So you think you can (blog about it)

Whooooooooooooooooooo. So You Think You Can Dance is back and SO IS MARY MURPHY!!!!!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

All 20 dancers are absolutely remarkable! I think that any one of these dancers would have given previous season winners a run for their money. However, I already have a few favorites. On the very first show I thought that Marko was a shoe in for the Top 20. Then after watching Melanie's audition, I thought to myself about the possible pairing of the two of them. Well my dear friends, looks like I got my wish! :o)

You see sometimes two remarkable dancers get together with a tremendous choreography and tremendous dancers and it turns out to be "pffffffffffffft" because there is no connection between the two dancers. Well, Melanie plus Marko plus Travis Wall = one fabulous piece. Wow. It was superb. I can not wait to see the next piece they dance together. Hopefully it doesn't disappoint.

We got a shocker at the beginning of the show letting us know that Mitchell wouldn't be performing because he had injured himself. Well as soon as I found out the piece was a Sonya choregraphed piece, I was thrilled for Caitlynn because I was certain she would either be dancing with Mark or Robert Roldan. They are up there with two of my favorite dancers. Well the show didn't disappoint. Caitlynn plus Robert plus Sonya? WOW! It was really hard to watch Caitlynn though because my eyes were staring at Robert!

Here are my lists!

1. Melanie 2. Caitlynn 3. Miranda 4. Missy 5. Ryan
6. Ivetta 7. Jordan 8. Sasha 9. Clarice 10. Ashley


I personally think Robert Roldan has gotten even BETTER since his season. Wow. He might would have won this season. :} Though he would have a fight with Marko. So with that said, here is my list of guys.

1. Marko

were there any other guys? Oh wait yes there were.
2. Nick 3. Jess 4. Tadd 5. Wadi 6. Robert (the *twitchy whoo man Urkel*)
7. Ricky 8. Alexander 9. Chris 10. Mitchell (just b.c he didn't dance)

Couples with commentary:

1. Melanie & Marko: loved the dance with Travis Wall. To paraphrase Mary, they had me at hello. Wow. I had chill bumps with this statuesque piece.

2. Caitlynn with Robert (in place of Mitchell). Wow did I get lucky to see Robert Roldan dance again. I truly hope he's an All Star. Would have also loved to have seen Mark dance this piece too, but wow. I wonder if in the end if we'll get to see Caitlynn dance this with Mitchell. I'm not sure if we would have had the fantastic results though. Who knows. I think Robert gave Caitlynn a leg up in the competition by getting to dance with him so early. ;) Can you tell I'm a Robert fan? And it's not just because he shares the same name as my husband. :)


3. Miranda and Robert. I was sitting on the couch dancing with them. They are so much fun. I personally love Robert's whoo personality. I think we'd be friends. and for the record if I were on the show, I'd be the "OH?" dancer. I have several different "oh's." I use it all the time. If you've never noticed before in life, you'll notice it now.

4. Missy & Wadi (Sean Cheeseman): How talented is that Wadi? Wow. I can't believe he could pick up the choreography and perform so well WITH A PARTNER for the first time! I think that they'll be in my favorites quickly. I hope Missy can show her softer side. It's awesome to be such a strong dancer, but my favorites are versatile. So I'm hoping to see it next show. For the record, I can't wait to see them dance a Sonya routine! :) Though that just contradicts everything I just said about being softer. ;)

5. Ivetta & Nick (Jason): It was obvious that Ivetta would do so well with the Quick Step, but I honestly can't believe Nick did so well at the kiss of death. wow Nick.


6. Sasha & Alexander (Travis): I liked them but it wasn't memorable. I couldn't even remember it at first and had to watch it again.



*** for some reason these four numbers didn't work for me. It had more to do with the choregraphy than it did the actual dancers b.c they did well with what they had to do and I love Jess, Ryan, Jordan, Tadd and Chris.

7. Clarice & Jess (Tyce --- for the record, if Jess hadn't been in this piece it would be number 10, not number 7)
8. Ryan & Ricky (Chris Scott)
9. Jordan & Tadd (Sean)
10. Ashley & Chris (Chris)


Can't wait to see the next episode. I don't know how the judges are going to kick off four people.

SYTYCD

I didn't feel up to writing a review on the last two weeks of SYTYCD. I will probably write up a little something this weekend on my favorite performances over the last two episodes. I will say that I am so upset for both Alex & Ashley. They were most always in my top three dancers so it's so sad that both were injured and couldn't return. I'm excited though that there is a possibility that Alex will come back next season.

SYTYCD

Finally got to watch both shows today. I haven't felt well so I haven't been able to sit down and watch with the pounding headache.

So glad Melinda is gone.

Loved the show.

Alex wowed me once again with his hip hop number. It is amazing to think that a professional ballet dancer can pull off such a fantastic routine is outstanding.

That's all I have to say.

Dance Review

Two of my favorite dancers were in the bottom three. My top four dancers were Robert, Ashley, Christina and Lauren. So when Robert & Christina were in the bottom three it really made me a bit upset. I was a tad concerned that they would send Robert home because the boys outnumber the girls. I was hoping once I found the bottom three that Melinda would go home, but maybe she'll surprise me next week. It's been known to happen.

