So You Think You Can Dance Final Performance Discussion Thread
We’re back to discuss the finale of So You Think You Can Dance season 5. Is anyone else as shocked as I am that we’re already at the finale of So You Think You Can Dance? That’s just absolutely unreal for me. Luckily, the Fall season of So You Think You Can Dance will be starting up soon. Although, I’m sure I’ll need the little break between seasons. Ok, enough about me. Let’s hear what you thought of the So You Think You Can Dance top 4 final dances? Let it all hang out. Don’t hold back. We’re all friends and welcome different opinions (even if they’re wrong…lol).
Personally, I was left with a feeling of disappointment after tonight’s show. I admit that all four dancers were fully committed and danced their heart’s out. I was also a fan of the routines tonight. I think every one of them was beautifully choreographed and danced.
However, I felt that the judges were off tonight (keep in mind this is just my opinion). The biggest bit of frustration for me came from Evan’s solo. I do not believe that Evan is as strong as the 3 other dancers, but I believe his personality and passion is off the charts! I can honestly say that I was upset with Adam’s comment about Evan’s solo being “a variation on his audition.” Last time I checked Brandon’s solo last week WAS his audition and he received a standing ovation? Yes, it was technically brilliant but none of the judges made a comment on that? I do believe that Brandon outdanced Evan with the pop jazz routine but I feel as though the judges were showing a bit a bias with their comments.
Finally, I was a little upset with Nigel’s closing comments about the winner being either Jeanine or Brandon. I think this was a comment that should’ve been saved for the results show so that it wouldn’t persuade any of the voters. Of course Adam and Mary know who they think will win but I like how they commented on the strengths of all the dancers.
Personally, I feel that the winner will be Jeanine or Brandon (although I voted for Kayla). Well, those were just some of my thoughts. I’m sort of new to this site so please don’t take any of my comments the wrong way, I just wanted to get those thoughts off my chest 🙂
Why did they go to the Kodak Theatre? They did not do this last season. It felt so fake. Are they trying to make us get use to the idea of maybe Paula???? Evan is Amazing of course. But I think back to what would have happened if- IF Natile Reid got in. The red head that got cut in Vegas that everyone loved. What would have changed? What if in the first week, Brandon and Jeanette got a Mia piece! Brandon never got a Mia piece this season!!! Jeanine grew tonight and I felt as though Kayla didn’t. Just sat and did the same old things. Of course Adam Shankman is amazing!!
I think Brandon and Jeanine are the top 2 but Jeanine is my pick to win. Her solo sold me…loved it. Brandon is absolutely an amazing dancer who doesn’t seem to know it. He HAS grown. It bothers me to hear people say he is arrogant…which is total bull…in my opinion.
Okay so maybe Evan did a variation and Brandon did the same the week before…but WHO CARES! Just like all of our favorites dances that we want to see over and over again. So WHY can’t we say the same about the solo’s.
Okay I have to say I want to dance in the Kodak Theatre. Can’t wait for all the fun tomorrow night.
I was really impressed by the girls Mia routine and Brandon and Jeanine’s paso. The boys dance was good, but Brandon definitely outdanced Evan. The Evan / Kayla dance wasn’t that great, and the boots Kayla was wearing just looked out of place. Yes, I know why she was wearing them, but they didn’t go. I liked the Evan / Jeanine dance and the Brandon / Kayla dances.
I think Brandon’s solo was good, BUT to me, it didn’t seem like he had his center very well. It seemed like he slipped out of his turns a few time, yet the judges just praised him. I love, LOVE, *LOVE* Evan, but I don’t think his solo was able to compete with the others. Yes, he did it in his style and it was still great, but looking at all 4 routines, I don’t think it was comparable. Evan has been my favorite from the beginning, but I don’t think he will win. I think it will be Brandon.
Awesome comments!! Johnny Mar, I’m going to reference yours in my Top 4 Power Rankings, watch out for that! ;”) The show definitely had some high points, but I felt like there was something a bit off tonight. Can’t wait to read more comments.
Johnny Mar, I agree that I was upset that they called Evan on his solo while praising Brandon for his re-using the piece. Personally I don’t mind if they reuse solos or vary them only a little if they originally danced them as auditions and then dance then again near the end of the show. I do have a problem with the judges deciding not to treat contestants equally though when this is done.
