Saturday, July 19, 2008

Nureyev On The Muppets (Video)

As Nigel mentioned this week, ballet icon Rudolf Nureyev tapped on an episode of The Muppets show.

Uploaded by tatou67


SYTYCD News Roundup

GirlsTalkinSmack wonders if the top 8 photo, taken Thursday night, includes couple spoilers for next week. Maybe, or could it be that some So You Think You Can Dance producer is actually playing with our heads?



Leee has posted a rare mid-week update, including Twitch's solo.



Dino-Ray Ramos recaps both SYTYCD and ABDC.



Our friend JoannaOC mourns Gev's elimination:

Gev might not have been best dancer all around in terms of technique, and I knew he wouldn't get to the top four, but he was the most entertaining for me, and the one who brought the "most improved" arc to the show. And I don't think any of the other dancers could do many of the moves he does. He danced his heart out every time. I'm going to miss seeing him on my TV! I hope he will be able to continue to grow as a dancer and a performer after the tour.

More...




Blob Boogie writes us with info on Nigel's "assistant" choreographers:
Here's Chuck Maldonado's solo and his choreography reel


According to the choreography reel he helped choreograph "Stomp the Yard," and worked with Fergie, Ciara, and Missy Elliot, and it seemed like he helped choreograph a stomp dance piece in the 1996 Olympics? Insane.

And Here's some of Suga Pop's solos. He's a well respected popper in the b-boy community, and is in fact a part of the oldest and most famous b-boy crew, Rock Steady Crew

Here and here.

etc.

- Blob Boogie

Thanks BB!



A Seattle P-I reader-blogger quotes Shane Sparks on the increasing recognition of dancers/choreographers and the status of Asian crews in the hiphop dance world.



I had forgotten just how young Kherington is. She missed her high school prom to be on the show. She says now she wishes she could have taken Twitch as her prom date. Gev has 2 weeks off before the finale week. He plans to spend most of it in bed.



Check out Phillip Chbeeb's latest studio compilation video.




A landslide 87% of 353 readers gave the thumbs up to Lil C on the judging panel in our latest reader poll. Thanks for voting!



In case you haven't noticed, our music columnist, Natalie, has been posting news updates this week. What a relief it's been for me to have some help, and she's doing an OUTSTANDING job with it. Thanks, Natalie!


Another Thayne Montage

We haven't seen many fanvids this season, but this is the second excellent one we've seen dedicated to Thayne Jasperson. We previously posted buffmetube's, now here's one by Youtuber kookykatlyn. This one includes that great Thayne/Grover moment (thanks Leee!).


Comfort & Twitch's Hiphop (Video)

Comfort Fedoke & Twitch Boss - Hiphop - Dave Scott


Dan McCallum (Ducky) at AfterElton says:

Dave said it was supposed to be Studio 54 in the year 2085. You can spin it any way you want as long as you keep spinnin' it, kid! Twitch and Comfort slayed the competition with this number. That's what hip-hop done right looks like, folks: Amazing!


Friday, July 18, 2008

News Update

BuddyTV has its weekly interviews up with Kherington Payne and Gev Manoukian. Kherington speaks highly of Twitch, and Gev reveals what it was like when he had to switch partners.



Kherington's hometown paper asked her what it was like to miss her high school graduation:

It was sad not being able to go to my graduation, because that's a once-in-a-lifetime thing. But then again, I had to tell myself that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. …My mom brought plates that said "Grad" on it, and we had a little pasta dinner. We were fun about it, and we had a little banner. It was cute.

More...




Courtney Galiano's New York Knicks dance teammates review this week's show.



America's Best Dance Crew is planning a 20 city tour this fall. JabbaWockeeZ and BrkSk8 are the first 2 of 5 crews to appear.



You may change your mind about watching Napoleon & Tabitha's new TLC show Rock The Reception after you watch this...

Uploaded by Saime1337





SYTYCD Update

After making some controversial comments about dancers from Utah, Mia Michaels has issued a statement apologizing for any kind of misunderstanding:

    "So I totally apologize if what I said came out wrong, because putting down their way of life is not what I meant, at all. I think it's so admirable, what they do. I respect their way of life. I should take their advice."

More...

This comes about a year after Mia had to apologize for the upside down Marine emblems on her jacket.

The big, slow website has a video of a behind-the-scenes look at Napoleon and Tabitha's Top 12 group routine. They're the cutest couple ever. We'll post the actual video once it's available on YouTube.

Adam at EW.com recaps the results show. He speculates why Gev was eliminated. Was it because his "internal artistry never quite met his physical expression — i.e., he wasn't buck"?

Fox News briefly recaps the performance and results shows. They equate the audience dealing with the partner switches to a "kid in a messy divorce".


Top 10 Results Show Recap


What does one hour of filler equal? SYTYCD's Top 10 Results Show! To be fair, there were three musical numbers and four solos. However, I just wanted to get to the results and that took approximately 56 minutes. In fact, the last part of the show, where the contestants hug the ones eliminated, was cut off, due to time constraints. Sounds a bit like American Idol, eh? Well, same producers, same format...

Anyway, Cat had on a pretty blue dress with her hair in a ponytail. Perhaps someone told her to dress in a fun, summery way, because she has both nights. After we say hello to the judges, we get to our first number, a Bollywood dance choreographed by Nakul Dev Mahajan, who gave us Katee and Joshua's fantastic Bollywood dance last week. While I enjoyed the music and costumes, I can't say that the dance really worked for me. It seemed as if there were too few dancers on stage for such an elaborate number, though it is certainly nice to see this type of dance on the program.

After we hear that Shane Sparks, Wade Robson, and Mandy Moore received Emmy nominations for their dances last season, and the makeup team did as well, we got to the highlights of the previous evening. The only surprise was...

More after the jump...
...that Kherington, who performed two disappointing numbers with Mark, was less than gracious in the package. After her first dance, the Two Step, she says that "Hopefully we can redeem ourselves, because the judges really hate me." Really? Did they say that? And after their second dance, the disappointingly performed jazz number by Tyce DiOrio, she says sarcastically regarding the judges' lukewarm remarks, "Really? Really? Really?" In other words, blame the judges, don't blame me. This will come back to her haunt her later. In happier news, we decide that Lil C has been deemed the official judge of SYTYCD by the readers of this website. Congratulations, Lil C! See you next week (we wish)!


The second dance is for the top five girls and is choreographed by Mia Michaels to Ave Maria by Celine Dion. I don't like this dance because 1) I don't like Celine Dion, but more because 2) I found it overwrought. I typically like Mia's numbers, but this one just bored me, although a lot of viewers found it beautiful.

After the dance, the five girls, who are dressed in white with braided long hair and and pale, scary eyes, are given the results. Cat notes that the bottom two girls and guys will be given the opportunity to dance solos, as this might be the last time they dance on the program and to show how good they are. I know this is mostly a way to fill time, but more so to have the judges remark on their tenure on the show and recommendations for the future. I mean, REALLY lengthy remarks.

First up is Chelsie, who is not in the bottom two and runs off the stage in extreme excitement. Next is Comfort. Cat notes that last night Nigel said she had finally lived up to her potential, but did America see her potential? No, they didn't, and she is in the bottom two. Katee is the third dancer. She is praised profusely and Cat asks if the won the hearts of America? Of course she did, and she runs off the stage and into the arms of Chelsie. Courtney and Kherington are the final two girls, and not surprisingly, Courtney is safe and Kherington is in the bottom two and joins Comfort on the dreaded stools, stage left.

