Free SYTYCD Newsletter Want to receive the latest news on So You Think You Can Dance sent straight to your email? Join hundreds of other SYTYCD fans who subscribe to Pure SYTYCD for FREE!

Choreographer Kelley Abbey

I really loved the Kelley Abbey Top 12 Group routine last night and was intrigued by a comment I saw when I was re-watching the video online. A commenter said that it was a “remake” of a routine that was danced by one of the Australian Top 20s. I watched the last season of SYTYCD AU and really, really loved it, so I did remember one Kelley Abbey routine in particular that I’ll share with you, but it took some digging to find what the commenter was talking about.

She seems to only choreograph Top 20s or 12s from what I’ve found. Check it out.

From SYTYCD US Season 6, Kelley Abbey’s Top 20/Top 6 Finale routine

From SYTYCD AU Season 1, Kelley Abbey’s Top 12 Group routine

From SYTYCD AU Season 2, Kelley Abbey’s Top 12 Group routine

SYTYCD AU Season 3, Kelley Abbey’s Top 20 routine

And, I’m not sure what season this is from, but I think it’s AU’s 3rd (and last season), the guest performance from the FAME musical, which Kelley Abbey choreographed and which includes AU alumni. Pay particular attention around minute 1:36. Anything seem familiar?

July 15, 2011 I Written By

“Burn the Floor” heats up Chicago during the SNOWPOCALYPSE

As they say in the performing arts world: “The Show Must Go On” The Show Must Go On - Queen: Greatest Hits I & II

There were predictions hitting towards two feet of snow in parts of Chicagoland but a call to Broadway in Chicago confirmed what most businesses, stores and restaurants would not do in downtown Chicago… the show was open and was going to go on as scheduled. Granted, considering how quickly the temperature rose during the first number of the show “Ballroom Beat” (YouTube clip) this came as little surprise to those in attendance. When the first beats of the African rhythm filled the auditorium, you knew it was going to be hot. Dancers appeared throughout the auditorium, in the balcony, in the aisles… dancing and shaking to the rhythms before jumping onto the stage for an amazing opening number.

Read more..

February 2, 2011 I Written By

My life can be summed up in the following two quotes: 1) "I am married to engineering and am its faithful wife by day, but at night my wanderlust takes hold and the arts becomes my jealous paramour." and... 2) "Engineering is my safety net. Writing is my passion. Acting is my escape when the other two become too much." So where does dancing fit in? Pretty much anywhere at this point... =)

In Defense of International All-Stars

In my last post about potential Season 8 All-Stars, I asked whether people would like to see dancers from SYTYCD around the world participate as All-Stars. So far, it’s not very positive. Allow me to post these videos as defense for the awesomeness of my idea. 🙂

Exhibit 1 – Denys and Amanda of SYTYCD Canada Season 3 (Winner and Runner-Up)

This was their FIRST performance together and made it pretty obvious that they were going all the way. Mary Murphy cameo, fyi.

You should watch all their routines, but their “Hey Hey” house routine was pretty impressive.

Exhibit 2 – Robbie and Ivy of SYTYCD Australia Season 3 (Winner and 3rd place)

NOBODY thought Robbie would pull off a Paso doble with Ivy, but he killed it. Ivy really made him a better dancer/performer and I think it’s due to their partnership that he made it all the way.

Also, their “Bad Romance” is NOT to be missed. Another Mary Murphy cameo.

Exhibit 3 – Charlie and Tommy of SYTYCD United Kingdom (Winner and Runner-Up)

Again, Tommy was another guy who was misjudged a bit and his partnership with Charlie (who was an early frontrunner) really gave him a chance to shine and grow. In keeping with my Latin theme, their tango:

But, of course, their most memorable routine is probably their week 1 hip hop.

These are just a handful of routines from some of the top dancers of the English-speaking SYTYCD franchises. If we don’t have International All-Stars, SYTYCD US really should find a way to feature some of these amazing dancers on our stage and give American audiences better access to the episodes. Luckily, the BBC put theirs online last season and I imagine they’ll do that again for SYTYCD UK Season 2, which is coming up soon.