While I do think Evan is the weakest technically of the final four I really thought he held his own tonight and danced very well. I thought he did well both in the jazz and in the hip hop.
It was so nice to see Adam back on the panel. He’s one of my favourite guest judges and while he was positive, he was also honest, which I love. I love him even more for being the only one brave enough to say that yes that jive was not finale worthy choreography. I understand that all styles of dance need to be represented in the finale, but I wish they would steal Jean-Marc away a bit more. His ballroom routines are the ones I remember.
I was extremely disappointed in the judging panel for choosing favourites and for making it very plain who they thought should win. Don’t get me wrong, I think Brandon is a very gifted dancer, certainly the best male on the show this year and I’ve liked him more and more each week. As for Jeanine she can handle whatever is thrown at her and I’ve been a fan for awhile. Yet I think Kayla is the best technical dancer on that stage and my eyes always end up watching her in a group dance or partner routine. There is just something about her.
I’m very sorry that the judges felt, even with such a great top four, that they had to try and sway the vote so blatantly. Sure there are dancers we prefer more than others but there is no loser in a top four like this. Shame on Nigel for making us feel otherwise.
I, too, felt the judges were off tonight. I felt that Evan’s jive was actually really good–he was really flicking those contractions, IMO, and his lifts were great. I also felt that the first dance was the best of the night–I was SHOCKED at Evan tonight. Shocked. I totally thought he’d fail at the Sonya piece, but just as with Mia’s butt piece, he surprised me. I still think he’s the weakest of the four, but he brought it tonight. Good for him!
I was disappointed in Kayla’s solo, as I think the judges were, too. She’s possibly the best technical female dancer the show has ever seen, even moreso than Katee or Allison, IMO. But she has not consistently brought out her personality to me, and I guess it’s just hard for me to buy what she’s selling. Then again, I’m not a red-blooded man mesmerized by her mile-long legs, so who knows. 😉 [speaking of creepy comments, I thought Nigel was especially pervy tonight, lol]
I felt Brandon’s solo was great, but frantic, as Adam said. Jeanine’s solo was phenomenal–fouette turns that slowed into pirouettes and then slowed to a perfectly controlled stop? I’ve attempted those back in the day and subsequently fell flat on my face! Unreal. Her solo was a work of art. I think that solo cemented her eventual return to the show as a choreographer.
Brandon and Kayla’s broadway was very exciting, and I loved the fouette’s in second that they did together, though their timing was off, which was unfortunate. I can’t believe that a choreographer hasn’t included fouettes in their routines yet! (If any have, let me know, because I can’t remember…)
The jive was my least fav of the night–I agreed with Adam on the “noncompetitiveness” of the routine, and the first jazz was my favorite.
In sum, Jeanine stole the show for me–the jazz, the solo, the paso, the Mia piece and the cheerleading piece were all expertly danced by her. In actuality, I felt everyone really danced well overall this week, which is great, because last week I was a bit underwhelmed.
(Oh, and tomorrow will not be bittersweet for me for the first time, as it won’t mean I have to wait a year until more SYTYCD!)
Oh, and I agree on Brandon’s center being off. It was off in the pop jazz too. It’s because he was trying to throw it extra hard. You have to keep yourself calm and centered…and he wasn’t able to really do that. If you re-watch the Evan/Brandon piece and watch their turns, you’ll see that Evan’s were perfectly controlled, but Brandon’s weren’t. Of course, that’s all that Evan did noticeably better than Brandon in that piece, but it was still something.
And I also think Adam’s my fav guest judge. 🙂 He always has something constructive yet insightful to add.
Jeanine’s solo was full of win. That pirouette ended so slowly; it showed her great balance and control. Adam was right (that time, at least) – she could have fallen out of that so easily.
I really liked Evan’s solo. He moves so lightly. Did you catch Nigel’s comment about Ryan’s brother Evan in Season 6?
Nigel made an interesting comment about Kayla. IMO, being one of the judges’ favourites may be more of a hindrance than a help, when it comes to votes. I’m almost glad I live in CVanada. Our home would split the vote right down the middle and cancel each other out.
Ending with the paso doble…the two strongest dancers in a strong piece.
Too close to call.