After the commercial break, we are treated to the boys routine, danced to Joe Jackson's Five Guys Named Moe by a "mystery choreographer." The dance is upbeat and great fun, featuring each of the boys, who are dressed in white t-shirts and black sweatpants and do flips and other hip hop moves, including krumping. I am sure it's by Lil C, and even write that in my notes, but when the dance concludes, Cat asks the audience who they think the choreographer was, and to all of our amazement, it's ...Nigel! He cites his assistant Chuck Maldonado and Suga Pop, a well-known member of the b-boy community, for helping him with the stepping and locking, and jokes that he was known as the sixth Moe, Old Moe. I'm pleased to see that his humor has returned and wonder if he ought to go back to choreography and give Lil C his spot on the judging panel. Oh, to dream...

Now we are onto the boys' fate. First up is Joshua, who starts to leave the stage but is told to stay by Cat "or I'll have your grandfather tie you up" (his grandfather is in the audience and so cute). She reminds us that the judges said he stroked the floor with his Rumba but is he still in the picture after last night's vote? Not surprisingly he is and we get another shot of his grandfather and grandmother clapping. Will is next and we are reminded that Nigel said he was probably the most beautiful dancer he'd ever seen on the show (ahem Danny ahem) and did America see this, too? Of course they did, and Will bounded off the stage. This left the final three boys and there was considerable tension, at least amongst the viewers (read: me). Cat reminded us that the judges felt Mark had not performed well the previous evening, and could they possibly be losing him tonight? Yes, they could, and he was in the bottom three. Thousands of viewers cried out loud (okay, I did) and they (I) vowed to vote more next week if he is safe. This leaves the final two Moes, Gev on tippy toes and Twitch, and the final safe boy is...Twitch. I am saddened once again, and think that though Mark or Gev will be eliminated, at least they will both be on the tour.

After more tedious Snuggle Dancing (thanks for the blatant product placement, producers), we move onto the solos. Comfort dances to Egypt, Egypt by the Egyptian Lover, and she does include some Egyptian moves but I found this pretty typical of her solos, with perhaps a bit more energy. Then we move onto the portion of the program that went on and on and on: the judges' possible send off to each of the contestants. Now, I can see doing this IF they are eliminated, but not if they are POSSIBLY eliminated. Do we have to go through this every week? I hope not. This took up three pages of my notes, so I'll share, but I hope I won't have to next week. Nigel reminds Comfort that she was lucky to come back into the competition, that dancers had to deal with this all of the time, and she should be happy to have the opportunity to return. Mary echoes Nigel's sentiment but adds that if Comfort danced every dance the way she she did in the hip hop routine, she was going to stay week after week (I doubt it, but who knows?). I wondered if Mary knew something we didn't. Lil C then provided the most interesting remarks, as he did with each contestant. He said that his heart was beating so fast when she was dancing, and that "it is difficult to locate the avenues of gang when you're being chauffeured by loss," but that she has evolved the most in this competition and that she needs to keep fighting. He also mentions that "every loss is one step closer to perpetual evolution." Wow. Comfort says that this is a blessing for her, and she didn't care if she went home right now, because she was so happy to have danced with these beautiful people "fa real." I was impressed by her genuine response, but again, why did she even have to say this if she hasn't been voted off yet? Very bewildering.

Mark dances to Black Betty by Ram Jam and it's another innovative, original performance, though perhaps not quite as sharp as last night's. Nigel applauds his quirkiness and his musicality, and says that they love him, which is why he's here, and that America loves him, which is why he is in the Top 10. That doesn't bode well for Mark, me thinks, or at least shows us that Nigel is not a big Mark fan. Mary blathers on about how hard the competition is, which has nothing to do with Mark. Then Lil C waxes poetic (thankfully). He says that Mark is a very focused dancer and that he "reminds me of the most instrumental worker bee of the art hive" and that he has a distinctive atmosphere about him and to keep doing what he's doing, please. How much do we love Lil C?

Kherington is next, and she dances to My Philosophy by Inner. I find this more muted and angular than most of her dances have been, with less energy but more focus. Cat notes after much cheering that the audience loves you in here and they need to vote more (true). Referring to her package (uh oh), Lil C rebukes her by saying that "We love you, your ride has been pretty turbulence free," and that she can't be upset because "we turned up the heat in the kitchen just a smidgen and that this is a realistic TV show but we just offer constructive criticism." We LOVE you, Lil C. Mary says that out of Las Vegas Kherington was at the bottom of her Top 20, but that from the moment she stepped on stage she has been a front runner and she is surprised Kherington is standing there. I don't remember Mary lavishing such praise on Kherington in the past. She adds that Kherington is a beautiful dancer and that she will continue to have brilliant performances in her life. Nigel says that Kherington has got film star looks and that it's about performing and she has a helluva future ahead of her.

Finally, we move onto Gev, who dances to Feeling Good by Michael Buble.

Uploaded by kelxk3l

Once again, he delivers the solo of the night, with his b-boy tricks and jazzy moves (speaking of musicality, Gev certainly has it in spades). I also like his red hat. :) Cat says that she feels like his mother and is always terrified when he takes to the stage. Cat obviously feels great affection toward Gev (as do many of us). Lil C says that he is such a fan of the little man, he always roots for the underdog, and that Gev dances with so much heart. He explains that a dancer's heart is sort of "like the mediator's railroad between music, expression, ingenuity and the dance floor" (how beautiful), and that Gev dances through his heart and that whatever he does he always delivers. Mary says that he has always been tremendous in almost all of his dances (this is particularly notable as he is a b-boy and had quite a few ballroom dances) and that he is one of the most lovable characters on the show and that some of his solos blew everyone in here away. Nigel says that having worked with all of the guys, they all have their only unique personality and charter traits and that Gev is really outstanding, with his personality, charisma and unique ability. This reminds me of what they judges said about Dominic last season, and I have a feeling he will be cut.

And at last we get to the results. Wait for it (I know, you already have):

Kherington is cut and her farewell package is to Forever May You Run by Gavin Rossdale (as always, thank you, Natalie, because I had NO idea who the singer or the song was). She has no time to speak, probably because of the earlier packaged I mentioned, and we are onto the boys. Gev pulled the lowest number of votes and is out, and he gives a little frown. His farewell package is to It Ends Tonight by the All-American Rejects, and Gev says, "Why did you pick that song?" (aw) and thanks everyone so much, and though he is sad, he is looking forward to the tour and this is just the beginning. As the credits roll, Chelsie, looking ghost-like (from Mia's dance), comes onto the stage, and the show ends. And that's it for this week. Remember to vote for your favorite dancers next week! See you then.





SYTYCD News Roundup

Fox/Kelsey McNeal


The LA Times has another behind the scenes look at what happened during the results show that didn't make it on camera. Before she gets into the juicy details though, she references Leee:

    "...inquiring chatter "Leee" asked a very good question: "Why hasn't Gev gone shirtless yet?"

We may never know.

More...

My Dance Place gives us a "Play by Play" recap of the results show. She had a few guesses about the "secret choreographer" and was just as surprised as I was when Nigel was named the man behind the dancing.

