So You Think You Can Dance Top 10 Rants
The So You Think You Can Dance top 12 is now the the top 10. Too bad I’m on the west coast and I’m still waiting to find out who got sent home. However, that doesn’t mean that the rest of you can’t start sharing your feelings about who was sent home on tonight’s episode and who is in the So You Think You Can Dance top 10. Let us have it. That’s why we call this the So You Think You Can Dance RANTS!!!
I think they sent the right girl home tonight. I never saw any passion from Caitlin. She also tended to be on the verge of tears all of the time. As for the guys, I’m torn. I really liked Phillip. He is one of my favorite guys. He was really trying. Although I don’t see how they could have sent home Jason or Ade after their solos but their performances in the past have been lackluster. Not really a rant. I actually thought that Caitlin and Evan would go home tonight. So I was half right.
I really don’t have anything to rant about. I think America put the right couples in the bottom two and I thought the right two dancers were sent home. I’m also thrilled that those two will still be on the tour.
Now for the speculation about next week – which dancers would you like to see form new partnerships next week? After this week’s performances I would love to see Brandon partnered with Jeanine, particularly if they received a dance close to their own genre (jazz, lyrical, contemporary, etc.).
I thought Caitlin and Jason would go home, but Phillip wasn’t really a surprise. The judges got it real close, if not right. I also hope Brandon and Jeanine become partners, but am really sad to see the last of Branette – they were such a delightful couple.
So maybe rant isn’t the right word. Thoughts, emotions, feelings, joys, passions, etc. Everything is welcome.
I think no one was surprised that Caitlin went home. I was sad, but wasn’t surprised. Other than the Bollywood I can’t really think of one really memorable dance. Her solo was close and that one Paso outfit was awesome, but the dance I don’t remember. She’s just so stunningly beautiful. I think I need to do an ode to Caitlin post to mourn my loss;-)
Phillip wasn’t too much of a surprise since I got the feeling last night that they weren’t that impressed with what Phillip was doing overall. However, I think I would have preferred Jason to go home. Either way, the girls are so much better this season.
Nigel was right about none of the dancers really being stars.
i thought caitlyn deserved to go home
but i liked phillip he was awesome
he did try
but the sad thing about it was that phillip looked like he knew he was going home
he looked like he wanted to cry
and he was trying to hold it in
even after the show ended he tried to hard to smile
i just wanted to run up and give him a hug
I hate eliminations. They really make me so sad (which seems kind of silly!) – – but just watching Phillip’s face was a tear-jerker.
I think the judges got it exactly right. Ade’s solo was AMAZING! And while I wouldn’t have been crushed if Jason went home, I think he deserves to stay in longer than Phillip. Phillip is great at what he does, but if someone had to go, I think it is fair that it was him. Caitlin – well, after rewatching the dances last night – she had to go. She is beautiful and a good dancer but she is definitely missing that “performer” quality as of now. Melissa’s solo was GREAT.
So here’s my question: They had an opportunity to get rid of Phillip last week, but didn’t. Did they really expect to see great growth in him in one week? Probably not. My theory is that they kept him in so that he could go on the tour. It would be hard to bring the top 14 on tour…but the top 12, why not? I’m thrilled that he’ll be there. He is such a crowd favorite that I don’t think they could do the tour without him; he’s just a necessary component.
So, as sad as the eliminations make me, I think they got it right tonight.
Hey – did anyone hear Mary talking after the last couple in the bottom was announced? It sounded like they left her mic on and she said something like, “What can you do?” and something else. Hmmmm…speculation?
Gretchen,
It’s a good point about Phillip, but did we really think that Vitolio was going to improve either? At least Phillip was good for ratings and another fun solo.
John, I’d love an “ode to Caitlin post.” I really liked her right from the auditions. It’s too bad she didn’t show the versatility (or presence, maybe) of Melissa, Janette or Jeanine.
It’s interesting that the producers sort of re-branded her as a modern (jazz?) dancer. From her website (http://www.caitlinkinney.com/index.html) her most recent job was as a ballet teacher, and she has danced several classical roles. Several videos of her on the site show Caitlin en pointe.
