Welcome to Pure So You Think You Can Dance

Yippee. Some fun Tweets lately. Here are a selection:

HOTtamaleTRAIN
LOLOL nice shirt Nick. RT @NickLazzarini: http://yfrog.com/4i2epqdj /via @SYTYCDISM – OMG, I wish I could pack that for Australia! 4 minutes ago

JManrara
Woke up, had coffee w/ Tyce, going over my lines for class now, then lunch w/ Katie Shean & Courtney Galiano, & then 5Alive reunion! Yay! about 1 hours ago

Bearkaz
http://twitpic.com/14y5wn – I decided Evan would look sweet with a mustache and…BOOSH! about 1 hours ago

You know this made my day, being a devoted Kasprzak fan. There’s another great pic on Ryan’s page of the three brothers round Christmas time. Here’s the pic Ryan posted:

itsjeaninemason
Hold the phone: 5 ALIVE reunion dinner tonight!! Get pumped! I lahv family! about 2 hours ago

Hopefully, there will be pics to follow tonight’s reunion dinner!

xxsurfjonsurfxx
Still in bed….. Need to go shopping for tonight tho!!!! Yaaay family reunion…. Season 5 family that is!!! =D about 4 hours ago

dmitry_ch
Doing a photoshoot with @Chelsiekayh http://yfrog.com/37zfmuj about 2 hours ago

Here’s the pic:

NAPPYTABS
Monsters of Hip Hop tryin’ to get to 4,000 followers on their facebook! Help us get them there! We know what you can do followers! about 4 hours ago

jakobakarr
So sleepy today! This rehearsal is going to be a tough one to get through. At least I have @Jaimie_Goodwin to provide the giggles. about 4 hours ago

Billy_Bell
Clear talent meeting! @shaynalb about 6 hours ago

But this one may be waaaay better: @Jglove988 so when are you going to tell @jmanrara that we are together and you don tlike her anymore? about 24 hours ago in reply to Jglove988

adammshankman
First thing I saw when I woke up http://yfrog.com/338pdwj about 7 hours ago

Cute pic from Adam – he also Tweets about the Oscars choreography – go check it out.

MollsGrayy
Well just barely going to sleep… Its 5:38 am and I have to be at Millenium by 10am to teach a private lesson!! Then rehearsal all day! Ahh about 8 hours ago

alohakupono
MiA!!!!!!!!!!!! I seriously NeED you in my LiiiiiiiiiiiiiiFE!!!!!!!! I hope you’re doing good and I better see you on THURSDaY for you … about 12 hours ago

A sentiment I’m sure we all second. More Mia is necessary.

PeterSabasino
Getting ready to perform at a Haiti bennefit. I’m excited.. 3:59 PM Feb 19th

Just cause I love Peter…

Exciting news about the Five Alive “reunion” tonight. And the Dmitry/Chelsea photo session. Hope you enjoy.

Some interesting things were posted on Twitter today, so I thought I’d round up a few of the tidbits for you. Here we go.

Billy_Bell
I might have got my first rejection from an auditon today… yay! haha about 2 hours ago

adammshankman
PS: the dancers fr oscars were picked today. A lot of familiar sytycders will b there, and unbelievable new talent. Going to be SICK. about 2 hours ago

[Here's a piece from SYTYCDism that says more about which dancers. Travis, Kayla, Kathryn and Russell!]

LaurenGottlieb
I need your help. Im looking for new music to choreograph to! Let me know if you got something you think is my style http://is.gd/7zXTf about 6 hours ago

itsjeaninemason
True love!! @alohakupono and I! http://twitpic.com/112v3f about 7 hours ago

Here’s Kupono’s response, from later in the day:

alohakupono
Awwwwwwww, I MiSs my DUMPLiNG @itsjeaninemason and I LoooooooVE that I’m playing w/your hair in the PHOtO… CLASSiC US ; ) about 6 hours ago

And here’s the picture she Tweeted:

Here’s Season 6 in review. Y’all brought up a lot of this stuff in recent comments (Mrs. D’s comment in particular), which gave me the idea to do a review of the season, what we liked and didn’t like. If you disagree with me (or agree), feel free to put your two cents in, as it’s all subjective and I’d love to know what you think!

