalists.
Steve W: Exuberant and enjoyed the dance…I was surprised by his joy. Not a good dancer but there may be some potential although I think he may be the first to go. Judges were too rough on him.
David G: Was OK; funny but maybe tried too hard to joke. He has potential; I predict he’ll land in the middle of the pack.
Denise: Inhibited and nervous; not fun, not a good dancer.
Meilssa: Probably the best current dancer but I was angry because I knew immediately that she had dance background; it is very apparent. I don’t think that this is fair to the others and also, as mentioned in my earlier post, I don’t think of her as a “star”.
Judges: Very mean to some of the contestants. It is possible to offer constructive criticism without being intentionally derogatory and nasty. Carrie Ann’s laugh was getting on my nerves also.
I like Tom B and the band but something about Samantha bugs me.
That’s it for night one!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Dancing with the Stars Rumors or Reality?
I've been hearing on and off that two of the scheduled stars...Jewel and Nancy O'Dell... have withdrawn from the competition due to injury to be replaced by Melissa from the Bachelor and Holly Madison of Girls Next Door fame. Here's a link posted today: http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/03/08/source-bachelors-melissa-rycroft-to-join-dancing-with-the-stars/
Personally, when I think of a "star" in the entertainment business, I think of someone who has acting or singing...or some sort of real credentials. Simply appearing on a reality TV series, IMHO, does not make someone a star! Come on...Melissa from the Bachelor is a star???
And Holly Madison, who's claim to fame is sharing her grandfather/boyfriend with two other young women and posing in Playboy...a star?
I think that is stretching things quite a bit!!
I guess we'll learn if these are just rumors or true tomorrow night.
Personally, when I think of a "star" in the entertainment business, I think of someone who has acting or singing...or some sort of real credentials. Simply appearing on a reality TV series, IMHO, does not make someone a star! Come on...Melissa from the Bachelor is a star???
And Holly Madison, who's claim to fame is sharing her grandfather/boyfriend with two other young women and posing in Playboy...a star?
I think that is stretching things quite a bit!!
I guess we'll learn if these are just rumors or true tomorrow night.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
DWTS, the saga continues into an eighth show...
It’s hard to believe but the eighth season of Dancing with the Stars begins March 9th! I am still amazed that so many people who are not ballroom dancers love this show!I never would have predicted it would be such a hit, but I’m not complaining.In my opinion, the more dance shows, the better!
In case you don’t already know, here are the season eight “stars”:
BELINDA CARLISLE- Lead singer of the Go-Go's.
DAVID ALAN GRIER – TV and film actor
JEWEL – Country singer
SHAWN JOHNSON – Olympic gymnast and gold medalist
LIL' KIM -- Rapper, singer, actress, and fashion icon.
GILLES MARINI -- Actor
TY MURRAY – Rodeo athlete
STEVE-O – Comedian (I think…not really sure)
NANCY O'DELL - The co-Anchor of Access Hollywood
DENISE RICHARDS - Actress
LAWRENCE TAYLOR – Ex-New Your Giants defensive player
CHUCK WICKS – Songwriter and vocalist
STEVE WOZNIAK - A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist
Hosted by Tom Bergeron (America's Funniest Home Videos) and Samantha Harris (E! Entertainment), with the same Ballroom judges: Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba
Fyi…
Dancing with the Stars is the US version of the international smash hit series, Strictly Come Dancing. This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Americas. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade and Matilda Zoltowski are co-executive producers. Alex Rudzinski directs. Dancing with the Stars is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound and Spanish audio via SAP.
In case you don’t already know, here are the season eight “stars”:
BELINDA CARLISLE- Lead singer of the Go-Go's.
DAVID ALAN GRIER – TV and film actor
JEWEL – Country singer
SHAWN JOHNSON – Olympic gymnast and gold medalist
LIL' KIM -- Rapper, singer, actress, and fashion icon.
GILLES MARINI -- Actor
TY MURRAY – Rodeo athlete
STEVE-O – Comedian (I think…not really sure)
NANCY O'DELL - The co-Anchor of Access Hollywood
DENISE RICHARDS - Actress
LAWRENCE TAYLOR – Ex-New Your Giants defensive player
CHUCK WICKS – Songwriter and vocalist
STEVE WOZNIAK - A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist
Hosted by Tom Bergeron (America's Funniest Home Videos) and Samantha Harris (E! Entertainment), with the same Ballroom judges: Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba
Fyi…
Dancing with the Stars is the US version of the international smash hit series, Strictly Come Dancing. This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Americas. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade and Matilda Zoltowski are co-executive producers. Alex Rudzinski directs. Dancing with the Stars is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound and Spanish audio via SAP.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
No win for Kim
I have to say that I'm not disappointed to see Kim Kardashian leave the show. Frankly I don't understand the media's and anyone's interest in her and pseudo-celebrities such as Paris Hilton...folks who haven't really done anything that is newsworthy but always seem to be in the news.
I had pretty much no interest in her and was surprised and disappointed that she seemed unable to demonstrate any emotional connection with her dance partner or the audience on the show. In the end, I believe that she is probably somewhat shy as she says, but also not of much depth.
