Welcome to Pure So You Think You Can Dance Canada

I had glorious plans to go down early and see who I could talk to and meet at the Vancouver auditions.

Those glorious plans, however, failed. After moving December 1st, [and now a week later still living out of boxes] I just didn’t have the time or motivation to go down that early in the cold…

though I did harass Blake McGrath on twitter and follow the judges tweets to live vicariously through them while they were in my city. I don’t know if I could have been entirely nice to Leah Miller – I just want to tell her how I loathe her…

I really hope to see some Vancouverites make it onto the show… it’s always nice to have some locals to root for…

I think this may be Menina Fortunato’s (who I went to highschool with) sister Sante who auditioned last year (and I think should have made it – maybe this year?)

How many hopefuls recieved a boarding pass? Can’t wait to see the show!

And who will survive Blake Bootcamp?

CTV’s Lindsay Zier-Vogel wrote this:

She heads to the gym often and runs a 10 kilometre route along the sea wall five days a week. “I’ve done a couple of half-marathons too,” she says. “I find the cardio and endurance always helps — I don’t ever get tired on stage!”

add to del.icio.us

Tre Armstrong

So far, Vancouver has been the best city for returns — the comebacks. The dancers who are determined to make it into this season’s Top 20.

I like that because they’ve all gotten stronger, but it does make our job as judges more difficult!

And for Montreal

The energy has really picked up over the course of the day. The first couple of groups seemed really nervous, but as soon as they got going, the nervous energy floated away. The b-boys are always good for that — they’re so easy going in Montreal.

I’m really looking for uniqueness in this city — I want to see the next Dario, that totally different look.

I must say, the ballroom is out of this world!

[source]

CTV REPORTS:

The 24th Annual Gemini Awards were presented in a glitzy event held in Calgary [ November 16th ]weekend and Leah Miller, host of So You Think You Can Dance Canada, beat out Canadian Idol’s Season 6 winner Theo Tams and 2009 Juno Award host comedian Russell Peters to receive the Gemini Award for best performance or host in a variety program.

Earlier in October, So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 1 won a Gemini for Best Music, Variety Program or Series. In 2008, Miller received the Viewers’ Choice Gemini Award for Hottest Canadian Female.

What?

Well, this was shocking news. I am not a fan of Leah Miller and I am quite surprised she beat out Russell Peters who is hilarious and even Theo Tams, who is adorably charming.

I find Leah to be so condescending. SYTYCD Canada as a whole is a super show so in that sense it doesn’t surprise me that it’s host would win, but I can’t help but think it is more the success of the show overall than anything particular about Leah Miller.

That’s just my opinion, what do you think?

CTV Posted this Friday:

For most dancers, performing with Janet Jackson is at the top of their list of ultimate dream jobs, but for So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 1’s winner Nico Archambault and finalist Natalli Reznik, it’s a dream come true.

On November 22nd, Nico and Natalli will join Jackson on stage at the 2009 American Music Awards, performing a high-energy, five song mash-up routine.

“It’s such a great experience,” Nico says on his way to rehearsal in Los Angeles. “It’s the best you can get. It’s the top gig and it’s so much fun.”

Natalli agrees: “It’s amazing. It’s been really, really exciting,” she gushes.

Getting the call

Nico got the call from Jackson’s choreographer, Gil Duldulao, who choreographed the Michael Jackson tribute number on Season 2’s Top 20 show. “He called me on my birthday, on October 18th. It was amazing. It was the best gift ever!” Nico says.

And even the ever-confident, cool-as-a-cucumber Nico almost couldn’t believe it. “When I hung up, I was like, ‘Was that real? Did I really just get that call?’”

Though he had met Duldulao before, they had all just worked together on the set for judge and choreographer Blake McGrath’s video shoot. Natalli was also in the video.

“It was after we finished taping that Gil texted me and said, ‘Do you want to audition for Janet?’” Natalli remembers. “At first I thought he was kidding, or just being funny, but I said yes, of course.”

Natalli first saw the video for Jackson’s ‘All Night, Don’t Stop,’ when she was dancing with Cirque du Soleil and immediately knew that was what she wanted to do with her dance career. “When I saw that, I was so inspired and it stayed with me.”

