This is amazing… I saw it on tonight’s SYTYCD commercial break and had to record it to share with everyone… I LOVE NICO!!!
So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 3 Promo with Nico and Tara-Jean.
August 15 SYTYCD Canada starts, and I will be posting regularily here for those of you unable to watch via Much Music or CTV. (Don’t worry I fast forward through Jean-Marc too… and sometimes Leah Miller, though she is fun to make fun of…)
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 Season 1 winner, Nico Archambault married long time girlfriend Wynn Holmes.
Nico and Wynn at the 2009 Juno Awards
The 25-year-old, who won the first season of CTV’s “So You Think You Can Dance Canada,” tells The Canadian Press that the pair tied the knot July 10 in Montreal.
Archambault says he prefers to keep the details private but confirms that it was a small, outdoor ceremony and that the groomsmen included “Dance Canada” Season 1 finalist Miles Faber.
Archambault and Holmes have been dating for three years and have their own choreography company called Street Parade.
They’ve also worked together in the dance/rock group the Pinup Saints, in which she’s a lead singer and keyboardist.
Archambault says they haven’t had time for a honeymoon yet as they’ve been choreographing moves for the Quebec dance film “Sur le rythme,” in which he also stars.
He says it’s set to hit theatres in April 2011.
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
Many thanks to Margaret for this tidbit, I figured that I would bring it out for you guys to see…
The first song in this post is Don’t Touch Me 
by Busta Rhymes danced as hip-hop.
From SYTYCD US Season 4 Week 3: Kherington Payne and Stephen “Twitch” Boss. Choreography by Tabitha and Napoleon D’umo (aka NappyTabs).
From SYTYCD Canada Season 1 Week 4: Nico Archambault and Arassay Reyes choreographed by Luther Brown
So who do you think danced it better? The Canadians or the Americans? 😀
Better yet, how about this dance comparison:
My life can be summed up in the following two quotes: 1) "I am married to engineering and am its faithful wife by day, but at night my wanderlust takes hold and the arts becomes my jealous paramour." and... 2) "Engineering is my safety net. Writing is my passion. Acting is my escape when the other two become too much." So where does dancing fit in? Pretty much anywhere at this point... =)
The quality on television was not great to start the American Music Awards, I thought it was just my t.v. but seems it was everyone. Anyhow, here is a video from youtube of the opening act to the AMA’s. Janet Jackson did great but two of her dancers, who we all know and love, stood out to me most… Nico & Natalli. Lot’s of close-up’s and close-to-Janet moves… love it!
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
The  American Music Awards air November 22, 2009.
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So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 1 winner Nico Archambault along with finalist Natalli Reznik will share the stage dancing with the iconic Janet Jackson.
It’s going to be an action packed show with tons of great features, but as a Canadian SYTYCD fan, this news was very exciting.
Be sure to tune in and see.
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
CTV Posted this Friday:
For most dancers, performing with Janet Jackson is at the top of their list of ultimate dream jobs, but for So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 1’s winner Nico Archambault and finalist Natalli Reznik, it’s a dream come true.
On November 22nd, Nico and Natalli will join Jackson on stage at the 2009 American Music Awards, performing a high-energy, five song mash-up routine.
“It’s such a great experience,” Nico says on his way to rehearsal in Los Angeles. “It’s the best you can get. It’s the top gig and it’s so much fun.”
Natalli agrees: “It’s amazing. It’s been really, really exciting,” she gushes.
Getting the call
Nico got the call from Jackson’s choreographer, Gil Duldulao, who choreographed the Michael Jackson tribute number on Season 2’s Top 20 show. “He called me on my birthday, on October 18th. It was amazing. It was the best gift ever!” Nico says.
And even the ever-confident, cool-as-a-cucumber Nico almost couldn’t believe it. “When I hung up, I was like, ‘Was that real? Did I really just get that call?'”
Though he had met Duldulao before, they had all just worked together on the set for judge and choreographer Blake McGrath’s video shoot. Natalli was also in the video.
