Saturday, July 12, 2008
SYTYCD News Roundup
More on Will. His mom is interviewed by Fox 17 in Nashville. A reader found this via IDF, along with this video produced by Will and fellow Celine Dion dancers.
Canada's CTV gets top 12 thoughts from Mary Murphy, Dan Karaty, and Jean-Marc Genereaux.
NZJ was down with the flu last week, but catches up with reviews of So You think You Can Dance top 14 and top 12 shows. Glad you're felling better!
Will Sings?
Sara found this one. There's some sort of French-Canadian folk activity that I don't really understand going on for the first few minutes, then Will Wingfield shows up at the 5:00 mark. He's pretty good, too. For the Grassy Knollers out there, the show was choreographed by Mia Michaels.
Uploaded by abqmaqe
Friday, July 11, 2008
Blogging America's Best Dance Crew
As many of you know, the format and tone of BSYTYCD is a shameless ripoff of Blogging Project Runway(season 5 premieres Wednesday!). Laura K. and the BPR crew write to tell us of a an excellent new blog covering everything ABDC, Blogging America's Best Dance Crew (we spend hundreds of milliseconds thinking of these blog names). It's highly recommended for all your Dance Crew news.
Natalie's Top 12 Results Show Music Recap - UPDATED
Mary said that she’d fight for Jessica and Will. Nigel said that Twitch and Kherington would probably be safe. Why are they performing solos? It was a good excuse to see Thayne perform one more time though. His solo a few weeks ago was weak, but tonight’s was a good way to go out. I couldn’t figure out what Comfort’s montage song was. Let me know if anyone knows what it is! Thanks to the commenter below for identifying the montage song!
Napoleon and Tabitha’s Top 12 Group Routine
This is one of my guilty pleasure songs (I know how much you love that phrase Ted). It’s a shame that Napoleon and Tab can apparently only make fabulous choreography for 2 people at one time. That was pretty awful and fell flat, IMO. Maybe super choppy cuts would have helped it?
Song title: Closer
Artist/Band: Ne-Yo
Where you’ve heard the song before: It’s mainstream, so on your run-of-the-mill Top 40 radio stations.
Where you can listen to the whole song:
More after the jump...
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Revelations Performance
I could barely focus on the song. Beautiful technicians.
Song title: Sinner Man
Artist/Band: Billy Porter Billy Pointer (Thanks to a reader below for clarifying that for me.
Where you can listen to the whole song: There doesn’t seem to be anyone who has this song. I wish I could find it. Very powerful stuff.
You can find the song at iTunes.
You can find the whole soundtrack for Revelations at Amazon.
Comfort’s solo
There was a little more variety in this one. She used the stage and the song well.
Song title: Oh Timbaland
Artist/Band: Timbaland
Where you’ve heard the song before: You’ve heard it on the show. Dan Karaty choreographed a routine to this for Danny and Anya.
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Thayne’s solo
Hey there Thayne. I knew I liked you. Using a different OneRepublic song (that probably came from the “music lady”). I can’t wait to see what Mia does for him. This is probably my favorite solo from him.
Song title: Come Home
Artist/Band: OneRepublic
Where you’ve heard the song before: I feel like a show like Cold Case used this song before. I’m probably making that up.
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Jessica’s solo
This was a huge improvement over her last solo. I’m a fan of Adele, and Jessica’s movement with the melody was wonderful.
Song title: Best for Last
Artist/Band: Adele
Where you’ve heard the song before: Our second Adele song this season. I’d guess the mystery “music lady” suggested this one (I think I’ll keep referring to her as the “music lady” until I find out what her story is).
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Will’s solo
Oh look something different. Will with no shirt on. Nigel said it best. He looked like he could have been one of the Alvin Ailey dancers.
Song title: Daraijin
Artist/Band: Kodo
Where you’ve heard the song before: I’ve never heard of Kodo before.
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Kherington’s solo
Another OneRepublic song. All we’ve ever seen her do her solos to has been this band.