Jeer:

This season felt more rushed that any other that I can think of. Between baseball, the Presidential address, so many audition episodes and an early end to the season because of Christmas coming up, I feel like this year’s Top 20 got shafted on actual dancing time. But not just the dancers – the choreographers got fewer chances to wow us. And the audience lost out, as well.

Cheer:

I loved that I didn’t have to wait till the summer for a new season. While America’s Favorite Dancer gets a shorter reign if they continue on the two seasons a year model, we had a shorter wait, which was really nice. After Season 5, I just don’t know how I would have contained my SYTYCD longing. Are the producers hoping to follow a Survivor/Dancing with the Stars model with the two seasons a year thing? If so, they should be just as smart about scheduling and not hesitate to move the finale to a separate night (like Survivor’s Sunday finale yesterday).

Jeer:

The new stage, or at least the screen behind it. It seems like we’ve transitioned from utter hatred toward the new stage, which always threatens to swallow up the dancers, to an acceptance that we’ll probably never get our intimate little stage back. Many readers have begun to say that the screen and imprudent use of it, is actually the bigger issue.

Cheer:

The group numbers were able to utilize this enormous space in really pleasing ways. It’s nice to think that SYTYCD can now command (and fill) a larger audience space. Maybe it’ll end up being a wonderful challenge to the choreographers (as well as the production crew, especially camera folk) to recapture that intimate feeling.

Jeer:

It was awful having three static judges (Nigel, Mary and Adam). No new blood! Adam seemed to be the only one who had something to say, most reliably at least. And when the three additional judges (Debbie, Lil C and Tyce) came in for the finale, it felt like an eternity since I’d seen them and that they were given favorites to pick rather than choosing from their hearts. Maybe that’s not true, and I’m sure they still kept up with the season, but their involvement didn’t have the same feeling because they never rotated in and out during the season.

Cheer:

Adam Shankman is a wonderful addition to the judging panel. I didn’t mind him being a constant, I only minded that there was no new blood. You almost always knew what Nigel and Mary were going to say, so he was a breath of fresh air (especially at the beginning of the season). Adam is funny and honest (he called out choreographers for bad routines!) and you get the impression that he’ll actually hire the dancers he likes (i.e. when Noelle got cut, I was okay because I felt Adam wanted to work with her), so he’s a valuable part of the panel.

Jeer:

Shane Sparks and Alex DaSilva’s arrests (both for sexual crimes related to their dance students) are not only damaging to the choreographer’s careers, but also haunt the dance community at large and threaten to harm SYTYCD’s image.

Cheer:

The Dizzy Feet Foundation and gala do wonderful things for the dance community, SYTYCD and for us, as it unites our favorite shows, dancers, choreographers, crews in a really positive mission. It raises awareness and gives our favorites work! We can help, too!

Jeer:

How many injuries did we have this season? Mia Michaels was rushed to the hospital at the beginning of the season. Then, Billy Bell had to drop out due to illness. Noelle was injured in the first competition show while Ellenore and Ashleigh were both hurt during the Top 8 week and Russell was injured in the finale. Did I forget anyone??

Cheer:

Despite the overly-produced and rushed feel of the season, despite all the injuries, we had a wonderful Top 20 this season. As John pointed out, they had a great mix of styles and backgrounds. We saw some consistent excellence (Jakob and Ellenore, namely) and some great growth arcs (arguably, everybody, but notably Kathryn and Russell, in my opinion). We had some “characters” to get behind this season, in Legacy and the DiLellos in particular.

Jeer:

America’s SYTYCD lost Mia Michaels this season and her absence was certainly felt. Our loss was apparently SYTYCD Canada’s gain, so while it’s good that she’s working within the SYTYCD family, there’s a great big gaping hole where she was in our shows.

Cheer:

Mia’s absence gave way to a ton of “new” choreographers this season. New to us, at least. Like Sean Cheesman, Jason Gilkison, Spencer Liff and a routine from Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden. We had more Wade Robson, more Stacey Tookey, more Mandy Moore and more Travis Wall routines, which seriously rocked. More Sonya routines, many of which blew our minds, like the “Tore My Heart” routine with Ellenore and Jakob.  Hopefully, we’ll get to see special Mia routines, maybe one or two a season, in the future. I don’t want SYTYCD America to be completely devoid of Mia Michaels, but I’m glad we had so many standout choreographers, new and recurring, this season.