“It was after we finished taping that Gil texted me and said, ‘Do you want to audition for Janet?'” Natalli remembers. “At first I thought he was kidding, or just being funny, but I said yes, of course.”
Natalli first saw the video for Jackson’s ‘All Night, Don’t Stop,’ when she was dancing with Cirque du Soleil and immediately knew that was what she wanted to do with her dance career. “When I saw that, I was so inspired and it stayed with me.”
Meeting Janet
Natalli admits she got giddy and giggly when she first met Jackson. “I was talking so much. I couldn’t stop,” she laughs.
When she first got to L.A., Natalli’s suitcase was delayed and she had to head to rehearsal without any dance clothes. “Janet brought me running shoes to rehearsal. That’s Janet — that’s how sweet she is.”
“I’ve never been a groupie of anyone in my life, so it wasn’t like I stopped breathing or passed out or anything,” Nico says with his signature calm, but admits the first time Janet joined them in rehearsal he had to take a moment. “I had to just say to myself, ‘Janet’s in the studio right now. Janet Jackson!'” And even though she is one of the biggest stars in the industry, Nico says she is approachable and friendly and makes sure she fosters ‘a really good vibe’ in the rehearsal studio.
“At one point, Janet was working on a routine and the dancers were having a break and I was sitting there, thinking to myself, ‘I have a really great job. Here I am, witnessing Janet learning her routine and I’m part of it. Wow.'”
The Jackson experience
Though the hours are long and the rehearsals grueling, Natalli insists the days go by quickly: “We work hard, but it’s so much fun.”
She notes that choreographer Duldulao is meticulous. “All the hand movements are precise and everybody needs to be the same,” she explains.
The dancers have even learned some of Jackson’s older choreography. “‘If’ is such a legend. Everybody who was a dancer growing up watched it off TV and copied it in their living rooms and stuff. It’s like ‘Thriller’ — it’s just one of those legendary dances and it’s so amazing that I’m doing it now,” Natalli says.
Nico isn’t just taking in this experience as a dancer, but also as a choreographer. “I’m observing all the time and taking it all in, especially about the way the space is used. It gives it a whole different dimension,” he says.
Nico says working spatially is one of the hardest things to learn as a choreographer – “You can’t practice it until you have a group of dancers to put your work on. You really need bodies in the space.”
The movement quality
Nico calls the movement “a mix of everything” — street jazz with some hip-hop influences and Natalli adds that there is also a lot of intricate arm movement.
“It’s precise and there’s a lot happening all the time — it’s very quick and there’s a lot of musicality in her work. The choreography is just so Janet!”
With all of the specific arm and head movements, Natalli says you have to be really strong to execute the sharp movement. “‘Use your hands like blades,’ is what Gil always says to us,” she says.
Future plans
Though Natalli hasn’t had a lot of time to explore L.A. yet, she’s enjoyed the food and the shopping. “And it’s so sunny and hot!” she says. She is planning on getting herself an apartment in California so she is able to work in L.A. and Toronto.
“I’ve wanted to live here for 10 years and all of a sudden, it’s all happening,” she beams.
Nico, on the other hand, isn’t a huge fan of the city. “I love what’s happening here — the dancing and what I get to do here, but as a city, it’s not really my thing. If I’m going to be in a city, I’d prefer Montreal or New York,” he says.
But don’t count on Nico settling into any one city any time soon. “I like my gypsy lifestyle right now. I just want to be a dancer, so wherever there’s a project that appeals to me that looks really interesting then I’ll go and I’ll do it.
“My whole point is to keep learning and I’m really learning from the best right now.”
TUNE IN SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22 for AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS ON ABC
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
It feels like this season flew by.
I apologize for my lack of posts and power rankings last week but I was unable to post, despite having watched and taken notes for a post – I just didn’t get time. I can say I was shocked Melanie Mah went home, as she was a fave from day one for me and I was not surprised Emmanuel went home, as I felt he had gone as far as he could and should have gone home the week previously instead of Cody.
That being said – let’s focus on our Top 4 – – – wow!
