Dancing with the Stars: A Review

I am a diehard fan of the reality show Dancing with the Stars. I have watched from the first to the current show. Whoever thought of this reality show idea had an epiphany, because it is a show that cuts across demographics. There is something for everyone from the old to the young, rich and the poor. There is energy, drama, sex, sensuality, fun and laughter in this show. It sizzles. When I look at Dancing with the Stars I feel transported to a place that is beautiful. I want to get off my chair and dance, do the cha cha cha or waltz with myself. It is like eating potato chips - you can't stop.

Watching women in their beautiful dresses for the ballroom dances puts me in a romantic mood. I want to rush out and rent a guy who can dance and afterwards cool off with a glass of red wine and a piece of cheese. This art hearkens back to the days gone by when people danced only in this fashion and ballrooms provided the luxurious backdrop to bring the romance alive.

Dancing with the Stars demonstrates how one can a literal novice - a clumsy, chunky athletic man like Lawrence Taylor - and make him dance with swan-like grace. Dance also offers so much more to the dancer. It is a great exercise that benefits our health and heart. It's exercise without feeling you are exercising because you are mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the movements when done properly.

There have been a few mishaps this season in terms of accidents that have put some dancers out of commission but there is still a strong cadre of dancers to be enjoyed. The one dancer who has caught the public's attention is Melissa Rycroft, the dumped hopeful of 2009 Bachelor a last minute replacement for Nancy Odell. Eyes are also the youngest participant who is the cute star Olympic athlete Shawn Johnson. Both Johnson and Rycroft have scored very high points and also scored complimentary comments from the Judges. These two women are added reasons why I watch the show. I believe that their popularity is good for the show and will attract a different kind of audience who might not have watched the show before.

Many of Rycroft's sympathizers felt vindicated by this opportunity that landed in her lap what appears to be from no where. Rycroft was especially excellent with the Cha Cha, Cha and the Waltz. Her performances were almost flawless and have won high praises from all the judges. That, however, has caused a splash of green to appear in the eyes of fellow dancers who now claim that Melissa had previous dancing experience and therefore had an advantage over novices. It is an unfair comment since Melissa is not the only dancer who had previous dancing experience. Could you show me a female celebrity who has never had any dancing experience? Most do but may be a little rusty when at the start of the season. But a controversy like this is great for ratings. There are some who would tune it to watch Rycroft fail or to cheer her on.

Rycroft has proved she is a survivor. Her captivating wide smile and cheery disposition are good for show-business. She is likeable and I think she will go far in this competition. I think she will be around to the end, even win the whole thing. She is paired with dancer Toni Dovilani.

Although the judges are wonderful in their own right, I tune it to see Tom Bergeron who gets so excited when making his cryptic and sometimes over the top comments laced with sexual innuendos and humour, he is a spectacle to watch, like a ball of raw energy.

I do not believe that Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak will last very long on this show. He does not have that dancing gene and I think we will see the end of him soon if his injury does not take him out sooner.

Carrie Ann Inaba seems to have been bitten by conscience this season; she is saying nice and encouraging things to some of those dancers who are terrible, unlike in previous years when she will cut you down. I can never forget the way she insulted Susan Lucci last year by saying Susan was too thin and fragile looking. Could you believe that? Well, she did and Susan was gracious enough to let it go without a fuss.

I think that interest in the show is still high and that it should be able to sustain itself for a few more years and I look forward to that.