Welcome to Pure So You Think You Can Dance Canada

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

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

Time to list the music from the So You Think You Can Dance Canada top 6 performances.

Top 3 girls: “Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings and Continuo in D Minor, BWV 1043: II, Largo ma non tanto” —The Scottish Ensemble/Jonathan Rees (Contemporary, Choreographer: Mia Michaels)
Top 3 boys: “Get Up Offa That Thing” —James Brown (Suave-Funk; Choreographer: Gustavo Vargas)

SYTYCD Canada Couples Music
Tara-Jean Popowich and Vincent Desjardins danced a Salsa to the song “Vengo Caliente” –Sonora Carruseles choreographed by Gustavo Vargas
Tara-Jean Popowich and Vincent Desjardins danced a Contemporary to the song “It Doesn’t Hurt” (Studio Version) —Katie Thompson choreographed by Stacey Tookey
Melanie Mah and Everett Smith danced a Jazz-Rock to the song “Burn It to the Ground” —Nickelback choreographed by Melissa Williams
Melanie Mah and Everett Smith danced a Hip-hop to the song “That’s Right” —Ciara choreographed by Luther Brown
Jayme Rae Dailey and Emanuel Sandhu danced a Quickstep to the song “Let’s Go”—Hipjoint feat. Sherry St. Germain choreographed by Pierre Allaire
Jayme Rae Dailey and Emanuel Sandhu danced a Jazz-Funk to the song “I Gotta Feeling” -Black Eyed Peas choreographed by Blake McGrath

SYTYCD Canada Solo Music
Jayme Rae Dailey: “As Much As I Ever Could” —City and Colour
Tara-Jean Popowich: “Fever” —Michael Bublé
Melanie Mah: “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” —The Postal Service
Everett Smith: “Shake Your Pants” —Cameo
Vincent Desjardins: “Ai Mi Morena” (Chocolate Restyle) —Mo’ Horizons

So my power rankings started off strong then faded with my predictions for Bottom 3 couples usually only being 1/3 accurate, though my predictions for who goes home have been pretty close throughout.

Tre, Jean-Marc, Luther and Blake were judges and we saw lot’s of familiar choreographers as well as some past contestents Natali Reznik and Francis Lafreniere who guest choreographed.

This Week things changed. Top 10 means new couples each week and solo’s from all for individual votes. I am going to talk briefly about the couples routines then go into power rankings by individual.

First of All – Couples Dances

This is in order of performance not ranking:

Vincent & Melanie
Pasa Doble with Natalie Resnik & Francis Lafreniere
“Conquest” – White Stripes

This was agressive and entertaining. Melanie showcased legs I didn’t know she had and that flip into Vincent’s arms was awesome.

Cody & Amy
Contemporary with Stacey Tookey
“Come Home” – One Republic

There was a lot of partnering and overall it was pretty and quite fluid. Cody out performed Amy and as the judges noted, she should have stood out given it is her area of dance!

Emanuel & Tara-Jean
Samba with Tony & Melanie
“Samba Vocalizado” -Luciano Perrone

This was fantastic. I really liked that Emanuel took the character on so well and they both shook their booties like there was no tomorrow. I was so scared my heart jumped when Emanuel charged at TJ to jump as she did a back bend… wow!

Everett & Kim
Jazz with Sean Cheeseman
“St. James Infirmary Blues” —The White Stripes

This was creepy and fun. I loved the use of the table and how Kim was “dead” it was really entertaining. I wasn’t a fan of Kim neccessarily and all of a sudden all the judges are soo ga-ga over her… but I am starting to see it more.

Jayme Rae & Austin
Hip Hop with ShoTyme
“Da Rockwilder” —Method Man & Redman

I think she hit harder than he did. Austin is such a beautiful fluid dancer I think this hard-hitting hip hop was a challenge for him. It was fun to watch though.

Power Rankings

Girls

Melanie
“The Fame” – Lady Gaga
This girl has energy, she almost had too much tonight if you ask me, but she was all over the place and performed well overall. I hope she is safe.

Jayme Rae
“Make me Over” – Keyshia Cole
This was fun, sexy, only she can pull off those silver spandex! I see so much passion and versatility in her. I worry she will be lower than my ranking, I love her but I feel like Canada doesn’t as much.

Tara-Jean
“Relief” – Chris Garneau
She has passion and she is quirky and fun. I like dhow she was flowing so beautifully then would have sudden jerky movements. The juxtaposition of her movements fit well to the music and I loved her shoulder movements.

