She's not a ringer, she's a girl who has had Hip Hop classes. I might take this debate more seriously if she were a trained ballet dancer or ballroom dancer, but it's time to stop. Here are my reasons for ending the Zendaya discussion on DWTS:
1. It's a TV show: Having great dancers and bad dancers all lumped into one variety show is fun. I cheered on Andy Dick as much as I have cheered Zendaya and Kellie Pickler this season. I did make fun of Sean Lowe's dancing a bit, but it made for some interesting topics of discussion on our AfterBuzz TV show.
And guess what? By constantly debating that "Zendaya is a ringer" and "Kellie is being underscored"(Although the "7" from Len was ridiculous, it also made for good TV.) topics, you are playing into exactly what ABC wants...controversy. It makes for good television and it gets us all watching each week.
One other argument is that ABC wants to promote its own network stars. If you look at the statistics, this is a bad argument. Let's look at the ABC stars who have won DWTS: Season 1 Kelly Monaco, General Hospital. That's it, kids. You could argue Melissa Rycroft from Season 15 as she is a former ABC employee with The Bachelor franchise/former GMA & Bachelor Pad host, but ABC has not used her in that capacity since April 2012. If there were a series of ABC winners, I would agree with you. 1 winner out of 15 does not make for an ABC push for a winner.
Supplemental reading: Carrie Ann Inaba talks Kellie Pickler
2. Zendaya Hears You: If you think this 16-year-old doesn't hear your criticism, she does...and she takes it personally. If you read her Access Hollywood blog, she knows exactly what is going on in the forums. I feel badly for her because I remember being 16 and we don't need to help anyone's teen insecurities along.
Supplemental reading: Zendaya's blog
Even with dance training, Zendaya doesn't have lines like Kellie does. Beautiful!
3. Twitter followers: Yep, Zendaya has more followers than anyone, but she's also of a generation that is more tuned into social media than say...Wynonna's fans. Different generations, different demographics, different use of social media.
I know many of you are upset that Zendaya got Hip Hop this week. She asked for it, the fans gave it to her. Aly asked for Afro-Jazz, Kellie asked for Flamenco, everyone got the exact dance they wanted. While Flamenco might be harder for Kellie than Hip Hop is for Zendaya, it is Derek who wanted this dance. He has something in mind choreographically just the same way Mark wanted to try Afro-Jazz on Aly. They know their partner's strengths.
Also, ABC is trying to keep up with the times and keep this show as interactive as possible for all of the fans. Twitter is social media site that keeps growing while Facebook's growth has stagnated over the last two years, that's why they are using it for voting. While not every experiment on DWTS works, I like that they are trying to keep current and relevant.
Supplemental reading: Carrie Ann Inaba names best DWTS dancer ever
Honestly, I would rather talk about the great dancing we are seeing from Zendaya and Kellie this season and how much I've enjoyed watching them each week. Val and Derek have both stepped up their game choreographically and it's been a treat for the viewers. With two weeks left, let's end the debate and see who's going to come out on top. Remember last year, we all thought Shawn Johnson was going to win.
Let's end the debate. You are missing some good dancing.
Okay, your turn to comment. Please post in the comments below...
UPDATE: Thanks for all of your responses so far. While some of you agree with me, I want to address those that don't agree with me...of course, I respect your opinion. However, hurling insults my way weakens your case. Instead, why don't you comment below and give me some facts to back up your argument. I am totally up for rational discussions. It's refreshing to hear a different perspective when it's done with respect.
The other thing you must remember is that I compliment both Zendaya and Kellie in this post. I like them both. I haven't chosen sides.
I also want to disclose I have interviewed Zendaya many times, so I was very familiar with her work pre-DWTS. If you want to see some of that coverage, go here and here.
Anyway, thanks for all of your feedback. I appreciate it!
She has a lot of advantages over the other contestants, but they weren't unfair advantages. Yes, she has a lot of fans, yes she's been a trained performer since birth, but she still had to do the training, she still had to go and get fans. Nothing was given to her that she didn't work for.
