Welcome to Pure So You Think You Can Dance Canada

Across Canada your favourite dancers are appearing…..

Jan. 23-24
Vancouver, B.C.: iDance Convention
Sheraton Vancouver Guilford

Faculty includes: Tara-Jean Popowich, Vincent Desjardins, Kim Gingras with Brandon Bryant and Evan Kasprzak from the U.S.’s SYTYCD.

Jan. 23-24
Regina, Sask.: iDance Convention
Delta Regina

Faculty includes: Jayme Rae Dailey, Austin Di Iulio, Natalli Reznik, Cody Bonnell and Amy Gardner

Jan. 30-31
Montreal: iDance Convention
Cowne Plaza Hotel Airport

Faculty includes: Tara-Jean Popowich, Vincent Desjardins, Jayme Rae Dailey, Arassay Reyes with Alex Wong from the U.S.’s SYTYCD.

Jan. 30-31
Edmonton: iDance Convention
Radisson Edmonton South

Faculty includes: Kim Gingras, Natalli Reznik, Francis Lafrenière with Brandon Bryant and Evan Kasprzak from the U.S.’s SYTYCD.

Feb. 4
Belleville, Ont.: Habitat for Humanity PhilanthroPARTY, a fundraiser for Haiti
The Empire Theatre and Centre for the Performing Arts
Performances by Cody Bonnell and Melanie Mah

Feb. 5-7
Calgary: Calgary International Salsa Conference
Hyatt Regency Calgary

Workshop with Tara-Jean Popowich

Feb. 6-7
Montreal: Raise the Bar 6 dance convention
Faculty includes: Luther Brown and Kim Gingras (with Blueprint dance company)

Feb. 6-7
Winnipeg: iDance Convention
Faculty includes: Tara-Jean Popowich, Vincent Desjardins, Jayme Rae Dailey, Natalli Reznik and Brandon Bryant from the U.S.’s SYTYCD.

Feb. 13-14
Calgary: iDance Convention

Faculty includes: Tara-Jean Popowich, Vincent Desjardins, Jayme Rae Dailey, Miles Faber and Brandon Bryant from the U.S.’s SYTYCD.

Feb. 27-28
Barrie, Ont.: DARK Danse presents “Just the Beginning”
Faculty includes: Miles Faber and Jenna-Lynn Higgins

All events are subject to change.

What a night. I can honestly say we have an unbelievable Top 8. And Mia is right, our Top 4 girls are the best i have seen!!!

Last week I predicted who would go home, however it is getting so difficult. I can say who I feel should be in the bottom or who I think Canada will vote for.

Mia Michaels (with a new shaved head), Dan Karaty, Tre Armstrong and Jean-Marc Genereux were judges and we had Nico Archambault debut as a SYTYCD choreographer. It was indeed a special night.

Although during rehearsals there were multiple injuries with Everett suffering from a bleeding nose from a few kicks in the face to Emmanuel’s sprained ankle (and his fingers are still bandaged) but the show must go on – and it did – and it was spectacular!

Top 4 Guys Dance
Jazz with Melissa Williams
“Beggin” – Jersey Boyz

They were not at all in unison, a boy band they are NOT! I did enjoy the solo bits with spins and kicks as well as the overall routine. Vincent stood out for me.

Top 4 Girls Dance
Burlesque in my opinion with Sean Cheeseman
“Dr. Feelgood” – Aretha Franklin

This was sexy, hot and amazing. The girls were in sync, each had a chance to shine and the choreography was super seductive. Jayme Rae stood out *slightly* for me but overall the all shone like the superstars they are.

Couples

Vincent & Tara-Jean

1. Rumba with Eric Caty
“Hero” – Enrique Iglesias

Maybe it’s the song but I teared up, I was covered in goosebumps and I enjoyed every moment of this amazing routine. The kiss at the end was hot and Mia Michaels was correct, the end bit was very Karma Sutra. I just loved it, Tara-Jean was sexy and Vincent was powerful and I adored every second of this routine.

