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SYTYCD Canada Alumni return to Choreograph and Assist Top 20

CTV posts:

SYTYCDC alumni returned to the Top 20 show to choreograph and work as choreographic assistants. They chatted about what it’s like being on the other side…

Season 1’s Natalli Reznik and Francis Lafrenière: Paso doblé choreographers

Natalli: Francis and I wanted to go a little dark and extreme with this routine. It’s a big battle about who is in control. Really, it’s all about passion.

Francis: I’m really proud of this piece. I love the opening, where the man paints on a frame and the woman reacts to it all.

Natalli: The piece is very passionate and we both wanted the dancers to understand the essence of the paso doblé and really embody their characters. It was tough in the beginning because they’re both ballet dancers, so they dance with their energy up, where in the paso, you need to get really grounded.

Francis: It was a challenge for us to figure out how to teach ballet dancers the paso as much as it was a challenge for them to learn it. Mostly, it was the posture that was difficult to master. The hips have to be over the balls of the feet – it’s hard to maintain over the course of a whole routine. You feel off balance the whole time.

Natalli: I loved performing the paso (in Season 1). Dancing with Francis is magical. He’s a very powerful dancer and I think we have the same intensity. He doesn’t scare me, he challenges me and I think I challenge him back.

Francis: You have to dance strong when you dance the paso. Strong and heavy.

Natalli: Even more than the technique and the steps, for me, paso doblé is a feeling. The dance is about struggle. It’s about overcoming and showing your passion.

Season 2’s Danny Lawn: Choreographic assistant for Stacey Tookey’s Top 20 contemporary duet

Danny: It’s so surreal being back here! I’ve missed everyone – the choreographers, the crew, everything about the show!

It’s such a relief being on the other side of things. I was watching the dry run and I could just sit and enjoy all of the dances.

Working with Stacey is totally a dream job. I wanted to work with her so badly on the show last year, but I didn’t. I got cut right before her group number – it was the worst! In rehearsals for the duet, she’d be giving notes and I’d be taking them all in, and then I’d have to remind myself that I wasn’t even going to be performing!

Being on the creative side with her is just so great. She’s so brilliant. The whole creation process is just so wonderful. She’d say things like, “I’m feeling something that moves this way and is circular, with this sort of intent behind it,” and we’d try things and she’d shape it until it was what she wanted. We were really part of the process.

The dancers are in a position that any little bit that can help and make it easier for them (we will try to give them). It feels so good to give back.

Season 2’s Natalie Lyons: Choreographic assistant for Lil’ C’s Top 20 krump duet

Natalie: It was such an honour that Lil’ C asked me to come from L.A. to work with him and so great to be back here, seeing everyone from last year. It’s been a great experience looking at it from a different perspective.

You don’t have to stress as much, which is nice and I just love watching the dancers in rehearsal and helping them out as much as I can. It’s easier to help them knowing how it feels to be in their shoes.

[Source]

September 5, 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

SYTYCD Canada Calgary & Halifax Auditions

Tonight was Calgary and Halifax Auditions. Emilie is compiling music lists AJ & I sent her and will post as soon as possible.

In the meantime, let’s look at the actual auditions…

Starting in last season’s favourite dancer, Tara-Jean’s home town of Calgary Leah Miller is outside line dancing with locals “yee haw”

Judges – Jean Marc, Tre Armstrong, Luther Brown and guest judge: Stacey Tookey.

Audition Summary:

  • Steven Morton – calls himself a triple threat, loves being on stage, mime, kicks, hilarious, he sang also, which was – interesting. An obvious no, and an odd opening to the show which otherwise had some great dancers.
  • Jo Roy – danced Hip Hop on point, a little different, risky but interesting, “fusion of styles” unique I liked her. She made it right to finals.
  • Devorou Scott – Cutie Patutie crushing on Tre, needs training, was sent to choreo anyways but failed miserably.
  • Christina Schell – From Langley BC, 19, very fun and cute. She was a nice dancer who went to chore.
  • Kevin Howe – Season 1 finalist cut after ballroom, didn’t come back for season 2 because his father passed away, lost 50 pounds and looks great I really like him! He went right to finals!
  • Jera Wolfe – Royal Winnipeg Dance School from Nova Scotia a BBOY turns Ballet dancers, i really liked him alot.
  • Carlena Britch – is from Vancouver and has a funky style. I think he would be good on the show. She went to choreoa nd made it to finals.
  • Angela Benson – Moving Story about Parents in wheelchairs sheis quirky and cute, she went to chore but didn’t make it.
  • Arik Pipestem – Traditional Native Music dancing in his traditional outfit with hoops. He went to choreo and made it – which shocked me. Last time he auditioned he did not make it but he has lost weight since then and trained in other areas, very likable!
  • Arik tried to show Leah Miller, the host, how to dance with the hoops, she had a “fake” tantrum.. she was annoying me as usual, although by the end of tonight’s show I felt differently about her, but we will get to that! It’s her whiney voice that gets on my nerves!!!

