Jolene, can you tell I’m a little obsessed with this show Frankly I’d wish they’d get rid of Lacey and Chelise and bring back real pros like Elena (Tony’s old competitive partner), Andrea Hale (competed season one), or Nick Kosvoich.

K – I agree that 16 is too many. I can’t keep track of them all. And I knew that Jonathan kept on getting kicked off early, but I had no idea that he was first for the last 3 seasons. Ouch. I do think he needs better partners, and you’re right, I think now it’s more about popularity than ability/effort/inspiration.

Patrick – I love “dancing with the vaguely familiar”, haha. You shame me into feeling jaded for not appreciating the camp of it all. But ah well, I haven’t stayed that emotionally connected to it for some reason (time to watch TV being the biggest issue). I still can’t help but to find it all a bit appalling the way they pushed that rapper (“whose record drops tomorrow!!!!!!!”) and the shots of various ABC TV show stars smiling uncomfortably in the camera. I do hope it avoids the doom of the self-important American Idol. And you’re right about the dancing partners becoming celebrities themselves. It’s interesting how that became an unexpected result of the show’s evolution, and adds a different twist to the title, “Dancing with the Stars”.

I like the judges, mostly because they give specific, useful advice (keep your shoulders back, that sort of thing). My ballroom experience is limited to one class in college (I was truly awful) so I’ve learned things — though I have reached the point of muting Bruno everytime he jumps out of his seat. It’s too bad he plays that act, since he can say sensible things when he wants to.

I agree about the “synergy” thing — Lion King is terrific, but it was not a shock to see it on an ABC show. And I can guarantee we’re going to get thrilling previews of the forthcoming Disney cartoon (Princess and the Frog, I think).

The changes I’ve seen over the past few seasons: mostly that the professional dancers are now, in some cases, better known than the “celebrities.” (I heard someone call it “dancing with the vaguely familiar”.) I’m sure people vote more for Max (I’m forgetting his last name) or the Houghs (though the sister is off this season) than for their partners.

I knew the show was a huge hit when I heard people sneering at it. A lot of them don’t seem to get that the show celebrate the tackiness and has a good time with it. It’s not a self-important show, like American Idol.

I hate how the show’s evolved. 16 celebs is absolutely to many. I hate the adding of social dances (except for them adding Bolero this season) and I extremely wish they’d get rid of Carrie Ann and Bruno and bring in actual Ballroom people. If they don’t do that then they need to change the voting practices. Give the judges’ vote more weight or even then give Len’s score more weight. This show was original about growth and dancing and now it’s just about popularity.