Jeer:

This season had some really awful costumes…

Cheer:

And some really amazing music. But these two things are pretty typical of all seasons, I suppose.

Jeer:

No mention of a Season 6 tour! Not even on the finale show! What are they thinking? There had better be a tour, or I will seriously cry foul. I’m keeping my feelers out, y’all, and using my contacts, to see if/when the tour will be.

Cheer:

I’m glad they mentioned auditions for Season 7 because it sounds like it’ll be another summer season. So that means that we’ll either have two seasons a year, or we’ll go back to our beloved summer format (probably the former). SYTYCD keeps motoring on, which is good news. And again, we don’t have to wait several months till fall, sounds like.

Jeer:

Hell no to the Top 6! I hope Fox and SYTYCD realize they can never do this to us again. This was the worst idea ever and I suspect the results might have been significantly different, if we’d had a normal Top 4 finale. Not cool.

Cheer:

The Meet the Top 20 episode was the biggest stroke of genius and the best of all the new ideas and concepts we dealt with this season. I hope they *always* do this from now on. It was sublime to see all of the Top 20 dancing within their styles without fear of elimination. Some of the best dancing of the entire season happened in this very first episode, as evidenced by how many of the judges’ favorites in the finale show were from this very episode.

I think that’s all I’ve got. I’ve run out of steam. But I’m sure I’ve forgotten something you hated or loved, so let me know what you think.

When we’re talking about them, they’re usually talking, too. About the show, us, themselves also. ;”)

Nigel (dizzyfeet):

11 hrs ago: Thanks for all your wonderful support. I’m glad so many realize that we are a professional competition and need to maintain credible results

12 hrs ago: I should not have told the audience to “shut up” tonight. Unfortunately their mindless catawauling got the better of me on that ocassion. [sic]

22 hrs ago: Two more dancers will be leaving us tonight. I don’t want any complaints from people who didn’t vote. I’m hearing you re. the new set.

23 hrs ago: The results are very interesting. I’m disappointed with one couple in the bottom 3 but not surprised. See if you agree on tonight’s show.

Nov 10th 10:16 a.m. : Season 5 tour in LA last night. The improvements in these dancers have made this show one of my favorites. Their comedy timing is excellent

Nov 4th 4:34 p.m.: @blakemcgrath we’d love that!

Oct. 25th 1:29 p.m. : I’m happy the judges decide, besides we know best at this moment. A couple of weeks more will help the public become better informed.

Adam (adammshankman):

11 hrs ago: Dance I’d who I am. That’s what Peter said. That’s how I feel. He’ll b fine [sic]

11 hrs ago: FYI: if Pauline and Peter move to LA they will work. They will work a lot. They are wonderful.

11 hrs ago: I held Pauline and Peter in my arms while they cried. It was horrible and we love them. It’s a competition show. It’s wt they sigh up 4.

11 hrs ago: No elimination on sytycd will be universally embraced. U hv no idea how hard it is to cut our kids. We lv thm. r job is to cut. Pls undrstn

Nov 9th 11:47 a.m: Sorry: the gala won’t be televised! One of a kind event! Get tix asap

Nov 9th 11:38 a.m.: Update: dizzyfeet gala on nov 29, dwts cast, sytycd season 5, Mary Murphy and demetri, qwest, the leads of step up (cont)

Nov 6th 2:36 p.m.: Dizzyfeet number coming together. Awesome

Nov 6th 2:12 a.m.: Great line up for dizzyfeet gala: sytycd dancers, dwts cast, step up dancers… So cool. I’m psyched

Oct 27th 9:58 a.m.: Watch sytycd tonight. First competition show. Very emotional already.

Travis (travISova):

14 mins ago: Getting my hairs cut!!! Then rehearsal with my couple

14 hrs ago: so excited about the couple i have this week on sytycd……like so excited!!

Peter (PeterSabasino):

Nov 11 12:15 a.m.: OMG….so tired from rehearsals…..But loving every minute of it. This cast is amazing

Nov 10 9:17 a.m.: Last night was amazing. 5 Alive was dope, Now Season sick is Hungrier than ever. We’re all gon Kill it…Love you guys! MWWWAH!

Billy (Billy_Bell):

1 hr ago: At the doctor getting another ultrasound… Hope I’m not pregnant!