Song title: All We Are
Artist/Band: OneRepublic
Where you’ve heard the song before: I hope that, by now, you’ve listened to their whole album.
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Twitch’s solo
I could watch Twitch do whatever he does all day.
Song title: We Gonna Win
Artist/Band: Miri Ben-Ari
Where you’ve heard the song before: He danced to this song before, I think. I liked this time better.
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Katy Perry’s performance
She made the PCD look professional…maybe not.
Song title: I Kissed a Girl
Where you’ve heard the song before: It's all over.
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Comfort’s Goodbye MontageI can’t find out what this song is anywhere. Maybe it will be like Rebecca Hart’s audition song. We’ll never figure it out until the artist’s rep comes forward and tells us.
Many thanks to the commenter below for identifying the song!!!
Song title: The Greatest
Artist/Band: Michelle Williams
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Thayne’s Goodbye Montage
I’m tired of hearing different songs every week now. I like to complain?
Song title: Believe
Artist/Band: Staind
Where you’ve heard the song before: It was just recently released on their Myspace page.
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Top 12 Results Show Music Playlist
SYTYCD Top 12 Results Show Music
Friday's News Update
The LA Times tells us what we didn't see during the results show. Nigel made a "shocking" announcement backstage that puts Thayne and Comfort in the same club that Shauna, Jesus, Hok, and Anya were in last year!
Thanks to reader GerritV for the link.
This is Natalie, by the way. Helping Ted out. :)
Top 12 Results Show - Sue Brody's Recap
Tonight’s show is brought to you by the letter T, in honor of Thayne.
Well, this is the final show before the Top 10 when America gets to decide who stays and who goes each week. All of America can’t wait. I can’t wait, anyway.
Cat enters wearing a sleek black dress, but what’s that thing in her hair? It looks as if it’s going to swallow her head.
The group dance is choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha, and it’s a very entertaining hip hop piece. The dancers are dressed in red shirts that glow in thedark. I love the movement and synchronicity; it’s just a fun number.
Before the results begin, Nigel tells us that Phillip Chbeeb has agreed to battle Robert Muraine on the finale show (at least they finally asked him). The audience cheers, and then Nigel reminds us to tune in anyway, to see who wins the show. Okay, I will, Nigel, since you’ve told us to.
The first couples on the stage are Comfort/Thayne and Katee/Joshua. The producers always show us clips that typically let you know who is safe and who is in the bottom three. Cat says “either of you are in danger…Comfort and Thayne, you are the first couple in the bottom three.” I don’t know who is surprised by that result. Mia says that it is inevitable that they are here. America got it right, and have been telling you every week that you aren’t connecting but that you are never hearing it. She wants them to stay, however, though it’s pretty obvious that Thayne is leaving and if it’s not Comfort, it’s Jessica going home, but probably the former.
During the break, we see the X-Files trailer for “I Want to Believe,” and I do a (non-Snuggles) happy dance and already plan to see the movie as soon as it opens on July 25th.
More after the jump...
The next two couples are Jessica/Will and Chelsie/Mark, and they show us Mark signs in the audience. After the clips, Cat says, “Who is in the bottom…Chelsie and Mark…it’s not you.” This means, of course, that Jessica and Will are, surprising just about no one. Mary said that her heart is aching (then why not support Jessica more every week?!) and that their first (contemporary) dance was phenomenal (it was) the night before and that she will be fighting for them. I want to know why she hasn’t been fighting for Jessica every week if such is the case.
The final two couples are Twitchington (Twitch/Kherington) and Gev/Courtney. This is a bit more suspenseful, but not when we see the clips. Mia pointed out that Gevney was of her top couples, while Nigel said that Twitchington murdered their dance routine (not in a good way), and Cat tells us that the latter is in the bottom three. Nigel states that he is looking forward to their solos, as they are one of his favorite couples. However, their dancing showed that they were slightly uncomfortable but that this week they might be safe. (You think, Nigel? You and the other judges get to choose who is safe, and I bet you make the final call.)
