Welcome to Pure So You Think You Can Dance

So yesterday was a typical Monday night and I just finished watching the Bachelor special. Nothing else was on that was worth watching, so I settled on watching Celebrity Fit Club on Vh1. About half way through the show, the Harvey(the trainer) had set up something fun for the celebs to do after their challenge. However it turned out to be a dance contest with a very special judge. That judge was the one and only Joshua Allen, winner of SYTYCD season 4, not that I needed to be told that. Of course Joshua showed off his dance moves and it reminded me why he won. So the celebs face off against each other, the final two were Kevin Federine(who is a dancer) and Kaycee Stroh(High School Musical 1-3). In the end Joshua named Kaycee the winner. Vh1 is always repeating their shows so if you missed it, don’t worry you can see it again and understand why Kaycee won. It was reall nice to see Joshua dance again, which makes me even more excited for Step Up 3 to hit theatres.

Speaking of movies I was watching a few this weekend and learn a few new things that I didn’t know. She’s All That has a really great dance number in the prom scene. This particular dance number was choreographed by Adam Shankman and Brian Friedman was one of the dancers in the movie. The other movie, Lil C was featured in Center Stage: Turn It Up. I didn’t realize he was in the movie till I saw his name in the credits. So of course I had to go back to the club scenes to find him and see him krump. Just wanted to share with everyone and to start blogging again so I’m not so rusty when the new season airs this summer. Until then don’t forget to look out for more SYTYCD alum on new episodes of Glee.

Let me start by say I hope everyone had a great Christmas. On Christmas eve I had the opportunity to see Kathryn McCormick perform at her church. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to talk to her because I had to make it to another Christmas eve service. I did however manage to record her performance…which turned out somewhat out of focus. She posted the link to her video on facebook, so I thought I would share it with you guys. So enjoy her performance to Silent Night.

So last night I decided to go out to a local resturant to watch the finale of SYTYCD. Like Kathryn, I am from Augusta, Georgia. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio, which is where Kathryn grew up at too. Unfortunately, I had graduated from high school (also the same school as Kathryn) by the time Kathryn had gotten up to the performing companies. I have watched her dance over the years when I would come back to visit.

So I arrived around seven thirty and the place was already packed, I kind of felt bad for those people who were there just to eat dinner and there were hardly any tables available. I don’t think they knew what was going on. So I decided to sit/stand in the bar area, I knew I would be catching up with a few people. So I spent the time before the show started doing just that, all of my former dance teachers, my extended dance family, and the next generation of dancers that would want to follow in Kathryn’s footsteps. Some of Kathryn’s family was present at the party, I didn’t get to talk to any of them but I did over hear a conversation someone had with her younger brother Logan. Safe to say he is more excited that his sister is coming home, more so than the fact she was on tv.

Then the show starts, and so does the screaming. Just so you guys know us Westies(nickname of our studio) we are a loud bunch. The mood was still rather calm at this point, just excitement of watching the show. It is safe to say that I was caught up in the excitement, so I grabbed a drink and began to enjoy the show. Everytime Kathryn stepped on that stage or just appeared on screen the crowd went crazy. The moment that she and Jakob took the stage for their encore, everyone raced to their seat to watch.

Now to talk about the reactions to the eliminations. Ryan was the first to go and it was rather quiet in the crowd. Ashleigh followed her husband, which I saw that one coming, okay that one got the scream. The same happened with Ellenore. I’ll admit that it was kind of weird to hear the uproar of happiness for Kathryn. So it was down to the final three and I started to get nervous for the first time in the night. There was a collective groan when Cat anounced that Kathryn came in third place. I love Kathryn warning people that her voice was going to be high, which made the crowd laugh. I did love when they cut to Legacy in the audience looking very proud of his original partner. Most every one stuck around to see who would be the winner, judging by the reaction I want to say Jakob was their second pick to win. Though I think most people didn’t care anymore who won. They still threw confetti when Russell won.

