So… I’ve recently found Bones on Netflix… I’m a tad in love with it and would like to watch just ONE more episode before bed… however, I also love SYTYCD and want to watch it too… dilemmas abound. Please forgive me if I rush through the recap – I feel like Bones is going to win the night.
Here we go: Christina Applegate and Lil C are our guest judges.
Melanie and Twitch doing a NappyTabs routine. She did not hit hard enough. Back flip thingy was good though. Puppy Twitch at the end was cute.
Sasha and Kent doing a Tasty Oreo routine. (I heart kent). Okay Tasty Oreo. I fast forwarded through your prepackaged video feed so as to not judge you based on emotional manipulation that might be thrown at me… and I will say walking into it with no canned dislike of your pomposity helped. I loved that. Some of it was “choreography” but when the dancers danced it and it became more than just steps it was one of my favorites.
Marko and Janette doing a Dmitry (didn’t he used to have an I in between the D and M?) routine. I found that routine to be lacking… No heat, no spice and I got bored.
And I’m fast forwarding through everyone’s packaged video stuff before their solos.
Ricky solo: His musicality is really good when he choreographs himself. His smile is beautiful. But this solo didn’t wow me.
Tadd and Ellenore doing a Sonya routine. It’s a spectacle. I felt nothing watching it. And that’s why I’m usually sad with Sonya’s routines, because it’s all about a show and not about emotion. Now I don’t mind a strange routine, or a dark routine… but I want it to MEAN something and not just be quirky steps for the sake of being quirky steps.
Caitlynn’s Solo: Better than her past “dance for your life” routines. She was so strong for me at the beginning – but really… There’s no way she is going to win this.
Ricky and Jaimie doing a Dee Caspary routine. The conductor gimmick would have worked better in a hip hop routine for me. Because in the “flow” of the music, his conducting her movement was lost for me. Whereas if it were on a “beat” that would have been easier to follow. It was danced well though.
Tadd’s Solo: I always usually love his music choices – this time, not as much. And I’m sorry after last weeks solo – it just fell a little flat for me.
Sasha’s Solo: She is fierce! I wish I could dance like her. Like that is how I dance in my head when I hear music. In my car – I totally rock like her.
Caitlynn and Pasha doing a Dmitry routine. I felt like I was interrupting something. Especially on the reverse samba rolls - HOT. The floor sweep seemed a little off to me.
Marko’s Solo: And this is why I ADORE you sir! Talent, technique and some other T word that means Awesome and joyful and ahhhhhmazement.
Melanie’s Solo: Honey, I love you – but you need to have words with the costume department. That outfit was horrible and distracting.
Sasha and Ricky doing a Kumari Suraj “Whacking” routine… Say WHAT? Ummmm… Russian Dance and 80’s aerobics dance? I’m gonna go with no.
Tadd and Melanie doing a Spencer Liff routine – loved it. Cool and hot at the same time. She really is an amazing actress – I find her so believable in everything she emotes. Tadd also amazing. Seriously his fluidity is beautiful and also his biggest weakness because he makes everything look effortless.
Caitlynn and Marko doing a Sonya routine. What is up with the abusive relationship routines SYTYCD? Okay – so it started okay for me – slow with beats in there and then just as I started to get into it… I got pulled out of it and I think I figured it out… So – the difference between the Tasty Oreo Sasha/Kent routine and Sonya’s routine is this – Sonya does stilted, jolty, jerky movement that draws me OUT of the emotion rather than INTO it – whereas Tasty Oreo’s had a fluidity of movement that didn’t sharply pull me out of the meaning to force my attention to the movement. There is a time and place for the herky/jerky/sharp and pointy emphasis… but when that’s ALL an entire piece is, or when it doesn’t match the emotion of the moment… I just can’t flow with it.
So – bottom two boys:
Tadd and Ricky
Caitlynn and Caitlynn – seriously, neither Sasha or Melanie is going home people.
What did you guys think? Who were your favorites? Am I crazy that I don't love Sonya?
Okay, now it's back to Bones before bed. Night ya'll!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Top 8
Top 8 here we go!
Welcome our guest judges Rob Marshall and Lady Gaga… oh, what are we in for tonight?
Sasha and Pasha doing Jonathan Roberts Quick Step. I dislike her costume. Distracting. I just don’t feel that she is suited to this style of dance. It’s the first routine of hers I’ve ever been able to look away from. Mr. Marshall hit it on the head when he said she dances with such abandon and that’s what he loves about her and that’s what was missing from this style.
Caitlynn with Ivan (YAY!) doing a hip hop routine by Marty Kudelka. Cute. Ivan’s all growed up! She did fairly well keeping up with him. She looked great.
Jordan and Ade dancing a Tyce Diorio Jazz routine. I’m just going to get this out of the way. Dislike of Tyce is just growing daily. I love Ade and I could care less about Jordan. She has the same “I’m innocent/I’m sexy/oooops” face ALL THE TIME. If I take my eyes off her face, I enjoy her legs, and there were moments with the legs that were great… but even Ade didn’t make me love that routine.
Melanie and Neal doing a Mandy Moore routine. I’m totally biased. I love that song. I love both Melanie and Neal. I adore Mandy Moore when she does a pretty routine and that was PRETTY! The unison was insane. The emotion was palpable. It built and built the more it went and from the jump (oh that AMAZING JUMP made me gasp) to the end I was on the edge of my seat. Beautiful. I love it when everything comes together and works. That just worked.
Ricky and Anya dancing a Jason Gilkison Jive. Anya is amazing no matter who her partner is… but that was not the best jive I’ve ever seen... it didn’t get better as it went along, struggled with the lift in the middle (I will say I don’t think Jess could have done that lift that Ricky did at the end)… I do love his smile but I don’t know how long he’s going to be around if America is the only one in charge of the decision.
Jess and Lauren doing a NappyTabs routine. Okay… I’m going to say it. I like Jess. I don’t know when it happened that his arrogant “jersey boy” attitude became a non issue or disappeared. But it did. And now I just enjoy watching him dance. He’s really talented and I’d pay to see him in a show. He hasn’t been mugging for the camera and when he’s been dancing the last few weeks he’s been so into his partner that it makes me enjoy him more because it draws me into the dance.
