SYTYCD Thursday July 30, 2009: Super Night Tonight – Now it’s the Fantastic Four!

Lizardly tonight, Cat slithers in green sequin scales as she invites us to see tonight’s So You Think You can Dance! But first out, there are scary sad Pierrots cavorting in an odd number to a “Little Night Music” that I am not sure I truly like. Costumes get in the way and dancers are all about. I find only the last moment to be truly together and poignant as Evan (who I think will remain tonight) stays out of the box, teary faced.

Down to business, Cat gets the girls in an evicted honeymoon disco ball tension and—Jeanine goes to the final! Worthy savage and formidable and fittest dedicated, hungriest appetite, epitome of it all, I believe that this is the ticket to the top for her.

The Emmy nominated routine danced by Will and Jessica enthralls us once again with its hypnotic seductive moves, as a silence falls across our room and all eyes stare at the image on the screen. Perhaps shocking? Definitely mesmerizing.

Ade with his symbol pick and Evan with his signature tie remain standing, as Brandon is sent to the safe side just before that Door gets between Twitch and Katee, in a modified version of that original Emmy nominated routine (Was it modified, or was it not rehearsed? Hard to tell). When we return from the break, we see Chelsie with season 4 winner Joshua do the Tango that spun her legs all over the place, quickly followed by Jabbawockeez, the winners of America’s Best Dance Crew. Their number is, what can I say, very together? But I find it unemotional, detached, just as the stare of the blank masks they use as props. Well executed cold fish dancing, lacking empathy and emotional connection. Not like the Bleeding Love number that comes next! That Mark and Chelsie number really deserves the Emmy that its going to win. Simple and perfect, it has a great connection and chemistry, no need for props (perhaps except a briefcase). This time the choreography does not seemed changed, as the other featured ones had. And I know Mark and Chelsie have been rehearsing like crazy! Well done!

As if the pace of the show is not jam-packed already, Sean Paul comes out with a raucous hip hop song, and jumping and hopping girls background dancing (well, calling that dancing is giving it more credit than it deserves). As a fill-in, this number seemed too much stuffing for the show, especially those dancers! Talk about filler, pu-lleezz! A terrible group that looked as if it had just been recruited from yesterday's want ads.
Finally, jidgement moment—and Kayla is safe (as predicted). And then… Evan! Once again as predicted in our blog yesterday.

The results tonight make me give my early final prediction: Jeanine will take home the prize!

SYTYCD Top 3 Couples: The semifinals. July 29, 2009

CAVEAT: Inspired by Lil’ C, my weblog is rhetorical tonight. I apologize if it is too thesaurical for many of you, but my superhero strength was not enough to restrain myself from going this route.

Cat’s effortless super outfit tonight is of the color of royalty, and she welcomes the judges, starting with Lil’C, who gives out some imponderably, unintelligible at times, frequently enlightened wisdom. Mary, expressing her shock at Janette’s leaving, joins Nigel at encouraging people to vote for the dancer, not the choreography—that puts the burden on the dancer to stand out, to be prominent.

The guys: Sonya’s jazz routine for the trio of guys is a qualified one. Brandon stands out while Evan lacks appropriateness, with a couple of missteps and misflips. The judges are like breakfast oatmeal, all warm n’ sweet, but basically rank the guys Brandon 1, Ade 2 and Evan 3.

The rehearsal for Ade and Jeanine does not look that hot, but when they come out to perform they alter the temperature up hundreds of degrees! I am indecisive to call it a Samba; Lois Van Amstel’s choreography seemed to gravitate in a wavering space where samba, rumba, waltz and disco float around, touch and coexist. In this irresolute Samba, however, Jeanine still managed to standout; Ade not so much and that is reflected in the judges’ comments (except Mary, who neglects to mention anything about Jeanine). Lil’ C (who motivated this wordy blog tonight) regales us with his expectation of an appreciation of explosions of excellence as universes smash, but somehow he thinks that it was not down enough—I guess that means it fizzled for him (or at least that’s what I think he said).

Kayla’s solo is different and dissimilar this week, though it seems a little bit all over the place, turning here, on the floor there. It shows off her limberness, but not that much technique.

Broadway for Melissa and Evan. My mind wonders if Melissa lies as she says how excited she is to partner with Evan. With a Broadway routine out of My Fair Lady, choreographed by Tyce, this is a number tailor-made for Evan. The costuming is odd, both in their undies. As the Fair Lady would have said “not me cup'o tee.”