I paid particular attention this time to the lighting, camera movement and music. I also watched each dance with the mute button on. If you have never tried this with the show, I must admit it was an interesting way to watch. It really was a new way to see each dancer's movement. An example of this was when I watched Jose & Kathryn's Bollywood number. Without the music, I knew right away how poorly it was performed. However when music was added, it made me love Jose's dance more because of his glowing personality. It showed through even without the music, but with the music his personality exploded out of the television for me.

I don't really have the time to put my thoughts out there this week, but I wanted to share top two dances and bottom two as well.

Robert & Anya took top spot in my mind. I just loved everything about this dance. I honestly don't get why Robert was in the bottom three, but he was and fortunately for me the judges kept him. I think the reason why I like him is because he wasn't pimped up by the judges prior to the competition starting. The other favorite this week was Ashley & Mark. I just loved this dance. Again, I think it's because Ashley wasn't featured as much before the competition began.


Now my two least favorite dances were actually a bit of a shock to me. Last week I loved Alex & Allison. Alex this week failed to give me the same wow factor and I partly wonder if it's because I was so blown away by his performance that I was let down this week. My other least favorite dance was performed by Billy & Comfort. I'm beginning to think that Billy has really bad luck. Two way out of his style dances in a row first two weeks out of the gate.

Oh last year we had Mary & her quirky statements, I think this year I'm paying attention to Mia's one word question: Yeah? Yes? No?. Once I heard it twice during one review I heard it several times throughout the show on Wednesday. So I think I'll pay attention to it next time. Yeah?

It's BACK

So You Think You Can Dance is back .. and it's better than ever.

In order, the male dancers from favorite to least favorite prior to Wednesday Night:

Billy, Kent, Robert, Jose, Alex and Adechike.

The new list is as follows from favorite to least favorite

Alex, Robert, Kent, Adechike, Jose, Billy

The female list prior to Wednesday's show:
Lauren, Christina, Alexie, Ashley, Melinda

The female list after Wednesday's show:
Christina, Lauren, Ashley, Alexie, Melinda

Overall list from favorite to least favorite

Alex
Robert
Christina

** jump to next standards**

Lauren
Kent
Ashley
Adechike

** jump to next standards **
Jose
Alexie
Billy
Melinda


Alex & Allison with Sonya's Contemporary Routine. It takes a lot to knock the breath out of me. It takes perfect movement accompanied by the right choreography, the right costumes, the right lighting, the right music, Alex Wong and Allison. This routine gave me goose bumps on top of goose bumps on top of more goose bumps. Alex's movement reminded me a bit of Hok and Allison was just a breathe of dancing genius. I honestly don't think that Alex could have performed this as well without Allison as his partner and vice versa. I mean they left Nigel almost speechless. If Mary Murphy were judging, she would be screaming right about now. One of the best routines I've seen ever.

Robert & Courtney with Sean Cheesman African Dance Routine. First, I just LOVE Courtney. She is one of my favorites from all the seasons so I had high expectations for this routine. Second, I knew hardly anything about Robert except that he & Billy performed together. So the fact he's "unknown" actually makes me like him before I even see him because there is always one unknown that does really well. So what can I say, I really loved this. Robert perfomed. He got into character and performed (and disappeared and he didn't kill Courtney).

Christina & Mark with Sonya's Jazz routine. I love Sonya and I love Mark so what's not to love about this Jazz routine. I love that Christina's movements were so fluid and yet so jagged when it was called for. I almost felt like I was watching Courtney instead of Christina which gives me great hope that I will love Christina this season.

*** Jump ***

Lauren & Ade with Mandy Moore's Pop Jazz Routine. I think the biggest thing in this routine was that Lauren was constantly aware of her audience. In this particular routine, she needed to be more focusing on Ade. It's a hard act to balance. However, I did enjoy it very much. If her face had been focused more on Ade instead of the audience, this would have moved up on my like list. She'll improve that as the season goes on I'm sure.

Kent & Anya with Tony & Melony's routine. I think Kent did a really good job with this ballroom routine with Anya. I had to chuckle at his own comment about his mouth because about half way through the routine I thought, "What is he doing with his mouth?" His face would be really focused and then out would come a Kent smile and then his mouth thing. If you guys have it on DVR, watch it again and just watch his mouth. Haa haa. He really held his own though. I enjoyed it more than Adechike's performance. And like Nigel said ... Kent really enjoyed that performance.


Ashley & Neil with Tyce's Contemporary. I loved it. I mean there was nothing that popped out to me like Alex & Christina's performances, but I see that Ashley could do well in this if the audience gets to know her. I feel like I've barely seen her until tonight.

Adechike & Kathryn with Travis Wall's Jazz Routine. While the judges weren't thrilled with Adechike's getting into character, I really enjoyed the dance. I think it has something to do with loving Kathryn, but I thought Adechike did an admiral job with Travis' choreography.



