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SYTYCD: Season 15 Finale Winner Announced

I figures it’s time for the big finale and it storms and takes out the satellite signal. Thankfully, it was only out for about ten minutes and it was in the first hour of the show. So, I did miss some of the judge favorite dance picks. Anyways the opening number was fantastic and love watching the dancers dance for the joy of it and no pressure of the competition.

Many of my favorites were performed again last night and some even had some new surprises that I loved. Also a new dance created just for Evan to show off his tap dance skills. Evan and Lex were definitely a highlight for me last night…that tap was amazing. Two of Luther Brown’s group numbers had a few more dancers added to it. “Bump” Magda and Chelsea joined the top three girls in this fun number. However, it was “Juice” that added dancer that I didn’t quite expect. I should have seen Twitch coming…not a finale without getting him to dance. When Nigel joined in on the fun at the end it just made me smile.

Results and their favorite dance
4th: Slavik- He chose “Round & Round” hip hop with Genessy. I always liked that he tried his best with every style that was thrown at him.

3rd: Genessy- She chose he break out contemporary routine “Be Brave” with Lex. Genessy definitely proved to Nigel that she was worthy of a spot in the top 10 and in the top 3.

2nd: Jensen- I loved that she chose “Cookin” a hip hop as he favorite. I like that they added the fun little twist of pulling out Mandy’s Emmy at the end. I look forward to seeing watch the future holds for Jensen…perhaps we will see her on DWTS with her sister Lindsay.

WINNER- Hannahlei: I didn’t get to see her pick, but judging for the inter webs I figured it out. Hannahlei chose her duet with Marco that was choreographed by Robert.

My final thoughts.

Overall, I was happy with the outcome. Hannahlei and Jensen were my top 2. Cat did mention that it was the closet vote in the shows history. Which makes me wonder just how close it was. Love that the contestants are always happy for whoever wins. Look forward to see the tour in the fall.

September 11, 2018 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

SYTYCD: Finale Performance Thoughts

Monday night’s performance finale might have been one of the best I’ve seen in a while. I say that because I feel like everyone had a great night, the top 4 were prepared to do what it takes to win. Only problem with everyone having a great night is trying to figure out who will be the last dancer standing. As usual it is a busy night for the top 4, dancing with each other, an all-star, and their solo. Melanie, Jonathan, FikShun, and Robert were the all-stars that danced last night. The judges seemed to be playing it nice, but Twitch provided me with my favorite judges moments of the season. Due to wedding festivities that happened over the weekend, Twitch was loosing his voice. After Hannahlei & Genessy’s performance, he felt like he couldn’t true express how he felt about that number…so he asked Mary to do it for him and she did.

Out of all the dances…my top 3 of the night were:

Jensen & Robert: Contemporary (Mandy Moore)
This was absolutely beautiful, and I love the partnership between Robert and Jensen. I look forward to seeing tis number on the tour.
Hannahlei & Slavik: Afro Jazz (Sean Cheesman)
Happy that we had another amazing African Jazz this season. The tricks were amazing and glad they took out that on lift where Hannahlei fell in rehearsal.
Genessy & Hannahlei: Contemporary (Talia Favia)
The synchronicity of this routine is what made it so good. I also love the strength of these two ladies throughout the dance.

Final thoughts on the top 4

Hannahlie: What I like about Hannahlei is that she is a little power house. I love that she is able to become a different person the moment she steps on that stage to perform. I truly think she will be in the top 2. She hasn’t had any miss steps in the competition and has been consistently good.

Jensen: I love Jensen’s personality and she does reminds me of her sister. Even though she does reminds Lindsay, I feel like Jensen has made a name for herself. Honestly, I just love watching her dance. I wouldn’t mind seeing all of the Arnold sisters dance together. Jensen had been my favorite this season and I would love to see her win.

Genessy: Genessy may have started off as the dark horse this season, but she has really turned out to be a contender. I feel like I under estimated her at the beginning of the live show. Also, I think that we are just scratching the surface of how great of a dancer Genessy really is.

Slavik: The wildcard…I call him that because I think he might have a bigger fan base that votes. What I have loved have loved about Slavik is that he has absolutely put the effort to do the best he can. I really hope we will see him back next season as an all-star.

Looking forward to seeing who will win next week.

