It may be fantastically superficial, but I really love the ‘reality tv’ dancing shows.  Ballroom has all the drama, pretty costumes, music and movement I love (though still falls behind ice dancing).  A really well done dance takes my breath away.  Some of the dances are so poor that they take my breath away because I’m laughing so hard.

 

This year I’m trying to balance the US Dancing With the Stars (which I’ve been watching since the first season) with Strictly Come Dancing (this is my first season).  The two shows are both fantastic and sum up a lot of the differences between the two countries.  The US show is more glittery, obviously humorous, showy, and over the top (and willing to make fun of itself for that).  The UK show is more sedate, subtle, dry humor and seems more interested in the possibility of romance happening between the dancers.

 

This year I haven’t gotten as hooked on the US show because I haven’t really had a favourite.  Sure, there were couples I liked.  Louie and Chelsea were so cute.  I had a soft spot for Mark and Lacey because of Iron Chef America.  Donny Osmond is, well, Donny Osmond.  I had a Barbie doll of him.  Nuff said.  Mya is a fantastic dancer, but I just can’t seem to like her (though I love getting to see Dmitri dance every week).  Donny’s probably my favourite at this point, but I’m not really invested in it.

 

On the other hand….

 

Somehow I’ve gotten very very invested in Strictly Come Dancing.  At first I only saw the differences, but now I’m quite liking it.  And I’ve grown rather attached to Chris and Ola.  I’m not voting or anything, but I do get quite anxious during the eliminations.  I like many of the other couples as well (Ali & Brian, Ricky and Natalie…).  This week was all drama drama drama.

 

So, between Friday night (when Dancing with the Stars) and Saturday night (Strictly), I watch a good 5 hours of ballroom dancing.  Is it any wonder I’m dancing around the house and wonder on Sunday how I’m going to last until next Friday.

 

Oh the fun things I do to ‘rest’!