Episode 4 of the reality TV show “Dancing Queens” was aired on May 30. It is briefly reviewed here, followed by some new developments along the same line since my last review (“Dancing Queens”: A Critical Review (3)) was published on May 24.
1. A brief review of Episode 4
Five highlights:
- The result of the Scholarship at the American Star Ball (americanstarball.com/): Out of four competitors, Leonie won. It was a small-town competition.
- The result of the Scholarship at New Orleans Open (noladc.com/): Sabrina (1st), Colette (2nd), Gaëlle (3rd), Donie (4th), and Pooja (5th). It was also a small-town competition.
- It was unreal for one lady to intentionally touch another male pro’s sensitive part on the competition dance floor when they came close to collision. I think it was a disqualifying offense if caught!
- It was too dramatic for Donie to accuse Sabrina of sabotaging. Yes, they came close to a collision on the competition dance floor, which is not unusual during a dance competition. Still, I do not know of anybody intentionally sabotaging another competitor that way, especially when one competitor is so much better than the other in dancing.
- It was right for Sabrina’s friend to tell her that “you do a lot more for yourself than for your kids.” Every parent with this “expensive hobby” while having young kids at home should think about it: did you get your priorities right?
2. A new book entitled “Dancing Queens & Kings”
Two major changes over the past week:
- I have received conditional endorsements from Sam Sodano and Wayne Eng, two icons in the ballroom dancing industry in America.
- I have replaced the word “champion” with “top” in the subtitle of the book, as shown below (left – old; right – new), in order to be more inclusive, thus more popular.
3. Who are the participants in the book?
Everything considered, I have decided to invite everyone to participate in my book, if “you have a compelling story to tell.” The only requirement: you must have competed at the USDC or OSB, which demonstrates your commitment to, and achievements in, competitive ballroom dancing.
The book will be about 450 pages. I expect about 50 participants, with each having eight pages to write.
4. Timeline
- 6/15: Let me (frankxli@yahoo.com) know if you are interested and give me your email address. Submit a 1-page writing to highlight your compelling story.
- 6/30: You will be notified of a decision. If you are accepted, you will be given a template (in Word) to write your story. The template is for the look of the book (e.g., consistency) and easy integration of your writing as a chapter in the book.
- 7/30: Submit your writing. Your writing must be in good quality, or it may not be included in the book, especially when it is beyond normal editorial changes!
- 9/30: Book ready for review by Sam and Wayne.
- 11/30: Publication @Amazon.
5. What, then, is a compelling story?
Two examples:
- I have attended the OSB several times. All the fancy stuff aside, the most memorable thing for me is a male (Meghan Afonkin’s) student performing on Friday night at OSB 2019: He had only one real leg! He will therefore be invited to participate in the book.
- Giovanni Fortezza: He dominated in Rhythm (age-group B) for more than a decade, defeating all the men and women in his way to win at the USDC and OSB for 10 consecutive years!
Oh, male students are strongly encouraged to participate, as the book strives for a “balanced” ratio of 40/10 (female/male).
Bottom line: The book must meet the high standards of both Sam and Wayne to warrant their names on the cover!
6. Closing
I will continue to watch the remaining three episodes of “Dancing Queens” and review them one by one like this post does.
My book is a reaction to the reality show, but not a response to it.
