It's been a while...

I'm baaaaaaack! I've missed you guys and I have had several requests to revive the dance blog. After the show two weeks ago, I was planning on starting again, but last week I was so angry I was spitting fire and couldn't get it going. This post includes some peanut gallery commentary by Jamie and Valli. We're here every Tuesday, usually with tacos. Come join us anytime.

Last week's show was such a mess. Of course, the elimination was a disaster - both the way they did it and who got eliminated. Carlos and Brittany were better than the saved dancers and Carlos' solo was sick. Then, without a commercial, they went right into a new routine. I don't even remember the first two routines. The choreography was not as good as usual. And the judging...In the past, I have liked Christina Applegate as a judge. Not so much this week. All she wanted to do was judge the previous week's show. Dude, you're judging this show. Talk about this week's routines.  

Overall season thoughts so far:

• Winners: Fikshun and Jasmine Harper. 
• Contemporary boys, totally unimpressed, except Carlos. Oh, wait. Carlos was unceremoniously booted last week. 
• Haley, Mackenzie, Jenna...I don't know which is which and I don't care.
• Group numbers have been better than ever. Loved tonight's.

Tonight's non-dancing cast:

• Not sure how this is possible, but Cat looks more amazing than usual. She's glowing...maybe she's preggers ;)
• Nigel must be peeing his pants with excitement at having Paula Abdul on the show. He's been trying to get her since the show went on the air, but Simon Cowell threatened her. Hope she's lucid!
• Does Dancing with the Stars qualify you to judge another dance show, Erin Andrews? I like her, but don't understand what she's doing here except cross promoting another Fox show. 

On the ropes:

• No repeats in the bottom 6 from last week. Interesting...
• I don't even know who Jenna is. I mean, I know, but can't remember ANYTHING she has done. 
• Alexis - great tap solo. 
• How is Bluprint not getting votes? He's awesome, in all styles so far. I won't blame it on Brittany, she was awesome after being eliminated. 
• With Jade out (thank goodness), why didn't they bring back Carlos? They've done that in the past. I know the voting would have been screwed up, but they could have just put him in the bottom and then decided based on solo and tonight's performance. C'mon Nigel. You had a chance to redeem what happened last week that everyone is pissed about. 

Amy & Fikshun - Jean Marc had some choice english phrases: "Don't selling me a rainbow." "We fight to the debt." I love a good paso. This was dynamic, great timing variation, tricks, costumes. I can't say enough how much I love Fikshun. Amy is great too, but I LOVE Fikshun. And, they are so great together. 

Jasmine H & Aaron - Poor Aaron. He's going to have a hard time getting votes because no one can take his/her eyes off Jasmine. She is stunning. Those legs! That said, watch it again. Aaron is so great too. I love this couple.  

Mackenzie & Paul - These two are not memorable. The only thing I can recall about them in three prior weeks is her pink spinning dress in the first voting week. I tried so hard to like this routine. Liked the choreography (new choreographer Lindsey something), liked the music. Hated her costume and didn't connect with the dancers. I think I would have really liked it if someone else had been dancing it. Sorry if you liked it and I'm ruining it. First awesome quote from Paula Abdul of the night, "so much light in a piece that had so much terminal illness in it." 

Jasmine M & Alan - I can't take my eyes off this Jasmine either, but for a different reason. I think it's because I don't care for Alan. He's kind of a non-factor for me. I normally don't like Sean Cheesman routines, but really liked this choreography and music. This, and her solo should save her tonight. 

Jenna & Tucker - Another totally unmemorable couple. And another snooze-fest routine tonight. That was hip hop? I would have totally guessed that was jazz. Oop! Apparently Nigel agrees with me, "it's hip jazz." Either way, I'm bored. One of Nigel's favorite routines tonight? What am I missing? Really, what am I missing?

Malece - I'm so over Jade and the ginormous chip on his shoulder. I never wish injury on anyone, but whatever took him off my TV screen is fine by me. Lucky, lucky girl. Dancing with Marco instead of Jade? Lucky, lucky girl. ABSOLUTELY. PERFECT. ROUTINE. I have always liked Sonia, but for a few seasons have felt like she just wants to push the weird envelope. This season, she is on fire. Her choreography is so much better, more mature, more complete. Awesome.

Hayley & Curtis - A samba could mean trouble for someone who was in the bottom this week and saved by a fluke. Oh, no. This wasn't good. It just dragged. Oh, no, no, no.