I noticed when Caitlin’s sister was cut, Caitlin was comforted by Melissa.
I feel this season is a bit lack luster but I’m excited for the partner switching. I think part of the reason for the lack of the X-factor is (and this is only a guess) that maybe the partners were not right for each other from the beginning. Except for Brandon and Janette, I think there was always someone or both of them weighing each other down, and it takes two to make a great dance. The one with the X-factor not only shines, but is able to make your partner shine despite their drawbacks. At least that seems to be the trend in the previous winners.
I’m hoping this partner change will be ultimately refreshing and new chemistry brews unknown results.
I’m rooting for Jeanine to stand out a bit more. Although Ade was a pleasant surprise in the solos. His huge backflip reminded me of Blake (McGrath) from Season 1. Amazing!
Ah.I just found this. Thanks for a rant avenue. Sorry I have to make my every comment as long as a commentary. 😮
Yes. I’m real sad that Caitlin went home. It was quite expected. When she was up against Melissa and Jeanine, I hate to say it but I knew she was a goner then. She may not have the best personality and character but I find her genuinity pretty endearing. And her solos are full of heart. Melissa rocked socks. Man, I fell in love with her solo, she’s such an amazing dancer. Jeanine delivered as usual. But I’m waiting to see a lot more from her.
Not surprised to see Philip go. The judges have been rather hard on him and they love Jason and Ade. So ya. Before I found this page, I commented somewhere else that Philip did not have the potential to grow or sth. And the judges apparently thought so too. Sad still. Hate eliminations.
Now about the top 10.
I love Janette, so much. The life she brings to the show is overwhelming. She is a standout for me in this competition because she is so genuine on stage and off stage. Some people may not like her, but I really hope she wins over them, because damn, she’s real good.
Brandon is so cute everyone’s fallen in love with him, I think. He has a load of appeal. Amazing dancer. Absolutely phnomenal.
Melissa. She managed to wow me with her solo. Her versatility is so amazing. I think if she manages to capture her audience more, she’ll be safe. And comments from the judges help as well in the voting (even if minor) and she’s one favourite.
Ade. He has to bring more character and life onto the stage and offstage. He’s an amazing dancer, no argument. Great partner.
Kayla. I’m trying so hard to like this girl. She’s an amazing dancer, she really is. I just hope that she takes off that mask she always puts on when she dances. It covers up her true personality and does not endear me to her, at least. If she could just bring a little more of herself into the dance above the choreography, I think I’d really appreciate that. She truly is an amazing dancer, but she has to prove that.
Kupono is so good sometimes. His story this week must have sold. I love him when he really gets real this way. I love it when dancers show who they really are, which I think for me, is a very important thing on this show. Because they must not only wow people with their dancing and performance, they must show people who they really are in order for people to love them. If you know what I mean. Lay it all out on the dance floor, and off it as well. 😀
Randi is stong. She commits to the dance, but she must show more character and the best side of her, which is yet to be seen.
Evan. Well, the judges have been rather hard on him. He really needs to bring it or he’ll be gone for good.
Jason is cute. But he doesn’t show it in the clips before the dance. Which is a shame. Because that particular clip is quite very important to show what kind of a person he is. He’s too serious sometimes. Just needs to refine his dance more. That’s all.
Jeanine. She’s hot, no argument as well. She brings great performance and character, but she needs to bring it to another level altogether now we know what she’s capable of.
Conclusion: Top 10 were kind of what I expected. But I’m surprised Kupono made it. I’m half glad he did because I’m always waiting for them to surprise me with what they have. And I think he can do that.
Sad that Caitlin’s gone. But those who stayed deserved to. Now they need to show extremely fast growth, personality, substance, quality and heart to this show.
