Lil C on the panel – get ready to hear a lot of phrases you don’t understand. Nigel is scaring me – it’s like he is in my head. I’m not really comfortable with that. He’s right about no one rising above the pack yet and people voting for the choreography. People, there’s no time left. Tonight is the night to break away.
Brandon, Ade, Evan – Pop Jazz / Sonya
Sonya, are you kidding me with that? She is a genius! That was so inventive. It was powerful, showcased the dancers well and was overall, just cool. I only wish Brandon hadn’t fallen out of the synchronized, standing back flips. I almost like Evan after this. Almost. I was afraid he would get lost with these two guys, but he didn’t. I love that they are doing group routines in the competition show.
Jeanine & Ade
Samba / Louis
I’ve been waiting to see these two to dance together. My expectations are high… Yep, they’re good together. They look hot. For a second I was thinking it’s hard for Jeanine to not be hot, then I remembered the Russian folk routine from a few weeks back – ugh! Back to tonight. Unfortunately, it was choppy and not the best samba technique. Let’s talk for a second about the song – Love Game. As soon as the song started, I was wondering how they were possibly going to justify using it on network at 8 PM. Did you catch what they did – bleeped out “stick”.
Hip Hop / Tabitha & Napoleon (I refuse to call them Nappy-Tabs)
I don’t really know what to say. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. Thinking these two had a bit of a tough go tonight and I don’t like it. I want them in the finals, but not sure if this will do it.
Melissa & Evan
Broadway / Tyce
I’ve been done with both of these two for a few weeks now. They should have been eliminated last week. That said, I really have no comment on them tonight.
Quick Step / Louis
This comment is going to come off really rude, I guess because it is. It looks like a kid dancing with his mom. The choreography was great, this is just an awkward pair. I really hope they’re done.
Kayla & Brandon
Contemporary / Stacey
Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! Very nice work, Stacey. It’s great to see two contemporary dancers dance a good contemporary routine with good music. It was powerful, intense, and intimate without being gross. I think I’ll watch it again now. Amazing!
Disco / Doriana
I’m not sure Doriana will ever top the routine she did for Janette & Brandon earlier this season, but that was really good. It was fun, high energy and had good tricks. Solid. Lil C is a bit off his game tonight. Until now, I have understood everything he said. Now this is the Lil C I’m used to.
Side notes about Brandon – I have not been a fan from the beginning, even though his dancing is amazing. I finally figured out why. He is such a powerful, masterful dancer. He is so masculine when he dances. In contrast, his off stage persona is soft and insecure. He even said it in the video package tonight. I have such a hard time reconciling the two. I still love to watch him dance, just don’t want to hear from him before or after. Oh, and his smile is just like Donny Osmond’s.
Kayla, Jeanine, Melissa – Pop Jazz / Sonya
Here’s what I love about Sonya. She asks her dancers to do ridiculous things with their bodies, and no one hesitates. Her rehearsals must be brutal, but the outcome is so worth it. Her pieces are so visually arresting – from costumes, hair and make-up to the use of the stage to the shapes she makes with bodies and her music choices are always spot on. I love it. It’s kind of Wade Robson-esque. I didn’t love this one as much as the boys, but it was pretty great.
Solos
Kayla’s solo was spastic and didn’t match the music. Not a good time for a weird solo. Rats! I really like her.
I’m pretty sure Brandon’s solo is the same one he did in his audition. Not that it wasn’t good…
Loved Jeanine’s and Ade’s solos.
Ahhhh, all’s well tonight. Nigel made his obligatory gross, pervy comments. I caught at least two.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
So You Think You Can Dance (season 5) - Top 8
Big week on the show. Top 8 perform, Emmy noms abound, Ellen is guest judge and tomorrow is the 100th show (which looks fantastic). Oh, and Cat looks gorgeous as usual.
INTRO – Did anyone else notice that everyone’s intro 16 counts was horrible with the exception of Ade and Brandon? It’s like they were all in slow motion. Did Mary really just say “off the chain?” Where is she hanging out to learn such terms. Love that they’re changing up the format a bit with a group number on competition night.
