S15 E05: Vets Aren't Safe

[Ena355]

19 hours ago, Kate2006 said:

 

 

I noticed the girls are curvier. I don’t want to say gained weight because I actually think they look healthy now. Maybe Kelly hasn’t noticed yet since they didn’t dance on that big screen at auditions! 😂                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Kelli probably hasn't noticed because she looks curvier too.....

 

[parrotfeathers]

10 hours ago, MrsEVH said:

When the Wilson Phillips song came on I thought "Now there's one I know". 

I just learned that's not a man's name after all.  

[writeme93]

I think this is the most that I've like Melissa Rycroft on the show. She couldn't have been more helpful with both of the girls, although I felt Jada didn't pick it up as well as Ashlinn. Still rooting for Jada though!

I like Kat, I know she isn't everyone's cup of tea but she definitely seemed like she was joking about being point. I think she knows that they love her look and her personality, but her look is the only reason she's there. Without her look she would've been cut before finals, I believe. 

To me Meredith looks worse than she did last season. She comes across defeated. Even though she was able to do the choreography when Judy called her out, it didn't seem very strong. Armani, Elli, Dani and McKenzie blow her out of the water easily. I don't see why if Kristen and Lily are that low on the chart, why they haven't been called in already. 

 

[Kate2006]

That’s really cool that Meredith is like that. People remember stuff like that and they also remember when someone acts like they don’t want to be there. I still think Kat is one of the worst dancers. She’s constantly looking around to see what step is next. Do the ladies have a mirror in from of them in the hotel studio like they do at The Star?

[ElectricBoogaloo]

14 hours ago, Lexusprincess said:

If her family was so concerned over COVID. her mom in the medical field would know that there is only so much anyone can do to prevent the spread.  As I've said before, professional ball players have sat out a season and lost lots of money.  Hannah would have lost a year dancing and would have had more time for her school.  I understand Hannah wanted to dance.  I've wanted to do lots of things in the last 9 months that I have put off (2 vacations and going out more with friends), modified a wedding to my immediate family my fiancé and his son or just not done.

 

13 hours ago, Tuxcat said:

Of course. In any other year of course. However in the midst of one of the worst health crises in history - maybe not. The south was surging. Many hospitals in Texas were at or over capacity when filming occurred. Healthcare workers were strained, bewildered, and living in a some paradoxical universe.

Hannah seems to be a deeply compassionate, empathetic, public health student. She "seems to have" struggled emotionally due to a multitude of variables perhaps - School? Quarantine?--  in addition to perhaps? being morally conflicted about participating in a potential super spreader event? Perhaps it troubled her - when she realized (like many of us have been saying) that the masks were only for show and that this was certainly not a contained bubble as advertised.

I am completely fine with them calling Hannah out and talking to her. So be it. If she truly didn't seem herself (though she looked great behind the spotlight in the rest of the footage we've seen) - they are right to call her out. But they didn't call Maddie out when she was making mistakes. We never see the entire story of course...

I do questio  why they needed to exploit these girls- and their struggles - on national television in the midst of a devastatingly difficult and challenging pandemic. Did they NEED training camp this year? Did the NEED a reality show? Was this "essential?" 

Every other year, sure I guess? But maybe not this one? I don't know. It's tough to watch this year especially.

Baseball players sat out the season because the league stopped all games. They have jobs to go back to when the pandemic abates. Healthcare professionals do not have the same option so if you are a doctor, nurse, or other medical/hospital employee, you don't have the option of saying you'd like to say home until this virus is under control. I mean, you do but you won't have a job to go back to when COVID has been eradicated.

