So You Think You Can Dance - A Lil Night Musical

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 6 Results - The Cut from 6 to Final 4 - Ep. 521
Judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Guest Judge: Lil C

Top 6 Group Dance
Style: Broadway
Choreographed by: Tyce DiOrio
Song: "Send in the Clowns" - Judy Collins (song from A Little Night Music)



Boy, they are using a lot of Broadway songs this season, and current ones too. A Little Night Music opens on Broadway later this season (supposedly, though they seem to keep pushing back the casting announcement) based on the London production that just closed this past weekend. Love the song and loved Judy Collins version, but the dance was alright. I thought there were some cool parts to it, but isn't the best Top 6 routine that in my mind, must still live up to Mia Michael's dance to Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek" which might be my favorite dance EVER from the show.

My Predictions from the Top 6 Performances:
Bottom Four: Kayla, Melissa, Evan, Ade
Going Home: Melissa, Ade (Yes, I know everyone's picking Evan but I'm going on a limb here. Hey, if Janette can be out last week, anything can happen).

Should be the Final Four (in alphabetical order): Brandon, Evan, Jeanine, Kayla

And let me clarify that yes, I know Brandon and Ade are the strongest male dancers. But I'll keep defending Evan against those that say he's not a good dancer (his solo's, like Melissa's, are deceptively difficult), but yes, I get that you either love or hate his aw-shucks personality and that he's not as versatile as the others.

Actually, continuing the season long debate that this years crop of dancers, or the show and dances themselves, aren't as good, again, I'll reiterate that usually in an episode or a season, there's actually not THAT many great UNBELIEVABLE dances. It's just that we've now had 4 past seasons worth of collective dances to wax nostalgic that I think we build it up (because I remember people complaining about the same thing in Season 3 and 4, though I will admit, Season 2 WAS my favorite, though I don't remember anybody from the Top 11-20). And proof? More past dancers are back to showcase more Emmy winning routines and they start with Will and Jessica from last year in a dance I TOTALLY DON'T REMEMBER AT ALL. NOTHING. I though it was a brand new dance or something (it's not). (Plus remember how everyone said Will was technically brilliant but lacking star charisma? Sound familiar?) . Also, I kinda hated Jessica for some reason although I can't remember why now.

Adam and Eve - Contemporary
Jessica King and Will Wingfield
Choreographed by Tyce DiOrio
"Silence" - Unfaithful (Soundtrack)


On the other hand, then there was the DOOR routine which is AWESOME and memorable and AWESOME.
The Door - Contemporary
Katee Sheen and "Twitch" Boss
Choreographed by Mia Michaels
"Mercy" - Duffy


Though I seem to remember a lot of the ones with props. (The Table Dance with Neil and Sabra, the Umbrella Dance with Ivan and Allison, the Bench Dance of course, the Flower dance with Neil and Lacey)

Argentine Tango
Chelsie Hightower and Joshua Allen
Choreographed by Dmitry Chaplin
"A Los Amigos" - Forever Tango (original Broadway Cast Recording)


then finally, My FAVORITE routine from last season:
Bleeding Love - Hip-Hop
Chelsie Hightower and Mark Kanemura
Choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha D'Umo
"Bleeding Love" - Leona Lewis


Okay, so I don't think there's been a Bleeding Love this season, but that really was THE standout from last year (S4) for me. (Again, The Table Dance is my fave from S3. S2 had probably the most standouts including my faves SexyBack and Hide and Seek).

On the other hand, Joe commented in my earlier post "For what it's worth, I can understand the complaints about a (comparatively) weaker season, but I find myself far more invested in rooting for Jeanine to win than I was for anyone last season." and I'd probably agree with that too. While I was rooting for Katee last year during the final four, I really didn't care who won by then. I didn't mind Joshua winning, and I can see Twitch's impressive improvements and I just totally forgot that Courtney made the final four (and had to look it up, even though I loved her). If anyone, Mark was my fave from last year but I don't think I've rooted for anybody like crazy since Neil and Sabra or Travis (and remember, a LOT of people felt Neil wasn't a great dancer and should have been eliminated much earlier, and only since the season's ended has his credibility caught up with his actual talent, cause I remember defending Neil during the run of the show as much as I've been defending Evan right now (and Travis the year before when Benji took the sweep)). Seriously, this happens EVERY season. It's like the same Idol whining where EVERY year we complain about the contestants and the crazy judges and blah blah blah blah blah.

Anyways, the results of the final cut were:

Jeanine Mason is SAFE! And the first dancer onto the final four!!! Whoop whoop! She's still my prediction to win though it seems like there's quite the Kayla contingent too, which I used to be in. Not like I don't like her anymore, I've just been won over by Jeanine now.







