If, in the voting system, we were able to rank the final four, how would you do it and why?
Not surprisingly, Danny would be in my fourth spot. Undoubtedly, he is a brilliant technical dancer, and, on occasion, his performance has risen to, if not match his technique, a height more worthy of his skill. Unfortunately, he has been inconsistent as an "entertainer," and his solos have fallen flat for me. I found him arrogant at the beginning of the season, as though the competition was beneath him, and he never quite jumped the hurdle for me.
In the third position, perhaps surprisingly, would be Lacey. She was a favorite of mine from the beginning, but I have slowly lost interest. I cannot quite put my finger on why. She is a terrific performer, and she has been good all season. I was surprised last night when she said that she simply made up steps in her solo while she was on stage. The judges have criticized dancers for that in the past, and it left me feeling as though SHE has the sense of entitlement that I often sensed in Danny.
On the other hand, Neil, my second place choice, has worked hard all season long. While there were weeks when I wanted to see him go, of the final four, Neil is the one who has shown significant growth as a dancer AND as a performer. I find him humble and charming ... and he quite nicely fills out a pair of tight leather pants, something Lacey just can't do ... at least not in the same way ...
Finally, walking away with the victory is the exquisite Sabra. I have been intrigued by her since the auditions when they revealed that she has been dancing for only four years. FOUR years! She met every style with top-notch technique and an unmatched peformance level, never stumbling once. She brings to every step the joy that makes me want to dance again. If any of the final four have earned the title it is her.
"I am open, and I am willing,
For to be hopeless would seem so strange.
It dishonors those who go before us,
So lift me up to the light of change."
Holly Near