Tadd and Lauren doing a Mandy Moore routine. I love Tadd… and that he went on even without his hat and just sort of implied it was still there. Didn’t miss a move. Is his lip bleeding? Loved the MJ homage at the beginning. Tadd really is a sponge.
Marko and Allison doing a Sonya Tayeh routine. I know she’s not a contestant but can’t Allison win it? She makes me like a Sonya routine. Well, she and Marko together make me like a Sonya routine. They really felt every step. It was lovely.
Jonathan Roberts choreographing a fox trot for Caitlynn and Tadd. Ummmmmmm… I LOVE her dress. Loved the lift spin at the end. Lovely.
Marko and Ricky doing a Nappy Tabs routine. Not bad. Not my favorite boy/boy hip hop routine. I mean, it just doesn’t compare to Tranji from season 2. I will say that Marko was much more street than Ricky – Nigel hit it on the head when he said Ricky was too high.
Jason Gilkison choreographing a rumba for Jess and Jordan. I didn’t feel the chemistry – and it wasn’t Jess’s fault. He was totally into her and she looked away from him – closed her eyes, looked past him, to the audience… just not deep into him the way he did to her. Her dress was pretty though.
Sasha and Melanie doing a Sonya Tayeh routine. I really just don’t get Sonya half the time. This was part of that half of the time when I don’t get it because it is just not my thing. Was it danced well – I’m sure it was… but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Okay bottom 4?
Jordan
Ricky
Caitlynn
Tadd
Going home:
Ricky
Jordan or Caitlynn
What do you guys think?
Welcome our guest judges Rob Marshall and Lady Gaga… oh, what are we in for tonight?
Sasha and Pasha doing Jonathan Roberts Quick Step. I dislike her costume. Distracting. I just don’t feel that she is suited to this style of dance. It’s the first routine of hers I’ve ever been able to look away from. Mr. Marshall hit it on the head when he said she dances with such abandon and that’s what he loves about her and that’s what was missing from this style.
Caitlynn with Ivan (YAY!) doing a hip hop routine by Marty Kudelka. Cute. Ivan’s all growed up! She did fairly well keeping up with him. She looked great.
Jordan and Ade dancing a Tyce Diorio Jazz routine. I’m just going to get this out of the way. Dislike of Tyce is just growing daily. I love Ade and I could care less about Jordan. She has the same “I’m innocent/I’m sexy/oooops” face ALL THE TIME. If I take my eyes off her face, I enjoy her legs, and there were moments with the legs that were great… but even Ade didn’t make me love that routine.
Melanie and Neal doing a Mandy Moore routine. I’m totally biased. I love that song. I love both Melanie and Neal. I adore Mandy Moore when she does a pretty routine and that was PRETTY! The unison was insane. The emotion was palpable. It built and built the more it went and from the jump (oh that AMAZING JUMP made me gasp) to the end I was on the edge of my seat. Beautiful. I love it when everything comes together and works. That just worked.
Ricky and Anya dancing a Jason Gilkison Jive. Anya is amazing no matter who her partner is… but that was not the best jive I’ve ever seen... it didn’t get better as it went along, struggled with the lift in the middle (I will say I don’t think Jess could have done that lift that Ricky did at the end)… I do love his smile but I don’t know how long he’s going to be around if America is the only one in charge of the decision.
Jess and Lauren doing a NappyTabs routine. Okay… I’m going to say it. I like Jess. I don’t know when it happened that his arrogant “jersey boy” attitude became a non issue or disappeared. But it did. And now I just enjoy watching him dance. He’s really talented and I’d pay to see him in a show. He hasn’t been mugging for the camera and when he’s been dancing the last few weeks he’s been so into his partner that it makes me enjoy him more because it draws me into the dance.
Tadd and Lauren doing a Mandy Moore routine. I love Tadd… and that he went on even without his hat and just sort of implied it was still there. Didn’t miss a move. Is his lip bleeding? Loved the MJ homage at the beginning. Tadd really is a sponge.
Marko and Allison doing a Sonya Tayeh routine. I know she’s not a contestant but can’t Allison win it? She makes me like a Sonya routine. Well, she and Marko together make me like a Sonya routine. They really felt every step. It was lovely.
Jonathan Roberts choreographing a fox trot for Caitlynn and Tadd. Ummmmmmm… I LOVE her dress. Loved the lift spin at the end. Lovely.
Marko and Ricky doing a Nappy Tabs routine. Not bad. Not my favorite boy/boy hip hop routine. I mean, it just doesn’t compare to Tranji from season 2. I will say that Marko was much more street than Ricky – Nigel hit it on the head when he said Ricky was too high.
Jason Gilkison choreographing a rumba for Jess and Jordan. I didn’t feel the chemistry – and it wasn’t Jess’s fault. He was totally into her and she looked away from him – closed her eyes, looked past him, to the audience… just not deep into him the way he did to her. Her dress was pretty though.
Sasha and Melanie doing a Sonya Tayeh routine. I really just don’t get Sonya half the time. This was part of that half of the time when I don’t get it because it is just not my thing. Was it danced well – I’m sure it was… but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Okay bottom 4?
Jordan
Ricky
Caitlynn
Tadd
Going home:
Ricky
Jordan or Caitlynn
What do you guys think?
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
SYTYCD - Top 12!
Okay ya’ll welcome to SYTYCD – with our top 12 couples. So, this will be the last time we have the couples paired together as is because once they become top 10 we get to see them dance with the All Stars. I really enjoy the way they changed it up this season. Although, I think I’d really like to have seen them not have permanent partners but pick the partners each week so that we don’t have “power couples” but power dancers. You know?
Anyway, moving on… I love Cat… I’m enjoying her dress, although the bodice could be a little less squishy. And our judges… guest Judge Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Broadway – how much do you think he’ll love Jess?) and resident choreographer Sonya Tayeh.
Sasha and Alexander doing a routine by Tony Meredith and Capitan LAPATIN… gotta say, wasn’t loving it. Alexander did far better than he has been doing, but I felt like Sasha brought her game down to meet him more than he rose to meet her. They both started to get sloppy towards the end like they were getting tired and it showed. Possibly the first slot of the night will not do them a service… but we’ll see tomorrow.
