Frankly I’m tired of hearing people boo Dancing With the Stars judge Len Goodman. Yes I guess I am a fuddy-duddy for playing devil’s advocate, but he deserves a good defense, and by gum this Yank is going to give him one.
Our world has become confusing enough when it comes to competitions of any kind. If we listened to some sour grapers out there who condemn those who come in second place (the old “failure is not an option” gone wild philosophy), there would be no reason to engage in competitive sports. Just pick a person, let them run it and win it, and the rest can go home.
As far as I’m concerned, a race is something which, if you start it and finish it, you have won. I feel just as good watching somebody limp across the tape dead last as for the first fit sprinter. I’m sure I could no sooner do a marathon than dance a tango, but I do know that competitions have purpose and reason, and they also have rules. Those who keep the closest to the rules usually wins.
It is the judges who “keep the books” on rules. If the rules were to change every time a little glitch comes up (like people who don’t come in first place or can’t do a samba roll), the original purpose of the activity is lost. Mr. Goodman is on DWTS to scrutinize the dancers and watch for the elements which make up a particular dance. Some dances require a constant contact (or hold); others, like waltzes, rely on rhythmic movements. My favorite, the Paso Doble, has intense exaggerated poses. The key to a good dance is how well each specific element is performed.
Of course, for the show and the entertainment value, the producers allow the celebrities and their partners some leeway to “dress up” the dances. In regular ballroom and Latin competitions, there are no props or set dressings like we see on the show; often Mr. Goodman comments on some of the extraneous setups and it’s obvious he would rather see the couples get on with the matter at hand. It’s what he is used to. Go on YouTube and watch any Pro-Am ballroom competition and you’ll see how serious the sport really is. The competitors have seconds to recognize the music and get into hold and start dancing. No rehearsal tapes provided.
What bothers me is that anytime Len Goodman says something that is negative (and unfortunately, often true) about a routine, the audience goes into a lather and boos. I’m sure a few of the booing audience members might well be ballroom dancers themselves and may disagree with the judges, but the man is doing his job and means well; it’s as much for the good of the professionals to hear his input than for the celebrity who is trying to look like a pro fresh out of ballroom kindergarten.
In fact, I’m sure the pros put their lives on hold to train the celebrities, and not working with an experienced partner is akin to going off one’s diet, making it harder to get back on track. I’ve seen pros like Tony Dovolani take top prizes in “real” ballroom competitions, so Len’s advice can’t hurt his continued success.
I also admire Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, who also have jobs to do as choreography judges, but I notice that they don’t get the boo volume of Len. It’s time to look at the trio for what they are there to do and be nicer to contest judges. Let’s also take the time to tango.
Susan's Scribblings the Blog 