The winner is...

Russell! I can't lie, I am a bit disappointed. I really loved Jakob. However, Russell did an amazing job and won everyone's heart early on in the competition. He also continued to work hard and grow. Great job Russell! You should be really proud.

Well, I guess that is it until next season! I hope they go back to their normal summer schedule. Something about the fall season was weird and didn't have the same magic that the summer seasons had.

And third place goes to...

Kathryn. I would have hoped that Kathryn was one of the top two, but I can deal that she finishes third. She had a spectacular season filled with some of the most memorable dances from the season. Who knows... maybe we will see her as a choreographer's assistant in the future.

Top 20 perform a Wade & Amanda Robson piece!

This was such an awesome piece it is great to see it again it just sucks that they have to show the video due to Russell's injury. I wonder if the show had all of these videos on hand just in case or if they scrambled to get them after Russell hurt himself.

Amazing choreography! Wade and Amanda are crazy talented.

Russell and Kathryn perform a Hip Hop piece by Tabitha and Napoleon

Another video due to Russell's injury.

I think this performance gave Kathryn the chance to show her versatility. I can only hope that it helped her gain some additional votes!

Ariana, Channing, Jakob and Nathan perform a Contemporary piece by Tyce

Nathan's turns in second, into a quad front attitude turn with a controlled suspension at the end was awesome.

Another great performance chosen from the first showcase episode. Beautiful.

And fourth place goes to...

Ellenore. I am not surprised by this placement. Jakob, Kathryn and Russell have clearly captivated the audience and judges to a greater extent than the other dancers in the top 6. Ellenore was always very good, but she somehow always played second fiddle to one of the top 3. She should be proud of her experience on the show.

Noelle and Russell perform an Afro Jazz piece by Shawn

I guess Russell's injury is pretty significant if they decided to show the video of this performance instead of having them re-perform it. Poor Noelle lost a chance to perform again though...

Ellenore and Legacy repreform a Contemporary piece by Travis

I particularly enjoyed this piece because it showcased a variation in Travis' Contemporary choreography. It was incredibly original in its rhythmic complexities both in music and movement. Really awesome performance.

The married couple is out

Ryan and Ashleigh finish in 6th and 5th place. I expected as much. Although they both did well throughout the competition, I don't think that they shone as much as other dancers.

Mollee and Nathan bring Bollywood back

I could be wrong, but I believe that they originally performed this during the first week of the competition. I would love to watch the video of the first week and the video of this performance back to back to compare. The judges gave Mollee and Nathan a lot of feedback over the weeks that their were growing... I would love to compare to see if I could find definite proof of growth after all of the judges' comments.

Jakob and Kathryn perfom a Contemporary piece by Desmond and Dwight

I know that they just performed this last night, but I was super excited to see it again! Amazing! Chills!

The Groovaloos

One of the things that I love the most about this show is how they take the opportunity to showcase established dance groups. By providing this arena for dance groups like the Groovaloos to perform it gives adult dancers a reason to continue developing their craft.

Ashleigh and Ryan perform their own choreography

I think it's cool that Mary wanted the two of them perform a ballroom piece together.

It raises an interesting idea for me though. Wouldn't it be cool if their was a self choreography week where the couple had to choreograph their own duet in their preferred style or in a style of their choice? I would love to see some them have a chance to demonstrate their creativity and ability to work in a team in a duet.

Bianca, Phillip and Peter bring tap back

Crazy that two favorite performances have come from the first performance week so far.

I am glad that they brought this tap piece back. Bianca, Phillip and Peter deserve to showcase their specialized skills. Awesome choreography. I love the use of modern syncopated rhythms in the classic tap style. Nice juxtaposition.

Ellenore and Jakob reperform an awesome Jazz piece by Sonya

Jakob is my hero. He is so talented!!!!

Nice pick by Adam Shankman. This was a choreographic masterpiece by Sonya. I really enjoyed seeing it performed again.

Beggin

I love the way they channel the spirit of Frankie Vallee in this awesome hip hop remix.

The artist who remixed this song, Madcon is from Norway and has several awesome cuts. If you haven't checked him out you definitely should. I really like "Liar" and "Turn Me Loose."

FINALE!!!!!

Cool opening number by Kelly Abby.

What a great way to open the show. I love the way that they showcased the top 6 performers!

So who will win...

Ok... My top two are Kathryn and Jakob, no mystery there. However, I think that Russell has the biggest following and is the likely front runner. I will not be upset if he wins... he has worked hard and has grown tons.

I can't wait to see!