Kim
“Kiss from a rose” – Seal
It didn’t stand out to me as anything spectacular. She was wearing a bikini top that I thought would fall off. I’d put her in the bottom though i don’t know if Canada will.

Amy
“Wanted” – Vanessa Carlton
It was pretty and cute. It didn’t stand out for me much. I predict she goes home.

Boys

Everett
“Everybody Dance” – Chic
Wow! This was entertaining. Tap is not typically that entertaining to me but he was fun and had great moves and energy. I know most may not put him in the top but he was my top solo for the men tonight…

Cody
“I need a girl” – P. Diddy
This kid can do no wrong in my book. He is so adorable and a pleasure to watch, especailly in his element. His moves were awesome and I enjoyed it. I would be surprised if he was in the bottom, though he has been before. Me and Canada disagree sometimes.

Emanuel
“Bridge” – Amon Tobin?
This guy is def. a figure skater. His foot work was stunning, his jumps and turns amazing and if I didn’t know any better I would have thought he WAS floating on an ice rink. Awesome Dance. Canada Loves him… likely safe.

Vincent
“Can you feel it” – Real2Real
Flawless, natural and upbeat. He moved his hips like no man I’ve seen and he just kills it everytime he is on stage. He was not an early fave for me but I love him now! I think he is safe.

Austin
“Always Midnight” – Pat Monahan
A beautiful solo as always (he has sure had his fair share of opportunities for solo’s this season!) He has such passion and moves so smoothly, it is hard to get ridof him after seeing his solo’s, but he has been bottom 3 before a few times and it’s crunch time. I predict he will go home.

Final Thoughts

Amy did not stand out for me amongst everyone else so I predict she will go home.

Austin has been in the bottom 3 many times and his couple performance was weak so I am predicting he will go home.

I know that Mandy included the list of music in her SYTYCD Canada power rankings, but just for format sake I decided to list it here in the usual fashion. You can also take a look back at all the previous SYTYCD Canada music.

Melanie Mah and Cody Bonnell danced to Hip-hop to the song “Turnin Me On” —Keri Hilson featuring Lil Wayne choreographed by Luther Brown
Amy Gardner and Vincent Desjardins danced to Cha-cha-cha to the song “Rie y Llora” —Celia Cruz choreographed by Gustavo Vargas
Tara-Jean Popowich and Everett Smith danced to House to the song “When Love Takes Over” —Kelly Rowland featuring David Guetta choreographed by Sho-Tyme
Kim Gingras and Emanuel Sandhu danced to Contemporary to the song “To Build a Home” —The Cinematic Orchestra choreographed by Stacey Tookey
Jayme Rae Dailey and Daniel Dory danced to Disco to the song “Disco Inferno” —The Trammps choreographed by Melissa Williams
Natalie Lyons and Danny Lawn danced to West Coast Swing to the song “Love Lockdown” —Kanye West choreographed by Benji Schwimmer and Donyelle Jones
Corynne Barron and Austin Di Iulio danced to Jazz to the song “Paparazzi” —Lady Gaga choreographed by Johnny Byrne

Last Week’s Power Rankings I predicted 1/3 of the Bottom 3 and one of the two going home.

This week I hope to be more accurate (Hey, the previous week I was 3/3)

Our judges this evening were Dan Karaty, Karen Kain, Tre Armstrong and Jean-Marc Genereux. Dan spoke about how SYTYCD Canada pushes the envelop and keeps getting sexier. Tomorrow Night Blake’s choreographed an “almost too sexy for tv” routine that I can’t wait to see.

1.Cody & Melanie
Hip Hop with Luther
“Turnin’ me on” – Keri Hilson ft. Lil Wayne

Yes, they are my favourite couple (though Jayme Rae & Daniel are creeping up a close second lately) but this routine by Luther was HOT! Cody didn’t have what I refer to as “Evan syndrome” (being too cute and innocent) he rocked it hard along with Melanie who was hard-hitting. They were convincing, they were in unison and they were sexy. Best routine of the night in my opinion.

2. Jayme Rae & Daniel
Disco with Melissa Williams
“Disco Inferno” -The Trammps

The lifts, the spins, the flips, the bounce, the outfits… it was hot. I don’t know what the heck Dan Karaty was watching but he was not watching these guys dance if he thinks they weren’t “there” When Jayme Rae did those splits in a lift then a spin and flip – holy guacamole – amazing! Disco is face-paced and fun and these guys did a fantastic job and entertained me.

