Originally posted by: pigbelly4myfeet
Versatile means "variable or changeable, as in feeling, purpose, or policy: versatile moods" (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/versatile). The problem I have is people using this word 'versatile' which as I stated in my earlier post, Isha has been. Check all of Isha's performances, each has expressed something different - Zindagi Ka Safar - life and death; Bachata/Pole Dance - seduction etc; Aerial Hoop - love between a mortal and another world being - see the mood, expression of different emotions/topics etc
Perhaps what you and other people are trying to say is the "tempo" of Isha's performances that are the same, which I personally agree with. But versatility, no. Isha has been versatile on the show. Combined together, all her performances seem to be on the same tempo since day one ' even their Chau & Afro performance was on the same tempo (slightly higher) as their previous performances.
Pasodoble has many variations, they did the Spanish Paso Doble (while it wasn't an out-and-out paso but it did do an excellent job in expressing the angry/rage emotions Pasodoble represents). I have mentioned before I have some issues with Isha's Posture, her's is weak at times while the dance forms require squared and straight upper-body posture (the paso and the ballroom).
The Pasodoble act was a metaphoric act - each representing one being: a bull and a metador. They did that well.
Check these: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1ENsBYsjZc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4D4Ihx4mzw
Notice some of the steps? Isha-Salman had the same (with variations). It was the posture that didn't deliver the pasodoble feel, I believe. I could be wrong. It's just my guess. But if you compare all the other acts that week, none of the performances were Perfect, if you're being as strict on Isha-Salman's act: Gurmeet's body was still sort of stiff, Shibani was sharp but not sharp enough, Gia was lacking the energy required for an out and out Samba, Bharti's energy dropped near the end of the Lavani act, Darsheel's posture was wrong, his energy wasn't what is required in a Samba performance.
I am not criticizing any of these contestants but rather pointing out that their performance might have seemed perfect to us, on a stricter judging scale they weren't up to the mark.
The choreographer, Jai, said Isha's performances were not versatile, I pointed out she was. Yes some might not have liked them but they were different dance forms. Contemporary is a dance form (it involves a lot of lifts and stretching) which incorporates elements of modern and ballet dance (so stretching and lifts comes as part of the package).
I personally believe if any of the other contestants had as flexible a body as Isha's other choreographers would have most definitely included different types of lifts in their performances too. So far, Isha-Salman's acts have required lifts. Yes, some might feel they do too many lifts but looking at each performance individually they haven't done 'too-many-to-bear' in any single performance. Combined, yes, they have done the most lifts so far in the season but they have been versatile.
Bollywood? The Dirty Picture act? It had bollywood in the Na Tumka Na Tumka and Oh La La song portions. To me it seemed like Bollywood dance. (I feel) the expressions of the character Isha was portraying were done very well in the performance, and each move, she enjoyed. But that's just my opinion.
I have been thinking about that Bachata act since it aired and I think it was a combination of Pole dancing and Bachata (and something else maybe) as it definitely had some elements of Bachata (hip movement on every 4th beat, for example) but not all (I could be wrong). I didn't like that act as much as I did their other acts (because of the coordination issues, as I said earlier) and it wasn't an out and out bachata performance.
However, talking about versatility, given the concept they had to perform on each week, they did as much versatile dances as they could: Zindagi Ka Safar (I highly doubt a hip-hop would have suited that song or even lyrical hip-hop wouldn't have done justice to that amazing song) so Bollywood Contemporary or Indian Contemporary was the right choice.
Mere haath mein suited their strings act. Darsheel did an aerial act (which wasn't complete aerial as it had most of the steps, on floor) and if you notice the music was slow. Yes it might have seemed like it was fast but it was the drum beat that gave it that allusion otherwise it was a slow song which suited the aerial act.
Only Isha's Tu He Re and Rithvik's week 11 Colours performance were true aerial acts.
Honestly, I haven't seen any aerial acts which involve fast music and hopping and popping (not the dance forms) while hanging mid-air.
You may have found the puppet dance creepy and that's your opinion but it wasn't puppet dance, it was freestyle meaning they could incorporate any dance steps they wanted to from as many different dance forms as they liked.
I don't know how many of you have noticed this but each contestant no matter what dance form they perform on bring on their own personality types on stage - be the performance a slow or a fast paced act - their personality is still reflected when they are on stage. And in Isha's case, she seems very calm and very slow (not lazy) type of person (that's what I gathered from her stage presence and her behaviour after their act is finished). In Gurmeet's case it's his 'hero-type' that is reflected in each of his performance - check Rumba and Martial arts. I won't mention Rashmi, Rithvik and Karan in this as they have only done about 4 performances so far. Darsheel brings in the 'child-like' factor in all of his performances. Bharti (no matter what she does, be it the Tere Mast Mast Do Nain) brings in the comedy/full-of-life personality to her acts. I could go on about each contestant but you get my drift...
