Miranda and Robert are going home

What!?!?!?!?!? I am shocked that they are sending Miranda home. What the heck are they thinking???? Did they see her solo? The musicality and technique was beyond compare. What more do they want?

Robert will be joining his partner and heading home tonight. I am not as surprised about this decision.

I wonder if they made a solid decision about Robert and just wanted to keep the couples together so that is what made them send Miranda home.

Well, my bottom three prediction was accurate this week, but I totally got the individual selection wrong!

My prediction

I am torn on this one. I think Miranda and Mitchell are safe. I am debating between the other 4.

Ok... I am going to go with Caitlynn and Chris.

Week 3's Bottom Three Couples

Ashley and Chris - As expected, Sonya's creative music choice left the viewers cold and the two of them were short on votes.

Miranda and Robert - Before they did the recap from last night, could you remember their dance? Yeah... me either.

Caitlynn and Mitchell - Unfortunately, their samba was not strong enough to earn them votes.

Seeing any of these girls go home tonight is going to be hard. All three of them are super strong and talented dancers.

Week 3 Results Show!

The opening number to a song from The Incredibles soundtrack was pretty cool. It had a Broadway/secret agent vibe. I enjoyed all of the partnering work, but I don't know if the movement was big enough for the larger than life musical composition.

My Week 3 Predictions

I think these couples had a tough night:

Caitlynn and Mitchell - I don't think their Samba will be remembered

Miranda and Robert - I have already forgotten about their Broadway

I think Ashely and Chris could be in jeopardy thanks to Sonya's creative music choice so I will give them the third slot.

The second group performs a Contemporary piece by Dee

I love how Dee started with a contemporary folk song, took it back hundreds of years through concept and costuming but brought forward tons of integrity. The movement not only illustrated the twisted and dark story but also capitalized on the ladies' classical technique. Really cool group number.

Jordan and Tadd perform a Hip Hip piece by Nappy Tabs

Um, this is a family show Nappy Tabs. I don't know how I feel about this concept. Sure, let's glorify drunken hook ups. That sounds like a great idea. I am glad that we are sending a solid message to our young teens that are watching.

I thought Jordan and Tadd did a great job selling the storyline and rocking the choreography, but I still question the appropriateness of the concept considering the venue. I guess I have become an old, conservative woman.

Oh, and Cat... C does not work for sensible. Just an FYI.

Ryan and Ricky perform a Contemporary piece by Sonya

Wow. That was awesome. I am not sure where to start.

The creative use of the unraveling costume element was AMAZING! I loved the way it was pushed, pulled, twisted, thrown and dropped to illustrate the tension-filed connection between them.

The emotion entrenched in the movement and the execution of the movement made me speechless. The two of them danced with the maturity, strength and technique of dancers twice their age. Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. It made me completely forget that this was a competition.

Clarice and Jess perform a Fox Trot by Jean Marc

I really enjoyed Jean Marc's interpretation of this classic Sinatra tune. I felt like I was transferred to a club in the mid 60's. As mentioned by Nigel, Clarice's dress is a costume masterpiece of shine and sparkle. The two of them glided straight into my heart with their performances. Jess caught the spirit of Sinatra in every movement and Clarice was captivating with her port de bras.

Ashley and Chris perform a Jazz piece by Sonya

It was pretty subtle, bud did anyone notice Ashley's mile high extensions?!?!

I was not a big fan of Sonya's choreography and music choice. I am not seeing the connection between the character inspiration and movement. The music was very repetitive and somewhat monotonous. The movement was interesting but there was a lack of connection between the movement and the intention for me.

I think Ashley and Chris executed what they were given well, but I was missing the artistry... not their fault though.

Melanie and Marco perform a Lyrical Hip Hop by Nappy Tabs

Woah! That was one super unexpected and passionate kiss there!

I agree with Lil' C; Melanie and Marco are a powerhouse couple. The two of them are amazing regardless of the dance style. They did an excellent job of establishing the characters at the beginning and building on that foundation throughout the piece. The chemistry and technique were undeniable. Beautiful stuff.

Um... Nigel kisses Mary... Kristen kisses Lil' C... Cat feels very uncomfortable. Woah!

Miranda and Robert perform a Broadway piece by Tyce

Miranda's opening slow develope was luscious!