Meeting Janet

Natalli admits she got giddy and giggly when she first met Jackson. “I was talking so much. I couldn’t stop,” she laughs.

When she first got to L.A., Natalli’s suitcase was delayed and she had to head to rehearsal without any dance clothes. “Janet brought me running shoes to rehearsal. That’s Janet — that’s how sweet she is.”

“I’ve never been a groupie of anyone in my life, so it wasn’t like I stopped breathing or passed out or anything,” Nico says with his signature calm, but admits the first time Janet joined them in rehearsal he had to take a moment. “I had to just say to myself, ‘Janet’s in the studio right now. Janet Jackson!’” And even though she is one of the biggest stars in the industry, Nico says she is approachable and friendly and makes sure she fosters ‘a really good vibe’ in the rehearsal studio.

“At one point, Janet was working on a routine and the dancers were having a break and I was sitting there, thinking to myself, ‘I have a really great job. Here I am, witnessing Janet learning her routine and I’m part of it. Wow.’”

The Jackson experience

Though the hours are long and the rehearsals grueling, Natalli insists the days go by quickly: “We work hard, but it’s so much fun.”

She notes that choreographer Duldulao is meticulous. “All the hand movements are precise and everybody needs to be the same,” she explains.

The dancers have even learned some of Jackson’s older choreography. “‘If’ is such a legend. Everybody who was a dancer growing up watched it off TV and copied it in their living rooms and stuff. It’s like ‘Thriller’ — it’s just one of those legendary dances and it’s so amazing that I’m doing it now,” Natalli says.

Nico isn’t just taking in this experience as a dancer, but also as a choreographer. “I’m observing all the time and taking it all in, especially about the way the space is used. It gives it a whole different dimension,” he says.

Nico says working spatially is one of the hardest things to learn as a choreographer – “You can’t practice it until you have a group of dancers to put your work on. You really need bodies in the space.”

The movement quality

Nico calls the movement “a mix of everything” — street jazz with some hip-hop influences and Natalli adds that there is also a lot of intricate arm movement.

“It’s precise and there’s a lot happening all the time — it’s very quick and there’s a lot of musicality in her work. The choreography is just so Janet!”

With all of the specific arm and head movements, Natalli says you have to be really strong to execute the sharp movement. “‘Use your hands like blades,’ is what Gil always says to us,” she says.

Future plans

Though Natalli hasn’t had a lot of time to explore L.A. yet, she’s enjoyed the food and the shopping. “And it’s so sunny and hot!” she says. She is planning on getting herself an apartment in California so she is able to work in L.A. and Toronto.

“I’ve wanted to live here for 10 years and all of a sudden, it’s all happening,” she beams.

Nico, on the other hand, isn’t a huge fan of the city. “I love what’s happening here — the dancing and what I get to do here, but as a city, it’s not really my thing. If I’m going to be in a city, I’d prefer Montreal or New York,” he says.

But don’t count on Nico settling into any one city any time soon. “I like my gypsy lifestyle right now. I just want to be a dancer, so wherever there’s a project that appeals to me that looks really interesting then I’ll go and I’ll do it.

“My whole point is to keep learning and I’m really learning from the best right now.”

TUNE IN SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22 for AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS ON ABC

CTV posted all the details for audtions for Season 3 of SYTYCD Canada

Hopefuls from across the country will audition to see if they can follow in the footsteps of Canada’s two Favourite Dancers — Tara-Jean Popowich from Lethbridge, Alta. and Nico Archambault from Montreal, Que.

And on the judging panel for the first stop on So You Think You Can Dance Canada cross-country auditions are:

And as always, Blake McGrath will be choreographing for Blake Bootcamp. Toronto Auditions happened yesterday and more are coming up.

Montreal, Que.
Saturday, November 28
Palais des Congres, Viger Hall
201 Avenue Viger Ouest

Vancouver, B.C.
Saturday, December 5
The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
777 Homer Street
Registration starts at 8 a.m.

East Coast City
Venue and date to be announced.

Calgary, Alta.
Venue and date to be announced.

There are rules and forms and information you must read before you go here

I will try to pop by the Vancouver Auditions and get some clips for the site

What is Tara-Jean up to since her win?

CTV caught up with her to see….

The reality of being Canada’s Favourite Dancer still hasn’t sunk in for Tara-Jean Popowich. “It’s been amazing, everything’s been amazing, but it still totally catches me by surprise!” she laughs.