3. Austin & Corynne
Hollywood Jazz with John Byrne
“Paparazzi” – Lady Gaga

I haven’t liked Austin since auditions but that guy can dance. I have liked Corynne since auditions and I am really glad these two are paired, they seem to really connect and I think they will stay out of the bottom 3 again this week. I didn’t like the gun part, it seemed corny but the falls and jumps and that KISS!?! wow!

4. Natalie & Danny
West Coast Swing with Benji Schwimmer
“Love Lock Down” – Kanye West

I have tried West Coast Swing and this to me was so unlike what I have tried (at a novice level obviously ha ha!) Benji is a genius. There were some amazing flips and complicated patterns but the air worked well together and performed beautifully. (Although I wasn’t a fan of the song – especially after kanye’s lil’ outburst at the VMA’s this past weekend!)

———————BOTTOM 3————————-

5. Tara-Jean & Everett
House with Sho Tyme
“When Love Takes Over” – David Guette

I don’t want to put these guys in the Bottom 3 but it’s a close call with Natalie & Danny / Tara-Jean & Everett. It was very fast, it was entertaining, it truly was body versus feet as Dan Karaty said. I enjoyed it but something about Benji’s routine made it stand out slightly above this one and so here we are with our Bottom 3 predictions.

6. Kim & Emanuel
Contemporary with Stacey Tookey
“To Build a Home” – Cinematic Orchestra
They seem defeated in the rehearsal clips. With bruises and injuries and struggling with the lifts. It felt like a real bummer just watching. Though they performed well, their outfits were boring, it was slow and seemed to just drag on for me. Near the end it pick ed up and they gave it some life but I just felt like it fell short.

7. Amy & Vincent
Cha Cha with Gustavo Vargas
“Rie y llora” – Celia Cruz

It was fun and sexy and cute but it didn’t stand out much compared to other routines this evening. it was quirky but just nothing spectacular in my opinion.

Assuming my Bottom 3 are correct (and it is so hard to tell at this point) I would predict that Amy & Vincent go home… ooh I dunno…. everyone deserve to be where they are on that stage… so sad to send people home each week.

Can’t wait for Blake’s routine tomorrow

I apologize for being a little behind. I forgot to post this last week and so I’ll post it now since someone was looking for it. I’ll try to be better about posting it from now on.

Group dance: “Malagenha” —Sergio Mendes (African/Brazilian; Choreographer: Jean-Marc Généreux)

Solo Music:
Jenna-Lynn Higgins: “I Gotta Feeling” —The Black Eyed Peas
Amy Gardner: “Yummy” —Gwen Stefani
Melanie Mah: “A Little More of You” —Ashley Chambliss
Nicolas Bégin: “Pavlo Style”—Pavlo
Vincent Desjardins: “She’s So Fine”—Jackie Wilson
Cody Bonnell: “Love Struck” —VFactory

Eliminated:
Jenna-Lynn Higgins
Nicolas Bégin

Hi guys. This is a new segment devoted to the music used on the show. I know we’ve posted up the song titles but we haven’t really got in depth as to how the music contributes (or not) to the choreography and how important the music is to So You Think You Can Dance Canada. I am going to go one-by-one through each of the routines and comment on the music used. This is for all you huge music lovers out there.

Kim & Emanuel – Jazz
Ciara ft. Justin Timberlake – Love, Sex, & Magic
Wow! Let me just start by saying – what an exhilarating piece. Blake was right when he said it was going to be sexy and hard-hitting. I felt the boom’s and the ka’s and the sha’s – they were all hit in the right place. I love that Blake actually incorporated magic into the number. Since the song’s debut, it has been a song used in dances related to sexiness and just showing off what you got. It has got a nice, steady jazzy beat, perfect for the dance style. Also, the lyrics are quite simple – they are enough to show what the song is talking about – and it isn’t that hard to figure out. My favourite part was when Emanuel had to lick Kim’s boots when the song was actually talking about boots! It surely got the crowd going – perfect for an opening number. Ciara herself is a great performer. I loved that they used this song for a jazz routine but I can also see it used as a hip hop routine, as Ciara is an R&B singer.

Amy & Vincent – Hip Hop
Black Eyed Peas – Boom Boom Pow
Personally, I am not a huge fan of BEP’s newest album, The E.N.D. Their older songs like “Where Is The Love?”, “Don’t Phunk With My Heart”, & “Dum Diddley” were used greatly on past SYTYCD America seasons. The BEP seem to be a big hit with SYTYCD. However, their new songs have a good beat but I don’t think they are as developed and mature as I’ve seen their music in the past. Now it all seems to be about making singles or “great” tracks with great beats. If you turn off the music and just watch them two dance, the whole thing seems a bit mediocre, and a little childish. Amy also seems to be hitting the moves harder than Vincent, but still not as hard as I’d like them to hit it. The music really helps a lot.