A strong enough solo performance by Ade, he shows off some of the strengths that have gotten him in this sextet (i.e., trio of doubles).

Kayla’s and Brandon’s first piece was a vast lyrical contemporary number choreographed by Tookey. Brandon stood tall adjacent to Kayla, great lifts that complemented their differences. Kayla did very well and, as Lil’C says, she held her own and showed herself off with Brandon. Definitely these are all dancers that merit and deserve to be where they are.

Melissa’s solo is a competent while not extraordinary contemporary ballet improv that showers of technique and charm. Is it sufficient? Is her Pointe trademark helping or hindering her by now?

Hip-Hop for Ade and Jeanine - Eviction theme – NappyTabs. Not my favorite number, despite the rave reviews. A bit on the silly side, to be honest. It seemed more about the props than about the dance. Comments will get them lots of votes, but truly it was not that commendable. Oh, and within all the randomness that came out of Nigel’s mouth tonight we found out that he is (or was) in the midst of a divorce, and that his wife’s lawyer was apparently very good!

Then, Brandon’s solo is phenomenal, with sharp moves, and clean execution. His athleticism shines and his dancer’s grace and winning smile takes over the audience and the judges, all of whom give him a standing ovation. Well deserved! As you know, I’ve been openly and without apologies cheering for Brandon from the beginning of this season (actually, since Season 4!).

Melissa and Evan Quickstep: Another number tailor-made for Evan. Is that fair? Melissa’s dress is pretty and cute, but she seems to stumble upon the dance, her posterior sticking out a little too much too many times. Evan does well, despite his velvety jacket. Altogether, however, this and their previous number seem catered to doing everything possible to keep Evan in the show, at the cost of throwing Melissa under the bus.

Jeanine’s solo is what she does, and does so well! She doesn’t disappoint. Jeanine's my favorite girl (no apologies here either!). I wonder how long is she going to stay at UCLA before she's grabbed by the real Hollywood (CA) ---that, if she even starts UCLA, after the tour and contracts and who knows what else! She has the qualities in her to make it far!

Evan’s solo is very Broadway. Not my cup of tea, so it’s hard for me to comment. If I were somebody who likes this style, then I would say that it was like pizza well done and strong condimenting, his best yet. But since I do not particularly care for this style I have not much more to say. I can add, however, that he was very confident, a lot more than last week, and that between this solo and his two made-to-order routines, I think that Ade is in trouble tomorrow.

Brandon and Kayla’s Disco: Amazingly shiny moving fast speed disco routine, I think even Lil’C was totally unintelligible to himself. If I understood him correctly, dark pockets are coming out someone’s ears as they see the dance through these. Mary needs to be restrained as she doth protest too much that she is not crazy, but she’s totally outdone by Nigel’s unprecedented outburst of jumping on one skilled legged joyfulness--who new what Disco could do? Kayla and Brandon will be in the finale which, I guess, leaves Melissa out and, possibly, Ade. By the way, I loved this Disco number!

Last, but not least, the Trio of Super Heroines! Buttercup Power Puff, Storm X, and Wonder Woman get together Super K, Super M and Super J, strike an Angel pose at the end of a sharp choreography by Sonja. I adored these costumes and makeup full of ATTITUDE! They all worked incredibly well together, but Lil’C wanted somehow for them to go against each other to stand out (?) and be more than amazing (?). I think I understand, Lil’ C: they should have been Astonishing! Astounding! Marvelous! Boom! Pow! Wow!!!!

My Prediction: Ade and Melissa will be out tonight. And Nigel is going to marry a cute young little thing trophy wife very soon. If I were his ex-wife’s attorney, I’ll be getting ready to help the new Mrs. with the pre-nup!

SYTYCD Results Show July 23, 2009: Judgment Night Once Again, and 100 shows to boot!