*** Big Jump ****

Jose & Comfort with NappyTabs Hip Hop. Now the thing is, I typically love NappyTabs and love Jose, but with her original season I was discomforted with Comfort so I found myself watching her to see if she'd hit it instead of watching Jose. So this was one of my least favorite routines. It would have been interesting to see whether Billy would have done better with Hip Hop and how Jose would have done with the Broadway routine. So it's kind of difficult for me to say I didn't enjoy it because I really do enjoy both Jose & Billy.

Alexie & Twitch with Nappy Tabs Hip Hop. I think part of the reason I'm dissing the Hip Hop on Wednesday night's show is that there have been so many excellent routines that it's difficult to accept just an "okay" performance as spectacular one. Twitch outshined Alexie in this. There isn't much more I can say on it. She tried, but I just wasn't a fan of it. I think it wasn't hard hitting enough and was a little too smooth.



Billy & Lauren with Tyce's Broadway routine. Well to me it just seemed like Billy was going from move to move concentrating on each movement as opposed to performing. I'm not sure if it was Tyce's choreography or if it was Billy's performance, but I found myself "counting" to 16 in rapid succession as opposed to watching them dance. I kept looking at Lauren instead of Billy.


Melinda & Pasha with Tony & Melony's Jive Routine. I expected more with the Jive out of Melinda. Just like the judges (IE Mia Michaels) said, her legs seemed to have a bit of difficulty really digging into the Jive. I kept watching Pasha the first time around and the second time around (prior to hearing judges comments) I noticed how her legs didn't move quite right.

So You Think You Can Dance

I know it's been a few days since the episode aired, but I wanted to get my background story up sooner than later.


My top 5:

Russell & Noelle: I was completely shocked by both in this routine. It was my favorite performance. I'm glad that the judges let North Carolinian Noelle stay in the competition just so we could see this great routine by a new choreographer. All of the street dancer are just blowing me away in this competition and Russell is no exception.

Channing & Victor: First of all, this is MY kind of routine. After taking a respite of dance, I took a class in college ... and we focused on different types of dancing each week or two. So I just melt when I see special pieces like this.


Ashley & Jakob and their cane: I said once before that lighting can really make a routine. The lighting of this routine was absolutely awesome. So far in this show, my favorite moments are happening after the dancing ends though. Jakob says, "I don't know what moment you're talking about." What I love about Jakob is that in this routine he's so awkward in his dancing that it looks smooth and choppy at the same time.

Kathryn & Legacy: AWESOME. I think that they both won in this routine. :o) Adam wasn't too happy with the "adorable" that Kathryn gave, but I loved it. Legacy amazed me with his ability to do this routine. He shouldn't be able to do that and he did (Yes HE DID ... yeah I know I'm still not Mary Murphy).


Kevin & Karen: I love these two together so it's not a surprise that I loved this routine. So they cracked me up with their bobble save at the end of the dance. They are still near the top of my leader board. This routine was my least favorite of the three that they have done, but it was still very good.

So You Think You Can Dance

There were 9 couples on Tuesday night's show. I already have a few favorite couples from last week's show, but I suspect that I will be surprised again. I am pleased that Billy Bell can come back at the Top 100 next season and that Brandon can reapply next season as well to potentially return to the Top 20. However, each season it's gets harder and harder to return. So I'm sure that they will have their work cut out for them. Noelle is also back to perform for the first time after she hurt her knee last week. Listing the top three dances for me in order of my most favorite routine to least favorite. Top four for me at this stage of the game: Kevin, Karen, Kathyn & Legacy. And my apologizes to poor Jakob. FOR some reasons that can only be blamed on Lyme Disease, I have thought his name was Jakde. Even when I saw it in print, I read "Jakde" and when I heard them pronouncing it I thought it was Jakde (Jake duh for those that might be wondering how to pronounce it in my head). So I'm so so sorry Jakob. If I ever accidently write "Jakde" on here, you all will know that i'm talking about Jakob. Now back to the regularly scheduled program ....




Kevin & Karen: I couldn't keep my eyes off of Karen because I was trying to see her mistakes. Guess what? It was EXCELLENT. Adam is cracking me up again this week by falling off the chair about Karen's hot tamale traine ride. So great to see Kevin working it out in his own style and right up in the train with Karen. I will have to watch this again just because it was so good. These pair have become my favorite.


Kathryn & Legacy: Absolutely beautiful & unique. The unique lifts, the jerkiness of movements and the extreme smoothness made for a beautiful routine. The color of Kathyn's dress partnered with the darkness of Legacy's clothing made for a beautiful couple. I can see these two sticking around for a long time especially if Legacy keeps improving the way he has the last few weeks.


Mollee & Nathan perform Bollywood for us. I was just thinking .. what if they have to do a Russian Folk number in a few weeks. I hope they don't throw that at us again. Lighting and music have a lot to do with the performance factor for me. So the beginning of the routine was my kind of lighting. I was completely surprised at how well Mollee wowed us in this routine. Both of them blew me away. They are so young and are performing so well. I hope they can keep up this kind of wow factor throughout the show. I know that Mollee was one of the last dancers picked for the show, but can you imagine the show without her? I can't. Nathan on the other hand was given a ticket to hollywood for this season during the summer audition. They knew he had that special factor and together they are completely awesome.