Zap 2 It has a wonderful interview with Cat Deeley. She goes from making jokes about her shoes to explaining how she tries to make this experience wonderful for each dancer:

    ""The really important thing is that there can only be one winner, so therefore you've got 19 other people who come to this stage in Hollywood and what you try and do is make the experience quite positive for them and make it a real life experience. Sometimes it's going to be hard, sometimes it's going to be challenging, sometimes it's just going to be downright bad, but then other times it's going to be really great and really fulfilling and it's their chance to do something new."

Cat is also on the cover of Eve magazine for the month of July.

People gets some quotes from each of the Top 10 dancers.

CTV gets Mary, Dan, and Jean Marc's thoughts on the Top 10.

Rachel Howard over at the Voice of Dance gives us her recap of the Top 10 performance show.


Top 5 Guys Group Routine

Here's the Top 5 Guys group routine choreographed by the "secret choreographer", Nigel Lythgoe.

Uploaded by QA31871205

Top 5 Girls Group Routine

Here's the Top 5 Girls group routine choreographed by Mia Michaels.

Uploaded by kelxk3l

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Quick Recap

Nate Levy multi-tasks. While he's watching the show, he's also clipping his toenails, editing a spreadsheet, preparing a veal stock, and writing a recap.

Top 10 Group Performance (Video)

The season 4 top 10. Choreography by Nakul Dev Mahajan

Uploaded by kelxk3l


America's Best Dance Crew Open Thread

So You Think You Can Dance Top 10 Results Show Open Thread

SYTYCD Update


FOX/Kelsey McNeal

Get Dan Karaty's and Mary Murphy's take on last night's show at Us Magazine.



Bollywood choreographer Nakul Dev Mahajan tells IndiaWest.com how he got involved with So You Think You Can Dance. Asked about working with Katee & Joshua last week:

“It was truly a gift to work with them, and I found it very pleasant to work with professional dancers,” Mahajan said. “They were just hungry for movement, they were hungry to stay in the show, and they were passionate.”

More...

Watch for Nakul's choreography again tonight during the opening group routine.




Apparently there was quite an uproar at the Fox boards after last week's guest performer, Katy Perry, sang a song called I Kissed A Girl. Tamara Gorzalka at Vue Weekly thinks it was just a piece of throw-away pop.




ABT dancer Matthew Murphy live-blogged last night's show. See what he thought of the Pas De Deux.

Katee Shean Is Readers' Favorite Dancer

Katee Shean handily won our poll of readers: Who will you or did you vote for? She should clearly be safe tonight, along with Joshua Allen, Mark Kanemura, Will Wingfield, and Chelsie Hightower. At extreme risk are Comfort Fedoke, Kherington Payne, Twitch, and Gev Manoukian. Courtney Galiano will probably make it to the So You Think You Can Dance top 8. Full results after the jump...


Chelsie Hightower

178 (23%)

Gev Manoukian

133 (17%)

Courtney Galiano

124 (16%)

Mark Kanemura

231 (30%)

Comfort Fedoke

40 (5%)

Twitch Boss

118 (15%)

Katee Shean

309 (41%)

Will Wingfield

195 (26%)

Kherington Payne

55 (7%)

Joshua Allen

227 (30%)


749 readers voted. Thanks for voting!

Natalie's Top 10 Performance Show Music Recap




Fox/Kelsey McNeal

I’d like to have Lil’ C as a judge every week. “Gumbo of emotions”. “Balance on the fulcrum of character”. “Internal artistry meets physical expression”. “You guys are the mediators and intercessors to communicate and manifest what the choreographers see”. Brilliant. It just makes sense to me. More so than any kind of stuff that comes out of Mary or Nigel’s mouth.

Onto the music…

Courtney and Joshua’s Hip Hop routine choreographed by Dave Scott

I’m so happy to see Dave Scott back on the show. Like most people, I couldn’t take my eyes off of Joshua. When I did look at Courtney she kept reminding me of Natalie from S2. Still. I felt like she couldn’t dance through her movement because of her pants? No? Oh…and the song was okay. Took a back seat to the choreography and story.

Song title: Skippin’
Artist/Band: Mario
Where you’ve heard the song before: It’s off of his album “Go!”, released in late 2007.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



More after the jump...


Chelsie’s Solo

I’m glad we got to see her do her solo. The song wasn’t anything special. Just something fun to listen to while you watched her dance.

Song title: Pon De Replay
Artist/Band: Rihanna
Where you’ve heard the song before: This song comes up a lot during the audition process of SYTYCD.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Kherington and Mark’s Country Two Step choreographed by Ronnie and Brandi

I was really excited to see different styles on the show this week. After this, I was not so excited. They kept talking about fast choreography. I guess I didn’t see it. Maybe it didn’t do it for me because I don’t like “twangy” country music? Sorry Ty England.

Song title: Kick Back
Artist/Band: Ty England
Where you’ve heard the song before: You’ve probably never heard the song before. It’s off of his 1996 album “Two Ways to Fall”. But Ty was in Garth Brook’s band. I don’t know how many country fans we have out there.
Where you can listen to the whole song:

This song is as hard to track down as some of Alex Da Silva’s song choices. Sorry.

Gev’s Solo

I liked his solo more last week, but this one was good too. I can’t pay attention to the songs tonight for some reason.

Song title: Hello/Goodbye (Uncool)
Artist/Band: Lupe Fiasco feat. Unkle
Where you’ve heard the song before: I've heard this song before. But I can't remember where.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Comfort and Twitch’s Waltz choreographed by Hunter Johnson

IV Reeeaaaalllll? Yeah. For real. That was not so hot. Although, any chance to hear Journey is not a bad deal. Songs you can belt out. Does anyone remember Travis doing an attitude turn during a waltz? I compared Twitch’s to his. Bad idea.

Song title: Open Arms
Artist/Band: Journey
Where you’ve heard the song before: You've heard Mariah Carey, Clay Aiken, and Elliott Yamin sing it. It was in episode of South Park. Oh and it was in the "blockbuster", I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Courtney’s Solo

After watching Courtney’s solo I’m convinced the pants in her first routine made her incapable of getting her leg past her waist. The show loves Celine. I bet the “music lady” picked one.

Song title: I Want You to Need Me
Artist/Band: Celine Dion
Where you’ve heard the song before: It was released in 2000. I don't remember this song. I think my mom owns this album...or maybe I do...?
Where you can listen to the whole song:

I bought this song. Imeem doesn't want to recognize it. Boooooo.

Katee and Will’s Broadway routine choreographed by Tyce Diorio

I can’t even remember how many times I’ve seen this musical, so I’m more than happy to hear this song on the show. As with Katee’s last broadway routine, her and Will danced beyond the music.

Song title: Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat (Guys and Dolls)
Artist/Band: Sam Harris
Where you’ve heard the song before: If you've never seen the musical, it's unlikely that you've heard the song before. Sam Harris, on the other hand, may be someone you recovgnize. He was the grand champion on the first season of Star Search and has appeared all over Broadway.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Mark’s Solo

Mark and Bohemian Rhapsody again. We never saw his full solo to this song, but this time he delivered. He’s quirky. The song’s a classic. Can’t go wrong.

Song title: Bohemian Rhapsody
Artist/Band: Queen
Where you’ve heard the song before: If you've never heard this song before, you should hang your head.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Chelsie and Gev’s Contemporary choreographed by Sonya

I actually liked this contemporary routine better than Chelsie and Mark’s routine during Week 1. Also, Sonya’s choreography runs the gamut. Crazy comic book characters to this. Plus I don’t hate hearing Otis Redding. A different kind of song to dance contemporary to. It worked.