Lastly, I respect your opinion and appreciate the fact that you pointed out some of the things you didn't like (which was everything?) about Isha-Salman's acts. However, my post wasn't about how good Isha-Salman are but about their versatility which Jai had mentioned. The problem I have with people is this "versatlity" statement that people make. They did different dance forms and that is versatility (but only in terms of dance forms)
Firstly, thanks for replying.
Let me address all your points one by one. And while I appreciate your effort to go and look up the definitions of every dance style etc., let me assure you this was really not needed to make your point. I have seen enough Western and Indian reality shows to know the basics of these dance forms by now. In fact, it only dilutes your point further, because I didn't see most of the qualities of these dance styles with Isha and Salman's performances.
I get your point about the tempo. And I know what versatile means. Heck, like you said, IF Isha HAD displayed all those moods CONVINCINGLY, I would've appreciated her versatility then and there. The key word here is CONVINCINGLY. It's not enough just to attempt to show "anger" or whatever in a TOTALLY superficial manner. You actually have to FEEL the emotion. You actually have to FEEL the song...and you have to use your BRAIN creatively to INTERPRET the emotion. NONE of these things Isha has managed to do which is why her expressions and dancing appears PLASTIC. Superficial.
That paso doble act you're talking about...Isha's expressions there were laughable. THAT'S an expression of anger??? Give me a break! That was like a FORCED plastic expression...it felt like Isha had to CONSCIOUSLY remember that "omg I'm supposed to look angry" so let me paste an angry expression on my face. She wasn't really FEELING it and it was clear as clear.
In fact, I wouldn't really blame Isha entirely here either. WHO would feel ANGER on a song like "haye rama"!??! It's a song of heat and passion between two people. It's Salman's mistake here that he completely FAILED to interpret the music properly. Which is not new for him...this guy NEVER gets his music. Music is inconsequential to him...he would pretty much do whatever HE wants, regardless of what the MUSIC is saying! If he wants to do a paso doble on blah blah song, he does not care whether the song FITS or not. And he doesn't have enough creativity to pull it off convincingly either.
And what dancer doesn't appreciate his/her music tell me? What a disrespect to the musician/artist who created the music. For music and dancing go completely hand in hand.
There was NO chemistry between Isha and Salman in that paso doble. And chemistry is SO very important for ANY ballroom style!! NO connection between the partners. Well, HECK, because the music was saying something COMPLETELY different from what these two were doing! *head desk a million times* The lyrics were saying something else, and these two were just doing WHATEVER the heck they felt like. Just because you attempt a particular dance style DOES NOT mean that you ignore your music!!!
Because, well, dancing FIRST and foremost is an expression to the music. The dance style is secondary. And THAT is what these two fail to do again and again! If these two can't stay true to the music, then I'm sorry...I can't see genuine dancing here. That's like the ESSENCE of dancing...of art. Being TRUE to an emotion. Which these two FAIL at! 👎🏼
Secondly, no where did that act look like a paso doble to me. Maybe because the CONNECT was so off...the music was TOTALLY not in tandem with the dance...so the whole performance looked like one big W*F and randomness all over.
It just BOTHERS me how you can COMPLETELY disregard the music like that!??! Like how can ANY dancer do that??? 😕
I wouldn't even mind if Isha performed a million dancers incorrectly. IF she only performed genuinely...felt the music for ONCE. Of course everyone makes mistakes trying new stuff. But the ART in dancing is that honesty. And if you can't do so much as simply FEEL the music, then I'm sorry your dancing is POINTLESS. It holds no meaning.
And this applies to ALL of Isha's performances. She has NEVER gotten an emotion down. Out of all the so called "variations" you have listed above. And I blame Salman here too...because how the heck are you supposed to feel an emotion when the choreography itself is so confused, and so superficial!
I do know what paso doble is...and Isha not only didn't get the posture right...she made it look CHOPPY. ANY dance form has grace...it has flow...which Isha lacks. Plus I've already made my point about her expressions. You think they were "beautiful"...ok your opinion...I think they weren't convincing AT ALL! Paso doble has SO much grace and POISE. Isha didn't have that, I'm sorry to say. 👎🏼
That puppet act...was that a joke? Seriously. WTH was that? Why oh WHYYY once again was the dancing TOTALLY off from the music!??! Secondly, WHY were these two wearing those SPECIFIC costumes? What was the "story" there? Why was Salman dressed like Robin Hood or something and why was Isha dressed like a princess?!? Did their dancing EVER convey that "storyline"? NOPE. Randomness ALL over the place. And we're supposed to buy that this is the greatest dancing ever!? It's not. That song "fanaa" is such a romantic and sweet song...an emotion Salman and Isha FAILED to capture!!!
Ugh...I'm sorry I don't mean to offend you in any way...but it REALLY bothers me as a dance lover to see SUCH superficial dancing. I have nothing against Isha and Salman personally. But to see THIS kind of superficial dancing considered as the GREATEST!??! PLEASE!! Are these the standards of our dance now?? That is just sad then. It's kind of unfair to Salman and Isha too that they aren't getting HONEST criticism. For there's no way these guys can even begin to improve themselves or even ATTEMPT to challenge themselves and think outside the box if they aren't criticized enough. It's just a WASTE honestly.