Kudos to Ellenore & Ryan to performing so well even with her dress caught on her heel 1/2 the time.

The bottom three couples for me were the ones that Nigel pulled up front to pull the bottom 4 dancers from. Bianca is the only one that is truly disappointing. She was my favorite pre-season dancer. She's just doing as well as I thought she would. Truly surprising. I am very disappointed that she had to go home so early, but honestly she was the right choice to leave based on the 30 second solos alone. Phillip also was sent home. He was my least favorite overall male dancer, but boy could he tap. I felt his solo was better than Victor's solo, but Victor has more potential to be an outstanding dancer in all areas. After hearing about the death of Phillip's father, I'm glad they didn't string him along with the whole come forward and go back business that is known in this show. Phillip has had a difficult week.

So You Think You Can Dance

A fall edition has made me very happy.

There were 10 couples on Tuesday night's show. I already have a few pre-season favorites. There is always one person that surprises me. I will showcase my personal top 5 performances. I am very disappointed that Billy Bell won't be performing this season due to his illness. It's also a shame that Noelle hurt her knee. Though it must be said ... how come those on reality shows from NC make us all look like IDIOTS? I did kind of laugh at Noelle when she was talking about the Fox Trot.

Legacy (B-boy Street Performer) & Kathryn (contemporary) perform a Hip Hop routine. I look at this routine and Legacy reminds me of Gollum of Lord of the Rings. I could just see him going "My precious." This was my favorite routine of the evening. I hope they continue to do as well next week.

Ryan (Ballroom) & Ellenore (Jazz) perform a Contemporary Jazz Routine. I absolutely LOVE Ryan in this piece. He's so strong. Their dance was raw with movement and the transitions from one movement to the next seemed seemless. I feared that Ryan & Ashleigh would have difficulties dancing with other partners, but they both killed it with their new partners this week. :o) My 2nd favorite piece of the evening.

Kevin (Hip Hop) & Karen (Ballroom) perform a Cha Cha. Who isn't shocked that Karen knocked the Cha Cha out of the park? Even made Adam Shankman go "Aaaah oooooooo gah." Both really did an excellent job in this routine. Karen was the first one on the Hot Tamale Train! They both were just so good and I was amazed at how well Kevin did throughout the routine.

Bianca (Tap Dance) & Victor (Contemporary) perform a Contemporary piece. I've watched Bianca try to get on the show for a few years now and I'm so glad she's finally on the show. Who hasn't been there? Being either the object of someone's affection and not wanting that person OR .. having someone that you just want to notice you and they ignore you completely. I think I've been on both ends of the spectrum.

Nathan & Mollee perform a Disco. Our teenage couple of the show performed this routine very well. Bits of it made me a tad uncomfortable b.c I know these two are only 18. :P ~ ~ ~ They are just so adorable and I have a feeling that they'll have a great fan base.



Can't wait for next week. :D

SYTYCD Review

I actually watched this live last night! I love all five ladies. I'm not as fond of all five guys, but they are just so good.

Group Bollywood Routine:

The ladies had a phenomenal execution of a beautiful routine. It was hard to pick out which girls didn't execute as well as the others because it was just so in sync. I'm sure if I dissected it by watching one girl through five views I'd be able to pick out which one did it best and which one did it work, but why ruin the phenomenal perfection that I just saw. I think I know which lady will go home and it's so sad because she is one of my favorite and if she were on another season I think she'd go all the way. However, in this group of ladies she may not stick out in the viewer's minds as America's Favorite Dancer.

I put the critiques in order of my least favorite routine (performance) to my favorite routine instead of by order that they performed.

Randi & Kupono: Paso Doble: I love Randi, but I think it's probably time for her to go home. I don't know that she's shown any improvement over the last few weeks. I know this is a new partnership, but everyone had new partners. This may very well be my least favorite performance of the whole season. (eeks) They did not meet my expectations nor the judges. Extremely disappointed.

Kayla & Evan: Shortest Guy partners with the Tallest Lady. Because Evan's stature doesn't match up with Kayla, it could be easy for him to get lost in this routine of the Viennese Waltz. So they had Kayla dance pretty much barefooted and Evan some shoes that gave him some height. Evan needed to use a "taller" carriage. Some of his arm movements seemed sloppy and not as extended as it could be. His lifts were beautiful. He was able to use his power to get Kayla up in the area and Kayla performed very well. I never would guess that she's not a ball room dancer.

Melissa & Brandon: They did an excellent job with the routine they were given. I am not fond of that style of dancing so it's hard for me to really give my "honest" opinion because of that, but technically it was superb.

Janette & Ade: Ade has to get Janette funky in the hip hop routine. I don't know why Janette worries. I often forget she's a Salsa dancer. They did a phenomenal job. I could go back and pick (no pun intended) this routine apart, but I won't. Their routine was extremely synchronized. They did well with their new partnership. I can't express how much I just love the judges. Nigel: I'm going to try to talk Mary out of her clothes later.


