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.

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?

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.

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

As a fan of SYTYCD and as a Canadian, I was thrilled when they brought the show to Canada last year. I was hopeful it would not be like Canadian Idol (which in my opinion showcased an eclectic group of Canadian Musicians as opposed to could-be pop-stars frequently seen in the American Idol Shows.) I was elated to observe the talents of dancers such as Nico Archambault (Season 1 winner), Allie Bertram (Runner-Up), Miles Faber, Natalli Reznik and so many more.

With Jeanine Mason winning SYTYCD Season 5 in the United States this week, it is incredible to have SYTYCD Canada Season 2 starting up not even a week later. I don’t even have to go without my SYTYCD at all… of course that doesn’t mean I won’t be constantly searching for a SYTYCD fix… no, no, no, I am always wanting more, more, more.

Auditions for SYTYCDC Season 2 were held across Canada starting in Vancouver April 4, 2009 and stopping in Edmonton, Alberta, Toronto, Ontario, Saint John, New Brunswick and wrapping up May 26 in Montreal, Quebec.

This Tuesday, August 11, I will be tuned in for the audition first show. I am sure it will showcase some of the greatest dancers across Canada and being from Vancouver myself, I hope to see some West Coast represented the following night during the Vancouver audition show (and hopefully right through to Top 20)

Much Music’s Leah Miller will return as host (Personally, I wish Cat Deely would come up North and host, personal preference obviously) and Jean-Marc Généreux will be a permanent judge along side Tre Armstrong. The guest judges lined up include:

I am overly excited about the new season and this new blog. I hope to get some posts up soon including some flashbacks to the best moments from last season… just to get you excited for this season… as if you needed it eh?

This dance was just something else. Lara Smythe is incredibly beautiful in it and Miles just cruises through it so nice. Plus, this is Benji Schwimmer choreography at its best. Benji’s never done better.

The finale of So You Think You Can Dance Canada is one of the best shows of the year since it brings back all of the top 20 dancers to perform the best dance numbers from the season. It was also really cool to see 2 group numbers from the top 20 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Check them out:

Don’t forget to download all the So You Think You Can Dance Canada finale music and also pickup your SYTYCDC tour tickets.

Check out the top 4 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada battle it out for the top prize and to be crowned Canada’s favorite dancer.

Download all the songs from this episode of So You Think You Can Dance Canada.

It took me a little while to go back to the So You Think You Can Dance Canada music archives and find all the songs from the finale of So You Think You Can Dance Canada. However, I think I’ve got all of the songs from the finals listed below. Let me know if something is missing or if something isn’t quite right with the music. Make sure you go back and check out all the past So You Think You Can Dance Canada music.

Luther Brown choreographed a top 20 group hip-hop routine to “Get Up” by 50 Cent

– Music Video
Natalli and Nico danced to the choreography of Melissa Williams in a disco number from the Top 6 performance show to the song “Knock on Wood”—Amii Stewart

Danny and Allie danced a mambo from the Top 18 show which was choreographed by Melanie LaPatin and Tony Meredith to the song Mambo Gozon—Tito Puente

Miles and Lisa danced Blake McGrath’s contemporary piece from the Top 6 show (Blake dedicated this dance to his grandmother and had a huge mirror set center stage) to the song “The Face”—RyanDan

Melissa Williams’ theater number was danced by Nico and Arassay during the Top 18 week to the song Somebody to Love—Queen

– Music Video
On the first top 20 episode Allie and Danny danced a Melissa Williams jive to the song Rock This Town sung by Stray Cats

– Music Video
From the Top 16 show Lisa and Vincent danced Sean Cheesman’s Afro-jazz number to the song Hlohonolofatsa—Soweto Gospel Choir

From the Top 12 week Natalli and Francis danced a salsa by choreographer Gustavo Vargas to the song “Hasta Que Se Rompa el Cuero” – Sonora Carruseles

Lisa and Vincent danced to the very first house number during the Top 12 week to the song 100% Pure Love—Crystal Waters

– Music Video
Lil “C” ’s Krump was danced by Miles and Lara originally performed during the Top 16 week to the song Tiny Ram Antem—Tha J-Squad

From the Top 8 show Natalli and Vincent danced choreographer Stacey Tookey’s contemporary piece to the song “Happy Ending”—Mika

– Music Video
Luther Brown’s hip-hop choreography was danced by Allie and Izaak from the Top 6 show to the song “Tell Me”—Diddy feat. Christina Aguilera

Nico and Arassay danced Paul Becker’s jazz from the Top 12 week to the song It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World—James Brown

From the Top 18 week Natalli and Francis performed Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin’s paso doblé to the song España Cañí—Manhattan Pops Orchestra

Lara and Miles danced Danny Quilliam’s foxtrot the performed originally during the Top 12 performance to the song “Summer Wind”—Michael Bublé

From the Top 14 week Blake McGrath choreographed a jazz-funk piece for Kaitlyn and Izaak to the song Breakin’ Dishes—Rihanna

From the Top 8 performance week Eric Caty choreographed a samba for Miles and Allie to the song “Aguanite”—Héctor Lavoe

Natalli and Nico danced the quickstep during the Top 6 performance choreographed by Melanie LaPatin and Tony Meredith’s to the song “Swingin’ at the Savoy” – Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88’s

Top 20 group number inspired by ‘Dirty Dancing’ to the song “Do You Love Me” by The Contours

Click on any of the itunes images above to download the So You Think You Can Dance Canada music on iTunes.

Remember to buy your tickets for the So You Think You Can Dance Canada Tour