October 25, 2010 I Written By

New Show on CW – Hellcats features SYTYCD Alumni

I always like hearing about SYTYCD Alumni going on to great projects after the show.

Hellcats is a new show on the CW that is filming here in Vancouver. The pilot was great and including it there has only been two shows that have aired. I noticed last seasons Alex Wong’s brother Jeremy Wong right away, as well as Jeff from SYTYCD Canada.

Check out this clip and see if you can find them:

You can Follow Jeremy on Twitter @thejeremywong.

Another familiar face scheduled for the show is Allie Bertram, runner-up from SYTYCD Canada Season 1:

Cochrane Times Writes:

The 21-year-old dancer, a runner-up on the first season of So You Think You Can Dance Canada, will be on TV screens on the CW Network series Hellcats, set to premiere this September.

Bertram, who hails from the Bearspaw area, will play a member of a college cheerleading squad on the show, which stars Ashley Tisdale and Alyson Michalka, and is set to be the network’s answer to Glee.

The role, as one of the members of the “evil” cheer team from the fictional Memphis Christian University, is the biggest acting role to date for Bertram, who has had a number of smaller roles in TV shows like Supernatural and Being Erica

How exciting is that?

I wouldn’t be surprised to hear of many more past SYTYCD dancers being cast. It is a great show so far and if you haven’t seen it you should check it out on the CW Wednesday evenings.

Aly Michalka plays the lead and she was also in the movie Easy A which I saw last night… oddly enough AS I was leaving Easy A I saw Aly and a few Hellcats co-stars leaving the movie too! She was very sweet and took a photo with me – she said her friends wanted to see Easy A too cute!

September 19, 2010 I Written By

I am a blogger and reality tv lover. I blog here for SYTYCD but mostly the Canada version, since I live in Vancouver BC. I also blog about other reality tv shows on my own blog www.mandysmind.com

I Hear Dance – Suggested Music for SYTYCD

It’s all Kelly’s fault. 🙂 Our reader said:

I think we need another “What music would you like to see on the show?” post.

You see how she demanded that I do another suggested music post? Well, Kelly, here it is.

This time around, I didn’t make any big thing out of the assignment. All weekend, I basically just listened to music like I always do, but since I knew I was gonna do this, I dropped songs into a special file and promised myself when I got to 10, I’d post.

Well, it’s time to post. And this time, I’m gonna go one step forward and say who I think would best choreograph to these songs. Well, some of them. You may have to help me with the others.

Suggested Music for SYTYCD

1. Project Jenny, Project Jan ft. So Percussion’s “You Said” – You This would make a great Wade routine.

2. Kate Earl “Impossible – Impossible It’s got Travis written all over it.

3. Beck’s “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime” from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind I’m not sure who would do the best with this one. It could probably be used by Dmitry or Louis or Toni Redpath in a creative ballroom routine OR, it could be contemporary a la Travis.

4. Jill Barber’s “Goodnight Sweetheart” – Goodnight Has a country flavor to it, but might be a good Mia Michaels or Stacey Tookey routine. Am I crazy???

5. Paolo Nutini “Last Request” – Last Totally Travis. Well, I thought this was my brilliant idea, but actually, this song was used on the last season of AU, choreographed by Paul White and Anthony Ikin. Check it out:

They could totally just have this routine on Season 7. Lauren and Kent. Lauren and Billy.

6. Kate Earl’s “Cry Sometimes” – Cry Nappytabs or, strangely, Mandy Moore

7. James Morrison’s “Better Man” – Better Travis again. Or Mia. Or Stacey Tookey.

8. Sydney Wayser’s “Ghost Song” – Darn. It’s not available on iTunes. Her other song “Carousel” Carousel is, though. Anyway, I envision jazz by Sonya or even maybe some funky neo Broadway by Joey Dowling. Or crazy crazy by Wade. Check out the YouTube video below (and download the song for free from Daytrotter).

