July 16, 2009
SYTYCD Top 10 Becomes 8 Discussion Thread
Written by: JohnSign up to receive all the latest So You Think You Can Dance 2010 Music, News, Rumors and Updates.
Seems like these discussion threads have been popular. So, I’ll keep doing it. It is nice to have a place for people to share their thoughts about the latest episode of So You Think You Can Dance. In fact, almost always someone says what I was thinking in the comments. Also, be sure to check out the music from tonight’s episode of SYTYCD.
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I wasn’t surprised by both that went home.
I am still reeling from Travis’ amazing routine last night and that kiss at end. WHOA HOT HOT HOT
The bottom two in each case were as I predicted and I think the right two went home this week. I’m glad America was so spot on in its voting! It only gets harder from here though!
I wasn’t sure about Randi going home until I saw that Randi was up against Melissa. Then, I knew it had to be her. On my Twitter account I said that if Ade got sent home it would have been the male version of being “Allison-ed” or “Kherington-ed” Thankfully America didn’t let us down like that.
The show was it’s usual greatness, but how about the Black Eyed Peas. OMG, they were freakin’ fantastic.
James,
I thought they did have a nice production. My only complaint was the background groupies at the end should have been dancing rather than just kind of rocking back and forth.
Also, I don’t know fergie well, but that baton is just a little bit weird.
No surprises tonight. I think America got it right. And yes, the Black Eyed Peas were fantabulous.
I think America got it right too, but I still think Evan needs to go next week. I’m so glad we aren’t saying goodbye to Melissa and Ade.
Ade going home would have also been like being “Will-ed”.
WHOOO TOP 8!
Still, I have a little feeling I can pretty much predict the Top 6 (although I was REALLY surprised/sad that Ade was B2 this week – he doesn’t deserve that).
I was actually shocked that Randi went home, she had been excellent up until that routine last night. Maybe Evan was carrying her a lot more in the first 5 weeks than I realize, in addition to her bad routine last night. Also, I didn’t think her or Melissa had great solo’s.
I was happy Kupono went home, it was his time. I liked him in the beginning of the season, but there are better dancers than him there. Ade has the best solo’s, he was always flying under the radar for me, but now I really pay attention to him.
What was up with them doing the same solo’s from last night? I know they weren’t dancing for their life, but I don’t remember them doing the same solo’s the day of the show and the elimination show.
no complaints here. it’s a matter of time before these two actually got eliminated. sorry but true.
Jeanine and Jason are my favorite male and female dancers. Although I’m rooting for Jeanine to go all the way, I’m so glad Jason was there to support her.
I actually didn’t see the results show but read spoilers before it aired here. Although i think America’s picks were correct this time, it’s true that it only gets harder from here. Although Ade is saved for another week, do you think he would win the entire competition? I can understand that he’ll be in the finale. The possibility is very high and some people really want him there. I like Ade, but I’m not sure if he’s going to win. Ultimately even if it isn’t their time to go, do you think that the eliminated, if wrongfully voted out, had the chance to take it all? Maybe.
Ade might be the dark horse this time around. Maybe Jason will be the dark(er?) horse?
The order sort of foreshadows how this will turn out.
I also wanted to put some of my prediction as to what the new couples will be (maybe i’ll beat the spoilers) and type of dance:
Janette and Evan Contemporary, Salsa
Kayla and Ade Pop-Jazz, Disco
Melissa and Jason Hip Hop, Mambo
Jeanine and Brandon Foxtrot, Krump (or hiphop)
This is in NO way a spoiler. These are just predictions.
The pairings can only switch around only a couple other ways, granted that there are no duplicate pairs. I probably wouldn’t mind Kayla and Jason doing a routine together.
I feel the same way about Ade. No doubt he’s very talented and I like the guy but I’m not so sure he has a shot at winning. If Jason continues what he began this week I agree that he could be the dark(er) horse. Ultimately though, I think it’s a girl’s year, they are all just so strong.
Lisa ~ I was also surprised they did the same solos as on Wednesday. I know they have a lot on their plates, but the solos are only 30 seconds long, and you’d think they would have started preparing them as soon as they found out they’d be in the top 20! It made the results show a little more more boring, although I guess it was nice to be able to watch a dance you’d seen already.
I also think that a girl’s going to win the whole shebang. I don’t know which one, though – I’m rooting for Jeanine!
As for the girls, I think Jeanine and Kayla are the most versatile. I’d like to see Janette challenged by a contemporary piece, and Melissa should do hip hop. I’ve known Kayla since she was 10 years old, and there is nothing this girl can’t rise to. She’s my pick but of course, I am very prejudiced. Put her on point and see! I was not surprised about who was sent home this week. Next week, I predict Ade or Evan. For the girls, I think Melissa.
I think Ade could definitely win the whole thing–he has the talent, the “wow” factor and the personality. I think, as of today, that Jeanine should win it all. And if I had to choose my top 4 for the finale, it’d be Brandon, Ade, Jeanine and Melissa. I would probably want Evan and Kayla to leave next week, pending an unbelievable performance by either of them.
As I’ve said before, Kayla just doesn’t do it for me, neither does Janette. Something about them both. They’re both unbelievable talented and beautiful, but I don’t think Janette can do as much as the others can, and I think Kayla isn’t as authentic in her emotional delivery as the others are.
