They think they can dance - Why I think Benji will win
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I wrote this on rec.arts.dance the week of July 17th, 2006:
As much as Benji's show-offiness and over-rehearsed charm has irritated me, even I have to admit that he is definately the best all-round dancer/performer in the crowd, with Heidi a very, very close second. You could see from this last solo that in terms of raw talent he is no match for anyone else on the show. But, showmanship-wise (and,
musicality-wise), no one else on the show is his match. Which, by the way, is not a bad thing. I look at it this way: 30 years from now, Benji will probably still be wowing audiences with his dance, showmanship and musicality. Will Ryan, Dimitri and Travis be able to do the same with the back flips, soaring jetees and bare chests? At this point, there is no doubt in my mind that Benji deserves to win this hands down.
My favorite dancer (and I'm a guy) happens to be Dimitri. Remember, after all the hi-faluttin' judging, this boils down to a basic Reality-show. Dimitri knows the more he shows his chest, the more votes he's going to get. Once the vote gets to the basic American slob, it's Master P time all over again.
(FYI: Dimitri was voted off the following week, much to my surprise. I'm sure he'll be back, minus the shirt, for the road tour.)
I find myself also moved by the progress Ivan has made. He kind of reminds you of the plucky kid brother who's always hanging around and won't give up. Then one day, you notice, "Hey, he's gotten pretty good!"
(FYI: Ivan has made it to the final 3! Seabiscuit, indeed!)
And Martha... What can I say? Beauty and talent to spare, not to mention a killer body. But week after week, just like Ryan, she gives off no electricity, no sparks, no nothing except technically brilliant performances.
(FYI: Martha got the axe the next week. She's got a wonderful career ahead of her.)
Donynell is good, no doubt. They all are. But for me, and I can't explain it, there was somthing missing in her performances this last show (maybe Benji?). Yeah, I like the way she threw herself into the pancake and the way she wiggled over Dimitri and that sexy way she has of looking at you... But if I had to vote today for the best female,
it would be Heidi. Heck, what do I know?
A close second, you mean.
> > going to be Benji with Heidi in 2nd, or a tie.
Yes, indeed!