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Top 8 Perform on SYTYCD Canada

I apologize for this post being delayed, and I further apologize as I have not seen the episode yet because I got caught up tonight after a long day and went to the movies with a friend.

I probably won’t get to watch before tomorrow results so PLEASE use the comments below to rank the performances and predict the results.

Tonight the TOP 8 Performed:

 

Here is the break down of the show:

Jordan and Adam
Hip_Hop – choreographed by Luther Brown
Say It With Me – Say It With Me - F.A.M.E. Chris Brown

Solo: Melissa
Crime for a Crime – Crime for Crime - Not a Pretty Girl Ani DiFranco

Solo: Matt
Hold On (feat. Amber Coffman) [Sub Focus Remix] – Hold On (Sub Focus Remix) - Hold On (feat. Amber Coffman) - EP Rusko

Lindsay and Shane
Contempoaray – choreographed by Stacey Tookey
Uninvited – Uninvited - Alanis Morissette: The Collection Alanis Morissette

Solo: Christian
Miami 2 Ibiza – Miami 2 Ibiza - Until One (Deluxe Edition) Swedish House Mafia vs. Tinie Tempah

Solo: Denitsa
Airmail Special (Club Des Belugas Remix) – Airmail Special (Club Des Belugas Remix) - Zoo Zizaro Ella Fitzgerald & Club Des Belugas

Denitsa and Christian
Samba – choreographed by Gustavo Vargas
Tambourine – Tambourine (Radio Edit) - Serena Williams' Interval Run Eve

Solo: Lindsay
Half Life – Half Life - Ellipse (Bonus Track Version) Imogen Heap

Solo: Shane
Hit the Lights (feat. Lil Wayne) – Hit the Lights (feat. Lil Wayne) - Hit the Lights (feat. Lil Wayne) - Single Jay Sean

Melissa and Matt
Jazz – choreographed by Melissa Williams
Nobody’s Perfect – Nobody's Perfect - Who You Are Jessie J

Solo: Jordan
What Turns You On (Live) – What Turns You On - KT LIVE Katie Thompson

Solo: Adam
Fire – Fire - Fire (single) - Single Raghav

Jive: Top 8 (choreographed by Danny Arbour)
Land of a 1,000 Dances – Land Of A 1,000 Dances - Music From Forrest Gump Union of Sound

Tomorrow Night is Results as well as a group performance choreographed by Sean Cheesman – Can’t wait!

PLEASE post your thoughts on tonight’s performance below…
I will do a post tomorrow on the results as well as my thoughts / ranking (I plan to watch BOTH episodes tomorrow after work)

August 29, 2011 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

SYTYCD Canada Top 12 Group Routines

This was choreogrpahed by ShoTyme and features the Top 12 last week on SYTYCD Canada’s Performance Show.

I really liked the routine overall, especially since there is not a single Hip Hop Dancer left in the group…

They also did a Top 12 group routine choreographed by Jean-Marc & his wife on the Results Show:

Which do you like better? Isn’t it typical for Jean-Marc to have such a sexy routine?

I am excited to see what the Top 10 will bring Monday Night!!

August 21, 2011 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

SYTYCD Canada Top 10 Revealed

The opening number featured the Top 12 dancers doing a routine choreographed by Jean-Marc and his wife . The ides was mobster women controling the men. I was pretty sexy and fun.

Top 12 Routine
“Dirty Dancer” – Dirty Dancer (feat. Usher) - Euphoria Enrique Inglesias

Results:
Melissa & Adam – safe
Jordan & Francois – safe
Lindsay & Christian – in danger
Geisha & Joey – in danger
Denitsa & Matt – safe
Yulia & Shane – in danger

These results were not too surprising, but I really thought Geisha and Joey did well last night.

Solo’s

Lindsay
Jason Derulo – “Whatchya Say” Whatcha Say - Jason Derulo

Amazing to see her dance her solo, stunning!

Geisha
Robyn – “Indestructible” Indestructible - Body Talk

A regular in the solo’s. She did well but not mind-blowing.