I love Jason and Evan, but I think Evan has disappointed a lot this season…I guess I just expected more. But his personality is so magnetic that I guess it’s difficult to say goodbye for some. Jason underperformed all season, I think, but last week he was where I thought he should have been all the while. Unfortunately, though, I think he will be held accountable for that when it’s all said and done.
I was really bummed about Melissa in the bottom (as I said before)–I hope she does get a hip hop this next week and proves to everyone how good she is. I mean, shoot–she killed the rumba, the waltz, contemporary and broadway, none of which are her styles. I guess we all have our different opinions for a reason, huh!?
I was acceptably happy at the two who went home. I really think the girls are the stronger dancers this year and one of them will win it all. I love Janette both in dancing and personality but Jeanine is really the strong one in the girls. Love Evan but he isn’t as versatile in the other styles. Ada would be my fav of the guys. Melissa and Jason are both very good dancers. Don’t care for Brandon or Kayla at all and unfortunately it really isn’t because of their dancing abilities.
Missed Nigel last night but happy for him for his accomplishment. Not looking forward to Ellen being on the show next week. Why?? What does she even know about dance?
I have not seen this on many message boards (though Lisa mentioned it a little bit above) so I’ll have to comment here.
I have watched all 5 seasons of this show, and I swear they have never formatted the top 10 performance show (Wed) like that before, with the group numbers and solos in the place of a second paired routine. I was immediately put off by that decision. It seemed lazy on the producers’ part. We see the same style of solos from the audition rounds on through each Thursday night results show. So to see them do solos on performance night – a performance night that is weeks away from the finals – was infuriating. I knew we’d be seeing the same thing again on Thursday – and that is exactly what happened!!! Not only that, but they did the exact same routines to the same music and some even wore the same costumes!! What is with all this redundancy?
I have always preferred brilliantly choreographed routines in a variety of styles over watching them perform individually over and over again. I have always thought of their solos on Thursday nights as filler anyway, so to have to watch them on a performance night made me feel jipped.
Does anyone else feel this way?
Thanks for the room to vent.
p.s. I’ll be totally annoyed if they set it up like that each week.
My picks for top 4 are Jannette, Jeanine, Brandon and Ade. Kayla is good, but yes, she’s arrogant and cold. Funny how everyone says its a girl’s year this year – she’s like Danny from Season 3. Amazing dancer, beautiful person, cold personality. She just seems like she’s faking nice – maybe she read some comments online about her arrogance and is trying to change that perception. In any case, it just comes off wrong to me.
I hope they go back to having 2 dances a night for the Top 10 shows – that was my favorite part of last year (and this season).
Did no one else notice that the music from Jeanine’s solo was the tango she and Philip did? Very bold choice, to remind ppl that Philip brought her down technically. (Although I do LOVE Philip!!!)
First of all, HAPPY to see that Evan is safe for another week! Although, I honestly wasn’t worried he’d even be in the bottom. I think a lot of people who complain about his lack of versatility underestimate the charm he’s got in the routines he has done. It’s not like Phillip, who was wonderful in his genre but flat-out could not perform in any other style and really just wasn’t connecting, ever. Evan has hit jazz, contemporary, broadway (I still think his was the best broadway we’ve seen this season, I honestly don’t know why he got such weird reviews), hip hop, and now the Viennese waltz. And he, IMO, performed very admirably in the jive (for Evan to get bad reviews on his jive and Phillip to get praise on his was outrageous). But if people are underestimating him and he’s still been kept out of the bottom, then underestimate away, folks!
I don’t think we’re getting rid of Evan next week, either.
I was SHOCKED to see that Ade was in the bottom. I just don’t want him to go home! Hopefully he’ll stick around, I would love for the top four to be Evan, Ade, Jeanine, and Janette!
I was hoping Randi would stay
Surprised Evan beat Ade out of the bottom 2.
Not surprised that Kupono went home.
The end.
I agree with Mrs. about Evan – HIS solo was the best of the night for me, he is the only one who did not overdo it – the rest overdanced their solos. As for couples work the only one I can say has done better is Brandon – Ade’s solos are great but for partnering he’s great at lifts, the rest falls a bit flat for me. It will be interesting to see what happens – I’d love to see Evan with Jeanine or Janette and I’d love to see him do more contemorary or jazz.
I thought it was great to see “Dial Idol” get it so wrong this time. For the girls, they had Randi so far in the lead, she was the only one to be deemed totally safe. And they had Kayla as the only girl definitely going home. For the guys, the only one they were sure of going home was Jason. Yea, right.
I think it’s interesting that some people think Kayla is arrogant. I can see where they get cold from – although I think it’s a guardedness and sensitivity rather than being aloof but I’m not sure where you’d get the arrogance idea from. I don’t think she’s ‘faking nice’ at all.
Thank you Mrs.! We’re on the same page again about Evan, who I also agree has hit most of what he was given, the samba and maybe the African are the only exceptions (although I don’t think the African was flattering for any of them). And yes I thought his jive was great and that criticizing him and not Philip was absurd. I don’t think Evan will go home next week either, although I imagine with the competition so close this year it will depend a great deal on what choreography and style each person gets.
