Welcome to Pure So You Think You Can Dance

Many of you don’t probably realize that I first started blogging about SYTYCD in the second season. That makes this my fifth season writing about (and obsessing to at least some extent) SYTYCD. Plus you probably also don’t realize that I started blogging about SYTYCD by accident.

Well it’s true. My very first post about SYTYCD was on my blog called Smuggle Me (which I still blog on today). As you can tell from the name of the blog my intent wasn’t to write about SYTYCD. I was really just trying to learn what it meant to blog. However, I was entranced by a blonde girl named Heidi who gave everything she had in every dance on SYTYCD. Yes, Heidi was my first motivation to post about SYTYCD.

Well, let’s just say that I think that was the beginning of a very good thing. Heidi was my first and likely my all time favorite contestant on SYTYCD. Then, in season 4 my favorite just happened to be the amazing Kherington Payne. She was nothing but extraordinary in my book. Season 5 favorites of mine include Kayla and Caitlin (not in that order). Yes, and in season 6 Channing was my favorite dancer. In case you haven’t noticed, it seems like I have a thing for blonde dancers.

On Twitter, I was called out for just liking the blonde hair. My only argument against that is that I don’t like all blonde girls. Just those that are attractive blonde girls that can dance unbelievably well.

Does that make me bias? Absolutely. Is that a problem? I don’t think so. Everyone has their own biases. This is mine.

With that said, let me say something very unbiased. Nigel, stop messing with my blondes. Channing should have stayed much longer. Readers of this site will suffer thanks to you sending my motivation home so early;-)

I don’t know about y’all, but I’m going through SYTYCD withdrawal a little bit. I don’t like not having a second episode this week!

This past weekend, I rented this flick called “Love N’ Dancing” and was surprised to see bitty cameos by Season 2’s Benji and Heidi and that tided me over a bit till last night’s Season 6 episode. I remember that Seasons 3’s Neil had a cute and memorable role in “American Mall” that amused me when I saw it. Maybe you can still catch Kherington in “Fame” theaters somewhere in the country.

Still, we’ll have to wait till next year to see Season 4’s Joshua, Katee and Twitch in Adam Shankman’s “Step Up 3-D” (and Season 2’s Ivan, too). 2010 will also bring the movie that Paula van Oppen turned down a place in Season 6’s Top 20 for – “Burlesque.” It sounds a bit like “Coyote Ugly,” but with a burlesque club instead of bar. Season 4’s Chelsea Traille will play a character named Coco.

Our friends at SYTYCDism mention that Katee, Kherington and Season 4’s Comfort will be on upcoming episode(s) of “Glee,” as well.

Do you know of any SYTYCD alumni movie roles I might’ve missed? Planning on seeing any of these movies? Already seen them? Lemme know what you think.

You know what I’d love best at moments like this, when I’m craving some SYTYCD? DVDs of past seasons!

Some surprising news coming out of the SYTYCD world today. If you all haven’t heard, Mia Michaels took to her Twitter yesterday to announce that she’s leaving our beloved show after 5 years. The reaction has been intense. Many people feel that the show won’t be the same without Mia, which is definitely true. Over the seasons, her pieces have been among the most memorable ones ever performed. Just think about these…

-Ashlé and Melody’s Message in a Bottle dance

-Travis and Heidi’s Bench dance

-season 2 group routine to “Hide and Seek”

-Lacey and Kameron’s week 1 contemporary

-her tribute to her father danced by Lacey and Neil

-Danny and Neil’s Dance of the Princes

-Chelsie and Mark’s “what would Tim Burton’s wedding look like?”

-Kherington and Twitch’s dance on the bed

-Katee and Joshua’s Hometown Glory dance

-Twitch and Katee’s Door dance

-Evan and Randi’s Butt dance

-Kupono and Kayla’s Addiction dance

these are a selection of Mia’s best dances, but there are obviously more. It’s pretty obvious this show has meant a lot to Mia, she’s an Emmy winner because of SYTYCD.

For an opposing opinion, check out this article from Entertainment Weekly online, the writer makes some good points about there being plenty of great choreographers that can fill the void left by Mia.

what do you guys think?! is the hole Mia leaves too big to be filled by people like Travis, Benji, and Sonya? And what have been your favorite Mia Michaels pieces over the 5 seasons of SYTYCD?

This season, we get to see if Ryan Kasprzak, brother of Season 6’s Evan Kasprzak, makes it to the Top 20.  It seems there have been a lot of connections between contestants in the past!   Here’s what I have so far — who else am I forgetting?  Comment below!