Alexis & Nico - This isn't going to help her not get eliminated. Not great. Who is voting for Nico? I don't see the appeal.  

Mariah & Bluprint - People, please vote for Bluprint! I love the way he moves his body. I know no one wants to hear this, but he is a better dancer than Cyrus. Not a more likable contestant, but a better dancer. And why are the judges so hard on him? I like Mariah. That said, she should have been eliminated last week. But she was good this week. Oh, crap! I get really frightened when Nigel repeats the random thing I just said. I was just comparing Bluprint to Danny when Nigel made that comment. 

WOW! Another stunning elimination. I thought, of the three, Jasmine was definitely safe. People, please vote for your favorites because these judges are screwing up the eliminations, big time!

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SYTYCD season 8 - Top 16

Sorry I missed last week. Just too tired. I have to start with a few notes about last week's show and elimination. First, I wish they had put up the bottom 4 couples for elimination instead of just 3. Second, how is it that none of the bottom 3 from the week before were in the bottom last week. Finally, it really is time for Melinda and Robert to get the boot (as they should have in week 1).

And for tonight's commentary.

A) I love Kristin Chenowith. She's a great choice for a guest judge - really funny.

B) I'm pretty sure Lil C was high tonight. Check out his half closed eyes and his pontificating prose was a little off.

C) In both of the first two weeks, the first couple to dance was in the bottom. Will it happen again?

SASHA & ALEXANDER (Contemporary, Dee)

I really like Dee. Glad he's back this season. I love Sasha. She could really make top 4. Alexander is weird. I can't really put my finger on it. Can you? Loved this routine. Props can be a disaster, but the piano worked.

CAITLYNN & MITCHELL (Samba, Jean-Marc)

Good thing they kept Mitchell. He's really good, just wish they wouldn't have him talk on camera. Weird and immature. All that said, I didn't get the judges comments on this one. They loved it and I thought Caitlynn looked totally wooden in the first half. And, what's a samba without samba rolls?

MELINDA & ROBERT (Broadway, Tyce)

Boo! I didn't like anything about this - music, choreo, dancers, costumes (OK, the costumes were insignificant). Why are these two still on the show and why do the judges like them. It's a crime that Robert is still dancing on this stage and Nick isn't. Lil C's comments on this one were my first clue he might be high.

MELANIE & MARKO (Lyrical Hip Hop, Tabitha & Napoleon)

Again, I can't say enough great things about these two. So far, they can do no wrong. I kind of hope they do a style I don't like next week (like tango or cha cha) so I can see if I still love them as much. Two things about Melanie...(1) I can't wait to see her dance with Tadd; (2) The only way she's going home is on a stretcher or with $250,000 in her pocket.

As you all know, I am not usually a fan of Tabitha & Napoleon, but I loved this and really liked what they did last week. I have a new love affair with them. Huh! The storytelling was as predictable as usual, but I really liked the juxtaposition of her carrying him in the first half, then him carrying her.

ASHLEY & CHRIS (Jazz, Sonya)

Chris is such a snooze, but I think Ashley has something quietly sassy about her that I really like. I kind of hope they end up in the bottom with him going home and her not, so she can get a new partner sooner than the top 10.

I have to wonder if I would have liked this routine if a better couple had danced it - like Melanie & Marko. It had all of Sonya's usual quirkiness, technique and brilliance, but I was bored.

CARISSA & JESS (Foxtrot, Jean-Marc)

This is a pair that will probably squeak through several more weeks because there are less desirable couples and they both did awesome solos when they were in the bottom two weeks ago. Do you remember that crazy move Carissa did at the beginning of her solo - leg up and out to the side, flipped her torso all the way around and back. Talk about core strength.

I liked this routine. I'm a fan of a foxtrot. Loved her costume. The fringy, asymmetrical skirt was really cool.

RYAN & RICKY (Contemporary, Sonya)

Love, love, love. Weird Sonya + interesting prop + intense emotion. Emmy worthy night for the costume department. A costume that is also a prop is very cool.

Not to ruin how much I liked this routine and how they danced it, but...His name is Ricky Jamie. Every time I hear it, I think "Ricky Bobby" and laugh.

JORDANN & TADD (Hip Hop, Tabitha & Napoleon)

Spoke too soon. Love affair with Nappy-Tabs over! This was just tacky. The only redeeming thing was Tadd in his skivvies. How's that for a tacky comment to go with the tackiness on stage?

Group Routines - Didn't like the broadway one, liked the contemporary one.