Jordan and Tadd doing a Travis Wall contemporary routine. Ummmm WOW. That is what I said at the end of the routine right before I backed it up to watch it again. It was dark and twisty but still Beautiful. The lines and the pictures that the still moments presented. Tadd is SO strong – and commits 100% to every style. I loved everything about that even though it wasn’t my normal sweet/sad/emotional Travis kind of routine.
Now we have Ryan and Ricky doing a Spencer Liff Broadway routine… Well wasn’t that nice of Spencer to choreograph a routine where Ryan’s Stepford Smile was not necessarily out of place. Can I say it seemed really easy and not technically difficult. And all of a sudden I really am in love Jesse Tyler Ferguson because he said everything I felt… and so did Sonya.
Caitlynn and Mitchell doing a Christopher Scott routine. She hit everything so much harder than he did. It was actually distracting because the unison was off. I didn’t love the attempt at “emotional manipulation” by Christopher Scott. It’s not fair because I like her so much.
Melanie and Marko dancing a tango choreographed by Louie Van Amstel. I’m really excited to see them take on something so COMPLETELY different than their own style this week. Okay – so it started and I was a little – eh… but it seemed way more difficult a routine than Ryan and Ricky’s so I was not hating on it – plus you could tell even though the footwork (little tricky) was sometimes not all it could be they were giving it their all. And of course, I always feel that Melanie and Marko are totally into each other when they’re supposed to be and this was probably the sexiest they’ve been. And still I was just sort of eh – until the last 10 seconds with the back bend through the legs into the whatever position that was. AMAZING! Hopefully that’s the thing the voting public remembers.
Clarice and Jess do a Christopher Scott lyrical hip-hop routine. Okay… stupid emotional manipulation from a stupid stupid choreographer has left me weeping. Tissues… need tissues. I cannot even fairly discuss this routine. I don’t like Jess, Clarice annoys me and yet here I am crying like a baby. Jess danced that really well – although there were definitely moments where his Broadway showed through… but for the first time Clarice really connected with a piece and so did I. Stupid, stupid emotional manipulation!!! The only thing that would have made that more manipulative is if they’d had Sasha’s sister dancing it instead and turned it into a “big girl” routine.
Round 2:
Sasha and Alexander dancing a Tyce “Keith” Diorio routine. Much better than the first routine they did. Sasha really is amazing. Alexander did a much better job himself – I actually looked at him a little more. Still, I think she’d be so much better with another partner. I’m pretty sure she’s going to be in the top 10. She’s unbelievable. Alexander… I don’t know.
Jordan and Tadd doing a Broadway routine by Spencer Liff. The music was strange and the timing just seems really off… It’s really making me think it’s a Spencer Liff thing and not the dancers. I think my favorite part was Tadd spraying breath freshener in his mouth. Sad. I love Tadd. I hope Travis’s routine will save them and pull in the votes.
Ryan and Ricky doing a Louie Van Amstel Cha-Cha! Eh. I just don’t connect with either of them. I liked the costumes? I mean, it was definitely more challenging than their Broadway number. My favorite Mary Murphy statement had to be when she told Ryan she was “Not really tidy down below”… This was the best Ricky routine though. I wonder what would have happened to him over this season if he’d been with anyone else but Ryan.
Caitlynn and Mitchell doing a Jazz routine by Travis Wall. (Now I want to say the last time Travis did a Jazz routine he got yelled at by Nigel for it not being “real Jazz”.) This time I have to say I definitely saw some “Jazz” moves. Much, much better than the first routine. Caitlynn is a force to be reckoned with. I agree with Sonya’s comments to Mitchell because he is so focused on being a good partner he loses a little of his own performance “sparkle”. And I agree with Nigel’s comment about Caitlynn not bringing the audience into that.
Melanie and Marko next up doing a contemporary routine by Dee Caspary (whom I love). I really liked this routine. (Still think the left at the alter one is my favorite) but this is a second. This routine just shows how amazing they are as a couple. I agree with Nigel – there really is something magical about them when they perform together and it did feel like an organic flow of movement not just steps. And Sonya’s tip for them to stay humble really brought to the forefront the reason I love them so much. They’re amazing but they’re not cocky about it. I’d totally pay to watch either of them dance.
Lastly – Jess and Clarice doing a jive by Tony and Meredith… Okay – what happened to Clarice? For the first time like… um… ever – tonight I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Was her technique flawless? No… but she was charismatic and sparkling and awesome and her footwork was great – but they lost some momentum in their lifts. I think that was one my favorite they’ve done. Especially because I was not emotionally manipulated into liking it.
Okay, so bottom 3:
Ryan and Ricky
Caitlynn and Marshall
Jordan and Tadd
(Alternatively Sasha and Alexander are a possible choice but I think she has a big enough fan base to make them both safe.)
My pick to go home : Ryan and Ricky (please?)
Okay, enough of my ramblings… what did you guys think?
Anyway, moving on… I love Cat… I’m enjoying her dress, although the bodice could be a little less squishy. And our judges… guest Judge Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Broadway – how much do you think he’ll love Jess?) and resident choreographer Sonya Tayeh.
Sasha and Alexander doing a routine by Tony Meredith and Capitan LAPATIN… gotta say, wasn’t loving it. Alexander did far better than he has been doing, but I felt like Sasha brought her game down to meet him more than he rose to meet her. They both started to get sloppy towards the end like they were getting tired and it showed. Possibly the first slot of the night will not do them a service… but we’ll see tomorrow.
Jordan and Tadd doing a Travis Wall contemporary routine. Ummmm WOW. That is what I said at the end of the routine right before I backed it up to watch it again. It was dark and twisty but still Beautiful. The lines and the pictures that the still moments presented. Tadd is SO strong – and commits 100% to every style. I loved everything about that even though it wasn’t my normal sweet/sad/emotional Travis kind of routine.
Now we have Ryan and Ricky doing a Spencer Liff Broadway routine… Well wasn’t that nice of Spencer to choreograph a routine where Ryan’s Stepford Smile was not necessarily out of place. Can I say it seemed really easy and not technically difficult. And all of a sudden I really am in love Jesse Tyler Ferguson because he said everything I felt… and so did Sonya.