Nov 9 3:44 p.m.: @PaulineMata perfection buy me some clothes while you’re out today;)

Nov 9 1:42 p.m.: @Paulinemata yell at @jakobakarr for not tweeting ever how is he supposed to function as a season 6er and not tweet?!?! haha

Nov 8 11:33 p.m.: @Jglove988 you arnt so bad yourself. I hope I see you and @jmanrara soon! I miss you guys! And I love you too @paulinemata

Jeanine (itsjeaninemason):

14 hrs ago: At the Clippers game!! random but I’ve apparently been in a basketball mood lately. So proud of my hubby @jakobakarr!!

Nov 10 3:01 a.m.: LA show was amazing!!! Oh and how can I forget! my butt decided to make a guest appearance during paso..I mooned 7,000 people, yippe!

Nov 8 5:15 p.m.: Heading to a taping of SYTYCD season 6!! Can’t wait to see all the crew and scream for the amazing talenttttt ahhhhh

Nov 8 1:11 p.m.: Had the best night on the G-Lounge party bus!! And was married to my one true love @alohakupono…choo-choo! Just got to Lala land

Nov 7 4:19 p.m.: Doing some press in Utah and then hanging out with the girls…I’m going to miss these smelly locker rooms

Kupono (alohakupono):

Nov 8 4:18 a.m.: PARtY BUS is AMAAAZiNG!!!! DeCORAtED the GuRLS BUS and transformed it into the LoVE2LiVE-LiVE2GiVE G-LoUNGE!!! I got a FoG MACHiNE ; )

Nov 6 11:12 p.m.: New FAVORiTE GaME is “NiNJA DeSTRUCTiON” minus the part where RANDi’S LiL’ SiS split my LiP!!!! YES… I was BEATeN UP by a GiRL : (

Nov 6 7:41 p.m.: RANDi’S HoUSE KiCkS ASs!!!! We’re sitting around a FiREPiT in her BACkYARD w/PiZZA and later we’re having a GoLFCART RACe!!! SO EXCiTeD!!!

Nappytabs (NAPPYTABS):

2 hrs ago: On our way to SYTYCD rehearsal!

16 hrs ago: Break is over! Workin on SYTYCD choreo now. This a FULL day of rehearsal & choreo!

20 hrs ago: Hey, forgot to give a shout out to all the SYTYCD tour dancers. Nice job, loved the show! Sorry we didn’t get back to see you, had rehearsal

Jakob (jakobakarr):

11 hrs ago: quality time with @channingcooke. love

Nov 10 2:18 a.m.: AMAZING night. 5 Alive tour show was incredible. So inspiring!

Nov 4 1:02 p.m.: Tweeting priveledges restored! Soaking up the sun with Ellenore and Pauline. Love

Noelle (iamnolz):

Nov 9 11:17 p.m.: wow! LIFE CHANGING! =D

Nov 9 5:15 p.m.: shopping with @channingcooke @paulinemata and Ryan and Ashley!

Nov 9 2:47 p.m.: @Billy_Bell I love you and MISS YOUUUU!!!!! =)

Nov 2 11:31 a.m.: I fell but I got back up =)… that is what’s important!

Man, I could go on forever with this! I’m sure I missed some fun/important/exciting Tweets, so lemme know!

We still don’t get to vote this week – next week, we’ll get a full meal of SYTYCD – Tuesday performance show and Wednesday result show. I’m still a little glad that the judges are making the tough early decisions. We’ll see if they make the right one (unlike last week…)

Here are some of my thoughts from tonight’s show [SOME SPOILERS]:
Read more…

I don’t want to say the words jump and shark, I really don’t, but I just don’t know about this season right now. Between the GIANT new stage and the camera angle limitations, all of the injuries and illnesses (Billy Bell, Pauline Mata at Vegas, Noelle Marsh and Mia Michaels) and now this first elimination…

At first I was a bit relieved that the judges were making this first decision. But now that I felt they made it badly, I want my vote back.

Wait, let’s back up…

Cat was gorgeous tonight with her curls and her beautiful red dress. I’m sad that Billy’s gone, but I don’t mind seeing more of Brandon Dumlao.

I’m pleased by Channing and Phillip’s chemistry in the jive, but I can agree with Adam when he says they dropped character, especially near the end. Some of it was a bit awkward and we could see it coming a mile away. But I’m excited to see what’s next for them. It seems like a solid first performance.

