Winter Olympics 2010

[Ghoulish Delight]

Like I said, I see the validity of calling ice dancing a sport. But it's still a sport in a category that a) doesn't interest me and b) doesn't fit with my perception of Olympics. Yes, it involves physical prowess and technical skill, but in my opinion ice dancing (and rhythmic gymnastics, and synchronized swimming, and dressage, and even to some degree portions of gymnastics like floor routine) are too much about artistic and aesthetic components to fit the theme of athletic competition.

And honestly, in the long run, I think it hurts aesthetic sports/competitions to be included in the Olympics. At that level, the pressure of ensuring fair judging is huge. As a result, the artistry and subjectivity has to be regulated out. And what you end up with is gymnastic floor routines (and balance beam routines) with creepy antiseptic "dance" moves that are judged on their technical qualities. Gone from gymnastics is any sort of artistry or aesthetic. Figure skating is headed in that direction. It's a shame, but it's the inevitable result of the scrutiny an artistic discipline receives on the Olympic stage.