Jeanine & Jason: Jeanine finally gets to dance with someone with technique. She's been partnered with one of my favorite's Phillip, but he's not experienced with any other dance style other than his own. I couldn't keep my eyes off of this Contemporary Routine. What an amazing routine and I got chill bumps! I fell right into their "Conversation" and wanted to know more. It increased Jason's value in my eyes. (and Mary was too flustered for words)

** based on couple dance and couple dance alone: I'd get rid of Kupono or Evan
** based on couple dance and couple dance alone: I'd get rid of Randi or Randi. :( Sorry Randi

Brandon Solo: I'm not fond of Brandon's solo at all. :( (Fortunately I love his couple dancing)
Kupono Solo: Kupono has grown on me in the last few weeks, but not up to the other solos.
Ade Solo: I love how strong he looks. He's a powerhouse of a dancer.
Evan Solo: I just LOVE him when he's performing his style of dance.
Jason Solo: Uh oh .. he's moved to the top of my list.

*** based on solo and solo alone: I'd get rid of Brandon or Kupono.

Randi Solo: I wish I could see her face more when she dances. I enjoyed her solo. :)
Melissa Solo: Of course I Loved this routine. She's a ballerina! :o)
Kayla Solo: Her legs go on forever. Loved it!
Janette Solo: Hard to do a salsa solo .. but I still love her so go ahead put her near the top! :o)
Jeanine Solo: Fabulous! :o)

*** based on solo and solo alone: I'd get rid of Randi. :(


Male Group Dance: Phenomenal. That is all I have to say!

Combining Solo & Couple dance:
My female that should go would be Randi
My male that should go is a toss up between Kupono or Evan.

My biggest thrill would be if they did an All Star Season using the Top 12 dancers from all seasons.

SYTYCD Review

I had a full and busy week so I did not get a chance to see this week's episodes until today. I will be keeping it short & sweet again. I love all of the dancers now so it's hard for me to suggest who might stay and who might go. I won't even suggest bottom 3 dancers because well they are all so superb. I love all of the girls.

Melissa & Ade: 1st dance Disco: I think Ade's strength lies in his strength. He can really get his lifts up high and it makes it look effortless. A couple of weeks ago the judges said something about "leaning so far" that if you "drop her, you drop her." Was that a little foreshadowing to Melissa falling at the end of this routine.

Melissa & Ade: 2nd Dance Waltz: Melissa is eloquent and Ade could have been a bit stronger in his performance. Overall an excellent routine, but there could have been a little more "oomph."

Favorite Mary Murphy Phrase: Pipe down English Muffin

total MPC: 4
****
Kayla & Kupono: Contemporary: These dancers are so extremely fortunate to be able to dance with the best choreographers in the world. Mia Michaels is only one of them and there is no one like her. Even though Kupono is one of my least favorite male dancers, he really pulled this routine off for me.

Kayla & Kupono: Broadway: Excellent Choreography. They were really lucky with two wonderful routines on this show. They could have put a little more into it because with the couples that are remaining ... great routine isn't going to cut it. They need to be superb!

Total MPC: 1
****

Caitlyn & Jason: Fox Trot: The judges liked it, but I actually didn't like it at all. I don't have much to say anything about the routine.

Caitlyn & Jason: Lyrical Jazz: This should be excellent since it is their own style. It was beautiful, but between the last dance and this one ... I fear for them.

Total MPC: 0
****

Phillip & Jeanine: Russian Folk Dance: Poor Phillip is all I have to say. I tell you that Jeanine can do anything that they throw at her. She is amazing.

Phillip & Jeanine: Jive: I seriously thought that Phillip rocked this. Too bad the RFD wasn't up to par. While Phillip isn't technically the best dancer, he is my favorite male. I think he's improved the most of all the dancers.

Total MPC: 3
Favorite phrase of the show by Tyce: Call 1-888-fan-friggen-tastic

****
Randi & Evan: Hip Hop: I love these two. They make my heart melt. They have thrown everything at these two. Poodles Butt, Pregnant Lady ... Remember the beginning when Evan was just worried about Randi's husband when he had to touch her?

Randi & Evan: Sumba: Randi has had to be way out of her comfort zone this whole season. They must have gotten wind she didn't wanna show skin and shake her groove thing and just ran with it. Not my favorite Sumba, but I love thes too. They make me smile.

Total MPC: 1
****

Brandon & Janette: Argentine Tango: Brandon has become one of my favorite male dancers. He can do just about anything. In fact, I don't know if he has not been able to do anything that they've given him. I'd have to go back and review my reviews, but what an amazing dancer. And Jeanette is awesome as well. They were fortunate to get paired with each other. I think they have allowed each other to grow so much as dancers.

Hysterical watching Nigel wait for the "Train."

Brandon & Janette: Jazz: These two are amazing dancers. I really think they can dance (Yes I do).

Total MPC: 4


Can't wait for next week's show. Top 10 dancers really are superb. They have to bring it to stay. And at this point I do know that one of my favorite male dancers left and then which lady left. It's good that they will be able to participate in the tour.

