Qualities of America’s Favorite Dancer
I just read a really insightful comment by John Warren discussing what he believed to be the qualities that America’s Favorite Dancer (ie. the Winner of So You Think You Can Dance) should exhibit. I don’t agree with John Warren completely on this list, but it sure is a nice list to start some real discussion on what people base their vote on. For example, one area I disagree with John Warren on is that the look of a dancer is really important to me. America’s Favorite Dancer for me is someone who entertains and how they look will affect their ability to entertain me. Now, take a look at John Warren’s list:
Now, we go to the finale and pick America’s Favorite Dancer here are some things to consider:
1. Which dancer attempts each style with enthusiasm and confidence?
2. Which dancer is willing to take critiques and works to improve each week?
3. Which dancer is working outside of their “strength” in a way that demonstrates skill and style?
4. Which dancer is a true performer?
5. Which dancer is having fun and is someone that you think should be crowned America’s Favorite Dancer?
What we need to stop considering is:
1. Height
2. Body shape
3. Beauty? Cuteness? Attractiveness?….who cares!
4. Hair (or lack there of)
5. Music choices
6. Favorite choreographed pieces (the dancers have no choice in who they work with, what style they get or what choreograhper they get)
7. What they are wearing (again they have no choice in the costumes they wear)
8. Random observation on their preceived personality traits—especially if you have never met them.
9. What Lil C or any other judge says about them
10. Superficial stuff that has no impact on their dancing whatsoever!
Now it’s your turn to share what criteria you use or think should be used to choose America’s Favorite Dancer.
As a side note, if any of you make lists of interesting things like this, feel free to send it to me on the Pure SYTYCD contact us page and I’ll consider posting it as a guest blog post.
After reading this, I still feel Jeanine should win.
KAYLA FTW.
I think that partnering ability should be a major consideration in choosing our fav dancer. That said – None of Brandon’s partners were voted off during the week that they danced with Brandon. He was always there for them. We can’t say the same for any of the other top 3. They all lost one of more partners along the way. Add that to Brandon’s extradinary solos, and he should be the winner.
The problem with Brandon winning is he didn’t show any growth. He didn’t show us anything new. I didn’t feel surprised by his dancing. So I think either Jeanine (who showed she could do hip hop just as well as her own style) or Evan (who showed versatility beyond his broadway style) should win.
Strange answer, Rochelle. Brandon is a contemporary dancer and the first time he drew contemp was this past Wed. He did several types of ballroom, including Waltz and Latin styles and also hip hop and Broadway. How is that not growing??? I think a lot of people are dissing him because he came on the show as a wonder dancer and remained a wonderful dancer……but he did it in a variety of syles other than his own and that does show growth.
Jackie, I’m saying Brandon didn’t get any better than when he started. You’re right in that he was already an amazing dancer who stayed the same. So the question is, how do you grow if you’re already the best dancer? I guess all that remained was Brandon’s personality. Did that stand out? Do I like him more? For me, the answer was no. Jeanine and Evan had more warmth. Brandon may not be my favorite, but I can’t deny he has the best technique of them all. Maybe that’ll be enough for him to win. If not, then he’s in the same boat as Will and Danny who didn’t win their seasons for the same reason.
Rochelle,
I feel you. Brandon hasn’t seem to have grown. Although, honestly I haven’t seen as much growth from any of the dancers this season. Watch for my post on Monday morning related to this subject.
Although, I agree that I think Brandon might fall prey to the Danny and Will syndrome. Kayla could fall into that boat as well. So, I’m thinking Jeanine may have this season.
Now, this is the kind of discussion I have been waiting for. I really love this blog and I appreciate the comments when they deal with dance and dance technique, not so much about look and perceived personalities.
I think all 4 deserve to be there. I think America did get is right. I think there is a diversity that is very interesting. I love Brandon’s strength, Jeanine’s spunk, Kayla’s expression and Evan’s charm.