• Season 1’s Nick was roomates with Season 1’s Melody
• Season 1’s Ryan was in Sickstep Crew with Season 3’s Hok
• Season 2’s Benji is cousins with Season 2’s Heidi
• Season 3’s Lacey is sister to Benji and cousin to Heidi
• Season 2’s Travis is brothers with Season 3’s Danny
• Season 2’s Stanislav is brother to Season 3’s Faina

Alright Fox, you listening? Good…

So You Think You Can Dance All Stars! Similar to Survivor’s All Stars season, this would have the top 4 of the first five seasons going head to head in an automatic Top Top 20.

Imagine:

Season 1: Nick, Melody, Jamile and Ashle

Season 2: Benji, Travis, Donyelle and Heidi

Season 3: Sabra, Danny, Neil and Lacey

Season 4: Josh, Twitch, Katee and Courtney

Season 5: Jeanine, Ade, Kayla and Evan (my own imaginary, for the moment, top 4)

Dream couples anyone? Oh the routines we’d see!! Who would you love to come back that wasn’t in the top 4 of their season? Personally, for me, I’d really love to see Chelsie, Kherington and Mark from Season 4. Lauren, Kameron, Hok and Pasha from Season 3 (my first season). Caitlin, Randi and Paris from this season dancing with the all stars from seasons past.

You hearing me? Fox? Fans? Dancers? Okay, let’s do it.

I must admit that I’ve been reminiscing about the 100th episode and enjoying the whole experience thoroughly. My list of past So You Think You Can Dance routines (only the amazing ones) was my favorite part so go check it out.

Now on to thoughts about tonight’s show. Plus, tonight I’m including some videos. It seemed the right thing to do in honor of the 100th episode.

I must admit that I wasn’t surprised at all when I heard that Jason and Janette were going home. Don’t ask me why, but I just had a feeling that Kayla and Brandon were going to make it through. That said, figuring out who’s going to be in the bottom 2 is so hard. Week to week it changes depending on their partners and the routines they get.

Now about Jason and Brandon…
With that said, I’ve kind of not liked Jason this whole time. He just never really clicked for me. As I watched the recap of his best moments I decided that I think it was the producers fault that we didn’t really get to know Jason. Everyone’s loved how he was the first one to hug whoever was safe. I also noticed when I think it was Kayla was safe, she went over and Brandon didn’t even acknowledge her, but Jason reached out to greet her. I think we missed this side of Jason and I think I would have liked him better had they shown more of that side of Jason on the show.

At the end of the day, I would have been very happy if Brandon had been sent home and Jason stayed. However, when I was watching it, I was surprised that I had kind of turned around to almost liking Jason. Plus, Brandon just has never been right for me. Tonight Brandon proved in his solo that he’s an amazing dancer. I’m just afraid he’s an amazing solo dancer and not very good in partnering.

Think back on Brandon’s dances. I can’t think of one moment where I can say that Brandon totally connected with his partner. The only one that comes to mind is in the Vegas auditions when Brandon and Natalie did that Sonya routine before Natalie was sent home. For me, Brandon just fails to connect with his partner. Yesterday hit that home when I saw no chemistry between Brandon and Jeanine. Add in something about his head (some people say it’s his big neck) and let’s just say I’m not a huge fan. Although, I will be excited to see Brandon’s solo next week.

While we’re on the boys….
Evan is unique. He has a Benji like following. However, it doesn’t feel quite as strong and it does seem to be waning. Plus, Benji had very few people that wanted him gone. Evan isn’t so lucky. I’ll be a bit surprised if Evan makes the top 4. I think the tide is turning for those not called Kasprzaktivists.

What can I say about Ade? It’s the pick. It’s the pick. Definitely a possible dark horse. He surprised me out of the chute with a few good routines with Melissa and some great choreography. I don’t see him winning it all, but won’t be surprised if he wins the top boy prize (assuming they do that again this year).

Now my dear Janette…
I must admit that I like Miami. However, I’m going to stick with the tweet I sent as they announced the girls “I’ll be very sad if Kayla or Jeanine goes home.” Janette will be missed. Some people suggested to me that it might be an Allison-ed. I don’t think it’s quite the same. In fact, it’s probably closer to a Kherington-ed. Allison was a GREAT (and probably still is) technical dancer who was sent home too early because she probably lacked in the personality department a little (or at least it wasn’t shown). Kherington was kind of the opposite. Solid technically, but oozed personality. Janette is definitely more like Kherington. Do I dare admit that Brandon’s popularity was keeping Janette on the show? Hmm…Miami will certainly be missed.