Ashleigh seemed a bit sweeter in her interview package and I thought her “sultry Broadway” with Jakob was better than I thought it would be. But my mom made a really good point when she suggested that Ashleigh’s only as strong as her partner. Which is great when she’s dancing with Jakob…but he is outdancing her.

I was pleased with Ariana and Peter. According to that Buddy TV slideshow, they were one of the potential worst couples, but I was immediately excited they were dancing together. They have great personalities and are both adorable. I really like the Nappytabs hip hop routine. Then the judges are pretty tough on them, which makes me nervous.

It was really too bad that Noelle couldn’t dance that foxtrot with Russell – they would’ve been so cute. I thought he did an amazing job with Melanie. And Nigel says that Russell is an example of why he stresses that kids should experience dance in school.

You know who really surprised me? Bianca in her Travis Wall contemporary with Victor. Amazing! Perhaps she has issues with her head, shoulders, knees and toes as Adam suggested, but they had wonderful chemistry together and I think they’ll continue to bring out the best in each other. That one move where Victor lowered her behind his back was stunning. Beautiful.

Karen and Kevin did a really good cha cha, though there were some really awkward transitions. Their personalities and chemistry really carried the routine, though, and Mary put Karen ont he hot tamale train – though Kevin’s just standing on the platform at the moment. Adam had that great comment about “and that’s not usually my thing” about Karen’s smoking hotness.

So I didn’t get the Elleanor and Ryan Sonya piece the way everyone else did. Maybe I need to watch it again. It definitely had its moments and I was so pleasantly surprised by their chemistry together. Elleanor hasn’t been standing out for a lot of people, so I’m glad if this does the trick for her.

I was pleased by Pauline and Brandon’s smooth waltz. Jason Gilkison said he wanted to do a “young waltz” and I think he did a great job with the movement (the judges compared it unfavorably to a prom dance), but a horrible choice with the song. The Whitney song is good, but not a “young” song. I thought the two of them did a great job, especially considering they had far less time than the others to prepare.

Kathryn and Legacy did a great Dave Scott hip hop. And Legacy is a lucky joker, for sure. It’s pretty unfair how many chances this guy gets and I really don’t think he’s going to do much earthshattering. BUT, this routine was pretty awesome and I’m so glad Kathryn got a chance to shine. She was better than him, though, and this is closer to his style.  I loved that she pounded her chest at the end.

Like Adam, I generally don’t like disco. My mom and I go back and forth on this cause she loves it. It’s just not my thing. Yet…I LOVED this disco routine. For the first time, disco has felt relevant to me and not just cheesy. Mollee and Nathan are so good together and the perfect couple for something this high-energy and youthful.

I was pretty much in shock when the judges announced the bottom 2 girls and the bottom 2 guys to dance. I loved Ariana and I don’t want her there. Why not Ashleigh? Nigel’s highest compliment to her was that if she keeps not messing up, she can ride Jakob’s coattails for a while. Clearly, she’s only a strong as her partner. And after Nigel’s comments about Russell earlier, WHY is he in the bottom 2? It doesn’t make any sense. As much as I love Channing, I’d understand her and Phillip being in the bottom 2 more than these choices. Brandon’s kinda a gimme, though very mean.

The solos are pretty awesome, all of them. I particularly liked Russell’s and had a good feeling he’d be safe. I’m mildly appeased that Nigel’s going to “try” to change the rules so that Brandon can come back next season (hopefully Billy gets the same chance), but I get the feeling Brandon kinda knew this was coming and he was just subbing for a bit more dance experience. He was very gracious.

I just do NOT understand why Ariana went home tonight. I didn’t want Pauline to go, either, but I love Ariana and I do feel like she’s danced stronger than Pauline so far. While I hate the idea of Noelle leaving because of her injury (hey, maybe she’ll get a chance to come back next season too, while we’re handing out maybes), I’d love for Ariana to come back in her place if that turns out to be the case.

Big breath. Well, what do y’all think?

Top 6:

3 Girls – Ariana, Channing and Karen

3 Guys – Nathan, Billy (except…) and Jakob

Middle 8:

4 Girls -Mollee, Noelle, Elleanor and Pauline

4 Guys – Ryan, Peter, Russell and Kevin

Bottom 6:

3 Girls – Ashleigh, Bianca (ducks all the flying objects), and Kathryn (ducking again – sorry Amanda)

3 Guys – Legacy, Phillip and Victor

I think Ashleigh and Legacy will be the ones cut.

