I've tweeted this a few times before but I haven't fallen in love with a song so fast and so much in a long time, so I'm posting it for Good Friday/Easter. Strange especially since this is a Canadian All-Star remake of a current Canadian radio hit (and upcoming South African FIFA World Cup song) that I don't actually like that much. K'Naan's "Wavin' Flag" is still currently making its way up the Canadian charts but now he's lent it to Young Artists for Haiti and I'm LOVING this new version.
Okay, so it's Canadian stars so the rest of you probably won't know many of them, and heck, there's a bunch of folks I still haven't figured out who they are, but I see Nelly Furtado, Sam Roberts, Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan's Pierre Bouvier, Lights, Sum 41's Deryck Whibley Whibley, Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy, Jully Black, Jacob Hoggard, Justin Nozuka, Fefe Dobson, Corb Lund, Drake, Nikki Yanofsky, and Justin Bieber.
Oh, here's the full list of artists: Soloists (in order of appearance) K'naan Nelly Furtado Sam Roberts Avril Lavigne Pierre Bouvier Tyler Connolly Kardinal Offishall Jully Black LIGHTS Deryck Whibley Serena Ryder Jacob Hoggard Emily Haines Hawksley Workman Drake (solo rap) Chin Injeti Ima Pierre Lapointe Elisapie Isaac Esthero Corb Lund Fefe Dobson Nikki Yanofsky Matt Mays Justin Nozuka Justin Bieber
Chorus (including the soloists) Arkells Lamar Ashe Broken Social Scene Torquil Campbell Canadian Tenors Aion Clarke City and Colour Tom Cochrane Jim Cuddy Jim Creeggan Kathleen Edwards Dave Faber Jessie Farrell Colin James Patrick Kordyback Brandon Lehti Colin MacDonald Jay Malinowski Stacey McKitrick Suzie McNeil Fefe Dobson Stephan Moccio Kevin Parent Josh Ramsay Red 1 Hayley Sales James Shaw Shiloh Tim Baker
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum - Avon Theatre - Stratford Festival, ON - ***1/2 (out of 5) Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, Directed by Des McAnuff Runs until Nov. 7th 2009 UPDATE: Transferring to Toronto with Mirvish in Dec. 2010
West Side Story - Festival Theatre - Stratford Festival, ON - *** (out of 5) Based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, Music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Arthur Laurents, Directed by Gary Griffin Runs until Nov. 8th 2009
Being the first year where Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) becomes sole artistic director of Stratford Shakespeare Festival (just 1.5 hours west of Toronto) after some tumultuous backstage drama last year (worthy of another season of Slings & Arrows), the Canadian who went abroad (to La Jolla and Broadway), got famous, and now is coming home, is under quite the watchful eye from the Canadian Theatre community, especially as he brings in outside talent, including some from the states, to pump up the buzz at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.
I so far have only caught the three big shows that have been garnering critical acclaim (ironically none which are Shakespeare plays) but while I would love to tout our own local theatre company, I had less than a stellar reaction to an early preview of West Side Story (directed by Chicago director Gary Griffin (A Color Purple)), which has so far garnered better reactions than the current Broadway revival. But I'll explain more below. Meanwhile, Des McAnuff redeems himself (from a flawed Guys & Dolls seen earlier on Broadway this year) with a terrific A Funny Thing Happened on the Way To The Forum. But it's Tony nominated Canadian actor Brian Bedford who directs an exquisite The Importance of Being Earnest that hopefully finds a transfer to let more audiences appreciate his glorious production.
The Importance of Being Earnest may have the gimmick of director Brian Bedford directing himself, Brian Bedford, as Lady Bracknell, but the gender switch isn't played for laughs or irony and in fact, Bedford easily sinks effortlessly into the role without any smattering of overdramatic effect.
It was my first time experiencing Being Earnest and what a comedy to behold! In the comedy of class and manners, and where presentation is at the upmost importance, Set Designer Desmond Heeley constructs beautifully painted on (hint hint) sets that look both flat and 3 dimensional, which cleverly works with the themes of the play.