I totally understand Hannah being worried about her mom. I know a lot of doctors and nurses who work in hospitals and they have been working under horrendous conditions. Normally they are required to use new masks constantly (usually a new one for each patient), but one of my friends was told that the hospital had to ration them so she and her coworkers were told that instead of throwing away their masks at the end of a shift, they would each be expected to reuse the same mask for three months. It's fine for someone like me to reuse an N95 for three months because I wear it maybe one hour per week when I go to the grocery store and hopefully I'm not surrounded by people who are contagious. But for a doctor or nurse in a hospital to be surrounded by sick people for eight hours a day while wearing the same mask for months at a time? It's just crazy because they have a much higher chance of catching it than the average person who is mostly staying home and only going out to buy groceries. I completely understand why Hannah was concerned about her mom and just the situation in general, especially because it's been clear since the first episode that whatever bullshit COVID protocols that they have in place for the training camp bubble are all for show. When she chose to come back this year instead of sitting out the season, she couldn't have known that the bubble and the DCC mask policies were so useless. There are other workplace situations where they had real COVID protocols and policies in place so she probably assumed that would be the case when she returned to training camp and that she would be relatively safe, and instead she got there and saw, as we did, that it's all a sham. That would be enough to have me looking anxious at rehearsal and wondering if it was worth it to be there and put myself at risk.

I think it's good that they called Hannah into the office and told her they noticed her heart didn't seem in it. That's what they should do, even in the middle of a pandemic. But if I had to choose between a vet who looked less than 100% peppy during rehearsal versus a vet who clearly didn't know the choreography, I'd keep Hannah and cut Meredith. At least Hannah would still blend in because she was still doing all the steps in sync with everyone else. Meredith kept sticking out like a sore thumb because she was so off. And Kat is still on my list of vets who should be cut. Doing well at ONE dance after being a disaster the day before isn't enough redemption. She needs to prove she can nail EVERY dance.

52 minutes ago, Kate2006 said:

Do the ladies have a mirror in from of them in the hotel studio like they do at The Star?

Yes, someone posted a picture (I think it was in one of the previous episode threads) where you can see the girls in the dance area, Kelli and Judy, then the camera crew, and mirrors behind the production staff. It's obviously not as ideal as being in a dance studio because the girls are closer to the mirror and there's nothing obstructing their view. In the dance area at the hotel, the mirrors are much farther away and there is a lot of stuff between them and the mirror (there were umbrella lights and other production stuff that isn't usually in the regular dance studio).

5 hours ago, joanikens77 said:

I think this is the most that I've like Melissa Rycroft on the show. She couldn't have been more helpful with both of the girls, although I felt Jada didn't pick it up as well as Ashlinn. Still rooting for Jada though!

She did a great job with both Jada and Ashlinn. She gave them specific feedback and they both made corrections. Jada still needs to work on her sass and style, but she did show improvement between the first time she did the routine and after Melissa told her what to work on. I totally agree that sometimes putting too much power/energy into your dancing can result in looking sloppy but I didn't think Ashlinn looked bad the first time she did the routine. Regardless, keep up the useful critiques, Melissa!

[CrazyMoon]

At the mention of being called into the office Meredith bursts into tears...seriously? Yet she 'is confident I'm in the top 36'...ya-no

[Peanutflutter33]

Kat is gorgeous...that’s all. 
 

She consistently messes up and her personality is grating. That comment about being point got my blood boiling. Joking or not, it’s just not a professional thing to say. It reminded me of KaShara saying Victoria doesn’t think before she says something. Kat needs to think before she speaks. Victoria has never said anything nearly as arrogant and self-centered as Kat said about being point in a couple of years just because she (as a veteran) managed to get through ONE dance. 

[Route66]

17 minutes ago, Peanutflutter33 said:

Victoria has never said anything nearly as arrogant and self-centered as Kat said about being point in a couple of years just because she (as a veteran) managed to get through ONE dance. 

Didn't Victoria suggest she thought she might make show group the first time she tried out? She was gaining weight and would obviously have been cut early on if not for nepotism.

[CrazyMoon]

On 12/25/2020 at 12:16 PM, Route66 said:

Didn't Victoria suggest she thought she might make show group the first time she tried out? She was gaining weight and would obviously have been cut early on if not for nepotism.

IIRC she said "But I wanted showgroup"...Kelli's answer was "Right now you need to be worried about making the team"

 

Edited December 27, 2020 by CrazyMoon

[EvergreenLove]

6 hours ago, Peanutflutter33 said:

Kat is gorgeous...that’s all. 
 

