My sisters were naturally my babysitters growing up. They watched endless musicals ad nauseum. Years later I hear a melody and can practically see the dancers performing the routine associated with that melody. After the Oscar nominations I could only imagine my sisters both bursting forth with "are you kidding?"

You see, after watching your first dozen musicals, the expertise of truly memorable dance flow becomes evident. Going through the motions is normal flow. Expressive, rhythmic, flowing motion can be performed by PROS flawlessly with every step though every step is not award worthy.

Many current Hollywood actors/actresses could have performed the same motions as Gosling & Stone. Many would have done a better job. The point is - just flowing through the motions doesn't make any performance award worthy.