    anyways, let’s continue…

  • Julia Harnett and Rufino Rodrigez – danced together, this woman has the most solid calve muscles I have ever seen!! She used to do ballet but now ballroom with him, both go to finals.
  • Nice Montage of bad dancers, again I appreciate that we don’t waste a ton of time on the terribly / joke dancers… though wait for Vancouver, Spandy Andy WILL return….

  • Shelaina Anderson – last year she was the snobby, selfish contestent who let down her group in finals but she is back, with shorter hair and a new maturity. She danced fabulously and I think will do much better this year.
  • Alex Schween – came in doing hip hop and as devestated when Luther Brown criticized her. She went to choreo and made it… I don’t think she will make the show but who knows.
  • Edgar Gilbert – Reyes –I really like this guy. He worked with Blake McGrath in his video. He is Smooth, fun, charismatic, has a nice look, and agood groove
  • Danielle Gardner – Sheis from Surrey, BC (I am bias to BC contestents sorry, Vancouver born and raised) I loved her song (LYKKE LI – TONIGHT) and I remember her from last seasons auditions… she has a Lung condition which leaves her short of breat. Since last season she has started new medication which has improved her condition… she is a beautiful dancer – she opened with a crazy twisted position and just stretched the limits – if she can keep her medical condtion under control I think she will do very well.
  • Gary Benthem – School Counsellor out to show his students you can do anything. He shockingly made it to choreo but not mch further, strong effort and great lesson to his students.
  • The second hour was HALIFAX – Auditions

    Guest Judge: Dan Karaty

    This is Natalie Lyons hometown and where Tara-Jean, Francis and Allie auditioned.

  • Yuliya Zavadska & Sharone Levit – just got immigration approved and came to audition.
  • Rebecca Morash – went to choreo, good audition
  • Curtis Jean – went to choreo, barely, and struggled. He walked off the stage during choreo in fact
  • Meaghan Deitrich – She had a condition when she was 16 where her knee caps dislocated. She has had surgery and dances ballet beautifully now. She went to finals.
  • Chris Pelrine – Cheesey Tap Dancer who did not make it through.
  • Krista Mitchnick – She was cute and had a good look for the show but seemed too tight for me, the judges sent her to choreo
  • Janaye Upshaw – I really liked her a lot. She talked about her stage mom and she did a tap routine. I thought she was awesome, the judges said she was comfortable. She went right to finals.
  • Catherine Turcotte – She did Ballroom well but her face bugged me, she did this puffy cheek thing. Judges called her “urban” and Last year auditioned with Vincent but this year solo – went to chore.
  • Leah Miller “keep warm” Boot Camp outside had dancers trying to keep warm.

  • Trevor Johnson – I wasn’t paying attention but he walked out of Blake boot camp so *shrugs*
  • Katiana Pare – lost her father and dances out her emotions, was sent right to finals.
  • Roxanne – the cheerleader from Toronto who forgot her routine. She was sent to choreo but didn’t make it.
  • Here is what changed my mind (slightly) about Leah Miller.

    She did Blake Boot Camp!!!!! I was really shocked – I don’t LIKE her yet, but I don’t hate her as much ha!

    Boot Camp Results:
    Catherine – yes
    Roxanne – no
    Krista – no
    Curtis – quit then had muscle cramps and dehydtration
    Rebecca – yes
    Other “yes” to finals – Tyrell, Gabriel, Alison, Alexandra, alex, allie.

    Tomorrow is the one I am most looking forward too – VANCOUVER!

    Spandy Andy will be back (in fact he has an event at a local pub tomorrow to watch SYTYCD Canada with him – I can’t go I have to work)

    If you don’t know who Spandy Andy is I will post on him… he’s quite the character.

    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

    SYTYCD Canada Twitter Round Up

    I know there are frequently twitter round-up’s posted but I wanted to start by sharing the SYTYCD Canada Twitter Accounts. If you know of any other’s let us know and we will update them.