TOP 8 – Fusion / Travis
I love that Travis is on the show. His piece last week was fantastic and this one was fun and creative. I look forward to so much more from him. BUT – I hate that song (Let it Rock – Kevin Rudolf).
SOLOS
Kayla gets my vote solely on her use of an Imogene Heap song. Plus, the dancing was great.
I do not understand Janette’s solo – some weird, slow Celine Dion song, a latin looking costume and something like contemporary choreography even though she’s a salsa dancer. Can anyone explain what that was?
Ade – very strong and powerful. I love watching him.
Loved Jeanine’s solo. It was a unique expression of the music and showed off her creativity and technique.
JANETTE & EVAN
Jazz / Sonya
These are the two tiniest people I’ve ever seen on this stage. Cool routine from Sonya with a lot of great partner work and lifts. Janette really stood out and Evan had to be a good partner to make it work, but I’m done with him. He bores me. Would have loved to see Kupono do this piece. Holla at ya Nigel for telling Mary to shut up!
Rumba / Tony & Melanie
Really? We have to watch Evan Rumba? This is going to be so awkward… All right, I’ll admit, it wasn’t as bad as I feared. Janette was gorgeous and Evan wasn’t a total distraction. He does look ridiculous in that costume, though. I love this Kris Allen version of Heartless.
JEANINE & BRANDON
Waltz / Hunter Johnson
I was really excited to see these two dance together. Sadly, I’m bored. The music made it so hard to get into. Nigel seems to be my buddy tonight. First he tells Mary to shut it, now we agree on our comments. This is a Nigel I can get on board with.
Pop Jazz / Laurieann Gibson
This piece had so much emotional intensity and strength, but the lack of interaction between the two really confused me. It would have been a great solo. The 10 seconds of partner work was fantastic, but just left me wanting more. Great costumes, powerful energy, good song, but the disconnection between the dancers kind of tainted it for me. I’m conflicted.
These two amazing dancers deserve better than both routines they got tonight.
MELISSA & ADE
Cha Cha / Tony & Melanie
That was not hot. Apparently “naughty ballerina” doesn’t seamlessly translate to a hot cha cha. Melissa was really distracting and boring. The choreography was strong, I just wish someone else had been dancing it. This was just not good. I still love Ade. I hate that he was in the bottom two last week. I hope he makes it through.
Contemporary / Tyce
AMAZING! Tyce is on fire tonight. That piece was packed with emotion, technique, amazing body positions by both dancers, a great song and perfect execution (not to mention the tears streaming down my face). Can you say Emmy? Congratulations to all three! Again, please.
KAYLA & JASON
Broadway / Tyce
This piece showed off the dancers really well – Jason's strength and technique, and Kayla's incredible performance/connection with the audience. I don’t know that it was really a WOW piece, but it was solid, had some great moments and they danced it well. I liked it.
Hip Hop / Shane
I normally think this show is very well produced, but this was hard to watch after being emotionally drained by the previous piece. I think if it could be separated from that, it was really good. But I won’t know until tomorrow when I watch it again. Thoughts?
I wanted to share a quick note about how I write this blog, especially since my comments tonight are nearly identical to Nigel’s (yikes, that’s a scary thought). I would hate for you to think I just sit here and regurgitate the judges’ comments. That would be stupid. I watch the video package and the routine, pause it and write my comments, then listen to the judges. If I’m confused by the judges’ comments (like if it’s 180 degrees different than what I thought), I usually watch the routine again and sometimes edit my comments.
INTRO – Did anyone else notice that everyone’s intro 16 counts was horrible with the exception of Ade and Brandon? It’s like they were all in slow motion. Did Mary really just say “off the chain?” Where is she hanging out to learn such terms. Love that they’re changing up the format a bit with a group number on competition night.
TOP 8 – Fusion / Travis
I love that Travis is on the show. His piece last week was fantastic and this one was fun and creative. I look forward to so much more from him. BUT – I hate that song (Let it Rock – Kevin Rudolf).
SOLOS
Kayla gets my vote solely on her use of an Imogene Heap song. Plus, the dancing was great.