It might not have sunk in for Tara-Jean, but it certainly has for her hometown of Lethbridge, Alta. This week, in a special ceremony, Tara-Jean was given the key to her hometown, but not before Mayor Robert Tarleck waltzed with Tara-Jean around City Hall.

“He’s a really good partner. He was leading me really well,” Tara-Jean laughs.

“The weirdest part is seeing my face everywhere and my name,” she says, adding she’s seen her photograph on billboards and on the front lawns of schools. “Even on a McDonald’s sign,” she laughs.

“Lethbridge people are so excited for me!” she says. “After Halloween, I got a whole bunch of messages about kids dressing up as Tara-Jean for Halloween! They were wearing blonde wigs and were wearing hats with dance outfits. It’s so crazy!”

Family time: Perogies and cabbage rolls

After her exciting win at the end of October, Tara-Jean headed home to spend some time with her family. “It was pretty late when I got in, but all my family surprised me. We ended up staying up until 3 o’clock in the morning,” she says.

After what she calls “the best sleep I’ve had in the last four months,” Tara-Jean indulged in a feast of her favourite foods.

“We’re such a Ukrainian family and I really missed having perogies and cabbage rolls, so that was the first thing my mom cooked for me,” she says.

Busy, busy, busy

Tara-Jean hasn’t had too much time to relax since her win, but she’s not complaining. She gets her 2010 Mazda 3 Sport next week and this week, she walked the red carpet at Flare magazine’s 30th anniversary.

“I brought three different dresses, but until the very last minute, I hadn’t picked which one I wanted to wear,” she giggles.

Though she still hasn’t figured out exactly how she’s going to spend all of her $100,000 prize money, she is helping her mom pay off the rest of her mortgage and also helping her brother with his education. With the rest of the funds, she hopes to start her own dance company and produce her own show.

Motivational speeches

Tara-Jean believes in giving back to the community that supported her throughout her SYTYCDC journey, and has been visiting Lethbridge schools to chat with excited students.

“It was kind of overwhelming at first, because all the kids just run up to you and want to take pictures and get autographs, but it’s so amazing,” she says, reveling in the position of role model.

At many of the schools, there were boxes of woodchips that said ‘Knock on wood for Tara-Jean.’ “How cute is that?” Tara-Jean beams.

“‘If I achieved something, so can you,’ she tells the students. “‘I was exactly like you, I was an average student, I didn’t come from a lot of money, just a small-town girl from Lethbridge.’

“It’s really nice to see kids really have faith in themselves,” she adds. “I love that the message is out there that you can do whatever you want no matter where you’re from. It makes me so happy.

“I was sitting in those exact same desks and look where I’ve gone. It’s a lot of hard work, but they can do it.”

Source

End of October was a busy time and I can’t believe I didn’t post this…. then I was very ill for the start of November, so here we go, better late than never…

From Four there was one….

Tara-Jean Won Season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada.

I was pretty shocked because she didn’t ever really stand out to me, I even predicted she’d go home a few times… that being said, she is so sweet and talented, I am quite thrilled she did win.

Of course we know from previous seasons of SYTYCD Canada and USA that many of the dancers Top 10 and otherwise go on to great things…. I wish Tara-Jean the best of luck.

I apologize that I’m a little late in posting this, but better late than never I guess.

Jayme Rae Dailey, Vincent Desjardins, Tara-Jean Popowich and Everett Smith danced a Cabaret to the song “Theme for Gypsy (Shivas Regal)” —Sonny Lester & His Orchestra choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Vincent Desjardins and Everett Smith danced a Hip-hop to the song “B.O.B.” —Outkast choreographed by Sho-Tyme
Tara-Jean Popowich and Everett Smith danced a Jazz to the song “Say (All I Need)” —OneRepublic choreographed by Sean Cheesman
Jayme Rae Dailey and Tara-Jean Popowich danced a Mambo to the song “Ran Kan Kan” —Tito Puente choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Jayme Rae Dailey and Vincent Desjardins danced a Contemporary to the song “Can’t Stop Thinking About You” —Martin Sexton choreographed by Stacey Tookey
Tara-Jean Popowich and Vincent Desjardins danced a Hustle to the song “Last Dance” —Donna Summer choreographed by Maria Torres
Jayme Rae Dailey and Everett Smith danced a Samba to the song “Run the Show” —Kat DeLuna choreographed by Eric Caty and Kelly Lannan

Solos:
Everett Smith: “Style” —Cameo
Jayme Rae Dailey: “Radiaciones Arrabaleras” —Bailongo!
Vincent Desjardins: “Land of 1000 Dances” —Wilson Pickett
Tara-Jean Popowich: “Bleeding Love” —Boyce Avenue

It feels like this season flew by.