Song title: These Arms of Mine
Artist/Band: Otis Redding
Where you’ve heard the song before: Wikipedia is telling me that this song was on the S.O.S. episode of LOST. I don't know if I believe that.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Comfort’s Solo

I liked the end? But I’m not sure that’s enough to save her.

Song title: Need a Boss
Artist/Band: Shareefa Feat. Ludacris
Where you’ve heard the song before: I'm not familiar with the song.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Twitch’s Solo

Wade’s music gives dancers something to really get after. His music has such small ticks in it and Twitch used almost every single one of them.

Song title: I Question Mark
Artist/Band: Wade Robson
Where you’ve heard the song before: Fans of Wade have heard the song, I'm sure.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Courtney and Joshua’s Rumba choreographed by Jean-Marc and France

Eh. It was okay? Courtney didn’t do it for me. She dances well, but doesn’t seem to dance through her movement, even without skin tight pants on. Plus I could do with never hearing this song every again.

Song title: Hero
Artist/Band: Enrique Iglesias
Where you’ve heard the song before: Again, if you haven't heard this song before, you've been living under a rock.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Katee’s Solo

Love and Basketball anyone? She is my favorite contestant ever on this show. I loved Allison from S2. She has nothing on this girl.

Song title: This Woman’s Work
Artist/Band: Maxwell (MTV Unplugged)
Where you’ve heard the song before: Love and Basketball. Kate Bush originally did this song.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Kherington and Mark’s Jazz routine choreographed by Tyce Diorio

Center Stage and Napoleon Dynamite anyone? I wanted Kherington in red pointe shoes and Mark in space boots, tight jeans and glasses. I didn’t hate watching this, but I didn’t love it either.

Song title: Canned Heat
Artist/Band: Jamiroquai
Where you’ve heard the song before: Center Stage. Napoleon Dynamite. In the Wii game Boogie. Apparently Nintendo loves this song. It also appears in the DS game Elite Beat Angels and the Gamecube game Donkey Konga.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Will’s Solo

I wouldn’t have guessed this song would have ever made it onto the short list of songs Will would want to dance to. I was wrong. I really liked this.

Song title: Dance with my Father
Artist/Band: Luther Vandross
Where you’ve heard the song before: During the Father/Daughter Dance at the last wedding you went to.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Comfort and Twitch’s Hip Hop routine choreographed by Dave Scott

I mean, this song is on repeat on my iPod more times than not, so obviously I’m already inclined to like this. For once, Nigel made sense. I felt like Twitch and Comfort were just dancing for fun. I didn’t realize that when Dave Scott said futuristic, he meant putting crushed velvet with an old carpet pattern and metallic silver fabric with mirrors on them. Good thing the song and their dancing was that good.

Song title: Forever
Artist/Band: Chris Brown
Where you’ve heard the song before: On my iPod.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Kherington’s Solo

I could see this is an end of the year recital. I like Rihanna. The song is fun.

Song title: Breakin’ Dishes
Artist/Band: Rihanna
Where you’ve heard the song before: It was on an episode of the short-lived Bionic Woman and in the film Sydney White.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Katee and Will’s Pas de Deux choreographed by Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden

Gee, I’ve never heard this song before. Who is this David Archuleta you speak of? As much as I hated hearing the first few notes of the song, I ended up loving it paired with the choreography. If this is what every Pas de Deux is going to be like, I’d like to see it every week. Unfortunately, I’m going to go ahead and say that no other girl or guy could have pulled this off the way that they did. As Cat said. Chills.

Song title: Imagine
Artist/Band: David Archuleta
Where you’ve heard the song before: I think that it's pointless to even joke about this one.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Joshua’s Solo

I danced to this song once. Joshua schooled me. Everything fit well with the music. We all know he’s brilliant. Oh….and I learned that a hand on the shoulder means IV Real.

Song title: Jam
Artist/Band: Michael Jackson
Where you’ve heard the song before: If you know MJ, you know this song.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Chelsie and Gev’s Jive choreographed by Jean-Marc

Again, Lil’ C makes the most sense to me. Maybe that’s weird. Brian Setzer isn’t doing it for me. I guess it was a good song to jive to. Super fast. Fast enough that poor Gev could barely keep his face out of a scowl because he was too worried about keeping up with the music.

Song title: The House is Rockin’
Artist/Band: Brian Setzer
Where you’ve heard the song before: No idea.
Where you can listen to the whole song:



Top 10 Performance Show Music Playlist

SYTYCD Top 10 Performance Show Music

Lacey in Elisa's Music Video

So You Think You Can Dance's Lacey Schwimmer is featured in Elisa's Rainbow music video. This is the artist that sings the song, as I'm sure you remember, that Lacey and Kameron did a contemporary piece to during Top 20 week of S3.


Emmy Nominations

So You Think You Can Dance is up for a few Emmy Nominations again this year! Wade's Hummingbird and Flower routine, Shane's Transformers routine, and Mandy's Table routine are all up for Outstanding Choreography. They're in the same category as the choreographers for High School Musical 2, one of which is Kelli Baker's famous mom, Bonnie Story. Make-up is also nominated for episode #311 in the Outstanding Makeup For A Multi-camera Series Or A Special (non-prosthetic). This would be, I would guess, for their work on Jaimie and Hok during Wade's piece. Noticably absent is Cat Deeley from the Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality - Competition Program category. I won't say it, but you can google the nominees for that category to find out who beat out our favorite host.

After the jump are all of the nominees for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Makeup For A Multi-camera Series Or A Special (non-prosthetic).

More after the jump...


Outstanding Choreography

Dancing With The Stars • Routine: Mambo / 'Para Los Rumberos' • ABC • BBC Worldwide Productions, LLC
Julianne Hough, Choreographer

High School Musical 2 • Routines: 'What Time Is It?', 'Fabulous', 'Work This Out', 'I Don't Dance', 'You Are the Music In Me', 'For One' • Disney Channel • Salty Pictures, Inc./First Street Films/Disney Channel
Kenny Ortega, Choreographer
Charles Klapow, Choreographer
Bonnie Story, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • Routine: Hummingbird and Flower / 'The Chairman's Waltz' • FOX • 19 TV Ltd and Dick Clark Productions
Wade Robson, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • Routine: Transformers / 'Fuego' • FOX • 19 TV Ltd and Dick Clark Productions
Shane Sparks, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • Routine: Table / 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)' • FOX • 19 TV Ltd and Dick Clark Productions
Mandy Moore, Choreographer

Outstanding Makeup For A Multi-camera Series Or A Special (non-prosthetic)

Dancing With The Stars • Episode #503 • ABC • BBC Worldwide Productions, LLC
Melanie Mills, Department Head Makeup Artist
Zena Shteysel, Key Makeup Artist
Patty Ramsey, Additional Makeup Artist
Nadege Schoenfeld, Additional Makeup Artist

MADtv • Episode 1308: With Kathy Griffin • FOX • Girl Group Company
Jennifer Aspinall , Department Head Makeup Artist
Heather Mages, Additional Makeup Artist
Christopher Burgoyne, Additional Makeup Artist
Ned Neidhardt, Additional Makeup Artist

So You Think You Can Dance • #311 • FOX • 19 TV Ltd and Dick Clark Productions
Amy Strozzi, Department Head Makeup Artist
Heather Cummings, Additional Makeup Artist
Tifanie White, Additional Makeup Artist
Crystal Wolfchild, Additional Makeup Artist

Two And A Half Men • City Of Great Racks • CBS • Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc., The Tannenbaum Company in association with Warner Bros. Television
Janice Berridge, Department Head Makeup Artist
Peggy Nichols, Key Makeup Artist


Sue Brody's Top 10 Performance Show Recap


Fox/Kelsey McNeal


Well, this was another jam-packed So You Think You Can Dance episode! As I've done the past two weeks, I am going to review the couples by dance, not chronologically, and then the solos last.