Three members of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company are the featured dancers of the week. They perform to “Sinner Man” by Billy Porter, and it is stunning. The dancers have gorgeous lines, use the stage brilliantly, perform individually and then together, and the entire piece is magnificent, The judges give them a prolonged standing ovation.
After some more Snuggles happy dancing (but no video winners this week, at least), we get to the solos.
Comfort dances to “Oh Timabland” by Timbaland. She has on a pink V REAL t-shirt that might mean For Real (other dancers have on the t-shirt) and is stronger this week than during previous weeks. She has more energy, uses the stage well, and shows attitude. She even smiles! Cat asks about her shoulder and she says “it’s not clicking or nothing!” At least she brought it this week.
Thayne dances to “Come Home” by One Republic. He has beautiful lines and shows passion; it’s probably his best solo of the competition, and most of his have been strong. Cat says that he has been here before, and does the pressure get easier. He says never easier, and Cat says, “We love having you in the competition, if just for your smile,” and I quite certain and very sad that he will be going home.
Jessica dances to “Best for Last by Adele”. I wonder if this prescient. It’s a nice solo, though not outstanding. Cat asks her how difficult the competition is, and Jessica says, “It’s pressure beyond belief, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” I hope the judges keep her.
Will dances to “Darijan” by Kodo, and it’s another terrific solo. He is shirtless, simply wearing tight black shorts (to better show off his body), and this routine has an African vibe. Cat says, “I’m glad you were in the bottom three, your solo was beautiful, and I know Debbie Allen is proud of you.” There is no way Will is going home.
Kherington dances to “All We Are” by One Republic (I love One Republic, but is there some arrangement so that their music will be used every week? It’s just strange.), and her solo is as dynamic as her blue dress, blowing the other girls out of the water. Cat asks how much it would mean for her to go on tour with the others, and she answers, “It would mean so much, everything, the whole world.” She doesn’t need to worry, as she was safe before she even danced.
Twitch is the final soloist, dancing to “We Gonna Win” by Miri Ben-Ari. This is where I differ from the many other viewers; I just wasn’t jazzed by his solo. I feel as if he has danced far better in the past. He has on a black jacket but ends by opening it to show off a Superman t-shirt, a cool, Twitch-like touch. Cat notices that he seems “dazed and confused” after he finishes and asks if he is alright. He says that he just got a little bit overwhelmed, and then explains about his choosing this solo that kind of confuses me. He leaves the stage and the judges say they don’t want to leave, as is always the case before they make the final cuts for the season (thank goodness). Katy Perry, “one of this summer’s biggest break-out stars”, according to Cat (true), sings “I Kissed a Girl,” wearing a very short yellow dress. She sings it with energy—if you like the song, you liked her performance—but I was especially taken by the enthusiastic boy band members in back of her, in particular the mop-topped guitarist. I’m not sure if she lip synched the song, but she definitely sang along to a tape during the chorus, as it would have been impossible for her to sing both alto and soprano at the same time.
At last we get to the results. Nigel starts with the girls, as he always does, and says, “Kherington, you reminded everyone that you are not just a pretty face. You danced brilliantly and have grown so much across the season, and go and sit down, and she happily leaves the stage. Then we get to the real drama: Comfort vs. Jessica (my money’s on Jessica). Nigel says that Comfort “brought it” with her solo, while Jessica’s was disappointing. However, Jessica has had at least one strong routine each week (and one weak one, and yes, we know that, Nigel), and though Comfort brings a different style to the competition, they are going to keep Jessica. Comfort takes the news very graciously, and says that this has been the best experience ever. She has only has had “2 ½ (years dancing) of what y’all have been doing,” and that “this is not the end of me, I’m not gonna stop, this is not it.” She and Cat hug, and she bounces over to the seats. This is the first time I remember a contestant being so cool with the results.