Brandon Bryant is the first boy to be SAFE! Amazing what a well timed good solo can do, especially considering Brandon, while excellent, always had frenetic unfocused solo's that should have been better considering his talent. Finally he pulled out that A solo just in time for the finale.

That also means the bottom 4 are by default, Melissa, Kayla, Ade and Evan who re-perform their solos.

And in between, the JabbaWockeeZ (winners from America's Best Dance Crew, a show which I surprisingly only got into in the last season, maybe because I just couldn't take it seriously with Randy Jackson's name in the title for the longest time) perform (to "Freak-A-Zoid" - Midnight Star) just in time to remind us of the new season premiering on August 9th.

In the end, Kayla Radomski and Evan Kasprzak round out the final four just as I predicted thus eliminating original partners Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi out of the finals in a case of amazing dancers that may have peaked too early in the competition. I'm sad to see them go, but I had a feeling it was going to happen.



So we say goodbye to Melissa and Ade:


And So there you have it, the Final Four of Brandon, Evan, Jeanine and Kayla!!!

I'll be back with our (slightly shorter for this week because everyone's crazy busy with traveling, weddings, and surviving the heat) bloggers panel chat a little late this week and post it on the weekend , with the awesome group of
LowResJoe, ABChau, TwoP Lauren S and myself who will discuss this week's performances.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
For More So You Think You Can Dance:
Check here for the most Recent current postings and Latest News on SYTYCD

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 5:

Top 6 Performance
Top 8 Performance, Top 8 Results and Panel Chat
Top 10 Performance, Top 10 Results and Panel Chat
Top 12 Performance, Top 12 Results and Panel Chat
Top 14 Performance, Top 14 Results, Top 14 Panel Chat
Top 16 Performance, Top 16 Results and Panel Chat
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and Panel Chat
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results and Panel Chat

Auditions - Vegas Week Part 2 - Top 20 Announcement, Top 20 Pictures/Panel Chat
Vegas Week Part 1
New York City, Denver, Miami, Memphis, LA, Seattle


So You Think You Can Dance Canada:
Finale
Top 8 and 6 Performances and Results, Top 4 Performances
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances and Results
Introducing Canada's Top 20
Auditions:
Toronto Week - The Cut to the Top 20
Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Montreal - West, East, Middle and Quebec
Toronto - Toronto's Best Foot Forward
The Judges, The Host, The Teaser, All Photos from CTV

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 4:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances and Results 6 to 4
Top 8 Performances, Results 8 to 6
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 16, 14 and 12 Weeks Recaps by Vance again
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances, Results 20 to 18
Introducing the Top 20
Auditions:
Callbacks in Las Vegas - The Top 20 Revealed - What Happens In Vegas
Milwaukee, WI - How The Midwest Was Won
Charleston, South Carolina and Washington D.C. - S.C.D.C. The New Electric (Boogaloo) Term!
Salt Lake City and Dallas - Yeehaw Utah!
Los Angeles - It's Time To Put On Those Dancing Shoes Again Kids!

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 3:
Live Tour - Toronto, Pasha's Solo Video, Neil's Solo Video
Finale - Winner Result
Top 4 Performances - Finals
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results
Top 18 Performances, Top 18 Results
Top 20 Performances, Top 20 Results

For So You Think You Can Dance Season 2:
Favorite Video Clips
Song List Live Tour 2006 - Toronto
Live Tour 2006 - Buffalo, Pics, More Pics
Thanks to Rickey for the photos and videos.
Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

So You Think You Can Dance - Love & Six

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 6 Performance Night - Ep. 520
Judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Guest Judge: Lil C

I used to love Lil C but he's kind of a downer tonight, and his affections for Ade and Brandon over Evan is so obvious that I respect him just a little less than normal.

On the other hand, I couldn't hear Jordan Sparks' song "Battlefield" this past week without seeing Jeanine dancing, plus then I would picture her tick tock on her toes from her solo and she's finally snagged my heart and my allegiance and I've totally fallen in love with her. Just in time for next week's finale! It's actually very similar to Sabra's journey who came from nowhere and week after week of strong performances, finally started coming out in the limelight near the end of the run.


Guys Group Dance - Ade, Brandon, Evan
Choreographed by: Sonya Tayeh
Song: "True Romance" - She Wants Revenge

Well aren't the boys always fun? That was fun, and with the exception of the start where Evan seemed a bit soft, the rest of it seemed pretty unified, especially considering the differences in sizes and looks between the three. There might have been some moments later on but by then, I sort of was just sitting back and enjoying watching the boys (... shut up... I'm meaning that in a nice clean way).

Lil C makes a backhanded compliment to Evan but I'm just going to ignore that.