Yulia
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies – “Jump Jive & Wail”

Same as usual, great technique in her own style… not very good in anything else, always in the bottom and always saved by judges – Lame!

Christian
AfroJack – “Take Over Control” Take Over Control - Dance Party 2011 (Mixed by The Happy Boys)

Great to see in the solo’s he is absolutely amazing to watch!

Joey
Michael Bublé – “Feelin’ Good” Feeling Good - It's Time

Fabulous dancer, amazing solo, I just adore him!

Shane
(Unknown which artist did this version) – “Stand By Me” Stand By Me - In Concert (Live) [Probably the Rockapella version – Emilie’s note]

Really brought it in his solo, which was a surprise, I thought he would go based on the other two in the bottom.

I was shocked to see Geisha and Joey sent home. I knew Geisha or Yulia would leave, based on the number of times they have been in the bottom, but Joey? I am stunned! He is amazing!

So now we have our Top 10… Jordan is still a favourite but she is being outshined by Melissa as of late. Joey was my favourite male dancer and now that he is gone… I am sad!

August 16, 2011 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

SYTYCD Canada Top 12 Performance Show

Tonight’s Top 12 was amazing! I was a bit disappointed last week, but this week did not let me down!


Judges: Jean-Marc, Tre, Blake, Luther, Mary

Christian & Lindsey
Salsa – Claudia Primeau & Francis LeFreniere
“Aguanile” – Aguanile - Héctor Lavoe: Greatest Hits Hector Lavoe

The idea of this routine was that Lindsey was an exotic bird. They had awesome outfits and a cage. I love both dancers, but I think because this dance was first, a little different and not overly memorable, it may put them in risk this week.

Adam & Melissa
Contemporary – Sabrina Matthews
“Set Fire to the Rain’ – Set Fire to the Rain - 21 Adele

The theme to this was a couple who ruin each other being together. It was supposed to be a controlled chaos with wild movements and I think they did absolutely wonderfully. I had goosebumps the entire routine and could NOT take my eyes off Melissa. Her legs were so strong, her movements so fierce! Blake even went so far as to say he loved Melanie, who just won USA, but that Melissa would tear her apart! It was Melissa’s 5th consecutive standing ovation from the judges and the audience!

Matt & Denitsa
Hip Hip – Steve Bolton
“C’mon Catch ’em by Surprise” – C'mon (Catch 'Em By Surprise) [feat. Busta Rhymes] - C'mon (Catch 'Em By Surprise) [feat. Busta Rhymes] - EP Diplo & Tiesto (ft Busta Rhymes)

I have to say I was impressed with this routine despite judges criticism. I do feel it is probably too little, too late, but we will see what the voters decide. Looking at the overall season I feel these two may be at risk of going home, but tonight’s number was pretty great! They were HARD hitting and really in it!

Yulia & Shane
Jive – Danny Arbour
“Thunder on the Mountain” – Thunder On the Mountain - The Party Ain't Over Wanda Jackson (Ft Jack White)

It was a good effort, strong choreography and solid performance, though I am not sure it will be memorable or strong enough to keep them out of the bottom three, especially given the past results with voters and these dancers. It is odd that they did not mention Carlena’s name. They showed Yulia danced with JP last week and then showed Shane danced his solo last week but no mention or Carlena… then, Danny said Shane had to carry “his partner” last week, but this week Yulia will have to carry him. It was very odd to me, but maybe I am over thinking it? Anyhow, the dance was just meh for me overall.

Geisha & Joey
Afro-Jazz – Sean Cheesman
“Jungle” – Highlight Tribe

I love Sean Cheesman’s routines, so forgive me if I rave about it a bit. This dance was so physical and hard-hitting and amazing! I thought they looked like warriors in the jungle! Sean’s style is so unique and entertaining, I always love when a couple pulls “Afro-Jazz.” I have been a huge fan of Joey’s from the start (He and Jordan) but Geisha did well this week. I think the reason Joey found himself in the bottom last week was because Geisha is a weaker dancer. But I think they will be safe this week, unless Canada is crazy!