What I’ll be looking out for are exceptional dancers who bring their heart and soul onto the stage and leave it all out there whole and true. 😀
yay! top 10! 😀
And Christine. I love Ade. He’s a powerful dancer. That backflip was amazinggg. His elevation’s so good. But he can never compare to Blake! >.<
Judges got this right, I think. I loved Philip, but I don’t think he was up to par with the others. But his solos? Whew. Unreal street dancer. And his goodbye was tear-jerking. (I couldn’t help but feel he would have been a good segue into the “dizzy feet” foundation…)
Caitlyn’s solos were gorgeous, but she never seemed to be able to transfer that power into her dances. I was disappointed with her. But John’s right…she’s unbelievably beautiful. Especially in that fox-trot. Looked like a movie star.
Also, I really liked the group dance. I liked Nappy-Tabs adding a little flavor to their hip-hop. It was strong and sharp–good stuff.
MELISSA AND ADE in the bottom 3?!?!!
and evan and randi were safe? that was the biggest shock for me. i can’t believe they haven’t been in the bottom 3 at all. evan needs to go home
I’m kinda with you, Nicole.
I was shocked to see Melissa and Ade instead of Evan and Randi. I think Evan and Randi have a pretty large fan base, but we’ll see how they do when they are on their own…
I wasnt terribly surprised last night, and in addition to being good for the tour, it was class to bring Caitlin and Phillip along. This season is SO loaded with quality dancers at this point, one bad week could sink a really spectacular dancer.
I don’t know what it is about Caitlin, but I also agree about how gorgeous she is. I think Mellisa and Janette are smoking hot, Kayla, Jeanine and Randi are the sweet, girl next door types.. but Caitlin has that ‘This is a woman I’d like to come home to’ quality. Melissa would be a close second..
okay.. with that said.. their dancing skills:
I guess I have different perspective being that my girlfriend is a dance instructor so I see technical details a lot… if I had to rank the women in order of skill/chance of winning it all I’d have to go:
1.a Kayla
1.b Janette
3 Melissa
4 Jeanine
5 Randi
For the guys, I REALLY enjoy watching Evan dance in styles he is comfortable in.. he was soo not comfortable last night with that last number. My guy rankings:
1.a Brandon
1.b Ade
3 Kupono
4 Evan
5 Jason (just dont feel the passion from him I feel from the other 4)
buggy said, “And Christine. I love Ade. He’s a powerful dancer. That backflip was amazinggg. His elevation’s so good. But he can never compare to Blake! >.<" You are absolutely right. Ade and Blake can't be compared. Ade will never be as arrogant and cocky as Blake.
beth said, “I was shocked to see Melissa and Ade instead of Evan and Randi. I think Evan and Randi have a pretty large fan base, but we’ll see how they do when they are on their own…”
This didn’t really shock me. Evan and Randi have mad fans. Not to mention all of Randi’s mormon friends voting for her. It’s a tight community there in Pleasant Grove, UT. I’m also happy that Melissa and Ade were in the bottom 3 instead of Evan and Randi, because there’s NO way Evan and Randi’s solos could have compared with Melissa and Ade’s.
John, I certainly agree that Ade’s solo last night was fantastic and it was really something to see him do something other than lift Melissa around. He proved that he is talented in his own right and certainly gave the best solo of the night.
Melissa’s solo didn’t thrill me though. No doubt she’s technically talented but I didn’t see the creativity or passion from her. Of the girls, I preferred Jeanine’s solo.
I’m very curious to see how next week’s solos go for everyone. I’m actually looking forward to seeing Evan dance in his own style as I like his Gene Kellyesque routines and I think it might remind people what it is he does. I don’t remember if we’ve ever actually seen Randi dance on her own so that should be interesting as well, although I agree that it would be difficult for her solo to compare with some of the other fabulous female contemporary dancers this year.
Chelsea,
I really liked Melissa’s solo. It was quirky and fun. Not overwhelming, but I enjoyed it.
We did see Randi dance a bit. Think unitard.
Ahh yes you’re quite right, I had forgotten that. Thanks for the reminder!
