I have a confession. It’s a big one.

I watch So You Think You Can Dance. Religiously. You say, “Oh God, that’s horrendous. An emasculating reality TV obsession? We can’t be friends.” But I say, “Wait, lemme explain…”

1). SYTYCD (as we say), is unlike the other dance programs and in fact really unlike any other reality shows in that nowhere else can you see someone have to put themselves on the line as much. These people express their very being through the movement of their entire body after years, sometimes a lifetime, of training to be judged. Sorry, but I just don’t see how singing could ever compare to the vulnerability you see in these kids eyes. And…

2). It’s amazing to see something that’s been “just sound” basically become human. At least with the good dancers. They take audio and transform it into something human. Like a state change. Ice-becomes-water-becomes-gas type thing. Also…

3). They highlight good, new music on the show all the time. Between the choreographers making selections to set their work and the auditioners choosing songs to compete with… There’s a lot of discovery possible.

For instance…

The Ting Tings – “Great DJ (Calvin Harris Remix)”
Oona w/ Dave Tweedie – “Tore My Heart”
Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson – “Winter Song”
Adele – “Hometown Glory”

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