As a former dancer (9 years of ballet, 4 of tap, and lots of fun doing country swing in my younger days), I am a fan of both Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. This season of DWTS has been the best yet, but very odd. Some fantastic dancers went home way too soon.
So I am sitting here tonight, watching the finals, and I finally have to say what has been bothering me all season long. Could someone put a sock in Marie’s mouth? I’m so tired of her interrupting the judges and talking over the announcers. I mean, yes, she is cute, and everybody (of a certain age) remembers Donnie and Marie, and she is close to 50 years old. But did she learn no manners when she was growing up?
According to EW’s blog, Marie (the least accomplished dancer of the three finalists but definitely an entertainer to the hilt) is expected to win because of her fan base (and according to her tonight, the thousands of doll makers who love her). Please, say it ain’t so. I have voted for both Mel and for Helio. I’ll be content if either of them win.
Am I the only one Marie’s chatter and interruptions bothers?
-rlh-
Robin, I have to disagree. I love Marie. Most of the dancers have made comments when the judges give their opinions. Yes, sometimes they should just accept and move on. I agree with that. Marie is just that type of bubbly personality. I think she deals with things by being overly perky, but that is okay with me. She’s been through a lot, but sure others have too. I would be pleased if Marie won though I don’t think she will. Most of the dancers this season were great. This is the first time I watch this show and I started watching it because of Jane Seymour, not Marie. But to have a woman of her age go this far in the competition is a great inspiration to all women. I didn’t think any of the dancers gave their best showing last night, except for Helio’s last dance which was fantastic. I guess they are tired. I usually vehemently disagree with the judges, but last night I think they did a pretty good job overall. I am not a dancer, so this is just from a viewer standpoint, of course. I have been impressed with every dancer who has gone home. They exit with such grace and seem genuinely to care about the other performers.
I’m with you, Robin. Of last week’s semifinalists, Jennie Garth should have been in the finals, not Marie. I voted for Mel and Helio, too. If Marie pulls out a win over either of them, it will be a travesty.
You have to admire the pros and how much they are able to elicit from the stars. For choreography I love Derek & Julianne. My overall favorite from every season, though, is Cheryl Burke. She’s a true professional and a class act.
As far as how critical the judges were last night, I think it was necessary. If they didn’t point out the technical flaws, I think the voting would be even more slanted toward popularity, not talent/skill.
Have to agree on Marie! Can’t believe she stayed and Jennie Garth had to go.
Stick a sock in it? Oh goodness, you are too funny. I like this side of you 🙂
I used to have a Marie Osmond fashion doll. She had a microphone, if that confirms anything you said.
Helio won. I think he performed wonderfully and deserved the prize. He has such a great attitude and is so generous with his praise. He was so excited. It made me smile.
I agree with what Sandie wrote about Marie (first comment above). Yes,there are occasional times when I think, “c’mon Marie, just listen…” (and I also have thought that about SEVERAL other dancers on there). But mostly I enjoy her bubbly enthusiasm and seeing how much fun she gets from it all. (The cowgirl and singing in rain dances stands out to me.) And like several of the judges commented again and again — she brings an entertainment and joie d’vivre (sp?)to every performance that the others don’t have. But one thing I think I’ve learned from 45 years of loving books is that people aren’t always as confident as they seem. I’ve grown up with Marie too, and I really see a vulnerability in her that causes her to bubble over maybe too much at times — that there is a deep shyness that is still with her and she covers it up this way. I kept tearing up while she was dancing and when she was able to make it to the finals. I asked God why I was so teary-eyed. (I don’t think it is just nostalgia.) I think He showed me…it has to do with God’s blessings in our times of need. I pray for her to have a deep understanding of Jesus — but what she said on Larry King about how she goes to scripture and God showed her the verse about “a time to mourn, a time to dance” made me see that even though I don’t believe Mormonism has full truth, God is still speaking to all of us, and using things like this gift of dance in her life to show her his heart for her in current hard times. I can also relate to what she is going thru with her son — I lost a brother to drugs in the late ’60’s and know my own heartache and that of my parents. Anyway, I guess I look for her heart beyond all the loud stuff…
Pam, I agree wholeheartedly about Marie’s personality, etc. Your analysis is probably spot on. And she’s been hit with father’s death, divorce, and son in trouble in a very short period of time. I’ve experienced triple hits in life, too, and it can leave you shaking in your boots while trying to appear like you have it together.
I didn’t mean my post to be critical in any other way. I enjoy her and find her funny and entertaining and certainly wish her well. It was only when she shouted over the tops of other people who were trying to talk that it grated on me. So I stand by believing it shows poor manners, but concede that it could be a coping method that she’s clinging to in hard times.
Robin, I know what you mean. I didn’t take it as an attack on her or anything. She does have that tendency and like I said, there were times I also thought…Marie, calm down… just listen…:) Thanks for responding…