Cat Deeley in "So You Think You Can Dance"
courtesy of Fox Television
“So You Think You Can Dance” (Fox)

One of the most reliable shows for entertainment during the summer months is Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” This show which is the dancing equivalent of “American Idol” has provided entertainment and excitement to the summer doldrums. Now it has narrowed its field down to six and the excitement is growing every week as the show gets closer and closer to crowning a winner.

“SYTYCD” is hosted by the irrepressible Cat Deeley, she of the outlandish costumes and tender heart. She comes across as someone who truly cares about the contestants and grieves each time one is eliminated. And every Thursday two contestants are eliminated so she is constantly grieving.

The regular judges on this show are Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, with various choreographers filling in the third seat each week. Lythgoe is not as likeable or as dislikeable as Simon Cowell on “AI.” He seems to know a thing or two about dancing but constantly tries to be funny in the relating of his facts. Sometimes this works but more often it does not.

Murphy grows on you. When I first watched the show I thought she was loud and obnoxious. Now I think she is loud and loveable. She too knows her stuff and when she is exuberant about a performance she lets the world know it loud and clear. Most of her comments are delivered in loud decibels.

This year the choreographer that has gained the most attention is Mia Michaels. The dances she has created are distinct and daring. The performers who are selected to perform her creations are very lucky indeed because she makes the dance show them off to their best advantage.

“SYTYCD” has not yet captured the heart of America like “AI” has. We do not know these contestants as well and somehow do not bond with them in the same way. But the show gets better each year and maybe some day it will make the jump to the fall/winter season and gain more exposure.

In the meantime we can still tune in to the Fox Network on Wednesdays at 8Pm and Thursdays at 9PM to see the show progress. If you haven’t given it a try, it is not too late to get in on the fun. As Mary Murphy would say, “Hop on the hot tamale train!”
 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Jackie K. Cooper

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