I do not understand Janette’s solo – some weird, slow Celine Dion song, a latin looking costume and something like contemporary choreography even though she’s a salsa dancer. Can anyone explain what that was?
Ade – very strong and powerful. I love watching him.
Loved Jeanine’s solo. It was a unique expression of the music and showed off her creativity and technique.
JANETTE & EVAN
Jazz / Sonya
These are the two tiniest people I’ve ever seen on this stage. Cool routine from Sonya with a lot of great partner work and lifts. Janette really stood out and Evan had to be a good partner to make it work, but I’m done with him. He bores me. Would have loved to see Kupono do this piece. Holla at ya Nigel for telling Mary to shut up!
Rumba / Tony & Melanie
Really? We have to watch Evan Rumba? This is going to be so awkward… All right, I’ll admit, it wasn’t as bad as I feared. Janette was gorgeous and Evan wasn’t a total distraction. He does look ridiculous in that costume, though. I love this Kris Allen version of Heartless.
JEANINE & BRANDON
Waltz / Hunter Johnson
I was really excited to see these two dance together. Sadly, I’m bored. The music made it so hard to get into. Nigel seems to be my buddy tonight. First he tells Mary to shut it, now we agree on our comments. This is a Nigel I can get on board with.
Pop Jazz / Laurieann Gibson
This piece had so much emotional intensity and strength, but the lack of interaction between the two really confused me. It would have been a great solo. The 10 seconds of partner work was fantastic, but just left me wanting more. Great costumes, powerful energy, good song, but the disconnection between the dancers kind of tainted it for me. I’m conflicted.
These two amazing dancers deserve better than both routines they got tonight.
MELISSA & ADE
Cha Cha / Tony & Melanie
That was not hot. Apparently “naughty ballerina” doesn’t seamlessly translate to a hot cha cha. Melissa was really distracting and boring. The choreography was strong, I just wish someone else had been dancing it. This was just not good. I still love Ade. I hate that he was in the bottom two last week. I hope he makes it through.
Contemporary / Tyce
AMAZING! Tyce is on fire tonight. That piece was packed with emotion, technique, amazing body positions by both dancers, a great song and perfect execution (not to mention the tears streaming down my face). Can you say Emmy? Congratulations to all three! Again, please.
KAYLA & JASON
Broadway / Tyce
This piece showed off the dancers really well – Jason's strength and technique, and Kayla's incredible performance/connection with the audience. I don’t know that it was really a WOW piece, but it was solid, had some great moments and they danced it well. I liked it.
Hip Hop / Shane
I normally think this show is very well produced, but this was hard to watch after being emotionally drained by the previous piece. I think if it could be separated from that, it was really good. But I won’t know until tomorrow when I watch it again. Thoughts?
I wanted to share a quick note about how I write this blog, especially since my comments tonight are nearly identical to Nigel’s (yikes, that’s a scary thought). I would hate for you to think I just sit here and regurgitate the judges’ comments. That would be stupid. I watch the video package and the routine, pause it and write my comments, then listen to the judges. If I’m confused by the judges’ comments (like if it’s 180 degrees different than what I thought), I usually watch the routine again and sometimes edit my comments.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
SYTYCD season 5 - Top 12
Does anyone else think there's a Michael Jackson tribute coming? I'm guessing it will be the opening of the results show. Watching tonight at Lynn and Dustin's house, so hoping to have a few guest comments mixed in. We heard a rumor that Katie and Maggie might be going to the show this week...bitches! OK, not this week, but if you do go - we're super-jealous.
MELISSA & ADE
Disco / Doriana
Some amazing lifts, choreography and energy. Unfortunately, Melissa looked so tentative in the first half, like she was waiting for the scary lifts. Ade completely out danced her. Also, would a spray tan kill you, Melissa? But, according to Tyce, "friggin' awesome."
Waltz - Ron Montez
What is the difference between a waltz and a vienese waltz? Anyone? I absolutely love Ade. He is so strong - he dances like a man. I can't wait to see him dance contemporary. I loved the few seconds of his turns at the end - a glimpse of his greatness. These two are beautiful together. Curious to see what happens when they split up next week.