Seems like a lot of people are unhappy that Melissa is still there. As I watched her during the announcements I couldn’t help but think that if Melissa was a 21 year old girl, she’d have never made it to the top 20. I can’t think of really any dancer before Melissa that has embodied the more mature dancer this way. It’s been a nice storyline that I’ve enjoyed this season. It’s crazy to think that the “naughty ballerina” is now the “mature dancer.” I will admit that Melissa was a bit lucky to have gotten a couple Impressive routines at the start of the show and then of course yesterday’s Tyce piece. I’ve liked Melissa a lot, but it will be a sad finale if it doesn’t include both Kayla and Jeanine for me.

Speaking of Kayla and Jeanine…
Kayla has become my favorite dancer. Yesterday I couldn’t take my eyes off her as she danced. Plus, little pieces of her personality have really started to show through for me as the season progresses. Maybe it’s just her smile. Kayla does seem to be enjoying herself more as the season progresses. Yes I’ve become a real fan.

Jeanine has been the surprise of the show for me. She was hidden in the shadow of Phillip to start, but ever since that broadway routine she’s stood out to me. Even her less than stellar Waltz her face still had that star quality for me.

Of course, just don’t make me choose between Kayla and Jeanine.

Now I promised you videos.
Read more…

As I was watching and posting about the various routines we’ll get to see again on the SYTYCD 100th episode, I couldn’t help but think back to some of my other favorite routines from past episodes of SYTYCD that won’t be shown on the SYTYCD 100th episode. SYTYCD season 1 will have to accept my apology since I didn’t watch it. However, here’s a couple of them that are in my top SYTYCD routines.

So You Think You Can Dance Season 2
Benji Schwimmer and Heidi Groskreutz Mambo to the song “Black Mambo” —Angel and the Mambokats. Benji and Heidi are cousins that have been dancing together forever, and this performance is quite possibly the best routine technically (I believe Nigel called it the “most professional performance on the show) that’s ever been done on the show. Certainly others might have moved you more, but this routine just throws everything at you and flat out entertains. I can also assure you it was one of the most searched routines on Google as well.

I could have posted pretty much any of Allison Holker’s solo, but Allison’s “Feeling Good” solo will do. Anyone that has the term Allison-ed coined in honor of her deserves to be on the list in my book.

While possibly not the best routine on the show, I can promise you that Travis and Martha’s krump routine was shocking at the time. From this routine millions of people were introduced to Lil’ C and Krumping. The song is “Clap Back” —Ja Rule.

I really don’t believe that any of the final 2 men dances could compete with Tranji, choreographed by Shane Sparks to the song “Gyrate” —Da Muzicianz (ft. Mr. Collipark). I think you had to see season 2 to really appreciate what Benji and Travis brought to the table with Tranji, but it was awesome.

So You Think You Can Dance Season 3
Lacey and Kameron danced a routine to the song “Dancing” by Elisa choreographed by Mia Michaels. I think we’re all better having been introduced to the music of Elisa on SYTYCD. This routine put together great music, great choreography and amazing dancing. Is there any wonder why we keep watching SYTYCD?

Neil and Sabra’s table routine was pretty epic as well. It was choreographed by Mandy Moore to the song “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” —Eurythmics . I loved this dance, because it really took Sabra to the next level of dancing for me. Plus, Neil’s slow pass over the top of Sabra (at the 0:28 mark) is a moment I’ll never forget.

The start of this Shane Sparks routine to the song “Fuego” by Pitbull with Lauren and Pasha had me completely floored. Shane Sparks took 2 pretty white dancers and really entertained.

Danny and Lacey danced a samba to Dmitry Chaplin’s choreography. Certainly Dmitry poured in a bunch of great choreography and Danny and Lacey killed the dance, but I think the thing that I remember most about this is the music “Hip Hip Chin Chin” by Club Des Belugas. It all just melded into a really fun, memorable dance.

So You Think You Can Dance Season 4
Chelsie and Mark’s “Bleeding Love” routine by Nappytabs needs no explanation.

Sonya busts out an amazing piece for Courtney and Mark to the song “The Garden” by Mirah. Such creative choreography. Courtney steals the show for me in this, but the whole thing is just Sonya.

Katee and Joshua’s Nappytabs routine to “No Air” —Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown had so many amazing moments. It was such a wonderful mix of solo and partnering. Plus, the moment Katee pulls Joshua’s leg and he pops up is so memorable.

Katee and Twitch did a door routine to the song “Mercy” —Duffy and choreographed by Mia Michaels. I actually almost left it off the list, but after watching it again, there’s no way I could leave it off. Twitch and Katee just rocked this routine.

This final video is probably the best Viennese Waltz that will ever be performed on So You Think You Can Dan Dance. I tried to find a video with the back story, but even without Jean Marc Genereux’s storyJean Marc Genereux’s story is great and Twitch and Kherington’s Viennese Waltz to “A New Day Has Come” by Celine Dion is in the running for my favorite SYTYCD dances of all time. When it happened I watched it over and over. Just as good watching it again today.