    Official SYTYCD Canada Twitter.

    Judges & Choreographers
    Muther Brown
    Tre Armstrong
    Blake McGrath
    Mary Murphy
    Stacey Tookery

    Season 1
    Natalli Reznik
    Miles Faber
    Vincent Noiseux
    Kyle Mylrea

    Season 2
    Melanie Mah
    Cody Bonnell
    Nicholas Begin.
    Natalie Lyons
    Everett Smith
    Kim Gingras
    Amy Gardner
    Jayme Rae
    Danny Lawn
    Taylor James
    Daniel Dory

    Other
    Blue Print Cru

    Who am I missing?

    See all SYTYCD Twitter Accounts here.

    *Thanks Nate for updates

    August 15, 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

    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 🙂

    September 15, 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

    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

    Power Rankings – So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 16

    Last Week’s Power Rankings were fairly accurate. I called the bottom 3. It is hard to predict exactly who will go home until you see their solo’s, however, as we get to know each dancer I think we can also guess how their solo’s will be.

    So this week for the So you think you can dance canada top 16 I will do my power rankings and see if I can get it right.

    I am not a dancing expert but I enjoy watching and will base my Power Rankings on what I saw, heard and felt about each couple’s routine.

    1. Jayme Rae & Daniel
    Hip Hop with Luther
    “Pucker Up” Ciara - Fantasy Ride (Deluxe Version) - Pucker Up – Ciara

    This was my favourite routine of the night. Luther’s choreo to the song, combined with Jayme Rae and Daniel’s performance… it was just awesome for me. Amazing dancing, creative floor work, sexy moves and I had goosebumps. What more does it take to stay on top?

    2. Amy & Vincent
    Hip Hop with Flii Stylez
    “Boom Boom Pow” Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) - Boom Boom Pow – Black Eyed Peas

    Maybe I just favour hip hop and urban dance but this routine rocked it. I thought he hit harder than she did but together they entertained me.

    3. Corynne & Austin
    Contemporary with Stacey Tookey
    “Never Say Never” The Fray - The Fray - Never Say Never – The Fray

    I am not usually an Austin fan, though I do like Corynne, but this routine was great. It was pretty and it gave me goosebumps. Stacey Tookey is amazing, Corynne and Austin danced it wonderfully and even though I am not an Austin fan, I have to say he had me tonight.

    4. Kim & Emanuel
    Jazz Funk with Blake McGrath
    “Love, Sex, Magic” Ciara - Fantasy Ride (Deluxe Version) - Love Sex Magic (feat. Justin Timberlake) – Justin Timberlake/Ciara

    This was hot, sexy, cool. Blake is a god. I felt they danced it a little slow and would hav elike dto see it a little harder but the licking, biting, stripping was all sexy. Usually I’d put Blake’s routines higher, but I felt Emanuel and Kim could have done better, not that they did badly, I jsut prefered a few other routines.

    5. Melanie & Cody
    Mambo with Gustavo Vargas
    “Suena Ahora” Michi Sarmiento - Salsa Latin Party, Vol. 1 - Suena Ahora – Michi Sarmiento

    I love Melanie and Cody. I’d always put them in my Top 3…. but this week I was disappointed with the routine. Maybe because it’s a style I am less familiar with, but it felt a little bit confusing and while it was cute and fun, it seemed too laid back to me.

    ——————- BOTTOM 3 PREDICTIONS ——————-

    6. Tara-Jean & Everett
    Quick Step with Pierre Allaire
    Chicago Overture” Various Artists - Chicago - The Musical - Overture – Hotrolls Ragtime Band

    I hate to put TJ and Everett in Bottom 3 because I am a huge fan of them both, but it just didn’t do it for me tonight. It felt Cheesey and though I enjoyed the lifts and flips and spins, I wasn’t enjoying it as much as I wanted to. I predict they will make bottom 3 but will move on after amazing solo’s (I hope!)

    7. Nicholas & Jenna Lynn
    Hustle with Benji Schwimmer
    “Canned Heat” Jamiroquai - Center Stage - Canned Heat – Jamiroquai

    I love Benji and I was so glad to see him choreo. Loved his difficult moves and high energy. I also love the song and the energy it emotes but …. I don’t think they will get the votes to stay out of the Bottom 3 again. We will see. If I am right and they are Bottom 3 I think Jenna will go home. She does great passionate solo’s but how many times can you do a solo before it just gets old?

