Welcome to Pure So You Think You Can Dance Canada

The quality on television was not great to start the American Music Awards, I thought it was just my t.v. but seems it was everyone. Anyhow, here is a video from youtube of the opening act to the AMA’s. Janet Jackson did great but two of her dancers, who we all know and love, stood out to me most… Nico & Natalli. Lot’s of close-up’s and close-to-Janet moves… love it!

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 reports on the wardrobe / costume designer Lee Kinoshita-Bevington on set for SYTYCD Canada:

“My job is to make everyone on the show look great from a costume standpoint,” Kinoshita-Bevington says at the Edmonton auditions.

I find the behind the scenes (especially fashion) interesting, because it is often something overlooked at the audition stage, but really focused on during the season (especially when there are wardrove malfunctions)

“(For Leah) what we were trying to do with her on the audition tour was a sophisticated, modern, young look,” Kinoshita-Bevington says.

Yes, because her giant parka was oh.so.sophisticated….. wait-i told myself this would NOT be another rag on Leah blog… sorry.

“Leah’s very specific about what she’ll wear and she has a really, really good eye,” he says, confirming Leah’s love for towering heels: “Leah is a shoe fanatic!”

And that is how we ended up with the parka… Why am I not surprised that “Leah’s very specific about what she’ll wear” hmmm…

The report goes on:

Because Calgary was so cold during the Season 1 auditions, Kinoshita-Bevington was especially nervous about the Edmonton auditions and stocked up on thermal underwear.

“We had fitted ski tops good to -30, to put on underneath her clothing and a fabulous down parka from Mackage, but it turned out to be fairly warm out!” Kinoshita-Bevington says.

As for the famous wardrobe malfunctions… (feathers in the mouth, beads rolling all over the dance floor and other mishaps from previous SYTYCD shows) this is what was most concerning for Canadian Auditions:

“In Vancouver, Mary Murphy was in a short evening dress, but was just freezing!” Kinoshita-Bevington says. “She actually wore a red robe around her lower half, underneath the table to stay warm.”

I say bring on the outrageous…. and less is more when it comes to the beefy ripped men… thanks.

Auditions in Montreal and Edmonton took place on this evenings show and there were a lot of dancers to get through.

I was glad they skipped a lot of the bad dancers (or maybe these cities just didn’t have any? heh heh) but also sad they skipped over a lot of great dancers, showing only that they “moved on to finals”

A brief clip of “Phairy” aka Philipe from SYTYCD USA Auditions last season was shown. I mentioned him in my Top 3 Things I am LEAST looking forward to seeing on SYTYCD

Montreal

Mia Michaels and Lil C were guest judges and the Montreal dancers brought it.

I loved seeing dancers from last year including Kim Gingras (who was dating Vincent Noiseux from last season and was cut when he went on), Cody Bonnell (who almost made Top 20 last year) Camille Norton (who was only 17 last year but was Danny Arbour’spartner) and Tiger Son… all of who went on to finals this season – yay!

Nicholas Begin pulled some nice tricks, Catherine Turcotte along with Vincent Desjardins did ballroom beautifully. Tre Armstrong called them “free and fun” and I agree, it was not the boring ballroom that sometimes happens, especially in auditions without professional choreography.

Sante Fortunato had a rough audition. I went to school with her sister, and well-known dancer/choreographer Menina Fortunato, so perhaps I am biased in wanting to see her do well. Yes, her tricks were very circusy and yes she had a bit too much lip-licking and sex-appeal, but Mia, as usual was pretty harsh vocalizing her opinion – I am glad they let her go to choreo and that she will be moving on to the finals.

The Twins Jenny Dailey and Jayme Rae Dailey were absolutely amazing. Their pairing was beautiful and I actually had goosebumps watching them. To see Jean Marc Genereux crying was also very moving. Glad to see them moving on to the finals.

Jason Noel I was not a fan of, Lil C nailed it when he said he was dancing “like a woman inside a man’s body” too erotic for a boy, his bedroom eyes were more creepy than sexy… and what was it he said? “The falame burns inside of me and comes out as ecstacy” – ew! Not thinking he will make it past the finals first round.

Loved seeing big-girl Melissa Charlot who made it to finals after Blake Boot Camp. also Tapper Jean Lynn who we only briefly saw get a ticket.

I wished they’d show more of the unique dancers and a variety of styles, I get soooooo tired of ballroom and contemporary… unless they bring something more than just that style… or bring a different style…. I want to be excited and entertained… especially in auditions where everyone seems to blend together!