The cast assembled works effortlessly around Bedford's commanding Lady Braknell (a character who should be commanding even if a male is not discreetly playing her). Mike Shara (above left) and Ben Carlson (above right) are boyishly delightful as Algernon Moncrieff and John Worthing (respectively). Their charming banter is a total hoot and Ben Carlson plays befuddled innocence perfectly while Shara (who looks more suited for a sports field) is deliciously devious without losing an ounce of his innocence.
The two boys are played off perfectly by the wonderful Sara Topham as Gwendolen Fairfax and Andrea Runge's Cecily Cardew all while the superb Sarah Dodd and droll Stephen Ouimette twirl around the misundertandings as Miss Prism and Rev. Canon Chasuble (respectively).
It's an all-round aces production with a top notch cast and beautiful direction that keeps things... well... earnest, never playing it over the top but keeping things serious in its satirical bite.
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum meanwhile is completely over-the-top and a silly romp as it should be. While it was also the first time I saw the silly musical, the players and McAnuff's fun and fancy-free direction keeps things constantly rolling from one joke to another, some that work, some that don't, but boy do they sure try! I can't say that the musical itself is absolutely brilliant or anything (even though it's a Sondheim show), but it's amusing enough for Stratford's best actors to spin their comic wheels for a fun night for all!
Sadly, original lead and Statford stalwart Bruce Dow (above) has to bow out of the production due to medical issues, and while Canadian comedian Sean Cullen has taken over, I saw the show just in between the switch when the younger understudy Randy Ganne took over during the interim but while his voice isn't the strongest, and he seemed slightly hesitant during the famous opening number "Comedy Tonight" but Ganne quickly established himself as a wonderful and vibrant Pseudolus and his lean youthfulness added a different dimension to the proceedings.
And if Ganne hadn't, he still had a top notch cast around him. Stephen Ouimette (above, again, The Importance of Being Earnest) was hysterical as Hysterium. Cliff Saunders (Broadway's The 39 Steps) milked everything he could as Marcus Lycus. Deann deGruijter (above) is perfectly 2 dimensional as Domina, which is exactly what is needed for that role.
Dan Chameroy (who was a great Curly a couple of years ago in Stratford's Oklahoma) oozes oily slick charm as Miles Gloriosus.
The ensemble is aces, and include 3 very game Protean's: Julius Sermonia, Jordan Bell, and Stephen Cota. Even the harem girls are played by fabulous ladies including Sara Topham (again, The Importance of Being Earnest) and Jennifer Rias (Anita in West Side Story, see below).
Then there is Mike Nadajewski and Chilina Kennedy as Hero and Philia, the two central lovers in the silly comedy of errors. Both exude a beautiful dumb innocence and mine the comedy for every ounce they've got. With beautiful voices and absolutely laugh-out-loud hysterical performances, Nadajewski and Kennedy are such delights in the musical comedy that it's hard to believe they play Glad Hand and Maria (respectively) in West Side Story over at the Festival theatre. (And I loved the scene where Hero tries to jump up to the balcony just like Paul Nolan's Tony does in WSS. A sly hilarious wink at Kennedy's other show at Stratford).
Which leads to West Side Story. And I'll preface my review with the fact that I saw an early preview that happened to have a LOT of understudies, so maybe it threw off the dancing in the ensemble which I found VERY WEAK, which threw off the entire vibe of the whole show, and considering I consider this mostly a dancing show, it affected my review.
But first, back to Chilina Kennedy (Wonderful Town at Shaw) as Maria. WHAT. A. STAR! and this was before I saw her in A Funny Thing where she knocked THAT complete OPPOSITE role (as a dimwitted lover... okay maybe not that different) out of the park. Here she balances the innocence and naivety with a strong willed young woman emerging from her protective community. Her powerful performance is only exceeded by her powerful voice and Kennedy is really able to centre the tragedy at the centre of the show within her performance (And seriously, a completely opposite role to Philia).