I was not a fan of the decision to replace second routines with a group routine either. Hopefully that will change next week.
Naydu – I think the problem with Ade’s partnering is not him but the choreographer or show’s choice to highlight Melissa, which leaves him often playing second fiddle to her technical excellence. Now that he is with new partners I suspect he’ll be able to shine a little more in his own right and break out of the ’strong man able to lift taller girls’ mould.
Chelsea,
I agree with you about Kayla. I think that Kayla just lacks the ability to express her personality. I don’t see it as arrogance like Danny. She just is a bit awkward at times. Although, that has kind of worn off on me over time.
The other interesting element to the Kayla issue is that wasn’t it her story of her grandpa driving her to classes and sleeping? Or am I confusing stories with another blonde girl who auditioned?
Dawn ~ I definitely agree with you about the solos! I’m not a huge fan of the solos in general. If they really want to let the dancers strut their stuff, they’d make the solos longer…thirty seconds just doesn’t allow for much interesting choreography. There are some exceptions, of course – although I’m not a huge Evan fan, I agree his solo was very fun and interesting. And I wanted more of it! If they MUST keep the solos short, they should just save them for Thursdays and show us more duets.
Yes, you’re right John – Kayla is the one with the grandparents backstory. I actually like Kayla’s personality, it’s just that she isn’t outgoing or possess the confidence of some of the other girls I think but she strikes me as maybe a little insecure and quick to get emotional, which may not be the personality you desire but I hardly think that equals no personality.
Chelsea,
I didn’t say she didn’t have a personality. I said that she lacked the ability to express her personality. Like I said, Kayla has really been growing on me. She might be my favorite of the girls left. I’ll have to ponder though. They’re all so good.
I was sad to see Randi go. She didn’t have her best performance this week but still, I think she is a great dancer. I have to say my favorite is jeanette, she can do anything. She puts her heart and soul into every performance. I’m really feeling the girls… Travis’ piece was outstanding and the dancers danced it well!
OK Mrs. you made me rethink Evan’s ability. You know the old saying “to much is given, much is required” He seems very “trained” and some of the other styles seem more about passion for the dance than discipline. I know nothing technically about dance, just know what I enjoy watching. I guess my negative thoughts toward Kayla really began, and this is a bit catty from me, because she never consoles the girl leaving she is always with the guys. Brandon is a bit full of himself, with a dash of fake humbleness when he thinks he has to. I totally agree I didn’t care for the solos and then the repeat solos. Since there are fewer dancers there should be more partnered dances. That would really show their abilities to learn 2 dances. Another boo to having Ellen next week. What is the point, she has NO dance knowledge to impart.
Oh yes, Ellen.
I was actually pretty excited. She’s hilarious and her “dancing” on her show really doesn’t count but is surprisingly infectious.
Of course, at the end of the day it’s a PR move since she’s a popular person and will probably cover (and has in the past) talked about SYTYCD. It will just be interesting to see what role she plays on the show.
Serena and John, I respectfully disagree that Kayla is cold and arrogant. She is just not as outgoing and effusive as the other girls. Her childhood was spent dancing at a studio (the way she wanted it) and maybe she is not as well socialized. Anyway, I have always seen her as sweet and caring to the other girls here in Denver. She has mentored the younger kids and I hope you will look at her again in a different light. If this is a show about dancing, I think you have to agree that week after week her execution and technique are flawless. I guess that doesn’t mean you have to like her, but her dancing is great.
Seriously,
Go and reread what I said. I said that I agreed with Chelsea who said that Kayla was NOT arrogant. I even said that she might be my favorite girl left.
Man, I hate when people don’t read what’s actually written.
What is clear is that there are a lot of fans of Kayla. This should bode well for her.
Sorry John, I didn’t mean you specifically, I agreed with you. I’ve just been hearing a lot of complaints (not all here necessarily but other discussion forums) about Kayla being without personality and I wanted to state that I think there’s a difference between being a quieter type and not having a personality at all.
On a lighter note did anyone else notice and find it a little funny that every single person announced as safe seemed to hug Jason first? Evan was pronounced safe and Kayla’s waiting there to hug him but it’s Jason at the bottom of the stairs! He must be a sweet guy – he seemed the first to hug everyone, even after the eliminations.
Haha or he’s smart and knows how to get more camera time and make it count! Buy my money’s on the sweet theory.
Jeannie, I really don’t know a ton about dance either (that is to say, I am not a dancer, but am appreciative of the art). I am an actress, and I think that’s probably why I hold charisma and character work higher than technical ability, haha. It’s like Tyce said last week (?)– when I watch a dance I want to have an experience, not just see the steps. That’s why I latch onto people like Evan and Jeanine, because they always, always deliver an experience.
Sorry John. You are correct. I was reading fast while still at work. I’m glad Kayla has grown on you. Really though, what has Kayla done in the competition that hasn’t been executed without perfection? I thought she expressed a lot of personality with salsa on the first episode and also waltzing with Evan. Emotion with Kupono in the Addiction dance not visible there??? Please…look at her face. Okay, the night after the vampire dance she was off and her solo was weak. But what else hasn’t been awesome? Choreography excluded. (Not addressed to you John, just a question for everyone.)