Here's the video of the Guys Group Dance:



Jeanine Mason &
Ade Obayomi
Dance #1
Style: Samba
Choreographed by: Louis van Amstel
Song: "LoveGame" - Lady Gaga
Grade: B+


Ade's good and he looks so strong standing there but the moment Jeanine comes around from behind, she steals the spotlight and never lets it go. Mary thought it started well enough but then faded off, but all the judges loved Jeanine far more than Ade. I can't say Ade was as bad as the judges made it sound like, but I will agree that I was basically mesmerized by Jeanine's glow so everything around her was a bit fuzzy and soft (and thus hid any flaws...?).

Here's the video of Jeanine and Ade's Samba:



Melissa Sandvig &
Evan Kasprzak
Dance #1
Style: Broadway
Choreographed by: Tyce DiOrio
Song: "Get Me To The Church On Time" - Matt Dusk (from My Fair Lady)
Grade: A-

Evan in his underwear? I swear I'll try to be objective here. Just give me a moment...

I just love that someone like Evan, who really harks back to dancers of years yonder, back when comedy and spunk are intertwined with dancing, is still around in this competition that really awards emotionally naked contemporary dancers or come-from-the-streets underdog stories (except this season).

Melissa, who has sort of milked the oversmiling while covering up any real personality, fits perfectly into the bride role here with enough of that plastered charm the dance from Pleasantville demands from her.

Plus, I didn't hate a Tyce DiOrio routine! Actually, I quite enjoyed it and found it charming and delightful. Tyce finally designed something that seemed breezy and fitting the dancers personalities.

Lil C of course was disappointed in his obvious attempt to get Brandon and Ade into the final four. Mary and Nigel liked it much better.

Here's the video of Melissa and Evan's Broadway:



Kayla Radomski &
Brandon Bryant
Dance #1
Style: Contemporary
Choreographed by: Stacey Tookie
Song: "All I Want" - Ahn Trio
Grade: A-

First of all, now that a couple of Canadian choreographers have gone down to do this show, and a bunch of American ones came up do to SYTYCDCanada, what's going to happen now that the shows are going to cross over for a few weeks (actually, almost two months)? Is CTV nuts for trying to squeeze in the Canadian version between the few weeks between Seasons 5 and 6? Especially now that S6 starts a week earlier on Sept. 9th? Oh well, nows not that time to ponder about that (I'll get to that later), let's get back to the current dancers.

Yay! Stacey Tookie from Canada! Though not as strong as the first piece she did for Jonathan and Karla (who I STILL love and whose pictures on twitpic are ADORABLE) and maybe it's the saturation of contemporary dancing this season (seriously? where's the krumping? I know these kids are bad at hip-hop but talk about tailoring the dances for them this year) but I was slightly bored actually and my mind wandered.

That doesn't mean the dancing was bad. Kayla and Brandon actually did an amazing job with it, and there were so many nice moments, I think I just kinda hated the song actually and it killed it for me. There's Imogen Heap and then there's pretentious droning.

Here's the video of Kayla and Brandon's Contemporary:



Jeanine Mason &
Ade Obayomi
Dance #2
Style: Hip-Hop
Choreographed by: Napoleon and Tabitha D'Umo
Song: "Move (If You Wanna)" - MIMS
Grade: B+

I won't claim it was perfect or anything. There have been better Hip-Hop's on this show, and as much as I want to be cheering, I thought it wasn't as hard as it should have been. But that shows you how much I've now officially fallen in love with Jeanine because I was just transfixed again by her. Maybe my love is clouding my judgement but that just means she's done enough to capture my attention and my heart forever!

Here's the video of Jeanine and Ade's Hip-Hop:



Melissa Sandvig &
Evan Kasprzak
Dance #2
Style: Quickstep
Choreographed by: Louis van Amstel
Song: "As Long As I'm Singin" - Brian Setzer Orchestra
Grade: B-

Evan may have gotten Broadway but then again, he now has to deal with the Quickstep (aka the dance of death). Hmm...

Obviously I love Evan despite his faults, but even when he's not good, he's got this gentlemanly suaveness about him that I think wins my heart over. Cause technically, that seemed a bit rough, from both Melissa and Evan, but their upper bodies seemed to cover up enough of it that it still looked fun and if you wanted to ignore the footwork, they made it possible.

Nigel was right in pointing out the mess ups in footwork and energy levels but that their rising personalities mostly covered for it. There have been better Quicksteps on this show but there have been far worse too.

Here's the video of Melissa and Evan's Quickstep:



Kayla Radomski &
Brandon Bryant
Dance #2
Style: Disco
Choreographed by: Doreana Sanchez
Song: "Dance (Disco Heat)" - Sylvester
Grade: A-

Well, that's the second dance of the night where I've liked the routine from choreographers I usually don't love. First Evan and Melissa do good with a fun Tyce routine, now Kayla and Brandon totally sweat away with Doriana's aerobics workout. Between all the twinkling lights and their SHINY SHINY outifts, I thought that was a LOT of fun full of pizazz and energy. LOTS of energy.

