Dancing with the Stars

Kansas City was among my favorite venues when I traveled for a living.  My team (SOS) worked really hard all day and then shopped and dined in KC’s Country Club Plaza in the evenings – except of course, when Dancing with the Stars was on TV.   I could not believe that these two sophisticated, articulate, well-traveled women were hooked on anything so – so – well, I just don’t know…

                     And then…I tuned in.

Talk about going to the dark side!  One week, I stayed up until 11pm to see if Bristol Palin would be eliminated.  Did you hear that?  If you know me at all, you will recognize immediately that the time is well into double digits – and I seldom see those numbers on a clock.  And – Bristol Palin?  Who cares!  What has become of me?  Hubby and I critique costumes, fuss about music and compare this week’s Tango with last week’s Waltz.  We are so glad that Kurt learned to flex his knees properly and hope that Jennifer will hold up until the end.  Both of us miss Audrina – I mean, really, what was THAT about?

You see what I mean.  It makes me want to throw up.

So what has become of me?  The artistry astounds me.  Gorgeously costumed women stalk and spin on stiletto heels and then fall gracefully into the waiting arms of equally dazzling partners. For a minute and a half, my eyes can’t leave the screen.  I can live without all the silliness; the backstage arguments, the “suspense” of the reveals, the positively adolescent audience polls.  I roll my eyes when the host chats up contestants with “The judges said you were clumsy and looked like a duck.  How does that make you feel?”  All of that is hooey.  And I truthfully can’t tell a Rumba from the Hokey Pokey.  But when the music starts…I’m rapt!!

The risqué costumes, sultry music and sexy moves mask fabulous athleticism.  Did you see Florence Henderson?  That woman is as old as my mother, and she was tangled up like a pretzel with that nice young man.  I should be so nimble!! 

So I watch for the glitz; and I watch for the moves; but mostly, I watch because the show is about excellence.  Those folks are working hard to be amazing.  In a world where anything you are bold enough to display can be accepted as art, regardless of its merit, I am grateful for performances that are practiced, polished and (damn-near) perfect.  So, I watch, and I marvel.  And sometimes, I even stay up late!!