Sorry, maybe I was a little over the top. I understand the quick read at work. It’s just sad when someone accuses you of the opposite thing of what you were saying.
*kisses* *hugs* Ok, all good.
Kayla has been pretty strong the whole time. Although her solo was incredibly weak. I guess maybe the problem is that for her to become a superstar she needs to really come out of the shell. She seems like she’s guarding something.
Just going out on a limb, but I wonder if lack of a father (at least that’s what seems to be the case) might be part of the issue for Kayla. I’ve been reading a book about the importance of a father for a daughter (trying to be better for my daughter) and how they look to their father for confidence and things like that. Of course, this is all just hypothesizing. So, take it for what it’s worth.
Woah. I just read all the comments about Kayla. I won’t pretend to hate her nor like her. But I do try to like everyone on the show because I respect them as dancers. Some of you said that she came off as cold and arrogant, which I don’t think is the case. Maybe she’s insecure and a little emotionally fragile, like some of you said. She’s only 18, don’t forget, and has never done anything outside of the dance studio.
I didn’t like her at first because I always feel that she puts a mask over her performance. She is a beautiful dancer technically, one of the best on the show in fact. Probably the reason why we do not see her genuine performance is because she does not bring in something of herself into the dance, overall affecting the performance. What I don’t like about her dancing is that she lets technique get in the way of her performance, and sometimes it makes her dancing come off as one with no substance or depth. Mainly, I think it’s her solo which made me the most fed up. She’s such a wonderful dancer, but her solos were barely okay. I think it’s the choreography. But if she continues to put a mask over her performance and try to hide herself behind it, I’m going to be very pissed.
Maybe it’s because the judges likes her a lot, I don’t know. She’s still getting used to all the attention and the fans and all. It’s natural to lose touch with yourself. I don’t blame her. But she has to step it up if she wants to stay.
but i felt her performance last week was pretty okay. she finally followed the advice of the judges and her solo’s so much better. hope she grows and shows more of her personality.
I’m actually kind of excited about Ellen Degeneres, really.
I mean, although she’s not a technical dancer or anything, she has managed to bring a love of dance to millions of people every day since her show began. What other celebrity values dance that much? Plus, I think she’s hilariously awesome, so I’m looking forward to it.
I also think I agree with Buggy somewhat about Kayla. I never got cold or arrogant–I got immature and reserved. That’s why I think she has so much promise ahead of her–she’s so young, still, and yet already her technique is so phenomenal. Eventually her theatrics, passion, etc., will catch up. She’s got an unlimited ceiling on her potential, I think. It’s interesting because she and Jeanine are the same age, but I think Jeanine is more comfortable as a performer, and dare-I-say, more mature as a dancer.
I also think it’s what I like so much about Melissa–I feel the maturity in her presence, the comfort with herself as she performs. I feel the emotions when she and Jeanine perform. I feel less so with Kayla and Janette.
Wasn’t it cool about the awards the choreographers are up for? I also enjoy the special dancers they bring on, I have to say I enjoy those more than just the musical groups. I am not a fan of the solos, I kinda like the group dances though. You have to think most of these dancers will go on to partner work or in group shows instead of solo dances. To me the solos are so short I can’t really grasp any theme to them. Evan’s was pretty good though.
It’s hard to tell with Janette because I don’t think she’s had the chance to do a deeply moving contemporary piece like Kayla, Melissa, and now Jeanine. I’d like to see what she can do with contemporary. Hopefully they’ll give her the chance this week.
I actually haven’t had an issue seeing the emotion from Kayla in her partnering dances but I do think her solos have been weak and she hasn’t come across well in them. Some dancers are brilliant when they are given a piece but their own choreography doesn’t stand out.
Totally agree that Jeanine comes across as the most composed and confident of the two.
I think having Ellen on the show could be a great thing. She’s certainly a funny woman and SYTYCD dancers have appeared on her show before so clearly she’s a fan. Even if she doesn’t know much about the technical side of the dancing, Nigel and Mary will still be there to point out any issues to the couples.
It’s fantastic that the show received so many nominations, although I’ll admit I’m sorry that there wasn’t one for Cat Deeley. I’m also sorry Sonya’s “The Garden” wasn’t nominated. Don’t get me wrong, I love Mia, but I actually preferred Sonya’s routine to her “Mercy”.
So I know that we are in the top 10. But I am going back to Vagas. I was on YouTube and Found Alex Wongs Audtion and never got a song title, and since this site is so good with songs, I was wondering if someone find out what it is for me? Pretty please with sugar on top.
It didnt post the video link, hopefully it will now. If not….sad face.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oKffaDRIRE
i’m super duper excited for ellen’s presence on the show. i bet i’ll have stomach ache from laughing so hard the coming wednesday. it’s so cool to have someone like her on the show.
great move producers, smart way to gain more viewers. but seriously, i can’t wait. love her. and i don’t care what she tells the dancers that night, and it’s just for one night. eee!!!
nominees for emmy:
“So You Think You Can Dance” Routine: Bleeding Love
“So You Think You Can Dance” Routine: Mercy
“So You Think You Can Dance” Routine: Adam and Eve
“So You Think You Can Dance” Routine: A Los Amigos
my, am i surprised that dmitry’s routine got a nomination. i’m so proud of the fact that a dancer originally from the show got recognised. that’s really great. and bleeding love.
i think this is the first time a hip hop choreography actually got nominated, am i correct? and i simply love it! congrats nappytabs!
mia gets another nomination! ;D and this is one of the best contemporary dance she’s ever done. but they didn’t nominate her for the season 4 top 5 girls group (angels with broken wings), though.
and tyce’s adam and eve dance! jessica and will did really good, i’m happy for them.
can’t wait for ellen!!