Caitlynn and Mitchell doing a Christopher Scott routine. She hit everything so much harder than he did. It was actually distracting because the unison was off. I didn’t love the attempt at “emotional manipulation” by Christopher Scott. It’s not fair because I like her so much.
Melanie and Marko dancing a tango choreographed by Louie Van Amstel. I’m really excited to see them take on something so COMPLETELY different than their own style this week. Okay – so it started and I was a little – eh… but it seemed way more difficult a routine than Ryan and Ricky’s so I was not hating on it – plus you could tell even though the footwork (little tricky) was sometimes not all it could be they were giving it their all. And of course, I always feel that Melanie and Marko are totally into each other when they’re supposed to be and this was probably the sexiest they’ve been. And still I was just sort of eh – until the last 10 seconds with the back bend through the legs into the whatever position that was. AMAZING! Hopefully that’s the thing the voting public remembers.
Clarice and Jess do a Christopher Scott lyrical hip-hop routine. Okay… stupid emotional manipulation from a stupid stupid choreographer has left me weeping. Tissues… need tissues. I cannot even fairly discuss this routine. I don’t like Jess, Clarice annoys me and yet here I am crying like a baby. Jess danced that really well – although there were definitely moments where his Broadway showed through… but for the first time Clarice really connected with a piece and so did I. Stupid, stupid emotional manipulation!!! The only thing that would have made that more manipulative is if they’d had Sasha’s sister dancing it instead and turned it into a “big girl” routine.
Round 2:
Sasha and Alexander dancing a Tyce “Keith” Diorio routine. Much better than the first routine they did. Sasha really is amazing. Alexander did a much better job himself – I actually looked at him a little more. Still, I think she’d be so much better with another partner. I’m pretty sure she’s going to be in the top 10. She’s unbelievable. Alexander… I don’t know.
Jordan and Tadd doing a Broadway routine by Spencer Liff. The music was strange and the timing just seems really off… It’s really making me think it’s a Spencer Liff thing and not the dancers. I think my favorite part was Tadd spraying breath freshener in his mouth. Sad. I love Tadd. I hope Travis’s routine will save them and pull in the votes.
Ryan and Ricky doing a Louie Van Amstel Cha-Cha! Eh. I just don’t connect with either of them. I liked the costumes? I mean, it was definitely more challenging than their Broadway number. My favorite Mary Murphy statement had to be when she told Ryan she was “Not really tidy down below”… This was the best Ricky routine though. I wonder what would have happened to him over this season if he’d been with anyone else but Ryan.
Caitlynn and Mitchell doing a Jazz routine by Travis Wall. (Now I want to say the last time Travis did a Jazz routine he got yelled at by Nigel for it not being “real Jazz”.) This time I have to say I definitely saw some “Jazz” moves. Much, much better than the first routine. Caitlynn is a force to be reckoned with. I agree with Sonya’s comments to Mitchell because he is so focused on being a good partner he loses a little of his own performance “sparkle”. And I agree with Nigel’s comment about Caitlynn not bringing the audience into that.
Melanie and Marko next up doing a contemporary routine by Dee Caspary (whom I love). I really liked this routine. (Still think the left at the alter one is my favorite) but this is a second. This routine just shows how amazing they are as a couple. I agree with Nigel – there really is something magical about them when they perform together and it did feel like an organic flow of movement not just steps. And Sonya’s tip for them to stay humble really brought to the forefront the reason I love them so much. They’re amazing but they’re not cocky about it. I’d totally pay to watch either of them dance.
Lastly – Jess and Clarice doing a jive by Tony and Meredith… Okay – what happened to Clarice? For the first time like… um… ever – tonight I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Was her technique flawless? No… but she was charismatic and sparkling and awesome and her footwork was great – but they lost some momentum in their lifts. I think that was one my favorite they’ve done. Especially because I was not emotionally manipulated into liking it.
Okay, so bottom 3:
Ryan and Ricky
Caitlynn and Marshall
Jordan and Tadd
(Alternatively Sasha and Alexander are a possible choice but I think she has a big enough fan base to make them both safe.)
My pick to go home : Ryan and Ricky (please?)
Okay, enough of my ramblings… what did you guys think?
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Top 7 Couples
Welcome to SYTYCD!
It’s my birthday – and as such – I expect a GREAT show from the “Magnificent 7” couples left in the competition. I demand AWESOME routines – seriously – give me some MIA please – or if no Mia, how about not giving me any Keith Diorio or Sonya strangeness tonight? I also require the Judges to be on the ball this evening – call out the bad performances and make some sense please – don’t just hand out meaningless platitudes like they’re candy at Halloween, okay?
So, let’s get started by meeting our JUDGES… I’ve really enjoyed the guest judges so far this season – how does tonight stack up with - Carmen Electra, really? I never would have guessed ballet was in her background. Finger’s crossed and hoping for the best from her… Oh and for my birthday – TRAVIS WALL! Sadly, I am worried he will be a bad judge because he’s so sympathetic to the contestants having been one himself “blah, blah, blah” Still I’m hoping for the best with him too. The only thing better would be if he choreographed ALL the routines tonight. Alas, that is not the case. *Sigh*
Justin Giles doing a routine with the top 7 guys. Okay – Chris was late in the unison parts for a bit and it threw me off. If I didn’t have the back-story from the choreographer, I would have had no idea what it was “supposed” to be about. I thought it was interesting though. My eyes focused mostly on Marko and “oddly enough” Jess. I think they both did the best in the number. What did you guys think?
First Couple of the night – Melanie & Marko doing a Jazz routine by Ray Leeper. WTF?!?! Do the costume people HATE her?! So distracting. I’m sure they danced it well but I couldn’t get past her red/white/blue lace one stocking stupid outfit. Just because the song says “Americano” do we really need to put her in stars and stripes? And his pants with suspenders no shirt? Seriously? Really? What have you done SYTYCD costume department? I dislike this. Watching it again to focus on the dancing. Okay, so… had her costume been exactly the same except say in SOLID black – she would have been SUPER SEXY. Her dancing and attitude was FIERCE! And Marko was good too. Now, I don’t see “Jazz” in that routine, but whatever. Again, not happy with the costume department right now.
