Fabulous Melanie and Tadd

Legion of Extraordinary Dancers - Phenomenal

Jess & Jordan Eliminated on July 28

As predictably as Jordan and Caitlynn were in the bottom, Melanie and Sasha were safe for another week. With the boys, it was obvious that Marko would be safe, which sent Jess to the bottom. Now, Jess in the B4 might have been a surprise on any other night, but faced off against Marko? Forget it. The most surprising development of the night came when Tadd and Ricky were pitted against one another. Was anybody thinking Tadd wouldn't advance? Certainly not Nigel (quote: "You will not be biting the dust this week, young man"). Certainly not Mary (quote: "You're gonna land yourself in the finale, I just know it"). Especially when compared to Ricky's (literally) weak performance last night, it seemed certain that Ricky would be sent packing. And yet! Tadd was relegated to the B4, and Ricky was left with a gaping mouth at the shock of being declared safe. Best of all was how Tadd seemed so supportive of Ricky

SOLOS
 Jordan continued to embrace the sexed-up caricature she was saddled with from day one, dancing to Rihanna's "S&M." How many ways can we say "We get it, you're bendy, and you can gyrate your hips" to make it get through to her? Worse, she nearly fell over at one point. Caitlynn, dancing to "What Turns You On" by Katie Simpson, was likewise unsteady on her feet and stumbled out a series of turns. It was better than Jordan's routine, though only marginally
 Jess stayed firmly in his comfort zone, dancing to "Mack the Knife" by Kevin Spacey from Beyond the City..... completing a dizzying series of turns -- a fan kick leap into eight straight-legged fouettés, with at least four pirouettes in between, followed by another eight pirouettes in a row, then a piqué to grow on.
Tadd brought crazy amounts of personality where Jess brought technical excellence.  Dancing to the jubilant end of Beetlejuice (a.k.a. "Jump in the Line" by Harry Belafonte), he strutted out onto the stage, latched onto a piece of set and hung there horizontally for a good five or 10 seconds, gymnast-style. It was a lot more fun than dancing, in a way, but I would argue that Tadd has proved time and again that he can do the technical stuff. And I certainly didn't miss it for one second of his performance, not least of which when he did a flying aerial off the stage and then rand a victory lap around the audience. The finale needs Tadd.

The Final Verdict

Results Part 1: Mitchell, Tadd, and Melanie - Mitchell had a lackluster Broadway routine and was obviously part of the bottom four. Mitchell marks his fourth appearance in the bottom, though the first was because of injuries. Melanie managed to overcome some of the stigmas of a slow Viennese Waltz and losing Marko. According to Nigel, Tadd out danced Comfort, this is enough to argue that we need a new hip-hop female. Both Tadd and Melanie were safe.

Results Part 2: Marko, Sasha, Clarice - Marko opened the show with a sexy samba and benefited from having Chelsie Hightower for increased exposure; Marko was also last to perform his solo last night. He was easily safe. Sasha had one of the best Lyrical Hip-Hop routines, topping her last Lyrical Hip-Hop "Coming Home.” As much as Clarice was last and had an explosive Bollywood routine, Neil mentioned that he never connected with her. Clarice was in the bottom and Sasha was safe.

Results Part 3: Jess, Jordan, Ricky, Caitlynn - Jess was criticized for mugging for the camera, and the performance was all about how beautifully Kathryn moved. Ricky had another nightmare routine after following his zombie "Fashion" routine, on the second look; Ricky was very supportive of Allison. Jess was safe and Ricky was in the bottom four. Ricky now was also in his fourth appearance in the bottom showing that both Ricky and Mitchell should be eliminated soon. Caitlynn had the first Argentine Tango of the season and it marvelous to watch. Jordan had a very strong contemporary performance and was fighting. She had the disadvantage of performing second and having her solo in the middle. Jordan was in the bottom and Caitlynn was safe.

Musical Performance: Daniil Simkin (Ballet) - There was something adorkable about the whole routine where it looked almost too easy. The "drunken Frenchman" storyline was easy to grasp and his leaps were insane.

Solos

Clarice - The performance lacked a bit of something outside of the "Look at me, I'm pretty." I couldn't stop looking at the bow on her butt, there was no reason for it to be there and it looked like one you would put on a present.

Mitchell -A really cool routine involving a piece of fabric and proved his athleticism. Even though he fell out of his turn a bit, he had the same physicality he always does.