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
and some of the other choreography i felt should have been on the list:
1) Kherington and Twitch Viennese Waltz by Jean-Marc Généreux (A New Day Has Come- Celine Dion)
2) Kherington and Twitch Contemporary by Mia Michaels (Dreaming With A Broken Heart- John Mayer)
3) Katee and Joshua Contemporary by Mia Michaels (Hometown Glory- Adele)
4) Katee and William Pas de Deux by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson ( Imagine- David Archuleta)
5) Katee and Joshua Lyrical Jazz by Wade Robson (Slow Dancing In A Burning Room- John Mayer)
6) Joshua and Twitch Trepak by Youri Nelzine (“Trepak” from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker)
7) Katee, Joshua, Courtney, Twitch Contemporary by Mia Michaels (Hallelujah- The Vitamin String Quartet)
yeah. i was quite surprised that none of katee and joshua’s dances were nominated. they were the only 2 in all the seasons of the show who have never been in the bottom 3 before. but, yeah. at least one of katee’s dances got nominated.
actually ‘buggy’ chelsie was never in the bottom 3 until her elimination
Kelsey,
by Cake. So, I’m not sure which audition song you’re talking about. However, this is a list of every time I’ve mentioned Alex Wong: http://www.puresytycd.com/index.php?s=alex+wong
Alex Wong was sent to vegas as part of a montage to the music “Mahna, Mahna”
UPDATE: I just saw the YouTube link you posted. That was from the vegas show which was listed here: http://www.puresytycd.com/2009/06/03/so-you-think-you-can-dance-las-vegas-week-music-episode-1/
Unfortunately, a couple other people asked for that song and no one has been able to figure it out yet. Hopefully someone else will watch and recognize the song.
Well thank you anyways :]]] Without this site, I used to sit down with a clipboard and a pen to get the songs, now this just makes it so much easier. Thanks.
Kelsey,
I’m still trying to get Fox/SYTYCD/19 media to send me the list of songs. So far no dice. They said they were going to post it on their blog. Too bad they haven’t done as they said they would.
Anyway, I can’t take credit for a lot of the songs. It’s hundreds of people like yourself that each contribute one song and we all benefit from sharing.
Cool-Cool-Coolieo. And Thank you everyone!! :]
Hi, new here. Great site BTW.
Can I just say that I am so glad Jeanine is finally getting the attention she deserves. I had fallen for her since the first Ne Yo hip hop routine. I had expected her to struggle next to Philip and was pleasantly surprised. I really think she shined. With the exception of the Tango, I’ve enjoyed every performance. The Love Lockdown chain routine, I think she was hitting it harder than Philip. (She had me after the firt chest pops! D*mn.)
The Jive routine, I really liked as well, she reminded me of a modern-day Betty Page with her pouty expressions and burlesque moves.
This last episode with Travis Wall heart pendant was just unbelievable, best of the season so far. The behind-the-scenes segments she is absolutely hilarious. With things like “Cue reel of lifts”, “Last week we did a Russin Folk Dance that stole the night, that’s a fact”, with biting Jason’s bicep and then screaming and crossing her eyes before Jason’s solo. She is completely crazy, good crazy. I hope she wins it all.
Completely IN SHOCK that Ade was in the bottom 2. If anyone should be in the bottom 2 it should have been Evan. He has a wonderful personality, his dancing just isn’t as strong as Ade and Brandon. I love Kayla. She could win it.
Welcome! This is a great place to share opinions, I’ve really been enjoying it here.
I’m with you CoffeyCup. I hope Jeanine wins the whole thing as well.
@Torie: I agree, I don’t get the apeal of Evan. I’d rather have see Evan gone than Kapuno.
@Chelsea: Thanks! Yeah, I think the producers are also realizing what a gem she is, she was getting a lot more face time in the in the behind the scenes ‘bollywood bombshells ’segment. (at least it felt that wayto me)
Evan is amazing to me!! His style is so different and beautiful. Everyone else is just a contemporary dancer, he is Broadway. In my opinion Kayla should be gone, she seems to be getting weaker and weaker each week. Then Brandon is just….a “typical” dancer. There is nothing special there, same with Jeannette. Someone different should win, like how Joshua did last season, he was a breaker. Melissa is my vote for girls and Evan for boys.