Of course, I meant to say Evan’s brother Ryan…
They may have called Evan out about the solo but here is the KEY thing…they didn’t say it was a bad thing.
Yeah, Brandon and Jeanine had a great night. That paso doble was what I had been hoping for the first time they were paired and didn’t materialize. That was hot. Jeanine’s solo was stunning, wow. I thought she shined all night actually. Kayla and Jeanine duo was great as well. Liked it better than ‘Nast Boyz’.
I feel Jeanine is going to win. She has a real teen fan base. She’s the youngest of the four and many girls identify with her and feel that she’d ‘be cool to hang around with’. So, just as that whole demographic drives movie returns and iTunes sales…I’m banking on that tween market to give the extra vote push to make her the winner. Not to mention all the rest of us folks who just love what she brings to the show!
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[…] So much to talk about. First, I wonder (as Kelsey said in the episode rant/raves), *why* were they in the Kodak Theatre? Though, I have to admit it was […]
Evan was not as sharp in the duo w/Brandon, and his solo was LACKING. The only thing that got him this far is his personality although he did give it his all in trying. Kayla has great lines, and is good, but Jeanine is better and has more personality in her dancing.
I don’t understand why everyone is upset with the judges doing what they are supposed to do, critique and judge. My concern is because they critiqued Evan people will feel sorry for him and vote for him when he doesn’t deserve to win. It should be between Brandon or Jeanine and I hope it’s Brandon but would be ok with Jeanine.
I would have rather seen Melissa in the finale. She would have owned Mia’s piece.
Wow!! I must admit that this might be the first time I’ve come to a comment thread and pretty much all of my thoughts have been captured by the other people commenting. Nicely done.
Although, I’ll still say that the Cheerleader dance was my favorite of the night. Also, Jeanine is going to win. Called it right after the solo. I’ll be disappointed if she doesn’t.
Oh yes, and the Kodak Theatre was awesome I thought. Thanks to my anonymous source that told us it would be there a few weeks ago.
My visiting aunt made a comment about how in Mia’s piece Jeanine had to look down to take off the layers but Kayla didn’t. At some points this was true, but Jeanine is MY favorite dancer, and hopefully America’s too. None of the dances were all that exciting, I’m sorry to say. They were danced very well but the choreography itself and the concepts were lacking, except perhaps for Mia’s piece. I loved how near the beginning Kayla was out in front but soon Jeanine overtook her. Symbolic, no? Let’s see…Evan’s solo lacked for me, it was very static and not big and explosive like you expect a finale solo to be. And someone mentioned it was his audition solo? Wouldn’t surprise me, considering that Brandon is still trying to pass off his as a new solo, albeit with new music this time…
Evan faded in the background in his piece with Jeanine, I almost forgot he was their until he lifted her. My thought on Evan is that he’s a charming soloist but can’t take choreography if his life depended on it. It’s not his dancing, it’s his mindset. There’s something off about it, but one of the judges did say that in his piece with Brandon his character was just a character and not a reach-out-and-touch who-is-that-again real work of art. It’s funny how he is a Broadway dancer but is the least skilled at acting. In my opinion, and I have much experience in that department. As for Kayla…I admire her technique but am not cheering for her to win. I don’t know what it is , but something about her still doesn’t sit right with me. Maybe it’s just that she seems just like so many other talented dancers who take their ability and the praise it brings them for granted. She doesn’t seem to connect with the audience well, debate me as you will.
Brandon is also very good technically but lacks in the personality department. I think he’s a great actor and has a lot of passion but I haven’t liked him since his audition when I could almost taste his desire to win. He almost connects with the audience too much at time and doesn’t focus on himself, only on pleasing the audience.
Jeanine is the only one I feel who has the complete package. Talent, personality, and just the right mix of humbleness and I’ll-be-happy-just-being-here-ness with confidence in her ability. I loved her from the top 20 show and am so glad she has made it this far. There’s really nothing I can pick on about her, only the choreography she is given which is why she deserves to win. Maybe I should make my own blog about the choreography on the show…hmm…And the So you think you can choreograph idea mentioned a few episode posts earlier? Brilliant, but I can’t see how they would audition people. It’s always hard to separate the dancer from the dance.
