Below is a sample of how I'm using vocabulary from "Marita's Bargain" and "What You (Really) Need to Know."
I'll preface this post with how I got into So You Think You Can Dance. I distinctly remember just surfing through channels on TV during my sophomore year of high school. I don't even think YouTube was invented (or at least wasn't popular) yet...which is ironic because I only watch SYTYCD on YouTube since I don't even own a TV anymore. I digress; in any case, I recall being completely captivated by two adroit contemporary ballet dancers dancing to Annie Lennox's song "Why." As an emo teen who refused to conform to popular TV, music, and fashion trends, I thought I found my newest addiction.
What hooked me even deeper into this show is the fact that a motley group of dancers from all genres--anything from belly dancing to hip hop to stepping--appeared on every season. At first I thought I'd only enjoy dances such as the ballet one I fell in love with, but I gradually began to appreciate the persistence each dancer displayed in the face of various trials and tribulations. Additionally, starting with the 7th season, each dancer profoundly transformed after being paired with an All-Star (past SYTYCD contestant) as they adapted to dancing in different genres and working with seasoned choreographers (people who create dance sequences). Even when some dance routines looked sloppy or boring, they were never desultory. Dancers had to train every week to learn anywhere from 2 to 4 routines!
Now on its 13th season, SYTYCD has maintained its inertia by pairing children (anywhere from 8 to 13) with All-Stars to serve as coaches and mentors. Although this shift in show format proves SYTYCD's dynamic adaptability as a show, I have had conflicted feelings about watching kids dance with adults. It's very strange to me stil....yet I can't help but continue to feed my addiction.
If you've read this far, THANK YOU, and I hope this is helpful. In case you're interested, below is a Romeo and Juliet-inspired jazz number that I've been obsessed with for about 3 weeks. Hope you enjoy :)