SYTYCD Review

My messages will be short and sweet this week:
Mary wasn't making her usual statement and affirmation statements this week. It was weird. She was very subdued. (a little disappointing for this MM fan)

1. Brandon & Janette: Cha Cha Cha ~ Considering Mia is on the panel, Brandon should be VERY nervous. I have to say that the slow backbend wasn't as hot as Evan & Randi's slow backbend from last week, but and there is a but ... this was a very hot routine. Very fast and very accurate and honestly very good. They got on the hot tamale train.


2. Kayla & Kupono: Contemporary ~ This is a very dark number with deep choregraphy. This was a very difficult number to perform and they did very well with it. They both took the storyline and they stuck to it. YES THEY DID! :P

Mary Murphy: Remained on the hot tamale train (without a whooo). Mary didn't use her Phrases, but NIGEL DID ... Nigel: Yes they are Yes they are :o) Haa haa

3. Randi & Evan: Broadway ~ First thing I think is how lucky they are. They get Broadway .. seriously?!? Jazz, Jive, Mia Michaels and now ... Broadway. I seriously hope that they knock this out of the park. Watching the rehearsal makes me nervous. I hope it's not a hot mess. I was slightly disappointed, but (and as the audience said .. and there is a but) I still love them! I expected a whole bunch more. Like Mia said, it was a bit heavy. Depending on what the others do, I fear that they will dip in the bottom 3 unless their fans call in for them. And I hate that because I adore them.


4. Kaitlin & Jason: Jazz ~ Oh great ... Alien finding last man to procreate with ... Am I going to go on this train ride? Why Yes, Yes I am! Some won't get it and some won't enjoy it, but I did.



5. Phillip & Janine: Hip Hop. Again ... how lucky are they? Phillip gets hip hop. They did this once already and rocked it. They had an added element of the chain. This could go terribly wrong, but it didn't. I think I'll be rewatching this because I enjoyed it so much. :o) Janine has turned into my favorite female. And I loved it when Phillip threw the key over his shoulder after Mary reminded them they would not be partners much longer. Last week Phillip's pants rip .. this week Janine's slip of the tongue. I love these two.


6. Melissa & Ade: Pas De Deux ... I can't WAIT to see this. Melissa en pointe. :o) So glad that the naughty ballerina gets to wear her pointes. :D She's very lucky to be able to dance in her element. I know for a fact that the other ladies wouldn't be able to dance en pointe. Okay maybe I don't know that, but .. I would have loved to have seen them try! I hope the viewers picked up the phone for them last night. They have no clue how extremely difficult that was not only for Melissa, but for Ade too. I hope a ballet company picks Melissa up after this show. She is SUPERB.

Mary said, "It certainly is a day (Ade) for firsts." I know she didn't mean the pun, but I chuckled a little remembering Nigel's pun from before.

7. Karla & Vitalio: Quick Step ~ My favorite dancing song Puttin on the Ritz. I actually did not enjoy it. Nigel and Mary loved it so I guess they know what they are talking about, but I didn't like it at all. I enjoy the Quick Step, but there is something about them that I'm just not fond of. I enjoyed the choreography, but I think I'd prefer another couple performing it.

SYTYCD Review

** update 6/28/09 ** added Favorite Mary Phrase for each dancer

Finally ... I have watched So You Think You Can Dance. I have yet to watch the results show. Mary Phrase Count (MPC): Mary has phrases she says a lot. I thought this week I would "count" the phrases per each contestant. :) She often says, "Yes You Do." (or Yes You Can, or Yes You Will, Yes I did ... you get the point. A 3 word phrase with Yes or No at the begining .. I or You in the middle and word at the end). I kept track of the show today ... to see how many she said. :D My favorite routines are bolded.

First up with a Hip Hop Routine, Jonathon & Karla take the stage. 1st week I didn't remember. They were in the bottom 3. The 2nd week, they added garlic and butter to their mashed potatoes contemporary routine and this week ... They were easily my least favorite dancers. Karla was a little more "gangsta" in her hip hop, but it wasn't impressive at all. Their "stops" were lacking and moves that should be easy for any dancer didn't appear too easy for them. They tried to be "Smooth Criminals," but I think they should be arrested for performing so poorly. The only part for Jonathon that was a bit redeeming was his gymnastics skills. I felt as if they were doing a bit of a dress rehearsal instead of the show. Synchronization was horrendous. I agree with Nigel ... bottom 3 dance.

MPC: 0
Favorite Mary Phrase: We all know I'm in touch with my inner gangster.

****

Next with Asuka & Vitalo is a jazz routine. Asuka was nervous in rehearsal so that makes me nervous even to watch the routine. Just like Jonathon and Karla, I didn't like their 1st routine and I loved their 2nd routine. So knowing this, I wasn't sure what to expect. I think these two have potential to be really wonderful dancers, but this week it just wasn't there. Some of the steps were really off and Asuka looked petrified. I am afraid that I won't remember this routine tomorrow (and with a MP: No I Won't). I was actually surprised at Nigel. He was so harsh on the 1st couple and this couple not so much. I felt the same with this routine. I felt as if it were too simplistic and just like a dress rehearsal. That they weren't putting their all into it. I would not be surprised if they were also in the bottom 3.

