by Anne Warchol

Created on: August 17, 2008

I wonder where the popularity and overuse of the standing ovation started? I suspect the degradation of the standing ovation has roots in the popular television series "American Idol". A startling visual of Randy, Paula and Simon, jumping to their feet and clapping, flashes through my mind.

None of my words are judgments on any performance, only observations concerning a slice of American culture. I have no argument with people who believe standing ovations serve a higher purpose. I agree - an appreciation for quality and sincerity stimulates and rewards the stellar performer. However, for all the standing ovations given, our society must be deluged with superior talent. On "American Idol"?

I remember a college professor in my music class, renouncing the now common use of the standing ovation. He related his personal experience following a performance by Pavarotti in Italy.Cabbages were thrown from the audience, protesting the inferior quality delivered by the great man. It sounds trashy, but is it worse than Americans tossing false adulation at every chance?

I never expected to see standing ovations explode at the movie theatre. With no actors on stage, the meaning behind the physical action is lost. One redeeming thought - it gives Americans an opportunity to stand up . Enslaved by our computers and tantalized by television, Americans spend most of their time seated. If we add clapping to standing, shall we call this aerobic exercise?

The standing ovation, at one time, sprouted from a spontaneous eruption of human emotion at the end of a performance. As if on command, the audience, silent in one moment and moving as one in the next, vaulted from their seats in military precision, hands clapping and eyes stinging with tears.

This mass movement of humanity comes from within, a common stirring and arousal of senses, experienced as a group. As of late, too many standing ovations start with one individual standing and clapping. Following mass herd mentality, the rest of the audience stands and claps with limited enthusiasm.

If you check the back seats or peer down individual rows, a few conscientious objectors remain seated. True, some of the seated need assistance to stand and maybe a small percentage have hearing problems.

I see hope in the few who remain seated - that Americans will remember what we have forgotten. Standing ovations are reserved for the best of the best. This impressive demonstration of appreciation is not meant to be handed out and gobbled up like a bakers dozen of cookies.

If more and more of us remain seated, perhaps our culture will turn around and remember the true gift of the performing arts. And that is, only a few select performances deserve this honour, not your child graduating from kindergarten.

People who enjoy "American Idol", please forgive me. I sacrificed the television series to serve my higher purposes. If nothing else, fair to say - "To each his own."

I remain seated, hands silent in my lap. When adulation is deserved, watch me launch from my seat in bravado, clapping my hands in recognition of a brilliant and inspired performance.

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