Swan Lake Samba Girl - Latest Comments in WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

mcook4 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:49:34 -0000

I know this is an old article, but I have to say

thank you to Alex Wong for coming on the show and giving America a view to his amazing talent. While I do believe that SYTYCD does too much for ratings, it's accessible. Most people, including myself (a college student struggling to pay for dance classes) do not have the money to go see the best ballet companies in the world. Yes, SYTYCD isn't entirely about dance, but neither are many of these dance companies that charge so much money for tickets. While there are obvious obstacles in American culture, I have great respect for companies that do special performances and outreach programs to democratize dance without lowering their quality. People cannot be educated in what they do not have access to.

I think Alex Wong is a brilliant talent, and however naive he might have been, had the courage to follow his heart and show his power and vulnerability on national television.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

SwanLakeSambaGirl — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:43:28 -0000

My thoughts exactly, and perfectly worded. Thank you Susan!

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

SwanLakeSambaGirl — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:41:24 -0000

Hi Jena -- Well, to my knowledge he's never given an interview about it or anything, but people were surmising that he might have felt left out since there are so few black men or women who get the big principals roles -- the roles of prince and princess, etc. They're usually relegated to the sidekicks or friends of the prince, etc. There are so few black dancers in ballet in general. I know Carlos Acosta had a big problem getting those roles (he says so in his autobiography) but he demanded them and got them (he's at the Royal Ballet in London). Maybe Danny just didn't have that same aggressive personality and didn't feel like going through all that?... People were really shocked when he left Complexions though -- a more multicultural company, albeit nowhere near as big and prestigious as ABT. These racial issues have been a big problem and hopefully they are coming to an end. Read the Acosta book, if you haven't!

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

Jena — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:49:31 -0000

What racial issues did Danny have with ballet? I find the discourse of racism and ballet to be an interesting one.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

Susan — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:51:13 -0000

What makes this sad for me is that there are so many dancers out there who would kill to be in Alex Wong's positions with MIami City Ballet and working with Eddie Villella. If he's not happy or fulfilled there are many contemporary dance companies that would be anxious to sign him up. That would leave a spot open for a dancer that wants to dance ballet as much as he wants to breathe.
Taking a sabbatical from your job is okay but not informing your boss about it while it plays out on national TV is not okay.
I hope Wong finds the right place to dance for him because he's a very talented and exciting dancer.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

SwanLakeSambaGirl — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:35:03 -0000

Hi Shim -- Oh, I meant Pasha and Anya from two seasons ago, and Tony and Melanie who now choreograph regularly for the show's ballroom pieces.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

Shim — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:41:09 -0000

Tonya, who was your friend on the show?

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

Katrina — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:22:59 -0000

EM, same producers, etc. So the same rules apply

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

SwanLakeSambaGirl — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 11:51:16 -0000

Thanks you guys :)

I'm torn because I generally do like the show (and my friend was on two seasons ago and a couple of my friends choreograph for it) but then some of the things said -- mainly by Nigel and Mary -- that are rather homophobic and sexist and focused on the dancers' body parts really get to me. That's just not the way you talk about art or create art -- forcing people to conform to stereotypes and social expectations. But then some of the dancers are good, and not watching because of two conservative judges is probably depriving yourself unnecessarily. Maybe I'll just turn off the sound when Nigel talks...

And EM, I didn't say Nigel said his show was bad, I said I interpreted his body language as indicating that he thought Alex was nuts. I do remember Alex saying he wanted more than just ballet and he only got to dance ballet at his company.

I didn't mean to suggest that ballet dancers are the only "real" dancers or anything like that. I'm a ballroom dancer as are many of my friends and dancers I highly respect, so I wouldn't say something like that. My point was that some of these ballet dancers who are so incredibly hard-working, who've trained their entire lives, who put everything they have into their art, just aren't getting recognition these days and I find that really sad.

I still find the whole situation with Alex very suspect, but whatever -- I'm not going to worry about it. He's back to blogging on the Winger, so maybe he'll pick up new fans.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:42:37 -0000

Selfishly, I hope you will still watch the show - I love reading your comments on it! (And your comments on anything and everything to do with dance, of course.)

I'm still going to watch, even though I absolutely hated season four. I have heard that there is another ballet dancer in the Top 20 this year - Melissa something, so I'm curious to see what she can do.

I live in Australia, and the recent season two winner of our SYTYCD was in a professional ballet company. She's one of my favourite SYTYCD contestants ever. Maybe 2009 is the year of the ballet dancer. :)

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

EM — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:34:21 -0000

SYTYCD is not American Idol. The 'prize' for American Idol is a guaranteed recording contract and it is understandable that a recording artist cannot be signed under two labels. For SYTYCD though, the winner gets a cash prize, not a dance contract with a dance company. I believe that there is a contract in place that the dancers cannot appear on another tv network without permission. But other than that, it seems that the past winners and contestants have been taking on jobs everywhere in the dance world (music videos, conventions, movies, dance companies, commercials...etc) without any issues.

