July 22, 2009
So You Think You Can Dance Top 8 Performance Show Discussion Thread
Written by: JohnSign up to receive all the latest So You Think You Can Dance 2010 Music, News, Rumors and Updates.
We’re down to the So You Think You Can Dance Top 8. All we have left are 8 amazing dancers. I absolutely adore this part of the show. There’s nothing left but talent that brings it every week. The hard part is tomorrow when someone has to get sent home. Tonight, we just sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Let the discussion begin. As always, I won’t be participating in the discussion until after the West Coast gets a chance to see So You Think You Can Dance.
Also, I will be posting the music for tonight’s SYTYCD as I get it. Plus, you’ll want to go and register to win free SYTYCD Workout DVD’s if you haven’t done so already.
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Top 8 performance show preempted by presidential news conference on some East Coast stations! If anyone knows where we can view this episode online please post.
Kesha – I don’t know any, but is your Fox station showing it late night where you could tape it? I know some stations will do that w/ pre-empted shows. My Fox station just said that the conference would be on the Fox news station and they’re playing the episode on the regular station.
Thank You to Tyce for an absolutely beautiful dance…probably the most moving number of all 5 seasons. Melissa and Ade dance it with so much heart…had the judges, Tyce, Melissa husband, and the audience in tears.
On a lighter note, Ellen was great…haha she just wanted a good excuse to have good seats. I want to know who gave Mary the train whistle.
Great dances but the ballroom dances were just okay for me. Laurieanne Gibson joins the list of choreographers. Great routies from her, Shane, and Tyce(both of them).
Unfortunately, I think Evan will go home this week for the guys…as for the girls it’s going to be a close call.
Ellen was hysterical, I loved her being a guest judge. Tyce, that was so moving and beautiful. Tears were flowing.
I think Evan’s time is up. He had a good run. The girls are all so amazing, but I think Melissa might be going home.
OK, so I was disappointed at first. Ellen was the best thing about the show until that Jeanine and Brandon hip hop. But we finished strong. I was really thinking that it was one of the worst (or maybe I should use Nigel’s terminology–it was one of the flattest) top 8’s they’ve had.
Then there was that hip hop, which was ridiculous. Jeanine can kill hip hop, and Brandon is so funky–and I loved that style! It was very synchronized and very hard-hitting. Awesome.
Then, there was Tyce.
Whoa.
I couldn’t believe the emotion, the trust, the power of that dance. The moment where Melissa pounded Ade’s chest? The lift where you thought she was diving into the crowd? When he grabbed her wrists and lifted her? Speechless. Deserved every accolade. I loved that Ade not only showed his lifting ability but also his dancing ability throughout. I don’t think any other couple could have delivered that performance. *Maybe* Jeanine and Brandon. But I don’t think so.
I also liked the Shane Sparks hip hop. Finally someone did his hip-hop well this season! About time. I thought Jason out-danced Kayla this week, though–is that weird? I mean, usually that would be sacrilegious to say, but I thought he outdid her this week (not that she wasn’t awesome).
I felt that Evan and Janette were great, but not nearly as memorable. In fact, I almost forgot about them. :-/
About the solos: Evan’s solo is still super-awesome. He’s just so adorable. And what was up with Janette’s solo? I loved that she tried something a bit different, but I didn’t think she showed her characteristic spunk and groove. On the other hand, Melissa’s solo showed she took Debbie’s advice from last week and brought it to another level. Brandon and Ade were both powerful, though I thought the stylizing in Brandon’s was not flattering. Something about it. Loved that Jeanine used the same song from the “Let the Drummer Kick” dance with Lauren and Neil two years ago.
My rankings from this week (just because you know I love to share, lol):
1. Jeanine
2. Melissa (come on now, did you expect anything different from me? haha)
3. Brandon
4. Ade
5. Janette
6. Kayla
7. Evan
8. Jason
But, who will go home this week? I’m afraid it will be Jason (because Evan has such a fan base, even though he was relatively weak this week). And, I think it could be Janette. She’s awesome, but she had two of the most forgettable dances this week, and her solo didn’t live up to her personality.
Then again, I’m usually wrong.
John–again, thanks for this site. I totally shared it with all my facebook friends and former dance team girls. lol
I knew Ade would get Melissa again, I felt it in my gut. But I have no clue who should go home. Everyone dissed Evan and I love Evan :[[ and the girls….no one got smack all good. Who will gooo!!!! Yes that contporary rutine was just….amazing. Ellen did great. Hahaha.
I have been a big fan of Evan since the beginning, but I’m not so sure he’ll make it through this cut. Jason, for the first time, impressed me tonight. Ade, with that last number, I think will be safe. Brandon seems to have a large following, so I think he will also be safe.
I loved Jeanine’s solo tonight, and her and Brandon killed that pop jazz number. Kayla is my favorite girl, I thought it was funny that she got to be a vampire AND a zombie this season. I enjoyed her and Jason’s last number. I’m not a big fan of Melissa, but like with Ade, I think that her last number saved her. I’ve never really liked Janette either, her dances aren’t that memorable to me. I don’t know which of the girls will be bottom 2.
Lisa- I do not like Janette either, didnt like her for the auditions. My favorite girl though is Melissa she is just so much more experienced and talented but her solo left me like….”ugh”. Jeanine’s solo was great. And Ade! Oh Ade!! He is amazing. I say in the bottom:
Boys:
Jason,
Evan.
Girls:
Kayla,
Janette.
I feel like a terrible person for saying this because I loved Tyce’s number, and my friend’s mom was going through breast cancer so I’ve done the Relay for Life twice to support her, and I thought they danced it beautifully, BUT I’ll be really disappointed if a girl other than Melissa goes home tomorrow night, as I fear will now happen. Melissa is a great technical dancer, she seems like a nice girl and in any other season that would be enough, but this year I just don’t think she has the starpower of the other girls and I’ll be sorry if Kayla or Janette goes home instead.