Russell and Kathryn perform a Hip Hop piece by Tabitha and Napoleon

Maybe I am drawing a blank, but I can't remember Kathryn doing hip hop during this season...

I was shocked to see how well she did. The two of them looked awesome together. Kathryn matched Russell's energy and execution without an issue.

Awesome choreography by Tabitha and Napoleon. Really hot! Loved it!

Ryan and Ashleigh perform a Contemporary piece by Travis

So the married couple finally get to dance together. I am glad that they did not get to dance ballroom. It is good to see them dance together outside of their comfort zone.

The choreography was captivating. Travis is so amazingly talented!!!!!! I want to understand his thoughts and feel his inspiration. It has got to be so cool to be that creative and artistic.

It was a beautiful performance with so much natural emotion and passion. It was simple and elegant, yet raw and ruthless at the same time. Great job!

Jakob and Kathryn perfom a Contemporary piece by Desmond R

I have been waiting to see the two of them dance together all season and to see them dance contemporary makes it that much better!!!!!

Yummy. Beautiful. Breathtaking.

Watching the two of them was like watching Nick and Melanie from season 1. They are both so technically and artistically phenomenal. I loved how the choreography showed off all of their assets without compromising the artistic intention of the piece. There were no leaps or turns just for the sake of having leaps and turns. The choreography and the performance was filled with dynamic variations of artistic emotion. Awesome.

They ROCK!!!!!

Russell and Ellenore perform a Paso Doble by Jason G

Great opening silhouette. I loved the dramatic opening as well as Ellenore's amazing leg lines. The fire in the background was a little cheesy though... come on. It was like a tacky plastic flamingo on a front lawn. Don't ruin a beautiful piece with tacky theatrical elements :-(

The two of them brought such intensity and power to their performance it was captivating. I really enjoyed the two of them as a couple. They both have such great performance quality and energy.

Ashleigh and Jakob perform a Foxtrot by Jean Marc

Interesting to see the two of them dance together again after a couple weeks apart. Their experience dancing together definitely came through in their smooth execution of partnering work as well as their chemistry.

After seeing Ashleigh perform twice, I think she is a little off tonight. Almost low energy or something. Maybe she is still healing after her injury. She looked good, just not as good as she has in previous weeks in my opinion.

Jakob looked great as usual. I don't care what Nigel says, I love that the choreographers keep showing off his amazing leaps!

Ellenore and Ryan perform a Jazz piece by Gary S

Cool concept and choreography. I really enjoyed how the choreography captured the mechanical nature of the music. I disagree with Nigel's analysis of it being void of emotion. I think their was a neat subtly to choreography that brought in an almost subliminal emotional message. I think their connection to each other and their physical interaction helped illustrate the emotional message. It was not as overt as usual, but there was something there.
I say good job!

Ashleigh and Russell perform a Lyrical peice by Sonya

I love the simplicity of the costumes and how they contrast against the bright purple "starlight sky" background. Really beautiful. The touch of wind brought a nice intimacy to the piece.

Nice to see Ashleigh well again physically. It says a lot that her fan base kept her in the competition even without her dancing last week. She is going to get a ton of votes tonight.

Russell did look great. His physical lines have grown with maturity as the weeks have gone on. He has been challenged throughout the season and he has risen to each and every one.

Beautiful choreography by Sonya. It is nice to see a different, softer side of Sonya's creative inspiration.

Ellenore and Jakob perform a Broadway piece by Tyce

Tyce did a great job capturing the sassy 60's nature of Fosse. Loved the choreography.

The two of them are a super powerful couple technically, artistically, and personally. So much energy! Awesome performance! I like them both... however Jakob and Kathryn are my top two!

Ryan and Kathryn perform a Samba by Jason G

Nice opening 180 degree extension by Kathryn. I am surprised to see the two of them dancing together again after partnering last week. Super strong ballroom performance with great entertainment factor. Jason's Cha Cha last week was amazing on the two of them so I am not sure if this one compares, but it was really great.

I'm glad that Kathryn is getting more attention for her performances. She just keeps getting better each week.

On another note... hasn't this song been used on SYTYCD before or am I crazy???

Performance Finale Show - Top 6 Dancers!

OK, so after a week off to celebrate my anniversary I am pumped and ready for tonight's finale performance show!!!!

Bring it on! I some want strong dancing, creative choreography and artistic performances!

December 8th Performance Show

I will be blogging about the December 8th performance show later this week. Sorry! Celebrating my 2nd Wedding Anniversary tonight instead :-)

Who is going home this week?

