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Top 20 to Top 18: Thoughts

First things first…I’d like to wish Nigel a happy birthday, even if he was a bit harsh on some of the choreographers.

I really like Misty Copeland a guest judge. She is giving the dancers praise and constructive criticism.

Anyone else get excited about what choreographers are in the audience? The dancer in me was geeking out and they created great numbers.

Most of the new couples seem to be working out okay. Also I wasn’t thrilled with the bottom six. No solos? I do agree with what Nigel said at the top of the show. They are all winners in away. The first cut is always the hardest but based on tonight’s performances the judges made the right decision.

What are your thoughts on the show tonight?

July 9, 2014 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Flashback: SYTYCD Canada (and U.S.) Season 2 – Tara-Jean & Everett

Typically, I don’t have time to watch So You Think You Can Dance Canada where the primary judges were: Jean-Marc Généreux and Tré Armstrong. So once in a while a friend of mine would send me a video of another routine from another part of the world that would pique my interest some and then that was all.

So when a friend (and fellow PureSYTYCD blogger) of mine posted a video on my Facebook Timeline I wasn’t entirely too anxious to want to go and see it right away, instead I waited til I had a little bit of time before I decided to look at it.

She sent the video with the following comment:

It’s been so long since we had a really good memorable Broadway number (maybe neil & kent baseball from season 7 or robert & kathryn west side story, but I don’t have any memorable ones from last year!), I’d love to see more numbers with this kind of energy!!

Another friend commented:

I miss the old stage. And as long as Tyce is not directing, I tend to like the broadway, but not love.

So, upon reading the comments I decided to watch the video, and boy… my friend was right… it has been a long time since I have seen a Broadway routine with this much energy.

The theatre routine in question was choreographed by Sean Cheesman who just in the first two weeks of competition for SYTYCD Season 9 choreographed two routines that for some reasons the audience may not have connected well to from the get go. Now that’s interesting… Anyway when I say a “long time” I definitely mean a long time… like Season 2’s Benji Schwimmer and Donyelle Jones:

Ironically both were the second seasons of their respective series and both involve “power couples”. So that got me thinking, I already created a Dance Style Breakdown for SYTYCD U.S. edition, so how did the dancers breakdown of dance style fare in Canada? So I decided to take a look… Below is a quick dance style breakdown over the course of the four seasons that the show was on the air:

DANCE STYLE MALE FEMALE
Contemporary 20 24
Hip Hop 9 5
Ballroom / Latin / Salsa 8 8
Ballet 2 2
Tap 1 0
Jazz 1 2
Break Dancing 1 0
Krump 0 1

Granted, this is still a bit lopsided with Contemporary dancers building the bulk of the group… however, when looking at the individual seasons, two of them (Season 2 and 4) were rather decently balanced. While the other two seasons had an insane number of Contemporary dancers in comparison to everyone else.

The two dancers from SYTYCD Canada Season 2 were tap and contemporary and they did a rather good job of it. At the same time I found it kind of odd that Sean Cheesman would create such a technically challenging and high octane theatre / broadway routine. Yes, for SYTYCD U.S. Sean has only created Jazz related routines… what gives? Sure, Tyce is a decent choreographer and Spencer Liff just got an Emmy nomination for his Broadway routines… but if the above routine is any indication I would love to see him try his hand on Broadway as well. If only because it forces the high octane / technically challenging routines to also depends on characterizations for the dancers.

What do you think?

July 21, 2012 I Written By

My life can be summed up in the following two quotes: 1) "I am married to engineering and am its faithful wife by day, but at night my wanderlust takes hold and the arts becomes my jealous paramour." and... 2) "Engineering is my safety net. Writing is my passion. Acting is my escape when the other two become too much." So where does dancing fit in? Pretty much anywhere at this point... =)

All things Twitter

Thanks to John I was able to tweet live tonight from the @puresytycd twitter for those of us that watch on the east coast. I have to say it’s hard to tweet and follow along with the audition show, because there is so much info packed into them. Though I will do my best to keep up and will end my tweets with either my name or just simply with an A, so you will know it’s me and not John. Hope you guys will enjoy it.

Twitter has been a great way to keep up with my favorite alumni, judges, and choreographer. It’s fun to see some of the conversations between the dancers and some of them tweet as they watch the show too. I have my favorites and tweeted many of them and even gotten a few replies. I have gotten replies from Benji, Lil’ C, Adam Shankman and Mark. I have to say Mark’s reply kinda made my day. So I was wondering if any of our readers have gotten replies from any of your favorites, let us know…I would love to hear about it.

June 1, 2011 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Season 8 All-Stars?

I saw this over at SYTYCDism and they’re very careful to caution that this may be a prank or something else OTHER than a photo shoot for the Season 8 All-stars. It does seem a bit lop-sided to be a true group of All-Stars. But, if nothing else, it’s a great photo. Also, if nothing else, here’s proof that Sabra still exists somewhere in the world! She looks great.