The vast majority of the night was extremely disappointing, mostly due to choreography. I think in each case the dancers did the best they could with what they were given but some of the choreography was just not up to par. Exceptions were one of the few Shane Sparks pieces I’ve actually enjoyed, Tyce’s piece obviously, Travis’ great opening number, and Laurieann’s routine.
With the first number he did and his solo I felt nothing from Jason emotionally even though he hit the steps and I was completely ready to send him home, but the zombie dance was great and for only the second time on the show I completely believed him and loved his personality. I honestly don’t know who to send home or who deserves to go home out of the guys except that Brandon should be safe.
I thought Evan did very well tonight but he didn’t get one of the few well choreographed numbers and that could send him home if his fanbase doesn’t save him.
Some of the solos were really great this week. Kayla stepped up, Jeanine was great, I always love Evan in his own style, and I liked Jeanine’s ballroom fushion and wished she would show the other ballroom dancers how it’s done!
I loved Ellen too!
I have to completely disagree with all of you. I didn’t think Tyce’s contemporary was good at all. In all honesty, would any of you have guessed it was about breast cancer if wasn’t explicitly stated? That dance could have been about any dysfunctional relationship and it would have worked better. The choreography wasn’t that great. All Melissa had to do was throw herself at Ade. Her extensions were terrible. Ade didn’t connect with the audience at all and when he was off doing his own thing, I was just confused. Finally, I did not find that dance inspiring at all and neither did the people I watched with (all affected by cancer in some way). I’m sick of the sob stories that force the judges to solely give commentary on the back story. I’m sick of choreographers choreographing FOR emmy nominations. I’m sick of certain less than stellar dancers (aka Mellisa, who is not even skilled as a ballerina. Her solo last week was a couple of pique turns, and this week was even worse) getting a free pass just because of heart felt choreography. I felt that this dance and its commentary insulted my intelligence. I don’t need you to make up a story so I can feel an emotion. Just let them dance and let me vote.
The last three dances, for me, were amazing. I completely agree that up until Brandon and Jeanine’s performance the show was off to a very slow start. The hip hop was brutal but in a very good way. Tyce’s contemporary dance was absolutely breath taking. I honestly never really warmed up to Tyce, but i’ve become a fan now. I thought Shane’s hip hop was very fun and fresh. It actually made me like Kayla because it showed off more of her personality (I was also struggling to warm up to her). I hope that Jason is around for another week because I think there is something special about him, plus hes adorable.
My picks for the girl and guy to go home would be Evan and Janette. I think they’re both fabulous but it’s their time to go.
Can’t wait till tomorrow night
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hmm…I really don’t think Tyce was choreographing for an emmy. Sometimes dance isn’t all about the technique…Tyce’s routine remind me of Mia’s routine that she did for her father in season three.
Anyways, tonight was the first night that Kayla stood out for me. She really stepped up.
i understand that dance isn’t all about technique, but even then this dance was terrible. the choreography and concept at the most basic level was lacking in substance. like i said, it could have been about ANYTHING. at least in the mia routine, the concept was clear (daddy daughter in heaven) and what little technique there was was solid. the same can’t be said for this dance.
i loved jeanine and brandons pop jazz routine. i loved the facial expressions of jeanine in the routine they were great, they really reminded me of phillip who was my favorite dancer. i think she gained a lot be partnered with phillip in the begining
I felt sort of disappointed tonight. But, there were many good things: Yay for Ellen who was really funny. I can only imagine Toni Basil’s reaction to being “from the street”.
Here’s why I’m disappointed. Yeah, tonight was a really flat night. My two favourites Brandon and Jeanine got a really awful choreo to a really awful song and it made me sad (I can admit when things aren’t looking great). Most of the other choreo wasn’t on par either, until (I’ll agree with most of the other posters), the last three routines.
I like Laurie-Ann Gibson (thank goodness that Pop/Jazz wasn’t Brian Friendman sort of cringe-y) and I like the “tough love” (haha, I like Joey Dowling too). Tyce DiOrio didn’t move me to all kinds of wonders as the judges seemed to think.
Yes, it was the best routine of the night, but I didn’t enjoy it all that tremendously. Honestly, I sorta missed the “breast cancer” description and I had to ask why Melissa was wearing a head scarf. I felt the emotion and whatnot, but it wasn’t gut-wrenchingly beautiful. It was really nice.
Jason really impressed me tonight with more personality, Ade has just been strong. Brandon I felt was a bit disappointing today, while Evan I don’t care for much. Jeanine I felt had a decent, but not strongest night, while Melissa shone and Kayla did enough to merit many votes. Janette I felt really fell for me this week (from being my favourite since the beginning). Her solo left me feeling incredibly underwhelmed – especially with that dangling over the stage part.
And I wish they’d stop talking about Katie Holmes already.
OK. so.
Chelsea: I agree, being a choreographer myself usually I love the work on the show but tonight I was dissapointed. And I agree that I don’t feel a lot of star power from Melissa
Tanaya: I agree with you too, when I heard the dance was about breast cancer I was like, brownie points right there. I was watching with my mom and sisters and I know the entire time we were thinking about my dad who passed away of an unknown but volatile cancer this past April. The time period between the diagnosis and his excruciating death (which I stood by, helpless, and watched) ? 4 months. And yet I was completely tearless until Mia talked about her dad and the fighting. My problem was that I had no idea what Ade’s part in the dance was. At first he looked pointless, but then I started thinking he was the cancer, but if so then the idea wasn’t executed properly. I have to say though, Tyce had genuine tears in his eyes. And it reminded me of why I dance, why I choreograph, why I hope to someday create a piece that so beautifully illustrates my and my family’s pain.
The free pass thing irks me too, but honestly the show is basically a popularity contest anyways once we hit the top ten.