Cat has on a pretty yellow dress with her hair down. I wish she'd dress like this every week. Tonight's guest judge is Lil C, the Krump choreographer. I wasn't sure how he would be--he's always put on a tough, street persona--but he was very articulate and offered constructive criticism. I think every judge, particularly Mia and Nigel, could learn a lot from him. I will say that Mary was far less excitable than usual, and Nigel was less snarky and lewd. Maybe they've been reading the negative reviews the viewers have been expressing. Nigel has on a denim shirt and I prefer him in a suit, but that's just me. Mary is tastefully dressed this week.

Before the dancing starts, Cat notes that there were only nine dancers at the beginning of the show, and then Jessica is introduced. As most of you know, she had to bow out of the competition due to injury, and Cat has her explain. Jessica says that she broke two ribs and fractured another one, and the doctors told her not to dance for four weeks, though she should be able to join the tour. Cat says that she was always a strong part of the show, and I wondered if she's been listening to Mia and Nigel's harsh comments of her. Cat notes that Comfort will be competing in Jessica's place, and Jessica graciously leaves the stage.

As is the case each year beginning with the Top 10, the girls pick a new partner and two dances. Actually, last year it was one dance per couple and each contestant performed a Wade Robson routine, but this year, they will all perform two dances AND a solo, and I wonder when these guys will get a break.

More after the jump...
First couple: Courtney and Joshua.

Dance one: Hip hop by Dave Scott, dancing to Skippin' by Mario.

This dance reminds me of Lacey and Pasha's statue dance last season, as Joshua does a great deal of the straight dancing, and Courtney plays the character, Spankingstein, as Mary calls her (like Frankenstein's monster--get it?). I like the routine a lot; it plays to both of their strengths. Lil C says that it has interesting choreography and that Joshua killed it, but that Courtney also did well and that they made the choreography work. Mary screams and says that yes, the had great chemistry, and that Dave brought in comedy, which she likes. She says that Joshua stole the show but that Courtney did a respectable job. I thought that was obvious, since Joshua is a hip hop dancer, but that Courtney kept up with him. Nigel says that Joshua danced it terrifically and that Courtney's character was great but that she has to bring her dancing up, because the viewers will be voting for individuals and not couples this week. I don't think this is a great sign for Courtney.

Dance two: Rumba by Jean-Marc Generaux, dancing to Hero by Enrique Iglesias.

This is a very sensual dance, and Lil C says that he might need his asthma pump, as they took his breath away. He praised their hands and their extensions, but said that he could tell when the lifts were coming (I agreed). Mary says that the Rumba is so difficult but that they didn't fall off balance, there were many nuances, and that it was just fantastic. Nigel says that Jean-Marc designed a routine for them. Then he gets lewd, noting that Joshua was so butch but that a lot of women like that, and says he noticed Joshua kept some of his shirt on. Joshua amusingly replies that Will and Twitch were often naked on stage, and "wait till you see the rest of him." The judges applaud.

Second couple: Mark and Kherington.

First dance: Two Step by Ronnie Debenedeta and Brandi Tobias, to Kick Back by Ty England.

Their performance is very disappointing. This is a tough dance--in my opinion, as tough as the Quickstep--but they clearly struggled with it. Twitch gives Kherington his Superman glasses for luck, and Mark does an amusing giddy-up dance in the package, but that's about all that is particularly notable. Lil C says that this is a fun routine and that they tried to attack it, but that it only went in one direction and that their missed turn bled onto the stage (ouch). Mary says that Kherington wasn't connected through the center and that because she wasn't smooth, it was tough for Mark, but kudos to him for partnering her. Nigel says that the trouble was that it required partners to have complete trust in each other and that they didn't. He adds that Kherington was leading most of the way, but that they didn't give up, and yet that the routine was not winning any prizes. Not good.

Dance two: Jazz by Tyce DiOrio, to Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat by Sam Harris, Guys and Dolls soundtrack.

I found this especially disappointing. because I expected great energy and fun and they didn't bring it. Tyce notes that there is no story, that it is just a piece where the dancers feel the music and it showcases their style. However, they were far stronger in the package. Lil C says that it was a good routine and that they maintained a nice balance with good turns by Kherington, but that the lifts looked too choreographed (I agreed; they seemed laborious). Mary says that she wasn't jumping up and down in her seat, and though they covered the stage, it didn't fire her up, and she called it okay, a weigh station between too little and too much (I liked that analogy). She adds that Mark is lost without having a character or a story, and I have to agree. Mark says that it was a little like a driving test; he checked off the pirouettes, the knees pointed, their dancing together, but that there wasn't anything on top of it, and that they didn't add any passion to what Tyce gave them (this really reminded me of Wade's solo dances during Top 10 last season). He says that this wasn't what would make people pick up the phone for them, and I get worried as a Mark fan. I would also be shocked if Kherington isn't in the bottom two.

Twitch and Comfort.

Dance one: Waltz by Hunter Johnson to Open Arms by Journey.

Uh, oh, I thought, this isn't going to work, and in fact it was pretty much a train wreck; the only thing I enjoyed was the song, which I sang while I watched the couple stumble through the number. Comfort was beautiful, and Lil C says he enjoyed the routine, but they weren't floating along the floor, that Comfort's extensions were more graceful than before, though is was respectable (I found Lil C encouraging throughout the show). Mary, however, says that it was lacking so much power at this point of the season, and that even though it was outside of their style, the routine was clunky, and the quality of movement just wasn't there. Nigel was even harsher, saying that if viewers hadn't known that these two were in the Top 10, they wouldn't have believed it, and explained the problems with their dancing, though he did say that they nailed the final lift. H said it was another hurdle over with, which was true, though the Swaybots seemed to enjoy it.

Dance two: Hip Hop by Dave Scott to Forever by Chris Brown.

They are lucky they are both hip hop dancers, because they did a great job with this number. It was a futuristic piece that Lil C said was kinda buck. Then he explained what he meant: " [Buck is] when internal artistry meets physical expression (interesting)." He said that Twitch was the spitting image of Dave Scott, as he was precise and hits hard, and that this was Comfort's best hip hop routine. Mary agrees that this was buck, too, and that it revealed character, and that Comfort was a fighter and came to the plate and stepped up (if I hear those expressions one more time, and I will, I'm going to scream, which I will). She stood up and bowed before Twitch, and Nigel does a "fa real" move and says that it didn't look choreographed, it looked like dancing with joy, and that Comfort had always been the best hip hop girl of the season, and that she never came up to the plate UNTIL TONIGHT (ugh, stop saying that, Mary and Nigel). He also says that he hopes Jessica feels "well-respected" (I actually do wonder how she feels), and "Welcome back, Comfort." We'll see if this is enough to keep her from elimination.

Will and Katee.

Dance one: Broadway to Tyce DiOrio, dancing to Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat from the Guys and Dolls, Sam Harris.

