Pop Culture Kitty

Dance Your Ass Off – Week One

Aired 6-29-09

TV’s first dancing weight loss show is hosted by Marissa Jaret Winokur and began with a cast of 12 contestants who will be dancing and losing weight for a $100,000 prize.  Each contestant gets a professional dance partner and will be able to work with a weight loss doctor (Dr. Rob Huizenga from the “Biggest Loser”), a nutritionist (Meg Werner Moreta), a fitness trainer (Lee Wall), a lead choreographer (Lisa Ligon) and costume designers (Lena & Warden).  They’ll be living in a building with a gym and dance studios.  Their weekly rankings will be determined by adding their average dance scores to their percentage of weight lost for the week.  The person with the lowest combined score will be eliminated. 

The judges are:
Mayte Garcia – a choreographer and lead dancer for six of Prince’s world tours.
Lisa Ann Walter – a co-star in the movie “Shall We Dance” and the winner of dozens of dance titles.
Danny Teeson – starred in “Fame – the Musical” and choreographed for Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

Dr. H. met with the group right after their arrival to discuss all the health problems caused by their weight.  It resulted in one contestant, Alicia, dissolving into tears because she was scared.  I immediately got the feeling that we’ll be seeing a lot of tears from Alicia.  She seems very young, high-strung and emotional.  The common room of the residence includes two cupboards.  One labeled “eat” that contains healthy snacks and one labeled “cheat” with all the junk food.  Dr. H. explained that they did this because the contestants have to learn how to cope with temptation.

For week one, each person got to do the dance style of their choice.  They were all weighed ahead of time (without the results being revealed to them) and the two people with the lowest amount of weight lost danced last.

Alicia:  23 years old with a starting weight of 257.6 pounds.  She stated that she has battled weight her whole life and has never been thin.  Her partner’s name is Italo and they did a Latin style dance.  Alicia definitely has confidence and personality to spare.  She ended with a full split that was really impressive.  Mayte gave her a 6 but said it was a “good” 6.  Lisa Ann like the musicality and thought the split deserved an extra point.  She gave it a 7.  Danny loved that Alicia attacked the routine but thought she needed to control her enthusiasm.  He scored it a 6.  Judges’ Average:  6.3.  Alicia got on the scale and lost 7.5 pounds for a total of 2.91%.  Total Score:  9.21

Ruben:  43 years old with a starting weight of 314.3 pounds.  Ruben is a former professional dancer.  He informed us in an interview that his partner of 17 years, John, is recovering from cancer but still wanted Ruben to participate in the show because it was so important to him.  Ruben struggled in rehearsals saying that he knew the steps but had trouble getting his body to do what he wanted.  His partner is Hilary and they did something that looked like a Disco/Fosse hybrid.  It was fine but, knowing Ruben was a professional dancer, I expected a lot more.  It all seemed rather subdued.  Mayte thought the timing needed work and gave it a 6.  Lisa Ann responded that Mayte was being tough on Ruben because of his experience (which I actually think is fair) and gave it a 7.  Danny thought Ruben’s facial expression was deadpan as he was too in his head and not connected to his body.  He gave it a “harsh” 5.  Judges’ Average:  6.0.  On the scale, Ruben lost 13.9 pounds for a total of 4.42%.  Total Score:  10.42

Shayla:  27 years old with a starting weight of 206.5 pounds.  She is a former cheerleader and homecoming queen.  She’s partnered with Mario and quickly found that she can’t do as much as she could when she was just 130 pounds.  Shayla did a Tina Turner inspired number and was hot.  This girl is truly blessed in the genetics department.  She carries all of her weight exactly where every woman wishes she did.  Mayte loved that Shayla did the dance in the Tina heels and gave it a 7.  Lisa Ann also gave it a 7.  Danny told Shayla she moved like she was still 130 pounds and also scored it a 7.  Judges’ Average:  7.0.  Shayla got on the scale and lost 4.9 pounds for a total of 2.37%.  Total Score:  9.37

Warren:  29 years old with a starting weight of 357.6.  Warren is a father of two and is afraid of dying and leaving his kids without a dad.  He is partnered with Sarah and has no dance experience.  His number would best be described as Dom DeLuise doing hip hop.  It was very entertaining.  Mayte thought he needed to connect more with his partner and gave it a 5.  Lisa Ann also gave it a 5 saying that Warren’s face really showed his concentration.  Danny was impressed with how Warren kept up with the steps and gave it a 6.  Judges’ Average:  5.3.  On the scale, Warren lost 11.6 pounds for a total of 3.24%.  Total Score:  8.54