Paul Nolan's Tony is equally strong opposite Kennedy and while his voice is more pop/rock (especially compared to Matt Cavanaugh's vibrato on Broadway), his limber and energetic Tony is just as affecting and I liked how his voice balanced out Kennedy's.
Nolan and Kennedy really seemed like teenagers in love, ready to run away and escape their world and their chemistry together was the best part of the show.
Unfortunately, the world around them isn't as up to the task except for Jennifer Rias who was terrific as Anita. Granted I say the harsh criticism knowing the understudy went on for Riff, and there were several more that night, all taking over each other's roles and thus I think it affected what needs to be tight dancing by Sergio Trujillo recreating Jerome Robbin's BRILLIANT choreography to suit a thrust stage. While the choreography worked, the dancing just wasn't up to the level I saw on Broadway, not even close, but I will allow that it was the first week of previews at the time (then again, I also saw the first week or previews in DC where the Broadway show started and it was already perfect). I'm guessing it has gotten better in Stratford due to the raves, but it just wasn't tight enough when I saw it, though my theory is because Stratford worked with the actors they have, who are actors first, singers second, dancers third (as opposed to Broadway which seemed like dancers first, singers second, actors third). And since I feel this is truly a dancing show set to Romeo and Juliet, the dancing that Jerome Robbins has contractually written into the show, is extremely important and must be presented with perfection to work.
Interestingly enough, the Broadway version also tried to cast age appropriate actors and were criticized for casting an Abercrombie looking young cast, but the problem here in Stratford was that while they cast one that looked more gang appropriate, the actors seemed older than me, and I am far away from being a teenager that would still be in a gang and I felt that THAT threw off the whole high school musical believability to the show.
Still, it's West Side Story so even when it could be tighter, it's still enjoyable, and I enjoyed the sets by Douglas Paraschuk and the lighting by Kevin Fraser (although my friend thought the bathtub and floating dresses were too showy for the stripped down production design).
It's a good production, don't get me wrong, and Paul Nolan and Chilina Kennedy are truly amazing in the central roles, but at least when I saw it, the rest of the production didn't have the flair and tightness of the Arthur Laurents directed production now seen on Broadway. And I say that knowing most reviews have countered this view. (Hey, I'll see this show again and re-review it if they invite me! I wanted to see it later in the season when they might have had more time to fix the kinks but at this point, I haven't gone back yet).
I would really love to go back to see The Importance of Being Earnest again. Hopefully it gets a transfer SOMEWHERE.
So You Think You Can Dance Canada - Top 18 Results Night - The Cut from 18 to 16 - Ep. 209 Judges: Jean-Marc Généreux, Tré Armstrong, Luther Brown, Mary Murphy
Top 18 Group Dance Style: Bollywood Choreographed by: Longines Fernandes Song: "JBJ" from Jhoom Barabar Jhoom - Shankar Mahadevan Sunidhi Chauhan & Zubeen
Can Bollywood ever NOT look like a blast of fun?
My Predictions from the Top 18 Performance: Bottom Three Couples: Melanie B. and Austin, Corynne and Anthony, Jenna Lynn and Nicolas (though I'm probably wrong with this one but I'm just going by the fact that I think Jenna Lynn, while good, was probably the next weakest girl). Should Go Home: Melanie B. and ... um... Emanuel only because I love all the other guys more? Despite Emanuel having a good night? Going Home: Melanie B. and ... uh... Anthony?
The actual results were
Melanie B. and Austin, Corynne and Anthony, Jenna Lynn and Nicolas.
Whoa, I was right. I love how they attempt to create drama and scare Mel M and Cody and Jayme Rae and Daniel. RIGHT. Like they would EVER be in danger. (Oh, I hope I didn't just jinx that). I mean, I was fearful for Natalie and Danny because they seem like the couple this year that I will like but no one else does, but Mel M? Just the fact she gets the loudest screams on her intros might be a sign. (That or everyone in the studio is from Richmond Hill).
It was kind of a standard ballroom solo. There's only so much you can do, but I'll give him points for conviction and making it seem like the most passionate solo around.