I argee with the judges for the most part about last night. I was unsure of which guy the would send home. I knew it wouldn’t be Ade…his solo was amazing and reminded me why he was it the competition. It’s always sad to see who goes, but there was some good new for Caitlin and Phillio they get to be a part of the tour.
As for who I think could win…I’m still not sure. Brandon is my top guy and it’s a tie between Melissa and Randi for my top girl. Everyone is sooo talented it’s hard to pick favorites.
I felt the eliminations were fair, and for Philip, inevitable — it would have been this week or next week at the latest. He was so sad that I worried that he might not emotionally be able to take advantage of the great gift of being able to go on the tour. Don’t forget how he lost the opportunity the first time around by getting sick. I felt, awww, no more Philip solos, dang! And was glad I’d recorded the ones we did get to see.
Caitlin’s clips included a bit of her audition and I then recalled how amazing that audition was, and realized that nothing she did in the show came up to that level. Including her solo.
Melissa’s solo – meh. But Ade – that guy’s got some serious air!!! It was good to see him in solo action for the first time in months.
Still, nobody of the top 10 could possibly be considered by me “my favorite dancer.” People who were cut, before and during Vegas – I still think of at least three of them as potentials for that title. I hope next season the judges go for a truly varied group, people who stand out as individals, every single one. This group is just too bland. Same-same.
karla should be in that top 10
no wonder this season isnt as popular…cuz they r kicking off all the amazing dancers
bubba- you’re totally right. darn i miss karla so much.
and John- Haha :D. but besides the arrogant and cocky fact, his dancing is pretty amazing. 😮
buggy and John:
lol I never would compare Blake and Ade by their personality. Blake and Ade are very different people. The backflip alone, just reminded me of the technical caliber of Blake. It’s true though, nobody can touch Blake; Although cocky, he can really back it up.
Evan for some reason does not appeal to me. I think it’s actually difficult for him to dance with Randi, all these sensual dances because 1) she’s married 2) they are almost the same height. I give props to Randi because she’s given such unusual charecters to play that basically puts her out there. I think she lacks extension though. She doesn’t seem to punch all the way through which makes me agree with Mary when she says “small sizzle.” Like her moves weren’t exaggerated enough. Although she surprised me with Hip Hop; Evan has yet to wow me.
Lily: I agree that this season is really even in terms of skill. There’s no real stand out or maybe the dances haven’t had any magic yet. The best week was probably the first week where the Hip hop and Bollywood were the most memorable. Otherwise I can’t remember what else there was. I REALLY hope the next few weeks brings about some interesting dances because sadly I keep looking for flaws in the technique instead of being able to enjoy the performance.
and Buggy: I really want to like Kayla too, but she’s really missing something. She might have a more dynamic personality but it isn’t being translated on camera.
John: I like this rant thread! I know what you mean when you say you have to wait for the show since you are from the west coast. Located in the Pacific, I’m amongst the last from the United States to watch it.
=( It’s so hard not having to look at spoilers until then! >_<
christine- yeah no one can touch blake. 😀
but he’s really cocky and arrogant though, now john brought it up. i remember season 1.
read this:
http://www.realitytvhallofshame.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article1097.art&page=1
This is just one person’s opinion, i guess. he’s extremely talented. he can be the best for all i know, but he blew it. 🙁
but he’s still cocky and arrogant though. (i know, christine that you’re not coming from that angle)
read:
http://www.dancespirit.com/articles/1202
&
http://www.realitytvhallofshame.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article1097.art&page=1
Christine ~ I have always been vaguely irritated with Randi, and it started in a purely irrational way: she reminds me of a girl I used to work with that I don’t like. That said, her making a big deal of being married was ANNOYING. Melissa is married, but she is never, “oh, how embarrassing, I have to pretend to be pregnant, I have to pretend to be in love.” Gak.