Leopard faced, Cat’s outfit roars tonight!
In a chorus line of pure white top hats the top eight of America’s favorite dancers show us what the anguish of corps dancers on Broadway is all about: a smile to the audience and a smashed mirror behind, reflecting back to them the broken dreams after all their hard work. Kudos for Mia’s choreography!
The 100 shows’ clips show us the impact of dance: the fun, the drama, the tears, the spills… and Mary’s screams! As Nigel says: it is great that they have had 100 shows, and that the show has just gotten a greater and greater audience—to the extent that they will have a season 6, almost just as this one ends. That means something, doesn’t it? A great portion of America has embraced dance in its entertaining form and in its athletic demands. A portion of America that would have never been exposed to dance in all these forms if it weren't for this show. So, let's give them the credit that they deserve! Kudos! This show, along with “Dancing with the Stars,” has brought back a sprightly step to America, a quick step that had been lost when the likes of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire moved on—please check out some of their great dances on You Tube or the occasional movie on AMC!
Cat, in inquisitive mode, goes down the judges table, reflecting on the shows past. Mia feels like a “Mamma” after all these years, as she talks about her dancing brood. Get credit for the 100th show!
When the felinized Cat gets down to business, I am wrong again! Melissa is safe! What does this mean for Kayla? Bottom two! Jeanine is safe, as Jeanette debuts in the bottom.
The Emmy winning Wade Robson choreography of the Humming Bird and the Flower by Jamie and Hok enthralls us once again, as we wait for the boys to come out (although I think Brandon already did). Cat comes on to the guys and starts with Ade and Jason, to let us know that Jason is on the bottom two. Brandon is too! That is the problem of being the “favorite” voters free ride, thinking that someone else will vote for the one they like, after all it is “obvious” that if he is so good, many people will vote for him—Not! If you do not vote, your choice loses!
Travis and Heidi make it on a bench, once again, showing us a great Emmy winning piece. It seems that Heidi danced a little more than I remembered…don’t you think? but the camera focuses so much on Travis anyway that, Heidi is overshadowed. Travis was amazing!
And then we saw Ramalama once again, and it was really enjoyable. Loved to see Wade dancing with them!
http://www.dizzyfeetfoundation.org/
Katie Holmes thinks she can dance and sing, but she does not quite get that lip-synch thing… Ashlee Simpson could have done better… and her dancing, cannot fool anybody... especially this audience! No way. She may like singing and dancing, but Ellen likes dancing too and we’re glad that she did not actually take the stage (by the way, where was she tonight? I was expecting to see her @judges-table tonight). KH's was an OK number, entertaining and brave on her part, but... a dancer she ain't!!! She deserves Kudos for what she’s doing with her foundation, but as homage to Judy Garland this was odd. Judy Garland would have being better served with a real dance with real dancers and singers. I am conflicted about this number, a publicity stunt for KH, who probably should really be the one voted out after her performance!! But… in fact the purpose of the foundation is commendable. What gets me really excited about the foundation's mission is the idea of accreditation of studios, to certify that they actually teach dance, instead of exploiting delusional dancer moms. There always will be Dolly Dinkle studios, but at least there should be some way of differentiating them from the ones that are really trying to be responsible about the promise they make to the kids and parents that show up to their door really thinking that they can dance—and would like to learn. Accreditation by an independent body would be a step in the right direction.
But back to the show… I am surprised and disappointed by Janette leaving us tonight. Don’t get me wrong, Kayla is an entrancing dancer, but in terms of all around-ness, personality and that I-don’t-know-what, I thought Jeanette was a better bet for staying with us tonight.
Next, come the guys. And I’m thinking: If Brandon is out, I’m blind. Jason seems to have a nice personality, and is a qualified dancer, but his technique and body control doesn’t even scratch the surface of that of Brandon’s. The result is fair in that sense. I’m glad that at least we still have our Brandon!
Odd show. Inspirational first, with the memories and video showcase; odd with the KH’s participation; sad for those who left; and... MIA*: Ellen (?).

*MIA= We mean Missing in Action…nothing to do with Mia Michaels...

SYTYCD July 22, The Top 8: On Crying, Screaming, Joking and Nailing it was all that’s good and bad about So You Think You Can Dance

Cat’s drapey beautiful golden lamé excuse for barely a cover up is almost distracting as she introduces the top eight dancers of season five. The panel of judges includes two novelties: Ellen DeGeneres who was not trained to dance by Eduardo in a lonely single enclosed street of a gated community, and DOCTOR Nigel Lythgoe. What can we say, well deserved?

Travis’ group number opens the dancing on the show and it rocks and rides, no question about it. He's a great choreographer! The camera work, however, is terrible as it unsuccessfully tries to see all the dancers doing their own thing, just not showing it. Ellen’s costume design is right on the spot, as Nigel says, very Lady Gaga. Let’s just hope that she really will light up the stage tomorrow—in combination with Mia! (for all those out there that are wondering if I’m that gullible… I know she was joking… but how much I wish it were true and Mia and Ellen will actually coordinate their outfits tomorrow!)

The tour is announced! October 22nd in Miami, tickets on sale this Saturday!

