Ellenore, I Think You Were Robbed
I’m a big fan of the show “So You Think You Can Dance”, since the third season (when I discovered the show). But, I’m not a very big fan of America — mostly because I think the masses often get things really wrong all the time. America cast aside Mr. Legacy (who really came into his own – I don’t think he could win, but he’s doing better than Mr. Pecs) and unceremoniously booted little Mollee because of a simpering husband who felt it was perfect alright to pander for votes for his wife)
It’s so sad how much influences the judges have on this show when they are disappointed in things like choreography (which the dancers have no control over) and pump up their personal favorites (“so-and-so, you did OK, but JAKOB, you were AMAZING!!!”). I’d like to think that people can really see great talent on their own and not be swayed by these leading comments and posturing. But, really, I just don’t think they can.
Ellenore, maybe not America's choice, but definitely MY choice.
Ellenore was one of the most interesting dancers to have graced this show in a very long time. She adapted at every turn, in every style and really did a fantastic job in every routine. She always seemed to be able to perform ‘the moves’ yet still maintain her own style. You could always tell that it was Ellenore dancing. She also exhibited a great personality and a maturity that almost none of the other competitor could manage to bring to the stage (ahem, RYAN! NATHAN! and yes, even Legacy who tried to pull the “I’ve been so misunderstood and I’m doing this for other kids from the ‘hood” card.)
No offense to the actual winner (Russell, if I have to say it), but personally I am tired of seeing a boy from the streets, with little technical training, get propped up by the judges who think it’s soooo amazing that he can dance in other styles. I mean, the boy has talent, that is certainly evident, but he get disproportionate praise for being able to do anything. All these kids have to dance things that they haven’t been trained to do and it shouldn’t earn a person brownie points that they can dance a foxtrot when they are a street dancer. It’s just as much of a wonder to see a jazz dancer do a little broadway.
Anyway, while I believe this was a great season (though still not one of my favorites — Season 3 really did it for me), I think America got it wrong. Ellenore may not have been the technical best, or the most improved, but in my humble opinion was by far the dancer that most personified what this show is all about.
I’ll be back for Season 7 (the casting is already underway and if I have to see “Sex” again, I think I may just vomit), but I really hope that the judges can maintain some impartiality.