I think, however, that many of your are not acknowleding the amazing qualities of Evan. He is not simply charming and cute, he is an AMAZING dancer! He takes every style, every challenge, every partner and week after week after week works to perfect these styles so that he looks like all styles are his own.
The judges have indirectly commented on how smooth he is, he doesn’t seem to “sweat” because he is a professional.
Think back to the early dances, then think about the male trio from this week. WOW! What about how dead on he was with the African dance. He has danced all of the, with the exception of disco, and he has never once faltered. He may not have been perfect, but he was so committed.
He is smooth, quick, natural, athletic, strong, expressive, silly and serious, fun and committed. So what if he can’t “go to the deep dark side” I for one am glad he can dance with optimism.
And think about the criticism. His height, his eyelids, his lifts, his face,…none of it matters to him…he dances each dance with sheer joy and love.
My money is on Evan FTW! America loves him and there is a reason he is in the top 4.
Mark my words…EVAN ATW (all the way for those of you wondering)
Kendrah, I admire your passion for defending your favorite dancer – that’s what the show is all about! But I have to respectfully disagree on Evan’s ability to “perfect [various] styles so that he looks like all styles are his own.” The “smoothness” that you interpret as professionalism reads to me like the inability to adapt to harder-hitting styles. I’m with the judges – I really like Evan, but I expected MORE from him in other styles. I don’t doubt his commitment and considerable talent, but I’ve very rarely been struck by his performance outside of his own style. That being said, I really enjoy solos, which have been improving every week. My hat is off to him and the rest of the Top 4!
And to all, as for Brandon’s not showing growth, I’d argue that the African dance forced ALL of the boys to grow as dancers, Brandon included. From what I can tell, most people were impressed across the board by that performance, even though the dancers all struggled with it initially.
And was anyone else blown away by Brandon ability to pick up hip-hop? Watch him mirror Dave Scott and see if you agree.
I read that list and to me it sounds like an outline form of the kudos Lil’ C gave Jeanine when she made the final four. So, I still say Jeanine FTW!
I don’t really “get” this desire to see dancers grow. I think the fact that almost all of the Top 20 dancers were so incredibly strong at the start of the season is something to rejoice – So You Think You Can Dance is maturing as a show and attracting serious, professional dancers. To be honest, I am so happy that I didn’t have to sit through five or six weeks of weeding through the weak dancers. Why do we need dancers to “grow”?
Or, to look at it from another perspective, how can you say that a person CAN’T grow through this show? If their dancing aptitude hasn’t changed because they started out so high, then their performance ability has matured, or their feeling of self-worth, or confidence level, or what have you. ALL of them have grown, in that respect. Including Brandon.
For those of you who need an Ivan to start out rough and end up professional…I’m sorry. I think those days are gone. There is NO way an inexperienced dancer will be able to compete with the professionals trying out for the show now. If you thought Tony was in over his head…next season will only be worse. And I, for one, LIKE it that way!
I agree. I like the maturity of SYTYCD…I like the professionalism, the high quality, the show has been getting better and better….Season Six we are all expecting great things! Bring it on!
Sam-mo,
I’d like to see the raw footage of Brandon mirroring Dave Scott.
CoffeyCup,
Nicely done.
Stephanie and Kendra,
You’re going to be interested in my post that’s scheduled to appear on Monday. I offer an opposing point of view. I’ll be interested to hear your comments on it.
Stephanie,
Good point about everyone having to grow on the show. However, I think it’s the comparison of growth. See my post on Monday and you’ll hopefully understand better my point of view.
I’m from Vietnam. So you think I can reply???:))
In my opinion, Brandon seems to be emotionless, doesn’t he? I don’t have any feeling when he dances except for his own solo and he seems to be not friendly. On the contrary, Evan makes me feel dancing is just wonderful and it can pull everybody closer…So, if i can, I will vote for Evan!!!
huyvespa,
We welcome people from all over the world. One of my good friends lives in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Welcome to the discussion.