Finally Nigel gets to the guys. He begins by saying, “Twitch, I’m glad you were in the bottom three so we could see your unique style and musicality. This wakes everyone up, but we certainly can’t leave you at this stage of the competition and go sit down.” A friend of mine notes that she didn’t see his unique style and musicality during his solo, but I point out that he has been a favorite of the judges for two years. Next up is Will, and Nigel states that “We have had the unique opportunity of watching you dance, that you would not be out of place with the Alvin Ailey boys tonight (I actually thought that as I watched them dance), and that we certainly can’t lose you tonight. I am happy to have Debbie Allen in the audience if we get to see you dance, and go sit down.” Now I am really upset, because how is this a way to deliver the news to Thayne; by default?
And then Nigel says something that really takes me aback. He says that “I have to say this, and it might sound cruel, but this is one of the times we would have liked to have kept all three boys and lost two girls.” While I have to say I somewhat agree—I wanted to keep Thayne—I can’t imagine how much this hurt Jessica. They should just eliminate her already and stop the torture. Nigel also notes that Mia is very upset at losing you (Thayne) tonight, and I know she will be working with you very soon, but that we were unanimous. We cut to Mia, who has her head in her hands, and then we get to the highlight montage to “Believe” by Staind. (Thank you to Natalie for that information—how can we know each week when it isn’t posted or stated?!), though still don’t know what music the producers used for Comfort’s highlight package). While Cat says that Thayne has been absolutely amazing and a joy to be around, the show’s time is up and Thayne never gets to speak! This happened last year to Sabra and Danny but at least Sabra won the competition and Danny was the runner-up! Absolutely wrong. As the credits continue to roll, Comfort hugs Jessica, the guys sort of hug Thayne, and the show ends.
I predict that the final four will be Will, Mark, Chelsie, and Katee, but it will be an interesting Top 10. See you next week.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
News Update
Television Without Pity has a long interview with Shane Sparks.
TVGuide talks to Mary Murphy.
Nigel Lythgoe was turned away from the Crown Club last night. Maybe the doorman is a friend of Jessica's?
VH1's The Best Week Ever joins the So You Think You Can Dance recapping bandwagon.
Natalie's Top 12 Performance Show Music Recap
I’m lacking in the recap department this week. Bare minimum stuff for the Top 12 Performance Recap. I’ll try to pick it up for tonight’s elimination show. My apologies now!
Also, I’m having a hard time reviewing songs anymore. Especially after the Matt Dorame interview. When he says that he wasn’t able to use the music he originally picked and the “music lady” let him listen to Sweet Contentment and he liked it. So he danced to it. Eh.
Also, Alex DaSilva likes to pick songs that I have to pay $20 for. Sorry. No dice.
Chelsie and Mark’s Salsa choreographed by Alex DaSilva
The song served its purpose. It gave them a good enough beat to dance to. They gave more to the routine than the song did.
Song title: Fuego
Artist/Band: Joe Bataan
Where you can listen to the whole song:
So I go to the website. It tells me that it will cost me $.10 per track. I’m in. I go to pay. That’ll be $19.90 minimum. Huh? Pass.
Comfort and Thayne’s hip hop routine choreographed by Napoleon & Tabitha
I love Ne-Yo. The beginning on the steps was sick. I like how they added in those few extra accents to the music. They did it with Katee and Joshua’s routine and Chelsie and Mark’s as well. I didn’t hate this as much as the judges did. In fact, I kinda liked it.
Song title: Can We Chill
Artist/Band: Ne-Yo
Where you can listen to the whole song:
More after the jump...
Jessica and Will’s contemporary routine choreographed by Tyce Diorio
Leee was right last week. SYTYCD is not a family show. Ha. The song allowed for a lot. Since there wasn’t much there. It allowed them to be organic as Mia likes to say. Which is, I’m sure, why she loved it. If you’ve ever seen Unfaithful, you know why this piece coming out of this song is not surprising. At all.
Song title: Silence
Artist/Band: Unfaithful (Soundtrack)
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Courtney and Gev’s Cha Cha choreographed by ANYA AND PASHA!
I was not a Gevney fan. I didn’t get it. Until this routine. Color me converted. The song is insignificant.