It's a bunch of B-Boy tricks but Nicolas is such a showman, that the whole thing is just a blast. With wig prop and all! So fun! Did I mention the tricks were pretty awesome though? Not to diminish them or anything. Usually it's just that tricksters only know that, but Nic puts on a SHOW!
Just when you think its going to be another standard contemporary, Austin goes and tumbles, flips, throws a bit of humour and starts reminding me of an Italian version of Neil Haskell. Such a powerhouse yet with suaveness and flair.
It's a more playful ballet routine than what Melissa had been giving (which was more studied and showed her technical prowess), and I think it's to hide
Wow sassy. She needs no man and she needs dont need no lovin, but give the girl some love. But with all that attitude, did she actually do much dancing except for a couple of twilrs at the end? She seemed like she was catwoman strutting herself more than anything.
She knows she's in trouble and brings it. I still don't think it was enough but I did actually enjoy her solo, which while lacking some perfect jumps she was trying for, really gave her gusto and I appreciate that. I still think she's a lovely dancer, but at this point, she's not going to make it to the Top 10.
Here's the video of the girls solos:
As everyone predicted, Melanie B. was let go, giving Corynne a week of reprieve and Jenna Lynn the humble slap in the face she kind of needs (I like her but I'm still getting the fake vibe from her). Mel B wasn't too happy, and started turning a little into scary spice, but she held her own in the end.
Alas, the judges said that it was the strongest guys solos they had seen on the show, and I can't really disagree. I thought Nicolas and Austin were gangbusters and even Anthony's was really good and usually would be the best of the night, but alas, I was right and they let Anthony go.
Now that leaves Austin with Corynne for the next round. I forgot who mentioned it but Austin is the Dmitry Chaplin for Canada isn't he? Great dancer. Bares his chest a lot, and is a partner killer. Should Corynne be scared? I say yes.
That also leaves Melanie Mah as the only Melanie now, so do we have to keep saying the whole name? Not that Mah is exactly hard to say, it almost rolls off the tongue after Melanie. But no more Mel B. references with a momentary lapse that Scary Spice is in the building.
Meanwhile, there's the So You Think You Can Dance special/clip package of the "BEST 15 Routines" in the first 5 seasons. picked my 25. Here's what Nigel chose:
S1 Destini and Jamile Hip-Hop - by Shane Sparks (Ying Yang Twins ft. Pitbull - "Shake")
S1 Nick and Melody Broadway - by Tyce DiOrio (Ute Lemper - "All That Jazz") Oh that was hot. And Melody and Nick are CUTE. Why did I not discover this show back then?
S2 Benji and Heidi Mambo - by Alex Da Silva (Angel and the Mambokats - "Black Mambo") I love Heidi and Benji but I always forget how AMAZING they are for some reason.
S2 Ivan and Allison Contemporary - by Tyce DiOrio - (Annie Lennox - "Why") So cute! Back when Tyce actually did a few good routines.
S2 Travis and Heidi Contemporary - The Bench Dance - by Mia Michaels - (Celine Dion - "Calling You") Two of my faves. Heidi, who is sort of the hidden gem, always there, yet always letting the boys get the spotlight, while Travis... OOOOOH TRAVIS!!!
S3 Jaimie and Hok Jazz - Hummingbird & Flower Dance - by Wade Robson ("The Chairman's Waltz" from Memoirs of a Geisha)
S3 Sabra and Neil Jazz - The Table Dance - by Mandy Moore - (Eurythmics - "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)") I could watch this forever.
Lacey and Danny Samba - by Dmitry Chaplin, with Heidi Groskreutz assisting (Club Des Belugas - "Hip Hip Chin Chin") Oh Lacey! Hey, did I notice before that this couple is brother/sister to S2 finalists Benji and Travis? Did I realize this before? I must have... (?). And that Lacey's cousin Heidi was helping choreograph?