Horrible music choice by Tyce. I found the tapping throughout the uptempo section to be majorly distracting. The two of them did well, but it could have been sharper and the dynamic changes could have had more tension.

I don't mean to be rude, but Mary Murphy looks like the King Kong sitting next to super tiny Kristen Chenoweth.

Caitlynn and Mitchell perform a Samba by Jean Marc

Um... Mitchell had some serious body rolls and hip swivels going on. My only complaint with him was his broken wrists. They looked a little feminine to me. Caitlynn was totally overshadowed by Mitchell. She was good, but she did not command the stage the way Mitchell did. Unfortunately, I think that this hot performance is going to be forgotten. It is falling too early in the show and although impressive, is not going to be a fan favorite.

Sasha and Alexander perform a Contemporary piece by Dee Caspary

Sasha is definitely getting hooked up. It is only week 3 and this is the second time that she has gotten to do contemporary!

Dee put together a stunning piece of choreography to start the show. I loved his use the piano as both a prop and piece of scenery. I gasped when Alexander pulled Sasha across and off the top of the piano. However, the intensity broke for me when Sasha missed her footing the next time she approached the piano. I think Alexander placed her down from the lift awkwardly and she was not able to get her feet placed correctly. She recovered well, but it was enough to break the spirit of the piece for me. I can't believe none of the judges mentioned this misstep in their critiques.

Sasha's elevation in her leaps is pretty breathtaking and Alexander's body lines are impressive as well.

First group performs a Broadway piece by Tyce

A new twist to SYTYCD emerges as the contestants are split into two groups of 8 to perform some small group numbers.

This was one of Tyce's more interesting pieces choreographically. I enjoyed his continuous formation changes and creative use of the saloon chairs. I am super excited about the show doing more small group pieces throughout the season!

Although all of the dancers did a good job with this piece, it was not as clean as I would have expected. Sasha stood out to me among the group, but I am not sure if that is because added her own flair with drew my eye or if her timing was a slightly bit off from the rest of the group.

Top 16 dancers perform!

The top 16 dancers perform and Kristen Chenoweth joins the judges panel tonight!

Iveta, Missy, Wadi and Nick are going home

Ok... I was hoping that they would keep both Ryan and Missy, but they stuck to their word and only kept one girl. As a result, Missy and Iveta are going home tonight.

As predicted, Ricky was able to save himself thanks to an incredible solo. Another tap dancer bites the dust and poor Wadi ends up going home before he really has a chance to grow and shine.

My week 2 prediction

For the guys I think Ricky will be saved. Technically he is just insane and I don't think Wadi or Nick can touch him.

For the ladies I think Iveta should go home, but the judges might choose to keep her simply because she is the only ballroom dancer in the competition. I really hope they don't get rid of Missy or Ryan... they are both so talented!!!

Bottom Three Couples

Missy and Wadi were the first couple to join the bottom. I am afraid that Wadi's awkward performance is responsible for their lack of votes.

Iveta and Nick landed in the bottom as well. I guess their Bollywood performance was not strong enough... or maybe their fan base is weak?

Ryan and Ricky were the last couple to join the bottom. I was scared this was going to happen. It is really hard to dance first on the show and be remembered. Not to mentioned, their Mandy Moore choreography didn't give them much to work with.

Week 2 Results Show!

The opening piece choreographed by Dave Scott and performed to Nina Simone was incredible. I loved the way Dave played with tempo and rhythm in the movement. The variations between double time and slow motion made the story and choreography so interesting and unexpected. I also adored the use of their derby hats to hide their faces during transitions. Super cleaver concept and awesome execution by the top 20 dancers.

Oh... I also loved the use of lighting. The series of defined spots really enhanced the formations!

Week 2 prediction

I think the bottom couples could be...

Ryan and Ricky - they danced first and their performance wasn't very memorable, but I think Ryan has a fan following so they might be ok.

Missy and Wadi - Wadi might have killed this one for the two of them.

Iveta and Nick - They performed well, but do either of them have a solid set of fans? I guess we will see.

Melanie and Marco - I hope they aren't in the bottom because losing either of them would make me cry, but their piece did not give them a chance to make a real impact on the viewers.

Ashley and Chris perform a Broadway piece by Spencer

I thought Spencer did an excellent job of using every element of a set of prison bars in order to create a piece with solid variation and dynamic. I have always loved this song from Cry Baby and absolutely adored how Spencer was able to turn it into a creative piece of musical theater choreography.