ReplyDeleteIf peeps want to see what a world of total equality looks like read Harrison Bergeron or watch one of the film adaptations.
Exactly. She's still 16 and she still has to go to school. Due to CA child labor laws, she can only rehearse for 4 hours. That's it. How is that an advantage? It's not. Glad you get it. :)
Delete...sorry, but I disagree. She's been dancing since she was eight. When you've danced that long and learn new choreography on a regular basis, changing styles isn't nearly as difficult because you know your body and extent movement. You have experience learning choreography -- different choreography, yes, but still choreography. That's a huge advantage over people who have never had to learn choreography, characterization of a dance, musical phrasing, etc.
DeleteLook, I like Zendaya, and I find it appalling that people would be nasty about a silly reality show. However, I do think she'd gain more respect from viewers if she'd simply admit she has a dancing advantage, a la Kristi Yamaguchi. There's nothing wrong with simply claiming it as an advantage, the same way actors bring their acting abilities as an advantage or athletes bring their strength and stamina. I had the same issue with Nicole Scherzinger and Mya. At least Kristi could own it.
*correction (sorry): "you know your body and extent OF movement"
DeleteGreat article. Enjoy the great dancing & Vote for your favorite. I will never understand how some grown men/women take time out of their lives to incessantly whine about and virtually bully a 16 year old girl.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the bullying is not right. When I read her blog this week, my heart went out to her. She's 16 and she's a perfectionist. If she's taking Len's comments seriously, the internet comments must be keeping her up at night.
DeleteYeah, I don't consider Zendaya a ringer at all. I don't know how being a "hip hop dancer" makes someone a great ballroom dancer. I think that most of the complaints come from those who feel she threatens their favorite pro or celebrity's chances of winning. There have been stars on this show who've had some type of dance background since the very first season. There have been those who've trained in ballet, jazz, and tap. Some celebrities have danced choreographed routines for a living. Heck, there have even been celebrities who've danced the routines in movies. This has never been a show that has had no stars with no dance background whatsoever. Never. People always complain about the "ringers." The "ringers" hardly ever win. This show like every other reality competition show is a popularity contest. This isn't about who is the best dancer. People vote for a variety of reasons. Many of those reasons have nothing to do with the dancing. Zendaya has advantages so does every other celebrity. She also has disadvantages that will probably hinder her from winning this show. Many people have issues with her age, her being a "ringer" and her being a Disney kid.
ReplyDeleteWhether she wins or loses, I have thoroughly enjoyed her partnership with Val. I think he has done a fabulous job with her. It has given me new insight into him. I see now what a great choreographer, dancer, and teacher he is. He should be very proud of what he has done this season. I've loved all of their routines. I know I will continue to watch them even after the season is over. Zendaya is a great dancer who has the natural ability to bring forth the character of the dance no matter what the style is. I hope she continues to have big things happen in her career.
It's been so much fun to watch Val. He did a great job with Kelly...who wasn't a natural dancer, BUT he made her into a dancer. She wound up having a really beautiful season.
DeleteWith Zendaya, he has a higher skill level to start with, so his choreography has been even stronger. I love seeing really interesting choreography from more pros than just Derek. In fact, I enjoyed what Sharna did with Andy.
As for advantages, yep....Zendaya knows how to learn choreo fast since she only has 4 hours to rehearse each day. Kellie has a natural body type with to-die-for dance lines. Jacoby has a sense of rhythm that is innate, you can't teach that.
I am definitely not placing all of my money on a Zendaya win. Kellie or Jacoby could easily win.
I think the fact that she's sixteen is what's making everyone upset. The truth is each person came in with their own advantage that should give them an edge. She's no different than any other. But what upsets me is that people are talking about all of them. Whatever happened to a polite debate. Now people are calling people jerks and saying things about their character and they don't even know them. Zendaya is 16 so people are enraged that she feels bad. But the fact that people are doing this to anyone should enrage us. People have been doing this on the blogs for years. it's really sad.
