REVIEW

TV Review: America's Ballroom Challenge - "American Smooth"

Written by Alexandria Jackson
Published February 01, 2008
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The fourth couple,Tony Scheppler and Tonja Martin, did a nerd/seductress routine that was really cute. Judges gave them 7 out of 7 overall.

The fifth couple, Steven Dougherty and Eulia Baranovsky, did a Fred and Ginger routine complete with the outfits. The received first place in this show dance but were ranked fourth overall.

Eddie Stutts and Valentina danced to Sarah McLachlan’s "In the Arms of An Angel". This was one of the most moving, emotional dances I have ever seen. I am a complete geek about dance so I’ve seen my fair share of dance performances. Her face expressed such deep sorrow when she rested her head on his chest at the end that I started to cry. And so did she.

The last couple, Mazen Hamza and Irina Sarukhanyan, dressed as cats and danced to the theme song from The Aristocats, "We are Siamese if You Please." Bizarre to say the least, yet somehow they managed to come in third.

The great thing about this show is that while it is a real competition, we are never introduced to the judges and we don’t have to see anyone humiliated by the judges' commentary. There is no feedback from the judges until the very last few minutes, and then it is just a number.

The only downside to the show so far were the hosts. Their repartee was a little forced and it was clear when Jasmine Guy said, "What do you call that little foot flicky thing he did?" that she really was not very well coached before the performance.

This is one solid hour of beautiful dancing. I recommend this show to anyone who has an appreciation for dance.

"American Rhythm" will be aired on February 6, "International Standard" will be shown on February 13, "International Latin" will be shown on February 20, and the "Grand Finale" will be shown February 27. Here are some moments from the series:


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Alexandria Jackson is a psychologist by day and a Blogcritic by night. She is the author of Don't Take it Personally: Keep Your Self-Esteem in a Relationship.
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TV Review: America's Ballroom Challenge - "American Smooth"
Published: February 01, 2008
Type: Review
Section: Video
Filed Under: Video: Television, Video: Reality TV, Video: Performing Arts, Culture: Dance
Part of a feature: America's Ballroom Challenge
Writer: Alexandria Jackson
Alexandria Jackson's BC Writer page
Alexandria Jackson's personal site
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