January 24, 2010

SYTYCD Canada Calendar

Written by: Mandy

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.

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December 10, 2009

So You Think You Can Dance Canada Auditions in Vancouver

Written by: Mandy

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:

Aerials out of pirouettes, countless turns, a stage full of flips, explosive jumps and crazy isolations — the solos are full of wild tricks this season and Vancouver hopefuls have brought their A-game, pulling out the most dynamic moves they have.

“It’s Season 3 so we’re really looking for something new and fresh,” judge and audition choreographer Blake McGrath says.

So how are the dancers preparing themselves for such mind-blowing moves?

“I’m a Pilates instructor, so I’m always working on my core,” Vancouver dancer Rachel Wainwright, 29, says. She’s most excited about the turns in her solo — a string of chainé turns, into a pirouette, followed by an attitude turn.

“You really have to focus on pulling up and staying centred and grounded,” she explains.

And having a strong core isn’t just for the more contemporary side of dance. Judge Luther Brown insists b-boys need tons of core strength for his favourite move, head spins.

“I think stalls are overplayed, but I always get mesmerized when someone does crazy headspins!” he says.

Spinning on your head sounds crazy to many of us, but Luther breaks it down: “It’s all about the balance and you’ve got to be able to control your body.

“Your core has to be on fire — it’ll take a whole bunch of sit ups,” he insists.

Isolations

Vancouver hip-hopper Alvin Arfieza, 20, is most proud of the isolations in his solo. “It looks like I’m taking an object and passing it through my body,” he explains, and demonstrates this popping movement.

Arfieza insists it takes hours and hours of concentrated practice to be able to move each muscle separately. “I work in front of a mirror first, and then without the mirror so I know what it feels like,” he explains.

He’s included a lot of isolations in his solo because he likes the rhythmic quality of the movement along with the control it takes to move so specifically.

“It’s like telling a story with your body,” he explains, hoping the judges will appreciate the entertainment value of his moves.

Jean Marc’s reverse rolls

Judge Jean Marc Genereux says the hardest move he ever did when he was competing as a ballroom dancer was reverse rolls in a samba, a movement that has the dancers traveling and covering the stage, while rotating the upper body in large, complete circles.

“The samba is crazy fast so it takes connectivity with your partner. You need to be exactly in synch,” he says, adding humbly that he and his partner and wife, France Mousseau were known for their reverse rolls.

“You have to make sure your frame is amazingly strong and that you’re holding each others’ backs,” he explains. “That frame has to be operational because if it’s not, it’ll be a catastrophe. It’s a lot about dynamics.”

Letting go of the fear factor

Contemporary dancer Moses Layco, 24, admits he doesn’t have any fear when it comes to dancing. He’s a self-taught tumbler and loves filling his solos with as many acrobatic tricks as he can.

“I tend to flip a lot when I panic,” he laughs. To keep himself in tumbling shape, he drives out to North Vancouver to the gymnastics gym.

He can’t wait to show the judging panel his most fabulous trick: “I do a pirouette, at least three turns, but hopefully four, and then I extend my leg and go right into the aerial (hands-free cartwheel).”

Calgary’s Louise Hradsky, 23, says she too is fearless on stage. “I’m an aerial circus artist, so I don’t mind being up high and falling really quickly. I love stunts!”

So what’s the most challenging trick in her solo? “I do a double turn into a jump, but instead of landing the jump on my feet, I land all the way on the ground. It adds a little bit of drama,” she says.

But how do you fall and not hurt yourself? “I think there’s always a risk of hurting yourself,” Hradsky says, admitting that she is currently sporting a huge bruise on her left elbow.

“But if you have good body awareness and a strong centre, then you have control of your limbs and you can be exactly where you need to be.”

She believes the best training for dancing is dancing — especially ballet class. “But I also do a lot of non-dancing to keep myself in shape.”

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!”