Yevgeniya Taftay & Yvan Piwovarov did an ok job at the jive, I was surprised they got their ticket to finals right away, but whatever…

I enjoyed the hoop dancer Rebecca Halls (and not just because she is from Comox BC) but it was entertaining. I knew she wouldn’t make it through Blake Boot Camp but enjoyed seeing her try.

Bisma Raza reminded me of a Borat or Bruno character…. she could move alright but she was clearly trying to sell herself as an actor or a character… the pantyhose was lame and her growling and grunting was annoying, I am surprised actually that they put her on the air… ah well.

Finally for Montreal, Gessuri Gaitan. He was so strange and I was worried the judges wouldn’t see his talent or that I was seeing something that wasn’t there – but luckily I was wrong and the judges totally felt him and sent him through to finals. An interesting guy – looking forward to seeing what he brings to the finals.

Edmonton

Luther Brown and Stacey Tookey were guest judges for these auditions and there was sure a variety of dancers.

Two Urkrainian dancers the first Jeff Mortenson who boastedof loving perogies and everything Urkraine, was fabulously stunning and not surprisingly made it right through. The other, Jaime something was not very good and did not get through Blake Boot Camp.

Shelaina Anderson was adorably cute and giggly but also a fabulous lil dancer who made it right through.

Nathan Young was awesome, a big boy who could really move it – although seeing Leah Miller attempt to “pop pop pop bring it in a smile” or “booty shake it” was not entertaining…. Perhaps that is what brought him down and sent home.

Some who did make it through were James Jones (from last year, he brought once again amazing tricks and spins), Anthony Grafton, Corynne Barron and an African Crumper whose name I did not catch.

Joel Ronnie was one of the few at Blake Boot Camp who made it through, while others did not, like Eric Pipestone whose Native Hoop Dances were absolutely incredible!

Next Up is Finals Tomorrow Night – I am excited to see everyone together and start picking my own Top 20 and soon – POWER RANKINGS!!!!

Thoughts on Tonights Auditions?

Rants

Besides looking at the dancers (and during auditions there are just too many of them to cover) I wanted to rant about my overall thoughts on the episode. There is a different post that explores the dancers… this is just until we hit out Top 20 because right now there are just too many dancers and things to talk about in one post.

Allow me to begin….

Leah was… as Leah as ever… why does she use this soft “inside” voice all the time? Perhaps even the judges don’t want to hear her…. and who writes her script?

I mean as horrible as it is, I don’t think she writes her own stuff (I fear it would be even worse if she did… is that even possible?) Whoever writes it must be having a good laugh… I mean how fun is it to make her say such lame things?

She put make-up on Tyler Jacobs before his routine and every scene with her was just annoying. What can I say…

A funny moment I found was Allie Bertram, (Season 1) said, “We’ll be right back” and turned her head like she was trying to be the snobby model posing Leah… too funny.

Boot Camp with Blake is my favourite part of auditions. I wish we could just watch him for the full two-hours. He always looks hot and he is hilarious. From learning to “hump” with Spandy Andy to his “boom, pow pow cha ha ha ya” as he choreographs the dancers he is entertaining and amazing. I also love his quirky faces and reactions to dancers.

Sometimes I love this woman, other times I can’t stand her… Tonight she was rather tame but there were moments of WTF… During Taylor James she was wiggling her finger and she looked like a bird pecking for a worm at her own finger… her yelps and screams I have become accustomed to and some of the things she says out loud I wonder if she needs the lesson Kelly Bundy got on Married with Children… There is a difference between thinking and speaking!

The two burlesque dancers had sexy moves and Jean Marc was loving them. They did a clip of the two of them snowboarding and one said they go so fast no one can tell they are girls…. and I was thinking… except for your hot pink ski pants…

First – what is UP with the outfit? acid-wash-tights? neon high tops? sequin shirt?

And as if that wasn’t enough, he has a giant hole in his crotch to which Mary Murphy so kindly points out that he is showing his “kibbles and bits”

His moves were hilariously entertaining (minus the kibbles & bits) and reminded me of the movie Hitch when Kevin James is showing Will Smith his “moves”

Spandy’s signature move, which I can only refer to as “the hump” was seriously frightening and when Blake McGrath called Spandy in to teach him “the hump” I was mortified… although I must say Blake pulls off “the hump” so much better and just may be the only one who can make such a horrible move look sexy.