Mandy,
“I’ll-be-happy-just-being-here-ness” This word should be in Webster’s dictionary. I knew exactly what you meant. It’s a beautiful quality that I think America loves. It’s possibly my favorite quality when it’s done right. Not too much. Not too little. Just right!
You know we’d welcome you doing a weekly post analyzing the choreography on SYTYCD here. No need to start another blog;-)
The So You Think You Can Choreograph would be awesome. I think the way you level the playing field is to give them the same dancers maybe. Imagine 10 choreographers all choreographing something for Travis Wall and Allison Holker.
Aww thanks John 🙂 I’d love to do that. Maybe for next season? I definitely feel that the choreography plays a big part in who goes home/who stays in each night, whether it’s fair or not
Yes, that just might work for “SYTYCC”. I know I would love to get my hands on Travis. I think it’s really a great idea for a show, but would it work week to week? Maybe not, because it would run into the same problems SYTYCD does-the line blurring between the dancer and the actual dance. And it would get quite boring to see the same dancers over and over again, not to mention the dancers would be frazzled by having many pieces in their muscle memories and of course people would probably only vote for their favorite dancers. But if there’s a way to work it out, I’d totally watch (and maybe even audition!) And the prize? A spot on the SYTYCD choreography team, of course! How great would that be!
Mandy,
I’ll email you about doing it next season.
“I know I would love to get my hands on Travis.” I think Travis prefers boys;-) Sorry I had to…
I think you’d rotate the dancers each week. 2 new dancers each week. Or one week 2 dancers, the next week 4, etc. Part of choreography is bringing out the most in a dancer and creating something that’s within that dancers abilities. So, I think it’s fine if the line is blurred. Doesn’t stop me from enjoying SYTYCD either.
Should we pitch the show to Nigel? Can we trademark or copyright it or something…lol
It should have been this way:
Janette
Brandon
Ade
Jeanine
But given that two of those weren’t in the show, I think it should be this way:
Brandon
Jeanine
Kayla
Evan
However, I think it will more likely end up this way:
Jeanine
Evan
Brandon
Kayla.
But I really hope not. I don’t mind if Jeanine is on top and Brandon is second but if either Evan or Kayla takes it, there’s something wrong. He’s all personality and less technique. She’s all technique and less personality. B and J have both.
I did like the finale last night… but I want to LOVE the SYTYCD Finale… and I could not. I feel it was because it faltered a little too much for me.
Despite much rave, I really did not need Evan there (Ade could have done more for me). I am also siding with the judges in saying that Jeanette DESERVED to be in the final 4 and would have even been in my top 2 (i was disturbed by earlier comments saying that she needed to go… on what grounds? the excellent adaptability, the pristine critiques, or the awesome personality?). However, I was so confused as to where she would go (I have always loved Kayla, but Jeanine has proved herself to me. I probably would have taken Kayla out because she seems like a dancing robot… albeit a sexy robot…).
I feel as though Jeanine or Brandon will and should win, but I am rooting for Brandon because I have been rooting for him since season 3.
4 boys….. we really need some girls to start taking over.
I guess I like sexy robots. Do you think we could mass produce them and sell them? I’m pretty sure that would be a good business.
I also think Nigel was spot on when he said that Kayla gave a lot of personality in that Country number. I guess Kayla’s really a cowgirl at heart.
i don’t see my comment appearing 😀
it’s gone! 🙁
I was really, really, really disappointed in the judges’ comments last night. And from what I was reading about the spoilers, they did some major editing to make it seem like they were nicer than they really were to Evan. And you know what? Before last night, I was fine with Jeanine winning. Evan didn’t have to take it all. But that ridiculous bias on the judges’ part really just fired me up, and I’m sure it fired up the rest of Evan’s fans. If he wins because “people feel sorry for him” as was mentioned before, then the judges have no one to blame but themselves.
First off, I LOVED him in that pop jazz routine! He danced it LIKE a pop jazz routine. Not a hard-hitting hip hop, but pop. I thought he had better musicality than Brandon, I thought his moves were easier/more fun to watch. Brandon hit every move, but I didn’t get much from him, which is exactly why I prefer Evan over Brandon. I could not BELIEVE how they ripped him apart after that dance, because I truly thought they would tell him how he had outdanced Brandon. I was watching it going “yes, yes, YES!” and then I was shocked, shocked, shocked. It was my favorite piece of the night!! I am sick and tired of the judges blaming their dislike for Evan on his “squishy” face and his “cuteness”. If it isn’t something he can fix, then stfu about it. He did all he could do about it in that piece. Watch that routine again, watch his face. Not one grin, not one “Evan” look. He was trying to get down.