I just looked at the clock and realized I spent a few hours creating this list. A few hours VERY well spent. The sad part is that there are dozens of other performances that should have made the above list. No Katee Bollywood or Pas de Deux for example. Oh goodness, I better not start listing or I’ll be here all night. So, I’ll leave the list up to you. What other So You Think You Can Dance routines are on your list (and preferably a link to a video of the routine)?

Also, if you’re familiar with all the videos on this list…you might be a SYTYCD-a-holic!!

A lot has been made about the So You Think You Can Dance 100th episode. Considering I’ve been blogging about SYTYCD since June 30, 2006 (man I had a crush on Heidi Groskreutz…and still do) that will make this my 78th episode blogging about SYTYCD. 457 posts and somewhere around 1.5 million pageviews later and I still love writing about and watching SYTYCD. I love the prediction I made in my first post about SYTYCD linked above, “I don’t think it will be the blockbuster that American Idol(same producer) is, but it is well worth watching.” Well, it’s not as big as American Idol, but it’s gone on longer and gotten bigger than I thought it would be. What most of you don’t know is that if it weren’t for that first post about Heidi, I wouldn’t be 1/20th the blogger that I am today. I’ll save that story for another time. Ok, excuse that small walk down memory lane for me.

Back to the 100th episode. We’ve beat to death that Katie Holmes will be doing a Judy Garland tribute on SYTYCD. Cat also told us that the following 3 dances would be re-danced for the SYTYCD 100th episode. Of course, why wait for Thursday? Might as well enjoy them now and again on Thursday.

First up, the Travis and Heidi (Woot!!) bench routine by Mia Michaels to the song “Calling You“—Celine Dion. This is a fan favorite and is officially called “The Bench Routine”

Next up, Hummingbird and Flower by Hok and Jamie choreographed by Wade Robson to the song “The Chairman’s Waltz” from Memoirs of a Geisha. What I think makes this dance so special is that only Hok could do this dance justice. I can’t see anyone else execute it the way he did.

Finally, a Wade Robson group routine called Ramalama Bang Bang to the song “Ramalama (Bang Bang)” —Róisín Murphy. This wasn’t my favorite routine, but it includes my favorite SYTYCD top 10 and so I’ll be very glad to see them again.

I’m sure we’ll have more discussion about this again on Thursday, but why wait until Thursday. These routines are really quite incredible.

I found the following image on photobucket and I think it’s a really iconic image for those of us that are fans of So You Think You Can Dance:

I think the Travis and Heidi bench dance is one of many that will live forever in the minds of SYTYCD fans. I love the black and white that makes it almost feel like it will last forever.

Seeing it made me think that it would look cool on a t-shirt. Only problem is it probably violates some sort of trademark, copyright, etc. So, I don’t think I can do that. However, the thought sparked an idea of creating some cool SYTYCD related t-shirts, hoodies, hats, etc.

I have some ideas in mind and you’ll be seeing them soon, but I’d love to hear any ideas of designs, sayings, etc you’d love to have in your closet.

I previously post about the reasons I wasn’t looking forward to SYTYCD 5. Now I’m going to post the top reasons I am looking forward to So You Think You Can Dance Season 5.

Check out my list (in no particular order):
Cat Deeley – Beautiful, charming, and absolutely a perfect host. She’s involved in the production so she knows how the dancers are feeling and really connects with them so well. Her accent doesn’t hurt either. Cat Deeley really brings a special element to the show. Just watching the other So You Think You Can Dance around the world, you realize just how good Cat is.
Amazing Music – So You Think You Can Dance has introduced some of the most amazing music on TV. I think this is due to the wide variety of dance styles that are on the show. It’s just awesome to watch and hear such an eclectic variety of music. Check out the list of So You Think You Can Dance music to see what I mean.
Variety of Dances – Hip Hop, Contemporary, Ballroom, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Popping, Swing, B-Boy (and girls), Latin, Bollywood and I’m sure I’m missing a bunch more. Need I say more?
Tricks – Between the lifts done in ballroom to the poppers and breakers, the tricks that are done on So You Think You Can Dance are just sick.
Fulfilling Dreams – I love seeing the raw talent who’ve never done anything but their style blossom into amazing dancers. My favorite example of this was Heidi Groskreutz and how she embraced the dream of being on the show.
Sick Choreography – Shane’s Back. Wade’s Back. Mia’s still there. Are Tab and Napoleon still on it? Either way, I’m expecting more greatness this year.

I’m sure there are a lot more reasons. Any other ones you think I missed?