It always surprises me when I see someone refer to Brandon as “full of himself.” At the dance school where he trained, he’s the hero of all the younger dancers — not just because he’s so good — but because he is so nice and helpful. He took the time to talk to the youngsters, help them perfect steps and encourage them. It wasn’t an act, wasn’t “fake humility.” It was, and is, who he is. He’s an extremely talented dancer who happens to be a really nice person. If that isn’t coming through on the show, its a shame. And Kelsey, there’s nothing “typical” about the way Brandon dances. He’s technically terrific – and worked hard for years to become that good. Brandon has never let down his partner no matter what the style, never had a poor performance since he got on the show, and, from the comments I’ve been reading, is probably the most unappreciated dancer of them all. Some people have even called his level of excellence “boring.” In other words, they know he’s going to be good so his performance is no longer a surprise. But promoting consistent excellence should be what dance competition is all about and Brandon is one of the few dancers this season who has excelled week after week.
Jackie,
Thanks for your personal insight into Brandon outside of/before SYTYCD. That’s one of the things that I like most about this blog is when someone can come and share some insights about the dancers before they were put under this magnify glass where we critique everything they do.
I don’t think Brandon is full of himself. I think that honor went to Danny a couple seasons ago. In that regard they don’t compare. In some respects I think that Brandon is maybe a little bit like we discussed about Kayla above. He doesn’t have that magnetic personality that draws people into him and so he’s great technically, but his personality (at least as portrayed on the show) hasn’t drawn as huge a fan following as it could be we did get to know him and see what you’re talking about.
As far as Brandon’s dancing being “boring” it’s difficult to describe. I think there is something to someone giving everything they have that makes you appreciate a dance more than you would have before. I guess in another sense if it looks like you’re not giving you’re all (some might say he makes it look effortless), then we assume that there’s something more that you’re not giving and so we want to have that something more. I think that’s kind of what Mia was describing when she ripped on Brandon. Maybe Brandon is giving his all, but just the impression of there being something more leaves me feeling like I was a little bit jipped watching a routine.
Of course, this is true for any dancer and not just Brandon.
This week I think I figured out why I often think that Brandon looks a little bit awkward. It’s something about the shape of his head. Some people on Twitter suggested it was his large neck. Not sure, but something about the proportions of it all seem to throw me off.
With all of the above said, his audition goes down as one of the best auditions on SYTYCD. I wasn’t crying like Mary, but he did an excellent job portraying that powerful music. I just wish every dance he did was like that. I still want to see him and Mia in a room. Maybe then Mia could pull out that little extra I’m missing from Brandon.
Jackie, I like Brandon a lot and did from day 1. I’d like him to dance with Kayla, who delivers an equally excellent performance week to week. I think they would make an awesome couple with a complimentary energy.
I agree with Serena.
I don’t like Kayla. I haven’t liked her for the longest time. Something about her that I don’t like. When a dancer goes home, I’ve noticed that she stays behind and doesn’t do anything.
I love Ade and Janine! I also love Evan but seriously, can he win this? I don’t think so.
Coffeycup and Chelsea:
I’m also on the Jeanine bandwagon! I really hope she wins!
This almost turned into a Kayla thread
Something I really want to see is Jeanine and Evan do Broadway and maybe some kind of Jazz routine.
I Also really want to see Kayla do a hip hop routine. I have a feeling she’ll kill it and that might change a lot of people’s opinions about her.
if he,wasn’t in the bottom 2 last week shows evan has all the little girls in america in love with him i have liked him from day oneof the auditions but if he wins its because he is america favorite dancer and certainly nowhere near its best dancer he is no better than third among the boys at this point . brandon still clear leader among boyswith ade coming on strong and jason needing another amazing performance this week top stay in competition. among the girls jeanine is the standout for both dance and personality. kayla is coming back strong starting to be more personable to go with her amazing lines jeanette is hanging in there but melissa needs to go one trick pony with zero personality predict jason and melissa going home this week
laddoc, I’m not really sure where this assumption came from that Evan is the little girls choice. Certainly he has a large fanbase and yes he might make it further than he should based on technical skill due to his personality, solos, and the fact that he was able to develop a devoted fanbase early thanks to the footage shown. However, I don’t get why everyone blames it on young girls. I think Evan’s style in particular appeals to generations and that there are probably older fans of the show who have fallen in love with his dancing because it reminds them of the days of Gene Kelly, etc. I really don’t think this is a pre-teen girls thing so much as it is a dedicated fanbase of people who were exposed to Evan early in the competition (or who remembered him from last year like I did) and now don’t want to let him go.
I agree with your predications though. It may depend on which dance(s) they get, as another beautiful contemporary routine might automatically be safe, but I think otherwise it will probably be Melissa and Jason as well.
Christine – I love the idea of Jeanine and Evan doing a Broadway routine together! I’ve also been hoping for a Jeanine and Brandon partnering.
John – I was on the Danny is arrogant bandwagon as well for awhile but I felt that once we got down to the top 8 or so his personality started coming through a lot more and I began to see my mom’s point of view – that Danny was just confident and trained. Still I originally saw arrogance and can see how that would come across. I’m a little surprised that anyone thinks Brandon is arrogant. I think he’s anything but, and although he’s not the most outgoing of the bunch I really like his personality.
What a great discussion we have going on here, Thanks John!
Well, I don’t care what others have said about Kupono…I’m going to miss him. I looked forward to his performances and his unique personality week after week. Did I think he was going to win? No, but he just has “something”, and I hope he takes it and runs with it.
Good Luck Kupono! The show already seems boring without you.