His solo. Ugghhh that comment from Adam made me sizzle, I was so mad. I didn’t think it was a “variation” on any solo he’s done… it was a broadway solo, which is what his specialty is. In fact, I was thinking it was pretty different than what he’s done (it was not my favorite solo he’s done by far). Nevermind that Brandon’s redanced his exact audition solo, and almost every contemporary dancer’s solo has looked exactly the same from week to week. Oh, that pissed me off. Adam Shankman was in rare form last night.
I loved the jazz piece with Sonya, though my eye did go to Jeanine a lot. I think that happens with anything Jeanine is in, lol! She’s so much fun to watch, and she’s a beautiful dancer.
That jive. That JIVE. I agree with Adam– not a finale-worthy show. Not something that is competition-worthy. People love their country western, but with a jive? My husband pointed out that he wouldn’t have minded it so much if they hadn’t put Kayla in that dumbass outfit, because all he could think through the entire thing was “wow, she looks stupid!” I thought Evan’s contractions were great, you can tell he really worked on fixing the things they criticized with his first jive, but they didn’t mention a thing. Kayla I enjoyed for the first time, but it just overall was NOT a fun dance to watch.
Aside from Evan, my favorite performer of the night was Jeanine. She’s the only out of the other three that dances with a purpose, IMO. Every once in a while we get something really amazing from Brandon, but a lot of times (like in his solo last night) it seems like he’s just dancing because he’s got to show off his moves. When it comes to Kayla, I’ve always felt that way. A little frantic, just sort of strung together to look cool. Jeanine dances almost like there’s something she just HAS to say, ya know? That’s why I enjoy her and Evan so much.
Oh, and her SOLO. Her solo was unreal last night. She deserved every round of applause, standing O, and scream she got!
The rankings… I think it will be
Jeanine
Evan
Brandon
Kayla
OR it will be
Jeanine
Brandon
Kayla
Evan
Depends on how Evan’s fans pulled through on the votes, but I know I got a loootttt of busy signals last night, so we’ll see how it turns out.
You know what I meant about Travis…but I have to agree, unfortunately. And I also agree that the choreography should bring out the best in a dancer. I’ve learned the hard way that throwing moves in just because you like them and not considering whether the dancer can pull them off ends in disaster. But on the postive side, a good choreographer should be able to take a dancer’s unique sense of movement and show it off to its best advantage. And of course, there’s the “wow” factor and how they use the music, that’s a big one!
I’m sure Nigel and his posse have tossed the idea around before, but I like our ideas and think they could work! They might be waiting for the right moment or for the popularity of SYTYCD to peter out. Like that’ll happen any time soon…
I’m with Andre – I LIKED the finale show – but I didn’t LOVE it. It seemed to me that more excitement was made over the repeats of the Emmy nominated routines on the results show the week before. Please don’t get me wrong, I could watch Bleeding Love, Mercy, and the Bech Routine until my computer speakers gave out.
I think it was a few comment threads back when someone said it feels like the choreographers are making dances just to win emmys. I know its not a popular opinion, but while Mia’s routine was great last night, I got the aforementioned vibe from it.
Again, another hotly debated opinion, but I love Evan. I love him b/c he doesn’t “fit” with the rest of the group. Do i think he should win? No, he’s not really good enough. But the title isn’t America’s Best Dancer, its America’s FAVORITE dancer.
For my two cents, I think Jeanine should win. She won me over from the very first top 20 routine with Philip.
Sonya’s pieces always show the dancers in the best light.
IIRC, in an interview she spoke about choreography in general, saying something about wanting to see the dancers first.
“Do i think he should win? No, he’s not really good enough. But the title isn’t America’s Best Dancer, its America’s FAVORITE dancer.”
