I am pleasantly surprised. I think Ariana has more growing to do. Who knows though, if Noelle's knee injury is serious Ariana might be back on the show next week.
It is appropriate for Brandon to go home as well. I think it is great though that Nigel is going to try to bend the rules to allow Brandon to have a full chance next season.
Good first official episode of the season! Can't wait for next week!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Solos
Ariana's solo was ok. I don't think that she fully extends through her upper body. Something about her movement does not come to fruition.
Russell's solo was krump-irific and filled with intense energy.
Pauline's solo was spicy hot and energetic, but I don't think it showed enough of her attributes to save her. I liked it better than Ariana's but I think the judges are going to send her home anyway.
Brandon's lyrical hip hip solo was pleasantly unexpected and distinctively filled with depth of emotion. I guess I understand better now why Brandon was selected to join the top 20.
Russell's solo was krump-irific and filled with intense energy.
Pauline's solo was spicy hot and energetic, but I don't think it showed enough of her attributes to save her. I liked it better than Ariana's but I think the judges are going to send her home anyway.
Brandon's lyrical hip hip solo was pleasantly unexpected and distinctively filled with depth of emotion. I guess I understand better now why Brandon was selected to join the top 20.
Ariana, Brandon, Pauline and Russell dance for their life
Ok. I am not surprised by the first three, but Russell? Really? I think he has a huge fan base already and has the ability to win this competition. Well, we shall see who the judges choose but my guess is that Brandon (poor guy just got here) and Pauline will go home. Their waltz was just not strong enough to keep them around.
Mollee and Nathan perform a Disco piece by Doriana
I am guessing that these two dancers of similar styles (contemporary and jazz) got paired because of their height. If Mollee can continue to grow in maturity of style and nuance I think that this could be a really powerful partnership. I am a fan of Nathan's and now that Billy is out of the competition he is probably my favorite from a technical and artistic perspective.
Cool lift, scary lighting (warning to those epileptics out there), choppy transitions... I don't know. Mollee looks like she is 12. Her movement, as well as her face, lacks maturity. Maybe it is her goofy attitude that comes through when she performs. The judges liked it, but it was not as good as I had hoped.
Cool lift, scary lighting (warning to those epileptics out there), choppy transitions... I don't know. Mollee looks like she is 12. Her movement, as well as her face, lacks maturity. Maybe it is her goofy attitude that comes through when she performs. The judges liked it, but it was not as good as I had hoped.
Kathryn and Legacy perform a Hip Hip piece by Dave Scott
I think Legacy was channeling his performance in Stomp the Yard for that one. Choreography was really fun and interesting. I enjoyed the syncopated movements and their contrast with the "me Tarzan, you Jane" prehistoric concept. I think they did well. It was a cool piece.
Pauline and Brandon dance a Smooth Waltz by Jason Gilkison
I will not hide my emotions. I am crying to see Juilliard's Billy replaced by a hip hop dancer. I am sure that Brandon is very talented, but Billy's technique was beyond words.
Considering they only had two days to bond with each other I think they showed a fair amount of chemistry. They both performed admirably considering their preferred styles and the circumstances. It is a good thing that judges are voting tonight instead of the audience because I fear that the sophisticated dance style and music choice might not make the best impression on the edgier and youthful audience of SYTYCD.
Considering they only had two days to bond with each other I think they showed a fair amount of chemistry. They both performed admirably considering their preferred styles and the circumstances. It is a good thing that judges are voting tonight instead of the audience because I fear that the sophisticated dance style and music choice might not make the best impression on the edgier and youthful audience of SYTYCD.
Ryan and Ellenore perform Contemporary Jazz piece by Sonya
Woah Ellenore... big words during the pre-dance segment. The dance was good, but I don't know if this dance would go down in SYTYCD history.
Sonya did an awesome job bringing an original concept to life through rhythmic and animalistic movement. They performed really well. Ellenore's leg lines and Ryan's strength were definitely showcased in this dynamic piece. I hate to stay it, but there is something about Ryan that I find an awkward match for dance. Perhaps it is his over developed muscular frame... he just looks bulky to me... sorry Ryan!
Sonya did an awesome job bringing an original concept to life through rhythmic and animalistic movement. They performed really well. Ellenore's leg lines and Ryan's strength were definitely showcased in this dynamic piece. I hate to stay it, but there is something about Ryan that I find an awkward match for dance. Perhaps it is his over developed muscular frame... he just looks bulky to me... sorry Ryan!
