Season 14: Live Episode One Thoughts

The All-Stars open up the first live show of the season with a great Mandy Moore routine. It didn’t take me long to notice the new stage/set. I feel like it combined the best parts about the two previous sets…love seeing the audience around the stage and up where the stair lead. Every time I saw Cat up there I had flashbacks from earlier seasons. I like how they revealed the top 10 but wish they used a camera that was closer to the dancer…from a distance I could’t tell who they were till Cat said their name. With the exception of Jenna’s choice, all of my predictions were right. Let’s get into the dances shall we. Keep in mind these are just my initial thoughts…I’ll try and rank the performances in another post.

Dassy and FikShun: Choreo: Poppin’ Pete
I love these two together and I agree with Mary that FikShun has met his match in Dassy. Just a very fun routine to start out the show. Dassy personality really shines and I’m looking forward to seeing what else these two can do.
Logan and Allison: Choreo: Tyce Diorio
Allison injured her shoulder during rehearsal, so Audrey Case from season 9 filled in for her. Major props to Audrey for learning that in a few hours. Overall, it was a beautifully danced routine but for me there was something missing that I wasn’t connecting with…this is where the rehearsal footage )that was missing tonight) usually helps me filling what the dance is about. Could have been slightly different if danced with Allison. Logan is a great dancer though.
Kiki and Jenna: Choreo: Dmitry Chaplin
I do think that Jenna made the right choice. I might have to agree with what Jenna said during the academy…Kiki might be the best male ballroom dancers this show has had in a while.
Kaylee and Cryus: Choreo: Tessandra Chavez
Love that Cyrus took a chance and chose Kaylee. I actually thought Kaylee danced this beautifully from emotions to technique. Even Cyrus has stepped up his game since his season. I can see what Vanessa was saying but Nigel left me scratching my head. Don’t worry Nigel the audience managed to get Cyrus to the top 4 his season…so I’m sure Kaylee will get votes
Lex and Gaby: Choreo: Anthony Morigerato
Anthony doesn’t disappoint in tap choreo in my opinion. Loved the Broadway feel of this tap and that they went with her strength for the first show if only to show how well-rounded contemporary dancers are. Lex’s personality is starting to show a little bit more. Cat said it best it was Fred and Ginger meets James Brown.
Mark and Comfort: Choreo: Luther Brown
These two might have the best chemistry of all of the partner’s . When Vanessa referenced “Hook” with the character of Ruffio…I have to agree with that statement. Mark’s energy comes right through the screen and he should be a fan favorite.
Koine and Marko: Choreo: Stacey Tookey
Okay Nigel, stop playing match maker, though they are a cute couple. I agreed with Mary that the lighting helped make Stacey’s choreo come to life and it was dance beautifully by these two.
Sydney and Paul: Choreo: Val Chmerkovskiy
I might have a slight aversion to Val choreography because I had to watch it a few times to appreciate it. Beside one awkward lift, I thought Sydney danced it well and she does have legs for days.
Taylor and Robert: Choreo: Travis Wall
Wow just wow. The best dance of the night for me. Everything about this was stunning. Only standing ovation of the night.
Robert Green and Jasmine: Choreo: Chris Scott
The best reveal of the night. Chris Scott gives us another fun routine. I love Robert since his audition so really looking forward to see more from him. I do wish the costume department put him in pants instead of shorts.

WELCOME BACK WADE! I don’t know about anyone else but I have sure missed his presence on this show. A great collaboration with his wife Amanda and Tony Testa. Loved this group routine and I hope to see more of Wade this season.