Song title: Don’t Stop the Music (The Wideboys Club Mix)
Artist/Band: Rihanna
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Kherington and Twitch’s Krump routine choreographed by Lil C
I’m sorry judges…what’s that? You’re giving preferential treatment to Kherington again? That’s not like you. She got tired for the last 16 eight counts and you’re just going to disregard that? That’s about right. I can’t talk about the song. Disenchanted is the best word I can use.
Song title: 2 Buck 4 TV
Artist/Band: The J-Squad
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Um…I’m not buck enough to be able to find this song. Anywhere.
Katee and Joshua’s Viennese Waltz choreographed by Jean Marc
This song already has a lot that comes along with it. City of Angels soundtrack and all. I kinda got how Joshua was supposed to be a ghost a la Nicholas Cage’s character in the movie. Eh. I kinda forget most of this one.
Song title: Iris
Artist/Band: Goo Goo Dolls
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Chelsie and Mark’s broadway routine choreographed by Tyce Diorio
The high hat in the beginning. Awesome. Set them up where they needed to be, mood-wise. Also, the judges didn’t talk about it, but Chelsie’s dress got caught in Mark’s suspenders. I like that she’s professional.
Song title: I’m a Woman
Artist/Band: Smokey Joe’s Café (Original Cast)
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Comfort and Thayne’s contemporary routine choreographed by Mandy Moore
Oh George Michael. I liked this. Softer, simpler song with really pure choreography. I think this might be when I lost all respect for Nigel. But oh wait…I almost forgot about his wonderful comment during his critique of the Bollywood routine. I definitely didn’t hate this dance as much as the judges did.
Song title: A Different Corner
Artist/Band: George Michael
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Jessica and Will’s Quickstep choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
I’m not sure how the judges want Jessica to improve when they just keep pushing her down and telling her she’s not as good as Will. Now that’s motivation! This song was good for the quickstep as far as I’m concerned.
Song title: Bandstand Boogie
Artist/Band: Barry Manilow
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Courtney and Gev’s Jazz routine choreographed by Mandy Moore
I really liked the beginning. High hat again. The music worked well with the movement. Another solid Gevney routine.
Song title: Standing There
Artist/Band: The Creatures
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Kherington and Twitch’s Tango choreographed by Jean Marc
I thought the first part of the tango with the blue lights worked really well with the music. Then the lights went up and the music picked up and it was all downhill from there. They’re no Brad and Angelina.
Song title: Assassin’s Tango
Artist/Band: Mr & Mrs. Smith (Soundtrack)
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Katee and Joshua’s Bollywood routine choreographed by Nakul Dev Mahajan
Banoodles. Katee looked like she’d been dancing this style for years. Not that I’m a Bollywood expert. I loved the music. Really strong drums. I wish we could give Nigel a muzzle.
Song title: Dhoom Taana
Artist/Band: Om Shanti Om (soundtrack)
Where you can listen to the whole song:
Top 12 Performance Playlist
Top 12 Performance Show - Sue Brody's Recap
Once again, on So You Think You Can Dance, if we buy one dance, we get one free! At least there were only 12 dances this week instead of 14, so we got a bit more from the package. I think the dancers must be so tired and sore at this point, without a break and with so many dances to learn and perform. I hope they get some time off soon.
Cat is introduced, wearing a pretty floral dress, making her look like she is off to the beach or a country fair. Tonight’s guest judge is Mia Michaels, looking particularly foreboding in a black hat, some sort of dress or long sweater cut across her shoulders, and black half gloves. Her voice is raspy, and I’m already concerned about how she’s feeling and how she’ll judge the dancers. My concerns were not really off. Mary has on a less shimmery dress than in past weeks, and Nigel is adorned in a white suit, whatever that meant. Once again, I’ll recap the dances by couple and not chronologically, for ease of reading.
Chelsie and Mark.
Dance one: Salsa by Alex DaSilva, danced to Fuego by Joe Bataan.