Not surprisingly, Katee and Will do a great job with the piece. Tyce thinks they are the perfect couple, technically strong and just great dancers, and they have great unison as they dance with power in a small space (a boat, surprise). Lil C applauds their versatility, says that Tyce is a beast, and that he finds them explosive and in character and that they rocked his boat and it was buck (ha ha). Mary says that they had hopped on the love boat (this was an expression from S2 and also apropos of the number), and that Katee possess talent that was out of this world and that Will got got into the funky part and that it was fantastic. Cat makes a reference to Will ripping off his shirt and wondering if Dmitri ever got so much applause from the audience, and COINCIDENTALLY Dmitri and Mia are in the audience. Nigel says that they are the most technical dancers in the competition, and that they are the first couple that he could say, Yeah, I know why you are in the top 10. Considering that he also said very complimentary things about Joshua and Courtney, I am a little bit annoyed by this comment, but it's clear that Katee and Will are his favorite couple.

Dance two: Pad de Deux by Desmond Richardson, danced to Imagine by David Archuleta. (That didn't take long for David Archuleta from American Idol to get a song on the program, and I wonder if David Cook is jealous. To be fair, Archie' rendition his beautiful, possibly the highlight of the season.) This was a beautiful dance, and not surprisingly the judges went crazy in their praise. Lil C says that he is nervous critiquing this one, that the dancers have the most difficult job in having to mediate what the choreographers see (somehow, I don't think Nigel would agree). He says they danced with such fervor and commitment and really delivered the piece. Mary says that it was a beautiful song, beautiful choreography, and that they are two of the most beautiful dancers she has ever seen. Nigel begins by praising Desmond Richardson, "probably one of the greatest modern ballet contemporary dancers in the world," and notes that he and his partner Dwight Rhoden formed the Complexions Dance Company and thanks them for coming to SYTYCD. He says that he has never seen such beautiful dancing on the show this season or maybe ever, and that he caught their one mistake (I did, too), but if they hadn't had it, they might never have surpassed this moment. I think he's gone a bit overboard, but their combination of contemporary dancing with ballet was beautiful. They are both headed for the Top 4.

Final couple: Chelsie and Gev.

Dance one: Contemporary by Sonya Tayeh, danced to These Arms of Mine by Otis Redding.

Sonya says this is a dance about a couple in love and how they feel when they are apart. I'm not sure I saw that in the piece, but I really liked it. Gev had crazy leaps and Chelsie was extremely emotional. Lil C says that contemporary makes him feel something and lets him explore something, and that this piece did as well and that the dancers were committed. Mary says that Sonya finds an interesting way of doing things and that they had great chemistry and that Gev leaped across the stage, that they had effortless lifts, and that it was terrific. Nigel says that it felt like a sleazy cafe, late at night, with the waitress gone, and I was surprised it took him this long to say something inappropriate. However, he says that Chelsie made him "your man," but that Gev was not completely beyond it and that he might still have Courtney on his mind (inappropriate comment two). I disagree: I thought both dancers were terrific. It seemed to me that Nigel didn't really want Gev to continue in the competition.

Dance two: Jive by Jean-Marc Generaux danced to The House is Rocking by Brian Setzer (what a great song!). I also liked this piece a lot, though Lil C says that Chelsie out-stepped Gev and that she could make a mannequin look good, but that Gev was not always there and was in and out of the routine. Mary say it was a great way to end the evening, and showed great partnership, but THEN went on to say that it was like Dancing with the Stars: a professional (Chelsie) with an amateur (Gev). I kept wondering why they forgot that Chelsie is a ballroom dancer and Gev is a b-boy (and I LOVE Chelsie). She did note that Gev was there for her and that it was very entertaining. Nigel says that it was very entertaining and that Chelsie was terrific but that Gev bounded and then stopped, though they did a great job. Again, I have a feeling they want Gev eliminated.

Finally, the solos, and I'll keep this brief:

Chelsie dances to Pon de Replay by Rhianna. It was a very nice routine and didn't feel ballroom.

Gev dances to Hello/Goodbye (Uncool) by Lupe Fiasco feat. Unkle, and it is fabulous, insane, and original, using a t-shirt in the midst of this leaps and spins. This could keep him in the competition.

Courtney dances to I Want You to Need Me by Celine Dion, and she is very passionate and gets hugged tightly by Cat and is applauded by the judges.

Mark dances to Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and I think this is the dance of the night. He is just so lithe and uses the music to perfection. It reminds me of how well Michael Johns sang the song during Hollywood Week on Idol, and he pantomimes Cat as she gives out his number. This may keep him in the competition.

Comfort dances to Need a Boss by Shareefa feat. Ludacris and it's fine, but similar to her other dances.

Katee dances to This Woman's Work (MTV Unplugged) by Maxwell and it's a nice solo, but not the strongest of the night. It doesn't matter, however; she is more than safe.

Twitch
dances to I Question Mark by Wade Robson (I don't know who Mark is, but it's a Wade Robson song, so yay!). He uses the stage well and is fun to watch. He gets a great deal of applause. Cat says, "Do you fancy saving the universe," and Twitch says he does, "one dance floor at a time." Twitch continues to amuse.

Will dances to Dance with My Father by Luther Vandross, and he uses the stage brilliantly and includes his great leaps, but I am not sure this is his best solo. Again, it doesn't really matter.

Kherington dances to Breakin' Dishes by Rhianna and she displays passion, attitude, and technique. It's too bad she doesn't bring such fire to her routines.

Joshua dances to Jam by Michael Jackson, and shows great leaps, isolations, and even chest popping at the end. It's very impressive.

Predicted bottom four:

Girls: Kherington and Comfort
Boys: Gev, Mark, Twitch (not really sure, to be honest)














SYTYCD News Roundup

TV Squad has their recap up and it not only outlines the dances, but also picks up on something I thought I was the only one to notice. Cat's one-liners.

    "After Nigel compared the final lift in Twitch and Comfort's routine to the lift from Dirty Dancing, Cat responded with: "Nobody puts Comfort in a corner." A great nod to the movie and a funny off-the-cuff bit from Cat."

The LA Times always has an interesting recap of things that we didn't get to see on camera. Including Nigel's expression after Kherington's solo.

Tee Vee Time has a recap up and also ranks the couples by routines and the dancers by solos.

So You Think You Can Dance Alum, Danny Tidwell, wrote an article in movmnt magazine in 2006 about Desmond Richardson. Naming him and Denise Wall, who is also quoted, as two influences on the way he dances.

    "Desmond has had a major influence on my life and will forever remain one of my favorite dancers."

Sheila Kaiser, someone who got more airtime during the audition process than some of the Top 10, did an interview with her local paper.

Mike Hughes at LSJ Blogs has 10 comments about last night's show. One of which is the bold statement that Comfort should go, but Kherington will. And if she and Mark do, he's willing to blame it completely on the country two-step.

Katee & Will's Pas De Deux (Video)

Katee Shean & Will Wingfield - Pas De Deux - Desmond Richardson & Dwight Rhoden

Uploaded by kelxk3l



Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Mark's Solo (Video)


Uploaded by kelxk3l


Courtney & Joshua's Hiphop (Video)

Courtney Galiano & Joshua Allen - Hiphop - Dave Scott


Thanks to kelxk3l for the quick upload

Early Recap

I don't know how he does it, but Nate Levy's recap is up at Levy on TV.


Videos tomorrow.