There is so much chatter from the judges that the girls are the stars and that a female will win it, I can’t help but wonder if this is suggestive from the judges to try and make it a female since Nico won last year…. maybe I am just a conspiracy theorist…. but I think the men are equally talented as the women and it will be a tough season finale to watch.
I loved seeing the 4 dance together, then the 2 males and 2 females. Plus couples dances and solo’s made an action-packed evening.
We had some awesome judges (yes I am biased-ly in love with Blake McGrath & his blue jacket!)
Leah looked less “wind-tunnelled” (yes, that is as close to a compliment as she gets…. she is too young to have a face that looks it’s had plastic surgery)
Top 4
Melanie LaPatin and Tony Meredith.
Cabaret
Sexy, Hot, Loved the entire thing to bits!
Top 2 Men
Show-Tyme
Hip Hop
This was so fast, I really enjoyed it, I thought Everett picked it up better, perhaps from his tap skills?
Tara-Jean & Everett
Sean Cheeseman
Jazz
This was so moving, it made me love these two most of the top 4… powerful, emotional, despite a tumble…Best / Fave Routine of the Night
Top 2 Women
Melanie LaPatin and Tony Meredith.
Mambo
This was good, Jayme Rae outshone Tara-Jean (in my opinion) but the “salt & pepper spice” comment by Blake and the mini-lap-dances from the girls to the judges was cute & fun.
Jayme Rae & Vincent
Stacey Tookey
Contemporary
This was an awesome routine also – my 2nd fave of the night I think… though at Top 4 they are all amazing aren’t they?
Tara-Jean & Vincent
Maria Torres
Hustle
Her dress was stunning and they moved so well together, it was entertaining and awesome
Jayme Rae & Everett
Kelly Lannan & Eric Caty
Samba
Everett is such a showman and Jayme Rae has such an appeal – I just love watching these 2 dance. Look at this photo – what an ending!!!
Solo’s
Jayme Rae – She became a fave early on and has remained strong. I find her entertaining and alluring and I think people will vote for her. If she wins, Canada will have voted well.
Tara-Jean – Pretty and quiet, she never stood out for me, I often predicted she’d go home but she is still here and she always shows us why. Her solo was full of flips and jumps that impressed me.
Vincent – His solo’s are always amazing. Although I wasn’t a huge fan in the start and even thought he’d go home earlier on, he seems like an easy win based on his following.
Everett – His tapping just captivates me. He is the underdog in my opinion, but if he won it I’d be happily pleased. He is like the Evan of SYTYCD last season in my books.
My Picks
I’d like to see Everett or Jayme Rae take it… but I feel like Vincent or tara-Jean might. I know I am copping out of predictions… I jsut think they are all so wonderful.
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
With last week’s surprising news about the departure of longtime choreographer Mia Michaels, the door has been left open for some fresh new faces to possibly make their mark on the SYTYCD scene. I went to my trusty pal YouTube to find some choreographers I think might be good fits for SYTYCD.
Shannon Mather is a great choreographer with a surprising connection to SYTYCD. Her brother is S1 superstar Blake McGrath!! She and Blake work together often. I found this video of a piece Shannon choreographed and it’s danced by none other than Nathan Trasoras!
Speaking of Blake, he’s done some great work for SYTYCD Canada, but I’d love to see him come back to the US show to do a couple pieces, since Canada’s season is just about to end. Here is one of his pieces featuring eventual season 1 champ Nico Archambault and his partner Arassay Reyes.
This is another one of Blake’s pieces featuring S1 finalist Miles Faber and his partner Lisa Auguste. I’ve watched a lot of SYTYCD videos, and I can personally say that I’ve never been affected by a piece the way I was affected by this one. It’s artistry in motion.
Here’s Sean Cheesman, also from SYTYCD Canada. He’s a super versatile choreographer whose pieces range from afro-jazz to broadway (in Canada, they call it “musical theatre”. He also does contemporary. I’m including two of his pieces here. The afro-jazz piece is from season 1 and it features Vincent and Lisa. I think the mixing of their skin tones with their white costumes is exquisite. And the dancing is very grounded and they move with a lot of purpose.