Trice:  24 years old with a starting weight of 274.9 pounds.  She wants to show that someone can be a size 18 but still move like they’re a 2.  She is partnered with Jesus and was in full “fierce” mode with her hip hop number.  It was fun but did seem a little disjointed.  Mayte thought Trice needed to be sharper with her arm movements and gave it a 6.  Lisa Ann liked the flexibility but thought Trice needed to be a little less frenetic.  She scored it a 6.  Danny said her attack was amazing and also gave it a 6.  Judges’ Average:  6.0.  Trice got on the scale and lost 11.4 pounds for a total of 4.15%.  Total Score:  10.15

Angela:  24 years old with a starting weight of 185.9 pounds.  She is a former model who has gained 65 pounds in the last 2 years.  She is partnered with Kenny and the poor thing just looked uncomfortable through the whole number.  She seemed to have no confidence at all in her steps.  Mayte told her to work on her shoulders and gave it a generous 6.  Lisa Ann thought Angela needed to relax into the dance and gave it a 5.  Danny said he could see her struggling with the rhythm and scored it a 5.  Judges’ Average:  5.3.  On the scale, Angela lost 3.5 pounds for a total of 1.88%.  Total Score:  7.18

Mara:  32 years old with a starting weight of 261.9 pounds.  She is a diabetic who lost her brother to the disease.  She is partnered with Paul and was very sharp and confident in her hip hop routine.  Mayte called it amazing and gave it a 7.  Lisa Ann said it was clear Mara was feeling good about herself and also gave it a 7.  Danny loved that Mara enjoyed the dance but was still able to remain focused.  He scored it an 8.  Judges’ Average:  7.3.  On the scale, Mara lost 6.6 pounds for a total of 2.52%.  Total Score:  9.82

Tara:  32 years old with a starting weight of 237.4 pounds.  She wants to show her kids that she is making the choice to be healthy.  Her partner is Michael and I thought their routine was light on content.  Tara also seemed to be having some problems keeping the beat.  Mayte thought Tara forgot she had a partner and needed to acknowledge him more in the dance.  She gave it a 6.  Lisa Ann told Tara she needed to finish her moves and not just go halfway.  She scored it a 5.  Danny gave it a 6 and said he could see Tara wearing all the week’s emotions on her sleeve.  Judges’ Average:  5.7.  Tara got on the scale and lost 4.5 pounds for a total of 1.90%.  Total Score:  7.60

Karla:  29 years old with a starting weight of 174.9 pounds.  She was surprised to find herself one of the smaller people on the show.  She is partnered with Jull and her routine was full of every party dance move you could think of – and she did them quite well.  Mayte liked the connection and energy and gave it a 7.  Lisa Ann also gave it a 7 and enjoyed the 80’s flashback.  Danny said the routine wasn’t technical but was entertaining and gave it a 7.  Judges’ Average:  7.0.  On the scale, Karla lost 9.5 pounds for a total of 5.43%.  Total Score:  12.43

Miles:  28 years old with a starting weight of 260.8 pounds.  He is afraid of dying young like his father.  Miles is paired with Michelle and already knew how to do partner dancing.  They did a Swing number that rocked.  There was a lift at the end that was worthy of a “Dancing with the Stars” freestyle routine.  Mayte said Miles’ footwork was great and gave it a 7.  Lisa Ann gave it an 8 and said that Miles needs to be given more challenging moves because he can handle it.  Danny also thought Miles could do more and gave it a 7.  Judges’ Average:  7.3.  Miles got on the scale and lost 6.9 pounds for a total of 2.65%.  Total Score:  9.95

That left Pinky and Brandon in the bottom two for weight loss and Angela in last place among those who had already danced.  The show had Pinky and Brandon both dance before revealing their scores from the judges.

Brandon:  20 years old with a starting weight of 230.4 pounds.  He is a type 2 diabetic who almost wasn’t allowed to participate in the show.  He is paired with Yesenia (pictured above).  Brandon could not have been cuter and had a nice, relaxed style to his dancing.  Mayte thought he could have been stronger in his movements.  Lisa Ann loved it and Danny said Brandon had a natural groove but needed to up the energy level.  On the scale, Brandon lost 3.6 pounds for a total of 1.56%. 