Moving on: Sasha and Alexander are up with a Shaun Avaristo hip-hop routine. Ehhhh. I like Sasha, but Alexander leaves me cold – and it’s not because he has seriously no swag at all, but because he doesn’t pull his weight as a partner – he’s just not her equal at all – and it just doesn’t help make a routine pop when the chemistry is supposed to be the central drive and there is none to be found. At least the judges agree with me.
Jordan and Tadd doing a waltz choreographed by Toni Redpath. I like Toni’s stuff. It was dreamy and romantic – Can’t believe he’s a hip-hop dancer when he does stuff like this. I grow to like Jordan more and more – (especially with her video packages the last 2 weeks). Not my favorite routine ever – but the best one so far tonight.
Clarice and Jess dancing a Justin Giles contemporary routine. Emotionally I felt NOTHING. Nothing. Not a single thing. I felt more watching their rehearsal movements without music than I did watching the actual performance. Not sure what the judges saw that I didn’t… But I will say I love Travis as a judge even when I don’t agree with him because he gives great technical notes. I went back and watched it again – still – got nothing from them. No emotion still. Is it just me?
Now we have Ashley and Chris doing a Salsa choreographed by Liz Lira. Oh, I’m afraid. Let me channel Sue Sylvester for a moment… SLOPPY BABIES! Not impressed at all. They had not nearly enough energy for this routine. It was stilted and awkward.
Ricky and Ryan doing a Jazz routine by Chucky Klapow. Ummmmmm no. I would rather gouge my eyes out with a spoon than watch this routine ever again. In fact, I think I will fast forward through it. Not a fan at all. And it has nothing to do with the dancers at all because for once Ryan didn’t break character with her Stepford Smile. The only thing that could have made me feel more grossed out by the routine is if the costumers had made them into CLOWNS. Not a fan.
Lastly for the couples is Caitlynn and Mitchell doing contemporary – please, dear Lord, please – make this one good? Mandy Moore (PLEASE MAKE THIS BEAUTIFUL FOR ME!?!?!) J’adore Caitlynn! J’adore! She’s really one of my absolute favorites this season. It’s Melanie and her for the win for me. That was lovely – not tear worthy Mary Murphy but still beautiful. That was great partnering from Mitchell – the jumps the lifts the legs the feet the arms – really just beautiful. Her leg’s especially.
And now – our grand finale – the girls doing a Ray Leeper Jazz routine… Seriously – couldn’t Melanie have worn THIS outfit during her actual routine? Again, Caitlynn and Melanie drew my eye – but I think Mr. Leeper – not my favorite.
So overall – really a very disappointing evening for me. Seriously - SYTYCD WHY DO YOU DISAPPOINT ME ON MY BIRTHDAY!?!?!
What did you guys think?
It’s my birthday – and as such – I expect a GREAT show from the “Magnificent 7” couples left in the competition. I demand AWESOME routines – seriously – give me some MIA please – or if no Mia, how about not giving me any Keith Diorio or Sonya strangeness tonight? I also require the Judges to be on the ball this evening – call out the bad performances and make some sense please – don’t just hand out meaningless platitudes like they’re candy at Halloween, okay?
So, let’s get started by meeting our JUDGES… I’ve really enjoyed the guest judges so far this season – how does tonight stack up with - Carmen Electra, really? I never would have guessed ballet was in her background. Finger’s crossed and hoping for the best from her… Oh and for my birthday – TRAVIS WALL! Sadly, I am worried he will be a bad judge because he’s so sympathetic to the contestants having been one himself “blah, blah, blah” Still I’m hoping for the best with him too. The only thing better would be if he choreographed ALL the routines tonight. Alas, that is not the case. *Sigh*
Justin Giles doing a routine with the top 7 guys. Okay – Chris was late in the unison parts for a bit and it threw me off. If I didn’t have the back-story from the choreographer, I would have had no idea what it was “supposed” to be about. I thought it was interesting though. My eyes focused mostly on Marko and “oddly enough” Jess. I think they both did the best in the number. What did you guys think?
First Couple of the night – Melanie & Marko doing a Jazz routine by Ray Leeper. WTF?!?! Do the costume people HATE her?! So distracting. I’m sure they danced it well but I couldn’t get past her red/white/blue lace one stocking stupid outfit. Just because the song says “Americano” do we really need to put her in stars and stripes? And his pants with suspenders no shirt? Seriously? Really? What have you done SYTYCD costume department? I dislike this. Watching it again to focus on the dancing. Okay, so… had her costume been exactly the same except say in SOLID black – she would have been SUPER SEXY. Her dancing and attitude was FIERCE! And Marko was good too. Now, I don’t see “Jazz” in that routine, but whatever. Again, not happy with the costume department right now.
Moving on: Sasha and Alexander are up with a Shaun Avaristo hip-hop routine. Ehhhh. I like Sasha, but Alexander leaves me cold – and it’s not because he has seriously no swag at all, but because he doesn’t pull his weight as a partner – he’s just not her equal at all – and it just doesn’t help make a routine pop when the chemistry is supposed to be the central drive and there is none to be found. At least the judges agree with me.
Jordan and Tadd doing a waltz choreographed by Toni Redpath. I like Toni’s stuff. It was dreamy and romantic – Can’t believe he’s a hip-hop dancer when he does stuff like this. I grow to like Jordan more and more – (especially with her video packages the last 2 weeks). Not my favorite routine ever – but the best one so far tonight.
Clarice and Jess dancing a Justin Giles contemporary routine. Emotionally I felt NOTHING. Nothing. Not a single thing. I felt more watching their rehearsal movements without music than I did watching the actual performance. Not sure what the judges saw that I didn’t… But I will say I love Travis as a judge even when I don’t agree with him because he gives great technical notes. I went back and watched it again – still – got nothing from them. No emotion still. Is it just me?
Now we have Ashley and Chris doing a Salsa choreographed by Liz Lira. Oh, I’m afraid. Let me channel Sue Sylvester for a moment… SLOPPY BABIES! Not impressed at all. They had not nearly enough energy for this routine. It was stilted and awkward.
Ricky and Ryan doing a Jazz routine by Chucky Klapow. Ummmmmm no. I would rather gouge my eyes out with a spoon than watch this routine ever again. In fact, I think I will fast forward through it. Not a fan at all. And it has nothing to do with the dancers at all because for once Ryan didn’t break character with her Stepford Smile. The only thing that could have made me feel more grossed out by the routine is if the costumers had made them into CLOWNS. Not a fan.
