SoYouThinkYouCanDance Wish List

The only two competition shows I watch: Project Runway and So You Think You Can Dance. Both are new this summer, much to my geekish delight.

My husband and I both adore SYTYCD….we saw

this video from Season Two online, and were hooked. Although there are silly reality elements involved, the best parts of the show are watching some fun, beautiful dance and choreography (it’s too hard to choose a favorite–but just look at

this one or

this one or

this one!) I admire how the show makes dance so accessible–as a poet, I can’t help but think that some kind of show featuring poets reading their work would help gain more readers (I might get chased through poetry village with torches for saying that, but I would totally watch America’s Next Top Poet).

I love how choreographers (who are dancers themselves) use dancers’ bodies and music to make their art. I try to imagine how a dance starts for a choreographer–perhaps they envision a piece of movement, or hear a song that conjures a strong image.

Sometimes, when I hear a beautiful song, I think, “Ugh, that’s gorgeous, I wish I could see a dance to this.” So here are five songs I’d submit to the suggestion box for choreographers of SYTYCD.

“Blood,” The Middle East
Oh, this song begs for a gorgeous contemporary routine….

“Animal Arithmetic,” Jonsi
Weird and joyous group number, please!

“It’s Oh So Quiet,” Bjork
Broadway! It can count as Broadway, right…?

“Concrete Schoolyard,” Jurassic 5
C’mon, Nappytabs….I see a playground theme here….

“Ribs,” Lorde
There’s a cool jazz routine in here somewhere. And you already know my feelings for Lorde…

Any other fans out there with a wish list?

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In these interludes, poet and singer-songwriter Hannah Stephenson invites you to eavesdrop on the music bouncing around her brain. She’d love to hear your thoughts, your inner soundtrack, and what band inspired that shrine in your bedroom.