And now we dance

So You Think You Can Dance has started up again, and yes, I am watching. I like it, ’cause there’s so much talent on there (once you get past the open auditions). Though, I find it half-depressing and half-inspiring to watch. Once upon a time (basically most of the 1990s), I danced regularly, mostly jazz, and while I certainly wasn’t at the level at some of the better dancers on the show, it was fun, and I miss it. All of my dancing was through classes and workshops at school, so now that I don’t have that structure, I guess I just need the motivation to get up off the couch and take it up again on my own. Eventually.

Anyway, this guy is one of my favorites on the show so far:

Speaking of dads not supporting their dancer sons, there’s this guy (the clip has some video glitches in the middle):

Though the judges acknowledge that he doesn’t have much experience for such a grueling competition, he does eventually make it to the next round in Las Vegas.

I’m thankful that my parents were supportive of me doing dance and theater; if they had any objections, it was only that those activities were taking too much time away from schoolwork and sleep. Would my father have preferred I play sports? Maybe. But armed with the camcorder like a stereotypical stage parent, he dutifully came to each of my shows and enjoyed them, as far as I could tell. And for him, that was pride enough.