S3 Lauren and Pasha Hip-Hop - by Shane Sparks (Pitbull - "Fuego") Oh PASHA. Now I want to go see Burn the Floor on Broadway. Just cause you're in it right now! (With Anya AND now Artem!)
S4 Courtney and Mark Jazz - by Sonya Tayeh (Mirah - "The Garden") Love these two. Still remember going "WTF was that? I LIKE IT"
S4 Katee and Joshua Contemporary - by Tyce DiOrio (Celine Dion - "All by Myself") Honestly, these two worked so well together I could have pickted any of their dances. Though they were both so great that I forgot Katee actually didn't win, but was awarded a special prize as Top FEMALE dancer, m gyess because they coudlnt' not award her something.
S4 Chelsie and Mark Hip-Hop - by Tabitha and Napoleon D'Umo - (Leona Lewis - "Bleeding Love") One of my faves. Won the top spot in Joe's tally of our votes, and I won't complain.
Janette and Brandon Disco - by Doriana Sanchez (Brainstorm - "Loving Is Really My Game") Janette really was cut too early wasn't she? Totally fab! Also, the disco by Doriana was better than I remembered it to be.
Kayla and Kupono Contemporary - by Mia Michaels (Sara Bareilles - "Gravity") I forgot how good this was. Damn, another one I should have considered on my list.
Jeanine and Jason Contemporary - by Travis Wall - (Jason Mraz - "If It Kills Me" (The Casa Nova Sessions)) Oh Travis baby! And JEANINE! Loved it. Didn't think it was the best of the season, which is why it just missed making my list, but still showed such promise with Travis, as if he wasn't an amazing dancer himself already.
Melissa and Ade Contemporary - The Cancer Dance - by Tyce DiOrio - (Maxwell - "This Woman's Work") Groan. I still think it's a standard Contemp piece with a scarf.
Season 6 starts next WEDNESDAY Sept. 9th ALREADY at 8pm.
So now, at 7:30pm on CTV is SYTYCD Canada results show. Then SYTYCD at 8pm on FOX and A Channel (because god forbid CTV carrying SYTYCD through another hour would be TOO much, even though THEY decided to squeeze in the Canadian Season 2 in between, so instead they make tons of sense and move it to their sister station and place America's Next Top Model on the main station. WTF?).
Then GLEE at 9pm on FOX/Global!!! OMG Next week can't come soon enough!
Maybe I'm just on a high because Glee is about to start (TONIGHT! WEDNESDAY. 9pm! FOX! (Global in Canada) WATCH!) and I listened to Cory Monteith's (Canadian y'all eh!?) rendition (from the pilot) of "Can't Fight this Feeling" all day long (and I do mean ALL. DAY. LONG. OH MAKES ME SO HAPPY! 53x in one afternoon alone! Can you say obsessed?) but I thought there were so many A's or A-'s in this week's performances. Was I just being nice or did they totally bring it?
While it's hard to compete with the memory of the awesome first seasoners (Miles! Nico! Allie! Vincent! Lisa! Lara! Arassay! Danny! etc. etc. etc), and while the second season dancers keep having to live up to the judges hype that these are the "BEST TOP 20 DANCERS EVAH!", I'm slowly growing convinced. Maybe not EVAH but at least ONE OF THE BEST top 20's EVAH. Cause I REALLY don't know who I want out after this episode.
Also of note, is it me or does Mary seem more calm here in Canada? She seems more articulate and thoughtful. There's still the Mary Scream, but generally she seems classier and calm up here (and not as annoying as she's been getting lately). Maybe she's not getting enough sugar in Toronto. Our Large IS a US Medium.
Oh, I'd also like to point out that I was honoured to be invited to contribute to So You Think You Can Dance Social blog, which I already read before this, so that was kinda nice! I'm still not sure what to contribute since they are pretty great and comprehensive already, so for now I may just repeat these posts until I figure out what I can add (suggestions?), but head over there for more SYTYCD news and views! And they even have a dedicated section for So You Think You Can Dance Canada which is where I'll be posting my stuff!