Summary: Nigel thinks it is a great routine and that Alex looks like a Brazilian Bono (which he actually does). He is impressed by the footwork, and notes that where Chelsie’s outfit touches her it looks terrific, and where it doesn’t touch her it looks terrific (was he always this inappropriate in previous seasons?). Mary says that it was a rocket fast performance that worked for her and that Chelsie was in her element and the twists and lifts and advance wraps were wonderful. Mia says that the routine was smoking hot, though she noted that Mark seemed awkward but that he is a star and the routine was amazing.
Dance two: Broadway by Tyce DiOrio, danced to...
More after the jump...
...I’m a Woman, Smokey Joe’s Original Soundtrack. In the package, Tyce says the couple must eat it up and swallow it out and Chelsie tries to spell wrap but spells warp instead, continuing her need to use spell check.
Summary: Mark has on cool suspenders that he uses to good effect during the performance. Nigel notes that it was 110 degrees in Vegas but not nearly as hot as this routine. He says that Chelsie has legs that go on forever and that she’s only 5’2” but that her legs are 5’1” and a half (another inappropriate comment). He also says that the performance brought the audience to life. Mary says that it was sultry, sexy, and bluesy and that she was particularly impressed with the shadow death fall. However, Mia says that Mark’s lack of training and technique was obvious, although he makes it up with character and that Chelsie was hot and sexy but she wanted more movement. I don’t think Mia’s a Mark fan, given her initial comments during the first week package when she choreographed a contemporary piece for them.
Comfort and Thayne.
Dance one: Hip Hop by Napoleon and Tabitha, danced to Can We Chill by Ne-Yo (always nice to hear Ne-Yo back).
Summary: Cat calls it The Hip Hop Days of Our Lives, whatever that means. Nigel says that NapTab let them play off each other but that they didn’t, and that he expected them to be in the bottom three again. Mary agrees, saying that they had no chemistry, and while there were some cute moments and nuances and coolness, it was just good (okay good). Mia says that it was a little more than good, but that she also felt no connection. She said that she had been a big fan of Comfort’s but had backed off that, though she still loves Thayne though his performance felt a bit thin.
Dance two: Contemporary by Mandy Moore, danced to A Different Corner by George Michael. Mandy wants Comfort to step up the plate.
Summary: Nigel says that it's tough to say, but that he wished a different couple had danced the routine, which was beautiful (ouch). He didn’t think it was as good as the piece deserved. He also boos himself after the audience boos him. Mary says that it is not going to get better from her, and that it was not believable. Mia says that it was a great piece of choreography (which it was), but that Comfort could only fake so much (which is to say she didn't feel her dancing was honest), and that the lifts didn’t work but that the both dancers could have faked it if they had better chemistry. She pointed out that, unlike the other two judges, she feels Thayne is a beautiful dancer, his movement is so grounded and thick, and that she looks forward to working with him (I’d love to see their partnership).
Will and Jessica.
Dance one: Contemporary with Tyce DiOrio, danced to Silence from the Unfaithful soundtrack. Tyce calls it a piece set in the Garden of Eden and wants to see the connections between man and woman. Jessica says she feels strong doing the piece, which she hasn’t felt before.
Summary: I felt it was a beautiful, haunting dance, and the judges agree. Nigel says it was an extraordinary piece of work by Tyce, and that no wonder there was so much besotting in the Old Testament (again, inappropriate, Nigel). He sys that Will is extraordinary BUT that it was tough for Jessica to keep up with him, but she is certainly doing that now. I want to know why the judges always have to give Jessica a back-handed compliment (why not say she was wonderful, too, and leave it at that?). Mary says it was one of the most amazing pieces she has ever seen on the show and that Will is a picture of strength but that Jessica stepped up to the plate once again (see what I mean?). Then she screams. Mia says that the dancers went to a completely different place and that this was perfect moving art. She adds that Will is like Desmond Richardson, but that it was the first time Jessica embraced a piece and got it. Then Nigel made an inappropriate remark about Will’s body. I’m sorry to keep harping on Nigel, but this is just ridiculous.
Dance two: the Quickstep by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin, danced to Bandstand Boogie by Barry Manilow (going old school!).