2. Krump with Lil’ C
“Chea-Chea-Chea” – Tha J Squad

Neither hit it very hard but it was a good effort. Tara-Jean seems to me to be the weakest link of the 4 girls, though even saying that feels wrong because they are all so amazing. Vincent delivered though it was not overly “krumpy” for me.

Tara-Jean
“Farewell” – Rosie Thomas

Passionate, Emotional, Pretty. But not sure if her overall effort will get her to next week.

Vincent
“U Can’t Touch This” – MC Hammer

Unique song choice for his genre of dance but he delivered. It was hot, sexy and most importantly ENTERTAINING!

Kim & Cody

1. Hip Hop with Luther Brown
“Humpin’ Around” – Bobby Brown

I loved this routine. Mia Michaels called it “dope” and I concur. It was hard, it was hyped, it was a throw back to old school hip hop and they nailed it. Both of them were in their genre and showed they could rock it out.

2. Smooth Waltz with Pierre Allaire
“What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong

This fell flat. It was cute and quirky, I was shocked to see Kim not being sexy… but it was not entertaining and as the judges pointed out it showed poor technique and didn’t deliver.

Kim
“Jerk it” -Thunderhiest

Back to the sexy where she belongs this was an amazing routine. I especially loved the gliding across the floor on her back and the abrupt sudden movements… hot!

Cody
“Missin’ You” – Tre Songz

The problem with Cody is that his hip hop is smooth and natural and looks to come so easy. I think that can be mistaken for lack of effort or passion. I believe he HAS the passion and drive and effort, but he is just so talented his solo’s appear relaxed. I hope this doesn’t land him in the bottom

Emanuel & Melanie

1. Contemporary (Ballet parts) with Sabrina Matthews
“The Scientist” – Coldplay

What great lines. It was a beautiful routine though I felt the pairing was a bit off. The judges really emphasized how well Melanie did while playing hard ball with Emmanuel. He was injured, he did miss rehersals, he did fairly well all things considered, but also he is a fan favourite mainly because of his background with skating and his familiarity.

2. Disco with Melissa Williams
“Hush Hush” -Pussycat Dolls

I enjoyed the routine. I feel like Melanie has been in the bottom when she shouldn’t have been before and fear that will occur again. Emmanuel I feel has been in the top when he shouldn’t have been and wonder how Canada will vote this week given he was injured.

Melanie
“Innocence” – Bjork

I loved this solo. The song choice was so perfect for her movements. She really delivered passion and talent and showcased why she should stick around.

Emanuel
“Mad World” – Adam Lambert

He always looks to glide on ice. I wanted to see more. I worried about his ankle. I feel it is tough to judge or rank someone who is injured. I don’ tknow if people will vote for him based on previous weeks and loving him already or even as sympathy for his injury or if he will finally go home. We shall see tomorrow.

Jayme Rae & Everett

1. Mamba with Gustavo Varagas
“En Berransvilla Me Quedo” – Joe Arroyo

Jayme Rae’s hips were flying and she was sexy as hell even as her costume was falling apart. The kicks, spins, dips and that end flip… wow! Entertaining and amazing. Yes Jayme Rae outshone Everett but that is how it should be and Mia Michaels was correct – HOT A LICIOUS!

2. Jazz Funk with Nico Archambault & Wynn Holmes
“Sexy Chick” – David Guetta (feat. Akon)

If Nico’s choreo can’t keep these two out of the bottom 2 I don’t know what can… Nico’s debut as a choreo on the show was AMAZING… I loved it as much as I love him !!! Everett was the perfect geek and Jayme Rae sexy as sexy can be. The story was cute, the moves were amazing it was a well-crafted routine from idea to performance….

Jayme Rae
“gettin’ in the Way” -Jill Scott

Every movement was precise and amazing. I think she should be safe based on her paired routines and solo. She has become quite the superstar.

