Of Creativity, Skill, and…Television?
I’ve never been much of a television guy, except for news and sports, especially “reality TV” shows. But two shows have really caught my attention recently: Dancing with the Stars and Project Runway.
I think what catches my attention about these shows is the incredible amount of creative energy and passion displayed by all of the participants. You’d figure that a guy like Jerry Rice, the greatest wide receiver ever, would have been through it all and experienced all of the emotion and passion that comes with competition. And yet, you can just see how much he’s enjoying himself and really, really working hard at this competition.
Drew Lachey is also amazing. Like all of the other competitors, he is really, really into it and really driven. (Just watched his final dance, non-freestyle, and it was amazing, perfect 30!).
The person that I’m more amazed by is Stacy Keibler. Wow, she is beautiful. Beautiful body and, more importantly, amazing skill. Of the non-professional dancers, she is definitely the best one on the show (Drew is second). Seductive, silky smooth on the floor, and absolutely amazing in all respects.
When asked about this experience, Stacy said:
“This is the first thing I’ve done in my life where I have fans who are children and women, instead of just men…If I had the chance to do it again, I wouldn’t think twice. It reallly has changed my life. I’ve been offered movies and I’m auditioning. I kind of wake up every day with a smile on my face and pinch myself.”
Maybe more schools should add ballroom dancing to their curriculum? But to be sure, this is great, enjoyable television.
I also caught a short piece in USA Today on Dolly Parton’s Oscar nomination for her song Travelin’ Thru written for the movie Transamerica, a movie about a pre-operative transsexual. Now I’ve never really known much about Dolly Parton, but this piece really boosted my respect for her a hundred-fold.
“Some things are strange to me, and some things are odd,” says Parton, 60. “But I don’t condemn. If you can accept me, I can accept you.”
“Having a big gay following, I get hate mail and threats” she says. “Some people are blind or ignorant, and you can’t be that prejudiced and hateful and go through this world and still be happy. One thing about this movie is that I think art can change minds. It’s all right to be who you are.”
Just thought I’d share 🙂
