There has only been one DWTS series shown on UK TV (except on satellite, which I don't have). It was dreadful: I couldn't tell (not knowing the personalities) which were the professional dancers and which the b-list celebs - which doesn't say much for (my opinion of) American dancers, perhaps?

Here in the UK, we are about to find out who will be participating in the 6th "Strictly Come Dancing" series that runs up to Christmas, but it has already been confirmed that the judges, presenters and professionals are all the same as last time. It's good entertaining TV, and the dancing gets reasonably serious by about half way through. All the teachers are happy - it brings a crop of new pupils every year, and by the time they lose interest/give up, a decent amount of their money is safely in the bank. (Or in the case of the US franchised chains, presumably very large sums of money, but then fools and their money always were easily parted).

Hmmmmmmmmmmm.....

Well, I consider myself new to the ballroom dance world; I've been dancing about a year and a half now. I like Dancing with the Stars......it's a fun show. I've participated in a few competitions and I love them too. My favorite dance show is America's Ballroom Challenge.....which is real ballroom dance. I don't take Dancing with the Stars seriously.....I take it as I think it's intended to be taken....as a fun, lighthearted introduction to ballroom dance for the non-dancing public. If the show were a serious dance competition show, I don't think it would have the mass appeal that it does. Sometimes "real" ballroom comp can seem boring....even tedious unless you really love it (and I do love it). DWTS is entertainment.....What is wrong with that????
I enjoy the costumes, the celebrities and the contemporary music (though I prefer "real" tango music).....DWTS is more of a showcase than a competition.

Perhaps because I have only been dancing a short time, I don't feel offended by DTWS. I am a serious reader...and I compare serious ballroom comp to DWTS like this......
most often I read serious literary works and classics....but then sometimes I just want to read fluff...like People magazine....DWTS is like People.....it's fun, light and not to be taken too seriously.

There are times when I watch DWTS that I cringe...(the progressive splits in the Viennese Waltz performed by Maks and Mel B.....that was just yucky)....but overall I'm just happy to have something ballroom televised.
With a serious lack of Ballroom Dancing events being televised...I appreciate DTWS even more.

Of course, no one actually HAS to watch.

I freely confess, I never miss a programme (SCD), and will try again this year to get audience tickets for a live show - which are as rare as hens' teeth.

DWTS has its flaws from the standpoint of the serious observer, but considering what is on television most of the time, it is amazing that a show that presents some level of culture and dignity to the viewing public can persist. Sure, it puts most of the profesionals in a tough place having to work with untrained personalities, there is often a lot of backleading going on, and great liberties are taken with the dances, but it's wholesome fun that gives us serious types something decent to be agitated over. It's awesome! And, there is no blood or other atrocities to feed your nightmares. The worst thing that happens to me is that I grumble to my wife that what I just saw wasn't a real Vienese waltz. Oh, and they do too much open work with the foxtrot. Now that is a serious travesty. Shame on them!

When considering all of the extremely lame "reality" shows in which contestants are voted off based on a judging panel and viewer votes, thank God that one of them is about dancing. It just happens to be the best one, in my opinion. Yes, I was dancing well before this craze hit, but it gave so many of my friends and acquaintances who might not otherwise give dancing the time of day, an understanding of the fun it is. Not the precision, not the nice clothes, not the variations of different dances, but the FUN. For that, DWTS is a grand and enlightening program on an electronic mechanism that certainly has earned its title of "boob tube" through the years. As with anything laced in Hollywood, this show will see its popularity wane at some point. Thankfully, we'll always have the Ballroom Challenge on PBS.

ABC would be a much better show with more critical commentators instead of the cheerleaders they've been using.

They put Ron Montez back on but yanked his teeth first. He used to provide some real insights; now he just "ooohs" and "aaahs" along with the fatuous Marilu Henner.



jj

Dearest JJ, Maybe such an pompus old windbag, such as yourself, should not be watching anyway!
When Mr. Smith won, the next Tuesday we started dancing lessons, and we have NOT quit, yet! In fact, My husband drove me 6 hours, to take a private lesson from Victor Fung & Anna, and 6 hours back - worth every minute.
I have had 5 spine surgeries, ending in screws, plates,& rods. It was my very last hope for a little Phy. Ther. after 10 years of searching every exercise under the sun! And if I don't say so myself, I am getting a lot better at my Ballroom & Latin. So, quit being a "bummer" man, and take television for what it is worth, relaxation and it's exscapist value! DWTS changed my life - so my advice do NOT watch the show. Your probably just mad that you can never be as HOT, as Maks!

Yes, doll, I spend my nights in bitter fulmination over my lack of physical perfection.

As for you, I'm very happy that you enjoy dancing and have found some relief from your misery.

Some folks enjoy watching DWTS; I enjoy poking fun at it - and will continue to do so. Perhaps, you shouldn't read my posts if they upset you.

I hope that you and your husband enjoy dancing for a long time to come.

jj

Dearest JJ, Oh!, OK- I did not realize you were just joking. I am not a whiner, I am a do something about it kinda girl! Maybe you are not a pompus old windbag, but Maks, is still HOT!!!
Keep on dancing!
ScottyBoysDoll

jofjonesboro. Your playing with fire if you criticize Dancing with the Stars. You can write that you dont agree with the judges mark or the publics. But the program is so popular around the world I think it speaks for itself. The first time it went to air in the UK, wasn't it six million phone votes on one episode. Ours starts next week and is more than popular.You will of course be glued to your TV as I will be with ours.