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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:

  • Jean Marc Genereux
  • Tré Armstrong
  • Luther Brown
  • Mary Murphy
  • 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 :-)

    Tags:

    October 22, 2009

    So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 2 – Top 4

    Written by: Mandy

    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]

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    October 7, 2009

    So You Think You Can Dance Canada Top 8 Photos

    Written by: Mandy

    Judges Corner

    I never say this…. but Leah Miller looked nice tonight

    Jayme Rae & Everett perform the Mambo choreographed by Gustavo Vargas

    Tara-Jean & Vincent perform the Rumba choreographed by Eric Caty

    Kim & Cody perform Hip Hop choreographed by Luther Brown

    Melanie & Emanuel perform Contemporary choreographed by Sabrina Matthews

    Tara-Jean & Vincent perform Krump choreographed by Lil C

    Kim & Cody perform the Smooth Waltz choreographed by Pierre Allaire

    Melanie & Emanuel perform Disco choreographed by Melissa Williams

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    October 6, 2009

    So You Think You Can Dance Canada Power Rankings Top 8

    Written by: Mandy

    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” The Four Seasons - Jersey Boys - 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 - Aretha Franklin: 30 Greatest Hits - Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business) – 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 - Escape - 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 - When We Were Small - 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 - MC Hammer: Greatest Hits - 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 - All the Number Ones - 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 - Louis Armstrong's All-Time Greatest Hits - 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” Thunderheist - Thunderheist - 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” Trey Songz - Trey Day (Bonus Track Version) - 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 - A Rush of Blood to the Head - 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” The Pussycat Dolls - Doll Domination - 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” Björk - Volta - 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” The Hitmakers - Big Smash Hits - Mad World (as made famous by Adam Lambert) – 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 - La Verdad de Joe Arroyo - En Barranquilla 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 - One Love - Sexy Chick (feat. Akon) – 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 - Who Is Jill Scott? - Words and Sounds, Vol. 1 - 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 - Ben E. King: Anthology - 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

    Tags:

    September 29, 2009

    So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 10

    Written by: Mandy

    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” The White Stripes - Icky Thump - 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 - Dreaming Out Loud - 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 - Batucada Fantastica Vol. 3 - Samba Vocalizado (The Vocal Samba) -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 - The White Stripes - 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 - Blackout! - 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 - The Fame - 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 - A Different Me - 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 - Music for Tourists - 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 - Seal: Best 1991-2004 - 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 - Be Not Nobody - 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 - Chic - Everybody Dance (LP Version) – 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 - Bad Boy's R&B Hits - I Need a Girl, Pt. 1 (feat. Usher & Loon) – 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 - Permutation - 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 - Last of Seven - 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.

    Tags:

    September 23, 2009

    So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 12 Results Show

    Written by: Mandy

    And now we are down to Top 10. The ten that will go on tour and perform across the country. I am happy with the Top 10 for the most part, heck I’d go see the Top 20 pretty much…. there were so many great dancers this season.

    They opened with a very sexy piece from Luther Brown to Lil Kim’s “The Jumpoff”. I loved the leather cat suits the women wore and the body art on the men. Kim was featured again front and center, I didn’t care for her or think of her as a front runner but she is really becoming quite the sexy vixen of a front runner. The routine was hot and had lot’s of hip shaking, spanking and allure.

    Results

    Kim & Emanuel – Safe (as predicted)

    Melanie & Cody – Not Safe (NOT as predicted – SHOCKED!)

    Corynne & Austin – Not Safe (as predicted)

    Tara-Jean & Everett – Safe (NOT as predicted)

    Jayme Rae & Daniel – Not Safe (NOT as predicted)

    Amy & Vincent – Safe (NOT as predicted)

    Solo’s

    Melanie – Passionate, beautiful, predicted she’d make it on to Top 10 and am still shocked she was even in Bottom 3 Couples.

    Corynne – Seemed a bit frantic, predicted she would be leaving even last night.