Everett
“Stand By Me” -Ben E King

This guy is entertaining. He makes tap fun again. I can’t keep my eyes off him when he moves and that is a good thing. I think he should be safe.

Power Rankings

Girls

1. Kim
2. Jayme Rae
3. Melanie
4. Tara-Jean

Boys

1. Vincent
2. Everett
3. Cody
4. Emanuel

I predict Tara-Jean and Emanuel go Home (Though I kind of sadly think it may be Cody and not Emanuel, I would probably cry if that was true though)

Do you agree? Disagree? Why?

We will see Tomorrow Night

The Top 8 Dancers are a superstitious bunch! What do your Top 8 dancers do before stepping on stage?

Cody Bonnell, 19, Unionville, Ont.
I always wear black underwear if it doesn’t show under my costume!

Emanuel Sandhu, 28, Vancouver, B.C.
I just try to keep focused, but I always have a black coffee before going on stage.

Everett Smith, 25, Glen Morris, Ont.
I didn’t used to be superstitious, but after dancing with Tara-Jean, I make sure I knock on wood.

Jayme Rae Dailey, 21, Montreal, Que.
I take a moment to myself and close my eyes and hope for the best.

Kim Gingras, 24, Montreal, Que.
I listen to a lot of Frank Sinatra! It calms me down before the show and makes me super happy. But if I need more energy, it’s all about Beyoncé!

Melanie Mah, 19, Richmond Hill, Ont.
Right before I go on stage, I usually do crunches. And I get a little superstitious about it and have to do a certain number — usually 38!

Tara-Jean Popowich, 20, Lethbridge, Alta.
I stand on my tippy-toes with my eyes closed before I go on stage. And of course I knock on my piece of wood whenever I need to!

Vincent Desjardins, 20, Trois-Rivières, Que.
I don’t really have any superstitions, but when I’m doing ballroom, I really brush the bottoms of my shoes to make sure they’re not slippery. I do it at least 10 times before going on stage.

[source]

And Then there were 8….

From this point on it will be even more difficult to say good-bye but at least we know they will all be on SYTYCDC Tour this winter

While my Power Rankings were not spot on – I did predict the most important part – - – who was going home

The opening dance routine by Stacey Tookey was pretty incredible and [maybe I am biased] but Melanie, Cody & Jayme Rae really stood out for me in the routine. The pairing was awesomely choreographed, though the group was not in sync and some were obviously stronger than others.

Leah Miller was annoying as ever though I enjoyed watching her fumble her words a bit and I could see that the hair in her eyes was annoying her but she was trying not to have to move it out of the way, thus blocking her face for a millisecond on screen.

Blake McGrath, who I adore, was there again and I have to say, as much as I love his bod – I do not dig the open shirt…. it’s a bit sloppy looking…

Leah’s introduction of Jean-Marc as the French Canadian Fabio made me literally laugh out loud!

Anyways, enough with my rants… here is what happened.

Girls

Amy – not safe (as I predicted)
Kim – safe
Tara-Jean – safe
Melanie – not safe (I disagree!)
Jayme Rae safe

Boys

Everett – safe (good!)
Cody – not safe (shocked me a bit)
Vincent – safe
Austin – not safe (as I predicted)
Emanuel – safe (Canada loves him!)

Solo’s

Amy- was fine but I knew she would be going home.

Melanie- was [if its possible] even more passionate and gave me goosebumps!

Cody- was more of a jazzy hip hop that i really enjoyed. The kid has charisma!

Austin – was amazing! I sensed he’d go home after being in the bottom before, I really think he cockiness in auditions gave him a bad rep early and he just couldn’t get in the votes, but he was AMAZING! I loved that he changed it up and tried something new. It wasn’t so floaty free, airy fairy… it was hard and fun and it was a great send-off.

Good-Bye

Amy & Austin went home, as I predicted

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.