I think the characters played to the dancers' strengths and allowed each of them to showcase their talent. They did an excellent job!

Sasha and Alexander perform a Hip Hop piece by Nappy Tabs

Ok, so I have an issue with the costuming. I found the WWII throwback uniform for Alexander distracting. Why couldn't they put him in fatigues? My only issue with Sasha's costume was that it didn't match their choice for Alexander.

I appreciated Nappy Tabs' interpretation of this song and how they represented so many complicated feelings in their choreography.

I think Sasha and Alexander performed the characters with respect and integrity. It was a strong and emotional performance.

Melanie and Marco perform a Broadway piece by Mandy Moore

Many people may not know this, but this past February Mandy Moore's work was featured in a highly selective showcase for up and coming Broadway choreographers. Fellow SYTYCD choreographer Mia Michaels participated in the same showcase in 2003. Despite these accolades, I am not a fan of her choreography. I found this piece to be boring and awkward.

Melanie and Marco did the best they could with what they were given, but I don't think they had a chance to showcase their true talents with this choreography. I am scared that this performance will not keep them safe which really frustrates me because they are both AMAZING dancers!

Jordan and Tadd perform a Viennese Waltz by Jean Marc

That was absolutely gorgeous. I genuinely enjoyed both the music choice and the choreography. It was intimate, but not cheesy. I am shocked by Tadd's chameleon-like performance. Hey just warped from a b-boy into a ballroom dancer. Did you see his body frame and arms? If he is able to execute contemporary at the same level he could be a hard one to beat. Jordan's performance was strong as well and her ponche was stunning. However, I saw her lost character during transitions which was a bit of a disappointment.

Clarice and Jess perform a Contemporary piece by Stacey Tookey

Stunning. Clarice's leg lines are phenomenal. She is so short, yet her lines look like she is 6 foot tall. The piece was choreographed to showcase Clarice's assets and made Jess a complementing accessory to her strength. Although all of their partnering was intricate and inventive, my favorite part of the piece was when they broke apart to perform a series of unison movement with some floor work. The fierceness of this section left me wanting more.

Miranda and Robert perform a Hip Hop piece by Nappy Tabs

Miranda really impressed me in this piece. I thought she looked fairly authentic in her execution of the style. Robert looked good too. Their chemistry definitely helped them pull off this piece that channeled bird behaviors. The choreography was pretty standard Nappy Tabs (strange story line, robotic rhythmic elements, throw back styling,) but still solid and interesting.

I think their performance was definitely strong enough to keep them safe this week.

Iveta and Nick perform a Bollywood piece by Nakul Dev Mahajan

I think they both did a good job with it. Their movement was precise. They kept their energy up throughout the piece and they did an excellent job articulating the style for the first time.

Overall, an entertaining performance.

Missy and Wadi perform a Cha Cha by Jean Marc

Missy was pulling enough faces for 3 people. I can break this down pretty quickly...

- Missy was serving enough "hot sauce" for both of them. According to Mary, Missy's cha cha technique was on point.
- Wadi was trying really hard, but looked awkward and unsure.
- The choreography was a bit slow moving and was trying to be something that it wasn't... however that could have been the result of their lack of chemistry.

This is not going to help them stay for another week. I am definitely nervous for them.

Caitlynn and Mitchell perform a Contemporary piece by Stacey Tookey

Beautiful choreography by Stacey Tookey and awesome song choice. I recently choreographed a duo to this captivating song by Adele (one of my favorite musical artists!) It is interesting to watch someone else's choreographic interpretation of a song you have worked with.

I loved the use of the white and black arm chairs as both a prop study as well as a symbolic medium. Stacey did an excellent job of interweaving unexpected transitions throughout the piece.

Both Caitlynn and Mitchell danced this emotional piece with lyrical nuance and tension filled dynamics. I could feel the push and pull of tangled emotions in their subtly powerful movement. Angst vs. need. Pain vs. comfort. I loved the contrasts! Not too mention, did you see Mitchell's body lines in his leap?

My only complaint is the way they spliced the music. I found the edit to be clumsy and counterproductive. They tried to created resolution too quickly and randomly brought together phrases without ample musical transition.