There is much to say about the dancers and so I did an entire post about them.
Click Here to See

Tonight’s episode kicked off in my hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia and ended in Saint John, New Brunswick.

I always most look forward to Vancouver Auditions because I hope to see people I know.

I have lot’s to rant about and I did an entire post simply on that, but this post focuses on the dancers… afterall, that’s what the show is all about isn’t it?

I love that they have a dancer from Season 1 speak at each audition. Vancouver had Izaac Smith and Saint John had Allie Bertram.

Let’s talk about dancers…

What did everyone think?

I don’t like that at the end of each audition they show a bunch of smiling faces getting tickets to the finals… why don’t we see their auditions? I mean I know we can’t see EVERYONES, but I feel like the producers are holding out on us, keeping some of the best dancers hidden away until Top 20 … no fair!

Vancouver Break Down

Returning again after Jean Marc’s “tough love” last year, he was faster and crazier than before. He boasts blisters on his hands and honestly if it wasn’t for his amazing flips and floor work I may not have remembered him after he let the stage…

She’s a cute girl, beautiful dancer, Jean Marc commented on the “articulation” of her body… and though Jean Marc often blabs about things that make little sense (much like LiL C) I totally agreed with him this time. She was pretty awesome despite only ever having one dance teacher her whole life.

After breaking her foot during last years auditions, not walking for 3 months after the injury and then training hard ever since… she was back and better than ever. She had beautiful movement and I enjoyed watching her – I predict she will do well in the finals.

Despite scar tissue in her lungs which cause her to often be short of breath, this girl did exceptionally well and didn’t seem as out of breath and her pre-interview made it sound she would be. She is only 19 and I agree with the judges who called her “special” and “a star” I hope to see her do well in the finals.

A Cardiologist who talked about his studying of the heart and it’s relationship with dancing and cardio-activity was quirky and cool. I likes his glasses, hat, and funky character. Judges referenced Season 1 Miles Faber and credited him with giving B-Boys the “ok” to come out and give the show a try. James was given a ticket to finals, although i really would have put him in Blake’s Boot Camp first…

I put these two together because they are friends, burlesque dancers and snowboarders. I feel like Ariel had more to offer in the way of jumps, spins, tricks and sex appeal… though Rachel was definitely cute and talented. Both went to finals, watch out Toronto.. and I don’t mean dancers, I mean wives, watch your husbands!

Another returning dancer from Season 1 auditions, he was off the hook. Moving and grooving and will be headed to Toronto for finals.

She started off great but the wardrobe malfunction was very distracting and she was almost dancing topless at one point. Why don’t people dress appropriately for auditions?

Last season he tried hip hop and it was more like a booty shaking disaster. This year he came dressed in traditional Native Costume he created himself. He was very good but he kept going on and on about how wonderful he was… “I lost 25 pounds” “I hand beaded this part of my costume” “I kept my head up like you told me last year” and “I trained so hard” I think he lacks the confidence and i really think he needs that to do well in this competition.

I was very moved at his speech about how the only dancing he can afford is the First Nations Dance and that being aboriginal meant he didn’t have access to all the things he’d like such as dance training. It is so true and I appreciate him bringing attention to one of the many struggles many First Nations experience. I liked him alot but not for this show.

Judges compared her to Allie Bertram from Season 1, saying she looked pure and new but amazing. Last year she almost made Top 20 and this year she has another chance going to the finals in Toronto. I think she has potential and I hope she brings it.

Last year he was very close to making finals, I think it was the ugly star shirt that held him back personally, but this year he was sent to Choreography and even with his attitude “I don’t need choreography I should have been put right through” and his big mouth that doesn’t stop talking…. he did well at Blake’s Boot Camp and is headed to Toronto. I don’t think he will make Top 20, but we shall see.

Another returning dancer, this guy had passion and he was great to watch. The judges called him “perfect” and “the whole package” and I agree he has what it takes. We will see how he does in the finals, but I could see him in the Top 20.

I thought this girl was a stripper. Her high heels, short skirt and “uninhibited dance” speech gave me this hint, and then her splits and expose booty and song lyrics “Just another conquest” pretty much confirmed it in my mind. She is confident, she even clapped for herself… but she looks older than 26 and I surely hope she does not pursue teaching “confidence for young girls” classes… eek!

Saint John Break Down

Sean Cheesman and Melissa Williams join Tre and Jean Marc on the east coast for auditions. Allie Bertram speaks to the dancers and then it begins….