Anyways…I think Evan is the weakest male on the show and deserves to leave (though I totally admire him as a solo artist, he cannot take choreography) and it seems like his fan base might be waning but we shall see. As for the girls, who knows? People might vote for Melissa because of the dance, because of their own experiences, but right now I’m afraid that Jeanine or Janette, my top front runners, might be “Chris’d” (for anyone who watched American Idol a few seasons back).
Oh, and Ellen? She looked completely lost. Not the best choice for judge. I love her and think she’s hilarious but she didn’t bring a lot to the table and I think the producers knew that which is why they also had Mia as a judge.
Tanaya,
I have to agree with you on the point about Tyce’s performance could have been about anything. The only exception to that is Melissa having her hair hidden where she really did have the look of a cancer patient. That part was touching. However, I did ask myself during the dance how the choreography was about Breast Cancer.
I can’t really comment on the specifics of form and I’ll admit that it surprised me a little having Tyce do contemporary. That said, I really enjoyed the dance and many of the elements of the dance. I also think that Melissa did portray a vulnerability that I enjoyed and could have been a cancer patient.
That first waltz, with its slower-than-elevator music, would have put anyone to sleep, but that was the choreographer’s fault, not the dancers. Brandon’s pop/jazz Battlefield routine with Jeanine put pizzazz into what had been a boring show. Then Brandon’s solo was a fab grand finale for the evening – quite possibly the best solo of the season.
I thought that Tyce’s piece on breast cancer was done really well, but you can’t really critique a dance about breast cancer without sounding like an insensitive brute. I like having a back story, but I thought it was a bit much.
I still like everyone on the show. This is the first week there are no clear bottom two to send home. I keep thinking Evan is losing it but he always wins me back with his solo. I didn’t really notice Jason until last week, but now he is one of my favorites too. Kayla was great, I think she is really polished and lacks that goofiness that would help people relate to her. Janette was my least favorite tonight.
I think those of you who didn’t love Kayla tonight are crazy. I seriously couldn’t take my eyes off of Kayla. I barely even saw Jason dance. That girl has really grown on me. Really unbelivable what she’s able to do.
I also agree with Jeanine’s facial expressions having that star quality. I’m not sure where she got it, but it’s great.
Janette was so sexy at the beginning of that Rhumba. Can you imagine her doing a Rhumba with Dmitry or someone like that? That would be nice.
Melissa got lucky with the Tyce routine. Now we’re not going to be sure who’s going home.
So everyone knows I’m always a little biased towards the girls (since I’m a guy), but seriously, do we even need to mention the guys this season? I’d take all 4 of those girls over the guys.
Oh yes, and Ellen.
I think Ellen finally did better as the show went on. Kind of like the dances I guess.
She did feel a little out of place and awkward to me.
As I said on Twitter, I just hope she doesn’t ruin my chances of being a judge on there. Don’t you think that SYTYCD should have a fan be a guest judge on one of the episodes? Possibly a fan that has a blog about SYTYCD?
John, it’s not just you. I tend to prefer male dancers (and vocalists when it comes to singing shows) but this year the girls are just clobbering the boys. I’d substitute Brandon for Melissa but this is one year where it’s a shame the finale has to include two guys and two girls. What I wouldn’t give for a finale with Janette, Jeanine, Kayla, and Brandon!
I thought Jason really stepped up in the zombie hip hop but in the first number I barely saw Jason dance either, Kayla was mesmerizing.
I actually like the waltz music (only because it reminds me of Lord of the Rings) but it didn’t fit the waltz at all. Poor choice of music.
Chelsea,
It seems like it’s just me, but I wasn’t buying Brandon and Jeanine’s pop Jazz number. Actually, let me clarify. I loved the choreography. They hit it hard. Nice look to it. However, Jeanine and Brandon could have been dancing worlds apart. I felt no connection between them on that piece. Sad since it was some cool stuff. I think I’m in the minority, but I wasn’t feeling the partnership at all.
Chelsea,
—Hayley Westenra. I really liked the ethereal quality of her voice. What I didn’t like was that I thought the Waltz lacked the rise and fall that you should get with a Waltz.
Yes, the waltz music was “May It Be”
Man, I’m opinionated tonight:-)
Tanaya–
I understand that we are all entitled to our own personal opinions, but I think you were way over-the-top with your posting tonight. Okay…so you didn’t like the Tyce routine…we got that loud and clear, but to go on and classify Melissa as a dancer “who is not even skilled as a ballerina” is quite unfair. Have you trained in classical ballet for 26 years of your life? Have you qualified to teach ballet or been a part of a company because of your talent? Have you ever danced in point shoes with bleeding toes and blisters? If not, I suggest you reconsider your judgements on what makes a “skilled ballerina.” Clearly, Melissa is “stellar” or she would not be among the top 4 girls left in the competition.
John:
I agree with you that it felt like there was hardly any connection between them, but I think it’s because the choreography didnt allow them to dance together. The dance was supposed to be powerful but as a couple dance, it didn’t feel like they were synchronized at some points. I love them both but I’d have to blame choreography on the lack of couple dancing. They had moments but it all came at the end which didn’t provide a good flow. When they were dancing together it was softer and more vulnerable side. I’m not sure whether the dance was supposed to start off fighting and powerful and end with resolution and peace. It could have helped to spread the love throughout
In any case, Jeanine’s solo was awesome! I really hope she makes it through. Sometimes i worry about her fanbase not being large enough.
I also wished they would put Kayla in something other than a skirt or dress. I mean she has long legs but I wouldn’t have minded seeing her in a pair of jeans or something. I mean the hip hop routines involving the females in some skirt turned out to be lacking for me for some reason. I’m thinking back to Kameron and Lacey’s hip hop routine. The girl in a skirt doing hip hop just makes it hard for me to believe she’s really dancing hip hop and not just flashing her body around.
