shake a leg

Our solar system has a dent in it and watermelon can help our guys in the sack. Who knew? All kinds of crazy things got thrown at me this week but all was well with Mama by Wednesday night at 7pm, Central Standard Time. A couple of years ago, I happened to channel surf on the Fox wave, which I usually try my best not to do, and happened on a show that I think just may be the best thing going on in the ole squawk box. So You Think You Can Dance has what American Idol doesn’t have..crazy good talent across the board, fab music, astute and Chardonnay-free judging, and who just may be my personal savior (stole that one from you, Linda)- Mia Michaels. Her choreography brings me to my knees, or as one of the amazing, breathless dancers in the cast, who had been gifted with this lady’s moves in a solid routine said afterwards, “With Mia, it’s so much more than dancing”. This woman’s brilliance continues to wow me time and time again. Her heartbreak, her fears, her power, her joys, her passion are all served up fresh and hot every week. Literally. The abs on some of those guys..yummmm-o. She takes everything we homo sapiens feel, rolls it up in a ball and then throws it right back at us whether we’re ready for it or not. The fluidity of movement, the fusion of life, heart and dance all come together to tell a story every episode and the tunes she picks to help her dancers express that is like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It just works. The other choreographers are terrific as well but it's the kids on this show that make me just so darn proud. and I’m not even their Mama! Nah, these boys and gals aren’t texting and hanging out at the local Carlos and Charlies..they are workin' it and their commitment, professionalism and magic are an inspiration. The cast of 20 (paired into 10 couples who are slowly whittled down as the weeks go by) come from all over the nation and they bring it to the table each and every week, without fail. No whining. No passing the buck. The judge's critique is always accurate, fair and compassionate...and at times just a wee bit shrill- thanks to the excited screams of one of them who a pal o' mine likens to “Marie Osmond on crack”. It does what Idol should do- lets America pick the three bottom (if there even is such a thing, unlike the other show which is generally easy to do) but then allows the professionals to decide on what should happen next. At least until it gets down to the wire and all equally amazing artists are in place for the finish. I mean, does some couch potato in Poughkeepsie really know his Pringle from a releve..or intonation?

It has something for everybody- ballroom, hip-hop, contemporary, Broadway and some Krump thrown in for you cutting edge types. So pour yourself a stiffie and settle into some good T.V. But be warned- if you’re my age or close to it...your back will be hurting by the end. Click here for the moves.

...and don't even get me going on Wade Robson's stuff!