Kevin and Karen perform a Cha Cha by Tony and Melanie
I am laughing so hard that Tony and Melanie chose to use the Glee cast's version of Push It for this piece. Too funny!
Very sterile, awkward, clumsy performance. The articulation of movement lacked any kind of smoothness. Kevin tried really hard and Karen definitely held the piece together thanks to her ballroom background, but it was just ok for me. Eh... I think Peter and Ariana have some partners on the sketchy performance train.
Very sterile, awkward, clumsy performance. The articulation of movement lacked any kind of smoothness. Kevin tried really hard and Karen definitely held the piece together thanks to her ballroom background, but it was just ok for me. Eh... I think Peter and Ariana have some partners on the sketchy performance train.
Bianca and Victor perform a Contemporary piece by Travis Wall
I am so glad that Travis has become a part of the choreographic family at SYTYCD. His choreography explores movement and music in such unique and emotionally charging ways. His creativity is amazing.
Victor's control and technique is scrumptious! He was awesome! Great way for him to start the season... I hope he can keep that intensity up in other styles. I agree that Bianca needs some more refinement on her classical technique. However, her performance ability and work ethic got her through this dance with respect.
Victor's control and technique is scrumptious! He was awesome! Great way for him to start the season... I hope he can keep that intensity up in other styles. I agree that Bianca needs some more refinement on her classical technique. However, her performance ability and work ethic got her through this dance with respect.
Russell performs a Fox Trot with Melanie instead of Noelle
I wonder if Melanie is wearing the same costume that Noelle was supposed to wear... somehow I doubt that!
I am really enjoying the backgrounds that they are able to project on this new set! They really make a huge impact on the dance. However, despite my love of darkly lit dances I was really frustrated with the lighting for this number. I feel like I missed so many moments on Russell's face because it was so dark.
Russell is crazy good. His arm lines, his leg lines... I can't believe that he is untrained. His bio says that he has danced "professionally" since he was 6. I wonder what that really means since he is untrained.
I am really enjoying the backgrounds that they are able to project on this new set! They really make a huge impact on the dance. However, despite my love of darkly lit dances I was really frustrated with the lighting for this number. I feel like I missed so many moments on Russell's face because it was so dark.
Russell is crazy good. His arm lines, his leg lines... I can't believe that he is untrained. His bio says that he has danced "professionally" since he was 6. I wonder what that really means since he is untrained.
Ariana and Peter perform a Hip Hop piece by Nappy Tabs
Interesting costume choice... I guess it captures the futuristic sound of this awesome song! I really enjoyed the cool level changes that Tabitha and Napoleon subtly put into the choreography.
I agree with the judges. The performance was ok. It was passable, but nothing memorable. I don't think that they attacked it and put themselves fully into the intention of the choreography. They better hope that other couples really suck or mess up... otherwise they might be in jeopardy of going home week one!
I agree with the judges. The performance was ok. It was passable, but nothing memorable. I don't think that they attacked it and put themselves fully into the intention of the choreography. They better hope that other couples really suck or mess up... otherwise they might be in jeopardy of going home week one!
Ashleigh and Jakob perform a Broadway piece by Tyce
Woah... dirty and raunchy... really Jakob... Ashleigh is a married woman.
I love the silhouette of jazz musicians in tangy purple on the background. It really sets the scene. I am not a huge fan of Jakob's costume. The colors in his shirt do not match the intensity of the shade of blue on Ashleigh's dress.
Great choreography by Tyce and wonderful performance. Ashleigh's technique does not come close to Jakob's, but she is a great performer. I think this was a easy transition for her style wise from ballroom. I will be interested to see if she can stay strong next to Jakob in other styles.
I love the silhouette of jazz musicians in tangy purple on the background. It really sets the scene. I am not a huge fan of Jakob's costume. The colors in his shirt do not match the intensity of the shade of blue on Ashleigh's dress.
Great choreography by Tyce and wonderful performance. Ashleigh's technique does not come close to Jakob's, but she is a great performer. I think this was a easy transition for her style wise from ballroom. I will be interested to see if she can stay strong next to Jakob in other styles.
Phillip and Channing dance a Jive by Jason Gilkison
I love The Jackson 5's Rockin Robin! For a contemporary dancer and a tapper I think the two of them used their stage presence to connect with the audience and sell this number. Channing was super cute and Phillip used his musical theater experience to his advantage.
I will defer to Mary's critique that their technique was not as strong as it should have been, but I think they performed well.