Lastly for the couples is Caitlynn and Mitchell doing contemporary – please, dear Lord, please – make this one good? Mandy Moore (PLEASE MAKE THIS BEAUTIFUL FOR ME!?!?!) J’adore Caitlynn! J’adore! She’s really one of my absolute favorites this season. It’s Melanie and her for the win for me. That was lovely – not tear worthy Mary Murphy but still beautiful. That was great partnering from Mitchell – the jumps the lifts the legs the feet the arms – really just beautiful. Her leg’s especially.
And now – our grand finale – the girls doing a Ray Leeper Jazz routine… Seriously – couldn’t Melanie have worn THIS outfit during her actual routine? Again, Caitlynn and Melanie drew my eye – but I think Mr. Leeper – not my favorite.
So overall – really a very disappointing evening for me. Seriously - SYTYCD WHY DO YOU DISAPPOINT ME ON MY BIRTHDAY!?!?!
What did you guys think?
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Top 20 - Redo
Welcome to the fastest recap of SYTYCD I’ve probably ever done.
First up Ryan and Ricky. Blech. I usually like a Mandy Moore routine – but this one left me uninterested. I found it to be… whatever the OPPOSITE of the word sexy is. Ryan’s smile creeps me out. It’s a little too Stepford Wives for me. Well the judges didn’t agree with me – does anyone else?
*Aside* Why must we remake movies like Footloose and Fame? Is it only singing/dancing movies that begin with the letter F? If so – does that mean Flashdance is next?
Caitlynn and Mitchell doing a Stacey Tookey routine. CHILLS when she jumped off the chair into his arms. Straight UP chills. Loved it so much I hit rewind to watch it again. When he came behind her in the chair – so great to start – it was so amazing.
Wadi and Missy doing a cha-cha by Jean-Marc Genereux. Okay – I dislike this song more than I can possibly express. This routine was almost as bad as the song for me. There was no flow at all it was steps into steps into forced “sexy face”. Awkward doesn’t even begin to describe it. I don’t even care if the judges agree with me. How is Mary impressed with Missy – nevermind I said I don’t care.
Iveta and Nick doing a Bollywood routine by Nakul Dev Mahajan. Okay – so I still like Nick as a person… but I was not a fan of this routine for him. He was not nearly masculine enough for me. He wasn’t as grounded as I’d have liked him to be. He reminds me of Ken last season for likeability but I don’t know if he’s going to be safe at this point. Iveta was bouncy and cute.
*Aside* So excited for Harry Potter’s final installment.
Robert and Miranda doing a Nappy Tabs hip hop routine. She tried to bring the tude to it that it needed. And she brought swagger which was great but honestly she was still a little awkward for me. And I was distracted by her too much to notice him at all. She really did give it everything she had though and I appreciate that. Still I worry they’ll be in the bottom again.
Jess and Clarice doing a Stacey Tookey routine. I’m biased. I don’t like Jess at ALL. Like I feel about him the way I felt about Brandon a couple seasons ago. I just can’t get past how into himself he is. She is good though. Sadly I think he’s going to hold her back – or get her kicked off.
Jordan and Tadd doing a Jean-Marc “Vietnamese” waltz – oh, Donyelle how I miss you and your renaming of the Viennese Waltz. I am predisposed to like anything danced to a David Cook song – especially one with a bench that reminds me of the bench routine from Season 2. Okay, I have to rewind and watch it for the dancing in front of my eyes. Lovely lines. He’s got crazy good extension for a B-Boy. A little sloppy on the one lift but for the most part really lovely. Costumes also great. Nice upside down lift and dance move. Really lovely overall.
Melanie and Marko doing a Jazz routine from Mandy Moore. Okay – I really didn’t like that at all. The costumes were horrible – HORRIBLE and distracting as were the strobe lights. And I LOVE both Melanie and Marko but I really just didn’t like the routine. That doesn’t mean it didn’t get danced well – I just wasn’t a fan of it.
Sasha and Alexander doing a NappyTabs routine. Okay – I really, really, really, really like Sasha. And I like Alexander – but he was so not her equal in this routine. She was amazing. She needed – Joshua or another really strong/masculine hip hop dancer. But she was emotional and perfection in her part. For her performance alone they should both be safe.
Lastly Ashley and Chris doing a SpencerLiff Broadway routine. I LOVE her dress. I don’t feel the tension they’re supposed to have. It was a really unique concept. Some interesting visual pictures. Not my favorite Broadway routine. Nice use of bars? Really that’s all I’ve got at this point.
So - what did you guys think of the top 20 re-do?
First up Ryan and Ricky. Blech. I usually like a Mandy Moore routine – but this one left me uninterested. I found it to be… whatever the OPPOSITE of the word sexy is. Ryan’s smile creeps me out. It’s a little too Stepford Wives for me. Well the judges didn’t agree with me – does anyone else?
*Aside* Why must we remake movies like Footloose and Fame? Is it only singing/dancing movies that begin with the letter F? If so – does that mean Flashdance is next?
Caitlynn and Mitchell doing a Stacey Tookey routine. CHILLS when she jumped off the chair into his arms. Straight UP chills. Loved it so much I hit rewind to watch it again. When he came behind her in the chair – so great to start – it was so amazing.
Wadi and Missy doing a cha-cha by Jean-Marc Genereux. Okay – I dislike this song more than I can possibly express. This routine was almost as bad as the song for me. There was no flow at all it was steps into steps into forced “sexy face”. Awkward doesn’t even begin to describe it. I don’t even care if the judges agree with me. How is Mary impressed with Missy – nevermind I said I don’t care.
Iveta and Nick doing a Bollywood routine by Nakul Dev Mahajan. Okay – so I still like Nick as a person… but I was not a fan of this routine for him. He was not nearly masculine enough for me. He wasn’t as grounded as I’d have liked him to be. He reminds me of Ken last season for likeability but I don’t know if he’s going to be safe at this point. Iveta was bouncy and cute.
*Aside* So excited for Harry Potter’s final installment.
