<p>I also cringed at Nigel’s use of the word stupidity in reference to suicide. At first, I thought he misspoke and “grasped” at the wrong word, but he said it several times. I do feel his heart is in the right place, though, and wonder if the British use of the word has another meaning.</p>
<p>It sounded like he was reacting from a personal position of pain at having people close to him commit suicide. I can only think my initial reaction to that would also be anger and a strong feeling of betrayal. But I have learned a great deal from my neuroscientist daughter who studies depression, and now understand that often a suicidal person is actually incapable of understanding any perspective outside of their own dark place. That is part of their disorder. </p>
<p>I’ve struggled with depression myself off and on, and I can confirm what you say, churchmusicmom. It is about brain chemistry, not outlook on life. It is not the slightest bit susceptible to the efforts of other people to cheer you up. Among the most useless things that people can say to someone who’s depressed are “Look at everything you have to be grateful for/happy about,” “Don’t be so gloomy,” “Cheer up” etc. Those things not only do not help, but they are invalidating, as if I have no reason to feel the way I do, and if I do feel that way, it’s my fault.</p>
<p>People who have been on the brink of suicide often say they truly believed at the time that they were a burden to their loved ones and that they would be better off without them. Ascribing rational thought processes to the deeply depressed is what’s stupid.</p>
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<p>It is a tendency based upon ignorance and probably rooted in great pain. I have never had anyone close to me actually commit suicide…however, I did have someone who was living in my home tell someone else that they had TRIED to do so–in our home–the day after I had come home from the hospital after having major back surgery. I was afraid for that person, of course, but frankly the major thing I was feeling was furious…and frightened. </p>
<p>So, yeah. I think Nigel misspoke. However, I understand exactly what he was feeling when he said it. I refuse to pass judgement on him for saying it.</p>
<p>Watching the finale everyone?</p>
<p>Yes! I got a little nervous there for a minute. Happy to see that the best dancer won. Ricky is really special–to me he and Melanie are the best dancers the show has had.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, I loved a lot of the routines tonight–some of which I hadn’t seen before. That hip hop piece with Jasmine and Emilio was amazing.</p>
<p>So many great dances!!! I was so happy with the finale and the results. That final big group piece with the allstars and the top dancers was CRAZY good!! I will re-watch it probably multiple times. </p>
<p>I agree, churchmusicmom. It was classy and timeless and they all looked great.</p>
<p>I have to say this whole season fell flat for me. The one night per week format really limited how much we saw of each dancer, and the ever increasing filler (like the Bieber/dance crew stuff) curbed the available time even more. I never felt like I knew the contestants’ personalities well enough to develop any attachments. The lack of real criticism by the judges was a minus (remember the way Mia Michaels could skewer a weak performance?–those were the days!), the minimal use of ballroom was disappointing, and the overuse of certain contemporary choreographers was boring–some of them were churning out basically the same dance week after week. In its attempt to survive for another season by changing the format, the show has lost much of its luster.</p>
<p>I agree that Ricky is a very skilled dancer, but he lacks stage presence. Combine that lack with his small size, and he recedes from view when partnered with any strong female dancer. He’s far more impressive as a soloist. In the end, I think Zack demonstrated the best combination of versatility, personality, and talent, and I was sad to see him come in fourth. </p>
<p>I agree with MommaJ, not one of the more memorable seasons. Didn’t think some of the repeat dances were worth repeating tonight. In past seasons, the all-stars were amazing. This season some of the all-stars were NOT that elite. Thought the guys were much stronger than the ladies overall this season. Early on, there were 29 guys and 21 girls in the top-50. Having Valerie as the runner up was a bit of a stretch, imo. I think Ricky was a deserving winner because he was the wire-to-wire frontrunner. America’s favorite dancer turned out to be the best dancer as well-- which is always nice. Zack and Jessica showed the most improvement and for me that was the most memorable part of this season. I was surprised Emilio didn’t stick around longer. The tappers kind of took up some of the spots that would have gone to hip-hop/crumpers in past seasons. My favorite dance of the night was the Australian SYTYCD winner’s solo. Kind of reminded me of a gymnast’s floor exercise routine.</p>
<p>I won’t say the season “fell flat” for me, mainly because the idea of this show going away makes me awfully sad…I just can’t bring myself to be that critical, I guess. But I DO miss Mia Michaels-- a LOT. I do not miss all the ballroom emphasis, however…. I wish they would not have the musical guest “filler”—I always just fast-forward through that part as some of those performances have actually been painful to watch/listen to. I enjoyed the guest dance performances, though. It’s just all about the dance for me. </p>
<p>And the Australian SYTYCD winner was beyond amazing. It’s like the floor he was dancing on was part trampoline—he barely touched it! He even out-danced Ricky, IMO. </p>
<p>Not surprised that Ricky won, but I was surprised that Valerie finished second. Does that mean that if they had a favorite male and female dancer this season that Valerie would’ve been the favorite female? I think she was helped by being paired with Ricky in the earlier episodes.</p>
<p>I agree that this season overall wasn’t as good as past seasons. There were fewer memorable numbers and the all-stars weren’t as strong. </p>
<p>I agree that it wasn’t the best season ever. It’s pretty obvious that Nigel is tinkering with the “model” to see what drives the most ratings. There is really no other explanation for someone like Valerie getting all the way through. She is cute and fan-friendly and appeals to a broad cross-section of the audience that doesn’t value dance talent as much as other attributes. I will admit to shaking my head at the screen as Zach and then Jessica got cut. If Valerie had won I would not have watched the show next year.</p>
<p>I liked the Australian kid but I am not sure how much of a “dancer” he is–I saw a lot of tricks and stunts but not much musicality or emotion. I would love to see him in other genres.</p>
<p>Thank goodness Ricky won. I would have died if it was Valerie. To me that goes to show who actually votes. It would be nice to see some new choreographers and a little more controversy. Nothing like some nastiness out of Mia Michaels to get your heart pumping. Seems the previous dancers were hungrier or something and I couldn’t remember some of the all-stars. </p>
<p>Who wants to take bets on if Ricky will take the Broadway gig. I say no way. </p>
<p>Why wouldn’t he take the Broadway gig?</p>
<p>To be in the chorus of a broadway show? I think we’ll see him join a company or do videos or concerts. I think broadway is looked down on by highly technical dancers.</p>
<p>But don’t you think the Broadway show might be contractually obligated for the winner?</p>
<p>I too see him more in a contemporary company or doing videos or concerts.</p>
<p>Sally, I think they kept saying “and offered a part” in the show. </p>
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I think Broadway might be looked down on by amateur non-dancers also. I enjoy watching just about every style of dance on SYTYCD (Bollywood is fun, contemporary can be moving, etc.), but I’m glad that I have a DVR when Broadway (or Viennese waltz, for that matter) are presented. Fwiw, I live less than 20 miles from Broadway; I have attended 0 shows, ever. </p>
<p>IMO, Ricky is too good, and will want to soar after the season. </p>