7:45 p.m. update: Half the couples have danced, let’s see if any of my thoughts last night have changed. Victor is definitely out of the bottom 3 guys!! Let’s move him to the top. But who does he oust? Ashleigh did better with Jakob than I thought she would, but I still think she’s in danger. She pulls too many faces and it’s kinda clear she’s only as good as her partner – and while her partners are phenomenal, she does a’right. I don’t think Bianca’s gonna be in the bottom – not after that great Travis Wall. More about that later. I really loved Ariana and Peter, but if we get some great routines, I think they’ll probably be about the middle till they get more props from the judges. It’s too bad Noelle couldn’t dance that great Foxtrot with Russell.

8:25 p.m. update: Wow, the Legacy and Kathryn pairing really surprised me! Pauline and Brandon did very well and everyone loved Elleanore and Ryan’s (I’m undecided). Karen distracted everybody from Kevin a bit, but he did a pretty good job of holding his own. I’m so confused!!! One more couple before they cut a  girl and a guy and now, I just don’t know. They’re doing a good job of acting like everybody’s gonna be around next week – it sounds convincing every time. I think maybe Ashleigh’s still in danger. Maybe Pauline (no!). Maybe Noelle because of the injury. As for the guys – Legacy just represented pretty well and he was my best bet to go. They wouldn’t send Brandon home would they – he did a phenomenal job for a day and a half preparation. What do y’all think?

8:40 p.m. update: Oh no!!! The four dancing solos are Ariana, Brandon, Pauline and Russell. NOT a good decision! I have to say, Ariana is one of my favorites, so as much as I like Pauline… and I have a feeling it’s Brandon going, not Russell. Russell had an amazing performance, so I don’t understand that at all. What do y’all say?

8:52 p.m. update: No, it’s Ariana going home. Worst decision ever.

8:55 p.m. update: They cut Brandon, which makes sense because of Russell, but is a little bit of a cheat. They’re going to try to change the rules so that Brandon can come back next season.

I’m really upset about Ariana.

This is all over the place, but I got it from rickey.org. The official statement from the Bell Family regarding Billy’s withdrawal from the show:

Billy’s family would like to thank all of the fans that came out to show their support for Billy this season. It has been an amazing experience for all of us and has really meant a lot to Billy. We feel like Billy made it through all of the tough auditions and now that the fun was beginning, he has to leave the show. We were all very disappointed when we heard the news and Billy was devastated when his doctors told the show that if he continued to dance on the show before he recovered, he could possibly die. It will take several weeks for him to recover and as a result, he will be unable to return to Juilliard as of right now. We are hoping he will be able to return in the Spring. Billy is still quite ill but was released from the hospital today. He’s feeling better but still needs to rest.

As of right now, Billy is hoping to re-audition for Season 7. He really enjoyed working with the show and had a lot of fun. Although he is sad that he will not be a part of Season 6, he hopes that the producers will allow him to return for the next season. If you would like to wish Billy a speedy recovery, I’m sure he would appreciate it. You can do so by posting on the facebook fan page or his facebook.

Thank you so much for sharing your love and support with our family.
The Bell Family

This does raise an important question. In Mary Murphy’s judge interview, she says that once they’re in the Top 20, a dancer is not eligible to try out again for the show. Poor Paris and Tony and the other couples booted first! Billy performed in the Meet the Top 20, but not any official competition. Should that count? Do you think it will? Personally, I hope we get to see Billy Bell back next season.

How am I gonna rank the Top 20 without seeing a regular performance show?!? Do you think I’m as crazy as I’m starting to think I am for even offering to try? Lol. I’ll have to update this tomorrow as the show goes, but I don’t think I’ll have enough time to get a power ranking up tomorrow before they cut two dancers unless I put something up now.

Top 6:

3 Girls – Ariana, Channing and Karen

3 Guys – Nathan, Billy (except…) and Jakob

Middle 8:

4 Girls -Mollee, Noelle, Elleanor and Pauline

4 Guys – Ryan, Peter, Russell and Kevin

Bottom 6:

3 Girls – Ashleigh, Bianca (ducks all the flying objects), and Kathryn (ducking again – sorry Amanda)

3 Guys – Legacy, Phillip and Victor

I think Ashleigh and Legacy will be the ones cut. They’re my least favorite, but I think they’re the least versatile and interesting and the least liked.

