Superstars Night 2

Okay, so I made sure I saw it tonight. Eh, yeah agree with people saying it’s rather boring (see comments on first post, below). Something about the television just kills some forms of dance, unfortunately.

I loved Maria Kochetkova (who is currently with San Francisco Ballet) dancing the Kitri solo from Don Quixote, but it was so disappointingly short! And somehow ballet doesn’t always translate so well to the screen. But I loved that the judges recognized what a great technician she is and all gave her high scores. I thinks she was second of the solosists.

I also like the South African soloist, but again, I think that was something that would have been so much more profound live. I could tell how much emotion and soul she was putting into that and I’m glad the judges recognized her too. I was kind of worried they’d see it as a bunch of shaking and flapping around or something. I don’t really like that she said up front she came here to make a statement and to be seen and heard (or something like that). I think when artists defend or explain themselves, it just takes away from their performance. The art should stand for itself.

I also liked the Indian group. It was a lot of fun, though I do agree with the judges that there wasn’t always perfect synchronization.

Oh and I liked the Irish couple. That was really really lovely. I didn’t know step dancing was so balletic!

I mean the judging and scoring IS ridiculous. It is impossible to compare completely different dance styles and I wish they didn’t have to have this set up as a competition. I guess the judges would help things if they stated up front what they were judging on in general: clarity of line, expressiveness, artistry, athleticism, synchronicity in the group numbers, partnership in the couples, technique (which of course would vary by dance form), etc? They need to let us (and the dancers) know what exactly they’re judging on.

I like the Russian judge. He’s pretty hilarious.

Oh, and Joanna who commented on my prior post said Pasha and Anya are to be on in the future? I hope!