Jordan & Francois
Contemporary – Sabrina Matthews
“Let Go” – Let Go - Details Frou Frou

This piece was dedicated to Sabrina Matthews newlywed husband and was about taking a leap of faith in love and life. It was beautifully choreographed and even more beautifully danced by Jordan and Francois. I am not a Francois fan, but Jordan has been my favourite since the start.

Top 12 Group RoutineHip Hop – ShoTyme
“I can Transform Ya” – I Can Transform Ya (feat. Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz) - I Can Transform Ya (feat. Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz) - Single Chris Brown (ft Lil Wayne)

I really loved this routine. It was impressive to see a group of 12 NON-HIP HOP DANCERS perform such a hard hitting, fast, fun routine.

Power Rankings

Top 3
1 – Adam & Melissa
2 – Jordan & Francois
3 – Geisha & Joey

Bottom 3
4 – Christian & Lindsey
5 – Matt & Denitsa
6 – Yulia & Shane

I have to say I had 2 & 3 switched originally. Also, I had 4 & 6 switched originally, but changed them up because of overall performances.

I really think it is time for Yulia or Denitsa to go but based on tonight only I’d send Yulia and probably Shane would go also.

It is getting harder to say good-bye.
Tomorrow we find out our TOP 10 as well as see a group “mobster” routine choreographed by Jean Marc Genereux and France Mousseau.

What did you think of tonight’s show? Do you agree or disagree with my Power Rankings? Leave comments below!

August 15, 2011 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

SYTYCD Canada Top 20 Performances

Tonight was the Top performance show and I have compiled a list of the dancers, choreographers, music and a few thoughts.

I will power rank them at the end of this post – feel free to comment with your own thoughts.

Judges Tonight: Jean-Marc, Tre Armstrong, Rex Harrington, Mary Murphy.

Rodrigo & Lauren
Hip Hip – Luther Brown
“Look at me Now” Look At Me Now (feat. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes) - Look At Me Now (feat. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes) - Single – Chris Brown (ft. Lil’ Wayne & Busta Rhymes)

I really enjoyed this routine. We learned Rodrigo had an injury last week, as he walked on stage to do his solo/dance for his life he actually fell and hurt his neck. He had a minor concussion. He is better now and they two danced really well. It is kind of an awkward song for dance, but Luther choreographed it well and I thought they did a fantastic job.


Christian & Lindsay
Contemporary – Blake McGrath
“1+1” 1+1 - 4 – Beyonce

This was one of my favourites of the night. It was emotional and deep. It was about the importance of touch in relationships and was very sensual. I usually love Blake’s routines and this was no different.

JP & Denitsa
Jive – Danny Arbour (Past contenstent)
“Blue Suede Shoes” Blue Suede Shoes - The Essential Elvis Presley (Remastered) – Elvis Presley

This was a fast moving edurance dance. I thought they both did very well and was impressed to see Danny back choreographing for the show. It was in the middle for me tonight.

Carlena & Boneless
Dancehall – Jaeblaze
“Star Bwoy” Star Bwoy - Star Bwoy Riddim – Mavado

This was fun and had a good vibe. I am not sur ehow I feel about Carlena yet, some days I love her, others I just remember her crap-attitude and unfortunately it really puts that dark cloud over everything she does. Amazing dancer, yes, and hopefully that will continue to shine and cast away the bad attitude I remember. Overall this dance had the swagga’ it needed.


Kevin & Teya
Viennese Waltz – Pierre Allaire
“Good to You” Good To You (Featuring Kate Voegele) - Masterpiece Theatre – Marianas Trench

This was my least favourite dance of the night. It was slow, dull, boring and they really did not have a strong grasp of the steps. Granted, it is supposed to be a calm dance, but they didn’t glide across the dance floor – they kind of stumbled. It wasn’t horrific, and I couldn’t do any better, but it just didn’t entertain me. I predict this will be inthe bottom 3.

Geisha & Francois
Hip Hop – Tucker Barkley
“Roman’s Revenge” Roman's Revenge (feat. Lil Wayne) - Roman's Revenge (feat. Lil Wayne) - Single – Nicki Minaj (ft. Lil’ Wayne)

I enjoyed this routine. The costumes were a bit strange, but the choreo was good and they delivered it well. Compared to the rest of the night, it was about middle rating, but entertaining and fun!