It was a good night for so many reasons. I enjoyed catching up with those I danced with and those who taught me. In fact I am planning on taking the Adult tap class, looking forward to that, I haven’t taken a tap class in forever. I am a bit disappointed that Kathryn didn’t win but she was the top girl, and it was well deserved. Everyone in Augusta is so pround of her, I’ll try and post a video of an interview with one of her instructors, Merry, that they filmed at the party. Also on a personal note I would like to say thank you to those readers here that supported Kathryn, I know she will have a career in front of her. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to see her when she is home for Christmas, but if not there is the tour. I know that haven’t said anything yet but I’m sure they are just working out all the details first.

Here is the local news video recaping the night. I’m even in the video, wearing a purple and grey striped sweater. So enjoy!

Hey everyone I just wanted to share an article about Kathryn that was published in the Metro Spirit today. The Metro Spirit is a local paper here in Augusta, Ga.

Dance off with Kathryn McCormick

BY ASHLEY HERRING WHITAKER

AUGUSTA, GA – Kathryn McCormick has been working towards becoming “America’s favorite dancer” for more than 15 years.

McCormick, an Augusta native, performed one last time Tuesday night on “So You Think You Can Dance” and, after call-in votes, a winner will be crowned Wednesday. She is competing against five other dancers, including a married ballroom couple and a quirky contemporary dancer.

McCormick took classes at Augusta West Dance Studio from the age of eight until she left for Los Angeles more than a year ago after earning a small part in the remake of the movie “Fame.”

Megan Luquire, the owner and director of Augusta West, said thatMcCormick was always at the front of the pack when it came to the art of dance.

“She was always the student that was the most dedicated and determined,” Luquire said.

Luquire said that McCormick was always a good “technician,” but that her perfectionist tendencies sometimes got in the way of her dancing.

“I am a really firm believer in dancing from the heart,” Luquire said. “It took me about a year to break her habit of dancing so technically. To see her dance from her heart is the biggest joy.”

McCormick’s and Luquire’s hard work obviously paid off as McCormick made it into season six of the dance reality contest.

Over the course of the season, McCormick has wowed the judges, fallen into the bottom two and been introduced to dance styles that she never encountered before.

Keeping with the show’s knack for throwing dancers out of their comfort zones, contemporary dancer McCormick was paired with B-Boy Jonathan “Legacy” Perez. Luquire said that this pairing made her nervous at first, but that Perez’s encouragement calmed her fears.

“We were like, ‘What if they get ballroom?’” Luquire said. “I think the beauty in that is that Legacy told her it was going to be OK. And it ended up being a beautiful partnership.”

McCormick has performed countless routines ranging from hip-hop to Broadway during her weeks on the show. After attending Dec. 13’s taping of the show, Luquire said that she enjoyed all of the dances but that a few stuck out in her mind.

“During the taping, one routine was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” she said. “I also liked the Cha-Cha because it showed a side of her I’ve never seen before.”

When Luquire found out that McCormick made it on “So You Think You Can Dance,” she was “incredibly excited” for the 19-year-old dancer.

“Throughout high school she was always so close to getting first place,” she said. “Getting on to the show was a type of affirmation for her. It said, ‘I can do this for aliving.’ I’m happy that someone else saw the beauty that I see.”

I hope you guys enjoyed this article. I hope I can get some reactions from friends and family tonight.

The opening number for the top ten results show, has to be one of my favorites this season. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” a classic Billy Joel song, which made for a great dance number. Just as I thought part of Tyce’s inspiration came from Twyla Tharp’s choreograpy for the Broadway musical Movin’ Out. I had the opportunity to see Movin’ Out on Broadway, in fact it was the first show I ever saw in New York. I absolutely loved this show, I’ve seen it a total of three times. Anyways, I was excited to see that someone had decided to do a more up to date broadway number. I would love to see more broadway numbers where the songs are from musicals that were created in the 90s to now, like something from RENT. Okay getting off track here is the video of Tyce talking about the choreography and below it is a video of Movin’ Out from the 2003 Tony Awards.