Pinky:  29 years old with a starting weight of 186.9 pounds.  She comes from a family of street dancers and said that she knows her brother would like to give her a shot at being in his dance group but she’s just never been good enough.  Her partner is Mr. Lucky (yep, that’s his name) and, as with Ruben, my expectations were high because of Pinky’s experience.  She lived up to them.  It was a very quick and sharp routine.  Mayte loved the energy but wanted her to hit the moves even harder.  Lisa Ann said she could see the determination but added that no one had a better smile.  Danny was amazed that Pinky was in the bottom two considering what a workout her routine was.  Pinky lost 2.4 pounds for a total of 1.28%.

Angela, Brandon and Pinky lined up for the final results:
Pinky received a 7 from Mayte, a 7 from Lisa Ann and an 8 from Danny. Judges’ Average: 7.3. Total Score: 8.58. She was safe.
Brandon received a 6 from Mayte, a 7 from Lisa Ann and a 7 from Danny. Judges’ Average: 6.7. Total Score: 8.26. He was safe.

Brandon burst into tears and poor Angela, who’d just been eliminated, found herself having to comfort him.  She broke my heart by tearfully telling Marissa that she had a lot more to show but now wasn’t going to have the chance.  Wow, this is really early to be feeling this bad about an elimination.  The truth, though, is that Angela was the weakest dancer and was the right person to go.

Next Week:  Alicia has a meltdown and its Disco week!

Bonus footage and additional DYAO videos are available at Oxygen’s website here:

http://o2.oxygen.com/player/?fid=1100245

Jeff Goldblum Is Not Dead!

Jeff Goldblum has been making a series of appearances on “The Colbert Report” lately and he didn’t let a little thing like his “death” stand in the way of showing up last night:

Len Goodman Undergoes Operation For Cancer

MSN.com and US Weekly report that Len Goodman, “Dancing with the Stars” head judge, has undergone surgery for a cancerous tumor on his prostate. Thanks to early detection, the surgery was successful and the prognosis is good, and Goodman should be back at the judges’ table for the next “DWTS” season.

I’ve always enjoyed the frequently cranky Goodman on “DWTS,” probably because his crankiness seems more like an act from a truly joyful man (and maybe because I imagine I’d be cranky in his position. It’s easy for me to relate!) But his critical comments of the stars’ dancing are usually grounded in their technical missteps (a heel lead, bad posture, etc.) which give the impression that he’s REALLY judging their dancing on actual merit. His approach of offering constructive criticism to help them improve is far preferable to Bruno Tonioli’s flying-out-of-his-chair one-liners at the slightest provocation, or worse, Carrie Ann Inaba’s incessantly vague comments (”I just didn’t feel it.”) While those two often talk just to hear themselves, Len actually has something to say. (The fact that the audience often doesn’t want to hear it doesn’t seem to bother him in the slightest!) 

Plus, one of the best parts of “DWTS” is when Tom Bergeron (the best host on TV, period) goes after Len with a good-natured barb about his cranky personality, use of unfamiliar British idioms, and the like. The delight on Goodman’s face is obvious. This man enjoys what he does, and it’s good to hear that he’ll be able to keep doing it. 

The full story can be found at:

http://wonderwall.msn.com/tv/Dancing-With-the-Stars-Judge-Diagnosed-With-Cancer-1517369.story?GT1=28135

Great News For “Law & Order: SVU”

They’ll be back!!

Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Ausiello is reporting that “Law & Order: SVU” stars Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni have signed on for two more seasons of the show.  Even though NBC had threatened to continue the show without its stars, cooler heads and cash prevailed in the end.  The second season of their contract is contingent on NBC renewing the show for the 2010-2011 season but, given that “SVU” is consistently NBC’s top rated drama, there’s little reason to think they won’t.  Fans should still be flocking to the show given Ausiello’s follow-up announcement that ……

Christine Lahti will be joining the cast as a new ADA.  She’ll appear in the first four episodes and then will hand the ADA job back to Stephanie March.  It was reported earlier in the month that March was on board for at least 10 episodes.  Wow!  The casting of female ADAs has been a notorious weak spot for the “Law & Order” franchise but I think Dick Wolf hit a home run this time.   I’m already hoping that Lahti will stick around for more than just four episodes.  I’d love to have at least one scene between her, March and Judith Light.  

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/06/svu-exclusive-chris-and-mariska-are-staying.html

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/06/svu-scoop-christine-lahti-is-the-new-ada.html

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/06/svu-exclusive-stephanie-march-staying-.html

“Dance Your Ass Off” Preview

This show is being promoted as a combination of “Dancing with the Stars” and the “Biggest Loser” so you know I’ll be there! 