Hey, here’s an idea. I think the All-Star positions should be open to International SYTYCD dancers. Canada was just so good this past season and I miss Australia, so it’d be good to see them on the US stage. I’m all for cross-referencing my SYTYCD.

What do y’all think?

Benji Schwimmer (S2), Sabra Johnson (S3), Caitlin Kinney (S5), Mollee Gray (S6), Evan Kasprzak (S5), Randi Evans (S5), Ellenore Scott (S6), Legacy Perez (S6), Brandon Bryant (S5) and Kupono Aweau.

October 25, 2010 I Written By

Let The Season 7 Tour Begin

The dancers of season 7 officially kick off their tour in New Orleans tomorrow night to a sold out crowd (Although you can still buy SYTYCD tour tickets in other cities). Paying attention to the tweets of the dancers, I say they are anxious to get the tour started. Unfortunatley I have to wait till the 27th to see the show but I can’t complain too much because I have third row seats. As always I am so looking forward to the show. I haven’t missed a tour show since they started touring in season two. So I got to thinking about how many of our readers will be going to tour for the first time, and trust me you will enjoy the show. This time I have a feeling we will see more new dances compared to other tours. Mainly because they have to work in Russell into the tour but still should see many of our favorite routines. I can’t wait to see if some of my favorite dances make it into the show but I am also looking forward to the skits. Though I don’t think they can top the Russian skit from season five (if you don’t know what I am talking about surf youtube for it). Anyways I thought I would share some info for those who haven’t been to a tour.

First make sure if you want any tour mechandise get it before the show starts or during the intermission so you can get a good spot for the meet and greet after the show. I recomend the program, it has great pictures and short Q&A with each dancer. Second you are allowed to have a small camera(non professional) but you can’t use the flash. The flash can affect the dancers while they are dancing. Thrid bring extra batteries just in case, I learned that lesson during the season four tour. I almost didn’t get a picture with Mark because of that but thankfully I was able to save up just enough and caught up to Mark and he gladly posed for one with me. Lastly if you stay for the meet and greet know that they will take their time and make sure they get meet all of their fans.

Here are some of my pictures with some of my favorite dancers.

 

 

 

Enjoy the show a I will post my review and pics soon.

September 18, 2010 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Power Rankings for SYTYCD Canada Top 18

Last Week’s Power Rankings were accurate so we will see how I do this week.

The judges main message to viewers was to VOTE!!!! So I encourage everyone tonight to please do just that… VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!

This was challenging because some of the routines were good but came from dancers who have been repeatedly in the bottom 3… so, with all things considered here are my thoughts…

Please feel free to comment if you agree, disagree or have anything to add or say. I am not even 100% sure I agree with my ranking, it was really hard tonight.

********** TOP 3 **********

1. Danielle & Sebastian – contemporary – Sabrina Matthews
Gunnin’ – Hedley – Gunnin'
1-866-977-4606

Emotional Concept of struggling with eating disorders. Beautiful and powerful movements. Very strong total goose bumps awesome routine. My fave of the night.

2. Charlene & Jeff – Hustle – Maria Torres
That’s Where the Happy People Go – The Trammps – That's
1-866-977-4604

Some amazing twists, flips and lifts I actually got goose bumps with the one major trick. I really enjoyed the routine. It was challenging and they pulled it off wonderfully.

3. Janick & Shavar – Hip Hip – Luther Brown
Lil Freak – Usher ft Nicki Minaj – Lil
1-866-977-4602

Much harder hitting than last week. Smooth groove. She impressed me and he was predictably good in his genre. I kept moving this up and down but decided on third place. It was awesome.

********** MIDDLE **********

4. Natalie & Mackenzie – Cha Cha – Gustavo Vargas
I like it – Enrique Inglasis ft pitbull – I
1-866-977-4605

It felt a bit slow for me but other than that it was really fun and sexy. The judges loved it but they seem to almost love everything don’t they? So much for critiques.

5. Kirsten & Jera – 90s Hip-Hop – ShoTyme
Now that we found the love – Heavy D & The Boyz ft Aaron Hall – Now
1-866-977-4607

Old School Love. Lot’s of old bounce moves that brought me back. A bit off at times but totally fun and gave me a good laugh remembering when people really danced this way.

6. Amanda & Denys – Quick Step – Tony & Melanie
Feelin’ Good – Colin James – Something
1-866-977-4601

Fast and fun. Nice flips and spins. Some rocking out that made it more enjoyable to watch than most quick steps.