I agree that Kupono was good entertainment. I will miss him also. Christine, you’re right on about Kayla and hip hop – she would kill it. Look at this video from when she was nine years old. (She’s the little blonde in the front dancing with Mischa and two other older dancers.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJgQ6kCfo-4
Chelsea,
I imagine the assumption of Evan and little girls (wait, that didn’t sound right) stems from the theory that it’s little girls who vote on these shows. I’ve always wondered where that theory started. Certainly we can all see a bunch of little girls sitting around a phone voting for their favorites. However, I also know about voting parties which are mostly older people participating. So, who knows. What is certain is that the Kasprzaktivists (followers of Evan) are a strong following that can most easily be compared to Benji fans. Just not quite as large as Benji IMHO.
I forgot about having Kayla do a Hip Hop routine. She hasn’t done one yet, has she? Hmm…sounds like a good future post. Styles we haven’t enjoyed yet.
Seriously, I love that video of Kayla. Very cool. I posted it previously: http://www.puresytycd.com/2009/06/02/kayla-radomski-before-so-you-think-you-can-dance/ along with some other videos of Kayla. The Ice Princess video in the middle isn’t dancing but is amazing to watch her be transformed. It was a great preview of how beautiful Kayla would be all dressed up. She hasn’t disappointed in that department at all.
I think it’s interesting that people call Melissa a one trick pony. She killed her first couple routines and they were all sorts of styles. That’s not a one trick pony to me.
Lisa, Kupono does have that quality that almost every Hawaiian has…the ability to entertain and be on stage. They just have this magnetism and God given ability to light up a stage. I taught an early morning religious class when I lived in Hawaii to a bunch of 15 year olds. The best classes I ever taught was when I turned Bible scriptures into scripts and then they literally tore the scripts out of my hand and started directing a production of a parable of Christ or something. For some reason, being on stage is part of who they are.
I’m thinking the SYTYCD audience is older and not the same as American Idol. I know my 12 yr old loves the hip hop or bollywood routines but could care less about waltzes, fox trots, etc. and usually wanders away when they’re on.
Obviously there are younger girls who watch the show and vote, but I do agree that the audience differs for American Idol and SYTYCD. American Idol is much more likely to have the “cute” or “hot” young male who hangs on longer than he should due to audience voting. Then again, that might be because it’s easier to assume that anyone who isn’t tone deaf can judge AI while it isn’t always easy to decide what someone is doing right and wrong in dancing when it comes down to the technical elements of a latin ballroom dance.
I’ll admit that I tend to prefer the lyrical dances to the ballrooms and discos but that depends very much on the choreography. Jean-Marc has done some beautiful pieces that are every bit as engaging, if not more, than some of the contemporary or hip hop dances.
Lisa C – I knew that it was Kupono’s night to go home and that he deserved to go but I’ll miss him too. I was fond of the guy both in his dancing and his obsessive-compulsive personality. He will be missed.
RANDOM RE: ELLEN –
It just occurred to me that Melissa was on the Ellen show a few years back as part of a group of dancers that spelled out “ELLEN” with their bodies. I can’t remember which letter she was. Odds of Ellen making the connection? Probably slim.
But now you know.
The hip-hop vid of Kayla at 9 years old was adorable. Thanks for posting it. As for age groups watching sytycd: Our community theater in Marathon, FL offers several dance classes for adults (I teach tap) and many of our members watch and discuss sytycd. Most of us are middle aged and some of us wish we were still middle aged. You’re only as old as you feel and dancing helps keep us young.
I think Jeanine will work well with any dancer that’s left to be honest. I think it really depends on the type and dance and choreo.
I watched the dances again and I’m beginning to warm up to Kayla. I think she’s my new underdog. It seems like the season is building up for a female winner where the guys will be platforms to support them. I think that’s how Ade got thrown behind the scenes because he was supporting Melissa and the dances showcased her. His pairing with Janette really allowed him to bring out his personality since there’s a spark about her. I like the guys this season, but there seems to be a different and strong quality in each of the girls that appeals to the audience. It’s funny that Nigel and Mary point out that there wasn’t one who stuck out like a sore thumb in the Bollywood number. I have to agree that there were no stragglers. They all had certain strengths about them that was probably brought out at different times but nothing that should have stood out in a group effort.
In any case, I hope to see more spectacular dances.
I’m not really sure what a Jeanine and Ade pairing would be like. Predictions on the next week?
I think we’ll see Janette and Evan, Ade and Jeanine, Jason and Melissa, and Brandon and Kayla.
But it’s hard to tell.
I hope that we see Jason and Melissa do a hip-hop (I think they’d kill it!!), Brandon and Kayla do a ballroom (although both couples will probably do two dances this time), and Janette and Evan do a contemporary routine. Fun times!
ok that video of Kayla when she was 10 dancing to Pop is hilarious! haha….she’s working it!
I hope Kayla or Jeanine take the cake this season!
And whoever said Evan has conquered every dance he’s done……im not sure conquered is the right word. He’s kept up and performed well. But i haven’t seen him really blow a performance out of the park. Especially EVERY performance. IMO
Bijou – If i’m remembering the same grop you are, I remember when that group was on Ellen & Oprah. I think they made Oprah’s dog’s head with thier bodies..? I didn’t know Melissa was apart of that group though. cool!