Here's the video of Kayla and Brandon's Disco:



Girls Group Dance - Jeanine, Kayla, Melissa
Choreographed by: Sonya Tayeh
Song: "Kick It (Stereoheroes Remix" - Nina Martine

Another fun group routine, though I will say I preferred the boys one, but still fun to see all the girl power going around, especially from such strong remaining women left in the competition. I will agree there could have been a bit more oomph to it all but hey, it's there 4th dance of the night.

Here's the video of the Girls Group Dance:



The Solos:

Kayla Radomski
Song: "You Found Me" - The Fray
Grade: B+

More of the same Kayla contemporary routines but she's good. I'll give you that. But it's still more of the same, and while it felt slightly fuller than last week, and she seemed to be pushing a little harder, it didn't wow me emotionally or viscerally as a whole though I could see technically it seemed impressive enough.



Ade Obayomi
Song: "18th Floor Balcony" - Blue October
Grade: B+

Someone on twitter (but can't remember who, sorry) mentioned it too but what's with the ridiculous endings? It's almost like they give up halfway through their own routine and then do a silly flippant dance as a joke that isn't funny anymore after 5 seasons (not that it really ever was). Like Kayla, Ade's solo's are great and strong but now are starting to look all the same and don't have the pop needed that they first had.



Melissa Sandvig - Solo
Song: "I Put A Spell On You" - Nina Simone
Grade: B+

It seemed more cohesive than last week's routine of technically difficult but simple looking ballet skills but the ballet skills still don't have the wow power for this show and I think it won't capture the attention needed to win a TV show.



Brandon Bryant - Solo
Song: "O'Fortuna" - (from Carmina Burana) Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg & Kurt Prestel
Grade: A-

Amazing what some grande epic music can do to a spastic seizure like contemporary routine! Finally, with this right type of music, the solo seemed far more fluid and planned out which was always the missing portion from Brandon's solo's. We know he's strong and looks good naked and can do some amazing tricks, but it never felt like ONE routine. Amazing what 70 year old music can add.



Jeanine Mason - Solo
Song: "Feedback" – Janet Jackson
Grade: A-

Not as amazing as last week's solo but that was AMAZING and hard to top. Still great and she at least works WITH the song again and feels more unified than Kayla. Plus the way she ended the piece with a sly flirt without any dancing nonsense was smart and charming.



Evan Kasprzak - Solo
Song: "Lady Is A Tramp" - Sammy Davis Jr.
Grade: A

Speaking of smart and charming, Evan continues to do his old style solo's and I still can't get enough. They make look easy and all jazz handy but look at the jumps, spins and twists in the piece and you realize the dance is just as technically difficult as any of the contemps. Plus he always infuses his aw-shucks personality into the piece and proves you don't have to be smoldering to be sexy.


- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Final Roundup:

Best Couple Dance of the Night: Kayla and Brandon's Disco
Second Best Couple Dance of the Night: Melissa and Evan's Broadway
Third Best Couple Dance of the Night: Kayla and Brandon's Contemporary

Best Male Solo: Evan Kasprzak
Best Female Solo: Jeanine Mason

Best Male of the Night - Overall: Brandon Bryant
Best Female of the Night - Overall: Kayla Radomski

Worst of the Night - Couple: Melissa and Evan's Quickstep
Worst of the Night - Solo: Melissa

If I had to make a new list from Favorite to Least (with last week's position in paranthesis), it would probably look like this now:
1. Jeanine (1)
2. Kayla (3)
3. Evan (4)
4. Brandon (7)
5. Ade (6)
6. Melissa (8)

Predictions:
Bottom Four: Kayla, Melissa, Evan, Ade
Going Home: Melissa, Ade (Yes, I know everyone's picking Evan but I'm going on a limb here. Hey, if Janette can be out last week, anything can happen).

Should be the Final Four (in alphabetical order): Brandon, Evan, Jeanine, Kayla

Don't forget, I'll be back with the results show and our bloggers panel chat, with the awesome group of
LowResJoe, ABChau, TwoP Lauren S and myself who will discuss this week's performances.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
For More So You Think You Can Dance:
Check here for the most Recent current postings and Latest News on SYTYCD

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 5:

Top 8 Performance, Top 8 Results and Panel Chat
Top 10 Performance, Top 10 Results and Panel Chat
Top 12 Performance, Top 12 Results and Panel Chat
Top 14 Performance, Top 14 Results, Top 14 Panel Chat
Top 16 Performance, Top 16 Results and Panel Chat
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and Panel Chat
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results and Panel Chat

Auditions - Vegas Week Part 2 - Top 20 Announcement, Top 20 Pictures/Panel Chat
Vegas Week Part 1
New York City, Denver, Miami, Memphis, LA, Seattle


So You Think You Can Dance Canada:
Finale
Top 8 and 6 Performances and Results, Top 4 Performances
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances and Results
Introducing Canada's Top 20
Auditions:
Toronto Week - The Cut to the Top 20
Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Montreal - West, East, Middle and Quebec
Toronto - Toronto's Best Foot Forward
The Judges, The Host, The Teaser, All Photos from CTV

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 4:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances and Results 6 to 4
Top 8 Performances, Results 8 to 6
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 16, 14 and 12 Weeks Recaps by Vance again
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances, Results 20 to 18
Introducing the Top 20
Auditions:
Callbacks in Las Vegas - The Top 20 Revealed - What Happens In Vegas
Milwaukee, WI - How The Midwest Was Won
Charleston, South Carolina and Washington D.C. - S.C.D.C. The New Electric (Boogaloo) Term!
Salt Lake City and Dallas - Yeehaw Utah!
Los Angeles - It's Time To Put On Those Dancing Shoes Again Kids!

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 3:
Live Tour - Toronto, Pasha's Solo Video, Neil's Solo Video
Finale - Winner Result
Top 4 Performances - Finals
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results
Top 18 Performances, Top 18 Results
Top 20 Performances, Top 20 Results

For So You Think You Can Dance Season 2:
Favorite Video Clips
Song List Live Tour 2006 - Toronto
Live Tour 2006 - Buffalo, Pics, More Pics
Thanks to Rickey for the photos and videos.
Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

The TV Blog Coalition - Comic Conned

Comic Con is on, but I don't really care this year. Does that make me a bad blogger? Or bad TV nerd? I figured every other blogger is already covering it (since they are there) so why bother telling you all that SOMETHING BIG IS GOING TO HAPPEN ON "LOST"? Cause like that's actually going to help. Plus I really don't need to hear more about Twilight or Avatar since it will just dilute it all until the movies actually come out. Though the bit about the two rival fans taking over Comic Con is kinda funny. I'll just stand over here by the GLEEKS as I watch the virgin tween girls fight it out with the creepy virgin dudes.

Anyways, here's what the other TV bloggers were talking about this week:

After watching the long-awaited DVD release of The State: The Complete Series, Marisa was pleasantly surprised to see how well the show stood the test of time. (TiFaux)

Follow the TV Addict as he braves 120,000 costumed crusaders at San Diego Comic Con 2009 (The TV Addict)

For us, the summer is all about SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. If you're a fan, check out the latest SYTYCD Edition of The TV Talk Podcast with GMMR & Ducky. We talk performances, the 100th ep & why we love/hate Katie Holmes. (The TV Talk Podcast)

After Mischa Barton's mental and physical issues, Matt is glad the CW working on a contingency plan for The Beautiful Life. (TV Fanatic)

It is the battle of the covers with American Idol's Brooke White, singing Kings of Leon's Use Somebody, taking on newcomer Aimee Allen who puts her spin on Santeria by Sublime. (Scooter McGavin's 9th Green)

Vance wanted no hate for the remaining Top 8 dancers, but he felt the Cancer Dance was a little manipulative on So You Think You Can Dance (Tapeworthy)

Buzz wondered if TV series reboots like 90210 and Melrose Place are better or worse off for bringing back old characters. (BuzzSugar)

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

So You Think You Can Dance - One Hundred Reasons To Dance

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 8 Results - The Cut from 8 to 6 - Ep. 519 (the 100th episode overall)
Judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Guest Judge: Mia Michaels

I can't actually talk much about the SPECIAL 100th EPISODE with more performances from the best of seasons past (aka: HELLO TRAVIS AND HEIDI!) and Katie Holmes (I'll reserve my judgement for when I actually see it properly since I actually don't hate her and thought she was pretty good in All My Sons on Broadway last year) because I just arrived in London (and got tickets to tonight's performance of A Streetcar Named Desire with Rachel Weisz at the Donmar Warehouse! Woot Woot! And tomorrow, off to see Donmar's Hamlet with Jude Law! I'll blow kisses for y'all!) so I missed the special results show, though through the wonders of the interweb, I already seem to know the play by play.

In the meantime, you can enjoy our regular round table chat about last night's performance at Joe's blog (and re-posted below)

Top 8 Group Dance
Style: Broadway
Choreographed by: Mia Michaels
Song: "One" - A Chorus Line (Original Broadway Cast)



Now THAT'S the way to re-choreograph a legendary routine and song, and make it seem fresh and new. Yes, that was a knock at Tyce's Hair and even Joey's West Side Story.

My Predictions from the Top 8 Performances:
Bottom Four: Kayla, Melissa, Evan, Brandon
Going Home: Melissa, Evan (sigh, it's going to happen isn't it? Though there could be a shocker this week. Or will ANYBODY be going because it's the 100th episode? That would be too good to be true.)
Should Be Going Home: The camera people. Seriously. Get it together folks.

The Actual Bottom 4 Results Were:
Well, with 8 great dancers left, anything was going to be shocking, but seriously, how wrong was I?

Bottom Four were Kayla, Janette, Brandon and Jason. Well, I got the Kayla and Brandon right, if only because statistically, it would be really hard for me to get it THAT wrong. But still. Considering everyone though Evan and Melissa were going home, and they didn't even land in the bottom two, I guess their fan bases came out in droves to save them (and Evan's solos and Melissa's Cancer Dance certainly helped).

Alas, Janette Manrara and Jason Glover. I'm surprised but I guess when I think about it, not really. Since at this point, the 8 had their own fan bases, and generally were all equally strong and/or unique. It was Jason's time to go 3 weeks ago but since then, he's made quite the resurgence, though his average solo this week probably did him in. I'm a bit more surprised with Janette since the two J girls were going back and forth in the top spot for me, but then again, Melissa and Kayla are not to be scoffed at themselves. Alas, so long Janette and Jason.


And in case you missed the show too, here's Katie Holmes (bid for a Broadway musical) dancing an homage to Judy Garland, choreographed by Tyce DiOrio.



And here's the Emmy winning routines from seasons past:

The Hummingbird and the Flower with Hok and Jamie choreographed by Wade Robson:


The Bench with Travis and Heidi choreographed by Mia Michaels:


Ramalama by Roison Murphy from Season 2, with choreographer Wade Robson joining in:


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Everyweek, LowResJoe, ABChau, TwoP Lauren S and myself discuss the performance show. Here's our chat about the Top 8 Performances:

AB Chao: Ok I am very drink. I have not watched the show. I have been at [REDACTED for anti-defamation purposes] all night. Maybe I will try to watch the show tomorrow.

Joe: Um ... AB didn't watch the show today. So we're going lean and mean with a 3-person squad this week: Vance from Tapeworthy, Lauren S, and me. The three of us will get drunk later, after this show does the impossible and kicks one of those four PHENOMENAL women off the show. Could we possibly just lose Jason and Evan both? ...Please?


EVAN and JANETTE
Jazz (Sonya Tayeh)

Joe: I thought these two were really well-matched to this style, since Sonya's dances never really require a lot of length or straight lines or anything these two wee little darlings just can't pull off. As with most of Sonya's stuff, I found it weird, but pleasantly so.

Vance: Me too. I thought this match actually worked well. I wouldn't have thought so either. I thought it was a lot of fun and loved those "shut up" moments within the dance. I didn't think it was Sonya's best routine but yah, it was good enough and thoroughly enjoyable.

Lauren: Let me start by saying I think that Evan is awesome and talented and so cute and pocket-sized, but while his height worked well with Janette, I didn't love him in this piece. He wasn't *bad* -- I mean, no one is bad at this point, quite the opposite -- but I was just drawn to her and her crazy awesomeness the whole time. My love for her only grows!

EVAN and JANETTE
Rumba (Tony Meredith, Melanie LaPatin)

Joe: Okay, I really loved that. I bought the sexy coming from Evan this time, and they slid around each other quite effortlessly. And Kris Allen's version of "Heartless"! Too much adorable, I fear for Vance's delicate emotions!

Vance: What? Joe thought Evan did an adorable job? LOVE Evan's attempt at a sexy look. I did figure out why he does not look right in these kinds of dances. It's 'cause they outfit him in skintight clothing which makes his small body look small. Thus his bobble-headed huge noggin looks imbalanced on top. So he looks like he can't be taken seriously. But hey, while his steps weren't perfect, I thought he did a pretty good job. Oh, and Janette? She's just awesome. Don't we know that already?

Lauren: Again, I think it was a good effort by Evan but I didn't love it, but Janette knocked it out of the park (I'd also expect no less as this really falls into her style). I think Evan did make an incredible effort, but I feel like, while I thought this was going to be Jason's week, maybe it's Evan's time now.

Vance: Also, why did Evan get Tony and Meredith for the second week in a row? Can't they mix things up a bit more considering how many choreographers they have on their roster?

Lauren: Seriously, that is kind of putting him at a disadvantage as I feel like ballroom is probably his weakest area.

Joe: Wow, the Evan defenses are coming fast and furious now! Heh. For the record, I think his fanbase has shown itself to be strong enough that I don't think Evan will go home tonight.

Lauren: Look, I still think it should be Evan going home, despite his crappy luck of the draw. That said, I agree that his fanbase is probably big enough to keep him there.


JEANINE and BRANDON
Waltz (Hunter Johnson)

Joe: Well, looks like we've finally found the one style Brandon isn't really suited for. Very, very stiff, on his part, in a way that didn't mesh well at all with Jeanine. Who, all things considered, pulled this off pretty well. I'm supressing my insane Jeanine love for the moment (though: guess who finally got me to pick up the phone for this show?), but she was the better here.

Vance: I actually didn't think Brandon was THAT bad but yes, my eye was always drawn to Jeanine and her yellow dress. I didn't think it was nearly as bad as the judges made it out to be. I thought it was pretty. Then again, I'm a sucker for those Irish Enya-sounding songs.

Lauren: Once again, a waltz that isn't breathtaking. That said, I thought Jeanine was beautiful and while it was probably Brandon's weakest dance, his weakest dance is still pretty dang good. Something just didn't quite click for me.

JEANINE and BRANDON
Pop-Jazz (Laurie-Ann Gibson)

Joe: Okay, Laurie-Ann Gibson getting up in Jeanine's face and making her cry? AAAAHHHH! So intense. But all that meanness means she gets results, you stupid chief! Seriously, though, how EFFING BADASS is Jeanine? No, I will NOT stop talking about her! (Also, weird, but I've been waiting all season for someone to choreograph a routine to that Jordin Sparks song, so I'm all sorts of satisfied.)

Vance: Yes, Jeanine is my new favorite dancer of the week. She was FIERCE! (ACK. I need a new word. I hate using that word). I watched it several times and she was SO ON! Though uh, Brandon was always slightly ahead or behind and looking to Jeanine to match, while Jeanine totally just WENT FOR IT. Not that Brandon was bad, he brought the power and passion but they were out of sync and after some replays, it looked like it was him and not her.

Lauren: Now THIS is what I was waiting for! Vance is right that they were a tiny bit off sometimes, but the energy and the moves and all that were so fun that I didn't really mind. I liked having a different choreographer and really enjoyed this. Can't say much more about these two that hasn't already been said about their awesomeness.


MELISSA and ADE
Cha-Cha (Tony Meredith, Melanie LaPatin)

Lauren: I didn't love this cha-cha. I thought it was really interesting to hear the feedback about how hard it must be for Melissa to un-learn all her ballet training to do this correctly, and I thought they did a good job, but not a great job. I think that for this particular couple this was their weakest dance yet. Fortunately, they had one more dance coming.

Joe: Sloppy, yes, and I too noticed Ade's butt. And for actually the right (or, for Ade, wrong) reasons too! Much as Mary can grate with the hot tamale train and all (I could not get enough of Ellen throwing crazy shade her way all night), I fucking LOVE it when she brings it with that rat-tat-tat barrage of ballroom knowledge. Seeing that many facts coming from such a crazy face is brain-melting.

Vance: And if Evan was disadvantaged with a double header of ballroom, Melissa and Ade together again? Really? Love these two. Did not love this Cha Cha. It looked slower than the Waltz. That fringe stayed limp the whole time. But is that Melissa and Ade's fault? or Tony and Melanie's (seriously, I never had anything against them but... I'm talking about them AGAIN?)?

MELISSA and ADE
Contemporary (Tyce Diorio)

Lauren: This was fantastic! Yes, it was totally manipulative because who isn't going to be touched by a breast cancer story? But that said, it was beautiful and super emotional, and I don't think any of the other couples could have pulled this off anywhere near the way they did it, which is probably why I liked it so much. I had four friends over and all of us -- whose opinions can differ -- were sniffling and wiping our eyes at the end of this routine. I thought this was Melissa's week to go but after this dance I'd be completely shocked if it's her.

Joe: Ohhh lord a'mighty. Okay. One of the very best Tyce routines he's ever choreographed, despite being a smidge more literal than I like my high-concept routines. But how can I argue with all that crying? I can't. And honestly, Melissa and Ade were at their graceful, passionate peak dancing it -- and Ade is still my favorite male dancer by a mile -- so I'm not about to slam it. Just to say that I'm with Ellen in the "impressed but not a puddle" category. Though I desperately wanted to give Mia a ten-minute hug.

Vance: Ah... the Cancer Dance. Uh, where do I even start? I actually missed the intro so didn't realize it was Tyce's and basically figured out the cancer thing from the scarf. I will also just state first that I thought Ade and Melissa did a beautiful job with it. Beautiful. Everything that was great about this was because of them.

But seriously, take away the scarf and it was just another standard contemporary dance (though to a very very smart song choice). And THEN I found out Tyce choreographed it. My hatred knows no bounds. That and I have no soul. Then the judges cried and cried over it and I sat there like a log wondering what I missed. Yah, the cancer part was very sad, but I didn't think it was the most emotional dance piece from SYTYCD. I still enjoyed it but I think it was overpraised. Because seriously, can you remember any of the actual dance moves without thinking about that scarf? I'm going to hell aren't I?


KAYLA and JASON
Broadway (Tyce Diorio)

Lauren: I really liked this! It wasn't one of the most memorable routines we've ever seen but I loved watching it, it was fun, it was danced really, really well by both of them, and as one of my friends said, "Kayla's legs do things legs aren't supposed to be able to do." Holy moly, woman! Two thumbs up.

Joe: Very well danced, of course, but probably the one routine that had dropped completely out of my head since the episode ended. Though, wait, was this where Mia was talking about cracking Jason's chest open with a hammer? God, I love Mia.

Vance: Not bad for a Tyce routine (seriously, I'm really trying to be nice. Really!) but Kayla really saved this with her length and her sparkle. And Jason is finally becoming SOOO charming on the dancefloor.

KAYLA and JASON
Hip-Hop (Shane Sparks)

Lauren: THIS, though, was completely awesome, and I was so relieved because I feel like Shane hadn't been having a great season. But this was super fun (kind of Thriller, but I'm fine with that) and inventive and super well-danced by the both of them. See, just when I think it's Jason's turn to go... I have no earthly idea who it's going to be.

Joe: I was crossing all my limbs that Shane would finally have one of his routines danced well this season. And either I was looking through rose-colored glasses or Kayla and Jason were really good. There really isn't much Kayla can't do, and Jason was a whole lot better than his last time in Shane's clutches.

Vance: My fave of the night. Jason got into full character and if you told me that was someone other than Kayla, I would have believed it cause she totally buried herself with this piece.


Thoughts on the solos/group routine?

Lauren: Loved it! Totally fun, I loved the wacked-out costumes, I loved the glasses like you buy at Disneyland once it gets dark. I'm certain that I am a little bit biased because I love Travis so much and wanted it to be good for his sake, but overall really enjoyed it.

Joe: As for the solos, I thought Ade and Jeanine's were the real standouts, though Brandon always has those 1 or 2 moments where he pulls out something super astounding. And I appreciated how Melissa and especially Janette mixed their ballet/ballroom up with more contempo style so they weren't just doing a succession of movements. Evan's routine, I will say, was so similar to last week's that I couldn't get excited for it.

Vance You know I love my future husband Travis but I actually expected a bit more. Seemed a bit all over the place. Still, some nice moments but I wished they turned off the lights more to milk that glowy light gimmick effect.

Solos? Jeanine's was AMAZING. The first girls solo's I finally truly loved. It was well planned out and felt unique and whole. Evan's and Ade's, who are probably the best male soloists, also had more complete solo's than the others though both were not as good as last week's. If anything, Jason and Melissa had the weakest solos. I give credit to Melissa for trying some difficult but slow ballet moves that are technically difficult but it needed to be a bit more showy and faster, especially to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs song she picked.



Thoughts on Ellen/Judges?

Lauren: I adore Ellen, but I was glad when she stopped having the same pattern of quips and just started complimenting the dancers. (Granted, I think this also came about because the dances in the 2nd hour were far and away better than those in the first half of the episode.) I wouldn't want her to be a regular, but I was fine with the little shake-up for a week. I also really enjoyed that Mary had a good amount of actual feedback this week, because I love hearing what she has to say when she's actually critiquing/teaching instead of screeching. (Wow, that's quite a rhyme.)

Joe: Yes, as a one-timer, Ellen was lovely. And I'll gladly take the occasional useless comments in exchange for how she clearly couldn't stand Nigel and Mary's insanity for another minute. It all made me very happy that Mia's bipolar ass was around being a stickler (and occasional supporter of beauty in all forms, even Evan's droopy eyes).

Vance I'm glad Ellen didn't pretend to really know anything about dancing the way I do! It was nice to have a bit of star power on the judges panel but she played it just right, throwing a few funny quips and letting the others give the real critique.


TOP THREE PERFORMANCES

Lauren: Kayla/Jason's hip-hop; Melissa/Ade's contemporary; Jeanine/Brandon pop-jazz

Joe: Jeanine/Brandon's pop-jazz; Kayla/Jason's hip-hop; Melissa/Ade's contemporary

Vance Kayla/Jason's Hip-Hop; Jeanine/Brandon's Pop-Jazz; Melissa/Ade's Contemporary


LEAST FAVORITE

Lauren: Jeanine/Brandon's waltz

Joe: Melissa/Ade's Cha-Cha

Vance: Melissa/Ade's Cha-Cha


- - - - - - - - - - - - -
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So You Think You Can Dance - Season 3:
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Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results
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For So You Think You Can Dance Season 2:
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Thanks to Rickey for the photos and videos.
Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

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