Before the most recent season finale of “Dancing with the Stars” in November, classes at Dance Instruction were buzzing with talks about the latest episode.
“That’s why I watch it,” said Mary Ann Rogiers, who runs Dance Instruction with her husband Kelly Rogiers. “The student would ask my opinion on things.”
Though Rogiers is pleased that the show has drawn attention to dance, she believes the actual performances on the show are a departure from the traditional and true form of the dance they are intended to execute.
“They don’t stay true to the form of the dance,” said Mary Ann Rogiers.“Sometimes, the dance is hardly recognizable as the type they announce.”
But since the show does need ratings to survive, Rogiers said she understands why there were some modifications.
Cassese, disagrees with the results of “Dancing with the Stars.” He believes the crown should’ve been awarded to Lopez and his partner Karina Smirnoff, rather than Smith and Burke.
The Dance Doctor is currently involved in a lawsuit with Fox TV, alleging the network stole his idea for “So You Think You Can Dance,” according to UPI News.
“Some of the judges aren’t even ballroom dancers and I don’t know how they can judge a ballroom dancer,” Cassese said. “I think it was more of a popularity contest than a dance contest.”
Ray is a fan of both “So You Think You can Dance”and “Dancing with the Stars.”In watching the episodes every single week,Ray has seen parallels between the show and her business.
“It’s amazing how many people think they can dance when they can’t,” Ray said. “It’s the same thing when I interview teachers. I think, ‘oh my god,’ this is like ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ because they think they can work for you.’”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 6, 2007. Read the original PDF.