And watching Salman and Isha feels like a WASTE to me. Waste to the dancing world. Because I just honestly FAIL to see WHAT is so great about their performances? Besides Isha's flexibility I mean. There is no depth, no relation to the music, no fun and creative dance STEPS, lack of energy and grace, no connection between the dancers...seriously WHAT is there!??
No doubt that Isha is the most flexible contestant. Yes, you are right there. But then who has denied her flexibility?
Is flexibility the only requirement for a good dancer? That is athleticism. A gymnast is flexible too. A yogi is flexible too. That's an EXTERIOR quality. That's not creativity...that's not what makes an ARTIST! Isha has NO art in her dancing, very bluntly and honestly speaking. I have never seen her INTERPRET. Or listen to her music creatively.
THAT'S what bothers me. If Salman gave her interesting choreography, MAYBE Isha would start to feel GENUINE emotions in her dancing. If Salman HIMSELF listened to his music for ONCE, then that'd be something worth appreciating.
That is why Jai used the word "monotonous"...you say Isha is versatile...to me she looks the damn SAME no matter what she does. And that's because Salman's choreography also is FLAT. No layers or depth to it. Because if he listened to the different beats/moods of the song, he'd be able to choreograph something more layered. Isha of course brings NOTHING to enhance the choreography. She's just dull. I mean, at least bring SOME personality of your own. Give SOMETHING of yourself to the performance. THAT'D be honest dancing.
That dirty picture act was SO W*F-ish once again. Honestly I was CRINGING like anything watching Isha start her performance like that! How repulsive seriously. How cheap and tactless. Of course the movie itself was meant to be like that. But Isha was just WEIRD in her expressions. And bollywood firstly is ALL about the expressions and "adaa" like you yourself mentioned.
And what was with all the stripping in this act? BLAHHH!!! Totally off putting. This kind of LAME, desperate, SUPERFICIAL choreography bothers me to NO end, honestly! And please don't give me arguments about this was how it was in the movie etc. Salman had ZERO insight or innovation of his own. Why you would choose to show the "story" of this movie is beyond me too. There wasn't much depth in that movie either...and Salman showed even less of it.
Now if Salman had chosen that "ohh la la" song and done something humorous and creative with that song...bollywood style...that would've been fun. This was just LAME. And CHOPPY. Like he RANDOMLY put together bits from the movie.
What's the POINT of a "story" if that story doesn't FLOW? It's just RANDOM things pieced together??? If that story isn't honest, DEEP, or convincing at ALL? I'd rather watch just pure dancing instead. If you have a concept or story...fine...show it with some honesty and depth then. Make the story FLOW.
RANDOM bits like Isha RANDOMLY freaking out in the middle...and then random ending with Salman appearing as Emraan or whatever's character. Yes, all those things happened in the movie, but there is an ART...a tact, a WAY to show that through dance which Salman didn't have. SO SO choppy!
I do not even CARE WHAT THE HECK Isha and Salman's dances were CALLED or whether or not they were doing "arial" or blah blah blah. They do not dance creatively or genuinely. That's my main problem!!
And that bachata...why was there no hip movements? Because last time I checked that is the essence of Bachata which Isha...surprises of surprises...did not even attempt. It looked ONLY like "pole dancing" to me. Another one of those DESPERATE "sexy" type of attempts to attract the audience. Whereas Isha FAILED to bring across that "sensuous" emotion. Lameness! What a waste of a "trio" act.
The technicalities of Isha and Salman's performances don't even matter when these two can't get the BASIC essence of an emotion or a song properly! If they can't capture ONE emotion honestly...then it's all pointless anyways. Doesn't matter whether they attempted bachata or hip hop then. Because either way, it's not convincing.
And please don't get me started on the comparison of contestants like Isha with people like Darsheel and Rithwick. Two people who GENUINELY work hard. And actually try to attempt different dance styles. Plus, both Sneha and Jai are miles better than Salman in the creativity department.
Finally, addressing your last point there...no matter WHAT your "definition" of versatility is...Isha is NOT versatile from any angle. Mostly because she lacks that artistic creativity. Some people have the natural ability to FEEL the music and move along to it...in so doing, making every dance "style" or EMOTION they attempt, look convincing. Isha is not one of those dancers. She's just plain and simple not very eye pleasing to watch.
Phew...I'm done now. 😆 Once again, I mean no offense...I just feel VERY strongly about this. Superficiality bothers me WAY too much. And I can't STAND this kind of superficial dancing...and it makes me feel sad that THIS is the kind of dancing that's being appreciated these days. When there are SO many more creative and talented artists out there.
Edited by pigbelly4myfeet - 12 years ago
comment:
p_commentcount