The second piece is from this current season of SYTYCD Canada and it’s a musical theatre piece featuring finalists Tara-Jean and Everett. Everett is a tapper, and Sean was able to stick a lot of tap in there and he knew that Everett could pull it off. It has great musicality and they both ooze personality. With the possibility of as many as 3 tappers in the S6 top 20, having Sean, who has a tap background, could be a great pull.
If they’re looking for some fresh hip hop voices, Luther Brown might be a guy to consider. Here are a couple of his pieces. The first one features Nico and Arassay from SYTYCD Canada. It’s actually done to the same song that NappyTabs used for S4 with Twitch and Kherington and the “jail break” routine.
The second piece features S2 top 8 guy Cody and his partner, top 6 girl Melanie. They spent the season with the reputation much that like of US S5’s Randi and Evan, “they’re just so cute!” They both proved to be chameleons throughout their time on the show.
Gustavo Vargas is a latin ballroom choreographer from SYTYCD Canada, here are a couple of his pieces.
Salsa (Nico and Arassay)
Salsa (Nico and Natalli)
These are just a few names of people who could be a great fit on the new season of SYTYCD. Are there other people whose work you’d like to see on the show?
Judges Corner
I never say this…. but Leah Miller looked nice tonight
Jayme Rae & Everett perform the Mambo choreographed by Gustavo Vargas
Tara-Jean & Vincent perform the Rumba choreographed by Eric Caty
Kim & Cody perform Hip Hop choreographed by Luther Brown
Melanie & Emanuel perform Contemporary choreographed by Sabrina Matthews
Tara-Jean & Vincent perform Krump choreographed by Lil C
Kim & Cody perform the Smooth Waltz choreographed by Pierre Allaire
Melanie & Emanuel perform Disco choreographed by Melissa Williams
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
What a night. I can honestly say we have an unbelievable Top 8. And Mia is right, our Top 4 girls are the best i have seen!!!
Last week I predicted who would go home, however it is getting so difficult. I can say who I feel should be in the bottom or who I think Canada will vote for.
Mia Michaels (with a new shaved head), Dan Karaty, Tre Armstrong and Jean-Marc Genereux were judges and we had Nico Archambault debut as a SYTYCD choreographer. It was indeed a special night.
Although during rehearsals there were multiple injuries with Everett suffering from a bleeding nose from a few kicks in the face to Emmanuel’s sprained ankle (and his fingers are still bandaged) but the show must go on – and it did – and it was spectacular!
Top 4 Guys Dance
Jazz with Melissa Williams
“Beggin” 
– Jersey Boyz
They were not at all in unison, a boy band they are NOT! I did enjoy the solo bits with spins and kicks as well as the overall routine. Vincent stood out for me.
Top 4 Girls Dance
Burlesque in my opinion with Sean Cheeseman
“Dr. Feelgood” – Aretha Franklin
This was sexy, hot and amazing. The girls were in sync, each had a chance to shine and the choreography was super seductive. Jayme Rae stood out *slightly* for me but overall the all shone like the superstars they are.
Couples
Vincent & Tara-Jean
1. Rumba with Eric Caty
“Hero” – Enrique Iglesias
Maybe it’s the song but I teared up, I was covered in goosebumps and I enjoyed every moment of this amazing routine. The kiss at the end was hot and Mia Michaels was correct, the end bit was very Karma Sutra. I just loved it, Tara-Jean was sexy and Vincent was powerful and I adored every second of this routine.
2. Krump with Lil’ C
“Chea-Chea-Chea” – Tha J Squad
Neither hit it very hard but it was a good effort. Tara-Jean seems to me to be the weakest link of the 4 girls, though even saying that feels wrong because they are all so amazing. Vincent delivered though it was not overly “krumpy” for me.
Tara-Jean
“Farewell” – Rosie Thomas
Passionate, Emotional, Pretty. But not sure if her overall effort will get her to next week.