9. My Brightest Diamond’s “Apples” – Apples Either Wade or Mia.

10. Eminem ft. Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie” – Love Lil’ C or Shane Sparks. I just heard this song coming home from work today. I usually don’t like rap or hip-hop very much. But this one shook me. I’d love to see what either of these choreographers made of it.

So, I challenge you. What songs do YOU suggest for the show??

July 19, 2010 I Written By

Odd and Random SYTYCD – 5/21/10

First, you HAVE to check this one out. Can’t stress that enough. Go now. You didn’t go yet? Here’s why you should GO take a look: behind-the-scenes video footage of the photo shoot that brought us the awesome sexy photo from my last post. GREAT quotes from Adam, Cat, Neil and Pasha (standing next to each other!), Courtney, Mark, Twitch, Dominic (with Comfort and Allison) and Lauren. If you STILL need convincing, check out this quote from Lauren:

“When we were contestants, they wouldn’t tell us anything beforehand. And so now we kind of know how it happens. But I know them [the judges/producers]. They’re going to try to throw us for a loop too.”

Anybody got some guess what the surprises might be? Can y’all handle any more surprises and twists this season? I’m not sure I can, though they’ve all been good so far. 🙂 I have a BIG guess on what one new surprise could (or should) be. I’ll post that later, separately.

Here’s one with a shout-out to Season 7 All-Star Courtney Galiano, though you don’t actually see her (unfortunately). I include it because it’s definitely a bit odd. And it’s nice to see people dancing, even if they AREN’T Courtney.

In SYTYCD UK news, last season’s contestant Alastair Postlethwaite will be judging ‘Tarletons Got Talent’.

According to this article, SYTYCD (U.S., that’s us) is Canada’s #1 summer series. When does SYTYCD air? That’s one I haven’t gotten into yet. If it’s anything like SYTYCD UK and AU, I’m in, in, in. I know many of you are already on board.

Speaking of SYTYCD Canada, some former contestants will appear in the tv movie Turn the Beat Around, including Season 1 finalists: Romina D’Ugo, Miles Faber and Natalli Reznik. Check out this quote, from Seventeen magazine:

If you loved movies like Step Up, Save The Last Dance, and Center Stage, then you’ll do backflips for Turn The Beat Around.

I wonder how (if) we can see that movie here in the States?

There’s some great quotes from Nigel in this Zap2it.com blog, but I don’t like the opening lines:

“You never heard of the dancers before, and likely won’t again, but the raw talent on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance” blows away competitors on other dance shows.”

Okay, the second half of that sentence is okay. But having All-Stars in SYTYCD Season 7 is clearly meant to help rectify any potential “likely won’t again” situations.

Here’s an Instyle interview with Cat about her vintage-inspired jewelry collection for QVC. You really should check it out – I love what Cat says about her doing the “leg work” for folks who might find vintage hunting intimidating (like me) but do like the look.

Here’s an interview Lauren did a little while ago with Zap2it.com about her Dancing with the Stars and American Idol favorites. She confesses that she has to watch everything dance on t.v. 🙂 Me too, Lauren.

And here’s another older piece about Kherington Payne and Jonathan Platero joining the cast of a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Enjoy all the random and odd!

May 22, 2010 I Written By

Odd and Random SYTYCD 5/2/10

First – Ellenore dishes on her beauty secrets. Did you know she’s working with the deodorant Secret? It’s mentioned in her interview on this blog, but I haven’t been able to find anything else out. If you do, let us know!

Next, you have to read this “Conversation with Parks and Recreation‘s Nick Offerman” for a hidden gem. Nick Offerman could otherwise be known as Mr. Megan Mullally, and in this interview, he talks about her past as a ballerina and their love of So You Think You Can Dance (look about 3/4s of the way down). Whoo hoo, shout out!