I suppose for the Shane Sparks piece it fit rather well though. The concept was great and executed really well. I was suprised at Jason’s movements.
I still haven’t seen Melissa do any hip hop. My prediction unfortunately would be Jason and Kayla going home. Although I’d like Kayla to stay, i’m worried their performances weren’t up to par. Melissa’s gamble on her solo might pay off including that last piece, that might push her over the edge. A piece like that gains many supporters. I’m not a HUGE fan of Evan, but I’d like him to stick around one more ep just so he can do another Broadway routine
I’d also like to see some slow elements in Brandon. Otherwise it’s just a mishmash of power power power.
Ellen was great, she said the right things at the right times.
I can’t believe some people don’t think Melissa is a skilled dancer. :-/ I mean, Kayla’s not my favorite, but I’d never say anything but that she’s unbelievably technically skilled. I know everyone has their favorites and all, but dang…
@John–I agree about the pop/jazz. I loved loved loved it, but I didn’t feel the connection between Jeanine and Brandon as I did between Jeanine and her other partners. But you’re right that part of that was the choreography.
I totally got the cancer part from the beginning–and even if it wasn’t about cancer, it was still very well danced, very emotional and they were strong and vulnerable simultaneously. I felt that Ade was a loved one–trying to support and uplift Melissa but also wanting to run away sometimes…
Oh, and @John–I agree about my focus being on Kayla a lot, but I felt that Jason outdanced her in the hip-hop this week. I remember him a lot more than her. Maybe it’s his squishy cheeks.
lol
Oh, and @Christine:
I agree about the comparison to Lacey and Cameron’s hip hop. I think you take the funkiness of the girl less seriously when they’re playing the “pop tart” role. I think back to both of Janette’s hip hop routines, and though I don’t think hip hop is her best style, she dug down to funkytown, if you know what I mean.
And her costuming helped give her that credibility.
I guess I can really just cosign all your statement.
@Christine:
Basically, cosign.
I think the Lacey/Cameron comparison is apt. I always feel like hip hop girls in short skirt come across as less credible and more “pop tart-ish”. I think back to Janette’s two hip hop routines this season, and even though it’s definitely not her strength, she was able to pretty much get down like funkytown (lol), partly because her costuming gave her some street cred. I felt Kayla could have used a sharp edge. But maybe Shane gave her this character because he didn’t feel she could give that hard edge?
Another reminding…of Kherington and Twitch’s krump. Didn’t think Kherington had it in her, but given that hard dance, she killed it. I wanted to see that type of hardness and funkiness from Kayla. (Just like I’d like to see Melissa draw a hip hop…maybe she’ll get one next week.)
First off, I am not an Ellen fan so I did not enjoy having her as a ‘jidge’. Brought nothing and slowed down the feeback process. Do we need an Ellen routine in the middle of SYTYCD? I don’t think so.
What was the deal with most of the music last night? Slow beyond belief, little or no underlying beat. How could anyone dance to the music in the first waltz? I was looking forward to the Jeanine/Brandon pairing, but that was lackluster. Jeanine/Brandon hip hop was a way better. Didn’t get much chemistry between them though, I had thought Jeanine could work with anyone, but this I guess I am wrong.
Really liked the Jason/Kayle zombies, they seemed to have a good night. This is one of the few times I really enjoyed Kayla. Glad to see Jason doing good and the great ‘heart pendant’ routine not being a one-time standout.
I guess without trying to sound like a brute as well, the Melissa/Ade cancer routine was only ok for me. I know there were not a lot of dry eyes on the judges panel. But the audience didn’t get on their feet for it afterwards. Which seemed curious considering the rave reviews it got.
I barely remeber the other routines. Not a good sign.
My rankings for what its worth:
Jeanine
Kayla
Janette
Melissa
Jason
Brandon
Ade
Evan
I’m speechless at Tyce’s choreography. That was one of the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever seen. It was beautifully danced. I’m still at a loss for words, cried so much.
Everyone’s saying how Melissa got lucky and how she’ll get through this week again because she got great choreography, but I think this just goes to show that she is such a great dancer. Ade is magnificent.
The routine was deeply touching. I’m glad that it had the amount of emotion that it had, and that it was danced on this show. It showed deep compassion and great love, and i’m sure many will realize the message behind the dance and be touched.
I feel like I understand Mia at this point. There were many talks about her being a little curt about the dancers on the show. But I feel that her love for dance is amazing, and her loss of her dad has shaped her into who she is, in a good way. She does not take things for granted, and she expects a lot from herself as well as others. And I respect her for that. This dance reminded her of her dad, and I sincerely hope that she’ll be able to draw strength from it.
Thank you Tyce.
CoffeyCup- I don’t think a dance needs an standing ovation to prove that it is great. I’m sure many were extremely touched by that routine, and were too moved to stand.
In a way, that is showing respect to Tyce and his inspiration as his inspiration came from a friend. I don’t think it is very polite to create a big fuss over such a sensitive issue.
Maybe it might not have the best choreography, but as Mia said it, this dance was not about the choreography, but about the message behind it.
This piece was heartbreaking, and I don’t think I could even stand for an ovation if I were in the audience.
But anyhoo, that’s just my opinion on the subject.
Dancelife-
As a dancer, sure she’s good. She’s been able to do difficult choreography and has made it this far. BIG DEAL. This show is about PULLING OFF choreography, which she hasn’t done. Every week she’s gotten something contemporary-esque. That “amazing” pas de deux was from a ballet with minimal dancing (I asked the experts). As far as I’m concerned, the only thing that dance showed off is that she’s able to prance in point shoes (with 26 years of training, I expect a little more). This week, her cha cha was terrible and when she was asked to do disco she just looked lost.