Vincent
“U Can’t Touch This” – MC Hammer
Unique song choice for his genre of dance but he delivered. It was hot, sexy and most importantly ENTERTAINING!
Kim & Cody
1. Hip Hop with Luther Brown
“Humpin’ Around” – Bobby Brown
I loved this routine. Mia Michaels called it “dope” and I concur. It was hard, it was hyped, it was a throw back to old school hip hop and they nailed it. Both of them were in their genre and showed they could rock it out.
2. Smooth Waltz with Pierre Allaire
“What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
This fell flat. It was cute and quirky, I was shocked to see Kim not being sexy… but it was not entertaining and as the judges pointed out it showed poor technique and didn’t deliver.
Kim
“Jerk it” -Thunderhiest
Back to the sexy where she belongs this was an amazing routine. I especially loved the gliding across the floor on her back and the abrupt sudden movements… hot!
Cody
“Missin’ You” – Tre Songz
The problem with Cody is that his hip hop is smooth and natural and looks to come so easy. I think that can be mistaken for lack of effort or passion. I believe he HAS the passion and drive and effort, but he is just so talented his solo’s appear relaxed. I hope this doesn’t land him in the bottom
Emanuel & Melanie
1. Contemporary (Ballet parts) with Sabrina Matthews
“The Scientist” – Coldplay
What great lines. It was a beautiful routine though I felt the pairing was a bit off. The judges really emphasized how well Melanie did while playing hard ball with Emmanuel. He was injured, he did miss rehersals, he did fairly well all things considered, but also he is a fan favourite mainly because of his background with skating and his familiarity.
2. Disco with Melissa Williams
“Hush Hush” -Pussycat Dolls
I enjoyed the routine. I feel like Melanie has been in the bottom when she shouldn’t have been before and fear that will occur again. Emmanuel I feel has been in the top when he shouldn’t have been and wonder how Canada will vote this week given he was injured.
Melanie
“Innocence” – Bjork
I loved this solo. The song choice was so perfect for her movements. She really delivered passion and talent and showcased why she should stick around.
Emanuel
“Mad World” – Adam Lambert
He always looks to glide on ice. I wanted to see more. I worried about his ankle. I feel it is tough to judge or rank someone who is injured. I don’ tknow if people will vote for him based on previous weeks and loving him already or even as sympathy for his injury or if he will finally go home. We shall see tomorrow.
Jayme Rae & Everett
1. Mamba with Gustavo Varagas
“En Berransvilla Me Quedo” – Joe Arroyo
Jayme Rae’s hips were flying and she was sexy as hell even as her costume was falling apart. The kicks, spins, dips and that end flip… wow! Entertaining and amazing. Yes Jayme Rae outshone Everett but that is how it should be and Mia Michaels was correct – HOT A LICIOUS!
2. Jazz Funk with Nico Archambault & Wynn Holmes
“Sexy Chick” – David Guetta (feat. Akon)
If Nico’s choreo can’t keep these two out of the bottom 2 I don’t know what can… Nico’s debut as a choreo on the show was AMAZING… I loved it as much as I love him !!! Everett was the perfect geek and Jayme Rae sexy as sexy can be. The story was cute, the moves were amazing it was a well-crafted routine from idea to performance….
Jayme Rae
“gettin’ in the Way” -Jill Scott
Every movement was precise and amazing. I think she should be safe based on her paired routines and solo. She has become quite the superstar.
Everett
“Stand By Me” -Ben E King
This guy is entertaining. He makes tap fun again. I can’t keep my eyes off him when he moves and that is a good thing. I think he should be safe.
Power Rankings
Girls
1. Kim
2. Jayme Rae
3. Melanie
4. Tara-Jean
Boys
1. Vincent
2. Everett
3. Cody
4. Emanuel
I predict Tara-Jean and Emanuel go Home (Though I kind of sadly think it may be Cody and not Emanuel, I would probably cry if that was true though)
Do you agree? Disagree? Why?
We will see Tomorrow Night
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
