by This essay exactly sums up all my objections to the latest version one of my favorite shows, So You Think You Can Dance.
The new version features children. As I tweeted, it’s watchable, but the show has lost its depth and artistry. It’s not that the children aren’t really good dancers, it’s just … bland. They haven’t lived yet, there’s no there there. It’s charming without power. It’s cute when I want great art. I’m remembering all the mind-blowing routines from this show’s past. There will be no more of that. That’s over. Children can’t dance my favorite routines. Maybe they can, but it would be an empty performance, almost obscene in some cases, and I’m not talking about the sexy, romantic routines.
But I’m hanging in there. There’s a possibility there will be great moments. Growing up is a major undertaking, with many powerfully hellish and wonderful aspects. Maybe there will be choreographers who address them brilliantly and little dancers up to those routines.
A shot from the Loser’s Lounge recent Pet Sounds show.
