Reality Shows Passion
by Tamara Gilkes
A lone host in the middle of a vast stage; a panel of "expert" judges; thousands of young hopefuls waiting for the chance to become America's favorite: this seems like the typical, lifeless reality show where an uninformed audience determines the fate of some young adult just hoping to become the next big thing; in many ways, "So You Think You Can Dance?" is just that. Sweaty Latin ballroom dancers rip open button-down shirts to expose their ripped chests and perfect-bodied blondes in sequined underwear shimmy orb-like breasts across the stage, all hoping for Britney Spears-like stardom. Despite all of its similarities to other reality shows, however, "So You Think You Can Dance?" is so much more.
This may sound absurd, but it is true. "So You Think You Can Dance?" is a Fox reality show where thousands of hopefuls audition with the dream of landing a spot as one of the top 20 dancers to make it on the televised show and eventually becoming "America's Favorite Dancer." The dancers showcase an array of styles, from trained jazz, ballet and contemporary dancers to off-the-streets B-boys (and girls). But what makes this even more interesting is that the show has skilled ballroom dancers learning to shake their rumps and booty drop from acclaimed hip-hop choreographers and untrained "pop lockers" learning proper foot placement in the Viennese Waltz. The sweat, tears and injuries are only a part of the entertainment in this reality show that showcases actual talent and growth over the many others.
One benefit of this show's popularity is that it has put dance on the map, more so than it was before the show. As a dance lover, this has been very exciting. Now the average viewer can learn about contemporary, tap, the waltz and the Cha Cha when before, it may have been the same to them, all grouped under the general heading of "dance." They also gain an appreciation for how difficult dance can be. There are few untrained dancers cocky enough to watch someone hold his partner over his head while spinning or fall into a perfect split and think that they can do it too.
Along with a growing appreciation for dance, this show has created a place to view pure passion. In a society where money is valued over passion and intrinsic desire (when was the last time a family member wanted you to be a happy and poor artist rather than a lawyer, for instance?), it is refreshing to see young artists who are willing to bust their butts, pull hamstrings and cry on camera for the love of art - and the chance to be "America's Favorite Dancer," of course.
Sure, they get the fame and the initial monetary package of $100,000. They also get a chance to perform (last year's winner, Benji Schwimmer, was granted a spot in Celine Dion's Las Vegas show), but really, how many dancers can you name? These dancers will never reap the benefits of American Idol-like success because there is not a market for them-they know this, and yet they still do it. This kind of desire is one to be admired.
It is a long shot to say that this show is only entertaining due to the underlying passion of the dancers - you don't have to be an infant to be captivated by flashing lights, glittery costumes and executed movement - but it is refreshing to see pure passion in a sea of shows charged by greed and superficial success. Finally, there is something good on TV.