MPC: 0
Favorite Mary Phrase: He's put a whammy on me! (referring to Nigel)

****

I am looking forward to Melissa and Ade. They have come to be one of my favorite couples so I am excited to see the Rhumba. They've done a beautiful piece and a strong and raw piece ... so the Rhumba will (should) be wonderful. In these kinds of dances, hips are important. Do I love their hips ... YES I DO! (Oh wait .. I'm not Mary Murphy). I had to watch this routine 3 times just to watch Ade because I couldn't keep my eyes off of Melissa's lines. I heard Mary screaming in the background. "What a difference A Day (Ade) Makes" OMG Nigel just made me laugh.

MPC: 3 ~ Yes I am, Yes I did and Yes I did (and a few screams too)
Favorite Mary Phrase: What you're selling right now, I am buying (yes I am)!

****
Next up are Brandon and Janette with a routine of Hip Hop. I hope no one takes offense to this "critique," but any dancer that can make himself look so very masculine in a routine that is very much effeminate when he is not dancing means that dancer is VERY GOOD. Rock mixes with Hip Hop works with these two. It was very syncronized and I enjoyed the popping quite a bit that Brandon did. They both did very well with a routine that definately was not in their element. I have now watched this about 5 times and I love it more everytime I watch it.

MPC: 2 ~ Yes I do, Yes I am ( and a couple of screams)
Favorite Mary Phrase: You guys are rock star (whoooooooooooooooooooooo).

***
I'm watching Kupono and Kayla extremely disappointed. I am mourning the loss of Max and wish it was him dancing with Kayla. I believe this would have been a completely different dance if Max had been Kayla's lead. Even though I absolutely love Kayla's dancing, I am not looking forward to watching K Squared dance. They will be performing the Viennese Waltz. I'm nervous for Kayla for the lifts. I also have issues with the no shoes dancing of the Waltz. In a way, Kayla reminds me of last years Chelsea (she was my favorite female dancer). The dance itself was very beautiful. It was not my favorite dance of the night even though Kayla is one of my favorite dancers.

MPC: 3 ~ No it wasn't, Hot Tamale Train, Yes I do (and a couple of screams)
Favorite Mary Phrase: I know one thing for sure. That was no nightmare; no it wasn't!
****
Randi & Evan: They are becoming my favorite couple. They have so much personality in Mia Michaels Contemporary routine. Evan's pants were a bit distracting .. and so was Randi's. BUT and there is a BUTT (yeah yeah I'm no Nigel), I enjoyed the routine. It was classic Mia Michaels that lacked props. I enjoyed this dance; YES I DID (oh wait .. i'm STILL not Mary Murphy). I find it funny that Evan during the first episode was worried about touching Randi because she's married and now ... Mia did a routine about Randi's butt!

MPC: 1~ Yes we did (lots of screaming and lots of "butts")
Favorite Mary Phrase: I can honestly say I wasn't hypnotized by just the butt!

*****
Jason & Caitlin: 1st week LOVED them ... 2nd week .. HATED them ... this week? They performed the Paso Doble. I suspect that this will be better than last week. Jason and Caitlin got into character and didn't stop performing to the audience. They did seem to have some difficulties with some technique and posture, but hope the entertainment factor of the routine skates them through.

MPC: 2 ~ Yes it was, Yes it was
Favorite Mary Phrase: Holy smokes.

****
Phillip & Janine: While performing the broadway routine, they of course needed to use a prop ... the couch. As I've said before, I'm sometimes a fan ... and sometimes NOT a fan. This week ... A fan! :D I look at Phillip and think what a geek. A cute loveable jumping over the couch geek, but a geek none-the-less. His pants were distracting especially after the rip. However, he kept performing even once he felt the breeze on the backside of his pants. YES HE DID! and he wears tightie whities. :D I think Janine could jump right onto broadway right now. She's such an excellent. performer. YES SHE IS. :D They both stayed into character and their technique. Janine's technique was better than Phillip's technique, BUT ... for what he can do for not having any training ... wow. Impressive.

MPC: 3 ~ No I wasn't, No we didn't, Yes you were (lots of screams)

Favorite MaryPhrase: "Achooooo" I'm allergic to down feathers. What can I say, but I wasn't allergic to that routine. No I wasn't.

Favorite Nigel Phrase: I need more than your ass sticking out of your trousers too
****

Total Counts:

Yes I am (2),
Yes I did (2)
Yes I do (2),
Yes it was (2)
No it wasn't,
Hot Tamale Train,
Yes we did,
No I wasn't,
No we didn't,
Yes you were!

I know you enjoyed that .. Yes YOU DID!

Favorite Mary phrase over all was: "Achooooo" I'm allergic to down feathers. What can I say, but I wasn't allergic to that routine. No I wasn't.

SYTYCD Review

So I admit it. I have a problem. I am addicted to a lot of reality shows. I get it honestly ... My dad is a reality show junkie too. My absolute favorite reality show (other than Survivor) is So You Think You Can Dance! I absolutely love watching new routines and different styles of dance. It makes me smile and I love hearing the comments from the judges (especially Ms. Mary Murphy). So I have decided that I might try to do a review while I"m watching the show. I watch the show the day or two after it airs. So hopefully you won't be spoiled if it's still in your DVR. But since I'm not giving away any bottom 3 answers in this .. this won't spoil anything. Other than whether *I* think they are good .. and what style they are dancing. Also I enjoyed last week's dancing better. I will highlight in bold my favorite couples this week.

