So You Think You Can Dance

I haven't blogged in ages! I've tried to write, but I'd end up just deleting what I wrote because, well...it was lame! But I think I've found something that I do want to discuss!

I've been watching "So You Think You Can Dance" since it's first season with Melody, Nick and Big Poppa. I believe it is one of the greatest opportunities for artists to showcase their talent, grow as artists, and motivate others to do the same. I've watched every episode in awe of what these young people can do with their bodies, and I admire them even more because of the courage they had to take a chance and try out for the show.

In the beginning of the second season, I was a little disheartened because I had not developed an attachment to any of the dancers. I remember last season I was already rooting for Artem, Melody and Ryan during the try-outs, but in the second season I did not start feeling invested in anyone until we were well into the Top 20.

And then Heidi caught my eye. I thought she was awesome during the Vegas week when she saved her cousin, Benji's, butt from elimination. But when she did the "Sex Bomb" routine (the cha-cha) with Ryan, I finally had found my girl! I wanted her to win! Technically, she was not as strong as the other ladies, but she is an awesome performer! She may have been in the bottom three couples the first two weeks, but after the cha-cha, she never saw the bottom three again! It seemed like she had hit her stride and from there she continued to rise above everyone's expectations.

I had other favorites, too. I liked Benji because although he was a ballroom dancer he really went after the other styles of dance like his life depended on it. He has such a great performance quality that when he danced the other styles that he may not have been that strong in, you didn't pay much attention to that because he sold himself so well! And when you put him and Heidi together, forget about it!

Because of Benji, I began to love watching Donyelle. I applaud this beautiful woman for having the courage to keep fighting and dancing, even though she had been looked over many times because of her body type. The fact that she and Benji were NEVER in the bottom three during the entire season shows you how great they both are at dancing and performing.

Then came Travis. He said himself last night that ballroom was his kryptonite, and the numbers he did with Martha left much to be desired. But when they all switched partners and he did the Mia Michaels routine with Heidi I felt I found another dancer to cheer for and love! Technically, nobody can touch him! And when he and Heidi did that Afro-pop routine I was mesmerized!

Last night during the finale, I cried a few times because there were many moments that were so touching. I cried during Heidi and Travis' performance of the Mia Michaels routine (always so beautiful yet painful). I cried again when Donyelle was told she was out, but she told this story about how she had quit dancing prior to the show and asked the Lord for direction. Then, she tried out for the show and from this experience, she realized that she cannot stop now!

I loved everyone that made the final four this year! They ALL deserved to be there! Seeing how much they had all grown throughout the season and the relationships they had built amongst each other was amazing. I think that is the thing I love best about them; it's all love. Everytime someone was voted off, they all felt like a member of their family was being taken away from them. I think the elimination I'll remember the most was when Ivan got voted off. The others were devastated but he began a little dance that must be an inside thing amongst them to let them know it was all good with him and he wished them well. They all possess wonderful sportsmanship.

Which brings me to my final and most important point. I've been surfing the net and reading about other peoples' reactions to Benji winning the competition and some of it has been very mean-spirited. Why do people need to be like that? I can honestly say that I would have been happy if any of the final four had won because I know that they all deserved to be winners in their own right. They all have different strengths that set them apart from one another. It was never about who was the best technically. It was about who was America's favorite.

I'm married to a wonderful artist (not a dancer, an illustrator) and I know how difficult it is to get up the courage to even try to work in this kind of industry. I understand his talent and at the same time I can still admire other artists' talent that is a completely different style. One thing I've learned from working with him at conventions is that we must embrace the art that others bring and share the love. Artists are already at a disadvantage in our society where only a small percentage of us appreciate art, whether it be dancing, paintings, sculptures and literature. There is no need to have hate amongst each other. We're all in the same boat, trying to do what makes us happy in life which is to cultivate our talents and share it with the world.

With that said, I would like to wish Heidi, Donyelle, Travis and Benji luck as they embark on life's next big adventure! I know you four have what it takes to make it! It has been a joy watching you every week and I will miss my Wednesday nights with you all! Peace out!