I’ve liked what I’ve seen from the teasers because it looks like the 12 contestants actually do have a sense of rhythm and can move.  Certainly Mara, the woman in the clip below, knows how to work it.  I also love that they picked “Hairspray” and DWTS alum Marissa Jaret Winokur to be the host.  Yes, her perkiness can be a bit much at times, but she’s got the credentials in proving that one doesn’t have to be a size 0 to be able to dance. 

The show premieres tonight on Oxygen at 10PM ET.

Billy Mays’ Last “Tonight Show” Appearance

NBC.com posted a video clip of Billy Mays’ appearance last week on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” on their homepage as a tribute to the fallen pitchman. It’s a delightful little interview with Mays and his Discovery Channel “Pitchman” reality show co-host Anthony Sullivan. He seemed like a very happy man who loved what he did for a living and certainly helped to take the concept of the “infomercial” to a whole new level.

Smart (And Hungry) Kitty

Who needs opposable thumbs?

Unique Tribute To Michael Jackson

The CPDRC prisoners in the Philippines, who burst onto the viral video scene 2 years ago with their version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, have staged a tribute to the fallen King of Pop. It’s both odd and entrancing – which I suppose makes it very fitting:

In case you weren’t one of the 25 million hits on the original CPDRC “Thriller” video, here’s your chance:

Sleeping Cat Cuteness

With all the awful news in the entertainment world this week, I thought we could use some sleeping cat cuteness:

America’s Got Talent 4 – Episode 2

Aired 6/24/09

Seattle

I’ll give the show credit for opening this round of auditions with an act that truly took me by surprise.  We were introduced to a pretty, blonde mom named Manuela Horn who dressed like “Heidi” and had “Edelweiss” as her background music.  No way she wasn’t going to be a disaster.  The next thing we knew, she walked out on stage in a skin tight, black dominatrix costume complete with a devil’s tail (pictured above).  Needless to say, judges Piers Morgan and David Hasselhoff and host Nick Cannon were enthralled.  Judge Sharon Osbourne just laughed.  Manuela then proceeded to yodel – and yodel quite well.  She was put through to Vegas and I actually found myself agreeing with that call.

The Comic Bots – Nick described them as “Transformers from the ‘hood”.  They were a band dressed as silver robots.  The costumes were exceptional but I wish we’d seen a bit more of the actual act.  Hopefully we will in the Vegas round.

They were followed by a collection of other successful acts including a dancing magician (Tom Durnin) who reminded me a bit of the “Saturday Night Live” appearances of Harry Anderson in the early 80’s.  There was also a band called G-Force that consisted of three sisters ranging in age from 7 to 11.  They sang and played instruments and looked very much like a female version of the Jonas Brothers.  They had “Disney Princess” written all over them.

Erik and Rickie – 8 year old Ballroom dancers.  They were just as adorable as you would expect and did get put through to Vegas.  They danced very well, and I certainly don’t want to take anything away from them, but – that “Dancing with the Stars” Ballroom Kids Competition from a few seasons back set a standard in my mind for child dancers that is tough to match.

Miami

The show opened the Miami auditions with a true mess – much like AGT does with every city.  This one was a young woman named Jennifer Guadix who was dressed in bright pink and came on stage with a large suitcase that she struggled to move.  To no one’s surprise, there was a person inside.  I’m guessing it was Jennifer’s sister.  They were awful.  David described it as “probably the worst act that we’ve seen on this show – with all due respect.”  That’s an exaggeration (because, lord knows, there have been some horrible acts on this show) but it was truly bad.

Drew Thomas – He turned out to be a very good illusionist.  I could tell early in the routine what the twist would be but I have no idea how he did it.  The three judges gave him a standing ovation.  David said they finally had a magician worthy of winning the show.

Alizma – Polish triplets who sang and played violins.  They reminded me a bit of the Romanian twins from last season – although these girls were better dressed and actually had some talent.  Their singing was weak (as pointed out by Piers and Sharon) but the violin work was good.  They claim to play several other instruments so, hopefully, they’ll stick with that in the next round.

After a collection of weird (and not in a good way) acts, we got to the final performance of the night:

Arcadian Broad – a 13 year old dancer who made a credible bid to be cast as the next “Billy Elliot”.  He even danced to an Elton John song.  He was very good and could spin with the best of them.  He also has an adoring mother and sister so he was the whole AGT package.

I didn’t see a potential winner in this group (or even a top 5 contender) but I am very curious to see The Comic Bots again.

Full episodes of AGT are available at NBC’s website here:  http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/episodes/

In the meantime, here’s Drew Thomas and his illusion: