Tapeworthy: October 2009

Friday, October 30, 2009

Rock Hard Cheyenne

OMG. The 30 Rock pictures with Cheyenne Jackson are out. I almost jizzed in my pants with this first one of him in full football uniform (it's like my porn fantasy comes true! No thank YOU Tina Fey!).

Cheyenne's having a great day isn't he? He's great in Finian's Rainbow (I'll have my review out soon) and the reviews from last night have been pretty great. And he's moonlighting (or is it daylighting in this case) on 30 Rock in what is apparently a re-occuring role. YAY! His double duty makes me forgive him for forgetting a line in Finian's Rainbow last Saturday. Plus he covered really well (there was a pause, then he looked into co-star Kate Baldwin's eyes and said "Your skin is so beautiful that it's made me forget what I was going to say", then asked for his next line. It was smooth!)

And now he gets to reunite with his Damn Yankees co-star Jane Krakowski on 30 Rock starting on the November 12th episode!

Okay, so while this season hasn't been its best season, even mediocre 30 Rock is still better than most shows.

30 Rock - Season 4, Into the Crevasses, Stone Mountain - Eps. 401-403

So because I know Cheyenne Jackson must be the new actor Liz will eventually hire to fulfill Jack's wishes for a "REAL AMERICAN" to join the show, I've been kinda loving this new shakeup on the show and the reactions Jenna and Tracy have had. It doesn't always work, and isn't quite as sharp as previous seasons, but it's still a lot of fun.

What worked better was the twisted satire on labour unions when Kenneth goes on strike much to Jack's ire, but possibly the most disturbing thing (other than Kenneth's union leader being easily satisfied and bought off) was him in drag playing Meemah (?) when Jack and Liz go to Stone Mountain to find a "regular" American to join the cast. Anyways, after some disturbingly funny images of Jack ripping off a dummy's head off, I'm ready for Cheyenne to join the cast.

I would say it would give Jenna a good counterpart but I'm kinda loving her with Tracy and her and the gays, so it would just be more awesomeness!

Here's some more promo photos from Cheyenne Jackson's first appearance on 30 Rock:

Plus, Padma Lakshmi (Top Chef) guests on the same episode.

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

SYTYCD6 - Cha Cha Change for a Twenty?

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 20 Performance and Results Night - Ep. 611
Judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman

There still is a chair for Paula Abdul which already is annoying me.

In the meantime, Billy Bell AND Noelle Marsh have both been sidelined by injuries and illnesses but Billy is out permanently while Noelle is taking a week off for now, with Melanie LaPatin stepping in again. Noelle gets to come back next week if she's better. Meanwhile, Brandon Dumlao takes over Billy's spot. Lucky for all the other dancers, since Billy was probably near the top of the list.

And while I'm at it, I realized what else I don't like about this new huge stage set up, other than the distracting video wall and enormity of it all. The stage is now set up as a proscenium stage and no longer has a in-the-round feel with audience members on 3 sides, giving us even less of an intimate feel, thus distancing the dancers even further. Plus it doesn't give anywhere for Cat to run and hide when the dancers perform.

Oh well, I'll stop my griping for now and let the Season 6 dancing begin!

Channing Cooke
&
Phillip Attmore
Style: Jive
Choreographed by: Jason Gilkison
Song: "Rockin' Robin" - The Jackson 5
Grade: C

At this point, I'm trying to give these two a clean slate, but I was losing favour for these two, so it's strange that they've been paired together.

On top of that, they get the Jive set to "Rockin' Robin"? Seriously? I thought they did an admirable attempt but it lacked the pop and pizzaz needed and their lack of chemistry was palpable. Their connections were fumbly and awkward and as some of the judges mentioned, they looked tired out halfway through the dance.

Not a great start for a couple that really needed to wow me to earn my love, instead I thought it was easily forgettable (with no help from the song choice either).

Here's the video of Channing and Phillip's Jive:

Ashleigh Di Lello
&
Jakob Karr
Style: Broadway
Choreographed by: Tyce DiOrio
Song: "Hit Me With A Hot Note (and Watch Me Bounce)" - Sophisticated Ladies (original soundtrack)
Grade: B

I really didn't want to get into my hatred for Tyce so early but again, I was underwhelmed by the choreo (despite Adam calling it brilliant) and as Joe points out, he's such a douchebag.

On the bright note, Jakob just had the lines and poise to really showcase his skills and just looked great. Ashleigh, who I'm so so for, looked like she kept up, and as the judges said, Jakob carried her to his level.

Here's the video of Ashleigh and Jakob's Broadway:

Ariana Dubose
&
Peter Sabasino
Style: Hip-Hop
Choreographed by: Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo
Song: "Black & Gold" - Sam Sparo
Grade: B

While Jakob and Ashleigh managed to dance a bad choreography really well, here, I'm wondering if good choreography made Peter and Ariana look good? Because I really found myself surprised by Peter and Ariana and liked this routine and thought they were quite good, even though the judges didn't. Maybe it's because I had such low expectations from these two.

I thought Peter did quite a good job, especially since he's a tapper, while Ariana, who seemed kinda bland, got into a Hip-Hop groove that reminded me of Aliyah.

Here's the video of Ariana and Peter's Hip-Hop:

~~Noelle Marsh~~ Melanie LaPatin
&
Russell Ferguson
Style: Foxtrot
Choreographed by: Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Song: "Vagabond Shoes" - Vic Damone
Grade: B+

I don't know if I'm buying Russell. I don't buy that he didn't take ANY lessons before this, because he was WAY too smooth and amazing in this Foxtrot. I mean, was it me, or did he look like he almost out-Foxtrotted Melanie LaPatin, the teacher/expert. (Then again, she's such the expert to make sure her partner always looks good). His footwork looked great and he held up his own and oozed charm without being schlocky.

Here's the video of Melanie and Russell's Foxtrot:

Bianca Revels
&
Victor Smalley
Style: Contemporary
Choreographed by: Travis Wall
Song: "Wasted Time" - Me'Shell Ndegeocello
Grade: B+

I pretty much agreed with everything Adam said. GREAT choreography from my secret lover (at least in my head) Travis Wall. Bianca did a great job but still needed that little extra (like lowering the shoulders) while Victor held the whole thing together.

There could have been a little more sizzle but considering the piece was about coldness, I guess Victor and Bianca were more in character.

Here's the video of Bianca and Victor's Contemporary:

Karen Hauer
&
Kevin Hunte
Style: Cha Cha
Choreographed by: Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin
Song: "Push It" - Glee Cast version
Grade: B

I really like Kevin but yah, as Adam said, was he even there? I only really noticed Karen who luckily shook it and saved them both, while Kevin did a nice job propping her up. (Also, who knew he had so much hair tucked behind there? Oh wait, I guess it's those braids unleashed. It never clicked in.)

I think the dance could have been slightly jazzier and faster, especially considering the song they had to dance to, but that's partly the choreography too (and just a bad pairing of dance with song). On the other hand, love that they are already using the Glee songs for this. Talk about network synergy!

Here's the video of Karen and Kevin's Cha Cha:

Ellenore Scott
&
Ryan Di Lello
Style: Jazz
Choreographed by: Sonya Tayeh
Song: "Arcadia" - Apparat
Grade: B+

I love Sonya's weird choreo's! And love that they put Ryan shirtless right off the bat. Might as well show off his shoulders and guns right? Hold on, I need to wipe of the drool on the keyboard right now.

I don't really recall Ellenore but she and Ryan were great together, and Ryan, as the judges keep mentioning, was great abandoning his ballroom background to get into weirdness of Sonya's characters.

Here's the video of Ellenore and Ryan's Jazz:

Pauline Mata
&
Brandon Dumlao
Style: Smooth Waltz
Choreographed by: Jason Gilkison
Song: "You Light Up My Life" - Whitney Houston
Grade: B

They had a day and a half together? After Billy Bell had to drop out? That's really hard, especially for the Smooth Waltz, and especially for a hip-hopper like Brandon. Still, I was impressed and thought it was better than the judges critiques.

Pauline was beautiful and Brandon did a good job carrying her through and i thought (maybe with the aid of Pauline's white floaty dress) that they looked quite light and airy, but Nigel and the others totally disagreed.

Here's the video of Pauline and Brandon's Smooth Waltz:

Kathryn McCormick
&
Legacy Perez
Style: Hip-Hop
Choreographed by: Dave Scott
Song: "On & On" - Missy Elliot
Grade: B+

Great routine and Kathryn and Legacy had a nice connection together and dirtied it up just right. Legacy, who I've been on the fence with, won me over here with his dancing and his abs, and while I keep forgetting Kathryn is on this show, she managed to keep up and hit it hard.

Here's the video of Kathryn and Legacy's Hip-Hop:

Mollee Gray
&
Nathan Trasoras
Style: Disco
Choreographed by: Doriana Sanchez
Song: "Turn the Beat Around (Pablo's 12' Remix)" - Gloria Estefan
Grade: B

Love Nathan but I got irritated with Mollee until she proved herself in the showcase. But of course they have to throw these two cute-as-a-button-dancers together and of course they get the Disco.

It was energetic and fast and fun. And it all started all well enough, but was it me or did it get a little messy in the second half, particularly with the footwork?

Here's the video of Mollee and Nathan's Disco:

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
So even though the audience doesn't get to vote and the judges are just going to vote someone off right away, here's my Final Roundup:

Best of the Night: Victor and Bianca's Contemporary
Second Best of the Night: Kathryn and Legacy's Hip-Hop
Third Best of the Night: Ellenore and Ryan's Jazz

Best Male of the Night: Victor Smalley
Second Best Male of the Night: Jakob Karr

Best Female of the Night: Ellenore Scott
Second Best Female of the Night: Karen Hauer

Worst of the Night - Couple: Channing and Phillip's Jive
Worst of the Night - Single: Kevin Hunte

Should Be Bottom 4: Channing, Ariana, Phillip, Kevin
Should be Eliminated: Noelle, Phillip

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dance For their Lives Solos
Bottom 4 determined by the judges:
Ariana
Brandon
Pauline
Russell

THAT IS SUCH A SET UP. Like Russell is ever gonna be cut. Poor Brandon. He never had a chance did he?

Ariana Dubose
Song: "Darkest Hour" - Charlotte Martin
Grade: B+

Russell Ferguson
Song: "Give the Drummer Sum" - Black Milk
Grade: A

Pauline Mata
Song: "Magalenha" - Sergio Mendes
Grade: B+

Brandon Dumlao
Song: "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" - John Mayer
Grade: A-

Okay, so first off, Russell and Brandon should not be in the bottom 4. Neither should Pauline for that matter. I'm not a dance expert but usually I'm not totally off in my opinions but this seems totally wrong. Why are there only coloured people in the bottom 4?

I think Russell is just there so that he gets to show off his solos to build up for the future, plus since there is NO way he will get eliminated, it sets itself up for Brandon to go. Nice. Bring him into the Top 20 and then cut him out right away, despite the fact that he was pretty decent in his Smooth Waltz that he was given a full day and a half to learn and rehearse. In fact, as much as I like Kevin, I thought Brandon did a better job.

While I thought Ariana did a good job, she does lack star quality so I can understand why she's here, but Pauline was far better than Channing.

Luckily, Pauline is saved and Ariana Dubose is the first girl to be cut.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

SYTYCD Canada & SYTYCD - From 1 to 20

So You Think You Can Dance Canada - Final Results Night - The Final Cut from 4 to 1 - Ep. 223
Judges: Jean-Marc Généreux, Tré Armstrong, Blake McGrath, Luther Brown, Rex Harrington, Kenny Ortega

So You Think You Can Dance - The Top 20 Showcase - Ep. 610
Judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman, and an empty chair for Paula Abdul (groan)

Just as SYTYCD Canada wraps up with it's finale on Sunday, SYTYCD starts up again with a new episode to showcase the Top 20 in their own styles before they go into the Top 20 Performance voting episodes. And Canada may have gotten to see one of Mia's last choreography for the show.