Bottom three - Melinda & Robert, Ashley & Chris, Carissa & Jess. Going home - Melinda & Robert (please, please, please).

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE - Season 8 Opener

In the words of Mary Murphy - WOO-HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so glad this show is back! (Now, that is the last time I give Mary any props. I was wishing she was gone for good, but I guess a girl can't have everything she wants.) Let me first start with a bit of commentary about the Top 20 overall and the approach to the show this season. Loving the show so far...short auditions + perfect amount of coverage of Vegas week + Top 20 announcement AND amazing choreography/dancing last week + great Top 20. Nigel's been saying it all along and he's right - the girls are fantastic. Thanks to the producers for taking the best ideas they've tried over the past few seasons and putting together what is shaping up to be the best season yet.

And on to tonight's show...

JORDAN & TADD [Sean Cheesman, African Jazz] - Yes.

SASHA & ALEXANDER [Travis, Contemporary] - Getting a Travis Wall routine is basically a free pass into the next week. This didn't disappoint. I loved every second of it. That said, Alexander is very lucky to have gotten a partner who is already popular with the audience and a great dancer - Sasha will carry him through, probably to the top 10. My guess on him is if they somehow end up in the bottom three in the first five weeks, he'll be gone. If not, he'll be gone the first week he's with a new partner.

CLARICE & JESS [Tyce, Broadway] - OK, I'll buy it.

RYAN & RICKY [Christopher Scott, Lyrical Hip Hop] - I love that Christopher Scott is on this show. I can't wait to see more from him. Oh, and the song was great ("Ain't No Sunshine".) I expected a lot from these two dancers and they delivered. They'll do well, but neither of them will win.

CAITLYNN & ROBERT/MITCHELL [Sonya, Jazz] - Not sure how the injury rules are going to go on this one. Will they have a bottom 7 tomorrow, or will she automatically be in the bottom since her partner has to be? If it's just on the performance and votes, Caitlynn should be good to go. She was good and hit the jackpot dancing with Robert. Loved the choreography, music and costumes. Sonya rocks!

MIRANDA & ROBERT [Jason, Latin] - When they drew "latin," I surely wasn't expecting a jive. Fun music, choreography and costumes, but these dancers are very forgettable. Definitely in the bottom tomorrow and probably both going home. Not "WHOO," but "boo!"

MISSY & WADI [Sean, Jazz] - Eww, gross. That's all I have to say about her. He's awesome.

MELANIE & MARKO [Travis, Contemporary] - AWE-SOME! I really should leave it at that, but I can't. I was afraid Travis' second routine might not be as good as the first, but SHUT UP! That was A-MAZING! PERFECT! Marko is great, but Melanie...there's your winner!

ASHLEY & CHRIS [Christopher Scott, Hip Hop] - I already had him in my early exit group and this sealed the deal. If Mitchell doesn't go home for his injury tomorrow, Chris is definitely out - and dancing in something close to his own style. Sorry, Ashley. You're a pretty girl and a good dancer, but you got a sucky partner and bad routine. A few lines up I said I wanted more from Christopher Scott. I guess I was wrong. This sucked. Maybe it's because I can't stand that f*#%in song.

IVETA & NICK [Jason, Quick Step] - They'll get through, but [insert shoulder shrug and "who cares" noise]. Don't get me wrong, this was a really good quick step and they danced it well, but this audience doesn't really care about strong ballroom technique, especially stacked up against a slew of great contemporary and jazz routines.

I like that they had the "meet the top 20" routines and largely had them dancing familiar styles this week. It allows us to really see the dancers before they throw random stuff their way and we start ripping them apart. Or is that just me?

BL...out.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE - Season 7 Catch Up

I am a bit behind on the start of the season - my apologies. What a great Sunday - I watched the end of Vegas week, "Meet the Top 11" and the first week competition and results shows. I wasn't going to write today, but can't resist. Just a few musings on the start of the season.

Top 11...Only 10 finalists seems like such a big Vegas cut and some favorites had to go, but I love the concept of the all stars, so I guess it's OK. If they were going to add a 6th boy, couldn't they have just made it 12? Maybe it bugs me because I don't like odd numbers. I know I'm weird.

I'll warn you now, with Neil back, I might not be able to shut up about him. Maybe it's just my torrid love affair with him, but I think Robert looks like a dark haired Neil and Kent dances like him. I also remembered how much I love Twitch.