Melanie Mah & Cody Bonnell Style: Krump Choreographed by: Lil C Song: "Buck N' Roll" - The J-Squad Grade: A-
Contemporary dancer Melanie Mah was my front runner girl before tonight (well, she and Jayme Rae could battle it out but I gotta lean towards hometown girl Mel!) but then she got Krump this week.
Now she's REALLY my front runner girl. Whod'havethought? Cody was adorable but his smooth hip-hop still showed through too much. It looked good, but just next to Melanie, who was just slamming it, he got dominated over by the little Chinese pixie. WOW. Melanie. WOW.
Okay, I know some people are bugged by her open mouth thing (like my sister and her friends who all hate her (man you Asian girls ARE bitchy aren't you?)) but it didn't bother me here and just sort of added to her buckness. (You know I just had to use that word!)
Tara-Jean Popowich & Everett Smith Style: Salsa Choreographed by: Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin (with Francis and Natalie assisting) Song: "Aña Pa' Mi Tambor" - La Excelencia Grade: B+
Okay, last week I loved Everett more than TJ, but this week I thought TJ shook her way into my heart. Still love Everett but while he did a great job with the Salsa, it still wasn't all there yet and needed a bit more strength and confidence, especially in those movements in between the big moments.
While TJ's outfit and shaking rendered her a bit towards the pole side of things, she stayed classy and danced her Salsa superbly and stole the show (and that's saying a lot since all the bare skin on her means nothing to me).
Here's the video of Tara-Jean and Everett's Salsa:
Kim Gingras & Emanuel Sandhu Style: Theatre Choreographed by: Sean Cheesman Song: "Maybe This Time" - Connie Fisher (song from Cabaret) Grade A
You know I'm not a big Emanuel fan. He could be a great dancer, but last year's audition of arrogance, and even the little slip-ups this year, is irking me, and you have to win me over BIG to make me forget, because I don't. I don't always buy the attitude makeover (probably why I had a hard time truly loving Brandon). He might have actually changed himself around and humbled himself, but I have watched way too many seasons of Big Brother and Survivor to know better (and to know better that I need to stop watching those shows, yet I keep falling for it!).
But that was kinda great y'all! Okay, so the whole dance was sort of built around Emanuel's strength's (and sometimes looked straight out of a figure skating routine, but then again, there's a reason he was an Olympic figure skater), but hey, it worked and he showed it! And even Kim (who I, for no logical reason, do not really like) totally brought it! And they really need to thank Sean Cheesman for designing a dance that worked REALLY well for them, and that second half was just outstanding!
You know my rants about Tyce DiOrio? Here's proof that "Theatre" (I guess our way of saying Broadway without referring to New York City) can actually be great! Nigel Lythgoe, you need to take note and import Sean over to the US version. PUHLEASE.
Amy Gardner & Vincent Desjardins Style: Contemporary Choreographed by: Blake McGrath Song: "When You Say My Name" - Mario Spinetti Grade: A-
What a dark piece that reminds me of Kayla and Kupono's drug dance. And Amy and Vincent were totally invested in it. Amy made up for last week and gave it her all, while Vincent is just proving that he can do anything. He just naturally exudes strength without needing to pulsate muscle and transforms himself into a lean limber body for this routine. Vincent, who seems SOOOO sweet and lovely (and while at the live performance last week, noticed that at the end of the show, the other dancers seemed drawn to him the most, like he was a big brother to the group or something) made a wicked wicked... well... wicked control freak.
Loved the routine, loved the dance. I think Amy is still a step behind Vincent, who truly controls their pieces (and not just in the "storyline" of the dance) but she's making huge improvements fast, which is a good sign.