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point, no one should be bullied no matter how old they are. We can't debate anything politely anymore...religion, politics, and now DWTS (What??!!). Zendaya is a beautiful dancer. Kellie is a beautiful dancer. Even Jacoby has made a case for himself on this season. And the bottom line....it's a TV show designed to provide entertainment.
DeleteFirst I would like to say I enjoy afterbuzztv and I enjoyed reading this because you show no bias towards anyone, unlike most blogs/forums/website that I've read lately. I never understood why people call her a ringer or say that ABC is propping her up, I said before that if that was true then what happened any other time when a Disney star was on ABC and especially where were the ringer debate when Roshon someone who is on the same show as Z, but never once did I hear him being called a ringer. I honestly believe no one knew Z could capable of what she's done, even her dad said his surprised. I think that since she is probably the best Disney star to ever dance on here people feel the need to say she's a ringer or that ABC wants her to win. Also I've read comments on different website and etc but on DWTS Facebook page reading 50+ year olds talk about a 16 year old in utterly disregard has made me sick to my stomach. Also I would like to say I've enjoyed Val's choreo this season for the first time since his been on DWTS I've actually been looking forward to seeing what he has come up with. Last season he turned me off because it felt more of a showmance then dancing. But this season wheeww I became a fan, and the first time on 5 seasons I've decided to vote again. Great season of DWTS!
ReplyDeleteHi! First of all, thanks for watching AfterBuzz TV. We couldn't do our show without all of the feedback and interaction from the viewers. It makes it so much fun for us to hear from you. :)
DeleteAnd thanks....I was starting to get frustrated with the Zendaya comments each week coming from adults. She is 16 and some of the tweets and posts were just plain mean. On the flip side, Zendaya fans shouldn't be mean to Kellie either.
Great point about Roshon! He was a great dancer, also from Shake It Up!, and he certainly didn't have the same backlash.
As viewers, we should be enjoying the amazing choreography that Derek and Val are delivering each week. Most seasons, we don't have this high level going on. It's a total treat!
Great points you make and well said. I think the fact that ppl are zoning in on age just makes what Z said in the start that she did want to prove age is just a number (which btw was controversial too). Which on some ways she has, but the stigma is there.Being totally honest I had no idea who she was when she was announced. As the season went on I was won over, also good role model for younger viewers. That said, she takes the critique to heart, trying to improve its commendable.
ReplyDeleteI also agree everyone has a plus, so I'm sure they use it to their advantage too.
I like how Val's style is so different this season, his choreography more technical less flamboyant I guess? Both Val and Derek has upped the ante, so good.
In this day of Lindsay Lohan, an MTV Teen Mom making a porn film, etc.....we should be grateful Zendaya has her head on straight. She's a perfectionist, so it makes her a great student in the studio.
DeleteWith Kellie as her competition, it makes Val and Derek more competitive with their choreography. It's been a great season for the pros.
I love watching Afterbuzz I love the discussion there's varying opinions and its smart. I particularly enjoyed Sasha, Emma, Tristan this week even if I missed the ladies.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments of one of the above posts, I think its mostly cause no one expected a Disney star to do so well, be a good student with such determination as well. Id be proud of how far she's come and continually impressed by her ethic.
As a reality show fan, I can say each show has a 'most likely to win' or 'stand out' usually results don't always go that way, no matter how deserving or good. True fact. There will be the shocker or upset, its nothing new. Its just sad that some ppl would purposely put others who put their all and try even if like the outcome is good or not so.
Yes I also agree with the comments about Val's choreography this season. I didn't like it last sorry it felt too dramatized or just different. I like that he cut it simple straight show casing Z's capabilities more. I enjoyed it, great season I love the bumpers too! Lot of the troupe should be pro (Wit, Sasha, Emma, Henry). I'm enjoying Mark's choreo too.