Noelle is going home. I am not happy to see Noelle go... I wish it was Mollee, but I am happy that Kathryn is still with us. I don't think Noelle showed enough personality throughout the competition to get a strong following developed. I think she was dancing in Russell's shadow during the first 5 weeks which didn't help.

Nathan is going home as well. I am sad for him because he had one of his strongest nights in the competition last night, however I think that all of the negative attention from the judges and immature behavior did not help him win the hearts of the audience.

On another note, how the heck did Ryan stay safe after that horrible Chippendale stripper solo? Surprising!

Snoop

Isn't Snoop Dogg like 55 or something now?

Guest Artists Perform - Legion of Extraordinary Dancers

That was amazing. I love the Vitamin String Quartet and their renditions of popular music in a classical style. I also love Coldplay so this was a great combination for me music wise.

The choreography was exotically street and intoxicatingly contemporary. The dancers' movement was beyond synchronized. They were breathing as one. The tricks were outstanding, but so was the artistry. I loved the subtle story line. It was beautiful.

Gentlemen...

Ryan - One of the bottom two, as predicted, he just didn't do enough last night to make a lasting impression. Plus, I think a lot of people find him awkward.

Russell - Safe, shocker. He is definitely a favorite.

Jakob - Safe, thank goodness... yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

Nathan - One of the bottom two. I thought he had a bigger following so I am surprised that he didn't have enough votes to keep him safe.

Legacy - Safe, I am a bit surprised since he did not have a great night last night.

Ladies first...

Ellenore - Safe (She had a great night last night in both of her dances with Jakob, especially her Sonya Jazz piece)

Mollee - Safe (Unfortunately)

Noelle - One of the bottom two, as predicted.

Kathryn - One of the bottom two... I just threw up in my mouth. I am so disturbed by this!

Ashleigh - Safe (eh)

December 2 Elimination Show

For the first time tonight, the audience has full control over who stays and who goes.

Fun opening number by Tyce. I am super proud because my sport loving husband said that he thought it was Tyce's work about 30 seconds into the piece! He has learned so much!

Till tomorrow!

Hmmm... tough...

I think Noelle and Mollee are in jeopardy female wise and I think Legacy and Ryan are in jeopardy guy wise.

If I had to predict today, I think that Jakob, Ellenore, Kathryn and Russell will be our top 4 dancers. I guess we will have to wait and see!

Jakob's Solo

Leave the best for last!!!!!!

Please notice how Jakob was able to us extremely difficult technical elements to artistically emphasize and illustrate the lyrical nuances and dynamics of the music. There was an artistic and inspired intention behind each one of his movements. It was not about showing what he could do, it was about fully expressing the emotion and feeling of the music. That is what dance is all about.

Excellent solo... I want to be Jakob when I grow up! He has already won in my book!

Russell and Mollee perform a Jive

Russell is so damn cute. I love his smile and energy. His posture needs some work though, during transitions especially. Cute number, but nothing to write home about.

Ashleigh's Solo

Was Ashleigh's costume ballroom's form of hair-ography? I mean, those sequins were going all over the place. Not much content though.

What the heck was up with Ashleigh's mom's hair... did she have "bump-it" in?

Ellenore and Jakob perform a Jazz piece by Sonya

What a cool interpretation of the Tango rhythms. This was a story of two dancers and their incredible extensions. What an awesome couple. What an awesome performance. What awesome choreography!

I don't think any other two dancers would have been able to perform that choreography at that level. Their precision of execution of each body line, each stylistic nuance, each breath was incredible. I agree with Nigel, the two of them are a dream team. Thank goodness that Ellenore finally got paired with someone who could compliment her technically and artistically.

I just love how much we are able (as an audience) to embrace Sonya's crazy and nontraditional choreography! She doesn't confirm and I am so excited that we embrace her lack of conformity!

Legacy's Solo

I really enjoyed the non-b-boy music choice. He did a great job staying true to his style and the quality of the music.

Kathryn and Nathan perform a Rhumba by Tony and Melanie

I would pay a million dollars for Kathryn's luscious side extension that she did in the beginning of the piece. Great choreography to an awesome song. Again, I loved the costuming, lighting and styling of the performers. The choreography combined with the other elements created great depth on the non-dance side.

I enjoyed the performance quality of their dance. I couldn't adore Kathryn more. She is always dancing larger than her physical self. The energy of her body lines extends beyond her finger tips and toes. I wish I could bottle that quality or figure out how to teach that... but I believe that is something that you are born with. That quality is what sets great dancers and phenomenal/artistic dancers apart.

Ashleigh and Legacy perform a Hip Hop piece by Dave Scott

Was Dave Scott inspired by the Twilight New Moon premiere?

