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Who Are YOUR Season 8 Favorite Dancers?

In my Thoughts and Power Rankings posts, I say a lot of things about fan bases and favorite dancers. I’m basing my highly unscientific, unstatistical conclusions on comments here on the site, response to performances on the show and reading around the Internet.

But I haven’t checked in with you about favorite dancers since DanceOn’s Favorite Couple Poll.

So, with no further ado, here is a poll for you to select your favorite dancer at this point in the competition.

 

June 29, 2011 I Written By

Season 8 Top 16 Power Rankings

Tonight’s episode reminded me of the Meet the Top 20 episode, it had so many great routines. Especially with the addition of these two Eight/Top 16 Routines. It makes it pretty hard for me to figure out the power rankings, to be sure, so my Bottom 3 picks are probably going to be a bit more personal, though I’m gonna try to factor in how they performed (of course) and how I think fans will vote. Away we go…

Top Three Couples:

Melanie and Marko – Back on top. Not only are they my favorite couple, but I think they’re one of the few couples where both partners seem to have a strong fan base individually, as well as together. Plus, they keep killing their routines (let’s not talk about last week). Melanie consistently stands out in the group routines, probably because she’s almost always in the front, which seems to indicate she’s a darling of the choreographers. But they’re both humble, yet confident and both their personalities and their dancing shine.

Jordan and Tadd – Their Nappytabs hip hop would’ve been memorable even if it hadn’t been the last couples routine of the night. They’re adorable and they bring so much out in each other. This routine was sexy and fun and perfectly suited them.

Sasha and Alexander – Their routine was first, but it was very, very good and memorable. Especially that bit with Sasha’s hands at the end. Sasha seems to have a huge following. Plus, Alexander showed a lot more personality than ever before when he licked Sasha’s face while Cat was campaigning for votes for them.

Middle of the Pack:

Caitlynn and Mitchell – Their samba got rave reviews, but was a bit frenzied and had some awkward connections, even if Mary didn’t mention it. I think they both did a stand-up job, regardless and I’m really loving Caitlynn lately. I think they’ll be safe, but there were several stronger and more memorable routines tonight.

Ryan and Rickey – There’s been a big backlash against Ryan after last week’s cuts, but their routine tonight was really good and I hope it’s redeemed her and kept them in the safety zone. It’s hard to tell.

Bottom Three Couples:

Miranda and Robert – Miranda’s getting a lot of love from the judges and I know she’s got some fans. But one of the judges even said it – Miranda blends in too much. She’s great at taking on characters, except she’s not terribly memorable. I think if she’s given a chance to stay around, she may really come out of her shell. However, as routines go, this was not one of the most memorable of the night and I don’t think Robert captured his character as successfully as Miranda (he just seemed like a version of himself).  If you combine a lack of a memorable routine with one dancer disappearing into her characters, they may be in danger.

Ashley and Chris – They got the most negative comments of the night, which weren’t terribly critical. It was an ok routine, but also not very memorable. Ashley is another one who doesn’t stand out – Lil C even labeled her the “silent assassin” and admits he forgets about her, though he loves her when he watches her dance. They had the most memorable routine last week, but weren’t so lucky this week.

Clarice and Jess – I predicted they’d be here last week and they were safe. They got rave reviews from the judges tonight. Why am I putting them in the Bottom 3, then? I think there are still a lot of people who don’t like Jess, or who like him less than other dancers. Clarice would probably fare better with a different partner, but she seems rather bland at the moment. The foxtrot is not always a huge fan favorite and this one wasn’t a stand out, especially against the shinier routines of the night.

I think they may end up splitting a couple. Maybe pairing Miranda and Chris, or Robert and Clarice. I wonder what would happen if Ashley and Jess were paired? If one couple is going to both get cut, I think it’ll be Ashley and Chris. But who knows how it’ll pan out. What do y’all think?

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Top 16 Performance Thoughts

Here are my thoughts on tonight’s episode, live as they happen (after the jump). I hope you’ll add your 2+ cents as well, in the comments below. Let’s get this discussion started!

SOOOO excited that Kristin Chenoweth is the guest judge!!

Looooove Cat’s look tonight, the finger waves in her hair and the flapper dress. But Cat, being Cat, has an adorable personality to match her appearance. She nailed it when she referenced last week’s “brutal, quadruple elimination.” When chaos erupts on SYTYCD, we always have Cat Deely to keep things sane.

It’s good to see Lil C back, too. He made me laugh when he said he’d been a “busy little buckster, maintaining my buccness.” He’s great. AND, did you catch him double dog dare Mr. Producer Lythgoe into booking him for the finale? Would you like to see Lil C as the musical guest?

Here’s a spoiler line for the rest, just in case…

Read more..

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SYTYCD Top 16 Performance Music

Last weeks results were tough to take, for sure. I’m interested to see if Ryan redeems herself because I know there’s been some backlash towards her in particular after last week’s cuts. I wonder how all of the dancers will perform after this first rough cut of the season.

Tyce Diorio Broadway/jazz routine with half the Top 16: Ray Charles’s “Hit the Road Jack” – Hit the Road Jack - Genius - The Ultimate Ray Charles Collection

Sasha & Alexander’s Dee Caspary contemporary: Cary Brothers’ “Belong” – Belong - Under Control (Bonus Track Version) I love Cary Brothers!

Caitlynn & Mitchell’s Jean Marc Genereaux samba: Alicia Keys ft. Beyonce’s “Put It In a Love Song” – Put It In a Love Song (feat. Beyoncé Knowles) - The Element of Freedom (Deluxe Version)

Miranda & Robert’s Tyce Diorio Broadway: “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If You Ain’t Got That Swing)” – Medley: It Don't Mean a Thing / Jumpin' At the Woodside - Swing (Original Broadway Cast Recording) from the “Sophisticated Ladies” soundtrack.

Melanie & Marko’s Nappytabs lyrical hip hop: Leona Lewis’s “I Got You” – I Got You - Echo (Deluxe Version)

Ashley & Chris’s Sonya jazz: Telepathe’s “Lights Go Down” – Lights Go Down - Dance Mother [They danced to the District 78 remix, but I didn’t see it on iTunes.]

Clarice & Jess’s Jean Marc Genereux foxtrot: Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” – Fly Me to the Moon - Down with Love (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture)

Ryan & Rickey’s Sonya contemporary: Robyn’s “With Every Heartbeat” – With Every Heartbeat (With Kleerup) - Robyn

Jordan and Tadd’s Nappytabs hip hop: David Guetta ft. Kid Cudi’s “Memories” – Memories (feat. Kid Cudi) - One More Love I *love* Kid Cudi.

Dee Caspary contemporary with the other half of the Top 16: The Civil Wars’s “Poison & Wine” – Poison & Wine - Barton Hollow

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