Robert and Miranda doing a Nappy Tabs hip hop routine. She tried to bring the tude to it that it needed. And she brought swagger which was great but honestly she was still a little awkward for me. And I was distracted by her too much to notice him at all. She really did give it everything she had though and I appreciate that. Still I worry they’ll be in the bottom again.
Jess and Clarice doing a Stacey Tookey routine. I’m biased. I don’t like Jess at ALL. Like I feel about him the way I felt about Brandon a couple seasons ago. I just can’t get past how into himself he is. She is good though. Sadly I think he’s going to hold her back – or get her kicked off.
Jordan and Tadd doing a Jean-Marc “Vietnamese” waltz – oh, Donyelle how I miss you and your renaming of the Viennese Waltz. I am predisposed to like anything danced to a David Cook song – especially one with a bench that reminds me of the bench routine from Season 2. Okay, I have to rewind and watch it for the dancing in front of my eyes. Lovely lines. He’s got crazy good extension for a B-Boy. A little sloppy on the one lift but for the most part really lovely. Costumes also great. Nice upside down lift and dance move. Really lovely overall.
Melanie and Marko doing a Jazz routine from Mandy Moore. Okay – I really didn’t like that at all. The costumes were horrible – HORRIBLE and distracting as were the strobe lights. And I LOVE both Melanie and Marko but I really just didn’t like the routine. That doesn’t mean it didn’t get danced well – I just wasn’t a fan of it.
Sasha and Alexander doing a NappyTabs routine. Okay – I really, really, really, really like Sasha. And I like Alexander – but he was so not her equal in this routine. She was amazing. She needed – Joshua or another really strong/masculine hip hop dancer. But she was emotional and perfection in her part. For her performance alone they should both be safe.
Lastly Ashley and Chris doing a SpencerLiff Broadway routine. I LOVE her dress. I don’t feel the tension they’re supposed to have. It was a really unique concept. Some interesting visual pictures. Not my favorite Broadway routine. Nice use of bars? Really that’s all I’ve got at this point.
So - what did you guys think of the top 20 re-do?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
SEASON 8 BABY!
Guess What People?!?!?! SYTYCD is BAAAAAAAAA-AAAAACK!!!
Now, we know I dislike the “make fun of the ones that can’t dance” portion of the show – so let’s just make it perfectly clear that I will be fast forwarding through those parts (THANK YOU DVR). I’ll also try not to get to invested in the dancers I see because, as we all know, I get really upset when they (read: the evil producers of the show) fake me out and make me fall in love with people who don’t make it to the top 20. Please note I said I would TRY not to get invested, I make no promises. It should also be noted that I’m writing this while drinking a glass of CRU and baking black bean brownies - so, I might be extra happy. Oh, also – I know I don’t normally blog the auditions – but I want to be able to look back and see if I can tell who Nigel has hand picked as this seasons winner before we get to the actual competition portion. Don’t scoff – he totally tried to get Lauren the win on Idol and it was 100% obvious too.
Anyway - Here we go Season 8!
WELCOME TO ATL Ya’ll! And welcome back Mary Murphy!
Starting off with Bianka Hinklerian and some salsa. Great footwork - on him especially - and good lifts and tricks. Plus, not too many crazy faces. She’s super cute. Note – when Mary is giving critique, she is knowledgeable and fair and I find her so helpful. If only she wouldn’t scream or put people on the hot tamale train. *sigh*
Next Melanie Moore (the art major with the dead dad – thanks for the emotional manipulation SYTYCD). She’s adorable and I love her hair and her artwork… and her feet. Beautiful control. Oh… can I be her when I grow up please? See here I am getting attached. Her floor work is excellent – her lines, everything. I <3 her. Straight to Vegas!
Now we have a montage of hot chicks and D-Day trying to pick them up. Poor Cat. They’re fun. Good tricks. Nice sense of humor. I thought it was a good audition because it was memorable – I’d put them through to choreography. And they go straight through to Vegas – really Nigel and Mary?!? Wow.
So – let’s watch a montage of awesome. 10 straight through to Vegas with no names and no full auditions shown… hello underdog of the season – I know you’re in there somewhere.
***distracted by Green Lantern Preview- mmmmmmm Ryan Reynolds is yummy***
Okay, back to SYTYCD. We have Marco Germar- a gunshot victim with the bullet still in his arm. His musicality is beautiful. He’s no Travis – but his legs are good.
Day 2 – up first Kimalee Piedad. The routine was okay but it left me less than amazed. It wasn’t fluid between tricks even though the tricks were sick. I’d send her to choreography but they sent her straight to Vegas.
And Fast Forwarding through White Chocolate and the waste of times that follow.
Kyre was pretty good. Not as good as other pop/lockers I’ve seen. But totally worth watching if only to see Grandma beating Lil C with a belt.
Welcome to San Francisco! And TastyOreo aka, Tyce (Keith) Diorio. and Toni Redpath. Welcome, welcome, welcome!
And we’ve got crazy to start off… She’s going to dance her little Tusher off… Amber Williams. She’s a little much personally but of course she’s actually good. She’s really strong – sexy, without being overtly sexual. Straight to Vegas for me - and for the judges.
Now we have Timothy Jospeh – I love B-Boys. I especially love B-Boys when they can do choreography – especially lyrical. He was really good! Couple of slips on his tricks but great at what he does. Want to see what else he can do.
And now we fast forward through the stripper “Black Barbie” and two other people.
Uh-oh, video package. Sad montage. Emotional manipulation. Dad abandonment, homelessness. Nigel I am not falling for this! Danielle Ihle is decent, but not even close to being the best I’ve seen. She doesn’t finish her moves, she pulls them. So, now they’re going to send her to choreography – because they did a video package, what do you think her Vegas chances are? Are we setting her up to be an underdog while making you look "fair" for not sending her straight to Vegas? I know your game Nigel!
Ashley Rich – I am inclined not to like you because TastyOreo is so all over you – but I don’t hate you. I like your smile – I really wish you’d pulled your hair back though. Loved the jumps. Off you go to Vegas.
Vegas montage again.
Dionke Addison are you going to be horrible? I feel like you will be. I am fast forwarding through you.
Note – Timothy Joseph is a stand up guy - I hope he comes back next year. And of course Danielle gets put through. Was there any doubt people? Really?!?!? I didn’t think so.