Granted it’s not the same song but I wanted to share it. Unfortunately it closed on Broadway but I’m not sure if there is a touring show. If there is a tour going on and you love dance then I recomend this show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf6_A-wZiKk

Okay, I’m taking over for Emilie tonight, so this should be interesting. I had originally planned to watch the show with Kathryn’s familiy, friends, dance teachers (who were my dance teachers too). However, due to other things, I will have to wait till next week. Hopefully we will see Kathryn in the top 10. It’s going to be a fun packed show with 12 dances and I’m going to give my thoughts on all the couples and their perfomances. Then I will attempt to rank them some how.

Ellenore and Ryan: 1st dance-Lindy Hop: So happy to see this style back on the show. Adam was right it was a great way to start the show. To be honest I couldn’t think of a better couple to perform this dance, at least for me.
2nd dance-Broadway: Loved this, the performance was fabulous. The best dance for these two for me some far.

Kathryn and Legacy: 1st dance-Jazz: Had to to be one of my favorite Sonya dances since the Garden. Loved that this really showcased her technique and she was able to use Legacy’s b-boy skills. 2nd dance-Vienesse Waltz: I felt like the story that was being told was their story. For me the Vienesse Waltz is always beautiful and I love watching it.

Karen and Victor: 1st dance-Tango: This was good for me and for the first time they have dance together, not to shabby. 2nd dance-Hip Hop: I actually liked the hip hop better than the tango. They had moments they were out of sync but I like the lyrical hip hop, so I didn’t quite agree with the judges on this one.

Molle and Nathan: 1st dance-Hip Hop: It was a cute routine, perhaps too cute on Mollee’s part. Overall a good dance and the dance wouldn’t be complete without Nathan ripping his pants. 2nd dance- Can Can: I agree the best couple to perform this dance. Was anyone else surpised that it was Tyce behind the choreography? I was, mainly because I thought there would have be another new choreographer. Just fun dance and I still can’t get the music out of my head.

Noelle and Russell: 1st dance-Samba: For me this dance was okay, I didn’t expect the review they got would be as good as it was. Their performance was the best part of the routine for me. 2nd dance-Contemporary: Their best dance of the night. I’m with Nigel I am starting to forget that Russell is a street dancer. You know the kinda remind me of Katee and Joshua, Katee was in the footage.

Ashleigh and Jakob: 1st dance-Lyrical Jazz: Another great Soyna routine. What else can you say about Jakob other than flawless. Also Ashleigh has continued to keep up with him and the have a great partnership. 2nd dance-Cha Cha: A role reversal for these two. So happy that Ashleigh was able to dance her style and Jakob kept up with her as I expected him to.

My top 2
Ryan and Ellenore
Kathryn and Legacy

middle 2
Ashleigh and Jakob
Russell and Noelle

bottom 2
Nathan and Mollee
Karen and Victor

So there you have it just my opinion of the night. It’s so hard to really tell who will be going home but for me I’m thinking it might be the end of the road for Victor and Karen. So vote for you favorite, I know I am time for me to put about fifty votes in for Kathryn and Legacy.

I just wish I could find more details other that the ones we already know. The gala is scheduled for Sunday, November 29, 2009 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. We heard from the Judges tonight who will be performing at this event. The season 5 dance are scheduled to perform, along with dancers from Dancing with the Stars, and America’s Best Dance Crew. Plus a first seeing all the leads from each Step Up movie dancing together. So we will see Channing Tatum and his wife and co-star Jenna Dewan, Briana Evigan and Robert Hoffman from Step Up 2, and of course Twitch and other past favorites from SYTYCD that are scheduled to appear in the thrid installment. Also performances by the first recipients of Dizzy Feet scholarships from Juilliard, Alvin Ailey and American Ballet Theatre. Plus a performance from Mary Murphy and Dmitry.

Unfortunaly this event will not be televised, which I personally don’t like and I’m jealous of those who are going. So if you live in the Los Angeles area and would like to attend this sure to be amazing show, you can buy your tickets on Ticketmaster.

So for those of us that can’t attend the Gala and still would like to support the foundation go to the Dizzy Feet website. They also have a Dizzy Feet store now also so check it out. If you can donate please do every little bit counts and it for a great cause.

This came from the same site as my previous post. Bianca was too upset to do an interview.