I’m sure that her training has garnered skill but jone of this skill is shown off in her solos? Her solos, especially this week, have been laughable at best and i’ve seen much better 30 second ballet solos. I don’t think it should matter that I’ve never worn ballet shoes. I’m an avid viewer, and educated in dance, and as a devoted viewer my opinion is valid even if my toes have never bled from point shoes.
Tanaya- If you think that the dance was crap and Melissa was unskillful, so be it. But i have to disagree with the part which you said about the show is about pulling off the choreography. I think to each of us, the show is something different, and to you it is the dances pulling off the choreography.
Well, maybe to some of us, the show is about bringing out the love of dance through such routines. This show is not a normal dance competition, and according to Nigel’s many comments about it, it brings a lot more than dance.
I may not understand your disdain about the way Melissa and Ade danced Tyce’s choreography. But the judges on the panel, who seem pretty experienced and experts in dance and probably know more about it than we all do, were obviously touched deeply by it. And i think it is quite valid for us to say that the dance was great. Of course, you’re entitled to say it was bad, of course.
Also, I don’t think it is appropriate to expect Melissa to be the best ballerina in the world. Correct me if I’m wrong. She may not have gotton other choreography, but i don’t think it is fair to judge her so harshly. It’s not her fault what she draws from the hat. And because she did not do as well with the other choreography does not mean that all the other dancers did not have any difficulty. Her solos may not be the best, considering the amount of time she can only spend on it in between the tough schedules. And she has only been trained in ballet, and her solos are her style (which may not appeal to everyone).
The pas de deux choreography was not her fault as well. If it was not good for you, then it was the choreographer’s fault, and not melissa’s. her 26 years of training did not prepare her for the choreography which did not show her potential if it was so bad for you.
And trained in some dance and gymnastics, I don’t think anyone can fathom the pain and toil that one goes through from trainings and practices, the sweat and mental energy at one’s expense. Before that, I had no idea. So i think, with respect to Melissa’s training, we cannot expect anything because we do not know what she goes through in her ballet training.
In my opinion, i think she’ll shine through in time, i hope for you, at least. Her training was only in ballet and not other styles, and i’m rather impresses with her ability to cope with other styles as 26 years of ballet is a hard thing to shake.
And as an avid and devoted viewer, and educated in dance as well as danced before, I think my opinion is valid as well.
My personal top4:
(in alphabetical order)
Ade
Brandon
Jeanine
Kayla
If one’s point of reference to being a “skilled” dancer is hip hop learned on the street (not that there’s something wrong with that), then I guess Melissa will have to be considered as an unskilled dancer. The problem is that Melissa is far too “skilled” a dancer to be appreciated in a pop dance show where popping and hip hop is the standard or the gyrating of the hips is more appreciated. Like everything in our society, nowadays, it has to be an instant gratification or instand adrenaline rush that’s why fast dance movement, especially if it looked like they’re on speed, is applauded loudly. With Melissa’s art, one has to settle to see and experience the genius in this artist. Ade has the same gift. He has the intelligence to connect his movement with the proper emotions. These 2 are not just dancers, rather gifted artists.
idmm1212-
my exact thoughts on the matter. beautifully described. i couldn’t think of another way to say it.
Christine, I agree about the hip-hop costuming. I’m not usually this much of a feminist but I enjoy Nappytabs choreography more than some of the others I think because the females are usually dressed in an outfit other than a mini-skirt or short shorts. I don’t think a girl should have to dress like a Pussycat doll to dance a hip hop routine, particularly when the guy can wear jeans and a hoodie.
Coffey, I also noticed that it seemed to be “dance in slow motion night”. I just wonder why the judges or producers didn’t think ahead regarding their 100th show and give some of the better choreographers out there two weeks to come up with some really great routines. Maybe that would have made a difference because the show really did feel like a letdown until those last few routines and excepting Travis’ group dance and some of the solos.
I’m not going to speculate about how well-trained Melissa is. By all accounts she looks like she has the technical skill to me but I am anything but a dance expert. However, I do think her solos have been beyond weak. I don’t know if that is because she isn’t as great at her style as she should be or, perhaps more likely, that she is not great at choreographing her own routines. Not a single solo of hers has made me sit up and take notice though and I think that’s a problem.
I love ballet and classically trained dancers but Melissa is, imho, the worst soloist of the remaining dancers. Perhaps I was spoiled by Canadian runner-up Allie, a trained ballerina, who danced both contemporary-ballet fusion solos and straight ballet. She used her 30 seconds wisely and came across as more skilled than Melissa does to me. Not everyone is a great choreographer though. I would like to see her do a hip hop routine if she survives tonight’s cut but it certainly isn’t her fault that either the random hat or the judges’ fixing of styles each week hasn’t given it to her.
I liked her piece with Tyce, I could tell that it was about cancer but that was largely due to the costuming choice. I thought it was well danced and a good routine but it didn’t move me the way it did the judges and the dancers themselves.
I was busy and only was able to watch Melissa and Ade’s second dance just as they started, with none of the background. Seeing the way they interacted with each other, I totally got that Melissa’s character was really sick.
I cannot speak with any knowledge about the dancers’ skill, etc. since I’m no dancer. I only speak about my own reaction…I was moved to tears by Tyce’s piece.
My wife was really impressed by how well Jeanine and Brandon hit so hard and kept in unison throughout their hip hop dance.
For the boys, I think maybe Evan’s time has come.
For me, I don’t think there’s any “good” go-home girl tonight.
Sorry, just wanted to agree with Chelsea regarding the quality Allie’s ballet solos.
They were neat and funky, including one solo where she only wore one pointe shoe – she danced that piece on the Canadian tour.
Last night was… interesting.
First of all, I thought my husband was going to pull his ears off every time Ellen started speaking. He just couldn’t get past the constant jokes and no real critiquing, it drove him nuts. I enjoyed it, but whatever. I get it.