I found their vampire styling to be distracting, which prevented me from getting into the piece. I agree with the judges, it just didn't work for me.

Ellenore's Solo

I love how Ellenore is able to showcase her quirky personality with such mature movement in her solos. Really cool performance.

Ryan and Noelle perform a Smooth Waltz by JT and Thomas

What a beautiful piece. The mystical quality of Cirque de Soliel was totally captured in the choreography, costuming and lighting. I was captivated.

I love Adam Shankman's comment about "breathing" with them. What a great way to describe the entrancing quality of the performance.

Nathan's Solo

Not much to it, but he looked good. Excellent turns.

Mollee and Russell perform a Lyrical Jazz piece by Mandy Moore

Oh, when you hear the 80s music you can bet that Mandy Moore is the choreographer!

I loved the choreography, but I found the performance to be very chopping and superficial. I see the merits of the physical execution that they were capable of, but I did not feel a connection between the two of them. I think that they lost the artistry of the piece because of the intense athleticism of the choreography. All three judges loved it, so maybe I am crazy.

I do commend Russell for melding into the contemporary style, but I would expect that of a U of Arts student. Mollee was better than she has been, but I am still not bowled over.

Kathryn's Solo

Gosh. I am totally astounded by how much Kathryn has grown during this competition. Her movement is filled with such passion, artistry, technique, strength and sophistication. Well done!

Ryan's Solo

Oh... poor Ryan... how awkward. His super cheesy performance reminded me of the scene in "The Proposal" when Oscar (from The Office) was a stripper... it was a comedy... not good.

Ellenore and Jakob perform a Quickstep by Tony and Melanie

Nice soft shoe mixed in the middle. I think they did well, luckily, Mary agrees from a technical standpoint as well. Nice! Great partnership!

Noelle's Solo

A little throw back to Charlotte Martin's Every Time it Rains... brings me back to the days of teaching progressions across the floor in my advanced jazz classes back in 2004. Good times...

Her solo was ok. Nothing amazing. It also didn't help her that some of her typical tricks were highlighted in her bio video before she repeated them in her solo... never a good thing! Noelle... you are looking one dimensional... find some new tricks! Or... better yet... stop doing tricks and start performing solos from your heart. True passion will win over the audience more than any amount of tricks.

Kathryn and Nathan performs a Broadway piece by Spencer

I am in LOVE with that piece!!!!! I have always loved that song in the movie White Christmas. Both of them performed the style perfectly. I swear that Nathan is like 5 years older than he was last year. I thought they both were fantastic! The choreography was AWESOME!!!! I loved how authentic it was to the film while still being completely original and creative.

Props to the costume designer too. I loved the way they were able to capture the style and fashion of the genre without using volume in Kathryn's skirt. The flow and feel of her dress was on point without compromising the ability to fully see her body lines.

Russell's Solo

Fun tricks, nice intensity, cool rhythms... he is such a little charmer.

Mollee's solo

This was definitely one of Mollee's better solos. I did not find her childish or annoying... that is some serious progress in my book. Her jumps were strong, her musicality was dynamic and her turns were consistent.

I just wish that all of the dancers' solos were choreographed by the professional choreographers. They would be so much better!

PS - leggings styled to look like jeans should be illegal... what the heck was that?

Ashleigh and Legacy perform a Contemporary piece by Gary Stewart

Ok, this was interesting. I liked the choreography, but I did not love it. It did not have the performance quality that I prefer, however I can completely appreciate the originality and intention. Perhaps the lack of performance quality is more of a reflection of the dancers though. I think the bad-ass nature of the piece really worked for Legacy, but came off as forced for Ashleigh. In my opinion, this piece exposed their lack of classical training. Their jumps and body lines lacked the elevation that I believe a dancer of this level should be able to execute. Eh.

Ryan and Noelle perform a Hip Hop piece by Tabitha and Napoleon

First, Ryan totally looks like Harry Connick Jr. in this piece!

I really enjoyed the music choice and the concept for this piece. Since the show did not include a "pre-dance" moment, we were not given any preliminary information about the dance before watching the full performance. I liked this better I think, because I was able to fully enjoy the concept and storyline without finding it predictable.

Noelle looked great. This subtle hip hop piece worked really well for both of them. Nice work.

Top 10 Dancers Perform

Sorry for missing the results show last week. Preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday prevented me from being able to blog. I am happy that Karen was sent home last week, but I was sad to see Victor go.

Tonight should be interesting. New couple pairings should show us who has real talent and who has been relying on their partner to carry the performance. I can't wait!