So You Think You Can Dance Top 10 Voting Numbers

Chelsie Hightower - 888-836-7601

Gev Manoukian - 888-836-7602

Courtney Galiano - 888-836-7603

Mark Kanemura - 888-836-7604

Comfort Fedoke - 888-836-7605

Twitch Boss - 888-836-7606

Katee Shean - 888-836-7607

Will Wingfield - 888-836-7608

Kherrington Payne - 888-836-7609

Joshua Allen - 888-836-7610

So You Think You Can Dance Top 10 Track List

Courtney & Joshua

Hiphop - Dave Scott

Skippin' - Mario




Chelsie's solo 888-836-7601

Pon de Replay - Rihanna




Kherington & Mark

Two Step - Ronnie & Brandi

Kick Back - Ty England




Gev's solo

Hello/Goodbye (Uncool)
Lupe Fiasco Feat. Unkle




Comfort & Twitch

Smooth Waltz - Hunter & Maria Johnson

Open Arms - Journey




Courtney's solo

I Want You To Need Me - Celine Dion




Katee & Will

Broadway - Tyce Diorio

Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat (Gusy and Dolls) - Sam Harris




Mark's solo

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen




Chelsie & Gev

Contemporary - Sonya Tayeh

These Arms Of Mine - Otis Redding




Comfort's solo

Need A Boss - Shareefa Feat. Ludacris



Twitch's solo

I Question Mark - Wade Robson



Courtney & Joshua

Rhumba - Jean Marc and France

Hero - Enrique Iglesias



Katee's solo

This Woman's Work
(MTV Unplugged)
Maxwell



Kherington & Mark

Jazz - Tyce Diorio

Canned Heat - Jamiroquai


Will's solo

Dance With my Father - Luther Vandoss



Comfort & Twitch

Hiphop - Dave Scott

Forever - Chris Brown



Kherington's solo

Breakin' Dishes - Rihanna



Katee & Will

Pas de deux - Desmond Richardson & Dwight Rhoden

Imagine - David Archuleta



Joshua's solo

Jam - Michael Jackson



Chelsie & Gev

Jive - Jean Marc & France

The House Is Rockin' - Brian Setzer



So You Think You Can Dance Top 10 Performance Show Open Thread

News Update

Students of Twitch and Katee obviously love their teachers. MyFox LA has video.




LA Times talks to Tony Wigens, head of touring for 19 Entertainment, about the SYTYCD season 4 tour:

According to Wigens, the idea of an "American Idol" tour was intuitive from the get-go, but planning a "Dance" tour took more consideration. "It was very much a leap in the dark as well as a leap of faith," recalled Wigens, who is far more accustomed to planning musical concerts than dance shows. The "leap of faith" paid off in the tour's first year, 2006. "I think the thing sold out in a matter of hours," he said.

After seeing the tickets snatched up, Wigens assumed that the stadiums would be full of teenagers. Instead, the tour drew fans of all ages. "We were expecting it to be a really young audience, but it really is not," he said. "There's not one specific demographic that we're playing to." First and foremost, Wigens hopes the tour will inspire attendance from people who never would have come to a dance performance otherwise.

As for what fans can expect from the tour, Wigens says the live show includes memorable performances from the TV show, interspersed with video footage, among other things. "It's very different," he said. "It's a very, very exciting show."
More...





Lisa Halpern at Film.com recruits new viewers to our favorite dance show.





I didn't know that Mia Michaels is 5'11", or that she had broken up with her boyfriend in April. I'm not gonna say it, but given her ornery disposition lately, you know what we're all thinking. Find out more, at The Hub.





Project Runway begins it's 5th season tonight at 10pm 9 and 11PM ET. Along with So You Think You Can Dance, it makes for a great night of TV. If you watch PR, you'll want to follow along with our friends at Blogging Project Runway. And don't forget about the brand spanking new Blogging America's Best Dance Crew.





Our friend and Australian correspondent Reality Raver is home with her new baby boy, her second child. Stop by Reality Ravings and wish her and the baby well.



Tribute To Thayne (Video)

Another gem by our friend Buffmetube. A tribute to Thayne Jasperson.


Click through for high quality version. It's worth it.

SYTYCD's Dominic joining ABDC's JabbaWockeeZ?

There has been speculation across the web that So You Think You Can Dance's Dominic "D'Trix" Sandoval is joining America's Best Dance Crew's JabbaWockeeZ. We couldn't find any conclusive evidence confirming or denying it, but we did find some interesting stuff.

The rumors stem from a benefit performance the Jabbawockeez did this past Saturday at St. Peter's College in New Jersey. There is a low-quality video that has an interesting description. There seems to be a connection between Dom and members of Jabbawockeez:

    "DOMINIC was in PRESS PLAY, the dance crew, that is DIRECTED by Joe Larot. Dominic is close with Phil, Joe, and Kevin."


The JabbaWockeeZ MySpace page references Press Play.

There is also a video highlighting the mysterious 5th Jabbawockeez member that never took off his mask at the Meet and Greet:


Some comments speculate that Dom is the Jabba doing the flares during the Red Pill section.

On Dom's Myspace Page, his calender references a charity event in New Jersey on July 19th. Was this a simple mistake on his part? Since the charity event with the Jabbawockeez occurred this past Saturday, not this coming Saturday?

Since everyone surrounding this seems to be tight-lipped, we may never know if Dominic stood in for one of the JabbaWockeeZ at this event. I think it is safe to say, though, that he is sticking with Quest for now.

Here is a preview video of Quest. They will be featured in a Far East Movement music video to be released August 1st.


Season 4 Tour Press Release

The So You Think You Can Dance season 4 tour press release, including dates, after the jump...


AMERICA'S FAVORITE DANCERS COMING THIS FALL TO A CITY NEAR YOU 19 Entertainment, Dick Clark productions and AEG Announce on Sale Ticket Date of August 2nd for Dance Tour Kicking Off in Tacoma, WA on September 20


LOS ANGELES, July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Fans of America's #1 sizzling summer show, "So You Think You Can Dance," can see their favorite stars perform live on stage in this fall's highly anticipated tour which kicks off September 20 in Tacoma, WA. The show will feature hit routines from the TV show as well as original pieces created just for the tour. 19 Entertainment chief executive and series creator Simon Fuller, co-creator Nigel Lythgoe, dick clark productions and AEG announce most tickets for this hot tour go on-sale Saturday August 2nd, 2008 (see below for details).


The tour will waltz, tango and krump it's way across North America offering audiences the opportunity to see their favorite dancers command the stages of arenas (below list of tour cities and dates subject to change). Finalists participating include Chelsie H, Comfort, Courtney G, Katee, Kherington, Gev, Joshua, Mark, Twitch and Will. Jessica, who recently left the show due to an unfortunate injury, may return to the stage when the dancers embark on the nationwide tour.


Snuggle, who is a season long sponsor of the television show, also joins the tour as a presenting sponsor.

