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Natalie and Smugness?
Sally Mander2
Posts: 354 Forum Member
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It seems to me that it is generally agreed that of the four remaining celebrities Natalie is the most accomplished dancer.
From last weeks leak of the general public vote and this weeks dance off it is also clear that Natalie (at least over the past two weeks) has the lowest public support of the finalists.
It also seems to me from reading Digital Spy threads that a small but not insignificant number of people dislike Natalie as a "person" rather than just her dancing.
Now two main reasons have been raised as to why people don't vote for Natalie.
1) A lack of "connection" between themselves as viewers and Natalie & Artem's dance that they view. Some say that it is a similar feeling (or lack of feeling) that they have when watching two professional dancers dance - it looks accomplished but it seems a bit hollow - more technique than emotion. Others say that it is rather a perceived lack of connection between Natalie & Artem - that Natalie plays more to the audience than focusing on Artem in storytelling.
Now this reason is focused on the actual dancing and the connection that they have as viewers with the dance.
The second reason given is more personal and has nothing to do with the dance:
2) Natalie appears smug, she is "full of it", she is a "ringer".
It is this reason that I have difficulty understanding - but I do accept there is a significant number of people that believe or have a strong feeling that this is true.
So for those that do believe that Natalie is smug - when and how did you get the impression that Natalie was smug.
From last weeks leak of the general public vote and this weeks dance off it is also clear that Natalie (at least over the past two weeks) has the lowest public support of the finalists.
It also seems to me from reading Digital Spy threads that a small but not insignificant number of people dislike Natalie as a "person" rather than just her dancing.
Now two main reasons have been raised as to why people don't vote for Natalie.
1) A lack of "connection" between themselves as viewers and Natalie & Artem's dance that they view. Some say that it is a similar feeling (or lack of feeling) that they have when watching two professional dancers dance - it looks accomplished but it seems a bit hollow - more technique than emotion. Others say that it is rather a perceived lack of connection between Natalie & Artem - that Natalie plays more to the audience than focusing on Artem in storytelling.
Now this reason is focused on the actual dancing and the connection that they have as viewers with the dance.
The second reason given is more personal and has nothing to do with the dance:
2) Natalie appears smug, she is "full of it", she is a "ringer".
It is this reason that I have difficulty understanding - but I do accept there is a significant number of people that believe or have a strong feeling that this is true.
So for those that do believe that Natalie is smug - when and how did you get the impression that Natalie was smug.
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Sorry, I misunderstood. Probably because she's a really good clinical dancer and people seem to want the cheap and cheerful out of step messy look at me salsa from Susanna. It was terrible and that was a 'dance' that should have seen her off the show. Unfortunately if you're good you're seen as smug and I say the same about Susanna, she THINKS she's good. That's the difference, in my opinion between one being confident as they are good and the other loving themselves and believing they are good.
I suppose they feel like technique as opposed to heartfelt? I don't want to say false but you can't imagine her just letting go completely an whatever's within just pouring out. Abbey on the other hand has trouble containing it.
I guess my preference is watching uncontrolled emotion.
So have most of the celebs who've been in the DO.
Would be great for someone not to care a hoot what the public think and yell out 'why me!,!??'
I danced better than them'. Whilst pointing to someone who was bottom of the leaderboard.
Never seen 'smug' but I have seen her mouthing 'thank you' to camera.
What a ridiculous comment.
Whatever. That's what I thought anyway.
So I am thinking that even if you don't, some people see some of the "decorative" parts of Natalie's dance as being "fake" and "pretense". And if those attributes are perceived by some in Natalies dancing, then it is only a small step to project those same attributes onto Natalie as a person. And this could be one route through which some get the impression that Natalie is smug.
You and I must have the same brand. Mine is called Smugfree. Is that the same as yours? ;-)
But something just doesn't work for me. For the 90 seconds that they're on the dance floor, I feel like I'm watching and waiting for something to happen and it's only happened once (in her VW). The rest of her dances have passed me by. I'm not sure who or what is to blame - but I do feel the others have done more with less to work with.
I do think that one of the other reasons she could be perceived as smug is that she's being taught by Mr Smug & Arrogant himself. Of course we know he's not but it's taken 3 seasons to discover that it's all a bit of an act but some of his haughty character has rubbed off maybe? She, of course, like all partners mirrors back the body language? The faffing mainly comes from her arms and hands and how coordinated and pronounced they are and the amount of holding onto and using of her skirt she appears to do. And of course although it's been explained why (the height issue) the lack of hold also suggests a sort of arrogance in that she's never needed to be in her partner arms for safety? Unlike the others? I don't really want to call her smug but a certain arrogance that is circumstantial seems fairer.
I'm in bed now, but I'll check in the morning.
I guess that could give the impression that Natalie is imposing herself on Artem, of her wanting to take centre stage, of her wanting to "show off" - rather than submitting into the role she should play in the dance - they should be dancing as a pair rather than as two competing individuals. This sense of showing off (as judged by her appearing to lead) could then provide another route through which some get the impression that Natalie is smug.
..........and that's her crime. She's excellent at dancing and performing with a reasonable amount of confidence and poise. I thought she was charming and dignified tonight and by now she would have had a fair idea that she's not the most popular. Despite that she got to the final on her talent and ability; not too shabby Natalie.
PS Since her bad back & fainting episode I too have felt a lack of connection with several of her performances (but a few hit the mark for me the "nightclub dance" and the American Tango). My impression is that many of her performances have lacked energy which I put down to her back issues and associated medication which I assume she is taking.