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Not one to stay idle, Paula Abdul leaps back with ‘Live to Dance’ By Jacqueline Cutler © Zap2it Those who high-kick across the kitchen when only goldfish are watching, those who tap because the surface below their feet has the right reverb and those who turn simply for the joy of spinning embody the CBS show “Live to Dance.” The Tuesday, Jan. 4, two-hour premiere is Paula Abdul’s splashy return to network television. As an executive producer, men- tor and chief cheerleader, Abdul is the force behind the show. Above all, Abdul is a dancer. “Coming up with the title of the show was just about that,” she says. “It was, what is going to be that coined phrase that really describes what people feel like? “The spirit and psyche of dancers are unlike any other performer,” she contin- ues. “The amount of dedica- tion and putting yourself out there and the toll it takes on your body. But when you are doing what you are do- ing, you are in that zone. It is liberating. Dancers are that element that put the final touches on everything that is beautiful.” Abdul estimates 10,000 dancers across the country auditioned for the show, which moves to its regular time slot Wednesday, Jan. 5, and will be broadcast live beginning Jan. 12. Dancers compete as soloists or in huge groups, Abdul says, and there are no age limits; the young- est hopeful was 6 and the eldest 93. All vie for the $500,000 prize. Abdul is careful to ex- plain that she, Travis Payne and Kimberly Wyatt are not judges. “This is not a show about judging,” Abdul says. “We are leading experts. We all have extensive backgrounds in dance. “The show is such a good-feeling show,” Abdul says. “It is just the way of taking the judge out of it and putting the expert into it. It inspires. “I am very mindful of kids in groups,” she continues. “I can immediately notice the shortness of breath, and I see the flush in their cheeks, and at that mo- ment (you think) how do you address someone in their tender years 9, 10 and 11, even into the teens. It isn’t about a criticism; it’s something that empowers them how to land the next audition. And that is a really wonderful experience.” Only a two-minute preview of the show was available at this writing, re- vealing a very toned Abdul and dancers exhibiting a wide spectrum of talent per- forming all forms of dance. Abdul was clear she didn’t want goofy people throwing on chicken suits and doing the bunny hop just so they could say they auditioned. “I didn’t want this show to be about people being silly and do silly dancing,” she says. “I didn’t want that spirit. I wanted to make it where people get to operate in their unique ability.” Of the acts shown in the preview tape, which looks enticing, a few images lin- ger. There’s the future of dance found in a boy who explains he had to sacrifice sports but doesn’t mind be- cause he has to dance. And there’s a white- haired woman who looks as if she were born when women couldn’t vote. She rocks fishnet stockings as she taps away. She’s not, though, the past of dance; she still dances. Both, clearly, live to dance. Like all true dancers, Ab- dul honors the generations before her who forged new forms of dance and brought it to more people. Abdul’s heroes are choreographer Bob Fosse, who changed Broadway dance, and the legendary Gene Kelly, who made it cool to dance in khakis and loafers. Abdul had the experience of a life- time with Kelly when he re- hearsed her for a Diet Coke commercial. She remains grateful that she had the chance to work with him. Among the knowledge Abdul tries to pass onto newer dancers is “to oper- ate from an area of grati- tude,” she says. She also wants to impart the sheer joy of dancing and the constant need to hone skills. This philosophy is different from the typical judges panel. Besides hav- ing no official judges, “Live to Dance” will be different from “So You Think You Can Dance” in that dancers stay within their chosen genres. Abdul, trained in tap, ballet, modern and jazz, also dances hip-hop and is game for any genre. She continues to take class. “I keep myself as a per- petual student,” Abdul says. “The only way you become LifeSerial By Jay Bobbin © Zap2it He who gets slapped ... gets to be “The Bachelor” again. At least that’s the case if you’re Brad Womack, who famously rejected both Jenni Croft and DeAnna Pappas at the end of the ABC show’s 11th season. He has another chance for a love match as the first bachelor to be allowed to choose again when the unscripted series begins its 15th round Monday, Jan. 3. Already, it can be confirmed that Womack doesn’t leave the show alone again. Having com- pleted taping of the new episodes, he says, “I’m pleasantly surprised that I’m very much in love. No kidding. It worked, so (ABC is) allowing me to say that, and I’m happy to be able to. It went incredibly well, and that’s a huge relief. “I’ll be honest: If I went there and didn’t find some- one or something I was looking for, I would have walked away (alone) again. And I think I would have been assassinated in pub- lic. This is a very real and true feeling, though, and I’m as happy as I’ve been in a very long time.” That, despite the new “Bachelor” season start- ing with Womack taking a a great teacher is to be a great student.” As a student, teacher, Discover Unique Gifts, Crafts, Antiques, and Home Décor Spend the day in our shopping leisurely for crafts and gifts in our 70,000 square foot climate controlled environment. Then, take a walk down and discover Specialty Gift Shoppes with wonderful treasures such as: P. Graham, Dunn Art, Lambright Windchimes, Lang Calendars, just to name a few. Or Find and collectibles in our indoor Antique & Flea Market - also located in our Mall. B Dutch Village Borkholder Antiques, Crafts, and Gift Mall 700 N Tomahawk Tr., Nappanee, IN 574.773.2828 • www.borkholder.com producer and mentor on “Live to Dance,” Abdul sees the process from all angles. Viewers, however, need not be dance experts. “The audience is not go- ing to have to understand what pirouettes are or grand jetes,” Abdul says. “They have to have some- thing strike a chord in their face slap from the first of the 30 contenders to arrive by limo. Moreover, he has to face Croft and Pappas again, moments into the season premiere episode (hosted, as the series has been from the start, by Chris Harrison). “It was completely sur- real,” Womack reports of starting “The Bachelor” again. “I was a ball of nerves, only because I didn’t know how I was go- ing to be received by the women. I don’t think they knew it was going to be me, so in the back of my mind I was thinking, ‘If they don’t want me here, they’re going to get back in the limousine and drive away. And I’m going to look like a complete schmuck.’ And I’d get what I deserved, in some respects.” Womack claims that be- ing approached to return to “The Bachelor” came as “a complete surprise. It had been over three years, and after my decision, I had chosen to lay low from ev- erything. I didn’t participate in any reunion shows or anything like that. “Initially, I politely de- clined (to come back), then I thought about it a little and said, ‘If you’re truly interested, let’s talk.’ We did that, and it worked out.” hearts; maybe they wished their parents danced like this couple does or wished they were in a group with 25 members.” “Live to Dance” is also one of those shows the family can watch together. “Everyone gets something different from it,” Abdul says. “They understand the level of commitment, and these people are living to dance.” Old Softener needing a check-up???? NOW IS THE TIME January Special “Live to Dance” premieres Tuesday on CBS. 2 The Goshen News • Viewer’s Choice • Saturday, January 1, 2011 - Friday, January 7, 2011 1-888-WeDuMor Performance Check $25 Expires January 31, 2011 Call today

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