Summary: Uh oh. I feared this would be a train wreck and it was. The piece began with Will performing five or six back flips, which were very impressive but had nothing to do with the Quickstep, and then the awkward partner dancing began. Nigel agrees. Mary notes that Will’s tight jacket didn’t help his carriage and that it bunched up his upper body, and that they were both heavy (i.e., not light in their movement). She says that the twist, lindy hop, etc. were fun but that they weren’t right for the piece and she was glad they had had the first dance. Mia says that it felt disconnected, and adds that Jessica had gotten it (before, first dance) but that she didn’t stay there. Mia also said that Will looked tired of carrying Jessica (figuratively) and that it was time for him to get a new partner (harsh). Will said that it had been a wonderful experience and that he was proud of Jessica (good for him). I am sooo tired of the Jessica bashing.
Courtney and Gev.
First dance: Cha Cha with Anya and Pasha (yay!), danced to Don’t Stop the Music (club mix) by Rhianna. In the package, we see Anya, Pasha, and Gev speaking in Russian, which is cute.
Summary: Nigel says he felt that he would never see anyone as sexy as Anya and Pasha are, but that they were. Gev was brilliant, though not technically great, and that it was great fun to watch them, and they suited each other as a couple. Mary said it was magic, hot cha cha cha cha (a new expression), and that they were now on the hat tamale train. Mia says that it was fabulosity (yes, that's a new Mia term) at its best and that they weren’t the best dancers in the competition but that they had amazing performance quality. Then it was noted that Gev had shaved his chest for the routine, and again I thought about how Dominic had trimmed his toe nails for one of last year’s dances and that Gev and Courtney are this year’s Dominic and Sabra.
Second dance: Jazz by Mandy Moore, danced to Standing There by the Creatures. Mandy said they were two people in the jungle, lost, hence the map they used throughout, very effectively.
Summary: It was a really fun routine, though Nigel felt it was a bit like cotton candy (I didn’t agree). Mary says it was rough and raw, they were tearing up the stage, and that it was pure entertainment. Mia says that they had had a great night (agreed) and that they were one of her top couples (they are my favorite one, so I was happy).
Twitchington (Twitch and Kherington).
First dance: Krump by Lil C, danced to 2 Buck 4 TV by The Ja Squad.
Summary: There were a lot of buck references (buckness is the way, etc.)--get it?-- in the package, and the leather-bound couple engaged in a great deal of chest thumping as they danced. I liked the routine, but didn’t love it. However, the judges were more enthusiastic. Nigel says on paper this was equivalent to Busta Rhymes and Miley Cyrus but that Kherington did a damn good job. However, they lost the last 16 bars but he would let it go. I don’t know why he gave them a pass. Mary says it was the first time on the show that she had had seen a krump she believed, and that Twitch was all aggression, and Kherington was gangsta. Mia says it was dirty, disgusting, and nasty and that Twitch served gangsta on a platter. She did point out that while Kherington did really well, she got kind of tired at the end but killed it otherwise. Again, why the pass?
Second dance: Smooth Tango by Jean-Marc Generaux, danced to Assassins from the Mr. and Mrs. Smith Soundtrack.
Summary: This dance did NOT go over well at all. It was supposed to be tough, but Nigel says it was not honest for me, and they didn’t perform it as well as they could have. He adds that they murdered the dance routine but not each other (harsh, but deserved, I felt). Mary loves the beginning and the end but not the in between. Mia says that the dance was powerful but they didn’t support it and they were never committed. She also noted that Twitch needs to get into his characters. This may put them into the bottom three for the first time.
Last couple: Katee and Joshua.
First dance: Viennese Waltz by Jean-Marc Generaux, danced to Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls (interesting choice).
Summary: This got so-so reviews (I don’t think the couple do ballroom well, as opposed to contemporary and jazz). Nigel says that Joshua was a little too bouncy, but that Katee was beautiful and got the lift rights. Mary says that the execution of the dancing was not quite there, and the technique was choppy, so as a whole it was just okay. Mia says that Joshua looked like a football player trying to do the dance (not good), and he was not at his best. However, she praises Katee, saying that she was meant to dance, her journey has just begun, and that her spirit soars through her body. Clearly, Mia will be working with Katee again.