Adam & Yulia
Samba – Gustavo Vargas
“Samba” Samba - Beats Around The Bush – Ganga Giri

This was really really fast. I think Yulia did better than Adam, but together it seemed a little chaotic, frantic and just off. Granted, it was fast, but it went from “fast – wow!” to “fast – what?” and I predict they may end up in the bottom three.

Melissa & Shane
Contemporary – Sabrina Matthews
“This Year’s Love” This Years Love - White Ladder – David Gray

This was amazing! Sabrina Matthews always choreographs such amazing pieces and this one was about a friend helping another friend through HIV AIDS. The topic was emotional, but these two dancers nailed it. THey brought raw emotion and amazing lifts, I was in tears! The judges agreed and got quite emotional connecting the dance to experiences of loved ones lost from AIDS. One of my favourites of the night!

Shelaina & Matt
Hustle – Maria Torres
“Melody of Love” (Wanna Be Loved) Melody of Love (Wanna Be Loved) - Endless Summer – Donna Summer

I usually like Maria Torres’ work and was excited to see a Hustle, but was disappointed. I do not know enough about the genre to say if it was the choreo or the dancing or just the song, but it was really slow and felt almost like it had to be choreographed at half time or something. I was bored besides a few nice lifts and spins. I think it may put them in the bottom three.

Jordan & Joey
Jazz – Sean Cheesman
“That’s Life” That's Life - Nothing But the Best - The Frank Sinatra Collection (Remastered) – Frank Sinatra

By far my favourite of the night! This dance was athletic, comedic, completely in sync and absolutely fantastic! Judges called these two a power couple and I couldn’t agree more. Jordan was an early favourite for me in auditions and tonight I think she quickly became Canada’s favourite! The two of them nailed the facial expressions, comedic moments, dance moves and chemistry! The story was a first date at the movies and the boy wants a kiss and tries to get one… it was so funny – once I find it I will post it for those of you who don’t get CTV to watch… really fantastic!

With that said here are my rankings for the night – please comment if you agree or disagree.

Top 3:

-Jordan & Joey
-Melissa & Shane
-Christian & Lindsay

Middle 4:

-Rodrigo & Lauren (almost top 3)
-JP & Denitsa
-Geisha & Francois
-Carlena & Boneless

Bottom 3:
-Adam & Yulia
-Shelaina & Matt
-Kevin & Teya

We will see if I am right, it is sad because the bottom 3 couples are not necessarily my least favourite dancers, they just didn’t pull through tonight for some reason.

What do you think?
Stay Tuned for Results tomorrow, Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 8pm Local time on CTV. I will post the results here tomorrow night.

Random Comment: Am I the only one who dislikes Leah Miller? I know I always say it, but she is way too young to have that much botox! Her outfit tonight was so strange! An orange skirt that went up her back and a purple long sleeved shirt that was tied up to show her upper torso? I wish Cat Deely could do our show here too 😉

[Photo Source: CTV]

July 18, 2011 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

SYTYCDC Top 14 Choreography Critiques

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….

September 15, 2009 I Written By

Power Rankings – So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 14

Last Week’s Power Rankings I predicted 1/3 of the Bottom 3 and one of the two going home.

This week I hope to be more accurate (Hey, the previous week I was 3/3)

Our judges this evening were Dan Karaty, Karen Kain, Tre Armstrong and Jean-Marc Genereux. Dan spoke about how SYTYCD Canada pushes the envelop and keeps getting sexier. Tomorrow Night Blake’s choreographed an “almost too sexy for tv” routine that I can’t wait to see.

1.Cody & Melanie
Hip Hop with Luther
“Turnin’ me on” Keri Hilson & Lil Wayne - In a Perfect World... (Bonus Track Version) - Turnin Me On – Keri Hilson ft. Lil Wayne

Yes, they are my favourite couple (though Jayme Rae & Daniel are creeping up a close second lately) but this routine by Luther was HOT! Cody didn’t have what I refer to as “Evan syndrome” (being too cute and innocent) he rocked it hard along with Melanie who was hard-hitting. They were convincing, they were in unison and they were sexy. Best routine of the night in my opinion.