I thought Even and Janette did a really good job. I’ve never been a fan of Sonya’s work (I really, really, really just don’t think it’s interesting, there’s no story line, it just sort of… goes, and by the time I get into it, it’s over. The only one I’ve REALLY liked was the vampire piece with Kupono and Kayla). I really liked the rumba though! Of course Janette danced it better, as expected, but Evan brought a little bit of sass that I loved! Overall not two awesomely choreo’d routines, but what can you do?
I thought the Brandon/Jeanine waltz was bad. Maybe not bad, but certainly not good, and I don’t blame the choreographer, I blame the dancers, namely Jeanine (which breaks my heart because she’s my top girl). She fumbled a LOT in that dance. She got stuck on the way down from that first lift, she was sloppy, and it brought Brandon down. Thankfully she redeemed herself and then some with that Laurie Ann Gibson routine.
Kayla and Jason were beautiful in both their routines, the most consistent of the night without a doubt.
Ade and Melissa. I think these two are both going home tonight. Their Tyce routine was emotionally charged, beautifully danced. Some people will pick up the phone for it, but I don’t think it will really be enough to save them. Their first dance was just bad, I had to look away at some points. And considering they were both in the bottom last week, I’m thinking it might be their time.
So, my bottom picks:
Ade
Melissa
Kayla
Evan OR Jason (I’m really not sure Evan’s fan base has dwindled enough to get him in the bottom yet, but we’ll see. I feel like Jason gets a lot of swing voters so he’s pretty iffy too. I do not think Brandon is in danger at all.)
Chelsea, I agree with you about the quality of Allie’s solos and that they’re better than Melissa’s. They were neat and funky. I really liked the piece where Allie only wore one pointe shoe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zejj9PKsPZM
She danced that on the Canadian tour.
i don’t think we can compare these 2 ballet dancers. they have different styles. melissa is more classical. and no offense or anything, her age lets her think differently about dance more than the rest of us, thus her own intepretation of what a good solo would be based on her training and background. i’m sorry that it did not work for some of you, because i feel she is truly more than a dancer and more like an artist.
i have to quote idmm1212 again: “The problem is that Melissa is far too “skilled” a dancer to be appreciated in a pop dance show where popping and hip hop is the standard or the gyrating of the hips is more appreciated. Like everything in our society, nowadays, it has to be an instant gratification or instand adrenaline rush that’s why fast dance movement, especially if it looked like they’re on speed, is applauded loudly. With Melissa’s art, one has to settle to see and experience the genius in this artist. ”
maybe it’s because it’s so you think you can dance, but i still don’t think that we can judge melissa on her artistry. but that’s not for me to decide, obviously.
i don’t know if she would be eliminated, but she has brought a different type of art onto the show and i appreciate that.
i have no doubt that melissa is skilled, i said that. i don’t think her solos show off her skill. can you really say her solo this week was good? if she had done that at auditions, she wouldn’t have been sent straight to vegas.
and also about drawing from the hat- there is no way that the pas de deux wasn’t planned! do you think nigel would have let it slide if kupono got that?
i think i should take my comments to television without pitty, they seem to be more comfortable with my remarks!
i find it offensive that you think only gyrations and ass shaking is what’s appreciated. the sytycd audience is more inteligent than that, we just don’t like to be put to sleep. i agree with tanaya. i didn’t think it was great choreography, the dancing was sub par, and i’m not sure i believe the intentions of tyce.
regardless, this show is a competition. the dancers need to be judged on the dancing. it wasn’t fair to give melissa and ade a dance where they wouldn’t have to sit through critique.
Is anyone else having trouble seeing all the comments on this discussion thread? I can only see the first 38 but it says there are 40-something in all (and I posted earlier and can’t even see what I posted). Weird! Maybe posting will help me out…?
Tanaya- you have your opinion and i have mine. you express it here, i too express it here. if you’re not comfortable with my opinions, i don’t know what to say to you too.
just to clarify, i said that the choreographer could have given melissa something better which could have showed off melissa’s ability more, but he didn’t and that is not melissa’a fault.
anyway, i already said that was what i thought and everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. i enjoy a good discussion and not a criticism about the dancer. things can be agreed on, like i agree with you that melissa have showed her potential on her solos.
hope that this would be more like a discussion rather than an argument.
and jason’s girl, i’m just using that as a comparison to melissa’s dancing. no offence intended, i’m not challenging the intellect of sytycd audiences. they are indeed knowledgeable about dance in their own rights.
not everyone can get melissa’a art, and that’s what i find a puzzlement.
maybe it’s just me. it’s just what i think.
i cannot change the way you think about tyce’s intentions as well and i will not try to. but it seemed that it was pretty real, to me at least. in the clip before the dance, he said that the inspiration was from a friend, and i shall assume, a close one.
(I’m having trouble seeing the posts, too, btw–I keep having to exit, wait, and reload.)
Anyhow–guys, this thread is getting all drama and such.
We all have our opinions–and we all have what we prefer. That’s the beauty of it. We’re not going to all agree, we’re not going to be looking for the same things, we’re not going to get the same messages from dances. That’s the awesomeness of dance! What is moving to me might be boring to you.
But, with that said, I do think we should try to be respectful to all of the dancers–they are working their rear-ends off, and when we denigrate any of them beyond stating our opinions, I think it does dance overall a disservice. Those dancers are there because people want them there (even if you don’t)–and that has to count for something.
Then again, I do think it’s great how passionate dance makes people, even those who aren’t dancers by trade. It makes me wish even more that they had this show when I was still dancing. What an inspiration!!
no hard feelings buggy, i was just making a joke because if you read the twop threads they are absolutely insane!
i can’t wait to see how the rest of america felt about the cancer dance. i’m sure they all thought it was beautiful but i’m doubtful on whether it inspired people to pick up the phone.
i think it will be melissa and janette in the bottom and evan and ade. i hope evan’s fanbase backlash doesn’t propel him to another week because i love him, but he just hasn’t been good enough the last couple weeks.