September 5, 2018 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

SYTYCD: Top 8 Thoughts

Monday night the top ten have two more dances to impress the judges, cause a the end of the episode two dancers left the competition. So it seems like the judges will have a say for now, but I imagine that it will only last to the top six or at the latest the top four. When the bottom four was revealed, I can’t say I was surprised by the judges choice. Evan and Chelsea’s journey came to an end. I felt like they did do better this week compared to last week, but I was their lack of connection with and apparently the audience that landed them in the bottom.

TOP 8

Best dance of the night was Jensen and Jay Jay’s Afro Jazz. I agree with Nigel, I’m not sure what goes through Sean Cheesman’s head but I like it.

Jensen & Jay Jay: These two are my favorite couple, not only they great chemistry but they also have the technique to back it up. Their contemporary was also very beautiful.

Genessy & Slavik: The other couple on the show who’s chemistry is amazing. They still are the dark horses of the competition and audiences like rooting for the underdog. I enjoyed both of their dances but the jive may have edged out the broadway…only because of how much I like Sharna (I hope to she more of her).

As for the other two couples they had good night despite that two of them ended up in the bottom. Hannahlie was the standout and I don’t think that we will see her in the bottom next week. As for who will end up in the bottom four next week, I’m not really sure but I look forward to more fabulous dancing.

August 15, 2018 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

SYTYCD: Top 10 Thoughts

Finally caught up on the first live episode of season 15, after being out of town for a few days. Overall, I enjoyed the show and didn’t think there was one bad dance. I like that they paired the dancers with each other rather than with an all-star. It really goes back to the roots of SYTYCD and creating partnerships you want to root for.

Twitch, also returned as a judge for the live shows. He is such a breath of fresh air, especially since he has been in their shoes. I enjoyed his positivity and willing to uplift a dancer if they did’t do so well. Judging from comments on social media it seems like many fans were upset over how Chelsea was treated by 3 of the judge when it came to the tap routine with Evan. More on that in later…but first my thoughts on the pairings and my favorite routines of the night.

I think that the dancers were paired up well together and as far as chemistry is concerned I think that Jay Jay & Jensen as well as Slavik & Genessy have it. Though I believe Cole & Hannalie might be the best as far as technique is concerned.

My Favorites of the Night

Slavik & Genessy: Luther Brown, Hip Hop
These two are definitely the dark horses/underdogs this season, and the both gave it their all in both routines. The hip hop thought was my favorite, I loved watching Slavik perform and his chemistry with Genessy it part of the reason this dance was great. I really hope these two stick around next week.

Cole & Hannalie: Tyce Diorio, Contemporary
It was a beautiful dance…and if they can connect with each other more they will go far in this competition. Though I do wish the judges would at least mention that Cole has obviously trained in other the styles other than ballroom

Back to the Tap dance. It is the first time in probably the show’s history that they have asked someone with only a little bit of tap experience(compared to Evan) to learn a hard tap routine. I thought Chelsea did a respectable job and loved that Twitch was the only one that recognized that and said something about it. Nigel seem to take the same road as Twitch until he said he can’t wait to see even dance with Gaby. I felt that was unnecessary to say and it was disrespect to Chelsea.

As I said, I enjoyed the episode and I’m not really sure who will be in danger of going home next week but I am looking forward to next weeks live show.

August 8, 2018 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

SYTYCD: New York Auditions Part 2

Last night was the final episode of the preliminary auditions leading up to the Academy. Maybe it’s just me but I did feel this episode had a more diverse style of dance being shown. Also, I am thankful that the storm that was happening in my area last night didn’t take out my satellite feed during the show.

Up first was Andrew and Melany: I glad they didn’t listen to the company they were apart of because they are great partners for each other. I really liked there vibe they had and not surprised that Melany made the hot tamale train.

Mika: I’m with the judges…I didn’t care for the choice of “music”. I like dance that is done to spoken word but only if the movement matches what’s being said. Nigel is such a softie didn’t have the heart to tell her no, especially when dance is helped her with deal with he medical condition.

Kory: I had hoped that he would have been better than he was, and that he would have done a jazz solo with some broadway influences.

Brianna: My favorite tap audition of this season so far. I love that it was more jazzy (Nigel’s words) compared to the others. I also like she was light on her feet.

Arcadian: First off love that he had the support of Artistic Director of the Orlando ballet. Loved him and was more of a contemporary ballet. I agree with Nigel, I enjoy that precision stop after so many turns. He has what it takes to go far in the competition.

Bridget: Not sure why but she was reminding me of Kaylee from last season. Glad she did give up the passion of dancing. I loved watch the guys reaction in her reel when she did something impressive.