Welcome Huyvespa. It’s nice to hear from the other side of the world, but I’m still going to disagree with you. Brandon is far from emotionless. He cares deeply about dancing and people but he’s camera-shy except when he’s dancing so his very pleasant personality doesn’t come through. Evan attended a theatrical school where he learned speaking and acting as well as dancing. But Brandon is simply an amazing dancer. He takes direction well as is evidenced by all the different styles he’s mastered during the competition, so I have no doubt that he will learn how to relax in front of the camera if and when the opportunity presents itself.
Before dissing Brandon, remember how he was always there for his partners. He’s the only one left in the finals whose partner always remained on the show during the week they danced together. That’s gotta count for something.
Sam-Mo – right on. Brandon picked up hip-hop incredibly well and made all those styles he never did before look easy. He should be praised not punished for that.
love this. I think i’ve said this before. BUT here it goes again…I get that America’s Favorite Dancer needs to have a great personality and all…..but isn’t dancing just a wee bit important too?? It is a DANCING competition. I think the person needs to posess BOTH qualities: great personality & a brilliant dancer. not great personality and good dancer …err…. “keeping up with” each dance. (ahem…evan).
speaking of Brandon’s lack of connection, I have always felt that. HOWEVER….if you look at him and Kayla’s contemporary piece….there is a moment between them, and I was like….AHA!! there it is!
I’m still hoping for a Kayla win! but I would love a Jeanine win as well 🙂 I wouldn’t TOO upset if Brandon won. He’s grown on me, his personality has definitely bloomed throughout the competition.
Or maybe is was his partners that were always there for Brandon. It has to go both ways. I don’t think Brandon was “always” there for his partners. I think based on the changes, the randomness and the partnering you cannot give credit for anyone “always being their for their partners.” I recall Kayla and Jeanine lost a partner or two, and I don’t think this lessens her dance abilities at all. Evan had Randi and they were in the top until Randi switched partners. How did Kayla stay with Evan if Evan is so bad for parnters?
This week we get to see all 4 partnering with each other and we certainly cannot claim that it is the parnter whom is to be blamed for the person being #1 or not being #1.
And, if we are going to allow discussions about body, then we have to allow discussion about the face-which is the way we show emotions. And Brandon does not show emotions and this is important in dance.
BTW has anyone ever noticed that Brandon and Evan are the same height but no judge ever critized Brandon for being too short?
I still am going with the sheer joy of dance.
Who makes you love dancing more and more each week?
EVAN ATW!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZaLHRsY70c
1:28. that’s the moment for Brandon.
It was in another reply to a post on here that Brandon has ever done ballroom…sure part of his talent is learning new things quickly…which is a quality of a good dancer. We like to see dancer “grow” and that means so many things. Some grow in Anyways…SYTYCD gives these dancers a chance to be seen and be able to go on and have a good dance career.
Kendrah has a point: losing partners or retaining them does NOT necessarily reflect partnering abilities. Mark from Season 4 had the best partnering abilities in the Top 10 (IMO), but both of his first partners (Kherington and Comfort) were the first two of the Top 10 out of the competition.
John, I don’t know if this counts as “raw” footage that you want, but the video package that preceded Janette and Brandon’s hip-hop was what I was referring to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn51fUcvjDU.
Sam-Mo,
I remember that moment. My question is whether that was good editing or whether it was the third time he’d seen Dave Scott do that move and they just cut in the one where he’d learned it. It might not matter since it sounds like him and Kayla just pick up choreography really quickly. Just editing can do a lot too.
What do I look for in a favorite dancer? Great question…aren’t you just dying to know? lol
First is whether their dancing moves me–do I feel the emotion they are trying to portray? Dance has always been such a cathartic experience for me and such a way to communicate the emotion of the music, etc., and when I just see dancers going through the steps (even when those steps are beautiful), it does nothing for me. Even when I wasn’t the best dancer in my group (which was most of the time, lol), I always tried to portray the emotion that was required. I guess that’s why this is so important to me.