As for taking someone else's place in the Top 32, for all we know, MCB could have been contacted prior to the Top 20 selection and schedules were compared with or without Alex knowledge. The contestants are asked to fill out a background/history form before their auditions, I would be surprised if the MCB contract was not part of that info.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

Benita — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 05:16:43 -0000

'American Idol''s policy is that a contestant cannot be under contract with a record company or have been under contract with a record company anytime in the past two years. If a contestant is found out breaking these rules, he or she is dropped from the show immediately, this has happened and the contestant never makes it to Hollyweed week (which is AI's version of SYTYCD Vegas round). I find it startling that SYTYCD would allow this young man this far (even though he is insanely talented) when he was taking the place of someone who could have gone through to the end. Even though I'm certain Fox could have easily bought the kid out of his contract (it's done for actors all the time) it would look very much like the giant corperate monster putting its' moneyed fist through the tiny ballet company.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

Leigh — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:54:27 -0000

I love SYTYCD, but you can't ask it to be something other than what it is. SYTYCD isn't a show for dance purists, it is a show for the 96.7% of Americans who have little or no exposure to dance, and, despite that, they get some great dancers. Sometimes I feel like people who live in NYC and other major metropolitan areas forget that the vast majority of our fellow Americans do not. I'm sure the bit with Alex was somewhat of a publicity stunt. Alex auditions, is brilliant, but can't be on the show because of the contract. Miami ballet sells more tickets because people want to see Alex from his brief SYTYCD exposure, and, if he does come back and re-audition when he is released from his contract, he has a built-in fan base already formed. The same situation occurred with the wonderful 17-year-old kid who auditioned (Nathan something). They knew perfectly well he was 17 and couldn't be on the show, but they wanted to show him to give people something to keep the upcoming fall season in their minds and no doubt Nathan wanted to get a fan base started. That's the way the game is played on SYTYCD.

I've got to say, though, I remember the exchange being different than your description. I don't remember Wong putting down his job or Nigel putting down his show in quite the way you recalled it, but I haven't been able to find a video to refresh my memory. It is kind of insulting to all the past dancers, some of whom were near and dear to your heart, to imply that anyone who knew 'the least bit about dance' would not want anything to do with the show, don't you think? Or maybe I'm misinterpreting that? People are different. They have different goals. Not everyone wants to be a professional ballet dancer, and the dream job isn't a dream if you aren't happy.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

EM — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:38:37 -0000

I don't understand the harsh criticism on Alex's decision to audition for SYTYCD. The Miami audition took place in early Feb this year and from all the city auditions 170+ dancers made it to the 4-day Vegas round in April/May. The producers have made it clear throughout the years that in addition to dance ability, the dancers are also being cast based on their likability, tv personality, and growth arc. Should Alex have discussed his audition with the MCB Artistic Director before knowing if he had a remote chance of making it to the final rounds? Do people in general discuss with their bosses their plans to seek other opportunities? In any career?

I also think it is unfair for us viewers to decide what is 'good enough' for Alex. He said he was satisfied with ballet but was excited to experience all different types of dance. To me that is the view of a true artist (and that he is not a BALLET ELITIST)...that he still respects other dance styles and has the desire to learn new forms of dance even though he is already at a great position in a reputable company at such a young age. By the way, he is not the first dancer to make it to the end of Vegas but have to drop out due to the contract obligations. In Season 3, a ballet dancer (named Dallas I believe) actually made it to the top 20 and was shown in the Top 20 celebration but was later replaced by Jimmy due to contract issues with a Canadian ballet company.

From the MCB site, it looks like the 2009-2010 season starts on October 23, 2009. I believe that the SYTYCD season ends in mid-August. I think the kink in this whole thing is that if Alex made in to the Top 10, there would be a tour for a couple months after the show and with Season 6 happening in the Fall, who knows if there would be a combined tour.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

SwanLakeSambaGirl — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:59:19 -0000

Thanks for that link, Joanna! That's awesome that Beckylooo found it and put it up!