KAYLA & KUPONO
Contemporary / Mia
There it is, Mia's emotional stand out piece of the season. It was perfect - choreography, performance, costumes/make-up (or lack of make-up on her)/hair. Brilliant. I will watch it over and over. Why is Mary screaming? That high pitched squealing voice is an insult to this piece.
Broadway / Joey
Don't really have anything to say about this. It was fine. The judges comments were all focused on the fact that they didn't capture the original flavor of West Side Story. I'm guessing they might not even know what that show is. I love West Side Story - shout out to Lynnie who played Anita in West Side Story back in the day.
MELISSA & ADE
Disco / Doriana
Some amazing lifts, choreography and energy. Unfortunately, Melissa looked so tentative in the first half, like she was waiting for the scary lifts. Ade completely out danced her. Also, would a spray tan kill you, Melissa? But, according to Tyce, "friggin' awesome."
Waltz - Ron Montez
What is the difference between a waltz and a vienese waltz? Anyone? I absolutely love Ade. He is so strong - he dances like a man. I can't wait to see him dance contemporary. I loved the few seconds of his turns at the end - a glimpse of his greatness. These two are beautiful together. Curious to see what happens when they split up next week.
KAYLA & KUPONO
Contemporary / Mia
There it is, Mia's emotional stand out piece of the season. It was perfect - choreography, performance, costumes/make-up (or lack of make-up on her)/hair. Brilliant. I will watch it over and over. Why is Mary screaming? That high pitched squealing voice is an insult to this piece.
Broadway / Joey
Don't really have anything to say about this. It was fine. The judges comments were all focused on the fact that they didn't capture the original flavor of West Side Story. I'm guessing they might not even know what that show is. I love West Side Story - shout out to Lynnie who played Anita in West Side Story back in the day.
CAITLIN & JASON
Fox Trot / Tony & Melanie
I've had a hard time figuring out what bugs me about these two - I think it's because they are pretty much the same size. I liked the piece and the old hollywood look. This was good, but that might not be enough at this point in the competition. Their second dance is going to need to be more fun if they are going to get the votes.
Lyrical Jazz / Mandy
This should really help them. It was an enjoyable piece and they danced it beautifully. I really love Mandy and liked this piece. I'm really anxious to see them with other partners next week. I think Nigel has a point - the chemistry isn't really there with them.
JEANINE & PHILLIP
Russian Folk / Yuri Nelson & Lilia Babenko
Really, Russian Folk?????? NIGEL, YOU'VE GONE TOO FAR! KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! Oh, crap! This is worse than I thought. Jeanine did the best she could, but nothing could really save this nightmare. At least Nigel admitted this was a mistake. If they don't get contemporary for their second number, they got gypped.
Jive / Tony & Melanie
Phillip was, predictably, a nightmare. No bounce, he looked nervous and those pants were distracting. The choreography was great - really fun, and Jeanine was fantastic. She carried the whole routine. It was great if you only watched her. She is so strong and I can't wait to see her with a stronger partner. None of us get what the judges saw that we didn't. Hmmm...
RANDI & EVAN
Hip Hop / Tabitha & Napoleon
How exciting to celebrate a shotgun wedding. I am so bored with Tabitha & Napoleon. They put out the same piece over and over! I'm not alone on this, Dustin doesn't like them either. He's now in a bad mood. How about another number with a current r&b hit, skinny jeans and sneakers and a sappy, spelled out story. Randi pulled it off, but Evan was in over his head. BORING! (Sorry, Mags. I know you and Napoleon have a special connection. Maybe you can let him know his choreography needs improvement.)
Samba / Pasha & Anya (yea, I love alums choreographing)
Maybe I would have liked this if it had been Pasha & Anya performing it. For a second, I thought it was - that is such an Anya outfit on Randi. This is not good. Brutal. A waste of a samba. It was too slow and not hot at all.