Second, it’s how they execute the choreography–do they make it look easy? Are they aware of every body position? Do even their feet look well placed? I like when I see the dancer executing every move with their entire body…flexibility is great, but it’s not all dancing is. Likewise, power is great, but it’s not all dancing is. I want to see a concentration on all parts of the body and trying to accomplish what the choreographers require. You can talk about the show not being about “choreography,” but of course it is. All dance is choreography + performance. Without one or the other you have nothing worth watching–that’s why the quality of the choreographers is so important. Without them, none of us would watch. Of course it’s not “fair” that the dancers are prey to the luck of the draw, but that’s the nature of the game.
Third, I like growth and versatility–SYTYCD is all about dancers going outside of their comfort zone and growing as dancers. I like to see dancers expand themselves and master all the dance forms they can. Maybe that’s why I liked Melissa so much–every week she stretched her comfort zone, moving her body in ways that she was never trained to do (that rumba from a ballerina????). That’s why I liked what Chelsea from last season could do as a latin dancer (like in Bleeding Love–hitting the dance hard when she’s used to being sexy and slinky).
Finally, there’s the “X” factor–just that personality/identification/likeability factor that you just can’t deny. You can say it “should” not be a factor, but that’s just not how we–as human beings–operate. We all have our preferences, and we usually make those decisions very early on in our exposure to a person. It’s very hard to change those opinions…though it does happen.
That’s why I vote for certain people…and by certain people I mean Melissa (previously) and Jeanine (now). 🙂
Of course we wanted to know your answer Beth. I’ve had this blog for about 3+ years and I know what it was like for no one to comment. Not nearly as entertaining.
I just have to say that the one person who possessed all criteria listed IMO, was Janette. She always adapted perfectly (Wade Robson’s routine, the tango), had a bubbling personality, etc. I just don’t understand why she was cut at all. But hey, the vote can be unpredictable!
I will start from the time of auditions:
I feel like to get on the show is to
1) Know how to dance (passable) or entertain
2) Look good on camera
3) Know how to dance Well
I’d like to put it in that order because I find that people will never make the first cut if they just can’t dance…period. For a show like this, mediocrity won’t cut it. If they have a little something something they can at least be passed to choreography and thus turns into an incredible journey as fans love to see growth.
Second, you have to look good on camera. I’ve seen on previous seasons technically skilled dancers that have been passed on that may not have that appealing of a face. And also we have seen dancers who definitely make ppl watch the show based on looks alone, aside from their dancing. Unfortunately this is how television is: Look good on camera, then see if they can act. It’s harder the other way around but not impossible. Which brings me to point 3. Sometimes there are dancers who are truly exceptional, but dont’ necessarily have all the girls and guys gushing as they walk through the building. BUT, the fact that their talent is extraordinary and a rare-find makes them valuable and actually draws people to watch. Who doesn’t like unique styles and dances?
That’s just the criteria I feel will get them on the show. Now to get the voters to vote.
I think it always helps that they have a story. Not everyone will have one, but I think it helps. Also I love to see improvement but I think you have to first prove to America whether you can dance well. Show us that you’re exceptional in your style and we’ll respect that they picked you to be on the show for that reason. Improvement will come when you adapt to other genres.
Next, I doubt this applies to everyone, but if there are qualities or traits about the dancers that I can relate to (such as the common, no dance training required but still able to pull of routines), committing 100% to a dance, having passion for it and the like, then I think they are on their way.
Passion for dancing that extends beyond dancing such as strong feelings in personality helps i think. I feel people associate strong emotions with the ability to express ones self both inside and out of dancing. I find that confidence in one’s technical and social abilities are a hug draw especially when the majority of America lack confidence in one area or another.
I also feel that music plays an important part. That’s subjective to each person, but I certainly think it helps having either good lyrics or good musicality and interpretation of music. This aids in relating to America “oh I love this song and their interpretation is beautiful” or something.
ANYWAY, It’s quite a bit of criteria, and the x-factor is hard to pick up on but I’m sure it’ll be recognized by different kinds of people.