I apologize for my lack of posts and power rankings last week but I was unable to post, despite having watched and taken notes for a post – I just didn’t get time. I can say I was shocked Melanie Mah went home, as she was a fave from day one for me and I was not surprised Emmanuel went home, as I felt he had gone as far as he could and should have gone home the week previously instead of Cody.

That being said – let’s focus on our Top 4 – - – wow!

There is so much chatter from the judges that the girls are the stars and that a female will win it, I can’t help but wonder if this is suggestive from the judges to try and make it a female since Nico won last year…. maybe I am just a conspiracy theorist…. but I think the men are equally talented as the women and it will be a tough season finale to watch.

I loved seeing the 4 dance together, then the 2 males and 2 females. Plus couples dances and solo’s made an action-packed evening.

We had some awesome judges (yes I am biased-ly in love with Blake McGrath & his blue jacket!)

Leah looked less “wind-tunnelled” (yes, that is as close to a compliment as she gets…. she is too young to have a face that looks it’s had plastic surgery)

Top 4
Melanie LaPatin and Tony Meredith.
Cabaret

Sexy, Hot, Loved the entire thing to bits!

Top 2 Men
Show-Tyme
Hip Hop

This was so fast, I really enjoyed it, I thought Everett picked it up better, perhaps from his tap skills?

Tara-Jean & Everett
Sean Cheeseman
Jazz

This was so moving, it made me love these two most of the top 4… powerful, emotional, despite a tumble…Best / Fave Routine of the Night

Top 2 Women
Melanie LaPatin and Tony Meredith.
Mambo

This was good, Jayme Rae outshone Tara-Jean (in my opinion) but the “salt & pepper spice” comment by Blake and the mini-lap-dances from the girls to the judges was cute & fun.

Jayme Rae & Vincent
Stacey Tookey
Contemporary

This was an awesome routine also – my 2nd fave of the night I think… though at Top 4 they are all amazing aren’t they?

Tara-Jean & Vincent
Maria Torres
Hustle

Her dress was stunning and they moved so well together, it was entertaining and awesome

Jayme Rae & Everett
Kelly Lannan & Eric Caty
Samba

Everett is such a showman and Jayme Rae has such an appeal – I just love watching these 2 dance. Look at this photo – what an ending!!!

Solo’s

Jayme Rae – She became a fave early on and has remained strong. I find her entertaining and alluring and I think people will vote for her. If she wins, Canada will have voted well.

Tara-Jean – Pretty and quiet, she never stood out for me, I often predicted she’d go home but she is still here and she always shows us why. Her solo was full of flips and jumps that impressed me.

Vincent – His solo’s are always amazing. Although I wasn’t a huge fan in the start and even thought he’d go home earlier on, he seems like an easy win based on his following.

Everett – His tapping just captivates me. He is the underdog in my opinion, but if he won it I’d be happily pleased. He is like the Evan of SYTYCD last season in my books.

My Picks

I’d like to see Everett or Jayme Rae take it… but I feel like Vincent or tara-Jean might. I know I am copping out of predictions… I jsut think they are all so wonderful.

[Photo Source]

Time again for the SYTYCD Canada music list. This time from the SYTYCD Canada Top 6 Results show.

Group dance: “Turn the Beat Around” —Vicki Sue Robinson (Disco; Choreographer: Tre Armstrong)

SYTYCD Canada Solos:
Jayme Rae Dailey: “I’m Not Afraid” —Jill Scott
Melanie Mah: “On Your Porch” —The Format
Tara-Jean Popowich: “The Waves” —Elisa
Vincent Desjardins:
Everett Smith: “Oh…Canada”—Classified
Emanuel Sandhu: “Let’s Dance” —David Bowie