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.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
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!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Unicycling out the door
Well, I can't believe I'm saying this but I will miss Adam. Although he definitely could still use some lessons in listening, his closing comment: "I lost 25 pounds but gained 105 pounds of angel" was very touching and nice and gracious, and it acknowledged Julianne.
And although his dancing skills were not advanced, he was always entertaining and for the short time he danced, he really had made tremendous progress. I think if he had stayed in the show, he may have become a decent ballroom dancer.
I love his quote about everyone finding what scares them most...finding their Dancing with the Stars! Who knew that Adam could be inspirational and wise?
Thank you Adam for showing us what you were really made of and for reminding us that we can set goals and tackle challenges and that those things make our lives richer and better.
And although his dancing skills were not advanced, he was always entertaining and for the short time he danced, he really had made tremendous progress. I think if he had stayed in the show, he may have become a decent ballroom dancer.
I love his quote about everyone finding what scares them most...finding their Dancing with the Stars! Who knew that Adam could be inspirational and wise?
Thank you Adam for showing us what you were really made of and for reminding us that we can set goals and tackle challenges and that those things make our lives richer and better.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The boot for the "Gutt"
I am feeling kind of neutral about the results show this week although maybe a twinge of sadness for Steve Guttenberg. He was definitely not the strongest dancer but he was a nice guy. A bit idealistic and overly sweet at times perhaps, but it's hard to fault someone for being nice and for having a true joy and enthusiasm for what they are doing. I give him credit for putting himself on the line and tackling something new on live television. And some of the celebrities could take a cue from Steve and LISTEN instead of talk (Adam, if you're listening, that means you!)!
I do want to comment that I'm getting tired of the filler part of the results show. I'm weary of listening to out of tune singers and the painfully slow way they announce the results. I've resorted to just watching about 10 minutes before the end to avoid the rest of it. I hope that the producers won't destroy the DWTS charm and fun by driving away loyal fans with commercials and hype.
I also want to say that I think the judging was very inconsistent this week! The judges were very tough on Marlee and Mario in comparison to others they raved about. I was disappointed in the judges this week and Len in particular. If I were judging his performance, I would give him a 5.
I do want to comment that I'm getting tired of the filler part of the results show. I'm weary of listening to out of tune singers and the painfully slow way they announce the results. I've resorted to just watching about 10 minutes before the end to avoid the rest of it. I hope that the producers won't destroy the DWTS charm and fun by driving away loyal fans with commercials and hype.
I also want to say that I think the judging was very inconsistent this week! The judges were very tough on Marlee and Mario in comparison to others they raved about. I was disappointed in the judges this week and Len in particular. If I were judging his performance, I would give him a 5.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
2008 Dancing with the Stars
After a short hiatus I am back, inspired by the sixth season of Dancing with the Stars!
I have a few random comments to start off the season:
I think that everyone got it right for the first elimination round by voting off Penn and Monica. Penn did make a good attempt but he is not a good natural dancer and I actually worried that he was going to hurt his partner since he is so big and his movements were so aggressive. He was also very arrogant and did not listen to the judges. I will not miss him.
Monica also tried but I was somewhat surprised that she did not do better. Usually someone who is a disciplined, trained athlete will attack dancing with the same discipline and focus. Monica seemed distant and separate from the dance, not connected, and unlike her tennis playing, her approach to dancing seemed passive and uninvolved. I do give her a lot of credit for trying something so new and also recognize that she is not a performer.
Kristi is the best dancer but she certainly has the advantage with her background in skating. True, as she says, the footwork is much different. However, the performance aspect is very similar, the posture, arms, and movement are similar, and I know that skaters train in dance. Still, it takes work and discipline for anyone to do it well and she hasn't competed in many years. And there have been many others with dance and performance experience in this competition so she's not the first. However, I wish all of the dancers came in on a level playing field.
I find Marissa to be somewhat annoying...too much over the top for me but I am certain she is probably fabulous on Broadway. Priscilla is much better than I thought she would be and kudos to her for doing this; it is a wonderful example for women of any age to see her take this on! I do have issues with all of her plastic surgery however. While being a great role model by doing this competition, it is somewhat tempered by all of the work she has done on her face. Why is looking your age such a bad thing? Is is better to look like a weird alien than who you really are?
That is enough for now. I will try to post regularly after the elimination show each week. Please feel free to comment and express your opinion!
I have a few random comments to start off the season:
I think that everyone got it right for the first elimination round by voting off Penn and Monica. Penn did make a good attempt but he is not a good natural dancer and I actually worried that he was going to hurt his partner since he is so big and his movements were so aggressive. He was also very arrogant and did not listen to the judges. I will not miss him.
Monica also tried but I was somewhat surprised that she did not do better. Usually someone who is a disciplined, trained athlete will attack dancing with the same discipline and focus. Monica seemed distant and separate from the dance, not connected, and unlike her tennis playing, her approach to dancing seemed passive and uninvolved. I do give her a lot of credit for trying something so new and also recognize that she is not a performer.
Kristi is the best dancer but she certainly has the advantage with her background in skating. True, as she says, the footwork is much different. However, the performance aspect is very similar, the posture, arms, and movement are similar, and I know that skaters train in dance. Still, it takes work and discipline for anyone to do it well and she hasn't competed in many years. And there have been many others with dance and performance experience in this competition so she's not the first. However, I wish all of the dancers came in on a level playing field.
I find Marissa to be somewhat annoying...too much over the top for me but I am certain she is probably fabulous on Broadway. Priscilla is much better than I thought she would be and kudos to her for doing this; it is a wonderful example for women of any age to see her take this on! I do have issues with all of her plastic surgery however. While being a great role model by doing this competition, it is somewhat tempered by all of the work she has done on her face. Why is looking your age such a bad thing? Is is better to look like a weird alien than who you really are?
That is enough for now. I will try to post regularly after the elimination show each week. Please feel free to comment and express your opinion!
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