SO YOU THINK YOU SAW KUNTA?

I was watching the show “So You Think You Can Dance” (I know, another reality show and I’m suppose to be at the gym)… Anyhow, I’m not sure I’ll be able to articulate the true essence of my point. It may be something that you would have had to see for yourself… But I will attempt to give you a visual.

There was a couple - Black Male, White Female who performed a “contemporary” style of choreography. Well, the guy comes out dressed in this white thin button down shirt - one button was done, and some cut off or more like Capri type of shorts. The girl, was wearing a nice silk/satin orange colored gown. They were dancing to “Unwritten”.

My first thought - “What the F…?” Before Natasha even sang out “I am unwritten…” All I could think is Kunta Kente and Slave Masta Wife. And BEFORE I could even form my brain to process other interpretations, my phone rings. A good friend on the other end asks “girl, are you watching ‘so you think you can dance’? - Why do I feel like I’m watchin a ‘house nigga having an affair with his masta!”

Needless to say, we had to watch it again -just to be sure. I mean, we can’t go calling the NAACP for nothing. LOL Of’course, it’s not all that serious. We understand that dance is suppose to tell a story of some sort. I questioned though, what other “story” was being told. What was most interesting is that the “pre dance commentary” for the other dancers -described a story that would be seen. For example, one couple danced some type of Waltz and the choreographer said he wanted to see a commador (is that the word) aka Bull fighter and his red cape (cape being the female in the red dress). “He should be leading her, she should flow with his movement…” Another couple - they were suppose to imagine that they were in a 70’s night club - dancing in the middle of the floor with the spinning / sparking ball and spotlight right above them…

I called another friend to ask her opinion as well. She had it DVR’d, but called me back to say she saw “Oil and Water”. Okay, Oil and Water. I can see that. I would believe it more had the female been wearing a light blue color and Kunta been in all brown… But, I can see that. What both friends noticed is they Never touched. It almost seemed as though Kunta was following Miss Massas every move… Sort of sneaking behind her back. OH hmmm… It’s possible that another interpretation could be that “Kunta” was a shadow… But then, too the wardrobe choice doesn’t go with that.

Anyhow - the whole point of dance is that it is an art and everyone can see it differently, But it still brings to question - If I saw Kunta… and she saw Kunta… Did you see him too?

I could go on with this topic… however it is WAY past my bed time.