Jordan - Another slow routine which displayed her powerful extensions. The song was one of the most fitting songs as well where the lyrics kept saying "don't you let me go, let me go tonight" almost as a plea to the judges. The judges already emphasized how much they loved her.

Ricky - A performance where he was battling for a win. While the judges don't respond positively on back flips it was great visual for the audience. Ricky and Mitchell are a bit interchangeable so either elimination wouldn't faze me.

Musical Guest: Blush ft. Snoop Dogg - Does Snoop Dogg get paid to just say hello these days? Blush seemed like one of those attempts for an Asian group to succeed.

The final verdict

After the commercial break, Nigel announced that the votes were unanimous, so the background conversation was probably just Neil talking about his involvement with The Smurfs.

Nigel emphasized that contestants have been in the bottom before, including the apparently untouchable Twitch. Have we all forgotten that Twitch lost? The point was that Nigel cut Mitchell and Clarice in one quick swoop.

 

 

Good-by, Robert and Miranda

So here's my view:  I think Ashley should have gone home...Miranda far outdanced her in the solos and i would bet this is the reason for the not unanimous vote by the judges.  And I think Chris should have been sent home, but maybe that's because I think Robert's personality is so huge.  My husband thinks Chris is a better dancer...so...

After a performance show that had judges kissing one another and Kristin Chenoweth telling everyone to shut the front, back, side and garage doors, "So You Think You Can Dance" sent two more finalists home on Thursday night's results show.

So, which finalists had to dance for their lives, and which two were ultimately sent packing? (Spoiler Alert)



After the dancers opened the show with a jazz number to music from "The Incredibles," host Cat Deeley brought the couples on stage to learn their fates. And the bottom three pairs were Miranda and Robert, Ashley and Chris and Caitlynn and Mitchell.

The results weren't surprising. Miranda and Robert's Broadway number by Tyce Diorio was polished but nowhere near as exciting (or moving) as some of the other routines. Same goes for Caitlynn and Mitchell's Jean-Marc Genereux-choreographed samba - it was good, considering neither of them are ballroom dancers, but didn't compare to the other numbers. And all of the judges criticized Ashley and Chris' Sonya Tayeh-choreographed, zombie-inspired jazz routine.  [Is this the first time the judges have ever been less than over the top about Sonya?]

The bottom six danced for their lives, and the results show also featured a beautiful duet from the AXIS Dance Company, which integrates dancers with and without physical disabilities, and a gravity-defying ballroom number from Eric Luna and Georgia Ambarian.

Then, it was time for the judges' decision. Nigel Lythgoe didn't make the three girls suffer long - he called Miranda forward first, and told her that while she was improving as the show went on, it wasn't enough. [Not unanimous among the judges.  I bet the runner-up was Ashley.  Oh well, she'll go home next week.]
Lythgoe then called each of the boys forward. He told Chris and Robert that they weren't improving fast enough, and noted that while Mitchell's solos are impressive, he keeps finding himself in danger of elimination. Ultimately, Robert was the one sent packing.

Lythgoe noted that the judges' were not unanimous in their decision to send Miranda home, but all agreed on eliminating Robert.)

Crazy kissin' judges

It was another night of superb dancing as the Top 16 took to the stage
on 'So You Think You Can Dance'. But as Cat Deeley noted, there was also a theme on the night: A battle of the sexes, of sort.


That battle got a little steamy after a Nappytabs routine featuring Melanie Moore and Marko Germar. The story of the dance was that Marko was stood up at the altar on his wedding day. As his best friend Melanie tries to console him, he realizes she's the one he truly loves. More dramatically, he sealed that realization with a kiss.


That inspired a veritable kissapalooza on the judging panel as first Nigel Lythgoe kissed Mary Murphy, then guest judge Kristin Chenoweth laid one on Lil C, and finally Nigel came across the dais to kiss Lil C as well. It was all Deeley could do to keep control of the proceedings.


As for the dance, it was a definite highlight in an evening of stand-out performances. Clarice Ordaz and Jess Leprotto stole Chenoweth's heart with their Foxtrot, while Jordan Casanova and Tadd Gadduang wrapped the night with a naughty hip-hop number.


The only misfire for us, and the judges, was Sonya Tayeh's jazz routine for Ashley Rich and Chris Koehl. She needed them to get much deeper into her half-skeleton/zombie characters than either of them seemed able to, leaving the routine a little flat.

Debbie Reynolds gives advice to eliminated contestants

Wednesday routines June 22

I am surprised that I liked Mitchell.  He didn't dance last week and came across as an emotional wimp when the camera shot him in the audience.  He was so good that I didn't even connect him with last week's cry baby.