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

JoannaOC — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:06:47 -0000

I remember when Baryhnikove made a break from the ballet world. he was strongly criticized for it, but he has talked about this in a Charlie Rose internview. Beckylooo blogs about it at her site http://tvinthewoods.wordpre... and has the video posted of the interview. I have my dream job too, in many ways, but the people I work with are not so wonderful. I've struggled with my dissatisfaction: is it the work? is it them? should I be somewhere else? He's still very young.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

Gina — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:56:08 -0000

I am also baffled by this. Anyone in the concert world, especially at Wong's level, would have to be absolutely insane to audition for that show. I am convinced it was a stunt.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

BDC_Sharon — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:54:41 -0000

There is too much on there that is too good for me to give it up. I appreciate the insight, and who knows, maybe we are being played, but it is certainly no worse than what DWTS does to us every single year. Very rarely does this show rely on the drama, it instead allows dance to be enough to entertain us, and there is so little of that on tv right now! I'm glad you are calling them out on this, but don't deprive yourself of the chance to see some incredible choreography performed by amazing dancers because of it.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

SwanLakeSambaGirl — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:44:21 -0000

:) Okay, I can't help but be amused (even though there are things I really like about CL) Thank you for making me laugh.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

SwanLakeSambaGirl — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:39:05 -0000

Thanks you guys for all the great comments! I'm glad I'm not the only one who was rather stunned by this.

I guess it is understandable why some would not be fulfilled by ballet, even if they are with a great company. It's just so hard for me to fathom since, if I could be any dancer in the world ever, it would definitely be Margot Fonteyn or Alessandra Ferri or Natalia Makarova or Cyd Charisse or someone like that. I love ballroom of course and an enamored of the ballroom greats, but if I'd have started at a younger age and had enough talent, ballet would have been my aim. But that is of course my own personal thing. But I always thought for someone who'd taken so much trouble, so much serious killer work to get into a big ballet company, the aim was, likewise, Baryshnikov. Would Baryshnikov ever have gone on this show?.... hmm. My friend last night told me Baryshnikov began to be looked down upon when he started working with Tharp, her stuff being considered to poppy and all. It seems from all the talk that Danny had some racial issues with ballet, which of course should have been a wake-up call (and I think to an extent was) to the ballet world. I wonder if that is part of Alex's issue too. Or if he just wanted more exposure. I'm still shocked he said on national TV that he wasn't fulfilled at his job.

I'm going to search for that article you read, Maria -- sounds very interesting.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

JoannaOC — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:33:11 -0000

Danny Tidwell quit ABT before he auditioned for SYTYCD and a lot of people thought he was lowering himself. Maybe Alex thought he could force Villella's hand, but if he did, it backfired. I think that for some extremely talented dancers, ballet is not enough (heresy!) and the idea of "summer dance camp" with all the challenges of multiple styles, demanding choreographers, and the other opportunities SYTYCD brings to a dancer might be intensely attractive. But how Alex could imagine that the company could release him when the season is booked, brochures printed, tickets sold, when they've invested so much is him? I'll put it down to youth and immaturity. He's an insanely talented dancer, who wants to do more than ballet. But I think naive is perhaps the right word. He got a hard lesson in the business end of dance, but I hope he comes back and competes when he is free of his contract. If he's not happy in the world of ballet, he should move on.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

Natalie — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:31:08 -0000

This is amazing. I'm sorry I missed the episode.

Wong sounds like one of the many talented (male) dancers who would really rather be doing something else. Maybe he got to his current position too easily and too young. I don't really care. I have no doubt that if he keeps up the fuss and television appearances he will eventually be picked up by Cedar Lake.

There is, quite simply, no accounting for taste.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

Lesley — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:56:04 -0000

Though I have respect for those who have the gumption to follow their dreams and audition for SYTYCD...

I have no respect for this show; it makes me cringe. I find it to be a Vegas-wannabe showcase. That times-up music at the end of each dance annoys the heck. Sorry to be harsh on this.

Unless the Alex Wong story is some publicity ploy for MCB, an artist's transition from a pre-eminent ballet company to Las Vegas is like flushing your credibility down the toilet.

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

Patrice Tanaka — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:33:34 -0000

I don't think it was a publicity stunt, not with the tears and real agony that Alex seemed to be feeling. I cried, too. It seems that Alex was, perhaps, naive in thinking that Edward Villela would release him from his contract to do the show, but he seemed to be pursuing the show simply because of his uncontainable love for dance beyond just ballet. It was heartbreakingly beautiful. That's what I love about dancers. They give themselves body, mind and soul to dancing. And the world's greatest dancers seems to do this most fully and often flagrantly, pursuing their passion for dance in a way that most of us mere mortals would consider naive and irrational. Tonya, I love your blog and your uncontained passion for dance and dancers. Warm regards, Patrice (aka sambagrl)

Re: WHY ARE THE WORLD’S GREATEST DANCERS SO PATHETICALLY UNDERVALUED?

jenniferc — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:12:30 -0000

I def won't watch if Alex isn't on the show :) My two cents!