He caught everyone’s attention with a strange rendition of “Oh Canada” as his song, but soon picke dup the pace and really was interesting. the judges thought he was intriguing and I agree. We will see him in the finals.

She was powerful and could really pound it. After being sent to choreography, however, she didn’t go on. I really think she has the ability to do well and hope she returns next year with more confidence and determination.

He was one of my favourites from the auditions during Season 1. Although he was told he dances too much like a girl, I really likes his energy… I see him as a back up dancer / cheerleader for Britney Spears, who he admittedly idolizes. Last season when the judges told him to “rough it up” he did a lil’ “rawr” that cracked me up. I was glad to see him go to choreography and pleasantly shocked to see him get a ticket to Toronto to the finals. I don’t see him in the Top 20 but he is so entertaining I am glad we will see more of him.

I like her. She almost made Top 20 last year and I predict she will make it this year.

She looks a bit like Kherington Payne from SYTYCD Season 4 USA and her dancing reminds me a bit of Kourtni Lind from SYTYCD Season 4 USA. Her story of how she lost her mom to cancer was very moving. Melissa Williams told her to take that loss and “use it” and I agree. She was sent to Blake Boot Camp and did well. I hope she does well in Toronto.

I like how she escapes the world through dance. Her movement is so captivating I found her stunning. Judges compared her to Arassay from SYTYCD Canada Season 1. I predict she will be in Top 20.

What were your thoughts on the Vancouver and Saint John Dancers?

Have more to say? Check out My General Rant about this episode.

Natalli Reznik

Top 4 dancer Natalli Reznik played a mean girl in SYTYCD judge Paul Becker’s TV Movie Sorority Wars along side fellow SYTYCD contestants Tamina Pollack-Paris and Arassay Reyes (who worked so well with Paul she was his choreographic assistant for the upcoming MGM movie, ‘Cabin in the Woods.’)

Natalli danced her way on to the stage, with Nico, to present at the MuchMusic Video Awards 2009

Natalli has also been teaching and while she’s moved out to New York City, she still spends a lot of time out west choreographing and instructing.

Source

Miles Faber

Although Miles didn’t win So You Think You Can Dance Canada, he has won in other areas of his life. Since the season ended Miles has been teaching and training in a variety of dance styles including ballroom.

“I practice it a lot still,” he says. “And sometimes I’ll take my girlfriend out to the salsa clubs. It’s dope!”

Of teaching Miles says, “Because I’m a popper, a lot of the feedback I have to give is about musicality. Dancing on the beat is just so important.”

Miles has been auditioning a lot and enjoyed performing with Top 2 dancer Allie Bertram at the Calgary Stampede in July.

Next up Miles will be heading to China to dance in December.

Source

Allie Bertram

Allie came in 2nd on So You Think You Can Dance Canada but was the favourite female of the season. She has been keeping busy and even danced with 3rd place dancer Miles Faber at the Calgary Stampede in July.

Immediately after the show ended Allie took some time off to travel with her family all over North America. After the short break she was right back into training to keep up her technique.

Now she is getting an agent in L.A. and hoping to explore other areas of performing.

“The show was such a great opportunity to learn how to work in front of a camera, I know I would love to be acting.”

Source

After So You Think You Can Dance ends… the dancers lives change in ways they never dreamed possible. Looking back at some of the dancers from Season One we can see what they are up to now….

Nico Archambault

Nico has a different look, but is still grooving.

Although his signature mohawk is gone (shaved short now) he is still the sexy dancer from Longueuil, Quebec

Since being chosen Canada’s favourite dancer last season, he has kept busy teaching workshops, choreographing dance routines, dancing for TV ads (Source Yogurt) and travelling with his dance group The Pinup Saints, touring to promote the release of their album “Golden.”

He worked along side SYTYCDC’s Vincent Noiseux in the Quebec City performance of the opera ‘Starmania’ and next up he stars as the famous ballet dancer, Rudolph Nureyev in the Bravo! Biography.

Other highlights for our favourite dancer include dancing at Canada’s 142nd birthday celebration at Parliament Hill, presenting at the Much Music Video Awards in June, appearing at the Juno’s and starting a new choreography company Street Parade with his fiancée, Wynn Homles.

Wait-fiancée?

Yes, Nico proposed to his long-time girlfriend Wynn this summer… sorry ladies… he’s off the market.

“It was the most simple way to propose,” he says. “I just asked. It was the most genuine, natural way of asking.”

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