Her comment about her father was touching however so I do give her "props" as they say on "America's Best Dance Crew" as well as sympathy for losing her father at such a young age.
Best wishes Kim; I'm sure you'll continue to fare well on your reality show.
I had pretty much no interest in her and was surprised and disappointed that she seemed unable to demonstrate any emotional connection with her dance partner or the audience on the show. In the end, I believe that she is probably somewhat shy as she says, but also not of much depth.
Her comment about her father was touching however so I do give her "props" as they say on "America's Best Dance Crew" as well as sympathy for losing her father at such a young age.
Best wishes Kim; I'm sure you'll continue to fare well on your reality show.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Cloris Leachman
Until now, I haven't devoted an entire post to one contestant but I'm making an exception with Cloris Leachman.
I have always liked Cloris Leachman the actress. I think she is funny, smart, and talented, and I was looking forward to her being on Dancing with the Stars. In addition, I was (and still am!) very impressed that she is willing to do this at age 82! I'm all for strong women of all ages doing wonderful things and being role models.
So, for all that, I'm glad she's on this season. And some of what she does is actually funny I think. However, what bothers me, and what I was disappointed to learn about her is that she is not thinking about the other people on the show. By constantly mugging for the camera, making jokes, and intentionally doing things that throw off the timing of the show, she is taking away from the other dancers. And most of them are working very hard and also deserve their time to talk which has to be shortened each time Phyllis goes off on something.
This is where it stopped being funny for me, and started seeming rude and disrespectful. The first night for example, if she had stopped after she put her leg up on the judges table...that would have been enough! But she kept going and going and going... And then did it again the next night.
Being 82 and going on DWTS is admirable; but being 82 does not give someone the license to be rude. I'm not talking about her comments specifically, but only about the fact that she intentionally takes a lot of time for herself at the expense of others.
I hope that she will come to realize this and stop hogging so much time every time she dances.
I have always liked Cloris Leachman the actress. I think she is funny, smart, and talented, and I was looking forward to her being on Dancing with the Stars. In addition, I was (and still am!) very impressed that she is willing to do this at age 82! I'm all for strong women of all ages doing wonderful things and being role models.
So, for all that, I'm glad she's on this season. And some of what she does is actually funny I think. However, what bothers me, and what I was disappointed to learn about her is that she is not thinking about the other people on the show. By constantly mugging for the camera, making jokes, and intentionally doing things that throw off the timing of the show, she is taking away from the other dancers. And most of them are working very hard and also deserve their time to talk which has to be shortened each time Phyllis goes off on something.
This is where it stopped being funny for me, and started seeming rude and disrespectful. The first night for example, if she had stopped after she put her leg up on the judges table...that would have been enough! But she kept going and going and going... And then did it again the next night.
Being 82 and going on DWTS is admirable; but being 82 does not give someone the license to be rude. I'm not talking about her comments specifically, but only about the fact that she intentionally takes a lot of time for herself at the expense of others.
I hope that she will come to realize this and stop hogging so much time every time she dances.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Dancing with the Stars Season 7!
The newest season of Dancing with the Stars kicked off this week and I don't have strong opinions on the outcomes yet but I do have a few observations:
1. I love ballroom dancing but three nights of DWTS is just too much! For those of us who work full time, this is too much time to devote to a TV show each week. I don't intend to spend that much time watching this show.
2. I predict that the show will lose fans and ratings eventually if ABC continues to keep adding more and more advertising. The first night was literally scheduled as one dance, 10 commercials, one dance, 10 commercials, etc. Enough already! Have some respect for the loyal viewers and stop this practice. Personally, I either leave or don't pay attention during any of the commercials anyway.
3. Who would have expected an 82 year old to be the first one "bleeped" on the show? I like Cloris Leachman the actress and some of her schtick is entertaining on the show. I greatly admire that she is even attempting this; it gives us all hope! But I'm getting tired of her jokes already after two days. Sort of like I feel when I see Don Rickles on a live show...he makes constant one liners that aren't funny and it gets tedious very quickly. Know when to back off gracefully and listening (rather than talking) goes a long way sometime.
4. Kudos to Tom Bergeron! His poise, quick thinking, and humor play a big role in the success of the show. Tom should have won the Emmy!
1. I love ballroom dancing but three nights of DWTS is just too much! For those of us who work full time, this is too much time to devote to a TV show each week. I don't intend to spend that much time watching this show.
2. I predict that the show will lose fans and ratings eventually if ABC continues to keep adding more and more advertising. The first night was literally scheduled as one dance, 10 commercials, one dance, 10 commercials, etc. Enough already! Have some respect for the loyal viewers and stop this practice. Personally, I either leave or don't pay attention during any of the commercials anyway.
3. Who would have expected an 82 year old to be the first one "bleeped" on the show? I like Cloris Leachman the actress and some of her schtick is entertaining on the show. I greatly admire that she is even attempting this; it gives us all hope! But I'm getting tired of her jokes already after two days. Sort of like I feel when I see Don Rickles on a live show...he makes constant one liners that aren't funny and it gets tedious very quickly. Know when to back off gracefully and listening (rather than talking) goes a long way sometime.
4. Kudos to Tom Bergeron! His poise, quick thinking, and humor play a big role in the success of the show. Tom should have won the Emmy!
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