What I don’t understand after reading people comment on this is, why exactly shouldn’t Evan win? Everyone keeps saying “he isn’t good enough, he isn’t good enough!” But what isn’t he good enough for? He wins $250,000 and a title that will only last him a few months until the Season 6 winner comes along. If people adore him, what makes him less than deserving for that? If this were a battle for a huge role in a movie, or a giant contract with a company, or something of that nature, then okay. But it’s money and a title… if people love him (and oh, people do), why can’t he have that? They are ALL deserving of the winning prize, they’ve all worked their butts off to pull in the votes and make America fall for them. Obviously everyone left in the competition has done that. Now it’s down to who is more well-liked by the public. That’s what this show IS. And if Evan is the most well-liked, how is that wrong?
I dunno, that whole thing just bugs me. He may not have the technique that the others have but he has something else to make up for it. Just because he doesn’t fall into YOUR category (I use “your” in a general sense) doesn’t mean that he’s less deserving of the prize.
Mrs.
I should first say that I don’t have a HUGE problem with Evan winning. He’s great in his style and so that’s cool.
However, I can appreciate people not thinking he deserves to win since they think that other people deserve to win more [insert their favorite dancer here]. For example, they might think that Jeanine has all of the good attributes that Evan has and more. So, if they think that Jeanine has more, then they think that Evan doesn’t deserve to win. Of course, you might feel the same thing about someone other than Evan.
Personally, I don’t have a real favorite in this top 4. I just have a least favorite. If he wins, I’ll scream for the opposite reasons described above. I’ll be disappointed that he’s America’s Favorite dancer…lol.
Although, thankfully I won’t have to dwell on it long if it does happen.
haha John, I know what you mean. I have a least favorite too (Brandon), and if he wins I will be really, really disappointed. But do I think he would be undeserving? No. I recognize that he’s a powerhouse, but he’s just simply not my cup of tea. I don’t enjoy him. I just think it’s harsh to say that even though Evan has obviously done the job he’s supposed to do (make America believe that he can be their favorite dancer), he’s being touted as undeserving. If that makes any sense?
who thought a jive was what we needed in the finale? a jive? really? when has a jive been like WHAM! that was awesome! im gonna go with probably never. I mean it’s usually been entertaining and what not. But come on…..I wanna see some NappyTabs!!!
Anyway…..no Brandon and Mia piece? hmmm….i guess not 🙁
I really enjoyed the finale. the Kodak made everything seem grander and more awesome! so good job producers for picking the Kodak Theater for the finale!
I want Kayla to win. But I’d be happy with Jeanine. Girl Power! a girl needs to win. and both would deserve it. I wonder if Nigel’s predictions will be right…..also, why was Nigel extra extra pervy tonight? YIKES.
I love love love when Adam is on the panel. He’s a perfect blend of comedic, heartfelt, and real critique comments.
My favorite routines were the Wade routine and Brandon & Kayla’s broadway (shockingly so – i usually dont like broadway).
Also…..did Evan’s brother get enough screen time??? damn! its like we get it….he’s there….he’s in season 6 (at least in one way or another). move on.
Personally, I hope Brandon wins. As far as technique goes, I’m not a dancer so I don’t really see that side of it that well, but it seems like he has it. He connects with me when he’s dancing, he dances well and he’s interesting.
Jeanine is a close second. I don’t think she’s done everything as well as she could have all season (she’s really grown as a dancer, and also had some not-so-good partners, like Phillip), but she was the best dancer last night, for me. However, thinking about al the season, I think Brandon’s danced better more consistently. And I do think you need to take into account ALL a dancer’s dances, because otherwise the best ones get kicked off just because they had meh choreography. (Like, Janette.)
As for Kayla and Evan- as I think someone said, Kayla’s all technique and not much personality (consistently, anyway) and Evan’s the opposite.
I wish the top 4 had been Janette, Brandon, Jeanine and Ade. But alas that did not happen, although Janette totally deserved to win.
I was extremely disappointed in the finale. Kayla was absolutely amazing throughout the whole season. And while I loved all of the dancers I did not expect Jeanine to beat her out. I feel it should have been Kayla and Brandon in the Top 2. Her dancing is just short of perfection and Brandon is an amazing powerhouse dancer.
Brittany,
It would have been a battle between Brandon and Kayla if it was America’s most technical dancer. However, Jeanine is America’s favorite dancer since she has a good mix of technical and appeal.