She consistently messes up and her personality is grating. That comment about being point got my blood boiling. Joking or not, it’s just not a professional thing to say. It reminded me of KaShara saying Victoria doesn’t think before she says something. Kat needs to think before she speaks. Victoria has never said anything nearly as arrogant and self-centered as Kat said about being point in a couple of years just because she (as a veteran) managed to get through ONE dance. 

THIS is what bothers me about Kat, put into better words than I could find. Beauty only goes so far with me - I have to be able to tolerate a beautiful person once that mouth opens, and I just can't with her.  I'm not watching the show this season, but I'm not at all surprised that she made a comment like that.  She may think it's a joke, but it's more off-putting than it is funny.

Edited December 26, 2020 by 123DCCWoooo

[Coffeefrog19]

In the previews for next week, I wonder who the hip hop dancer was that was supposedly terrible?  At least that’s how it’s edited to look.  On Kat, I do like the darker hair.  On Meredith, girl needs to go. I mean really.  Hannah, she looks different to me. Is her hair lighter?  Something is different. 

[Mardo2044]

On 12/22/2020 at 11:22 PM, dbell1 said:

Travis Wall is my favorite guest choreographer every year. He brings such joy to the show. 

I’m trying to remember what else happened. Meredith struggled, okay that’s normal. Kat is back, okay that’s normal. Maddie spoke. That’s rare. I want Caroline to find a new hairdresser. Hannah, I feel you. This year is so tough that what brings me joy normally isn’t doing it. But you are a diamond.

Rookies, Jada is tall, and that’s their only issue with her? I still don’t know the rest of them. Season is flying by.

 

Kelli has said in the past that taller girls need to "live in plie" and I don't know a lot but there are moments where I thought a deeper plie would help her.  I'm glad they are giving her extra attention because she is beautiful and I think would be a great rep for DCC.

[Mardo2044]

On 12/23/2020 at 9:13 AM, sATL said:

I also don't understand why every new dance, regardless of style/choreographer , she is a slow learner... 

Some girls are slower learners but if they don't put in the extra work to make up for the deficit (stay up all hours, etc) they get cut.  They kept her because of her beauty despite her slow learning last season.  That has to be such a pain for Judy.  So either she worked her but off and has it all down now or she doesn't.  I was pulling for her last year but I think she should go.

Edited December 28, 2020 by Mardo2044

[SimplePleasures]

I vaguely remember an ITM with Hannah (it's possible I'm confusing her with some other TC candidate) during her first training camp where she discusses her issues with mental health and depression.  If that ITM was indeed about Hannah, then her disinterest now is a very classic sign of depression.

Edited December 28, 2020 by SimplePleasures

[ElectricBoogaloo]

15 hours ago, Mardo2044 said:

Some girls are slower learners but if they don't put in the extra work to make up for the deficit (stay up all hours, etc) they get cut.  They kept her because of her beauty despite her slow learning last season.  That has to be such a pain for Judy.  So either she worked her but off and has it all down now or she doesn't.  I was pulling for her last year but I think she should go.

And the thing is that not everyone can learn and perform a dance in one day. That's okay, especially if you aren't auditioning for, say, Broadway shows, where they expect you to learn a routine quickly and be able to polish/perform it in a short amount of time. That's allegedly why training camp is so long - it gives girls the time to get their dances field ready. The problem is that Meredith isn't just a slow learner. That would imply that at some point she can get her shit together and know the choreography as well as everyone else. Not having a dance down on the first night is fine. She's still making mistakes from last year's dances.

[onthebubble]

3 hours ago, ElectricBoogaloo said:

And the thing is that not everyone can learn and perform a dance in one day. That's okay, especially if you aren't auditioning for, say, Broadway shows, where they expect you to learn a routine quickly and be able to polish/perform it in a short amount of time. That's allegedly why training camp is so long - it gives girls the time to get their dances field ready. The problem is that Meredith isn't just a slow learner. That would imply that at some point she can get her shit together and know the choreography as well as everyone else. Not having a dance down on the first night is fine. She's still making mistakes from last year's dances.

Bingo. And compare her to someone like Erin who was terrible her first year and deservedly got cut. She went and did the work, took the classes, improved herself and came back and killed it.  Meredith is such a gorgeous dancer but it seems like she will never have 'it' (whatever the it is!) 