Again my heart goes out to him and his family.

I stumbled across this SYTYCD profile on Facebook and wanted to share it here. These interviews are from Korbi Tv and are after the elimination of the two tappers. Find more from her.
Nigel

Adam

Mary

Just thought I would share this there seems to be a lot more on this site so check it out if you get the chance.

Sometimes the can be so many misconceptions on what some of the dancers can or cannot do. I know that they are classified into one category which for some of these dancers it’s completely unfair. Contemporary dancers are some of the most well rounded dancers. They typically have studied every style of dance (with the exception of ballroom and maybe a few other styles). If they grew up in a dance studio chances are they took jazz, tap, ballet and lyrical/contemporary classes. That being said they have most likely chosen their favorite style to classify themselves. Fun fact in the tour program Evan said that he always has his TAP shoes with him. Kathryn can tap as well…I took at the same studio she did…that’s how I know.

I also think tap dancers are also misunderstood. I don’t think anyone who hasn’t danced know what it takes to be a tap dancer. Here is what Wikipedia has to say about tap dance and its technique:

“Tap dancers make frequent use of syncopation. Choreography typically starts on the eighth or first beatcount. Another aspect of tap dancing is improvisation. This can either be done with music and follow the beats provided or without musical accompaniment, otherwise known as a cappella dancing. Hoofers are tap dancers who dance primarily with their legs, making a louder, more grounded sound. This kind of tap dancing, also called “rhythm tap”, came primarily from cities or poor areas. Today this is not the case, especially with such a wide variety of styles spreading throughout the world. Steve Condos rose out of his humble beginnings in Pittsburgh, PA to become a master in rhythmic tap. His innovative style influenced the work of Gregory Hines, Savion Glover and Marshall Davis, Jr. The majority of hoofers, such as Sammy Davis Jr., Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, and LaVaughn Robinson are African American men, although today the art form transcends racial and gender stereotypes. Savion Glover is the best-known living hoofer, who helped bring tap dance into mainstream media by choreographing and dancing for the major motion picture Happy Feet, a film about a tap dancing penguin. Another well-known tap film is 1989’s Tap, starring the late Gregory Hines and many of the old-time hoofers. Early dancers like Fred Astaire provided a more ballroom look to tap dancing, while Gene Kelly used his extensive ballet training to make tap dancing incorporate all the parts of the ballet. This style of tap led to what is today known as “Broadway style,” which is more mainstream in American culture. It often involves high heeled tap shoes and show music, and is usually the type of tap first taught to beginners. The best examples of this style are found in Broadway musicals such as 42nd Street. Common tap steps include the shuffle, shuffle ball change, flap, flap heel, cramproll, buffalo, Maxi Ford, single and double pullbacks, wings, Cincinnati, the shim sham shimmy (also called the Lindy), Irish, Waltz Clog, the paddle and roll, stomp, brushes, scuffs, and single and double toe punches, hot steps, heel clicks, single, double and triple time steps, riffs, over-the-tops, military time step, new yorkers, and chugs. In advanced tap dancing, basic steps are often combined together to create new steps.”

Tap is the first dance class I ever took and I have loved it ever since. That is why I’m excited about the tap dancers to be on the show. On the meet the top 20 we saw more of a Broadway style of tap dance. They have little time to learn a routine so sometimes they have to go with the more simplistic choreography. They not only have to dance the same but they also have to sound the same…which isn’t always easy. Plus for the show their taps have microphones attached to them so we can hear them at home. Each of the tap dancers represents a different from of tap. Phillip for me reminds me of a mix of Gene Kelly and Gregory Hines. He is more Broadway to me, very light on his feet, though he is able to transition into the rhythm tap. Bianca and Peter are the Rhythm tappers. They stay low to the ground. I have to admit I was kind of hoping that they wouldn’t be choreographed just to let them improvise and work together to create something. Nigel is right they look cool calm and collected from the waist up and their feet moving really fast. I could go on and on but I won’t I thought Wikipedia explains tap better than I could but if you guys have anymore questions, I will try to answer them the best I can.