Ryan: I don’t remember him from season 12 but I would say he has improved, well according to Twitch. There is just something about this type of hip hop that is just so enjoyable to me. Just the amount of control they have is impressive. The look on Twitch’s face when Nigel asked Ryan if he battles…I take any excuse to see Twitch dance.

Next week starts Academy and the competition to make it to the Top 20 really begins.

June 26, 2018 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

SYTYCD: New York Auditions Part One

Plenty of familiar faces that were close to making last season returned for another chance at making it to the live shows.

Emily Carr: She set the bar high for the first audition of the night. I love that she is following in her sister’s footsteps when it comes to dance. While I can understand why the judges asked why Emily’s sister wasn’t auditioning, I just feel like they were overshadowing the person that is actually auditioning.

Evan DeBenedetto: Lex beat him out for the spot on Gaby’s team…which I know was a hard choice. So I wasn’t surprised to see him back or the judges comments. I think this is his year as well and we will see Evan in the Top 20.

Rachael Blanchard: I feel like sending her to the academy was a see if she would sink or swim moment for her. I think if anything the academy will help Rachael grow as a dancer and become better at the things she was lacking.

Kyle Bennett Jr: In FikShun’s final two last season. I always fun to see Twitch fired up over a good hip hop audition. I just enjoyed watching Kyle dance and I’m with Nigel if he can do other style he will shine this season.

Victoria Neukum: Nigel has me worried for a minute…I honestly didn’t think he would want to send her to the academy. Though I agree that the gymnastics are great but she does need to more dancing in her solos.

Desislava and Gratsiela Sandeva: While these twin sisters were not strong enough for the show but they were entertaining. I also think the had a great attitude.

Next week wraps up the New York auditions and the initial audition round. Then it will be time for the Academy week.

June 19, 2018 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

SYTYCD: LA Auditions Part 2

I honestly don’t know what happen to my broadcast of the show last night but I missed the last two auditions. I just had a test screen up for at least ten minutes and of course started working again when the news interrupted. Thanks to the internet I could watch the last two auditions. Also, realizing that I do miss the choreography round mainly for those dancers that are good but their solos aren’t all that great.

Tessa: I really liked her and is the first person that I had the thought she could be in the top 20. I also think the choreographers would love her.

Jay Jay: After being cut during academy week last season, he booked the Shaping Sound tour. Working with Travis Wall has paid off and can see the boost of confidence in him. Hopefully, it will also help him make it through academy week this season and maybe even the top 20.

CJ Butler: Such a heartbreaking story and I thought he might get a ticket to the academy. However, that wasn’t the case but it just shows how healing having an outlet like dance is, and love that the judges took the time to comfort him. Who know with a little bit of polish he could make it through next season.

Nicole Clonch: Has been Season 2 winner Benji’s competitive partner for the last three years. She must trust him a lot because those lifts and tricks were insane…she wasn’t kidding about becoming a human pretzel. I have looked up some of their routines to get a bit more of the dancing and not just the tricks. I feel like the judges asking what else she has trained was to help make their decision on whether or not to send her though to the academy. I personally loved that she said tap(even if it’s only a little bit) cause it’s a favorite of Nigel’s.

I hope for the New York auditions next week there won’t been anything from preventing me from watching the show.

June 12, 2018 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

SYTYCD Season 15: LA Auditions Part One

Happy and excited to say that So You Think You Can Dance is back for its fifteenth season. Sorry I haven’t made any posts about it until now but my schedule has finally cleared up so that I can. Looks like there are a few changes to the new season…there will be a top 20 again which was revealed at the end of the episode. Also, there will be no choreography round during the initial auditions. So basically either you wow them or you don’t, if you wow them then you are sent to the Academy. I’m not sure how I feel about this however, it leads me to believe there will be so brutal cuts during Academy week.

Here are just a few of my thoughts about tonight’s episode.

~Gaevin “Rated G: Cool to see that he teaches b-boying and that he was inspired by Twitch. Also, like his confidence when it comes to learning dance styles.

~oh hi Maddox…he’s so cute

~Marcus Nyemchek (Kiki’s brother), Allen Genkin (S12 injury took him out) and Magda Fialek (Kiki’s partner): I really liked that they auditioned as a trio and I don’t think that has been done before, so it was refreshing. Magda is amazing. Out of the boys Allen seems to be stronger when it come to showmanship, but I do think they were all worthy of going through to the Academy.

~Taylor Haines: Though she didn’t make to the Academy, it is incredible to see what she can do and that nothing is going to hold her back.