[DCC-UK]

5 hours ago, onthebubble said:

Bingo. And compare her to someone like Erin who was terrible her first year and deservedly got cut. She went and did the work, took the classes, improved herself and came back and killed it.  Meredith is such a gorgeous dancer but it seems like she will never have 'it' (whatever the it is!) 

1000% agree. Erin went away, did her homework and was a star in her rookie year. Meredith can amazing when she's in her wheelhouse (anything requiring extension and technique) but she's still not got the pom style down at all. I'm a fan but only when she's doing her own thing.

[sATL]

38 minutes ago, DCC-UK said:

1000% agree. Erin went away, did her homework and was a star in her rookie year. Meredith can amazing when she's in her wheelhouse (anything requiring extension and technique) but she's still not got the pom style down at all. I'm a fan but only when she's doing her own thing.

This goes back to a question I posted on the other thread. What did  Meredith (and other veterans) do off-season/ during shutdown ?

The Cowboys didn't make the playoffs in 2019 - losing to the Eagles almost one year ago to the date. Coach Garrett's contract was "not renewed" (ie fired) weeks later. So unless by miracle she  made show group as a rookie, that leaves 3 months before shutdown, and 3 months during shutdown to do solid homework.  Take classes, get a tutor, practice, etc.

I don't give pretty a pass. There are pretty ladies everywhere and some "pretty" can be achieved in a salon if money/time is no object. This is a dance team. 

Edited December 29, 2020 by sATL

[DCC-UK]

44 minutes ago, sATL said:

This goes back to a question I posted on the other thread. What did  Meredith (and other veterans) do off-season/ during shutdown ?

The Cowboys didn't make the playoffs in 2019 - losing to the Eagles almost one year ago to the date. Coach Garrett's contract was "not renewed" (ie fired) weeks later. So unless by miracle she  made show group as a rookie, that leaves 3 months before shutdown, and 3 months during shutdown to do solid homework.  Take classes, get a tutor, practice, etc.

I don't give pretty a pass. There are pretty ladies everywhere and some "pretty" can be achieved in a salon if money/time is no object. This is a dance team. 

Exactly, as opposed to Hannah, who seemed to spend all of her free time (around studying) dancing in her basement, doing various styles. Doesn't Meredith teach young kids at a dance school (with Rachel A)? Practice makes perfect!

[DragonFlyzz]

14 hours ago, DCC-UK said:

1000% agree. Erin went away, did her homework and was a star in her rookie year. Meredith can amazing when she's in her wheelhouse (anything requiring extension and technique) but she's still not got the pom style down at all. I'm a fan but only when she's doing her own thing.

That’s another annoyance with Kelly continually harping on Meredith’s training/technique.  It doesn’t matter how much training she has if she can’t pick up and retain choreography or master DCC style.  Great training/technique didn’t save Erin from being cut as you mentioned and it didn’t save Brianna, who was another of Kelly’s obsessions.  Funny how Kelly mentioned that having great feet wasn’t the end all be all since those lovely feet will be encased in boots.  She seems to keep forgetting that even though she said it herself.

[ElenaFR]

Deleted most of my post. It was meant for Episode 6. These comments still stand.

Only problem I saw with Hannah is that she didn't have her typical make up. I'm not buying what the TPTB are trying to sell me. 

Kelli dancing🤣

 

Edited December 30, 2020 by ElenaFR

[Opine]

I can't believe no one else mentioned this!  Do you not LOVE Travis making fun of Kelli?  Oh my gosh, I howled!  I believe she said "way-ell" and Travis repeated it in a high pitched East Texas voice.  It was the highlight of the episode for me!

[parrotfeathers]

On 12/29/2020 at 6:05 PM, DragonFlyzz said:

Brianna, who was another

Never understood how she made it as far as she did.  

[DragonFlyzz]

2 hours ago, parrotfeathers said:

Never understood how she made it as far as she did.  

If Kelly decides she likes you, she’ll fight tooth and nail to keep you, against all comers.  On the other hand, if she doesn’t like you ...