JANETTE & BRANDON
Argentine Tango / new choreographers, who's names I didn't catch
We had really high expectations for this and we all loved it. It was fantastic and I have to admit these two are really great dancers. Love the choreography, costumes and performance. Brandon is at his best when he has a character (it eliminates that weird smile). Anything that shuts the judges up is my favorite number. Oh, nevermind...they can't resist commmenting. I wish they'd left it at the standing o.
Jazz / Wade
Are you kidding me! That was ridiculous! Perfect choreography and perfect performance. They were both fantastic, but Brandon was absolutely sick! His movement quality was amazing. Props to Wade - super creative, great use of the floor, music, costumes (love the purple hair) - love it all! Also, these two are tiny. I didn't notice it before. Tiny dynamos!
These judges are absolutely crazy. Mary is, as usual, a complete nut-job (but the botox works). Tyce is the exact opposite of Lil C (Dustin's favorite judge) - he speaks completely in cliches..."1-888-FAN-FRIGGIN-TASTIC!" What the frig is that?
Shout out to the production value of the show. They do such a great job with camera angles, lighting, etc.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
SYTYCD Season 5 - Top 14
Sorry for being M.I.A. the last two weeks - I've got to get the slingbox up and running (the truth is I have to switch from comcast internet as they don't allow slingbox access - I hate comcast). HAPPY BIRTHDAY LYNNIE G! Hope you had a great day!
On the judging panel tonight - the amazing Mia Michaels. The only problem with that is that there won't be any Mia choreography. The other judging issue I have this week is that the show is still two hours, but with 3 less dances than we started with - so we fill the gaps with more yapping by the judges. Last week it seemed to be monopolized solely by Nigel.
01 - JANETTE & BRANDON - Cha Cha / Jean Marc & France
I still don't like this couple personality-wise - maybe it's Brandon's corny smile and Janette's hair (can you say Joyce DeWitt, circa 1982). BUT, I can't deny they are great dancers and have chemistry as a couple. This was fantastic choreography - I loved the spins (though not as amazing as what she did in her audition) and the lift at the end was great. I'm sure we're about to hear Mary scream...yep!
02 - KAYLA & KUPONO - Contemporary / Sonya
Like Kupono, I heart Sonya. That was amazing and they danced it so well. Kayla's lines/legs are gorgeous and Kupono was so strong. This is a very hot start tonight! (Does anyone else think that based on her age, Kayla might be named after Kayla Brady from Days Of Our Lives?)
03 - RANDI & EVAN - Broadway / Joey Dowling
New choreographer to the show...I like her. Sometimes broadway can be old and stuffy, but not this one. It was fresh, sexy and fun. Randi & Evan are superstars! I expected Evan to be great in his own style, but Randi stole the show with her personality and style. Apparently the judges don't agree with my assessment - Mia was really harsh.
04 - CAITLIN & JASON - Pop Jazz / Brian
This was weird, but had some great movement. I really like Brian, but think this could put them in a precarious position tonight - especially since they've been in the bottom the last two weeks. Yikes! That said, it was crazy, but cool (my 7-year-old nephew agrees) and they danced it well. I find it interesting that most of the judges' comments were focused on things that have nothing to do with the dancers (choreography/tone of the piece, costumes). Love this song.
05 - JEANINE & PHILLIP - Hip Hop / Tabitha & Napoleon
As you know, Tabitha & Napoleon are a bit hit or miss for me. I love this piece! I love the concept and the execution. It was inventive, visually interesting and it connected. Sadly at this point, I am afraid Phillip doesn't have much more range in this competition, so I'm glad they got hip hop. I like Jeanine better and better every week. She is gorgeous and a fab dancer.
06 - MELISSA & ADE - Classical Ballet / Thordal Christensen
This was a beautiful classical ballet piece, but I'm not sure if it will connect with the audience for this show. I appreciate that SYTYCD is branching out into all dance genres, and I hope the voters respond. For not being a classically trained ballet dancer, Ade really held his own. This was well danced by both. After this piece, we got a new word from Mia - "gor-gois" (think french pronunciation).