Oh, and I don’t think that the pas de deux was “fixed” at all. If anyone else would have drawn that dance (e.g., Will and Katee from last season), they just would have danced it barefoot. But, because Melissa can dance pointe, as it is supposed to be danced, she did.
Tanaya- yeah it was pretty insane, it was.
LOL. wondering as well. praying as hard. >.<
beth-
last season it was fixed as well. will and katee were the most technically gifted dancers and thats why the got it. nigel would not have let it slide if mark and comfort had pulled it out of the hat!
and btw, has anyone noticed that they no longer show the dances being pulled out of the hat…?
I don’t think it’s fixed. I really don’t. I actually do think Nigel would have let Comfort get the pas de deux.
And, if you notice, Cat always has two hats in her hand when they show them drawing for partners. So it’s apparent that they are drawing for that, too.
Buggy, Sorry but I have to disagree. I don’t think Melissa is “more classical” than Allie. That solo, while wonderful, may make her come off as such and unfortunately there is a shortage of youtube clips of the Canadian version of the show, but she also danced straight ballet solos. Perhaps the age and vast difference in their respective personalities can be considered though.
I do have to disagree with the “too skilled” a dancer part though. I absolutely agree that she is very skilled but so was Danny Tidwell and yet he made it to the top 4. It sounds like an excuse for why people aren’t getting her, but if they did get Danny and some of the other highly skilled dancers I think there has to be more to it than an instant gratification. Particularly given the fact that it is often the lyrical routines that are more highly regarded by audiences instead of some of the “instant gratification” hip hop. I loved Danny, I loved Travis, and I loved Allie and Vincent on the Canadian version, two of the most trained dancers, but I don’t love Melissa and I don’t think that those who don’t love her should be brushed off as not being intelligent enough to appreciate her art or to get her. She’s a good dancer, last night she danced Tyce’s piece very well, but personally I don’t think she has that star quality that Kayla and Jeanine bring to the table.
This year more than any other the dances pulled have seemed very fixed. I actually find that disappointing, despite the fact that it gives us some very memorable routines. I would rather see each couple have to dance some of everything to really get an idea of their skills in different styles than to keep them in their comfort zone the majority of the time. It isn’t doing the dancers any favours.
So excited to read all these comments today! I did the Power Rankings this week without reading what y’all thought first… It’s amazing to me how we all watch the same show and each feel so passionate about different things, dislike different things. I’m fascinated to see what happens tonight!
Yes, 60 comments finally read. You guys on the east coast had a busy morning while I was sleeping in after staying up late posting.
Thanks for keeping things quite civil. I’m all about disagreement. I even think it’s fine to talk bad about a dancer if that’s truly how you feel. It’s good to experience other opinions and to learn to respect differences of opinions (even if they’re wrong;-) Just remember it’s not personal and if it becomes personal. Opinions are opinions. Take it for what they’re worth.
Oh yes, and my opinions are truth;-)
Just one clarification for those that can’t see the comments appear right away. There’s so much traffic to the site that I have cacheing enabled which means that when you post a comment it might take a minute to appear. That’s why it might say they’re are more comments, but you can’t see them yet. Once the cache refreshes, you’ll see them.
Now to some of the core discussion.
Allie was my favorite on SYTYCD Canada. So, I’m completely bias when I say that she was better than Melissa. However, Melissa is a very mature dancer that does a great job at expressing the emotion of the dance. Although, she failed in that Cha Cha. I do think that Melissa has been pretty lucky to have gotten a lot of dances that build on this strength.
I think I’m in the camp that the producers are producing the pairings and dances they get. I’d like to think that it’s completely random, but I think there’s at least some measure of producing that happens in which dances they get. I’m sure this is held under lock and key (built into the contracts to participate in the show).
I’m glad that so many people think Brandon is through easily. Then, maybe voters for him will get complacent and he’ll get sent home. Sorry, I’m just not a fan.
Evan Evan Evan. He’s doing his thing and I’m cool with that. He’s just still missing something for me.
Christine and Beth, I’m putting you on my train since you agreed with me that Brandon and Jeanine didn’t connect. I always love people that agree with me. Yes, I’m completely biased this way.
DaveV, thanks for bringing a little testosterone to this thread. I love being alone with all the women, but it’s nice to have a little more masculinity in this thread. Just don’t admit that you cried during SYTYCD. You can however, admit that Kayla’s legs are nice. We won’t tell your wife.
@John
YES! Woohoo!
*does the little “hot tamale train” dance that Janette does when Mary screams*
Melissa toooootally got lucky with that Tyce dance. And don’t get me wrong, she danced it beautifully and so did Ade, but she was my pick to go home. I agree that she just doesn’t have that “star quality” She doesn’t move me. Now it’s anyone’s game I think. However…I still think she’ll be in the bottom. Along with either Janette or Kayla-boo. Jeanine has become a favorite of mine. A girl needs to win this season! I like all the boys but none of them should win it all, in my opinion. I don’t know what it is. My dream final 4 is probably:
Kayla
Jeanine
Brandon
Ade/Jason–but probably Ade
Now Evan…..he’s definitely grown on me. HOWEVER….a cute face isn’t enough. He’s got a great personality, but he just doesn’t CAPTIVATE me when he dances. I did love that part in the jazz # tonight when Janette jumped and kind of back….and he was there to catch her. talk about trust! that was great! This isn’t a competition to find America’s cutest puppy dog face!
Anyway…..my favorite #’s of the night were:
Kayla & Jason – Hip Hop
Jeanine & Brandon – Pop Jazz
Kayla & Jason – Broadway
Melissa & Ade – contemporary
Janette & Evan – Pop Jazz
And I actually kind of enjoyed Jeanine & Brandon’s waltz.
and can I just say…I’m sooo excited for tonight’s episode!! It’s going to be awesome!! Sadly…i won’t be able to watch it until like….Saturday! Because I dont have TV/cable , let alone a DVR. but again…Thank the Lord for the world wide web!! whew! Maybe I can con my friend to DVR it for me. Even though she doesnt watch it….hmm….maybe i can convert her!!!