So let's first start with Canada:

So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 2's Top 20:

Man, it's good seeing Austin, Nicolas, Danny, even Taylor looks great! And Natalie and even Mel B and all!

Top 20 Group Dance
Style: African-Jazz
Choreographed by: Sean Cheesman

And with that, I'm reminded how great the Season 2 Canadian Top 20 was (and how great Sean Cheesman is), so the Season 6 Top 20 will have a lot to live up to, but so far, it seems like this new group may be one of the best (though sadly, there is news that Billy Bell (one of, if not THE early fave of mine) has had to drop out due to illness and that Brandon Dumlao will replace Billy)

The Canadian judges get to pick their faves from the season (although you know it's more a general pick that gets spread around so each of the Top 10 dancers get to be featured at least once)

Kenny's pick:
Tara-Jean and Everett's Theatre (Sean Cheesman) from Top 12 Week

JM's pick:
Amy and Vincent's Jive (Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin) from Top 12 Week

Rex's pick:
Jayme Rae and Everett's Mambo (Gustavo Vargas) from Top 8 Week

Blake's pick:
Kim and Cody's Hip-Hop (Luther Brown) from Top 8 Week

Jean-Marc's pick #2:
Tara-Jean and Vincent's Rumba (Eric Caty) from Top 8 Week

Tre's pick
Kim and Emanuel's Jazz Funk (Blake McGrath) from Top 14 Week

Tre's pick #2
Jayme Rae and Vincent's Contemporary (Stacey Tookey) from Top 4 Week

Luther's choice
Tara-Jean and Everett's House (Sho-Tyme) from Top 14 Week

Kenny's pick #2
Melanie M and Vincent's Paso Doble (Natalli Reznik & Francis Lafrenière) from Top 10 Week

Jean Marc's pick #3:
Corynne and Austin's Contemporary (Stacey Tookey) from Top 16 Week

Leah's (or producers) pick:
Melanie M and Cody's Krump (Lil' C) from Top 18 Week

Blake's pick #2:
Kim and Everett's Jazz Fusion (Sean Cheesman) from Top 10 Week

Rex's pick #2:
Tara-Jean and Vincent's Contemporary (Stacey Tookey) from Top 6 Week

Luther's pick #2:
Jayme Rae and Daniel's Dance Hall (Jaeblaze) from Top 18 Week

Leah's (or producers) pick #2
Tara-Jean and Vincent's Salsa (Gustavo Vargas) from Top 6 Week

Leah's (or producers) pick #3
Jayme Rae and Everett's Jazz Funk (Nico Archambault & Wynn Holmes) from Top 8 Week

Top 10 Group Dance
Style: Contemporary
Choreographed by: Mia Michaels
Song: "This Moment" - Nic Chagall ft. Jonathan Mendelsohn

Oh man. this is Mia's piece in response to her quitting the US show. OMG.

So that may have been the last choreography we see from Mia for some time, though it seems like she only quit the US version and she gets to vent it out in Canada, so hopefully she will be back in Canada for more next season!

So before we get to the winner, in case people still don't want to be spoiled (is that even possible these days?), I'll continue on at the bottom of the post and get to the special episode of So You Think You Can Dance and their showcase of the Top 20 on their new stage (which I am NOT digging. It's too big and makes the dancers look small and lost on the stage and the video graphics in the back competes with the dancers).

Plus, that chair for Paula is almost like a FU to Idol for stealing the Ellen idea (apparently Nigel has been pissed) and to Mia who didn't get a permanent judges chair like Adam did.