The Random Couplings:

First up are Evan and Janette, in a Jazz routine by Sonya that seems a little on the slow side (it lacked Attitude?). At some point, Nigel (that English muffin) gets inspired by the dance and covers Mary’s mouth as she rambles on in her usual shrill. Mia calls Janette her favorite dancer of the season. This is not a number that is inspirational, however. In their second number of the night (Rumba by Tony & Melanie) the inner Latino stallion of Evando (Cat’s nickname creation was a really good one!) does not really come out. A dark stage does not let us see for real what is going on, as the slow sensual rumba is danced with gusto and sparkle by Janette, but Evando… the low lights may favor his style because he is hidden in the shadows, but... He does not shine as a partner, and that has been a constant throughout the show. It seems to me that he has done more solos than partnering (the latter mostly with his brother, maybe). There was a bit of rustiness when he danced with Janette, what can I say? Mia apparently agrees, and thinks that Evando is no sex-pot (!!), but can still pull it off Zoolander style! I guess they had better seats than me on this one.

Next in the lineup, Brandon randomly chooses Jeanine (the choices this week do seem random, by the way). This should be a good combination, and they start off with a smooth waltz. The graceful lines required by this dance are hard for Jeanine to master, however, as her contemporary moves are rougher than those required by this slow, delicate dance—even her turnout was off. Brandon was a strong partner, holding up the number for the both of them and keeping it from being terrible. The judges kind of disagree and agree at he same time, but mostly I would say it was 3 to 1 that the number was not well executed. Their second number is a Pop Jazz (?) routine choreographed by Laurieann. An aggressive looking performance, this is a strong dance that wakes up Nigel with effusive praise for both. Ellen calls it da-a-a-a-ancing and Mary screams her head off. Mia, just as Nigel, says that it was great how Jeanine kept up with Brandon’s powerful dancing. All in all, in this pairing Brandon seems to have overshadowed Jeanine.

Melissa and Ade are reunited with a Cha Cha, but will Mary choo choo them? I guess not… Melissa dances Latin like a gringa ballerina, and the chemistry lacks altogether, as Ade is not much of a Latin dancer either. Ellen, however, recycles the carpenter nail joke (she was funny and I like her but she kind of recycled two jokes the whole night: the “carpenter” joke and the “I can do that” joke). Mia’s vocabulary is also lacking when she describes Ade, saying that he does that ehhnn (or something like that) that gets her unnhhd (or something like that). Melissa and Ade's second piece is a moving homage dance that Tyce builds around the idea of the suffering of a woman afflicted by breast cancer that truly brings out the emotion from every judge. The look of frailty by Melissa and the strong support by Ade gave this poignant dance a completeness that deserves the positive comments, and justifies the “it’s not about the dance steps, but about the message in the dance” that was clumsily tried to be explained at first. The twitter crowd still is not happy with Melissa, but well, it is really hard to force those that would rather be blind to see what is in front of them. Despite the judge’s comments, Melissa is probably in danger tonight.

Jason and Kayla’s first number was perfect Broadway, perhaps a little too much. It shows off Kayla, better than Jason, and it is a very classically put together piece. A couple of stumbles by both (Kayla seems to be struggling in dance shoes) but still, Mary brings out a conductor whistle and shows us that she really can’t blow, even with all that wind she carries around. Actually, let’s hope she uses this whistle a bit more because it is actually quieter than her own screams! Mia’s remarks to Jason regarding his open chest are right on the mark. He needs to open up in order to dance better. He tends to slouch causing his jumps to fall short and his lines to look sloppy. Jason and Kayla’s second number is a hip hop routine by Shane Sparks which is, perhaps, scary in more than one way. Well executed, an interesting choreography that I thought would end with an off-camera loud Vincent Price creepy laugh. I am not convinced though about what Nigel said: that all hip hop so far this season has been lame. Is he suggesting that NappiTabs needs to get their act together? Is there some hidden agenda here? Or was he talking specifically about Shane’s own previous work this season (there, I’ll agree). The dance was OK and fun, but I don’t know if it deserved such high praise and that underhanded putdown of prior works in the show.

We have to recognize that sometimes some people are more honest than they should be, Mia agrees with many of Ellen’s comments, despite the fact that Ellen tries hard to convince us that she does not know what she is talking about. Who should we be listening to, Ellen or Mia? And what sort of chemistry is developing here?