Nigel was right that this show escalated tonight from meh to great! That Laurie Ann Gibson piece definitely fired up the night! Can’t wait to see more of her!
I’m so nervous for tonight! who’s going home??
side note: um…..when are we going to see Brandon dance a Mia creation??
and beth….you’re telling me its a coincidence that the ballerina got the pas de deux?? mmhmm….
oh yea…..the Travis group routine was awesome too! i love him! I really wish Ellen would show up in one of those costumes. haha.
Yes, I think it’s a coincidence.
I mean, I guess I think if they were rigging it, they’d be a LITTLE more subtle.
one more time….
Anybody who twitters…..did you see Nigels tweet about a possible compilation episode of past favorite routines??
um…..how awesome would that be!!?? so awesome.
By the way, I just wanted to say that one of the things I love best about this site is how respectful all the commenters have been (from what I’ve seen). It’s pretty cool to see heated debate, here or anywhere else, because that means people are passionate. Imagine how thrilled I was to see how many comments there were, knowing that meant there was lot to talk about. We disagree and sometimes it’s bewildering that people don’t see what we see. But I don’t think anybody needs to resort to disrespect in order to engage in heated debate, and I’ve always been very, very glad to see what y’all have written.
I haven’t decided how I feel about “fixed” or “unfixed” regarding the hat for routines and such. Sometimes things do seem to line up suspiciously.
I wasn’t thrilled with all of the Emmy talk either. I’m proud of the SYTYCD choreographers, but I really want Nigel to stop saying, “ahem, I’ll be surprised if this isn’t nominated next year…” And as for Ellen – how could she do anything else but be herself? And I’m sure it was nice for the dancers to have a bit of a laugh in the middle of all that tension.
I sometimes dislike the routines with the big heavy issues attached to them. I felt like Asuka and Vitolio were saved by that boring routine about his background. And do you remember the “Waiting on the World to Change” solos? Arrgggh, I hated those. Though it was fascinating to see each of the dancers engage with the same choreography, I couldn’t listen to that song for at least a year afterwards. Lol. Here’s a link to a YouTube video that shows clips of all the solos in one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEFRymH0sf8
Let’s be honest here folks. This isn’t based on the ‘best’ dancer. It is America’s Favorite Dancer. So the people who are voting are picking the dancers they like the best. Most of us, can’t pick up all the technical moves and such, and we just vote where our emotions lead us, or to what we prefer.
For instance, I love Ade…his smile is captivating, he has a great personality. Love him. I find Melissa enchanting, and this was before the Tyce routine, which I thought was heartbreaking and so beautiful it brought buckets of tears to my eyes. And I know Kayla is an exceptional dancer, but for me, her personality doesn’t show and I feel nothing for her. So its all based on our own personal opinions and what we feel.
I think all of the dancers are wonderful. They are amazing for learning the routines in such short amounts of time, putting there bodies on the line week after week…it is by far one of my favorite shows.
It will be sad to see who goes home tonight, regardless of who it is, as it is someone’s dream coming to an end.
Dance Fan,
You’re so right about it being “America’s Favorite Dancer” and not really being about technical ability. That’s why we coined the term Allison-ed.
I do have to tell you that you’re welcome to your opinion about Kayla, but you’re just wrong;-) Ok, I’m really starting to become a Kayla fan-boi. I just love her more and more each week. Not sure exactly why.
However, like you said they’re all such great dancers with dreams and so it will be sad to see any of them go. Good news is we’re going to be able to see them on tour. Woot!!
Completely agree with Tanaya’s postings. Even if that makes me a heartless b*tch. Everyone @ work this morning agreed.
On another note (and maybe I’m coming from a different place because I work in TV) but didn’t the producers of the show see rehersals and say “we need to change up this music”? Just for entertainment sake! It is a TV show afterall! Don’t think for a second things are “planned” to happen.
I can’t believe we’re so close to the finale and they had sucha bad show last night.
deilia,
Good point about them not recognizing that the songs were all slow. They switched a song last week before Kupono and Randi were kicked off, so they could have done it again.
After watching some of Brandon’s performances again….and after seeing peeps comment that he and Jeanine didn’t connect (which I agree, though i still loved that dance)….I feel like although he is a great dancer he never seemed to really connect with Janette either. I mean they always performed great….but there was never that emotional connection. So he may be an exceptional dancer….but that lack ability to really connect with a partner hurts him i think.
Although, I thought when he and Natalie danced together in the Sonja jazz example in Vegas, they melded great! But maybe its because they were better friends. I don’t know….just my thoughts…
I like Brandon….but his dancing does seem to be a little…..hmm….”all about me”. At least thats what it comes across. I mean….he and Jeanine performed great but it didnt seem like he wanted to dance WITH her. I think he got lucky with Janette as a partner. She could keep up with the energy and fire. Although, im sure that was planned
I hope I, getting my thoughts out right. Im having a hard time translating what im thinking.
[...] I was able to connect with the dance. After reading so many comments on this site about who loved it, liked it, and those who didn’t care for it, I got to thinking. I can’t help but to think that [...]
Kayla,
You just got a first class ticket on my train!! lol
No, I won’t be doing like Mary and putting you all on my train.
Brandon’s solo is in my top 10 solos list. His partnering is in my bottom list.
John:
Thanks for the ticket! w00t! Hope mines is first class too
Christine,
That’s the secret of the Pure SYTYCD train. We only have first class tickets.
Does anybody know the name of the classical music that was being played for the first half of the flashback of the past 5 seasons? I thought it was so beautiful.