~Jay Jackson: Interesting story on how drag chose him and loved his personality. I did understand the dilemma about putting him through to the Academy. I want to see what he can do as a dancer and not as a drag queen.

~Alexis Gilbert: Loved that she came back and that she has been training various styles in preparation to audition for the show again.

~Eddie Hoyt: A fantastic tapper and no surprise that Nigel gave him a standing ovation. The dance battle with Twitch was my favorite part of the night…thanks Nigel.

Looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season has to offer.

June 4, 2018 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Next Generation Live Show 2: Thoughts

Before I could watch tonight’s show, I to catch up on last weeks episode that I missed while I was out-of-town. I have to say I’m impressed not only by the talent but also the work ethic of these kids. Twitch stepped in as a judge since Jason out-of-town. After that fabulous opening number, we learn that each of the dancers were paired up and would perform two dances together, not to mention a small duet with their all-star.

I loved the small duets with the all-stars. I do think Jake and Jenna had the best and quite possibly the cutest one. Kida and Fikshun were a close second. Something I noticed in the last episode and tonight’s that the all-stars (with the exception of the ballroom) seem to pick their mini me’s.

Jordan & Ruby: Afro Jazz and Contemporary
I thought both dances were great. Their contemporary was my favorite of the two dances. I did enjoy Jordan’s reaction when the judges mentioned that the afro jazz was a difficult routine.

JT & Emma: Hip Hop and Broadway
These two made a cute pairing. It was fun to see them working with NappyTabs and I like the candy theme. I think JT just needs a little bit of tweaking when it comes to hip hop.

Tahani & Jake: Contemporary and Jive
I’m glad that they were able to capture the emotion of the choreography they were given. They both seemed genuinely moved by it. Then there was that Jive, that was high energy and so much fun. It allowed them to show off their personalities. Fingers crossed will see more choreography from Emma and Sasha.

Tate & Kida: Hip Hop and Jazz
There isn’t much to say about these two other than they are my top two of the night. Also, Nappy Tabs may have created my new favorite routine of theirs with great props.

Sheaden & Daniela: Cha-Cha and Broadway
I thought they had a good night and that we got to see Daniela shine a little bit more this week than last week. I enjoyed their broadway routine and Fosse is a hard style to learn. Unfortunately, they were also the bottom two dancers.
The judges decided that they would keep Sheaden. It’s a tough decision to make but I will say this about the judges, I think they handle the critiques and letting these kids down easily very well.

July 18, 2016 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Top 4 Performance Finale: Thoughts

Tonight’s show was jammed packed with dance, which is normal for the top 4 performance finale. So each of the top 4 had 4 dances to perform plus a solo. As a viewer it is just a lot to take in, so I’m going to give my thoughts on each dancer and the night they had. Before I get to that just want to say Congratulations to Cat Deeley on the announcement of her pregnancy. Granted she announced this new on Twitter over the weekend and I think Nigel caught her off guard.
Hailee Payne (Jazz): Hailee is someone who has really grown on me. When the live shows started we really didn’t know anything about her because she wasn’t really featured in the audition process. It was the robot routine with Virgil that made her a standout. Hailee always seemed to be able to channel the character of every dance she has done. Though for me the Broadway numbers seemed to be her best. I think she could have a career on Broadway.

Virgil Godson (Hip hop): I sure I am not alone in the fact that I have compared Virgil to Fikshun all season. Honestly, I’m a little disappointed that partnership didn’t happen. Virgil truly is just a bundle of joy and I just love watching him dance. He is a fan favorite but I don’t think it will be enough for him to win. However to be the last man standing is a win in my book. Also, he and Josh killed that dance together.

Jaja Vankova (Krump/Animation): Hands down Jaja has been the best female hip hop dancer that the show has had since Comfort. I truly have enjoyed watching her become a chameleon of dance this season. She has taken every challenge this season and has done well.

Gaby Diaz (Tap): It took all season to finally see Gaby do tap number. The dance was amazing and it was nice to see Zack back. All season Gaby has been fantastic and possibly the judges favorite. I think she proved that she is more than just a tap dancer.

So who will win? I got a gut feeling it will be between Jaja and Gaby. It usually a hard decision for me to pick and this season is no different but going on tonight’s performances I think Gaby will the winner but it will be a close call.

So now we get to wait a week to find out who wins season 12 of SYTYCD. I hope I am not the only one that doesn’t want to wait. Also, the fact they are directly competing with the premier of DWTS is not exactly a smart idea. So if you watch both shows make sure you set you DVRs to record on of them.

September 7, 2015 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.