But I wanted to post about my new conspiracy theory! My theory is that Mia hates Sonya, and will try to destroy anything she likes or outdo anything she does. It started in Vegas…Mia was on the judges’ table that sent Natalie home, and had nothing good to say about Brandon, after Sonya praised Natalie and Brandon. Fast forward to last week…Mia does a piece about Kayla trying to escape scary Kupono right after Sonya does a piece about Kayla trying to escape scary Kupono? Hmmmm…
buggy,
Thanks for the articles. I actually haven’t seen much of Blake from the first season. I still need to go back and watch that season. I did see him on SYTYCD Canada and he was really arrogant there. I guess things don’t change.
Christine,
Before I moved to Las Vegas, I lived in Hawaii and so I’m very familiar with the long wait for shows. Try the early morning football games as well. However, if you think it’s hard for you to avoid spoilers try having a blog where people comment about the show as it goes and also a twitter stream. However, I’m not complaining. I’ve learned to avoid it pretty well. Keep the comments coming.
Stephanie,
If you understood the background that Randi’s from in Utah, then you might understand why she’s pretty uncomfortable with some of the things. More than Melissa. Right or wrong, that’s her background and so I think it’s fun to see her natural reaction based upon the way she was brought up. For me though, there’s something about her look that I just can’t get into. I still love the way she lays it all on the line though.
John: Yea I can afford to wait a few hours but sometimes I have to wait a few days and I can’t watch the eliminations before the dances so I end up recording them and watching them later. I’m not a twitter fiend yet 😛
Stephanie: I think Sonya did her piece where Kupono was trying to escape from Kayla. Aside from that, Mia did praise Sonya’s work but I guess I could feel a sense of condescending remarks like “this is your best piece to date.” I’m sure she meant it, but it’s not like ALL her pieces were great in the eyes of Mia. Then again it’s just an opinion, Mia has the Emmy, she’ll probably get another one for this piece, but you never know, Sonya might come out with some weird twisted one in the next few weeks where she will say “Haha! In your face Mia!” (not really).
To be honest I don’t really see Kupono as a strong dancer despite his strong potrayal of the addiction.
John ~ I know Randi is from Utah, and I actually do find it funny whenever she gets a new piece that makes her uncomfortable. (Don’t they all?) So, I do get it. I just also think that a part of her protesting is fake somehow. Like she just wants to underline and bold the fact that SHE is a good girl and knows better than to dance all sexy, but she HAS to because she’s on the show. Visceral reaction aside, however, at least a part of this may be because of that girl that Randi reminds me of, who was herself very fake. I’m not saying my reaction is fair, although I was wondering if anyone else had the same thought.
Christine ~ sorry, I had thought that Kupono was Death/a vampire, and Kayla was trying to get away. I guess my conspiracy theory doesn’t work if it is the other way around. Anyway, I stand by my two-thumbs-and-two-big-toes-up reaction to Kupono’s performance in Mia’s piece, but I generally agree with you that he isn’t that strong of a dancer compared to the others.
Stephanie,
I’m guessing other people feel the same as you. I just don’t;-) I know what you mean by associating people with the same name, etc with new people you meet. That’s why it’s been so hard to name our soon to arrive baby boy. Guys are such jerks that you can almost always think of a jerk who has that name. Girl names are so much easier.
Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if your theory about Mia and Sonya is correct. Maybe not quite to the extent you say it, but no doubt Mia is competitive and wants to be the best. I could easily see her being a little jealous of the love that Sonya’s gotten on the show. Although, Mia’s not stupid and can see great work when she sees it too.
Stephanie/John –
The difference between Randi’s and Melissa’s take on being a married woman may just boil down to age and length of marriage. Randi is 23 and probably recently married. Melissa is going on 30 and been married 4 years. You know how when you first get married, you want everyone to know and you toss the word “husband” or “wife” around as often as possible? That seems like part of it for her, not necessarily in a fake way.
Melissa just seems to be embracing the stories she’s given and putting more energy into worrying about getting the style than what the story might say about her, IMO.
John – congrats on your incoming baby boy! I totally get what you’re saying about having known people who ruin a name. I can attest to the fact that it is no easier for girls, though. I knew just as many b@*!^y girls with nice names that were off the table when naming my daughter. 😉