Mary Poppins v Amir and Cat - the people decide

[Spin dryer]

Which showcase did you prefer? Let the people speak.

[WittyBird]

This is taking it too far. Does it really matter? Both were completely different.
You aint changing anything by doing this.

[littlewiggle]

One of the routines I have seen twice before MP- I'm sure tons and tons of hard work went into it but it still bored me.............my GOD did I say that out loud. Well we all have our opinions and are entitled to them - not slating anyone as they are all far superior dancers to myself but I, amongst others, did not enjoy watching it....just wasn't my cup of tea but I still admire them!

[Minnie M]

This is taking it too far. Does it really matter? Both were completely different.
You aint changing anything by doing this.

Totally agree AND it is an open vote too

[Spin dryer]

I should say that I don't subscribe to any conspiracy theories re the judging. It's just interesting that in this particular case the decision seems to have run counter to the feeling on the floor.

More generally, there is absolutely nothing wrong with criticising a performance. If you put yourself up to perform, you have to be able to take it. I used to be a singer, and I would always welcome comments.

[Spin dryer]

One of the routines I have seen twice before MP- I'm sure tons and tons of hard work went into it but it still bored me.............my GOD did I say that out loud. .....I, amongst others, did not enjoy watching it....just wasn't my cup of tea

Well done littlewiggle for daring to articulate the thought that many people have had but dare not utter.

[Spin dryer]

Totally agree AND it is an open vote too

It is an open vote because I believe that if you have something to say you should say it openly.

[Dreadful Scathe]

i think Amir is beter than a broomstick. There I've said it. Ill take the consequences.

[WittyBird]

I believe that if you have something to say you should say it openly.

Sure you do

[NZ Monkey]

Can I have Amir and Cat with a broomstick? That way I get a pair of top notch dancers who can also clean my floors......

[MartinHarper]

It feels to me like this poll has been set up to favour the named dancers of Amir and Cat, with the other showcase being diminished with a "funny" poll option. That gives an impression of a poll that's been set up to make a point rather than a serious inquiry into people's feelings.

Regardless, if some kind soul were to post videos of the two performances onto youtube, I'd love to take a look.

[Trousers]

I've seen that Thriller take off that many times it really doesn't but that won.
Why should that be an issue with someone else’s performance.

A lot of time is invested in a choreographed routine therefore it will be your routine for a year. The punters will see it numerous times. It happens every where a routine must be learnt - take Ice dance remember the Bolero. How many times was that in competitions.
It's the judges view on the day of the performances made that says who wins.

Don't belittle someone’s achievement because that’s just wrong and very petty.

The Judges judged.

Full stop.

[Spin dryer]

It feels to me like this poll has been set up to favour the named dancers of Amir and Cat, with the other showcase being diminished with a "funny" poll option. That gives an impression of a poll that's been set up to make a point rather than a serious inquiry into people's feelings.

That's a forensic examination too far. The broomstick was a key prop in the act so I don't see what's funny about the poll options.

It is a genuine (as opposed to serious) poll. If your psychological analysis is correct, it should lead to more votes for the Poppins people, on the basis that they'd be enraged by my shocking humour.

[NZ Monkey]

Now that I think about, I already have seen Amir with broomstick. I have to say the broomsticks posture was excellent and it slid very well, but I think Amir was probably the more expressive of the pair. It's hard to tell though since the broomstic was also an excellent follower, doing exactly what Amir wanted it to do all the time without even the need for a clear lead.......

[Spin dryer]

I've seen that Thriller take off that many times it really doesn't but that won.

The Thriller routine was great. I've seen it twice and enjoyed it equally on both occasions. I'd happily watch it again.

Don't belittle someone’s achievement because that’s just wrong and very petty.

I'll say what I like thank you.

Are you seriously suggesting that one should not be able to comment on a performance in anything other than a positive way? We are talking about a performance here; we are not talking about social dancing skills or personalities. If I were ever to enter a competition, it wouldn't bother me in the slightest to hear criticism. I'd much sooner hear it than have everyone pretend they thought I was great when behind my back they were saying what a load of rubbish I was.

[Yogi_Bear]

I wasn't there, but I've seen the Mary Poppins routine elsewhere. I wouldn't have wanted to see it again. The ability and effort are not at issue, I'm just sick of the whole Mary Poppins concept itself.....for which I blame Dick van Dyke.....

[MartinHarper]

That's a forensic examination too far.

To me it came across as somewhat disrespectful that you name-checked Amir and Cat three times, whereas Phil and Alex were apparently unworthy of being named and second in importance to a broomstick. It was as if you were belittling "the Poppins people" rather than giving genuine criticism.

Thank you for explaining that this was not your intention.

[Spin dryer]

To me it came across as somewhat disrespectful that you name-checked Amir and Cat three times, whereas Phil and Alex were apparently unworthy of being named and second in importance to a broomstick. It was as if you were belittling "the Poppins people" rather than giving genuine criticism.

Thank you for explaining that this was not your intention.

I'm not belittling the Poppins people. The acts were called/have been described as "Amir and Cat" and "Mary Poppins". I didn't even know that they were called Phil and Alex (although the names ring a bell now that you mention them).

I'm bemused as to how a simple poll asking which act was preferred appears to being construed as an attempt to vilify Phil and Alex. That is preposterous.

Phil and Alex clearly have an act of some popularity, or it wouldn't have been repeated so often. Moreover, it couldn't have won if the judges at least didn't enjoy it. But none of that deprives anyone else of the right to express their opinion as to what they like and what they don't. Do we want to live in some kind of totalitarian state? (that's rhetorical Martin and not directed at you!).

[Spin dryer]

I should add that I did think that the Poppins routine was executed well. It's just not my cup of tea.

Presumably the Poppins musical is aimed largely at children (and I'm happy to be corrected on this). It occurs to me that Phil and Alex would be very popular indeed if they were to take their act on the schools circuit. I'm sure that kids would love it (and before the vituperation starts, I'm not being sardonic).

[Minnie M]

Personally I prefer a showcase to be what the name means to me - a mini story told in dance.