2. Jayme Rae & Daniel
Disco with Melissa Williams
“Disco Inferno” The Trammps - Sensational 70s - Disco Inferno -The Trammps

The lifts, the spins, the flips, the bounce, the outfits… it was hot. I don’t know what the heck Dan Karaty was watching but he was not watching these guys dance if he thinks they weren’t “there” When Jayme Rae did those splits in a lift then a spin and flip – holy guacamole – amazing! Disco is face-paced and fun and these guys did a fantastic job and entertained me.

3. Austin & Corynne
Hollywood Jazz with John Byrne
“Paparazzi” Lady GaGa - The Fame - Paparazzi – Lady Gaga

I haven’t liked Austin since auditions but that guy can dance. I have liked Corynne since auditions and I am really glad these two are paired, they seem to really connect and I think they will stay out of the bottom 3 again this week. I didn’t like the gun part, it seemed corny but the falls and jumps and that KISS!?! wow!

4. Natalie & Danny
West Coast Swing with Benji Schwimmer
“Love Lock Down” Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak (Bonus Video Version) - Love Lockdown – Kanye West

I have tried West Coast Swing and this to me was so unlike what I have tried (at a novice level obviously ha ha!) Benji is a genius. There were some amazing flips and complicated patterns but the air worked well together and performed beautifully. (Although I wasn’t a fan of the song – especially after kanye’s lil’ outburst at the VMA’s this past weekend!)

———————BOTTOM 3————————-

5. Tara-Jean & Everett
House with Sho Tyme
“When Love Takes Over” David Guetta - When Love Takes Over (feat. Kelly Rowland) - Single - When Love Takes Over (feat. Kelly Rowland) – David Guette

I don’t want to put these guys in the Bottom 3 but it’s a close call with Natalie & Danny / Tara-Jean & Everett. It was very fast, it was entertaining, it truly was body versus feet as Dan Karaty said. I enjoyed it but something about Benji’s routine made it stand out slightly above this one and so here we are with our Bottom 3 predictions.

6. Kim & Emanuel
Contemporary with Stacey Tookey
“To Build a Home” The Cinematic Orchestra - Ma Fleur - To Build a Home – Cinematic Orchestra
They seem defeated in the rehearsal clips. With bruises and injuries and struggling with the lifts. It felt like a real bummer just watching. Though they performed well, their outfits were boring, it was slow and seemed to just drag on for me. Near the end it pick ed up and they gave it some life but I just felt like it fell short.

7. Amy & Vincent
Cha Cha with Gustavo Vargas
“Rie y llora” Celia Cruz - Regalo del Alma - Rie y Llora – Celia Cruz

It was fun and sexy and cute but it didn’t stand out much compared to other routines this evening. it was quirky but just nothing spectacular in my opinion.

Assuming my Bottom 3 are correct (and it is so hard to tell at this point) I would predict that Amy & Vincent go home… ooh I dunno…. everyone deserve to be where they are on that stage… so sad to send people home each week.

Can’t wait for Blake’s routine tomorrow 🙂

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

SYTYCDC 2 Top 16 Performance Music Review

Hi guys. This is a new segment devoted to the music used on the show. I know we’ve posted up the song titles but we haven’t really got in depth as to how the music contributes (or not) to the choreography and how important the music is to So You Think You Can Dance Canada. I am going to go one-by-one through each of the routines and comment on the music used. This is for all you huge music lovers out there. 🙂

Kim & Emanuel – Jazz
Ciara ft. Justin Timberlake – Love, Sex, & Magic Ciara - Love Sex Magic (feat. Justin Timberlake) - Single - Love Sex Magic
Wow! Let me just start by saying – what an exhilarating piece. Blake was right when he said it was going to be sexy and hard-hitting. I felt the boom’s and the ka’s and the sha’s – they were all hit in the right place. I love that Blake actually incorporated magic into the number. Since the song’s debut, it has been a song used in dances related to sexiness and just showing off what you got. It has got a nice, steady jazzy beat, perfect for the dance style. Also, the lyrics are quite simple – they are enough to show what the song is talking about – and it isn’t that hard to figure out. My favourite part was when Emanuel had to lick Kim’s boots when the song was actually talking about boots! It surely got the crowd going – perfect for an opening number. Ciara herself is a great performer. I loved that they used this song for a jazz routine but I can also see it used as a hip hop routine, as Ciara is an R&B singer.

