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Olympics - Natalie Coughlin foxtree
12:28 pm - 11/13/2012

Another one Bites the Dust: Gymnast Shawn Johnson’s Cultural Appropriation "Jungle Fever" Dance

Dancing With the Stars

On Monday, the stars performed in a dance trio with a pro already eliminated. Mark Ballas -- who helped Johnson win the glitter ball trophy in Season 8 -- joined Johnson and Hough. 

Their samba, with elements of tribal dance, featured a pelvis-rocking Johnson in a faux tribal sequined bikini, while both male partners were shirtless, to screams from the crowd.




Goodman said if he was an audience member he would have cheered, but he was judging the samba and the choreography was self-indulgent. "There was very little samba content. If you go home tomorrow, don't blame me."

Tonioli said as art the dance was fantastic. "Creatively, it was outstanding, but even I have to admit there was very little samba."

Source
Full YouTube video w/ rehearsal footage.



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brucelynn 13th-Nov-2012 06:06 pm (UTC)
Shawn is going to win it

I want Apolo to win but I know it will be Shawn
nekokonneko 13th-Nov-2012 06:10 pm (UTC)
it's silly, but i'm feeling so sad because i have the same feeling ;_;
wordsalone 13th-Nov-2012 06:36 pm (UTC)
She's very talented and I've been so impressed with her, but I feel like it's so unfair to have her. Even with the "all stars" theme.
foxtree 13th-Nov-2012 06:42 pm (UTC)
i don't think it's any more unfair to have her than other athletes like skaters tbh, but this season she and derek are making me rme with inserting a random gymnastic move into every other dance. shawn even admitted that she's using dwts to fill the void of missing the olympics this year. it's sad.
wordsalone 13th-Nov-2012 06:47 pm (UTC)
I guess that's fair. It doesn't seem like Apolo can use his skills as much on the floor, which is why I'm not super bothered by his presence. I'd much prefer to have someone like Melissa who, yes has dance/cheerleading experience, but who really has to work to do some of the things that come so effortlessly to Shawn.

But you're right. This shit with the gymnastics in every other dance is getting old. Yes, she can do them. Awesome. Great. But if it's not being used to showcase a particular ballroom dance skill (which it's usually not) then it should be discounted. Unfortunately, I think most people watch the show and are awed by the fact that she can do something she's been trained to do since she was a child, rather than focusing on the components of the actual dance. Lifts are fine (sometimes), but there are too many flips and handsprings that are not a part of the style. If they were in a real competition, they'd probably be disqualified for some of the stuff they've done.

Also, I want to punch Derek in the face, so there's that.
nekokonneko 13th-Nov-2012 10:29 pm (UTC)
This comment is spot on. People were so incensed by Len giving them a 7 for the not!samba done for the trio dance and calling Derek and whatshisface self-indulgent. Her freestyle for the country dance also didn't really have much actual dancing in it.

Apolo has straight up said that his skills as a speedskater are more a hindrance than a help because the movements he does are so much different than dancing (curling up in a ball vs spreading out and using a stage).
wordsalone 14th-Nov-2012 02:12 am (UTC)
Len is pretty reasonable with his criticism most of the time. He is a professional and he knows what he's talking about.

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