All Stars...I love seeing them dance and get that they are positioned as non-competitors. However, I want them to get more air time and focus. I think it is weird that they leave the stage for judging. The judges should be commenting on the whole routine and that includes both dancers and the choreographer, so they should all be in the room. I don't like it. Somehow DWTS manages to judge appropriately with the pro standing on stage. I would also like to hear what they've been doing.

Thoughts about the competitors and routines: The boys are so much stronger than the girls, evident in the fact that all 3 in the bottom are girls and either of the other two girls could have been there too. Both group routines ("Meet the Top 11" and results show) were awesome. Who is this new choreographer, I think Cat said Tasandra Chavez? More, please. Sonya, Travis and Tabitha & Napoleon came out strong. Too bad Adechike ruined Travis' jazz routine with Kathryn. I'm surprised how much I liked both of Tabitha & Napoleon's routines. I'm not usually a fan.

Cat, stunning as ever. I absolutely loved her in the red plaid dress with red Cole Haan tassel heels.

Did you all spot Lauren and Courtney in several episodes of Glee?

SYTYCD better than ever in Season 7

What's the blog version of "re-tweet"? Well, anyway, good news from SYTYCD via Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/notes/so-you-think-you-can-dance/mia-michaels-and-adam-shankman-join-nigel-lythgoe-as-resident-judges-on-sytycd/391197100255

Mia Michaels and Adam Shankman join Nigel Lythgoe as Resident Judges on SYTYCD!

Today at 10:17am

Season Seven Premieres Thursday, May 27, on FOX!

Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mia Michaels and acclaimed director and choreographer Adam Shankman will return to SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE as the series’ resident judges. Michaels – who has been a guest judge and choreographer on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE since its first season – will sit alongside Shankman and Nigel Lythgoe as the new judge and draw upon her expertise to critique and praise the dancers throughout the competition.

“I am extremely happy that Mia and Adam have returned and agreed to be resident judges,” said Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer/co-creator, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. “Mia’s outspoken approach combined with Adam’s passion will definitely add a fresh new chemistry to the panel.”

Hosted by Cat Deeley, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE returns for its seventh season Thursday, May 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) with some exciting new twists, including 10 finalists competing and only one dancer eliminated per week. Additionally, the competitors will be partnered each week with a different SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE All-Star dancer – former SYTYCD finalists who are skilled in various styles of dance, including Ballroom, Hip Hop, Jazz and Contemporary. The All-Stars include Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Comfort Fedoke, Courtney Galiano, Anya Garnis, Lauren Gottlieb, Neil Haskell, Allison Holker, Mark Kanemura, Pasha Kovalev, Kathryn McCormick, Ade Obayomi and Dominic “D-trix” Sandoval.

For the new season, producers traveled across the country to Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, New York, Los Angeles and Miami in search of dancers who represent the best in America. Those who shine during auditions are given a ticket to Las Vegas for callbacks, where they work with top choreographers to learn and then be judged on multiple styles of dance.

Two-time Emmy Award-winning and three-time Emmy-nominated choreographer Mia Michaels’ credits include Cirque du Soleil’s “Delirium,” “West Side Story,” “Hello, Dolly!,” Céline Dion’s “A New Day” and “Taking Chances World Tour,” the American Music Awards, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and working with pop superstars, including Madonna, Prince, Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan. Michaels joined SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE in 2005 as a guest judge and contributing choreographer. She was honored with an Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography on a Television Series in 2007 for “Calling You” and again in 2009 for “Mercy.” The Florida native was born into a family of dancers. She began studying dance at age 2 with her father and her sister, and furthered her training at the Miami Conservatory, the Miami Performing Arts Center and Michigan’s Interlochen Arts Academy.

Adam Shankman is a master of comedy and one of the most-loved and commercially successful filmmakers of his generation. His credits include “The 81st Academy Awards”; “The Last Song” starring Miley Cyrus; “17 Again” starring Zac Efron; “Hairspray,” the feature film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical; and “The Wedding Planner” starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey. Prior to directing, Shankman was one of the premier dance and physical comedy choreographers for film, and choreographed music videos for Whitney Houston, The B-52’s, Barry White, Aaron Neville, Chic and Stevie Wonder. A native of Los Angeles, Shankman attended The Juilliard School, and began his career as an actor and dancer in New York.

SYTYCD season 6 - competition finale

Here is why Kathryn should win: She is fearless. She approaches everything she does with attacking style. Her body moves in pretty much any direction - limbs everywhere. And she's a gorgeous dancer. Loved her in that samba. Since she was so fantastic, I was able to completely ignore Ryan.