Amy & Vincent – Hip Hop
Black Eyed Peas – Boom Boom Pow Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) - Boom Boom Pow
Personally, I am not a huge fan of BEP’s newest album, The E.N.D. Their older songs like “Where Is The Love?”, “Don’t Phunk With My Heart”, & “Dum Diddley” were used greatly on past SYTYCD America seasons. The BEP seem to be a big hit with SYTYCD. However, their new songs have a good beat but I don’t think they are as developed and mature as I’ve seen their music in the past. Now it all seems to be about making singles or “great” tracks with great beats. If you turn off the music and just watch them two dance, the whole thing seems a bit mediocre, and a little childish. Amy also seems to be hitting the moves harder than Vincent, but still not as hard as I’d like them to hit it. The music really helps a lot.

Corynne & Austin – Contemporary
The Fray – Never Say Never The Fray - The Fray - Never Say Never
I am going to be a little biased here because I absolutely LOVE this song and The Fray. I do feel like this is the perfect song to be used for the piece. It always gets me during the “Don’t let me go, don’t let me go…” chorus because the repetition and emphasis is just so powerful – especially when the story of the piece actually relates to the lyrics. I must say – it somewhat disappointed me. There did not seem to be enough synchronization, fluidity and chemistry that I’d like to have seen. Corynne’s expression also seemed very forced and fake. The song calls for a mellow and desperate mood, but due to the dancers’ expressions and the choreography, I don’t think the song’s melody and tempo was used to it’s full potential. However, it was still very good.

Melanie & Cody – Mambo
Michi Sarmiento – Suena Ahora Michi Sarmiento - Salsa Latin Party, Vol. 1 - Suena Ahora
This was a good song to use for the beach setting. However, I don’t think it had enough energy to carry off the repetitive and very juvenile choreography that was set for the two. Quite frankly, I thought this was the weakest of the performances that night, as much as I LOVE this duo. For the music, I would’ve used something funkier and something with more personality. “Jungle Drum” by Emiliana Torrini seems like a good song. It may not be your typical mambo music but it does have some tropical feel to it.

TJ & Everett – Quickstep
Hot Rolls Ragtime Band – Chicago Overture
Why have they been given 3 ballroom dances in a row?! I am surprised that they haven’t been in the bottom 3 couples yet! I have a feeling that Tara-Jean will go far, but that’s beside the point. Anyway, I was surprised when they said the song was originally used for a certain brutal violent time that happened in Chicago in the past? The song was just so uplifting. The repeated Charleston’s that they did actually fit the trumpets in the song. Not a huge fan, but it fit well, I guess.

Jayme Rae & Daniel – Hip Hop
Ciara – Pucker Up Ciara - Fantasy Ride (Deluxe Version) - Pucker Up
I don’t know this song very well but I feel like the choreography was pretty funky, just like the song. I actually would’ve preferred “Sweet Dreams” by Beyoncé in one of their hip hop dances. Sweet Dreams just has such a catchy upbeat rhythm and intense vocals. It drives your soul, literally. This was danced and choreography actually more fluid than I would’ve preferred it. Using Sweet Dreams would’ve fit it more, and the tempo and beat also seems to fit too.

Jenna Lynn & Nicolas – Hustle
Jamiroquai – Canned Heat Jamiroquai - Center Stage - Canned Heat
When I imagined a one last dance for the end of the world, this is actually a song I would love to dance to. It fit the style and it fit the mood. More importantly, the choreography fit well with the song altogether. One of the songs that was better used.