Ryan and Ricky perform a Jazz piece by Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore sure does love the 80s music so this classic Robert Palmer hit was not a surprising song choice. I was not very impressed by the choreography. I found it to be fairly predictable "Mandy." I wanted more surprises and innovative movement.

Ryan and Ricky both executed the movement well, but I would expect that other dances later in the show will overshadow. Frankly, I have already forgotten that they even danced...

Week 2 - The top 20 dancers perform... again!

Debbie Reynolds is a part of the judging panel tonight!

All of the dancers were introduced as couples so it looks like they will be keeping their partners from week 1 for another week.

NO ONE GOES HOME THIS WEEK!!!!

They have NEVER done this before. All 20 dancers will stay in the competition for another week. Instead, they will send 2 couples home next week.

I am shocked but I completely understand. Every girl up there is ridiculously strong. I don't want to see any of them go either. I think there is some room to take out a guy or two, but I am not disappointed with their decision to let us watch everyone for another week.

Twist?!?!

I am not sure why they would ask Mitchell to dance again except if they wanted to see if their performance was choreographed or improvised and after watching him again it was clear that it was completely improvised. Interesting.

The judges must have questions or issues that are coming from things that are not visible to me.

So, who will go home tonight?

First, can someone please check Jordan's closet to see if she owns any tops that are not bedazzled bras?

Clarice was the weakest female in my opinion. Despite her fabulous ponche, her solo lacked substance and her performance last night was disappointing.

Tadd had the weakest male solo and his performance last night in the Afro Jazz piece lacked the smoothness of a trained dancer.

Mitchell is soooo safe. Did you see that turning jete leap? OMG, it was stunning!

Miranda's solo was fabulously artistic. Gold stars to her for picking a great song and seamlessly integrating tricks with integrity.

The Bottom Three Couples

Miranda and Robert - surprising; they were adorable in their 60s inspired quick step. I guess this is the result of getting ballroom.

Jordan and Tadd - also surprising; although Tadd was a little underwhelming, the piece overall was pretty strong. Were they forgotten because they went during the beginning?

Clarice and Jess - I was not particularly impressed by this piece, but the judges practically fell heads over heels for Jess' performance which I thought would bring them enough votes to be safe. Obviously... I was wrong. (Choke) That is hard to admit.

Mitchell - Due to his injury he will have to dance for his life. Reasonable considering he didn't perform last night.

Week 1 Results Show! Opening Number by Sonya

The opening number started off strong and was very interesting. When I saw the canes I thought it might be a Wade Robson piece, but when the music started and movement began I knew it was Sonya's work. I was a bit disappointed by the middle of the piece. The choreography took on a slower tempo and the dynamic was lost until the full group came back together at the end.

There were some really cool moments, but I don't think that Sonya was able to reach her full potential with this piece. I will commend her on her concept and styling though.

Prediction

I think Ryan and Ricky, Iveta and Nick, and Ashley and Chris are all at risk of being in the bottom. Of course, Caitlynn and Mitchell will be in the bottom due to his injury.

I will be interested to hear if they will be keeping these partners for a few weeks or if they will get different partners every week. The show has done both in the past.

Iveta is a ringer!

Iveta has won a world championship in every one of the 10 ballroom styles and was the first American to do so. Ummm... I am guessing that it was her hip hop performances that prevented her from making it into the top 20 during previous seasons.

Either way, $10 says that she becomes an expert on Dancing With the Stars next year!

Iveta and Nick perform a Quick Step by Jason Gilkenson

So, just by happenstance the one ballroom dancers got a ballroom routine. Shocking.

I am not really sure what to say about this one. It was good. Nothing amazing in my opinion, but I have no clue how technically hard this piece was.

Ashley and Chris perform a Hip Hip piece by Christopher Scott

Ashley totally kicked Chris' butt and this piece was in Chris' strongest style. Chris missed the downbeat when the choreography kicked in at the beginning which resulted in the two of them being a bit off.

As Chris mentioned in the reflection, this style was definitely foreign to him. He lacked energy in his movement and just came off as a lack luster dancer.

Not impressed. Eh... Ashley did well though.

Drooling

I am still drooling over the last piece. I am sorry. That was just unforgettable. I want more... I might have to rewind and watch it again... about 25 million times!