Here's why Jakob should win: He has not made even one tiny misstep. He has been perfect the entire season. His leaps and turns are amazing.

Here's why Russell should win: He is a krumper and by watching him, you would never know he doesn't have any dance training. In 6 seasons of this show, no one has surprised me more.

Here's why Ellenore won't win: She has been fantastic the whole season, but what she drew tonight didn't show her off enough.

Let's talk about Kathryn & Jakob's contemporary routine. That was amazing! That was the best partner work this season, maybe ever on this show. These two are both such beautiful dancers. Seeing them together in a piece like this is a real treat...and you know how I like treats. If one of these two doesn't win, I will be stunned. Great choreography by Desmond and Dwight. Pause the blog, I have to watch it again now.

I always love a Travis Wall contemporary routine, I just wish Ellenore & Russell had danced it. Ashleigh & Ryan were OK, but I just don't like them. Ryan is so cheesy! And what is wrong with Ryan's eyebrows? He wears so much make up, even for a ballroom dancer!

I don't get it. 2 extra dancers in the finale and half the time. No solos, no boys/girls routines, no group routine? It was so rushed it wasn't as fun to watch. Solos are a really important part of the final competition show and the group routines are often the most fun part of the season. Bummer.

I have heard this same sentiment from several people about the season. I just haven't really gotten excited about the season or connected as much with the dancers. I think it's because they didn't give us a chance to miss the show. Plus, jamming it into a busy fall schedule has given a rushed feel to the whole season. Cat's even talking fast. We haven't really seen much personality from the dancers, choreographers or Cat. I don't like it. Too many changes. Who moved my cheese? Please Fox, just make this the summer treat I love again!

SYTYCD season 6 - Top 8

Sorry for the delay. I was at a really fun Christmas party last night. Also, I'm not commenting on everything.

Top to bottom, best performance show ever! They had the best choreographers and they all put amazing routines on the floor. The only thing that tainted it was Ashleigh's whining that they wouldn't let her dance (hello, insurance?) and another horrible solo and plea for Ashleigh's return by Ryan. I'm really over Ryan, Ashleigh and Legacy. They're just not as good as the rest. I thought I was done with Mollee too, until that vienese waltz with Jakob.

MOLLEE & JAKOB / Vienese Waltz / Jason

Breathtaking. Adam was right...I could have watched that for 2 hours. I really thought that Mollee was going to look out of place in a mature routine with a superior dancer, but she was good. Loved her costume too.

ELLENORE & LEGACY / Contemporary / Travis

Loved the choreography. I'm really glad Travis is showing a different, more aggressive side (as much as I have loved his other routines). Unfortunately, I couldn't get as excited as I would have liked because of Legacy. Totally overmatched by his partner.

KATHRYN & RYAN / Cha Cha / Jason

That was the hottest cha cha ever on this show. Kathryn was transformed into a different woman. She was fearless and super hot. Jason is definitely my favorite ballroom/latin choreographer. Luckily for Ryan (and me) I was so mesmerized by Kathryn that I didn't even notice him.

Let's talk about RUSSELL. Why does that poor guy keep losing his partner at the last second? Adaptability...another reason to give him props. He is so fun to watch. Like Schech pointed out, he's kind of this season's Twitch. Amazing in his own style...you'd never expect him to be able to adapt so well to other styles...so exciting to watch his evolution as a dancer on this show.

If Ellenore, Kathryn, Jakob and Russell aren't in the finale, I might have to stop watching. Of course, that's an idle threat.

RESULTS SHOW

I can't believe Ellenore and Mollee are in danger and Ashleigh got through on a sympathy vote. Ridonkulous. What was that Wonder Girls performance? Are Americans seriously supposed to like that? Legacy's solo was so cool - he spun for 30 seconds straight.

Mollee looked genuinely surprised and sad to be eliminated. I have to think all the girls thought they were in for the last 24 hours since Ashleigh didn't dance. That's a crappy deal. I don't think Ashleigh should have been eligible. If you can't dance, how can you get votes? And if she can't dance tomorrow and the next day, is she still in or does Mollee come back? I guess it really is a popularity contest. I honestly think both Ashleigh and Ryan made the finale because they are married. The teenage girls who are voting are suckers for a romantic love story. Ugh! Such good performances last night and now I'm left with an icky feeling about 2 of the dancers in the finale. I'm going to make sure I have a bucket ready for when they dance together next week.

Oh, side note...I read in US Weekly that season 5's Jason and Jeanette are an item.