Thank you! I missed being in studio this week, too! I can't wait for Wednesday.
DeleteI like what you said about reality shows, in general. There have been a few shockers on American Idol over the years, you just never know what is going to happen.
The troupe has had a great season. DWTS has been using them a lot, hopefully, we will see them moved up to pro soon!
I agree with the rest of you guys, but I don't believe she has that much of an advantage. If you ever listen to the pro's on the show, ex: when everyone was picking what dance they wanted to do, most didn't want hip-hop. I found that most pro's can't or dislike dancing to hip-hop, which brings me back to saying just because someone can dance a certain style of dance doesn't mean they can do well in other. The Roshon example is great I agree, because he wasn't a great ballroom dancer at all while he was on the show. I just like the above comment knew nothing about Zendaya until now, I've looked up her shake it up show and the dances they do on there are no where near as challenging as she danced on this show. I've watched this show since season 4 and I have to say this has been one of the most competive season I've seen minus the all star season. I'm def. enjoying it. BTW I enjoyed reading your article, thumbs up
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading it! I have had so much fun with this season and I think it's because we have had great journeys with Andy Dick...who was never going to win...to great competitors like Zendaya AND Kellie. It makes for a fun season to watch.
DeleteI'm just gonna say this..... If she wins I'm not only going to be happy because she deserves it, but because I truly hope it teaches those grown women who are hating on her a lesson.
ReplyDeleteI think we all need to learn to be nice to each other. It's okay to root for Kellie as much as it's okay to root for Zendaya.
DeleteAgreed. But I point out the grown women its because they are a large majority of the people who are hating on Zendaya. They even go as far as saying she's throwing up gang signs when she makes a letter "Z" with her fingers. It's absolutely ridiculous, uncomfortable, and sad the way they try to tear her down with their negative comments. We wonder why bullying is so terrible and constant nowadays, well maybe kids learned it from their parents.
DeleteOh, I know....they've been hurling insults my way all day. Good thing I have a thick skin. :)
DeleteKristyn, love reading your insights and I love you on AfterBuzz. Yes, there are celebs of different ages and backgrounds. It's great that they vary it up on the show. All the celebs have different advantages, but it is their job to utilize them to the best of their abilities. I certainly did not expect to become so invested in Andy Dick this season, but that's the beauty of the show.
ReplyDeleteI never saw Zendaya or any of the other celebs this season as a "ringer". She seems to genuinely work hard to get each routine just like the rest of the celebs. I took ballet and tap most of my life. We performed in recitals and community events. I would never say that I was a professional dancer, but simply had a passion for dance that I was able to share with others.
My family watches the show together and we all have our favorite. I explain at the beginning of the season, they are allowed to root/vote for whomever they choose, but they are not allowed to bash any other celebs. In our house, we focus on the positive.
I personally love seeing young women like Aly and Zendaya on the show. Both of them are great positive role models for young girls. Something that I feel there are not enough of these days. If people like a person than they should offer their support by voting and posting encouraging comments. I also like how all the celebs seem to get along this season. If the contestants can all be positive and kind towards each other than why can't we?
The upset over twitter voting reminds me of when other reality competition shows started text messaging and online voting years ago. Not all viewers used texting or the internet. People thought that it was unfair, but now it's a staple in all reality competition voting.
The next two weeks will be great as the pros become more competitive and creative. I think that this year's finale will be one of the best we've seen in years.
Great message you are teaching your kids and it's a nice reminder that DWTS is a family show. In this great debate, we always forget about Aly. She is a hard worker, too and a great role model. The cast has been nothing but supportive of each other, so we should follow their example.
DeleteDoesn't it seem so weird that text voting was even an issue? Yep, technology moves forward and so do the networks. We all have to roll with it.
I can't wait for the next two weeks either.