Corynne & Austin – Contemporary
The Fray – Never Say Never
I am going to be a little biased here because I absolutely LOVE this song and The Fray. I do feel like this is the perfect song to be used for the piece. It always gets me during the “Don’t let me go, don’t let me go…” chorus because the repetition and emphasis is just so powerful – especially when the story of the piece actually relates to the lyrics. I must say – it somewhat disappointed me. There did not seem to be enough synchronization, fluidity and chemistry that I’d like to have seen. Corynne’s expression also seemed very forced and fake. The song calls for a mellow and desperate mood, but due to the dancers’ expressions and the choreography, I don’t think the song’s melody and tempo was used to it’s full potential. However, it was still very good.

Melanie & Cody – Mambo
Michi Sarmiento – Suena Ahora
This was a good song to use for the beach setting. However, I don’t think it had enough energy to carry off the repetitive and very juvenile choreography that was set for the two. Quite frankly, I thought this was the weakest of the performances that night, as much as I LOVE this duo. For the music, I would’ve used something funkier and something with more personality. “Jungle Drum” by Emiliana Torrini seems like a good song. It may not be your typical mambo music but it does have some tropical feel to it.

TJ & Everett – Quickstep
Hot Rolls Ragtime Band – Chicago Overture
Why have they been given 3 ballroom dances in a row?! I am surprised that they haven’t been in the bottom 3 couples yet! I have a feeling that Tara-Jean will go far, but that’s beside the point. Anyway, I was surprised when they said the song was originally used for a certain brutal violent time that happened in Chicago in the past? The song was just so uplifting. The repeated Charleston’s that they did actually fit the trumpets in the song. Not a huge fan, but it fit well, I guess.

Jayme Rae & Daniel – Hip Hop
Ciara – Pucker Up
I don’t know this song very well but I feel like the choreography was pretty funky, just like the song. I actually would’ve preferred “Sweet Dreams” by Beyoncé in one of their hip hop dances. Sweet Dreams just has such a catchy upbeat rhythm and intense vocals. It drives your soul, literally. This was danced and choreography actually more fluid than I would’ve preferred it. Using Sweet Dreams would’ve fit it more, and the tempo and beat also seems to fit too.

Jenna Lynn & Nicolas – Hustle
Jamiroquai – Canned Heat
When I imagined a one last dance for the end of the world, this is actually a song I would love to dance to. It fit the style and it fit the mood. More importantly, the choreography fit well with the song altogether. One of the songs that was better used.

Natalie & Danny – Rhumba
Perez Prado – Historia de un Amor
You lost me here. Was I supposed to believe that they were in love since the song is called “History of a Loved One”? It seemed like two nervous dancers forced to dance the rhumba to me! It was not passionate and it seemed like Danny wanted to eat Natalie. Anyway, enough with the dancers themselves. If this was supposed to be a dance of love and that rhumba is considered the “ballet of ballroom”, should it not be more technical, precise, elegant, and slower? I am not a huge expert on rhumba, but this to me looked so much better and had much better music than the one they used.

From the time Natalie started doing her little wiggles on stage, I was wondering…corny. When they broke apart from each other back-to-back and the beat started coming in, it did not seem to follow the music at all. The song’s cymbals and horns were also just so annoying.

There’s my first ever take on the show’s music! What did you think of the music used?

Time again for the list of music from So You Think You Can Dance Canada’s top 18. Also, take a look at a short recap of the SYTYCD Canada top 18 and highlights of the SYTYCD Canada top 18. Here’s a link to also find all the previous SYTYCD Canada music.