Date City VenueOn Sale Date
September 20 Tacoma, WATacoma Dome August 2
September 21 Portland, OR Rose Garden August 2
September 23 West Valley City, UT "E" Center August 2
September 25 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion August 2
September 27 Anaheim, CA Honda Center August 4
September 28 San Diego, CA Sports Arena August 2
September 30 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena August 2
October 1 Los Angeles, CA Nokia TheatreAugust 4
October 2 Sacramento, CAARCO Arena August 2
October 4 Reno, NV Reno Events Center August 2
October 5 Fresno, CASaveMart Center August 2
October 7 Glendale, AZ jobing.com Arena August 2
October 10 Grand Prairie, TX Nokia TheatreAugust 2
October 11 Houston, TX Reliant ArenaAugust 2
October 12 Austin, TXFrank Erwin Center August 2
October 14 Tulsa, OK BOK Center August 2
October 15 Kansas City, MO Sprint CenterAugust 2
October 17 Chicago, IL United CenterAugust 2
October 18 Green Bay, WI Resch Center August 2
October 19 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center August 2
October 21 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center August 2
October 22 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center August 2
October 24 Highland Heights, KY Bank of KY Ctr August 2
October 25 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena August 2
October 26 Toronto, ON Air Canada CentreAugust 1
October 28 Trenton, NJ Sovereign Bank Arena August 2
October 29 Boston, MAAgganis ArenaAugust 2
November 1 Mashantucket, CT MGM Grand TheaterAugust 2
November 2 Manchester, NHVerizon Wireless Center August 2
November 3 Providence, RIDunkin' Donuts CenterAugust 2
November 5 Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum August 2
November 6 Newark, NJPrudential CenterAugust 2
November 8 Pittsburgh, PAPetersen Events Center August 2
November 9 Norfolk, VA Constant Convocation Center August 2
November 10Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner ArenaAugust 2
November 12Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena August 2
November 13Duluth, GAArena at GwinnettAugust 2
November 14Pensacola, FL Pensacola Civic Center August 2
November 16Miami, FL American Airlines Arena August 2
November 17Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum August 2




Most tickets are available at Ticketmaster locations, online at AEG Live.com or ticketmaster.com. Tickets subject to applicable service charges. Event time and date subject to change. Log on to fox.com/dance for full list of dates and links.



About 19 Entertainment


The 19 Group of Companies was founded by Simon Fuller in 1985 and has achieved over 40 No. 1 singles and 15 No. 1 albums. Fuller also has an impressive tally of over 60 Top-40 albums and 170 Top-40 singles in the U.K. alone. Fuller created and managed the Spice Girls, who became a global phenomenon under his guidance, selling over 38 million albums. In 1998, Fuller's 19 launched S Club 7, which has sold 10 million CDs worldwide, while its three television series have consistently topped children's viewing figures, reaching 104 countries. In 2001, Simon Fuller's 19TV created and
produced the television phenomenon "Pop Idol" and in 2002, AMERICAN IDOL. "Pop Idol" launched the singing careers of Will Young and Gareth Gates in the U.K., while AMERICAN IDOL did the same for Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and Ruben Studdard in the United States. 19 Entertainment produces the FOX summer hit SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE along with Dick Clark Productions, Inc.



About Dick Clark Productions, Inc.


Founded in 1957, Dick Clark Productions, Inc. (DCP) is a leading independent producer of television programming. DCP produces perennial hits such as the American Music Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve and the Academy of Country Music Awards. DCP also produces popular weekly television programming, including SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, and owns and maintains one of the world's most unique and extensive entertainment libraries, which includes more than 30 years of American Bandstand among other things. For additional information, please visit http://www.dickclarkproductions.com.


Emmy-winning SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE was created by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe and comes from 19 Entertainment Ltd. and Dick Clark Productions, Inc. It is executive-produced by Simon Fuller, Nigel Lythgoe and Barry Adelman.



About AEG Live


AEG Live, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance, touring for a variety of programming and multi-media production. AEG Live, the nation's second largest concert promotion and touring company is comprised of special event, broadcast and exhibition divisions, eleven regional offices and numerous state of the art venues nationwide. The company's national promotion arm is currently producing tours and productions including Celine Dion A New Day ... now appearing at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs," an international tour of the artifacts of King Tut. Recent and upcoming promoted concert tours have included artists such as Justin Timberlake, Bon Jovi, Prince, Christina Aguilera, Kenny Chesney, So You Think You Can Dance, Paul McCartney, High
School Musical, American Idols Live and Dancing with the Stars. Goldenvoice, the company's Southern California-based regional promotion division created and operates the award winning annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival as well as Stagecoach: California's Country Music Festival. The company operates NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas, NOKIA Theatre Times Square, and the soon to be opened NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE.


About Snuggle


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SYTYCD Update

Gev Manoukian's friends are "in shock":

"It doesn't seem real that someone we know is so successful and has gone so far."

More...




Thayne Jasperson talked to the Salt Lake Tribune after performing at TCA Monday.




Fox has added a dance wiki to the official site. That's pretty progressive. Maybe there's hope for a decent website after all.
A wiki is a collaboratively written website created by the fans for the fans. That means YOU add the images, videos, and info about the SYTYCD competitions, dancers, and talented judges and judge choreographers that define So You Think You Can Dance.




Tuesday, July 15, 2008

SYTYCD Update


JigTV interviews Brian Friedman. He has TV projects in the works and gives some music recommendations.



Besides Will Wingfield, does Mia Michaels have anything nice to say about anybody lately? The Star-Telegram asked her about Joshua Allen:

"I'm going to say, because I got to work
with him a couple weeks ago, he's not that trained," Michaels said in response to a question about whether Allen has hidden his talent from other genres. "He's not that trained. He's a good faker. He's had some training, but not extensive. No. He's pretty raw."

More... Alert! The article contains one dance spoiler for this week.


Here, she's asked about why there are so many Utahns on dance TV:
"Because they have no social life," says So You Think You Can Dance judge and choreographer Mia Michaels. It's the Mormon thing: No sex, drugs, drinking. So dancing becomes a great outlet."

More...




Michael Jensen at AfterElton cornered Nigel on his issues with gay men and effeminate male dancers:
AE: Why don’t you like the effeminate [dancers]?

NL: Because they need to be very strong. Dancing is role-playing most of the time. And you need to be strong and lift girls. You need to look stronger than the girl you’re dancing with. You control the dance, especially in ballroom. So if you mince about the stage, you’re not doing what the choreographer is asking you to do. He’s asking you to be strong. If your choreographer then wants to do an effeminate routine, then that’s fine, but most of the time we don’t do effeminate routines so straight or gay doesn’t come into it for me.

More...



Recap

Our friend, Leee, has posted his always witty and insightful recap of this past week's shows. This time around he examines the narrative of the show, compares Marksie to a phenomenon brought to you by Isabella Rossellini, and so much more.

SYTYCD News Update

Mia Michaels Has been heavily criticized lately for comments many deem harsh. Brill Bundy at From Inside The Box gives her a chance to tell her side of the story:

"What America doesn't know is the relationship," she explains at the TCA Summer Press Tour, saying that what she brings to the judging table is a choreographer's perspective. "There's a beautiful, beautiful collaboration and very nurturing [atmosphere]. For me especially, I nurture them. I'm Mamma Mia and they look to me for that tough love actually.

"So, when I say it, American might go, 'Oh my God, that's so harsh.'

"[The dancers] are cool with it. They know. They know I only want them to be brilliant."

More...



EW.com gets the lowdown on those IV REAL t-shirts. Turns out it's just an inside joke.



So You Think You Can Dance's Mark Kanemura went to the same Honolulu high school as Fanny Pack's (America's Best Dance Crew) Cara Horibe.



Thayne Jasperson is wasting no time self pity. He has a teaching gig this week.



ALERT! Comment thread contains a choreographer/dance spoiler for this week.