    8. Natalie & Danny
    Rhumba with Gustavo Vargas
    “Historia de un amor” Pérez Prado - Il Vero, Unico, Grande Perez Prado - Historia de un Amor – Perez Prado

    This routine fell short for me. I know it isn’t the style they know and I realize it was not danced badly, but it’s Top 16 and even if everyone was great they’d still have to cut someone. I think these two will make Bottom 3 and perhaps Danny will go home due ot his “lack of confidence”

    I have no clue at this point… but those are my predictions and Power Rankings. If my Bottom 3 are right I would predict Jenna Lynn and Danny going home – but I could be way off even on my Bottom 3 Couples…

    What do you think?

    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

    So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 18 Results Show

    Leah Miller opened the show stating over one million votes came in…. Is it just me or does it look like Leah has had some botox? I noticed this last week – her face seemed… tightly pulled…. and it’s not just because I don’t like her….

    We had a great Top 18 Bollywood routine choreographed by Longinus Fernandes. It was colourful and hard hitting. I felt the women out performed the men overall, just a general observation.

    Results

    Natalie & Danny (who I placed 6th in my Power Rankings) were safe.

    Melanie M & Cody (who I placed 2nd in my Power Rankings) were safe.

    Amy & Vincent (who I placed 1st in my Power Rankings) were safe.

    Anthony & Corynne (who I placed 8th and as Bottom 3) were NOT safe.

    Nicholas & Jenna (who I placed 7th and as Bottom 3) were NOT safe.

    Tara-Jean & Everett (who I placed 5th in my Power Rankings) were safe.

    Kim & Emanuel (who I placed 3rd in my Power Rankings) were safe.

    Jayme Rae & Daniel (who I placed 4th in my Power Rankings) were safe.

    Melanie B & Austin (who I placed 9th and as Bottom 3) were NOT safe.

    So I predicted 3/3 of the Bottom 3 couples (Not Bad for my first Power Ranking Post!)

    Solo’s

    Anthony – lot’s of hips and shaking

    Nicholas – lot’s of tricks and high energy

    Austin – solid performer if only I felt his attitude was as great as his dancing

    Corynne – simple but pretty dance

    Jenna Lynn – lot’s of kicks and power

    Melanie B – passionate

    Good – Bye

    Anthony & Melanie B went home.

    Overall

    Good Results Show – Loved the Bollywood – Wasn’t surprised with the results.

    September 2, 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

    So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 18 Getting to Know You…

    I love the little clips they show before a routine.

    This week was “What people may not know about….”

  • Melanie M – OCD Planner
  • I can relate to this… I am a bit similar

  • Cody – Acts like a Bunny
  • It was cute… he is adorable

  • TJ – Superstitious (carries wood with her so she can knock-on-wood)
  • Wow! This made me laugh so hard… she really carries a lil stick with her everywhere?

  • Everett – Taps Everywhere
  • That would get a tad annoying

  • Emanuel – Has a massage Stick he takes everywhere
  • I think it’s funny everyone wants to use it

  • Kim – Wore glasses as a kid
  • I loved seeing the photos of her as a kid with all the geeky frames

  • Amy – Secret/shy dancer
  • I have a friend who is the same way – I finally got to see her dance after several years.

  • Vincent – older sister who dressed him like a girl
  • OMG I totally thought it *was* one of his sisters as a baby in the bikini

  • Jayme – “Barfgirl” because she got sick at auditions from nerves
  • This kind of grossed me out – TMI

  • Daniel – brushes his hair all the time
  • My friend is the same way… he has the same hair as Daniel (almost no hair) and always brushes it…

  • Anthony – always makes sound effects
  • I always love interesting sound FX people can create

  • Corynne – giggles…. all the time
  • I like her – though I think she’d get on my nerves with all the giggles

  • Nicholas – miracle baby born only 2 pounds
  • Awn… I always love when the premie babies grow up and live life to it’s fullest

  • Jenna – Has three brothers and all have “J” Names
  • My friends parents did the same thing… with “J”

  • Danny – loves candy
  • Sweet Tooth for a Sweetie

  • Natalie – interested in Marine Biologist
  • My Uncle is a marine biologist, I used to be interested in it as a career now it’s more of a hobby

  • Austin – was a child star
  • blah – no wonder he has a big head

  • Melanie B – studies medicine
  • Random.

    September 1, 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