Dancing with the Stars: It’s all about the spin…

Five years ago, the average American would have had trouble recognizing the difference between a Mambo and a Paso Doble. Many would have associated the Foxtrot with the Sunday-paper comics. And the Jive was the hand-clapping move seen on Grease. But thanks to ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), those days are over.

Sure, there are many TV-watchers that have not gotten caught up in competition-based reality TV programs like DWTS. But those who have watched any of the last four seasons know that is about more than just dancing.

The show’s premise is this: Celebrities- whether they be actors, singers, athletes or even models- are paired up with a professional ballroom dancer. Each pair learns a choreographed routine each week and competes on “live” television. Three judges (actual dance experts) give each couple a score and then allow America to vote for their favorite. The judges’ scores and viewers’ votes are tallied and one pair is eliminated each week. Each season ends with a winning couple earning the much-coveted mirror ball trophy.

Dancing with the Stars has helped to give ballroom dancing a place in American popular culture. It continues to teach the average Joe the dos and don’ts of both Standard and Latin dances. But perhaps more prevalent than its contribution to the dance world is its career-boosting potential.

Although some celebrities have competed during rather busy times in the careers, many others seem to use the show to catapult themselves back into the public eye or to broaden their fan bases.

Before his appearance on last year’s season of DWTS, Joey Fatone was known as a member of the once-famous boy band *NSYNC. You know, not Justin Timberlake or Lance Bass, that other one. But since showing off his fast footwork and crazy sense of humor on the dance floor, Fatone has once again become a household name. He’s even landed himself a hosting job on NBC’s The Singing Bee.

But Fatone isn’t the only one to re-start his career on DWTS. Mario López, best-known for his role as A.C. Slater on the sitcom Saved by the Bell, won over many fans while dancing with partner and love-interest Karina Smirnoff. Since placing second on Season 3, López has become a correspondent on Extra and has been cast in more than one up-coming TV movies.

Similar to Fatone and López, whose appearances on Dancing with the Stars have catapulted them into the limelight, other stars have used the program to broaden their fan base.
Monique Coleman from Disney’s High School Musical gained popularity with more than just preteens during her time on DWTS. Billy Ray Cyrus constantly made reference to filming a new series of Hannah Montana and recording his “soon-to-be-released” record while being interviewed on the program. And Apolo Anton Ohno has certainly gained more nation-wide fans than those who already followed his short-track skating career.

But then there are those who use Dancing with the Stars as a sort-of positive press maneuver. Heather Mills, a charity campaigner (a what?), used her short stay on the program to boost her image after her very public breakup with Paul McCartney. And Jerry Springer showed his softer side while learning the Waltz for his daughter’s wedding.

But lest you think that these public relations tactics were things of the past, take a look at this year’s competitors. There are “where are they now” actors like Jennie Garth and Jane Seymour. Fan base broadeners like model Albert Reed (who?) and singer/actress Sabrina Bryan. And positive-press seekers like Mel B, former Spice Girl and mother of Eddie Murphy’s child, and billionaire Mark Cuban who is known for his game-time outbursts as owner of the Dallas Mavericks.

So as you watch this season of Dancing with the Stars, don’t simply get lost in the turns, dips and fancy footwork. Take a minute or two to appreciate all the well-planned spin as well…

The Emmys: A Presentation of Awkwardness…

The 59th Primetime Emmy Awards aired on FOX last Sunday, Sept. 16. It would great to write about the beautiful dresses and hairstyles seen as celebrities entered on the red carpet. It would be great to comment on those who won awards; discussing their performances throughout the year. And it would even be nice to talk about the special tributes (Roots) and performances (Jersey Boys) that were seen throughout the broadcast. Sure, in an ideal world we could spend time talking about all these aspects of the show. But sadly, the entire program can be summed up into one word: Awkward.

That’s right, awkward.

From the moment the broadcast started with Ryan Seacrest’s introduction/monologue, things were off to an awkward start. Chosen as this year’s host, Seacrest left much to be desired. Of course, no one expected him to deliver a great stand-up comedy routine. He isn’t a stand-up comedian. But his opening remarks and “jokes” (I use that term loosely) left an awful lot to be desired. And what’s more, could have been delivered in half the time.

Speaking of half, where was Seacrest during the entire broadcast? Past hosts (including Conan O’Brien, Ellen DeGeneres and Garry Shandling) have all taken a more active role in the flow of the night. But rather than being moved along by Seacrest, this year’s award winners and announcers were awkwardly shoved toward the next item on the agenda by other announcers or the always-faceless “female voice.”

Oh, and while we’re on the subject of the ever-present “female voice,” why not bring up the extremely awkward presence of Grey’s Anatomy actress Katherine Heigl. When she and fellow presenter Kyle Chandler stepped on stage to present the award for supporting actor in a mini-series, the “voice” mispronounced her last name. Heigl, who was a presenter and nominee, should have had her name pronounced correctly. But the fact that it wasn’t could have easily been ignored. But it wasn’t. Instead, Heigl’s sarcastic attitude was evident in her fake smile and her “Actually, it’s pronounced…”

And while this little moment was awkward in and of itself, Heigl couldn’t just leave it at that. Later in the program, when accepting her award for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series, she started her speech with “Thanks for getting my name right…” Come on. We all know a mistake was made, but what are you, nine years old? Now you just sound like a petulant brat. Get over it.