The Quickie Solos:
Kayla shows us once again her long and graceful dance moves—she has her solo routine down pat and plays it safe.
Jason’s solo is ok, and that is all I have to say.
Janette’s solo is different this time, more contemporary lyrical than Latin salsa, but she does do that “Miami Wiggle” at the end. However, that dress! It hid her from us most of the time and it kind of reminded me of a big Piñata.
Ade’s solo is electrifyingly and weirdly springy. He seems to have eaten rubber bands all wound up and then released them in short bursts as he bounced around the stage. Pretty impressive, but perhaps weird, as it was almost more of a gymnastics floor routine than a true dance.
Melissa’s solo seems a bit uninspired, not really moving, showing flexibility mostly—but we know she has that anyway, right?
Evan’s solo is well executed, even entertaining, but totally Broadway—which is good, yet probably not so much regarding votes in this show. By now, Evan seems to be preparing his audition pieces for his Broadway career, as tonight could be his last night performing for votes on the show.
With some moves that we had seen before and some new ones, Jeanine’s solo does in fact look like a dance, as opposed to some of the other semi-warm-up pieces from the other dancers.
Brandon’s solo, shirtless and athletic, showcases him as the strong dancer that he is. It is complete and good to watch. He’s so good that sometimes you miss him (as in the Waltz) because he’s flawless.

My predictions: If I can still attempt to guess anything in this show, I’ll say Melissa and Evan will leave tonight, but I’ve been so wrong so far!

Tonight is SYTYCD 100th Episode and there's a lot going on, including Katie Holmes so much talked about tap dancing. Should be a good show. And Ellen of course will be back in the panel. Will she recycle the same jokes again, or will she come up with some new material? Stay tuned.

SYTYCD Elimination Day 7/16/09: And Then There Were 5, 6, 7, Eight!

Cat seems to be wearing a design inspired by a cobalt blue enameled ashtray present for mother’s day, though smokin’ hot its NOT. At least it shows off her legs…
Wade Robson’s oriental rice paddy peasants come out with a pulsating White Black and Red girl rhythm. A good group number, by Wade assisted by Travis, opens the show on a dramatic note, promising surprises. The first one of the night is that, from now on, Nigel is DR. NIGEL, honorary doctorate of the arts from a University all the way back in England. Then we are pleasantly surprised as SYTCD Emmy nominees are announced, including our favorites: Bleeding Love, The Door, that Tango number with Jason and Chelsie, and that Adam/Eve number. Then comes the Cat, with her dreaded envelopes to tell us about the girls:
Janette hypnosis carries on, with her zombie moves and swaying hips making people pick up the phone for her.
Randi gets to sit on the stool of danger, as she is one of the bottom two.
Jeanine performance muted Mary, but not America’s phones as they rang for her and she is safe!
With Kayla and Melissa standing at the end, the blue enameled Cat quasi-surprises us when she says that Melissa will sit next to Randi. As I think about it that hippie number was not that cool, after all. It could be that when I said last night that this was a killer routine, I was not SOO far off. We’ll see in just a few minutes—after the break!
And now for the boys:
Jason is glad that Mary is not allowed to pinch his cheeks, butt America apparently wants to do so too! (despite the golden shoes… and why are Jason and Ade wearing the same shoes?)
Evan (contrary to my expectations) is safe, while Kupono is not (I expected Kupono to be safe based on my tween-teen radar, not on dancing abilities; I was trusting more what the tween-teen Twittersphere was telling me than my own lying eyes). Based on the same, I expect that Ade will be safe (which means that Brandon is not). But surprises are in store tonight! Brandon IS safe (which probably means that so will Melissa be)! The golden shoes did not do it for Ade. Seriously folks, between Ade and Kupono? How hard could it be to figure it out. Lets see after the solos if America gets it right this time…
After Randi’s solo, Debbie confesses (amidst her long exposition) that she wears extensions. The Kupono solo is the same as last night, except for the costume! What a difference a day makes… this time his solo looked rather jerky and with those feathers it reminded me a bit of a chicken dance. I am sorry, Mr. K, but for your benefit the show tonight did not get you out of the gate. Melissa’s solo is as good as it was last night, as is Ade’s. Not much to say, except to wait until (Fergie) The Black Eyed Peas finish their number.
As expected, we are sorry to see Randi leave and, after the two boys come out all ethnic each one of them, America finally gets it right and (as the final surprise of the night for me) Kupono leaves the competition tonight. I guess I should start believing my lying eyes a bit more… I was calling Kupono out since week one… since the auditions even… It took some time for America to finally get it right... After they convinced me that Kupono wasn't that bad after all!... Now, I'm so confused! Maybe the fact that the jidges in the end could not save him also made him be done tonight (me and my conspiracy theories). Until next week when, of course, Henry the Horse will dance the Waltz.