Thanks for your comments! :)
Kristyn, I love reading your articles on DWTS & other shows/topics. There are celebrities of different ages, backgrounds & generations. It's great that DWTS vary it up with different entertainers, actors, performers, athletes & that each of them have their own fans following them. I personally love seeing young women on the show like Aly & Zendaya. They are great, postive role models for young girls. I wish the negative comments would stop & stay int he spirit of the show.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think it's important for everyone to root for their favorite, but it's also important to respect the competition. This show isn't over yet. Last season we all thought Shawn had the mirrored trophy ball all wrapped up by now...and look who won.
DeleteThere are so many great young role models this season....Aly, Zendaya, Witney, and Lindsay. Rock on, ladies! We need more of them succeeding versus the Lohans and Kardashians.
THANK YOU for writing this post!!!! I am so glad to see that someone else feels the same way I do. I felt bad for Zendaya when I read her blog this week. I can relate to how she is feeling because I'm also a Virgo perfectionist who has problems taking criticism. I wish people would practice the philosophy "just because you can say something doesn't mean you should"!
ReplyDeleteIt bugs me when people say she's a ringer because she has hip hop experience and has danced some ballroom dances on Shake It Up. Last time I checked hip hop is more a single person or group dance not a PARTNER dance. Dancing with a partner is very different particularly when you are the follower. I took an eight week Swing Dance class and one of the hardest things for me to learn was to trust my partner, give up control, and just follow their lead. In the tango package, Maks made an excellent point - Zendaya is a very good follower and Val is a great leader which makes for an awesome partnership.
Also I think people forget that on DWTS the performances are live and one shot only. I don't think that Shake It Up is a live show meaning they can reshoot scenes and edit them.
I've enjoyed watching Val's journey over the past 4 seasons. He did an awesome job with Kelly last season and is doing a beautiful job with Zendaya this season. He has become one my favorite pros to watch. The dance he did with Anna, Robert Fairchild, and Tiler Peck to A Thousand Years is one of my all time favorites.
Ahh, you bring up some good points that I didn't address: dancing with a partner and Live versus Taped. Definitely things that she doesn't encounter on Shake It Up! or as a hip hop dancer.
DeleteVal has really impressed me this season. I love it when the pros step up their game. They are all so talented.
Well, there always one who goes against the grain, so I guess that will be me.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I like Zendaya, seems like a nice girl and certainly very talented. But I do think she's a ringer. Whatever training Disney puts their kids through, they all seem to come out with loads of talent, just like we saw with Sabrina, Chelsea, Roshon, etc. What makes her a ringer is that she's been trained to dance (in whatever style/styles), trained how to move and control her body, trained how to hear and count to the music, trained how to learn choreography and trained to "sell" a performance - and she does this for a living on tv/movies/music videos. In my view, there are levels of "ringer". Nicole certainly was the ringer-iest with perhaps Sabrina as a close 2nd. Yes, they had to learn the technique and finesse of ballroom but their challenges were far, far less than a reality star or comedian, etc starting with zero training. You said "Zendaya knows how to learn choreo fast since she only has 4 hours to rehearse each day" IMO, she learns fast because of her training and experience and that's why I do consider her a ringer. I'm not suggesting ringers don't have a place on the show. Ringers often bring the whole level of dancing up as other teams become more competitive. But just as we recognize footballers have a "voter ringer" advantage, so we should recognize some stars have a "dancing ringer" advantage.
Blog: I read her blog and was struck by how sensitive she is to criticism, even telling the producers about this prior to signing. Her parents chose to put her in this non-Disney, competitive venue, presumably knowing her sensitivity. Was there an expectation that she would be handled gently because of her age? So far, the judges have been extremely gentle with her yet she obsesses for 2 days because a judge gave a constructive criticism of her chin position. If she has trouble handling that minor, gentle correction, what would she do if the judges started carrying on about her arms or legs or anything else. I really think there should be a minimum age and 16 is just too young. (Shawn at 17 had a lifetime of facing judges and I also think she was a bit too young for other reasons.) On this week's AfterBuzz, I think it was Tristan who pointed out that Aly at 18 would have been considered youth except for Zendaya being even younger.