I will defer to Mary's critique that their technique was not as strong as it should have been, but I think they performed well.
First Night of Duets!
I am so excited to see if the judges decide to get rid of the same dancers as I would! However, I am super sad to loose Billy to illness. He was soooo awesome! Ouch for Noelle's knee injury. I hope she is ok and can come back to the show next week!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Karen, Ashleigh and Ryan perform a Samba by Jason Gilkison
Can't say I have ever seen a ballroom trio before. It was a little awkward, but I think the choreographer did a great job of working with the unnatural grouping.
It was a cute number. I think the dancers performed the choreography well and did an excellent job of communicating the storyline.
It was a cute number. I think the dancers performed the choreography well and did an excellent job of communicating the storyline.
Billy, Kathryn, Noelle and Victor perform a Contemporary piece by Mandy Moore
I can feel Juilliard oozing out of every limb of Billy's body! I love his technique!!!!
What a cool exploration of rhythmic accents! I love choreographing to Coldplay and totally love Mandy Moore for using this super charging piece of music in a non-traditional format. I love the pedestrian inspiration behind the movement and staging.
What a cool exploration of rhythmic accents! I love choreographing to Coldplay and totally love Mandy Moore for using this super charging piece of music in a non-traditional format. I love the pedestrian inspiration behind the movement and staging.
Mollee, Pauline, Ellenore perform a jazz piece by Sonya
Bringing Sexy Back Sonya? I am not seeing the sexiness of those costumes...
Although I really enjoyed the choreography and the music I was a little disappointed in the dancers. I feel like their energy started to fall shortly into the number and that they lacked a genuine connection to the movement. I wasn't pulled or impressed by their performance :-(
Although I really enjoyed the choreography and the music I was a little disappointed in the dancers. I feel like their energy started to fall shortly into the number and that they lacked a genuine connection to the movement. I wasn't pulled or impressed by their performance :-(
Peter, Bianca and Phillip perfrom a tap piece by Derick K Grant
It is about time that SYTYCD brings tap to the stage! Most of the trained dancers on SYTYCD have studied ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and contemporary over the years so these should not be the only dancers capable of performing this style. They just may be a lot better than everyone else in it.
I think they should give other dancers who have a background in tap the chance to perform this dance style in order to even out the playing field for the tap divas...
The performance was classically beautiful. I was not expecting such a traditional tap number in styling, music or choreography, but I definitely enjoyed it! They are truly musicians!
I think they should give other dancers who have a background in tap the chance to perform this dance style in order to even out the playing field for the tap divas...
The performance was classically beautiful. I was not expecting such a traditional tap number in styling, music or choreography, but I definitely enjoyed it! They are truly musicians!
Ariana, Channing, Jakob and Nathan perform a Contemporary piece by Tyce
Interesting rendition of Cryin' by KD Lang. I enjoyed how Tyce played off the grittiness of her voice to bring out raw emotion. Beautiful use of lighting! I loved the way the deep blues set the scene and created such a melancholy contrast to the creams in their costumes.
I enjoyed Tyce's choreography and enjoyed watching the four dancers together. I really enjoyed watching Nathan... he is a personal favorite from Vegas.
I enjoyed Tyce's choreography and enjoyed watching the four dancers together. I really enjoyed watching Nathan... he is a personal favorite from Vegas.
Russell, Kevin and Legacy perform a piece by Nappy Tabs
Ok, so I thought they were performing solos, but I guess they are doing small group numbers with other dances from the same genre.
Great performance. I love this song! What a great throwback to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Awesome performance with lots of great energy.
If the rest of the show is this good... I am pumped!
Great performance. I love this song! What a great throwback to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Awesome performance with lots of great energy.
If the rest of the show is this good... I am pumped!
Top 20 perform a Wade Robson piece!
What an amazing way to start the season! Sublimely original choreography and concept filled with melodic movement and syncopated rhythms. I absolutely adored the vintage costuming and styling of the number. The purposeful and strategic use of color makes me want to sing!
Amazing work Wade! I love the way he is able to seamlessly move in and out of dance genres while maintaining his artistic integrity and stylistic signature. He is so talented!!!!
Amazing work Wade! I love the way he is able to seamlessly move in and out of dance genres while maintaining his artistic integrity and stylistic signature. He is so talented!!!!
Season 6: Meet the Top 20!
A SYTYCD first! After a stressful final audition in Vegas, the top 20 dancers get a chance perform solos in their preferred dance style before having to face the audience with duets. Should be interesting!
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