By Claire Carter | Staff writer
Manuel De la Garza pops his popcorn, gets into a quiet room to focus, and performs calming breathing exercises every
Tuesday before sitting on the couch to indulge himself in a nice helping of Dance Moms.
“I like the drama. I feel like I can connect with the dancers,” senior De la Garza remarked. “My DVR is set to the weekly recording and I talk to my friends after each episode.”
Like so many others, Manual was drawn to reality television this summer and networks like TLC had more than enough to offer.
Hear the phrase “Everyone’s replaceable” from Abby Lee Miller every Tuesday on the hit show “Dance Moms,” a cross between Toddlers and Tiaras and Real Housewives. This show focuses not only on the demanding instructor, but on the constant bickering coming from the observation room above the studios where mothers echo “Why doesn’t my daughter have a solo?” or “Why isn’t my daughter on the top of the pyramid?”
“This show is my drug,” said De la Garza. “I’m counting down the days until Dance Moms San Antonio,” premiering November 5.
After her standout performance in Toddlers and Tiaras, Alana Thompson aka Honey Boo Boo, was granted her own show titled, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. This show takes you through the daily life of her self-described redneck family who spoil her with full glitz pageants and a pig named Glitzy.
“She makes my Wednesdays better and now I want a pig named Glitzy,” sophomore Caroline Zito remarked. “It’s funny to see their lifestyles. Who knew a six year old could make this stuff up?” Alana’s quotes can easily translate into daily conversation. “I always catch myself saying ‘dolla make me holla Honey Boo Boo’.”
Some people think the six year old is a preview of a deteriorating generation, but Zito embraces Alana’s originality and quirkiness.
“I want my child to grow up like Alana Thompson because she is so full of energy and is such a funny girl,” said Zito.