    Jayme Rae – Her movement and lines looked great, I predicted she’d make it to Top 10.

    Cody – a fan fave, had to make it to Top 10 though his solo didn’t seem as strong as I have seen him in the past.

    Austin – he excels in his solo, so beautiful and passionate

    Daniel – hard-hitting and very entertaining

    Good-Byes

    Corynne & Daniel went home. I predicted Corynne would go home but had thought Austin would also leave, however, he always pulls out an amazing solo and stays, despite being in the Bottom 3 three times now.

    Now we are in the Top 10 – It will be exciting to see what these amazing dancers bring… who are you all rooting for to win now?

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    September 22, 2009

    So You Think You Can Dance Canda – Top 12

    Written by: Mandy

    Last week my power rankings were 1/3 and as we get lower in numbersit is getting pretty difficult, they are all so good.

    This week I am hoping to do better (Hey I was 3/3 two weeks ago!) here are my thought son the show… please comment with your thoughts and let’s see tomorrow who goes home.

    Melanie & Cody
    Jazz with Melissa Williams
    “Glory Box” Portishead - Dummy - Glory Box – Portishead

    I loved the scarf, I loved them, I loved the routine, I loved the outfits, I loved the chair, I loved the make-up, I loved the story… yes I am biased, I LOVE these 2 dancers. My fave of the night.

    Kim & Emanuel
    Hip Hop with Luther Brown
    “Respect my Conglomerate” Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss & Lil Wayne - Back On My B.S. (Bonus Track Version) - Respect My Conglomerate -Busta w/ Lil’W and JedaKiss

    Although there were parts not in unison, and he seemed uncomfortable much of the time, Kim really surprised me and brought it. I loved that she just “went for it” and (though not hard hitting) her tutting impressed me. Her hip shaking was sexy, she stole the routine for me.

    Jayme Rae & Daniel
    Contemporary with Blake McGrath
    “It Must have been Love” Kari Kimmel - Pink Balloon - EP - It Must Have Been Love -Kari Kimmel

    This routine gave me goosebumps. I loved that it was flowy and beautiful then abrupt and hard. The juxtaposition of the movements matched the emotion of the routine. Love and Marriage turned to heartache and pain. Blake is Brilliant!

    —————————————BOTTOM 3—————————————

    Tara-Jean & Everett
    Theatre with Sean Cheeseman
    “The Joint is Jumpin” Ain't Misbehavin' Company - Ain't Misbehavin' - The "Fats Waller" Musical (The 30th Anniversary Cast Recording) - The Joint Is Jumpin' – Ain’t Misbehvin’ (1978 Original Cast)

    There were some nice slides, flips and even an amazing tap solo. The part of this that caught my attention the most, however, was that CRAZY flip over near the end of the routine. My heart actually jumped and I got chills.

    Vincent & Amy
    Jive with Tony Meredith & Melanie LePatin
    “Pony Time” Chubby Checker - 20 Greatest Hits - Pony Time -Chubby Checker

    This was a high energy, fun-loving, fantastic routine. I thouroughly enjoyed it and I enjoy them – I just don’t know how to pick a bottom 3 this week.

    Austin & Corynne
    Salsa with Tony Meredith & Melanie LePatin
    “Calle Ocho” Pitbull - I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) - EP - I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) [More English Extended Mix] – Pitbull

    This routine was akward for me. I loved the Choreo but Corynne has these amazing legs she barely used to kick. Her hip shaking was barely there. The pairing was just uncomfortable for me. Austin brought it but it just didn’t work for me. I agree with Mia. I Think Bottom 3.