07 - KARLA & VITOLIO - Quick Step / Jean Marc & France
As soon as I heard quick step for these two, I thought "this is going to be a disaster" - no, I actually said it out loud. It wasn't a disaster. They obviously worked hard to pull it off. The choreography was great - Jean Marc & France are on fire tonight - it had a creative story, and I loved the costume trick. HOWEVER, these two are definitely the weakest left and I doubt this will do them any favors.
Here's my take on the season so far. There's no one I love so much that I just can't wait to see them dance again. I don't have nearly the affection for these dancers as I do for last season's favorites. That said, it is a very even race. They are all really good dancers. I would have a hard time picking a favorite right now, but if you put a gun to my head, I would have to say Ade & Jeanine are my faves. What do you think?
On the judging panel tonight - the amazing Mia Michaels. The only problem with that is that there won't be any Mia choreography. The other judging issue I have this week is that the show is still two hours, but with 3 less dances than we started with - so we fill the gaps with more yapping by the judges. Last week it seemed to be monopolized solely by Nigel.
01 - JANETTE & BRANDON - Cha Cha / Jean Marc & France
I still don't like this couple personality-wise - maybe it's Brandon's corny smile and Janette's hair (can you say Joyce DeWitt, circa 1982). BUT, I can't deny they are great dancers and have chemistry as a couple. This was fantastic choreography - I loved the spins (though not as amazing as what she did in her audition) and the lift at the end was great. I'm sure we're about to hear Mary scream...yep!
02 - KAYLA & KUPONO - Contemporary / Sonya
Like Kupono, I heart Sonya. That was amazing and they danced it so well. Kayla's lines/legs are gorgeous and Kupono was so strong. This is a very hot start tonight! (Does anyone else think that based on her age, Kayla might be named after Kayla Brady from Days Of Our Lives?)
03 - RANDI & EVAN - Broadway / Joey Dowling
New choreographer to the show...I like her. Sometimes broadway can be old and stuffy, but not this one. It was fresh, sexy and fun. Randi & Evan are superstars! I expected Evan to be great in his own style, but Randi stole the show with her personality and style. Apparently the judges don't agree with my assessment - Mia was really harsh.
04 - CAITLIN & JASON - Pop Jazz / Brian
This was weird, but had some great movement. I really like Brian, but think this could put them in a precarious position tonight - especially since they've been in the bottom the last two weeks. Yikes! That said, it was crazy, but cool (my 7-year-old nephew agrees) and they danced it well. I find it interesting that most of the judges' comments were focused on things that have nothing to do with the dancers (choreography/tone of the piece, costumes). Love this song.
05 - JEANINE & PHILLIP - Hip Hop / Tabitha & Napoleon
As you know, Tabitha & Napoleon are a bit hit or miss for me. I love this piece! I love the concept and the execution. It was inventive, visually interesting and it connected. Sadly at this point, I am afraid Phillip doesn't have much more range in this competition, so I'm glad they got hip hop. I like Jeanine better and better every week. She is gorgeous and a fab dancer.
06 - MELISSA & ADE - Classical Ballet / Thordal Christensen
This was a beautiful classical ballet piece, but I'm not sure if it will connect with the audience for this show. I appreciate that SYTYCD is branching out into all dance genres, and I hope the voters respond. For not being a classically trained ballet dancer, Ade really held his own. This was well danced by both. After this piece, we got a new word from Mia - "gor-gois" (think french pronunciation).
07 - KARLA & VITOLIO - Quick Step / Jean Marc & France
As soon as I heard quick step for these two, I thought "this is going to be a disaster" - no, I actually said it out loud. It wasn't a disaster. They obviously worked hard to pull it off. The choreography was great - Jean Marc & France are on fire tonight - it had a creative story, and I loved the costume trick. HOWEVER, these two are definitely the weakest left and I doubt this will do them any favors.
Here's my take on the season so far. There's no one I love so much that I just can't wait to see them dance again. I don't have nearly the affection for these dancers as I do for last season's favorites. That said, it is a very even race. They are all really good dancers. I would have a hard time picking a favorite right now, but if you put a gun to my head, I would have to say Ade & Jeanine are my faves. What do you think?
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