Sasha with Alexander...I really liked this routine and the judges gave it added favor by announcing Obama's troop withdrawal announcement.

Chris and Ashley...I was prepared to not like their routine based on the silly interview and the difficulty during practice.  But, Ashley met her challenge head on and showed a new maturity.  I especially liked the first slow walk by Chris...that really set the mood.

Melanie and Marko...Is she the first dancer with short hair (other than Sasha)?  I liked their routine and think they may be the favorite of the judges.

Rickey and Ryan...please, someone tell her to stop with the big silly grin!  She loses character and mood.  Good dance...good costumes in spite of malfunctions.

Iveta and Nick...am I the only one who thinks Iveta is on the other side of 30?  Her talent cannot be denied, though.  And Nick seems to be a step behind her all through the routine.  Does he have a clue...  And the Bollywood was not great.  It is hard to find anything to compare with the first production number a few years ago.

I like Robert and Miranda...liked their routine, too.

Wadi and Missy...these guys may be in trouble but his personality is a bit more genuine than most others and the judges were tough on him because lack of hip action, I think.

Tadd and Jordan...OK, Viennese waltz is not popular among this young crowd...but this couple is one of the best.

Jess and Clarice...Well, Jess is fantastic on his own but I don't think it works for him with a partner.  He's a skinny little guy and could barely manage the simple lifts.  Made Clarice look bad.

First Week Eliminations - or not!

WOW!  What a Surprise!  No one was eliminated. The performances were all amazing....well, some more amazing than others.

So, Cat Deely found some new shiny shoes to make her literally stand head and shoulders above the little dancers. (The LA Times quoted her saying "I'm 5-foot-9. The minute I put heels on, I'm 6-foot")

The show began with a group number choreographed by Sonya that was dark and leathery....fierce and beastly!
The guest performances:  Keri Hilson lip-synced her song, "Lose Control," which was pretty lame.  And her dancers were boring.

The premiere of Lady Gaga's new video for "The Edge of Glory" was strange...not up to her usual standards of shock and more shock. The setting was plain; her costume change consisted of adding a jacket to her strips of leather.  But Cat did announce that Lady Gaga will be a guest judge later in the season.

Russian folk dancer Gennadi Saveliev performed a folk dance that was a complete embarrassment in Season 5.  And then they showed the video of it!  Will Philip and Jeanine be most remembered for their pathetic attempt?  I remember how the judges castigated the choreographer of that Russian folk dance.  What ever happened to him?

Then came the announcement that Jordan and Tadd, Jess and Clarice, and Robert and Miranda were the bottom three couples, along with Mitchell, who didn't dance Thursday night due to injury. Except for Mitchell who was automatically in "Dance for Your Life" club, I was very surprised by the other couples.  Jordan and Tadd performed an African jazz number that was perfect, much praised by the judges. And, although his arrogant personality is not charming, Jess could out dance (or at least keep up with) any current Broadway dancer.  He was transformed during the dance...a joy to watch.  Maybe the demographics of the voters lean more toward hip hop than the traditional Broadway. Clarice's performance was commendable, but her inexperience in that genre showed. What! Robert and Miranda were in the bottom three? Robert has more personality than any of the others...and their routine was fun.  Maybe he is over-wooing!
Everyone danced for their lives and no one was a stand out.  They were all amazing, and truly, no one "deserved" to go home.
The judges deliberated, and their voices could be heard but no words recognized.  Did Nigel sincerely decide at the last minute to keep all the contestants until next week...or was it part of his deliberate attempt to look confused and in pain?
So the contestants all jumped, hugged, and cried at the decision.

Now, next week will be a tough one because 2 boys and 2 girls will go home.  Expect some amazing performances and then the inevitable tears.

Dance workout

 Especially while the show is airing, who doesn't want to feel like they can be part of So you think you can dance! Totally fun to dance with a bunch of dancers from past seasons, and get a great workout at the same time.

Three different styles of dance routines (hip hop, contemporary, and disco), you can pick one or do all three, and there are separate chapters for the instructions to learn the routines that you can skip and go straight to the workouts after you get them down. Learning the steps is nice and slow, and easy to follow or repeat if you get lost. Then in the workouts they start with doing the routine counting, and get faster, add music, until it's more like a performance at the end - just music no counting at full speed. There is also a bonus dance that mixes the styles together. The dancers on the video are Travis, Katee, Dmitry, Twitch, Lauren, and Courtney.