Jeffery McCann – NICE feet. Good musicality – Good back story, great personality. Really likeable guy – Think Twitch… Straight to Vegas – wow that's surprising. I would have sent him to choreography but okay.
Now we have chicky-doo from last season (she was the one who worked with Mia, right?) Ryan Ramirez – I don’t remember your audition from last year but I thought you were pretty good this go round. You’re a lock to go to Vegas.
Whitney spins well from what I could see. Lilly does good floor work. While both of them got through to Vegas, I have no idea if I like them yet or not.
We’ve saved the weirdest and coolest thing for last – thanks Nigel. The dude that's a bug. CREEPY! And then we have TURF'n.
Taking
Up
Room on the
Floor
Which consists of: Swagger – Feetwork – Pantomime – Storytelling.
NICE Feetwork Levi Allen. I didn’t get the pantomime and storytelling, but it was cool. Musicality was great. But Toni was right about his face being dead. I don’t think he’ll pass Choreography. And he didn’t.
Next week SLC and NY – Stay tuned.
Now, we know I dislike the “make fun of the ones that can’t dance” portion of the show – so let’s just make it perfectly clear that I will be fast forwarding through those parts (THANK YOU DVR). I’ll also try not to get to invested in the dancers I see because, as we all know, I get really upset when they (read: the evil producers of the show) fake me out and make me fall in love with people who don’t make it to the top 20. Please note I said I would TRY not to get invested, I make no promises. It should also be noted that I’m writing this while drinking a glass of CRU and baking black bean brownies - so, I might be extra happy. Oh, also – I know I don’t normally blog the auditions – but I want to be able to look back and see if I can tell who Nigel has hand picked as this seasons winner before we get to the actual competition portion. Don’t scoff – he totally tried to get Lauren the win on Idol and it was 100% obvious too.
Anyway - Here we go Season 8!
WELCOME TO ATL Ya’ll! And welcome back Mary Murphy!
Starting off with Bianka Hinklerian and some salsa. Great footwork - on him especially - and good lifts and tricks. Plus, not too many crazy faces. She’s super cute. Note – when Mary is giving critique, she is knowledgeable and fair and I find her so helpful. If only she wouldn’t scream or put people on the hot tamale train. *sigh*
Next Melanie Moore (the art major with the dead dad – thanks for the emotional manipulation SYTYCD). She’s adorable and I love her hair and her artwork… and her feet. Beautiful control. Oh… can I be her when I grow up please? See here I am getting attached. Her floor work is excellent – her lines, everything. I <3 her. Straight to Vegas!
Now we have a montage of hot chicks and D-Day trying to pick them up. Poor Cat. They’re fun. Good tricks. Nice sense of humor. I thought it was a good audition because it was memorable – I’d put them through to choreography. And they go straight through to Vegas – really Nigel and Mary?!? Wow.
So – let’s watch a montage of awesome. 10 straight through to Vegas with no names and no full auditions shown… hello underdog of the season – I know you’re in there somewhere.
***distracted by Green Lantern Preview- mmmmmmm Ryan Reynolds is yummy***
Okay, back to SYTYCD. We have Marco Germar- a gunshot victim with the bullet still in his arm. His musicality is beautiful. He’s no Travis – but his legs are good.
Day 2 – up first Kimalee Piedad. The routine was okay but it left me less than amazed. It wasn’t fluid between tricks even though the tricks were sick. I’d send her to choreography but they sent her straight to Vegas.
And Fast Forwarding through White Chocolate and the waste of times that follow.
Kyre was pretty good. Not as good as other pop/lockers I’ve seen. But totally worth watching if only to see Grandma beating Lil C with a belt.
Welcome to San Francisco! And TastyOreo aka, Tyce (Keith) Diorio. and Toni Redpath. Welcome, welcome, welcome!
And we’ve got crazy to start off… She’s going to dance her little Tusher off… Amber Williams. She’s a little much personally but of course she’s actually good. She’s really strong – sexy, without being overtly sexual. Straight to Vegas for me - and for the judges.
Now we have Timothy Jospeh – I love B-Boys. I especially love B-Boys when they can do choreography – especially lyrical. He was really good! Couple of slips on his tricks but great at what he does. Want to see what else he can do.
And now we fast forward through the stripper “Black Barbie” and two other people.
Uh-oh, video package. Sad montage. Emotional manipulation. Dad abandonment, homelessness. Nigel I am not falling for this! Danielle Ihle is decent, but not even close to being the best I’ve seen. She doesn’t finish her moves, she pulls them. So, now they’re going to send her to choreography – because they did a video package, what do you think her Vegas chances are? Are we setting her up to be an underdog while making you look "fair" for not sending her straight to Vegas? I know your game Nigel!
Ashley Rich – I am inclined not to like you because TastyOreo is so all over you – but I don’t hate you. I like your smile – I really wish you’d pulled your hair back though. Loved the jumps. Off you go to Vegas.
Vegas montage again.
Dionke Addison are you going to be horrible? I feel like you will be. I am fast forwarding through you.
Note – Timothy Joseph is a stand up guy - I hope he comes back next year. And of course Danielle gets put through. Was there any doubt people? Really?!?!? I didn’t think so.
Jeffery McCann – NICE feet. Good musicality – Good back story, great personality. Really likeable guy – Think Twitch… Straight to Vegas – wow that's surprising. I would have sent him to choreography but okay.
Now we have chicky-doo from last season (she was the one who worked with Mia, right?) Ryan Ramirez – I don’t remember your audition from last year but I thought you were pretty good this go round. You’re a lock to go to Vegas.
Whitney spins well from what I could see. Lilly does good floor work. While both of them got through to Vegas, I have no idea if I like them yet or not.
We’ve saved the weirdest and coolest thing for last – thanks Nigel. The dude that's a bug. CREEPY! And then we have TURF'n.
Taking
Up
Room on the
Floor
Which consists of: Swagger – Feetwork – Pantomime – Storytelling.
NICE Feetwork Levi Allen. I didn’t get the pantomime and storytelling, but it was cool. Musicality was great. But Toni was right about his face being dead. I don’t think he’ll pass Choreography. And he didn’t.
Next week SLC and NY – Stay tuned.
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