My criteria? What else can I go on except for gut instinct? Well, I am also thinking of some of what I’ve read on the Internet and in the comments of this site as we’ve gotten to this point. And their performances in their own style, the judges’ reactions to them.

I predict that there are going to be a lot of re-pairings due to cuts (one dancer in a couple goes home, the other is safe). I don’t think this is going to be a season where most of the couples stay together all the way to Top 10…though the best two or three couples probably will.

I’d love to know how the couples were picked. Check out this BuddyTV.com slideshow I found that puts together the “best” and “worst” potential couples. **SPOILER ALERT** Four of their “worst” couples are dancing together tomorrow night (according to Margaret’s spoilers, which I think are probably accurate): Bianca & Victor, Ariana & Peter, Channing & Phillip and Kathryn & Legacy (Season 6’s “criers,” as they call them. But FIVE of their “best” couples are dancing together tomorrow night: Karen & Kevin, Mollee & Nathan (YES!), Noelle & Russell, Channing & Phillip and Elleanor & Ryan.

What do y’all think?

Wow, what a great show! Adam Shankman said it best, I think when he talked about growing on the show and if this is where these Top 20 start, “what do you become?” Brilliant show.

First, Wade Robson’s routines are pretty much always my favorites. I don’t think there’s ever been a routine of his I haven’t liked. I love the collaborations with his wife Amanda. But the dancers just made this routine something truly special. Right away, we have a highly memorable (Emmy-worthy?) routine on the very first episode. Sheesh. Nathan really stood out to me in this one, but I thought they were all phenomenal. And was that Lady GaGa in the audience as they gave the routine a standing ovation?

I liked the Nappytabs hip hop with Russell, Kevin and Legacy, but it was probably one of my least favorite of the night and I still haven’t warmed up to Legacy. Don’t know that I will, though if he surprises me, I’ll be the first to say it.

Tyce’s routine with Nathan, Ariana, Channing and Jakob was amazing. Looooved it. Especially Ariana’s jump into Nathan’s arms. It was a great song and a great routine.

Really loved it when Cat said, “How are we going to send anyone home this season?” Really. I’m glad the first few decisions are the judges’ to make. But I hope they make the right decisions.

The tappers. I love Bianca, Peter and Phillip and I can appreciate that tap is tough. But…I thought this routine was kinda boring. The parts where they were encouraged to show their personality were awesome, but I didn’t think “Take the A Train” was a great song for tap. I liked how Derick K. Grant said, that “good tap is like a good kung fu movie.” Maybe I’m underestimating tap dancing…but why couldn’t they expect dancers to pick up *some* tap in order to do a routine, especially with a tap partner? Caitlin and Jason did Bollywood their first week and Ade did a classical ballet routine with Melissa, all last season. And these are good dancers. Would tap be tougher for these dancers than for example, a hip hop dancer having to learn ballroom?

While I liked Sonya Tayeh’s jazz with Mollee, Elleanore and Pauline, it felt very reminiscent (sometimes in a bad way) of last season’s “Superheroine” routine with the top 3 girls. Watch it again and tell me I’m wrong. I liked all three of them and I agreed with Adam that Mollee had “graduated from High School Musical” and danced like a woman. And I do agree with Sonya that confidence is sexy. I love Sonya and I love these three girls, so I hate to pick on the routine.

Mandy Moore’s contemporary with Billy, Noelle, Kathryn and Victor was fun, had a 5o’s vibe and was very fast and clearly difficult. But kinda boring. Victor and Noelle had an awkward lift at one point, I thought.

I’m not the biggest fan of the DiLellos, but I really liked their Jason Gilkison samba with Karen. The fact that she held her own with a couple who’s been dancing together for years really impressed me. It was really sexy and fun.

Is it just me, or did they NOT announce the couples! I think we’ll have to depend on Margaret’s spoilers.

It’s kinda a shot in the dark, but I’m going to take a stab at a Power Ranking since a boy and girl will be kicked off by the judges after they perform tomorrow. Maybe I’ll even make live annotations during tomorrow’s show. If you’re good.

I hope all of you will chime in, too. John? Amanda? Margaret?