Have the DANCING WITH THE STARS Producers Lost Their Way?

I love Dancing with the Stars -- I simply can't get enough of the cheesy joys B (or C or D)-List celebrities ballroom dancing brings to me. I've falled in love with Apolo Anton Ono and Mel B and Helio Castroneves. And after all these years, I have deep affection for Julianne and Derek Hough, Tony Dobolani, and even Cheryl Burke.

But, as we bid adieu to Toni Braxton at the midway point of the season, something is leading me to believe the producers of the show are starting to lose their way. It's not the contestants -- they are as entertaining as ever. The shift that is happening is subtle now, but if it continues heading in this direction, I will start to doubt the potential longevity of the show.

Let me explain...

First of all, this season the show seems to want to think it is So You Think You Can Dance. Don't get me wrong -- So You Think You Can Dance is probably my very favorite reality show. However, Dancing with the Stars is no SYTYCD, and shouldn't try to be. It's got it's own charms. But this year alone we have former finalist Lacey Schwimmer as a professional (not really fair, when you think about it, since she's recently been on a reality show that required people to vote for her -- as famous, say, as Kim Khardashian or Cody Linley. We've also had Anya and Pasha choreograph a routine, and former SYTYCD choreographers Dave Scott and Brian Friedman appearing in a taped segment.

And now comes word that next week the contestants will be asked to do a group old school hip-hop routine. Huh? This is absurd -- the show is about ballroom dancing. What's next -- a contemporary routine choreographed by Mia Michaels? (Though that doesn't really sound that bad...)

Reading this back I can see that I sound like an old codger, but I like my Dancing with the Stars pure -- sue me. A bit of edginess is surely welcome, but embracing hip-hop just seems antithetical to the point of the show (not to mention of having ballroom professionals as dance partners and judges).

Speaking of judges -- Michael Flatley to replace Len Goodman for a week? Um...would America stand for Tommy Mottola sitting in for Simon Cowell? I don't think so! And why have Michael Flatley on a week where they are doing hip-hop? Why not get Jamie King, or if they are really going to dig into the SYTYCD bag, Wade Robson?

Which brings me to my last point -- tonight's "biggest performance ever"!. I mean...my high school did that same production number. Yawn! Cliche! And after all that build-up? Of course, only 5 minutes was dedicated to actual results -- a regular occurrence on these results show. (Don't even get me started for when my Tivo cuts it off before the results have been announced.)

I'm a little angry -- I'll admit it. But take this post as a message to the producers, with love from a fan. Do me right.

READ: BOLD PREDICTION: Warren Sapp and Kim Johnson Will Win Dancing with the Stars

READ: Lance Bass' Dancing with the Stars Problem: Lacey Schwimmer Is Sabotaging His Chances!

Photo: Dancing with the Candidates: Barack Obama and Sarah Palin Cha Cha Cha