Top 20 Group Dance
Style: Wade Style
Choreographed by: Wade and Amanda Robson
Song: "Comanche" - The Revels

Well, Nathan sure got showcase. And my eye led towards Billy Bell right away... sigh... I also noticed Jakob and Russell. What a great first group routine! But I will admit freely, I watched the boys more than the girls at this point. I'm not sure if they are better dancers or just a hot bunch of boys this season. That said, what a great Wade routine!

Legacy Perez, Russell Ferguson, Kevin Hunte
Style: Hip-Hop
Choreographed by: Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo
Song: "Beggin' (District 78 Remix)" - Madcon

Very very awesome and the first Krumper on the US show! (But ha! Canada beat you by a few months when Natalie became the first Krumper on the Canada show (plus a girl! From HALIFAX)). That said, Russell is awesome and one of my faves. Him and Kevin seem to have a great rapport. I'm still unsure about Legacy in general but he mixed well here and looked great.
Here's the video of the Hip-Hoppers:

Nathan Trasoras, Ariana Debose, Jakob Karr, Channing Cooke
Style: Contemporary
Choreographed by: Tyce DiOrio
Song: "Crying)" - K.D. Lang

The dancers were lovely. Already love Jakob and Nathan but Ariana was quite impressive and expressive. But wasn't loving the choreo and yet again, I think Tyce is so overrated. There was barely any cohesion between the 4 dancers and they basically just danced separately for most of it.
Here's the video of my new SYTYCD boyfriends and Ariana and Channing:

Peter Sabasino, Bianca Revels, Phillip Attmore
Style: Tap
Choreographed by: Derrick K. Grant
Song: "Take The "A" Train" - Ella Fitzgerald

Peter really doesn't look like a tapper so watching him on his fancy feet is kinda funny and nice to see. It's great to see 3 tappers finally in the Top 20 (though again, Canada got in Everett already and who made it to Top 4!)
Here's the video of the Tappers:

Pauline Mata, Mollee Gray, Ellenore Scott
Style: Jazz
Choreographed by: Sonya Tayeh
Song: "On ACloud" - PPP

I'm not sure I could take Mollee's cuteness but was it me or did she seem all grown up here? I have to admit, my eye ended up drawn to her and maybe the straight hair helped, but Mollee was fantastic. I liked Pauline as well and Ellenore's spunk but I think I was most surprised by Mollee so far (prob. because I was ready to hate her).
Here's the video of the Jazz girls:

Victor Smalley, Noelle Marsh, Kathryn McCormic, Billy Bell
Style: Contemporary
Choreographed by: Mandy Moore
Song: "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay

Now that's how you choreograph a contemporary piece that still shocases the individual dancers and lets them interact with each other. Boy girl, boy boy. girl girl. THAT'S PROGRESS.

On a sad note, that's the last we will see of Billy Bell this season. Sigh...

Ryan Di Lello, Karen Hauer, Ashley Di Lello
Style: Samba
Choreographed by: Jason Gilikson
Song: "Everything I Can't Have" - Robin Thicke

A husband, a wife, and Karen. I give props to Karen for openly moving on Ashley's man, especially since said man is Ryan and his guns.

So before the actual competition for So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 begins with the Top 20 Performances on Tuesday, let's get back to So You Think You Can Dance Canada which finally narrowed it down from the Top 20 to one of the best Top 4 I've seen.

While I predicted:
Should Be: (#position from Top 6 week in parenthesis):
Fourth: Everett (4)
Third: Tara-Jean (2)
Second: Jayme Rae (3)
First: Vincent (1)

Will Be:
Fourth: Everett
Third: Jayme Rae
Second: Vincent
First: Tara-Jean

And alas, Everett Smith and Jayme Rae Dailey were not in the Top 2 (with Everett being told first, so make of that what you may).

And with Vincent Desjardins and Tara-Jean Popowich in the Top 2, both win a car, but alas, Vincent comes in second as I predicted.

Which means the Season 2 winner is Tara-Jean Popowich!!! Who looked so happy and shocked! Very cute! And still totally deserving even though I voted for Vincent and Jayme Rae.