Social media - Ideally, everyone on twitter/facebook/message boards would mind their manners - but they don't - about anyone. This show is known for it's wild & wooly social media and it can be brutal. I've seen the vile messages being sent to various pros + stars, and, frankly, many are coming from Zendaya's fans. So whatever messages Zendaya is getting, her fans are doling out much much worse. It's to the point where my circle of friends use a code name for her so we don't get slammed just for discussing the dances during the show (and, no, we don't bad-mouth anyone). Discussion of technique, choreo, etc is not "hating". I have heard that Zendaya's parents check her twitter + block anyone with angry or hateful messages. I would suggest her parents get her off social media all together until the competition is over. Let someone on her team handle the tweeting for now.
This may sound like I'm taking a tough line with Zendaya. As I said, I like her and she seems very nice and clearly very talented. But if she steps out of the kid's venue and steps into a more grownup venue, she's got to take the good with the bad.
Hooray! Thanks for being brave. :) If anyone is reading all of the comments and you want to respond, please be kind and respectful. I want everyone to be good to each other.
DeleteWith that said, we have talked about Z on AfterBuzz in regards to having a solid foundation for rehearsing and remembering choreography from Shake It Up! She also knows how to be efficient with her time since she falls under child labor laws. This is definitely an advantage for DWTS. So, I agree with you on that. I'm not sure it's enough for me to give her ringer status.
I totally understand Z's mentality. I was the same way as a 16-year-old....overachieving perfectionist. The age point you brought up is a solid argument for age limits. Some dances are inappropriate for her age and that is why we aren't seeing a Rumba with her this season.
In terms of fans being mean to each other, I wish that would stop. Kellie and Zendaya fans need to be good to each other. One of these girls is going to win and they are both talented and beautiful performers. It is weird when adults are hurling insults at a 16-year-old and it is a reason to keep a teen away from that until it all settles down.
Thanks for bringing up some great points. I appreciate it. :)
Haha! You root for Kellie + Zendaya. I'll keep rooting for my fave. :)
DeleteOne more thought about age. I really think the timing is off for Zendaya. If she had waited a little longer when she's ready to move her career into mainstream adult acting roles or music, both she and the show would have gotten more mileage out of DWTS. As it is, I doubt her youth fans will tune in next season (not sure if they are currently watching the whole show or just catching Zendaya's dances on youtube) and I also doubt that the adult demo that love DWTS will suddenly start tuning into the Disney channel. Same goes for any youth star. If only she had waited a little longer, many of the issues discussed would disappear and both the show and Zendaya would have benefitted more. (p.s. I too am a perfectionist Virgo, so I get it!)
And foolish me for not including the three other contenders still in the mix! :) So much of the debate has gone on between Z and Kellie fans that everyone forgets about the others. That's why Z and Kellie fans need to realize that someone else could easily win if they spend too much time debating.
DeleteIt might have been an interesting move to have her do the show just as Shake It Up! was wrapping up. Disney traditionally shoots 4 seasons over 3 years and then wraps up a show. The kids start to age out after four years.
I have to agree to with just about everything in the comment above and going against the grain. I just think 16 is really too young for the show, and I thought 17 was young for Shawn Johnson the first time. It was so apparent when she had to dance the Rumba with Mark, and she handled herself with grace, but her life experience wasn't there. Mark did a beautiful routine that was age appropriate, but still a little weird to watch. If they do exempt Zendaya from that dance because she's 16, I see a problem because Shawn did it at 17, and Aly will do it at 18. That's where there starts to be controversy. And I truly believe that almost everything comes back to her age.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to say that the poster is right about the fans on Social Media, especially Zendaya fan's are just as guilty if not worse at dolling out some pretty viscous comments at pros and other stars on the show (mostly those who are the competition to Z). In general, people have to remember that this is a show and these stars especially Aly and Zendaya are reading your comments online (their generation is more tuned into social media then the other stars). Both Aly and Zendaya have posted on tweets regarding social media bullying, so Zendaya is not the only victim in this situation. Again be respectful of opinions and remember to have fun with this show, because that's the point.
