I’ve never been a big American Idol fan, but when I did watch I would only watch the auditions. Who wants to hear good people sing? I can listen to that on the radio. But watching people make fools of themselves? Now that’s entertainment.
I love the inevitable camera interview after Simon Cowell ripped some poor kid a new one after butchering a classic. “They don’t know talent. He don’t know me. I’m a star. I’m going to famous. They’ll see.” I sit in my living room actually feeling embarrassed for them. The AI judges are the best in the business; OK, well, Simon is, and Randy has a pretty good resume. Paula was a huge pop star, so she knows the industry (yes, I said huge, I think I still have her cassette tape hidden in a box somewhere.) Ellen is entertainment value, but she’s too new to count. I just find it so disrespectful and unbelievable that someone would walk into an audition, be rejected, and then slam the audition and its judges just because they didn’t make it. Instead of a learning opportunity, they just deny and deflect.
With that in mind, I never miss and episode of So You Think You Can Dance. I don’t know if its the fitness side of me, or that I don’t know very much about dancing as a whole, but I am in awe of what these kids can do with their bodies. I also love that it is bringing the art of dance to the mainstream. Before the show I had no idea what the difference between contemporary and theatrical jazz was, or that popping and breaking were legitimately recognized forms of dance.
What impresses me most, however, is the kids themselves. I still love the audition episodes, good and bad, but miss the camera rejection freak outs- because it just doesn’t happen on SYTYCD. The hopefuls dance their hearts out in their auditions and then stand in front of the judges and wait to hear their fate. If they blow them away, they move onto Las Vegas, if they see potential, they are sent to the choreography round. If they are not impressed, they are sent packing.
These kids are persistent. Some come back 2, 3, 4 times after not being let through. Instead of coming back just to try again, they take extra classes, extra training, and grow. The kids take the criticism that is always offered with their heads held high, nodding and soaking in the expert’s tips. When some are told they aren’t moving on, they nod and thank the judges and walk out. The camera man waiting for them rarely catches a tantrum. The auditioner walks out disappointed, but always offers a “I guess just not this year,” or “I’m off to train harder and I’ll be back next year.”
This show is a huge opportunity that dancers rarely get. For some of them, this is their only chance. Past SYTYCD alums have been hired as back up dancers for national tours, and to act and star in major motion pictures. Its the perfect example of working hard for what you want and pursuing your dreams. It’s also a good lesson. Watch the show with your kids and point out how well the dancers take criticism, even if they are fantastic dancers. There is always more to learn and if you really want to make it, you need to continue to learn along the way.
Also, please remind your child if they are going to go on TV, to wear underwear. Seriously. I caught this when it aired but thought, “NO WAY that would pass the censors.” Turns out, it slipped through, somehow. (NSFW)
I probably just jinxed myself, and someone is going to have a meltdown on the next show, but either way, teaching your kids to accept criticism and rejection gracefully is an admirable trait that will get them so much further in life. Everyone is going to get rejected sooner or later, but how they handle it is the true test.
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