Kayla – If memory serves, she jumped in as a sub for the group on Ellen. I don’t think she did Oprah. How the heck do you make a dog’s head?!
Oh I don’t know about that Kayla, I think Evan “conquered” the “butt dance” and the first jazz number he had with Randi. Those were both stand-outs in my mind. I agree he hasn’t blown EVERY performance out of the park but I think in a year’s time those will be among the dances from this season that I will go back and watch again.
I’m too much of a spoiler addict to have predictions, I’ve already read about who is supposedly paired this week. I really have to stop doing that lol!
chelsea – haha. i do agree that he did those well. im still not going to say conquer…..i guess we’ll have to agree to disagree
I do feel like at this point, It’s anyone’s game. can’t wait for this week’s episodes!
Bijou – I’m trying to find a video of it! no luck so far
i can’t remember the name of the group
Chelsea, I am an Evan girl and I am 16. Maybe I just love him cause I am a theatre geek and love his appericataiton towards Boradway, I do not know, but I doubt older generation people love him just cause of his style. He just reminds me of that boy who….never got a chance until now. I would love to see him dance with Jeanine and do a Sonya jazz. That would be hottt.
I, too, am a spoiler addict and am very interested to see how this week’s partners will work out for the contestants. Very excited about my main man’s partner, and how she will help him in a certain… um… routine… they’ve been given. Don’t want to give anything away to any anti-spoiler people out there. But I think it’s going to be a good week! Interesting, for sure!
You and all your spoilers. What happened to the thrill of anticipation?
Although, I must admit that SYTYCD spoilers aren’t bad since it doesn’t usually ruin the entertainment of the show (the dancing).
I agree with Lisa C… COMPLETELY!!
crash test dummies should’ve been on the tour.. that routine THE BEST so far. And of course ‘Addiction’.
Where are people reading their spoilers? I only hear some via word-of-mouth.
Bijou,
I think that this is one of the best ones you’ll find: http://www.sytycdism.com/2009/07/sytycd5-top-8-spoilers.html
I could start one here if people wanted me to after each show. I just wouldn’t be reading and commenting;-)
Anama,
I assume you mean that “Crash test dummies SHOULD be on tour” or has someone seen a list of performances that will be on the SYTYCD tour? I’m guessing it’s too early for that.
John,
SHOULD be…. but it wont…
Bijou – I tend to get mine off the SYTYCD section of Idolforums but as soon as one person gets them they pretty much get cross-posted so there’s TWOP forums and I’m sure other sites where they are available. I’m not sure why they are so early this week though – usually it’s Tuesday night or something except for the little things like who is choreographing.
I’m really bad for knowing some of what’s going to happen on a lot of my favourite shows though. Usually I don’t find it bothers my enjoyment at all because you still get to see how it plays out with the characters or how the dance will actually go. For the dance shows I just like to know what the pairings are and who is dancing what routines, I don’t read about how the routines actually went. I do hate being accidently spoiled the few times I try and keep clear though.
Mrs. – Lol I know exactly what you are talking about and I could not agree more. It should be an interesting dance for the pairing you’re talking about!
Does anyone know if they have the previous seasons on DVD of SYTYCD? I just started watching last season and it is my fav dance program. I would love to buy them.
Forgive my lack of knowledge but what is a “spoiler”?
Jeannie, they do not sell DVDs, I wish they did too though. It would just be great to go back and watch everything all over again.
ANAMA,
Good. I thought someone knew something about the tour that I didn’t. I hate when that happens;-)
Jeannie,
Like Kelsey said, no SYTYCD DVDs. Rumor has it that they don’t have rights to the music to be able to do DVDs of the show. Rumor also has that you can find them on YouTube if you look hard enough.
A Spoiler in TV is basically when someone tells you something about an upcoming show before the show airs. They basically “spoil” the show for you. In practice many are just information and don’t actually “spoil” the show like knowing that Ellen is going to be a guest host this week. That doesn’t really spoil too much. Here’s the wikipedia definition of spoiler: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoiler_(media)
dvd’s should be made!
ANAMA ! Thanks!
Look what I just found!
Mark’s message to Kupono!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQCP0O617s4
Oh my gawd!!! He is just so ad-or-able!!!!!
Awwww! Thanks for sharing Lisa C! Mark was my favourite last year and I enjoyed Kupono so that was really cute to see.
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Lisa C,
THANK YOU!! I knew he had posted this on kupono’s fb wall but i’m not friends with Kupono and could not see it… THANK YOU!!! Mark is Adorable my favorite of all seasons.
WOW I don’t think there are words to describe Ade and Melissa’s dance tribute to breast cancer. Dancing that brings men to tears well…… It just reaffirms my admiration of Ade and makes me rethink my opinion of Melissa. But my vote went to Janette and Ade. This episode will stay on the Tivo for a long time. Yes I did fast forward through Ellen’s comments except for Melissa and Ade’s dance. Just not a fan of Ellen. Glad there was 2 each of the partnered dances. Loved the group dance. Solos are still too short to judge.
Ellen was a little bit disappointing. Looked out of her element. She was better at the end though.