Here's the video of Amy and Vincent's Contemporary:
Jayme Rae Dailey & Daniel Dory Style: Dancehall Choreographed by: Jaeblaze Song: "So Fine" - Sean Paul Grade: A
Considering I kinda hate Sean Paul, this dance, the choreo and the way Daniel and Jayme Rae danced it is making me reconsider the song, which is always THE sign of a great dance on SYTYCD (I've since loved "Battlefield" and "Sexy Back" after being SYTYCDized). I won't say I LURVE the song yet but I do LURVE Daniel and Jayme Rae and now Jaeblaze (is that right? It's one word? It's not a typo?) for giving us this Dancehall choreo. Mary, who has never seen this style before, loved it and wanted to jump up on stage and dance with them, and I have to agree. I kinda wanted to groove and now I feel like going to a club. Who's with me?!
Jayme Rae, (who kinda looked like Meadows Soprano tonight, no?) totally bounced and grooved her little butt off! As usual! I'm glad she's proving far beyond what could have been simply a twins gimmick and is a fantastic individual dancer (though, while her sister didn't make it, I didn't remember her to be any worse, so I wonder where they differed in the auditions?).
And Daniel is showing that last week wasn't just a fluke and this guy, who we barely saw in the auditions, is a force to reckon with. Seriously, why didn't they show his auditions? Luckily his dancing is quickly making up for the lack of earlier screen time! Very niiiiiice!
Here's the video of Jayme Rae and Daniel's Dancehall:
Corynne Barron & Anthony Grafton Style: Paso Doble Choreographed by: Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin (with Francis and Natalie assisting) Song: "Fuego" - Bond Grade B
I still find the connection between these two seems almost cautious, almost with trepidation, but once they ease into it, they go full force with each other. Maybe too much so. Was that fall with Corynne falling on top of Anthony supposed to happen? Based on what the judges say, I guess not. Oops.
There were moments of greatness and power here and I thought both Anthony and Corynne showed confidence in their individual moments, though I would say Anthony seemed far more at ease here. Still, I was impressed with Corynne and thought she was better than I thought she would be. Still, it was pretty good overall and entertaining, but they need to trust each other more (and preferably not topple over each other).
Here's the video of Corynne and Anthony's Paso Doble:
Jenna Lynn Higgins & Nicolas Bégin Style: Hip-Hop Choreographed by: Sho-Tyme Song: "Blast Off" - G.Dep, Loon, P. Diddy, Mark Curry Grade: B+
I love that the black girl isn't hip-hop but the French white boy is the b-boy with swagger and all those tricks! Yet Jenna Lynn totally pulled up those baggy pants and hit it with all her might, and I thought she did well.
Meanwhile, Nicolas was just totally in his swagger and elemend and it just oozed from him. It really was just SO natural for him and as Mary mentioned, B-Boys are usually good at the tricks but not those in between moments, but Nicolas is better than your average B-Boy because he seems to know what to do to make the whole DANCE flow and not just the tricks.
I liked Tre's critical analysis of Jenna Lynn but I still enjoyed her performance, and LOVED seeing Nicolas doing his thang. (Yes, I was trying to be black. Shut yo face!).
Here's the video of Jenna Lynn and Nicolas' Hip-Hop:
Natalie Lyons & Danny Lawn Style: Jazz Choreographed by: Melissa Williams Song: "Please Don't Leave Me" - Pink Grade B+
Last week Danny made us forget that he was a contemporary dancer while he did his impressive Hip-Hop. This week, I forgot that Natalie is a Krumper as she did the Jazz piece. Both impressive and I'm loving these two more and more. Mary didn't think Danny was as strong as he should have been but his passion made up for it. Maybe, but I loved his performance anyways, and Natalie was great and I find these two bond together quite well. Jean-Marc mentions that he thought Danny might be Vanilla, and to be honest, before they started dancing last week, I feared these two might totally be plain white wonder bread, but they sure are turning into tasty Neopolitan on a hot waffle (sorry, after a night of listening to JM's euphemisms, it's getting into my head too and I can't shake it off).
(You know? Danny reminds me of Kameron Bink. A lot of people didn't like him but I LOVED HIM. I thought both these guys are not the skinny twinky stereotype Contemporary dancers get, but chunky MEN (and I say chunky relative speaking since I'm sure Danny and Kameron are still far skinner than I am) who can still passionately dance and move around. It's not as smooth but there's a nice essence about it all.)