Natalie & Danny – Rhumba
Perez Prado – Historia de un Amor Perez Prado Orchestra - King of Mambo - Historia de un Amor
You lost me here. Was I supposed to believe that they were in love since the song is called “History of a Loved One”? It seemed like two nervous dancers forced to dance the rhumba to me! It was not passionate and it seemed like Danny wanted to eat Natalie. Anyway, enough with the dancers themselves. If this was supposed to be a dance of love and that rhumba is considered the “ballet of ballroom”, should it not be more technical, precise, elegant, and slower? I am not a huge expert on rhumba, but this to me looked so much better and had much better music than the one they used.

From the time Natalie started doing her little wiggles on stage, I was wondering…corny. When they broke apart from each other back-to-back and the beat started coming in, it did not seem to follow the music at all. The song’s cymbals and horns were also just so annoying. 🙁

There’s my first ever take on the show’s music! What did you think of the music used?

September 11, 2009 I Written By

So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 16 Results Show

So my Power Rankings were not as accurate as last week. I only got 1/3 correct. [Last Week I got 3/3 correct woo!]

The opening group routine was raw and rough. They danced to “Magalenha” (Sergio Mendes) I liked the routine overall though there were a few dancers who were off….

Results

Tara-Jean & Everett (Who I placed 6th (Bottom 3) in my Power Rankings) were safe.

Kim & Emanuel (Who I placed 4th in my Power Rankings) were safe.

Jenna-Lynn & Nicholas (Who I placed 7th (Bottom 3) in my Power Rankings) were NOT safe.

Natalie & Danny (Who I placed 8th (Bottom 3) in my Power Rankings) were safe.

Amy & Vincent (Who I placed 2nd in my Power Rankings) were NOT safe [This was a shocker for me]

Jayme Rae & Daniel (Who I placed 1st in my Power Rankings) were safe.

Melanie & Cody (Who I placed 5th in my Power Rankings) were NOT safe. [This was a HUGE shock for me! They were an early fave for me]

Corynne & Austin (Who I placed 3rd in my Power Rankings) were safe.

Solo’s

Jenna-Lynn – Had a fall, seemed frantic, didn’t bring anything really new or amazing to the stage this time… you could see the discouragement in her face… she knew she was going home.

Amy – Very sexy and upbeat, I enjoyed it a lot

Melanie – beautiful, this girl is amazing and I was glad we got to see her do a solo

Nicholas – unique music for a B.Boy. I enjoyed it a lot.

Vincent – fun and upbeat, enjoyed his kicks and choreo

Cody – He just makes me smile…. I adore him and his dance was cute and quirky

Good-Bye

Jenna-Lynn & Nicholas went home.

I was not surprised by Jenna-Lynn (I predicted she would go home this week.) and of the three boys, Nicholas was the one to go… though I really was shocked by the Bottom 3… as I said, I only predicted ONE of those 3 couples to be in the bottom 3… it was very shocking.

September 9, 2009 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

SYTYCD Canada Top 16 Choreography Critiques

SYTYCD Top 16

The first piece that we saw was Emanuel and Kim’s Jazz routine by Blake.  My opinion initially was that i agreed with the judges when they talked about how sexy the piece was.  To the point that the technical aspects took a back seat.  They have really good chemistry together but I don’t think that it’s as organic as some of the other partners.  I loved the music selection and the sort of dirty magician story with Kim being the girl in the box.  Kim is no joke-she wore those boots and it could have easily gone the other way.  I can’t help but compare it to the Jayme Rae and Daniel piece in terms of sex appeal- I thought that Blakes choreography was more blatant and in your face than it really needed to be.  The dancers themselves were fantastic.  Emanuel is still showing his power and Kim is still showing her beautiful lines.

Next up were Vincent and Amy doing Hip Hop with a new choreographer Flii Stylz.  I really wasn’t sure that this piece would be good, but it progressively got better and better through the piece.  I think that once Amy did the bit where she was lip-syncing is when they really hit their stride.  The movements still could have hit harder and bigger but for what it was they did really well.  Although I don’t think that it will be a piece that is easily remembered, which is a shame.