In the end, I think every season has a had a 'ringer' in a sense and there is has been a lot of talk about their place on this show. I just think this was is more heightened because of her age, and her presence on social media (along with her fans). I mean lets remember people thought Kelly Monaco didn't deserve to win the first season and that it was rigged because she is apart of the ABC family, that there needed to be a dance off.
Yes, everything keeps coming back to the age factor....that's pretty fascinating. I feel like they exempted Z from Rumba because of the huge age gap between her and Val. It was less with Shawn and Mark or Aly and Mark. Not saying it is right, just thinking why ABC chose that direction.
DeleteThe social media comments directed at Aly have been vicious. She's a girl who has been an elite athlete in rigorous training for years. She's still in better shape than 90% of the U.S., but her body is changing. It happens to every female gymnast post-Olympics . However, pointing it out and being mean to her doesn't benefit anyone...and I bet we all have a few pounds we would like to lose. ;)
With Kelly's season, they did do the dance off and John O'Hurley won the second go around. Remember that? Oy.....hope they don't ever do that again!
Thanks for your thoughts. Really appreciate it.
Please god, never let there ever be a dance off again. I watched the first season for Kelly and after that kind of protested the show even though I enjoyed it until Apolo, followed by Kristi, Shawn, Natalie Coughlin, and Evan (I have an affinity for Olympic Athletes).
DeleteAnd for real people do not understand what happens to female gymnasts bodies, because the same remarks were made to Shawn as well her first go around.
I am a huge Olympics fan, too.
DeleteI think a few people need a science/puberty lesson...and a few lessons in kindness. Bravo to Aly for being such a good kid and a great role model. Whatever the outcome, she's had a great year!
All I have to say is I love Zendaya she's a great dancer and person and no matter what she does or how far she goes shell always have my support. She's made it far in dancing with the stars and she will begin to do so. :)
ReplyDeleteI think Zendaya is going to be a huge star....beyond Disney Channel. :)
DeleteI haven't seen any issue so far with Zendaya's age. I think Val has done a tremendous job with the choreography. Her age has not taken away from any of the dances. He has not watered down the choreography. It appears to me she is doing even more challenging choreography then the other stars. The only difference is that they are not sexy and he hasn't relied on using sex to sell the dance.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that I don't consider someone having to learn certain choreography previously makes someone a ringer. Obviously all styles of dance aren't the same. They don't require the same techniques. And the choreography that I have seen Zendaya do before is very simple. It is not complicated or intricate. Just because she has learned choreography before doesn't mean that she will be good at ballroom dancing. I agree that it is an advantage but other stars have advantages that have been used in their dances that she doesn't have. For example, Kellie's flexibility and Aly's gymnast moves. In many of the dances, Zendaya's height could be a disadvantage.
I also agree that a lot of the insults are coming from the fact that people didn't consider her to be a contender. When she was first announced they didn't expect her to go far or possibly win. I even saw people predicting that she would go out when Sabrina did.
I think you are right when no one thought Zendaya would even factor into this season. It's been a great season in terms of surprises...Kellie's amazing lines, Andy's sweet comeback, Zendaya being a fierce competitor, even Wynonna being kind of dull on the dance floor when she has such a big personality...It's fascinating how this season has played out so far.
Deletepeople cant be saying that shes a ringer or whatever.. how many disney kids have won even if they were a good dancer ? NONE! (sabrina bryan im talking about you) also sabrina had hip hop classes no one seemed to care. why should it be any different with zendaya ? so what shes a good dancer. they dont always win. last season shawn johnson had more followers on twitter then melissa and kelly also derek has more then val and tony and melissa still won. no one knows whose gonna win till the end
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you....it ain't over until its over....don't assume who is going to win!
Delete