This thread is for non-fiction TV, including but not limited to reality television (So You Think You Can Dance, Top Chef: Masters, Project Runway), documentaries (The History Channel, The Discovery Channel), and sundry (Expedition Africa, Mythbusters), et al. [NAFDA]
There is an entire PhD's worth of material in SYTYCD's treatment of issues of race, class, masculinity, and sexuality in the male dancers. Looking at the "street" dancers from this season alone, Legacy is clearly by FAR the least trained - I would honestly be surprised if he's had any formal classes at all. It's obvious by his struggles in Vegas. Russell was shown in Vegas wearing capri-length skin-tight leggings (not very street!) - I'm *sure* he's had ballet. (I do think he hasn't had any ballroom classes, but that's not unusual for many of the dancers - I doubt most contemporary dancers have had any ballroom to speak of.)
I honestly think this is one reason the male dancers are more interesting in many ways - dance is societally problematic for straight males, especially straight males of color.
Agreeing with above comments on SYTYCD. They have this weird dichotomy they need to work out for themselves: they praise dancers who are well-trained (Travis, Danny, etc.), and they like to feign amazement when hip-hop/street dancers are well-trained (although aren't we supposed to be about celebrating good training?).
Add to this the inconsistent judging and it really is a mess. I hope Russell does well and makes it far because I really like him. They have some really strong, male dancers this year.
I've been trying to read into Jen's TC interview segments -- is she giddy because she's relieved to have been kicked off, or has she gotten her mojo back and is happy because she's in the finals after all?
Hard to say, Jesse. Interesting idea, though.
It's been hard to watch her the last two episodes -- she really does look like she's given up.
I hope she's gotten her mojo back!
It's been hard to watch her the last two episodes -- she really does look like she's given up.
Or seriously, seriously exhausted.
However, I'm hoping this explains a cryptic (at the time) comment Tom C. made in an interview about this season.
Did anyone see that crazy promo for that crazy Top Chef Reunion dinner? Cutting to Carla v. Casey? AWK-ward.
right?
I'm looking forward to it!
Me, too. And Fabio telling them to turn the camera off!
I had dinner at Bayless's new restaurant tonight, btw.
It was very very bad. And by bad I mean, it is on my way home from work and does take out, and I foresee unfortunate things for my disposable income. I also mean AWESOME.