Corynne and Austin who were a new pair together got a little luck and not only pulled Contemporary but they got Stacey Tookey on top of it.  I’ve always thought that Austin could go far if only he found the right partner and I think that third times a charm.  Corynne and Austin have an instant connection and trust with each other.  This piece was heavy with one dancer moving their body and the other reacting to it.  Sometimes when dancers attempt that- it can really show awkwardness between the dancers- that wasn’t the case with this piece.  I thought that they danced it with emotion and honesty.  Austin still got his tricks in but Corynne is such a strong dancer in her own right that it didn’t get distracting.  Their synchronization was perfect for the whole piece and I always got the feeling that they were constantly aware of each other the whole time.  That isn’t a small feat either.  It was also the first piece where the dancers were in the pocket of the music, I haven’t seen that enough so far this season.  After 3 episodes I think that we’ve found our first stand out couple.  Mark my words- they will go far in this competition.

The Mambo was the dance that Cody and Melanie chose with Gustavo Vargas as the choreographer.  This piece was cute.  I don’t really know what else to say about it.  It wasn’t particularly sexy, but it was cute.  Not to say that that is a bad thing either- I just think that somehow Cody needs to convince the audience that he can be more of an Alpha Male when needed.  The Mambo as a style is great and not a discipline that we see all the time either.  So I liked this piece- was it technically amazing?  Not really.  But it wasn’t a technical disaster either.  It was a fun and light mambo.

Oh God.  It was bound to happen.  The Kiss Of Death- Quickstep.  Everett and TaraJean were the dancers that chose it and lucked out with the choreographer of Pierre Allaire.  Not to say that just because a partnership chooses a more difficult dance that they should be given any consessions but I was relieved to hear it when Mr Allaire stated that there wasn’t a story it was just dancing for dance sake.  The Quick Step is enough on its own- without some complicated back story.  Tara-Jean has legs that could take us all into next week and Everett isn’t a slouch either.  Considering the amount of rehearsal time the dancers are allowed and the fact that you essentially have to learn how to float and glide on stage- they did a great job.  The lifts were beautiful and difficult.  I think that this could have totally fallen but they both really committed to the style.

The amazing Luther Brown got his turn with Jayme Rae and Daniel in a hip hop piece.  Holy sexual chemistry.  Let’s just get that out of the way.  Daniel dancing without a shirt also doesn’t hurt the situation.  But from the second and I know THE SECOND that Jayme Rae stepped on stage she was committed to that piece.  From start to finish it was so sexy.  They could have been wearing snow suits and it would have been just as sexy.  The biggest difference between this hip-hop piece and the first one was that the technique didn’t take a back burner to the smoldering chemistry between the two.  They were raw in the moves and they both danced the piece really really well.  I think that we have another couple that have stepped up their game.  Daniel is a beautiful dancer and so quietly powerful.  I’d like to see them do a pas de deux at some point, because they would be amazing in a classic style of dance.

I was thrilled to see Benji Schwimmer as the choreographer for Nicolas and JennaLynn with the Hustle.  I love Benji’s style and choreography in general because he has an ability to modernize any style of dance.  That was the case once again with this Hustle.  The Hustle is a little bit of a couple styles: Salsa foot work and some Swing influence put that to some 1970s pop and you have the Hustle.  I thought that piece overall was good- not great.  It was quite uneven and I didn’t think that the dancers believed in themselves enough to really blow it out of the water.  I like the couple though- I think that they make each other stronger together and the partnering together was top notch.

Finally Natalie and Danny brought out a Rumba to end the evening.  Gustavo Vargas was the King of Latin tonight and as a choreographer he really lived up to the title.  I like his style and interpretation of music.  I liked this piece more than I usually like the Rumba.  For some reason I have a hard time with the rhythm behind the Rumba but I liked this piece.  I didn’t agree with the judges when they said that Danny needs to believe in his talent more- I got the opposite feeling from him.  Both Natalie and Danny were great in this piece- however on the heels of that someone should suggest to Natalie to keep her tongue in her mouth.  That seems like a weird critique- but she’s been doing it the whole time and it’s distracting.

That’s it!  Top 14 next week!

September 8, 2009 I Written By