And while we’re getting over it, maybe we could get over the idea of using the Emmys as a venue to state our political views. If we as viewers wanted to hear about the war, the presidential race or even the political views of our favorite actors and actresses, we would tune into CNN or Larry King Live, not the Emmys. It’s an award show. One night a year is taken to honor the outstanding performances of those in the nighttime television industry. Let’s not ruin it with political crap. People like Sally Field who use their acceptance speech time (she won outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her role on Brothers & Sisters) to make comments about war should be censored for more than just her inappropriate language. Whether we agree with her views or not, it is neither the time nor the place for political statements. It’s an award show. Period.

Censorship seemed to be quite common during this year’s Emmy broadcast. Ray Romano was censored while making a joke about his ex-TV wife Patricia Heaton “screwing” Kelsey Grammer in their new sitcom. Field was censored because of her use of the word “godd***” in her political statement/acceptance speech. And Katherine Heigl (can she do anything right?) was censored while mouthing the word “sh**” after hearing that she had won an award. The censorship was extremely awkward. But FOX is not the only one to blame for that. Yes, the network could have chosen a slightly better censorship plan. Rather than cutting to an outside view of the Shrine Auditorium, a simple logo could have been shown. But the actors themselves could have prevented the awkwardness. Do they not know that certain language is not permitted on primetime television? It seems like pretty common knowledge. Don’t use bad words when on an 8:00PM broadcast. There. Problem solved.

But unfortunately, the seating in the Shrine Auditorium was a problem that could not be solved. While the idea of theater in the round seating (a round stage with chairs facing it from all 360 degrees) may work well for plays and musicals, it proved awkward and disastrous for the Emmys. Rather than rotating the presenters throughout the program, she same section of audience seemed to always be the “front.” Which sadly, for the actors in shows like Ugly Betty, meant that there was always a “back.” They definitely gave a whole new meaning to the phrase “back stage.”

Overall, the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards were extremely disappointing. So much for showing off the best of television…

The only positive aspect of the broadcast was that next year has to be better... (Quick, give me some wood to knock on!)

Specialty Channels: A Little Bit of Something for Everyone

Gone are the days of flipping through a few network channels in an attempt to find something interesting to watch. We have now entered into the world of specialty channels.

Sure, to a certain extent specialty channels have been around for at least a couple decades. MTV was originally created to provide music videos and information to America’s youth. And ESPN provides sports coverage and news twenty-four hours a day. But rather than these types of channels being the extras in a sea of ABC, NBC, and CBS programming, they are becoming more and more abundant. Not to mention more specific in their genres.

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) used to be the place to go when you wanted to learn something on television. And while many children today would probably benefit from less cartoons and more Sesame Street, it seems like many cable channels are doing what PBS has always tried to do- teach viewers. Only they are doing a much better job.

Why watch a PBS documentary on meerkats when you can watch a whole season of Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet? Why watch a one-hour special on the art and industry of tattoos when you can watch Miami Ink and LA Ink on The Learning Channel (TLC). And why watch a program on training dogs when you can learn so much more from the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel?

But more than just teaching viewers about different animals, trends in American popular culture and the styles that are worth wearing this fall; specialty channels are making a name for individuals who would otherwise go unnoticed.

Food Network and Home & Garden Television (HGTV) are two such channels.

In the 1980s and early 90s, there were very view ways for chefs and food connoisseurs to make a name for themselves on national television. PBS did a great job of introducing America to Julia Child, the Frugal Gourmet and Yan Can Cook, but the list seems to stop there.

Since its debut in 1993, the Food Network has been “committed to exploring new and different ways to approach food - through pop culture, competition, adventure, and travel - while also expanding its repertoire of technique-based information.” And through this exploration, chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray and Alton Brown have become household names.

Much like the Food Network, HGTV has made its mark on cable television viewers. (Both are owned and operated by the E.W. Scripps Company.) With programming based on home and yard design and renovation, HGTV gives programs like Decorating Cents, Devine Design, Designed to Sell and Design on a Dime a place to shine.

But in addition to airing shows by already-established designers and hosts, HGTV gives designer “want to bes” a place to showcase their talent. Millions will tune in to HGTV’s Design Star this Sunday night as America’s votes and this year’s winner are revealed. Either Kim Myles or Todd Davis will be added to the list of already-favorite hosts and designers Clive Pearse, Vern Yip and Candice Olson.

And yes, while many Americans will be anxiously awaiting the verdict of HGTV’s Design Star just as they await the results of American Idol and Survivor each year, there will be a large number who are tuned into other programs. But that’s the great thing about having so many specialty channels.

No longer are we all forced to watch Sunday Night Football, America’s Next Producer or Cold Case. We can watch Iron Chef America on the Food Network, Tell Me You Love Me on HBO or The Hills on MTV.

Perhaps those who feel there is nothing worth watching on television have simply not yet found their specialty channel.