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The Secret Showstopper

August 8, 2007

My recommendation for August is to tune in to the final three shows of So You Think You Can Dance on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings next week. That's August 13, 15, and 16 on Fox. The dancers are great; however, there is something else special about the show that is worth noting and seeing. Bear with me while I explain . . .

The Finalists

Before I tell you about this special aspect, let me assure you that the dancing you will see by the six finalists in this amazing competition will be phenomenal. You will be delighted.

The six finalists, Danny, Lauren, Lacey, Neil, Pasha, and Sabra, are each remarkable. I would not know how to pick the winner, they all are so talented. They are examples of what individuals can do when they put in the effort and press themselves to be the best at what they do. They are the best. The performances my wife and I watched last night blew us away. You have to see these young dancers to appreciate their talent and their excellence.

The Choreography and the Music

The choreography for the show this season also has been incredible. I never thought I would like hip-hop, but I had no idea how remarkable it can be when choreographed by Shane Sparks and the other pros on this show. Mia Michaels is another amazing choreographer. The contemporary dances she created this season even knocked the judges back in their chairs. Moreover, Mia and Shane are only two of the many choreographers who go over the top with their innovation and creativity. The music for the dancers is great, too. The songs will get your heart pumping.

Cat

Another treat on the show is Cat Deeley, the host. When she first began on the show last season, she was pretty and good, but not great. Now she is great and still beautiful. She has transformed into a grand host with heart, grace, and style that few people could master as well as she does. You can feel her love for the contestants and respect for the judges instantly.

The Hot Tamale Train!

Then there is Mary Murphy, one of the two recurring judges on the panel of three judges for the show. I am in awe at how much Mary knows about the technical and skill sides of dance. I never appreciated the nuances of dance until Mary began educating others and me with her spot on comments. The beautiful thing about Mary is she provides candid comments and feedback in a loving and caring way. Mary is also the dynamite on the judging panel. When she likes something, she explodes with excitement. When Mary compliments an out of sight performance, she screams, "You are on my hot tamale train!" If you do not smile and laugh when she does this, you are dead or heavily sedated.

The Showstopper

The dancers, their dances, and all of the trimmings above are reasons enough to tune in and watch the final three shows. There is, however, one more component of this program that is special and worth noticing. I feel certain most people watching the program each week are not even consciously aware how truly excellent this component of the program is.

The showstopper component of the show I am talking about is Nigel Lythgoe, an Englishman. He is executive producer of the show, the lead judge, and the main spokesperson for the show and the panel of judges.

Every week when I watch the show and see Mr. Lythgoe do something to acknowledge, compliment, critique, or help someone I wish I was as good at what I do as Nigel is at what he does.

To begin with, Mr. Lythgoe knows dance and music. He has been in and around these businesses for years and his credentials and credits comprise a very long and very impressive list. For example, he also is an executive producer of American Idol.

As a result, his comments and critiques are specific on the technical merits and insightful and on the mark on the performance. He notices details like hand turns and facial gestures that only someone with an eye for detail and excellence would see. Lythgoe, like Mary Murphy, is an excellent judge and knows his stuff. He is candid yet fair, to the point yet kind, firm yet compassionate, and intolerant of mistakes yet encouraging and motivating.

The thing that amazes me even more about Mr. Lythgoe is how professional he is in the way he goes about his business. He misses nothing. One week when some viewers wrote in alleging the show had an anti-war view he addressed these comments directly at the show's opening. His response was sincere, eloquent, and I would think, appreciated by the viewers. When the bridge collapsed in Minnesota, he included opening remarks to acknowledge and send prayers to those in the crises. He gives everyone credit, even his fellow judges. As an example, he takes the initiative to turn around, find the choreographers in the audience, and acknowledge them. Last night he even commented that the camera crew did a remarkable job in following a pair of dancers as they moved up steps. What class.

The Moral of the Story

The moral of the story is that in this world of cutting corners and mediocrity, there are still many people who make every effort to be excellent and the best. When they do, they stand out and serve as role models for us all.

As my readers know, I wrote a book, Professionalism Is for Everyone, and we teach seminars and provide keynotes on its content. Because of my interest in professionalism, I am always on the lookout for individuals who are exemplary in what they do. This is why I like Mr. Lythgoe so much and why I have noticed just how well he does his job. I have seen hundreds of others in positions like Mr. Lythgoe and I do not recall seeing anyone who is better. He is excellent, truly the best, a role model for others, and me, to follow.

Mr. Lythgoe is a professional in every sense of the word. He is one of the many role models I admire and enjoy watching in action. I hope you will tune in to watch him and his show I will be watching, too.

Professionalism: To learn more about my book, Professionalism Is for Everyone, and the related seminars that we can provide or that you can teach in your organization yourself, please visit our website.

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Thanks for your continued interest in our work and your business. You may download this Ballgram in PDF format from our website. Just visit the Goal-Mind section.

Sincerely,

Jim Ball
The Goals Institute

email: info@goalsinstitute.com
phone: 703-264-2000
web: www.goalpower.com