My Hollywood Experience

Yesterday I drove to Hollywood for two tapings of So You Think You Can Dance. My Tom Tom didn’t work properly, so I got a little lost and was late, but they still let me in. The first taping at 9 a.m. was for the ensemble performance that always starts the results show. The dancers performed the Wade Robson routine about 25 times, so that they could be captured from every angle by 20 different cameras. I got bored with the dancers after the 2nd or 3rd go, but I was super fascinated by the cameramen - especially the hand held cameras and the steady-cam.

Television may not be quite so magical after seeing all the inner workings, but I certainly appreciate a good close-up of a twirling, flailing dancer MUCH more!

The first taping ended around 11:30 am, and I was able to meet my good friend Damien for a coffee. He lives and works in Hollywood, so it’s always a nice treat when we can get together for a little while.

On my way to the second taping, I walked past some outdoor tables in front of the Whisper Lounge and I spotted my first star! Sally Pressman, who plays Roxy LeBlanc! She’s my favorite character!!! So I stopped and told her that I loved the show, and she said thank you and that she was with the creator of the show! I tried to figure out that lady’s name from the Lifetime website, but I couldn’t. Anyway, it was exciting.

Then I headed off to the taping of the results show that will be aired Monday night. This was WAY more fun than the earlier taping. First of all, Hok, Dominic and Benji came out and danced to get the crowd excited. Also milling about were Jamie, Jesus, Faina and Anya. It was so cool to be in the same building as Debbie Allen because in my fantasies, I still go to the School of Performing Arts, and she’s my dance teacher. We also got to see each dancer perform a solo, which was very fast and exciting. I thought we would get to see who is kicked off, but we didn’t. They did this whole weird fake out taping like each person was safe, then they kicked us out and announced the results with a closed studio.

Overall, I was most impressed by Neil and Lauren. Through all the full out performances they had to do in the morning, it was those two that my eye was drawn to again and again. I’d be happy if either one won.

On my way back to my car, I passed another star - Leslie Jordan, who plays Jessie Jo on Hidden Palms and played Beverly Leslie (Karen’s nemesis) on Will & Grace. I couldn’t think of anything to say to him, so I didn’t bother him. I really wanted to ask him if Hidden Palms is cancelled, but I thought that wouldn’t be nice if it was.

Overall, it was an exciting day. Can’t wait for the Ellen taping!