Thursday, March 13, 2008

A SYTYCD choreographer takes a swipe at the show

North Sydney choreographer Farah Shah who choreographed the Bollywood number for Graeme and Kate on So You Think You Can Dance said "the experience was not all colourful, beaded costumes and smiling faces. "

She was unhappy when Jason Coleman, told more than 1.5 million viewers that he hated the routine Shah created for dancers and Graeme.

Shah who decided to fuse Bollywood with hip-hop to show an Australian audience this unique style of dance said his comments were "not called for".

"The general feel for all of us (choreographers) is that the US (version of the) show was not about judging the choreographers," she said.

"But here (in Australia), we were all holding hands in the audience. It's such an emotional rollercoaster.

"The show is about how the dancers interpret what they're given ... not about the choreography."


Shah, who has more than 30 years' experience in dance and has choreographed for other hit shows like Dancing with the Stars India, was stressed about being "judged and scrutinised".

Interestingly she had to create the entire concept for her piece not just the choreography designing the image with makeup and costumes, music and lighting.

"I kept thinking, 'Is it good enough? Is it up to scratch? Is it what they want to see?', because it (the brief) was so free," she said.

She admitted she would have to think twice about being involved in the show again. "You are putting your reputation on the line and it's very easy for someone to make a rash comment and ruin your business," she said.

Maybe after all the criticism about the fusion styles the producers have stepped in to tell the choreographers to keep it simple. I disagree with her when she says the choreographers should not be judged, if that is the case the judges should not give them positive feedback when they think their routine is great.

This show is a prime opportunity for them (the choreographers) to showcase their talent worldwide.

As the series progresses it will be interesting to see which choreographers get more time, and which ones get dumped.

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