********** BOTTOM 3 **********

7. Claudia & Edgar – Jazz – Sean Cheesman
Imposible – Shontelle – Impossible
1-866-977-4608

Slow start. Amazing lift spin, great chemistry for one week together. Goosebumps at times which usually means top 3 but I just don’t think it will happen based on their history so far. I hope they stay out of the bottom three this week, this routine was amazing! I am putting them 7th but I feel like they should be about 4th based JUST on tonight.

8. Kloe & Jonathan – West Coast Swing – Benji Schwimmer
Clocks – Vitamin String Quartet – Clocks
1-866-977-4609

This was a really challenging routine that didn’t feel west coast swing. Benji is amazing and the two danced really well. It was beautiful to watch. I just think it was a bit too much that didn’t fully come together.

9. Julia & Jesse – Contemporary – Stacey Tookey
Falling – Florence and the Machine – not on iTunes, so try “Heavy in Your Arms” – Heavy from the Eclipse soundtrack.
1-866-977-4603

Beautiful piece by Stacey however Melissa was right it lacked connection at times and a few lifts seemed flawed. That being said I enjoyed the routine but it was tough to pick a bottom 3 and this is just how they measured up for me overall. I don’t think I’ve ever put a Tookey routine in bottom three… eek!

September 6, 2010 I Written By

I am a blogger and reality tv lover. I blog here for SYTYCD but mostly the Canada version, since I live in Vancouver BC. I also blog about other reality tv shows on my own blog www.mandysmind.com

Lacey Schwimmer to Choreograph on SYTYCD Canada

Well, it looks like there’s going to be more than one Schwimmer working on SYTYCD Canada this season. I can’t remember where I saw that Benji Schwimmer was going to be on Canada, but Lacey recently sent out a tweet saying she wasn’t going to be on this season of DWTS, but that she was going to be choreographing for SYTYCD Canada:
Lacey Schwimmer on SYTYCD Canada

As an interesting side note, I met Benji at the finale of DWTS the year Lacey made it to the finale. I’d asked about his future plans at that time and he made it sound like SYTYCD Canada was the place to be to make money. I guess they’re really investing in it to make it one of the top Canadian shows. I’m not sure if that’s changed since, but it was interesting to learn that he could make more on SYTYCD Canada than the US show.

August 24, 2010 I Written By

Just call me Charlie...but where are my angels?

Twitter News

I posted SYTYCD Canada Twitter Accounts the other day, but today I was looking to see what some of the SYTYCD personalities had posted about the Toronto Auditions or the show in general. Also, I saw a few of the choreographers and judges chatting on twitter which makes me excited that we may have some awesome people coming to Toronto for SYTYCD Canada.

Benji chatting with judge Luther Brown:

..maybe coming to the show as a guest?

Cool news, Miles was in Vancouver to audition for the CWs new show Hell Cats staring Ashley Tisdale and Aly Michalka.

Also, look who is headed to Toronto:

I am sure she will guest host and/or choreo… to be honest, I prefer her as a choreographer because she is amazing and as a judge, well, she just get too emotional one way or another. I know she is working with Blake for his video for “RELAX” They are in rehearsals now.

Finally, Blake reminds you to tune in tonight:

August 16, 2010 I Written By

I am a blogger and reality tv lover. I blog here for SYTYCD but mostly the Canada version, since I live in Vancouver BC. I also blog about other reality tv shows on my own blog www.mandysmind.com

Introducing The Weekend Forecast

Ever wonder what Season Two winner Benji Schwimmer has been up to lately. Well if you follow him on twitter you would know that he is a part of a  band, the lead singer to be exact. The bands first single is called “Right” and I posted the music video below. I like it the song is pretty catchy and it has a great message. So enjoy and show Benji some love on twitter @BenjiSchwimmer.

July 23, 2010 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

SYTYCD S7 – Which *new* partnership surprised you the most?

What did you think of the dances? Which pairing were you pleasantly surprised about?

Since there were a few repeat partnerships… this is just all the *new* ones. Now as much as I was surprised that there was some man on man action this week, I wasn’t terribly surprised that it would work well… SYTYCD has a long history of strong male/male dances.

So when it came to pass that there was going to a man on man dance last night, naturally I had very high expectations for this dance…. but that’s just me. 😀

Season 2 – Tranji (Benji & Travis) – Hip Hop choreo by Shane Sparks
Song: Da Muzicianz & Mr Collipark – Gyrate Gyrate

Season 3 – Neil & Danny – Contemporary choreo by Mia Michaels
Song: The Presets – Are You the One? Are

Season 4 – Twitch & Joshua – Trepak choreo by Youri Nelzine
Song: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker – Trepak The

July 1, 2010 I Written By

My life can be summed up in the following two quotes: 1) "I am married to engineering and am its faithful wife by day, but at night my wanderlust takes hold and the arts becomes my jealous paramour." and... 2) "Engineering is my safety net. Writing is my passion. Acting is my escape when the other two become too much." So where does dancing fit in? Pretty much anywhere at this point... =)