June last auditions for Vegas

Jordan Casanova, 18 – Contemporary – Los Angeles – Jordan pulled off the most fierce (some would say sexy) audition to ever grace the SYTYCD stage, causing Tyce to yell uncontrollably the entire performance. Nigel’s eye brows were at his hairline! Jordan’s extensions and flexibility were pretty awe-inspiring despite all the naughty floor writhing. Still, would you call this contermpory or maybe tastless and vulgar...

Derion “D.C.” Chapman, 23 – Hip-Hop – Los Angeles – In a truly memorable, hip-hop performance to Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” Derion mixed a funky combination of isolations and body contorting, lyrical moves and various contemporary dance crazes. He also had the opportunity to really show off his personality with an extended interview with the judges where he taught Nigel how to do the “cat daddy,” some hip, new dance sweeping the country.  He earned some "warm-fuzzy" by introducing his pregnant girlfriend who was in the audience. 

Arielle Coker, 18 – Contemporary – Los Angeles – Arielle has been auditioning since season four. She doesn't come up in my menory, but the judges gushed over her improvement.  She has power and personality. It’s hard to believe this dancer did not make it through in previous seasons!  

Hero McRae, 26 – Hip-hop – Los Angeles –  ABSOLUTELY AMAZING ROBOT. Ever.  Even the Judges were speechless.

Alexis Mason, 18 – Contemporary – Los Angeles – Being past winner Jeanine Mason’s sister must be difficult with such cmpetitive natures. Alexis has, acording to the judges, beautiful control and content. She wasn't the best dancer and she went through, I think, because of her sister.

Patty Anne Miller, 28 – Hip-hop – Los Angeles – Watch out for this androgynous one. She can krump and do that ridiculous popping/vibrating move. She graduated from Berkley School of Music, where she majored in drums on a full scholarship.  I'm not sure I can see her dancing a Viennese waltz!

As for the demented "Big C' Santa Claus with the saggy six-pack and painted white facial hair... He should hang out with Ringo's daughter!

June 1 Recap according to Grapevine

 First up is the auditions in Salt Lake City with Nigel, Mary and Robin Antin from the Pussycat Dolls judging.

Devon McCullough and Micah Clark are the first to impress with a step routine. They are amazing. They are in sync, entertaining and have all the right moves to keep everyone's attention.
Mary is impressed but wonders what else they can do.
Robin appreciates how they have it all down.
Nigel also likes it and sends them to the choreography round.
Chyna Smith does a sexy, popping dance with a rocker/lyrical spin to it. She really knows how to move her body into all sorts of twists and turns.  WOW.
Nigel thinks she has a star quality to her  and thinks it was very good.
Mary likes the technique and is excited to see what else she can do.
Robin would put her on the top of the list for the Pussycat Dolls if this were the casting call.
Guess who is going to Vegas? CHYNA!
Annie Gratton is next with a gymnastics inspired routine. She is another one that can really move it. She is quite impressive. I love how she is not afraid to be sexy, but isn't trashy or too over the top.
Mary calls her exciting and everything they want.
Robin appreciates how she took the bull by the horns and calls it impressive.
Nigel also likes it and calls her dad to her stage. He has them dance together, which is super cute. I love it, her dad is super adorable.  They are BOTH going to Vegas....if dad can pretend to be under 30.
We get more acts going to Vegas, including contortionist Todd Gaddung. He can move his body in ways I never imagined anyone could ever do.
Samantha Hiller, who recently suffered from amnesia after having mono and injuring herself fainting is the last audition of the day. Her routine is another gymnastics inspired, lyrical routine.  She has nice lines and technique. Very impressive with everything she has been through over the past few weeks.
Nigel teases her a bit about her memory loss and tells her he liked her routine. Robin and Mary agree, so they send her to the choreography round.
After the choreography round, Samantha is sent home, along with Micah. Devon is sent to Vegas, along with seven other dancers.
Day two in Salt Lake City begins with a gentleman named Chase Thomas, who shows up in black short shorts. SEXY. Wow, can he move it. He has incredible lines, incredible technique and really knows how use the stage. No surprise, he is going to VEGAS, along with more dancers.
Brittany Morgan Starr claims Ringo Starr is her father. She has a whole story behind it and I am pretty sure it is a joke, but I ignore the rest of her claims, especially when she says Lady Gaga is her twin.  Her dance is entertaining, but more wedding or clubby, not a show dance.
Robin can tell she loves to dance and tells her to go with it.
Mary thinks it was fun, but not for the show.
Nigel thinks she is entertaining, but he sends her home.
The choreography round sends nine more dancers to Vegas.
OK, so Brittany's dad is an impersonator? Shares the name? I'm confused.
The second hour kicks off with the NYC auditions. Mary, Nigel and Jason are judges.