    If my bottom 3 are correct i suspect that Corynne & Austin go home…. *hides*

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    September 15, 2009

    SYTYCDC Top 14 Choreography Critiques

    Written by: Ash

    Karen Kain as the guest judge made me more than happy.  When I was little Ms. Kain and her husband come to my parents house for dinner.  What I said to Canada’s Prima Ballerina will never go away: I looked at her and what she had eaten (which wasn’t a lot for a grown up but was a lot for an 8 year old) and said to her “Wow Ms Kain, for a ballerina you really do eat a lot of food”.  She thought that I was cute (thank God).  Karen Kain has the class and education that if ever SYTYCD needs credibility, her in that seat would be a fais-acomplis. Karen Kain as a young ballerina was someone that I wanted to be like even in the smallest ways. Just watching Ms Kain sit and judge the performances she is so graceful and the epitome of a lady.

    Melanie and Cody
    Hip-hop
    Luther Brown

    Melanie killed it.  She hit those steps with such big strides and strentch.  The grinding was compeletely believable, they both went for it- and it was 100% in unison..  The attitudes for Cody and Melanie were completely genuine and real.  I’m liking this couple more and more- and I think that this piece is really going to go far to prove that Cody isn’t all soft but that he has some angles and hardness to him.

    Gustavo Vargas
    Vincent and Amy
    Cha Cha

    Usually the back story to a Cha Cha throws me off from just enjoying the style- that wasn’t the case this time.  I thought that this sort of ‘bourgeois’ style Cha Cha was lovely.  Something ball room can take itself to seriously and this piece really broke out of the mold.  The lifts were never ending and every one became more and more complicated.  The chemistry between Vincent and Amy comes right through your TV set.  That’s not something that you can learn and certainly can’t fake it.  The one thing I would mention is that because Amy was dancing bare foot-she really needs to watch her feet as she isn’t wearing heels that force your foot to point.  But other than that it’s the first Cha Cha that I thought was light and fun.


    Everett and Tara Jean
    Sho-Tyme

    House

    I don’t know the first thing about House- so this critique is going to be short and sweet.  This is the first Sho-Tyme piece that I liked..  Actually I totally loved it.  The rythym was fantastic and the dancers had to work their tails off but made it look fun, bouncy and so easy to perform.  Both Everett and Tara Jean were totally ‘there’ for each other even though they weren’t physically connected-it felt like they were.  They were almost totally in sync the whole piece and because of that it became totally infectious to watch- hence the audience clapping and getting into it.


    Kim and Emanuel
    Contemporary
    Stacey Tookey

    Ok..  I’d like to make a suggestion to the Canadian dance community- Emanuel belongs in ballet or at least contemporary.  It’s where his body can really be shown for what it is.  The width of their movements were in unison with the songs tempo which went quietly got stronger and stronger.  This piece was quiet in it’s beauty and strength.  Kim became a completely different dancer- she wasn’t brash and in your face, she was quiet and reserved and just simply lovely.

    Jayme Rae and Daniel
    Disco
    Melissa Williams

    This piece was ok for me.  Just ok though.  The dancers were just mimicking the moves that they were taught but never got into the spirit or pocket of the music.  They were dancers on top of the piece and not into the music.  These two might be in trouble with this one-despite the strength of that last lift.
    Natalie and Danny
    West Coast Swing
    Benji

    I really wanted to be able to gush about this piece.  I loved the heart that was revealed on Danny’s chest- but the missing bit on Natalie was really distracting.  Benji’s creativity was evident in this piece- but if you pull the West Coast Swing card then make it in that style.  The piece that they performed was interesting- but there weren’t enough Swing elements in it.  I thought it was a good piece but I’m not going to rave about it.

    Austin and Corynne
    jazz
    (Old Hollywood style)
    John Byrne

    For me this was the best piece of the night.  I would go as far as too say one of my favorite pieces of the entire season.  I thought that it was totally believable and it almost made me like the song- almost.  Austin and Corynne are just perfect together.  And those lifts-forget about it.  I was blown away- the physically on both their parts is really hard to put into words.  The gun may have gone on for a little long- like maybe her fingers made into a gun might have been better and perhaps less offensive.  I think that Austin (and maybe Corynne) will go into the Top 10. Then Top 6, Top 4….

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