Second dance: Bollywood by Nakul Dev Mahajan, danced to Dhoom Taama by On Shantin Om soundtrack (I hope I got all that right). In the package, Nakul wanted to make sure that they didn’t offend the audience with the wrong hand gestures, and Joshua wanted to make the choreographer proud because of Nakul's heritage.
Summary: What a terrific dance! It combined hip hop and African movements (as Nigel notes) and that there were so many different steps. He says he wished the world would come together with dance instead of the other way around (so true). However, he also says that he had been trying since season one to bring Bollywood to the show, but isn’t he the executive producer?! Mary says that she has one rule: she wants to see heart, soul, and stardom, and that these two were stars tonight, and showed athleticism and strength. She put them on the hot tamale train, Vindaloo Express. Mia says that Katee was stunning, and that it was awesome to have world dance on the stage. I think this was the routine of the night.
Predicted bottom three:
Comfort and Thayne
Jessica and Will
Twitchington or Marksie (because you need three couples, of course)
Going home: Comfort or Jessica and Thayne
SYTYCD News Roundup
The LA Times recaps last night's show.
The tour schedule is up at the Fox site. 40 dates this year. I think there were 51 last year.
Reality TV World covered the conference call with Kourtni Lind and Matt Dorame.
Katee & Joshua's Bollywood
Katee Shean & Joshua Allen - Bollywood - Nakul Dev Mahajan
Uploaded by kelxk3l
Nakul Dev Mahajan has a Youtube channel.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Where Is Wade?
Choreographer Wade Robson posted to his blog, acknowledging what SYTYCD readers have known for a while. He won't be on So you Think You Can Dance Season 4 due to his involvement with the CIRQUE DU SOLEIL/CRISS ANGEL Believe show in Las Vegas.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Interview With Matt Dorame UPDATED
BuddyTV has posted an interview with Matt Dorame. There's no explanation for the delay and no sign of Kourtni Lind's interview. We'll update when (if?) it becomes available.
UPDATE: Kourtni Lind's interview is up at BuddyTV:
How were the dancers to work with this season? I have heard in the past that the dancers are easy to get along with, that you guys have a lot of respect for each other. What was the mood like on the set for you?
I feel like we have the best cast ever this year. Not that I don’t love the other casts, but I feel like we have such a cool bond through absolutely everybody. Everybody was really clicking, I didn’t have any people I didn’t talk to as much. We were really just a group and everybody was involved in everything all the time and very, very supportive. Before getting into the Top 20 I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was kind of thinking, Oh, there’s going to be some divas and be some really unsupportive people. But they were so the most amazing group of people I’ve ever worked with.
MORE...
SYTYCD News Update
TVWeek says Nigel Lythgoe is bowing out of the American Idol auditions, basically to concentrate on So You Think You Can Dance, both in the states and internationally.
The New York Daily News reports on Napoleon & Tabitha's new TLC show Rock The Reception.
I have no link for this, and that's the story. We have yet to see the weekly interviews with the most recent eliminations, in this case, Kourtni and Matt. BuddyTV usually gets first shot and releases the interviews late Friday or early Saturday.
Monday, July 7, 2008
SYTYCD News Roundup
Leee wonders if So You Think You Can Dance is really a family show.
Besides scaring the bejeebus out of Cat last week, Gev Manoukian spent some time talking to the Ice Network. Thanks to a reader for the tip.
I received an email from someone inquiring about Cedric Gardner and suggesting him as a dance guest. I don't know if that's going to happen, but it looks like he's in the sunshine of LA, teaching for Debbie Allen.
The first season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia is holding up well in comparison to season 4 here in the states. The Aus top 10 kicked off their tour Saturday in Brisbane. Here's the finale:
Uploaded by thatkisskiss
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