Melanie Mah and Cody Bonnell danced Krump to the song “Buck n’ Roll”—Tha J-Squad choreographed by Lil’ C
Tara-Jean Popowich and Everett Smith danced Salsa to the song “Ana Pa Mi Tambor” —La Excelencia choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Kim Gingras and Emanuel Sandhu danced Theatre to the song “Maybe This Time” —Connie Fisher choreographed by Sean Cheesman
Amy Gardner and Vincent Desjardins danced Contemporary to the song “When You Say My Name” —Mario Spinetti choreographed by Blake McGrath
Jayme Rae Dailey and Daniel Dory danced Dancehall to the song “So Fine” —Sean Paul choreographed by Jae Blaze
Corynne Barron and Anthony Grafton danced Paso Doble to the song “Fuego” —Bond choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Jenna Lynn Higgins and Nicolas Bégin danced Hip-hop to the song “Blast Off” —P Diddy ft. Mark Curry, G. Dep, Loon choreographed by Sho-Tyme
Natalie Lyons and Danny Lawn danced Jazz to the song “Please Don’t Leave Me” —Pink choreographed by Melissa Williams
Melanie Buttarazzi and Austin Di Iulio danced Smooth Waltz to the song Nights in White Satin (Notte di Luce)—Il Divo choreographed by Danny Quilliam

I always get nervous doing these power rankings, especially so early on when we haven’t seen enough of the dancers to really predict or forecast… however, I enjoy watching and will base my Power Rankings on what I saw, heard and felt about each couple’s routine.

1. Amy & Vincent
Contemporary with Blake McGrath
“When You Say My Name” – Mario Spinetti

I had goosebumps. Yes, I think Blake is a God. Yes, I am biased because of that. It was dark but this routine was beautifully choreographed and beautifully danced and it was memorable. People will vote for this!!! It was my favourite tonight!!!

2. Melanie M & Cody
Crump with Lil C
“Buck N Roll” – Tha J Squad

I love that Melanie is so versatile and even though I think Cody has the “Evan Syndrome” (Of being too cute to be “nasty” or “crump”) the two of them worked well together and they are both favourites of mine so I am thrilled they are paired together. They are likable and they rocked it so not only are they not bottom 3 I think they would be top 3 if they announced those results!

3. Emanuel & Kim
Theatre with Sean Cheeseman
“Maybe This Time” – Connie Fisher

I think Theatre can get too “Cheesey” with “Cheeseman” (heh heh!) but this was well done and the facial expressions and emotion was perfectly done. Emanuel (as someone noted in a previous comment) is very well-known in Canada for his figure skating, so I think people will continue to vote for him as he already has a huge fan-base.

4. Jayme & Daniel
Dance Hall with JaeBlaze
“So Fine” – Sean Paul

I don’t know this “Dance Hall” style, the choreo *seemed* simple (or maybe they just mastered it) but it was entertaining and I think people will vote for things that entertain them, especially when they aren’t dance instructors or specialists, bottom line is entertaining or not.. this was.

5. Tara-Jean & Everett
Salsa with Tony Meredith & Melanie LePatin
“Ana Pa’ Mi Tambor” – La Excelencia

I thought there were some awkward transitions but overall it was sexy and hot. She’s a looker and he is pretty adorable also. The routine was good enough to get calls I hope.

6. Danny & Natalie
Jazz with Melissa Williams
“Please Don’t Leave Me” – Pink

The boy underwear was distracting and awkward but the dancing was good. I am a huge fan of Natalie but tonight I felt she was a bit frantic, though her “character” was supposed to be a bit crazed… It was an average routine, with the exception of the spins which I loved.

——————- BOTTOM 3 PREDICTIONS ——————-

7. Nicholas & Jenna
Hip Hop with Show Tyme
“Blast Off” – P. Diddy & Fam

It wasn’t as hard-hitting as it could have been and though I agree he did a better job than she did, I think the judges were too rough on Jenna. This could bring in some sympathy votes on her behalf, but mostly I think it was an average performance with a mismatched couple who will be in the bottom 3.

8. Anthony & Corynne
Paso Doble with Tony & Melanie
“Fuego” – Bond

This seemed like difficult choreo and style for week 2. There was the fall, and though I don’t think it phased them enough to be a strike against them necessarily, I also don’t find Paso Doble very exciting typically… I have seen some very powerful routines that I enjoyed but this one was just average for me personally, not enough to make me want to vote sadly, I really do like Corynne (and her giggles)

9. Austin & Melanie B
Smooth Waltz with Danny Quillman
“Nights in White Satin” – Il Divo

I am not a ballroom expert, so when it comes to these routines I usually watch the feet unless something else is exceptionally interesting to captivate my attention. This routine didn’t have anything to captivate me and while watching their feet I noticed a lot of off-beat steps and awkward footing. It was pretty, but not entertaining for me. Add that they are a new couple because of being bottom 3 last week… I predict they will find themselves there once more this week. I am a bit biased, I don’t really like Austin, I mean he seems like a great dancer (his solo last week was fantastic) but his personality rubs me the wrong way ever since the group routines during audition finales… meh!

Feel free to comment what do you think?