Melanie Buttarazzi & Austin Di Iulio Style: Smooth Waltz Choreographed by: Danny Quilliam Song: "Nights in White Satin (Notte Di Luce)" - Il Divo Grade: B
As much as I love Austin, I thought this was going to be a disaster. While it was far from perfect, I actually enjoyed it. The technique probably wasn't great, but I still bought it.
Austin is so strong that I think he tried to make himself more smooth and floaty and overcompensated with some flimsy arms. Yet the rest of his body was so sturdy that he evoked the manliness needed for this piece. Plus his feet seemed better at this than most typical non-ballroom dancers can get. (JM notes that Austin's "footwork isn't clunky, which is already a plus")
Melanie B. is beautiful, but like the judges, she didn't quite get it all, but made up for it with her general grace and beauty.
Here's the video of Melanie B. and Austin's Smooth Waltz:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - The Final Roundup:
Best of the Night: Kim and Emanuel's Theatre Second Best of the Night: Jayme Rae and Daniel's Dancehall Third Best of the Night: Amy and Vincent's Contemporary
Best Male of the Night: Nicolas Bégin Second Best Male of the Night: Daniel Dory
Best Female of the Night: Jayme Rae Dailey Second Best Female of the Night: Melanie Mah
Worst of the Night - Couple: Melanie B. and Austin by default Worst of the Night - Single: Melanie B.
Predictions: Bottom Three Couples: Melanie B. and Austin, Corynne and Anthony, Jenna Lynn and Nicolas (though I'm probably wrong with this one but I'm just going by the fact that I think Jenna Lynn, while good, was probably the next weakest girl). Should Go Home: Melanie B. and ... um... Emanuel only because I love all the other guys more? Despite Emanuel having a good night? Going Home: Melanie B. and ... uh... Anthony?
I thought all the boys were good this week and most of the girls. At this point, I think my list from favorite to least looks like this:
1. Vincent 2. Melanie Mah 3. Jayme Rae 4. Daniel 5. Austin 6. Nicolas 7. Danny 8. Everett 9. Natalie 10. Anthony 11. Cody 12. Tara-Jean 13. Melanie B. 14. Jenna Lynn 15. Corynne 16. Kim 17. Emanuel 18. Amy
Though I'm not really sure about the order of the last 4 really, since Kim, Emanuel and Amy really proved themselves tonight. I know it's a bit top heavy with the guys but that's just how I see it right now. Hormones aside. (Well, as much aside as I can possibly make it).
Results on Wednesday at 7:30pm with we get a Bollywood Top 18 Group dance choreographed by Slumdog Millionaire choreographer Longines Fernandes! Fun! Plus the So You Think You Can Dance special with the Top 15 routines EVER from the US show.
Joe had me rank my Top 25 and I already had a hell of a time trying to narrow it down to ONLY 25 pieces (and that's considering I didn't watch Season 1 too, AND that I couldn't submit S1 of Canada's since there were a ton from last year that were great too). I'll post my list later today.
The Good Wife (Season 2) CBS/Global 10pm ****1/2 (Low: 4)
Mondays
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Fridays
Saturdays
Tapeworthy Shows On Hiatus
Grade system
***** - 5 Stars TAPEWORTHY AND WILL watch it LIVE for fear the recording will mess up. Do not attempt to call or try to make plans during this time.
**** - 4 Stars Tapeworthy and I will TRY to watch it LIVE
*** - 3 Stars Tapeworthy, will watch it live if I'm around but if not, will catch it later in the week.
** - 2 Stars Might tape it to watch later as long as I have space and no conflicting shows that have higher priority.
* - 1 Star Won't tape it but if I need something to watch while I fold my laundry (and I'm done all my tapes), I will watch it (ie. Reba).
0 - 0 Stars Will NOT turn on the TV for fear of coming across this show. (ie. According to Jim).
Grades only reflect current new airings. Does not necessarily apply to previous seasons. Grades are subject to change at any moment. Apologies to TV Gal for half borrowing her system.