Princess Lockeroo dances first.  She has a unique routine with lots of running, wacking and twists. I've never seen anything like it.
The judges all agree it is different and entertaining and think people will vote for her. She is off to......VEGAS!!!!
Brandon Jones is up next with a very moving, beautiful ballet routine. I love the jumps he adds and those spins are unbelievable.
Nigel thinks it was tremendous.
Jason also enjoyed it.
Mary calls it beautiful.
His story about losing his dad and how he was his biggest fan brings tears to my eyes, especially when he says the dance is for him.
Another one goes to Vegas!
After more dancers are sent to Vegas, we get to Brian Henry, aka Hallow Dreamz. He is a krumper that claims to be violent, but he is......hot.......his shirt.....off......where was I? Oh, right. That was some of the best krumping I have ever seen! WOW.
Nigel wants it more masculine but thinks he gave it his all.
Mary makes him put on his shirt so she can focus. She wants him to appreciate other dancers because she doesn't like how he knocked Russell and Lil' C for being mainstream. She wants to see more from him.
Jason wants him to go to choreography....and that is where he goes.
Irish Dancer Mary Kate Sheehan is next. Have we ever had one before?  I don't remember, but this was incredible. Very different and I love every moment of it. I also love how she took a chance by doing such a different type of dance.
Nigel calls it a pleasure to watch.
Mary calls it powerful and says it makes her proud to be Irish.
Jason calls it effortless and also says he enjoyed watching it.
She is going to choreography.
We get to more rejects and then Virgil Gadson, aka Lil' Lo, does a popping routine that blows me away. Again, the way he moves just impresses me. WOW. That is true talent right there.
Nigel says that is is not only a dancer, but a performer and will do well.
Mary thinks everyone will fall in love with him.
Jason thinks it was fantastic.
He is going to VEGAS!!!
In the choreography round, Mary Kate is sent to Vegas along with several other dancers, including Brian.
Jess LeProtto is a Broadway type dancer that is also quite unique.  I love all his tricks and spins. He is unanimously sent to choreography.
Latin dancer Kristin Dobson is up next with her partner. They do a sexy cha cha cha that is very early DWTS. The potential is all there, and she can definitely go far with some polishing up.
Jason thinks there were pluses, but she was a bit closed off.
Mary enjoyed it and gives her some pointers on where to improve.
Nigel says he will see her in choreography.
After more dancers audition and are sent to Vegas, we get to The Woooodoo Man, aka Robert Taylor Jr. He does a robotic routine that has a hip hop flair to it. The dances this season are all so different. It is really making me enjoy the show even more. i love how he really makes the dance his own and doesn't rely on the same tired hip hop tricks.
Nigel says it is everything he is looking for in hip hop.
Mary thinks it was fun and he is the most entertaining person today.
Jason loved it too.
He is going to VEGAS!!!!
in the choreography round,  Jess is sent to Vegas, along with Kristin. In total, seventeen more dancers are in Vegas.

Mary Murphy is Back!

Mary Murphy Returns To Join Nigel Lythgoe   

Mary Murphy returns to the Judges Table

World-class dancer and choreographer Mary Murphy has returned to SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE as one of the series’ resident judges. Murphy sits alongside Nigel Lythgoe and draws upon her expertise to critique and praise the dancers throughout the competition.

“I am delighted to have Mary back on the show. Her expertise in dance, coupled with her warmth, compassion and humor, make her an excellent judge and fun to work with,” said Lythgoe, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE co-creator, executive producer and judge.
“I am thrilled and already dancing in my seat to be back as a permanent judge this season, which I’m sure will be the best ever,” said Murphy.

Premiered May 26

 

  Back for an eighth season this summer, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE kicked off with a two-hour premiere Thursday, May 26 at 8/7c. Hosted by Cat Deeley, the hit dance competition series will inspire and amaze viewers as dancers skilled in styles ranging from hip-hop to ballroom compete to be named America’s Favorite Dancer. This season’s auditions feature resident judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, as well as guest judges Robin Antin, Lil C, Tyce Diorio, Toni Redpath and Jason Gilkison. Once the auditions conclude, weekly two-hour performance shows will air Wednesdays 8/7c, and weekly results shows will air Thursdays 8/7c.