Jive ~ Evan & Randi ~ They personality wise are my favorite people on the show. In theory, this should be really good for them. But their actual performance lacked a little bit for me. I think they could have gotten more bounce in it. I expected a lot more out of their jive. I did enjoy it, but they could have had more FUN! (I hear you all groaning) It almost looked like a dress rehearsal instead of an actual performance. I still liked the routine, but it just lacked a little luster for me.

Jazz ~Ade & Melissa Last week, I loved their piece. It was beautifully performed so I am looking forward to this week's performance. It was raw and strong. She was just as strong as Ade and I love that! And what did I love the most ... Mary's "tough love." :o) I love Mary! She makes me smile. Ade lifts Melissa and it's just beautiful. It's early in the show, but this might be my favorite dance of the show!

Hip Hop ~ Jason & Caitlin ~ Last week was their Bollywood dance. The bad thing about having a really great routine one week is that the next week ... it could be a let down. That's exactly what happened here. I was let down. They should have worked just as hard this week as they did last week in the Bollywood routine. They were so in sync (not the boy band) last week and this week they fell short in my opinion. Last week her legs were on fire and this week .. they lacked something. Parts were completely awesome, but other parts not so much.

Disco Dance ~ Brandon & Janette ~ So I am a bit torn on Brandon. Sometimes I love him as a dancer and othertimes ... he annoys me. Last week's performance on the Fox Trot was alright. I didn't know what to think about the disco because they were going from a dance that is very slow to a very rapid quick dance. The performance by the two? Two Words: Whirling Dervish. It was hard to keep up because it was so quick. Janette had a slight bobble at the end, but recovered quite well. I can't really say how Brandon did because I couldn't keep my eyes off of Janette. She did such a good job. And they got Mary to Scream. That means it had to have been good.

Waltz ~ Vitalio & Asuka ~ last week's performance was a let down so I was impressed by this week's dance because anything would be better than last week's dance. (unless you're reviewing Dancing with the Stars ... b/c I mean some of those stars just don't improve) Their lines were very nice and I don't know if the average viewer will appreciate the dance though (and this was the couple that brought Mary to tears and got Nigel to fake blow his nose on TV ... got to love the judges).


Pop Jazz ~ Max & Kayla ~ Last week Max & Kayla were my favorite couple. I have extremly high expectations going into this dance. My first thought was about the Props they use. Sometimes I am a fan of props and sometimes I am not. This week ... the props were a let down. Their costumes were also overwhelming. MC Hammer pants .. Even Mary didn't like it. Bright Ostrich dress .. Again, I am not a fan. BUT .. I looked past all of that to see that their skills are so prestine, perfect and precise. They stayed on Mary's Hot Tamale Train! I would say that Kayla is better than Max, but the pair of them are a force to be reckoned with. They are completely awesome.

Contemporary ~Jonathon & Karla ~ These two I think: Who are they? I couldn't remember them from last week. Then I remembered they were in the bottom three. I have to remember to enjoy the skills of the dancing even if I don't like the style of dance. Contemporary is not my favorite style, but I think that these two did an alright job in performing it. In fact, I actually quite enjoyed it. My big joke about Contemporary dancing is that if dancing is a potato .. then contemporary dancing is mashed potatoes. This couple added butter, cheese & garlic to the mashed potatoes. If you don't understand this, it means I really liked it! They performed so much better than last week (obviously since I don't even remember their routine last week).

Tango ~ Phillip & Janine ~ my 2nd favorite routine from last week. So I hope that they will be able to do just as well this week. I fear the Tango for them. I expect a Tangled Tango! (or maybe I should say a Testicle Tango since she kicked him in the groin) Phillip looks very uncomfortable, awkward and a bit heavy in the legs. He did have some great hip moves though. Janine seemed more comfortable and her lines were not half bad. I think Janine could have done better if Phillip had been better with the technique of the Tango. I think it kind of brought her down. I fear this might put them in the bottom 3.

Hip Hop ~ Kupono & Ashley ~ Last week they did the Crash Test Dummies dance. I really enjoyed it. So hopefully they will BRING IT. I could never do Hip Hop and I love to watch it. Okay. I had to watch this three times ~ and not because I just loved it. The stops were okay at the beginning, but then they got loose with the stops. I thought they did a much better job with the Crash Test Dummies dance. It looks like they practiced the dance wrong in parts. Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect Practice makes perfect. It wasn't syncronized at all. It was Chaotic and not in a good way. I thought it was going to be faster, sharper and completely awesome. I was let down by the performance. I wouldn't be surprised if they were in the bottom 3.


Well I can't wait to see my DVR on the results show! No one spoil it for me. I never watch these things until later. :o) I go to bed too early to see it the day it airs.


*** 6/19/09 ***
Well .. I was right about ONE that went home, but I was saddened that one of my favorites went home.