Melanie and Marco perform a Contemporary piece by Travis Wall

Marco is my "pre-season" boy and Melanie has stood out to me since the audition episodes... combine that with Travis' choreography and you get some pretty high expectations for this performance. Well, this performance not only exceeded by super high expectations... it smashed them to pieces!

INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!

Travis Wall is a GENIUS! That was such an artistic interpretation to that song.

Melanie and Marco were the perfect dancers for this piece. They have the strength and technique of Greek Gods and it was exemplified in every moment of this dynamic piece of contemporary yumminess.

What the heck was that stunt during the musical/lighting transition? I have no clue what happened or who did what but it left me speechless.

Well... nothing will be able to compare after that. I really just feel sorry for the dancers that still have to perform.

Missy and Wadi perform a jazz piece by Sean Cheesman

I loved the use of the framed boxes at the beginning of the piece. I just wish that they went back to them throughout the piece so that they did not just become the random set piece in the background. Overall, the choreography was super inventive. I just wish that they used the boxes more in the middle of the piece to give them purpose for being there.

I think Missy rocked this piece. Her lines were flawless and her power was exemplified.

Wadi did well, but had some issues due to his lack of classical technique. He stilled rocked out as a reliable partner.

Together, they had some wonderful moments and some icky moments that lacked synchronization.

Miranda and Robert perform a Jive by Jason

Woooo!

I love the 60's retro inspired costumes and how they were able to naturally mimic the checkerboard pattern on both her dress and his sweater vest.

I would like to commend Jason on choosing this Bruno Mars song for the piece. This was a great example of how to make a ballroom piece resonate with viewers as much as a jazz or contemporary piece.

I think they both did an excellent job communicating the story and executing the choreography. They were just adorable.

Have I mentioned how much I loved their costumes? The silver framed glasses on Robert were a nice touch. This piece will be remembered, no doubt.

Caitlynn and Mitchell perform a Jazz piece by Sonya

Mitchell injured his elbow so Robert from season 7 toke his place.

Really unique and captivating music choice by Sonya. The high pitched tones of the vocalist created a creepy feel which was contrasted by the electronic rhythms. Both of which complimented Sonya's powerful choreography.

Caitlynn's extensions are beautiful! Her technical training is so evident in her movement. She did an excellent job executing the intricate choreography, enhancing the character with her strength, and bringing lyrical nuance to a syncopated dance.

Ryan and Ricky perfrom a Lyrical Hip Hop by Christopher Scott

I'm worried. Ryan came into tonight as one of my "pre-season" favorites and I don't know if that performance was strong enough to be memorable. Eeeeeek!

They both executed the rhythmic choreography with precision, but the characterizations were inconsistent and confusing. They performed fine, but it is not going to stick in people's minds. They both better hope that they have enough of a fan base to pull them through... or that someone bombs later in the show!

Clarice and Jess perform a Broadway piece by Tyce

I am starting to think that the show has rigged the dance selections for each couple. I mean, a jazz dancer got Afro Jazz, followed by 2 contemporary dancers dancing contemporary and now a Broadway dancer gets Broadway... this can't be all coincidental.

Jess was clearly in his element and was excellent. Hello, he has already been on Broadway 3 times!

Clarice showed off her beautiful lines in the jumps and kicks, but she couldn't match Jess' characterization.

Sasha and Alexander perform a Contemporary piece by TRAVIS WALL

Wow SYTYCD... thank you for not making us wait very long to see a Travis Wall routine!

So, let me break this down:
-Music choice: Lyrical, yet powerful and unexpected... loved it

-Choreography: Like I even need to say anything... fabulous as always; inventive, original, musically inspired, dynamic, genius.

-Sasha: Beautiful characterization, effortless tricks, strong technique

-Alexander: Gorgeous lines, classical technique, but not quite as dynamic as Sasha

Jordan and Tadd perform an African Jazz piece

I loved the tattoo inspired costuming paired with the primary red highlights in their hair. I think that added a cool modern touch to the traditional dance form.

Jordan looked pretty hard core in her performance which reflected strength and precision. I was super impressed by Tadd. I never would have guessed that he had no classical training. However, if you looked close you could notice some slightly funky transitions. Overall, Tadd came out and made a strong impression during week 1.

New Season! Top 20 perform

I am super excited for this season to start. There appears to be more contemporary and jazz dancers this season. I hope that means that they will be doing more contemporary and jazz dances during the season!