Then, check out this wonderful interview with one of my personal favorite SYTYCD alumni (and now a Season 7 All-Star), Lauren Gottlieb. She talks about being on Glee and also being on Ghost Whisperer with Jennifer Love Hewitt. Dang, guess I missed out by not watching that. 🙂 Luckily, we can probably still catch it on Hulu or something.

Apparently, Cat has a QVC line of jewelry? And one of her Cat Deely Vintage for QVC bracelets was featured in this month’s InStyle Magazine, according to the blog. Check out this cute feature on Cat from last year. Aha! After some poking around on the InStyle website, I found this little write up about Cat and QVC. But, I haven’t been able to find the actual bracelet the blog piece mention. Somebody buy the issue and scan the pic in! 🙂

And then last, but not least, dance has become a serious political issue in England, due in part to the popularity of shows like “Strictly Come Dancing” and “So You Think You Can Dance.”

[11:28 p.m. Addition: Just had to add this one. Has nothing to do with SYTYCD, except maybe this guy should be a dance guest on an elimination night this season. Lol. Seen here.]

May 2, 2010 I Written By

SYTYCD AU – If Emilie Had Her Way

I just watched the Top 8 Results for SYTYCD Australia, which I’ve been really, really loving. It’s getting me excited for America’s SYTYCD Season 7 coming up next month.

If I had my way, here’s how it would break down for the Australia results (let’s hope Australia hears me since not only can’t I vote, but I won’t be able to see the dancing till Sunday, likely).

Top 6 Results: Jess S. and Nick leave.

Top 4 Results:

#4: Robbie

#3: Phillippe (aaaaaah, I’d want him to be #2, but…)

#2/#1: Either Jessie or Ivy. I just have NO IDEA which of these two I’d want to go further. Ivy’s been my fav from the beginning, but I’ve grown to love Jessie soooo much over this season.

McPhee? Other SYTYCD AU fans? What do you say? Is *my* way the *right* way, in your opinion? Well, regardless, I’m excited to see the dancing.

April 5, 2010 I Written By

SYTYCD Australia – Top 18 Performance Song List & Special Guests Tonight!

Last night’s show the Top 18 Performed with Jason Gilkison as Guest Judge. The results show is on tonight at 8pm and voting lines close at 7:45pm tonight. Gossip will be performing & also Jason Gilkison’s ‘Burn the Floor’ will be performing on the show tonight (Which may feature some familiar faces). Also the Group Performance Routine will be choreographed by Jason Gilkison which will be a mixed Latin Ballroom Routine

Here’s the Couples, Dance Styles, Choreographers & Songs featuerd on the show:
Gaz & Ivy Hip Hop Routine choreographed by This Season’s Top 40 contestant Alvin DeCastro to ‘Down’ by Jay Sean Jay Sean - All or Nothing (Bonus Track Version) - Down

Voting Numbers:
SMS Gaz or Ivy to 19 10 10
or
Phone 1902 55 55 61

Don & Issi Ballroom (Foxtrot) Routine choreographed by Carmello Pazzini to ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’ by Michael Buble Michael BublĂ© - Crazy Love (Deluxe Edition) - Haven't Met You Yet

Voting Numbers:
SMS Don or Issi to 19 10 10
or
Phone 1902 55 55 62

Jessica & Heath Contemporary Routine choreographed by Paul White & Former Season 1 Contestant Anthony Ikin to ‘Last Request’ by Paul Nutini Paolo Nutini - These Streets (Bonus Track Version) - Last Request

Voting Numbers:
SMS Heath or Jessica P to 19 10 10
or
Phone 1902 55 55 63

Matt & Jessie Jazz Routine choreographed by Project Moda to ‘Starstruck’ by 3OH!3 feat. Katy Perry 3OH!3 - Want (Deluxe Edition) - Starstrukk (feat. Katy Perry) [Bonus Track]

Voting Numbers:
SMS Matt or Jessie HLeon Haywood - The Best of Leon Haywood - Don't Push It Don't Force It

Voting Numbers:
SMS Robbie or Mikhaela to 19 10 10
or
Phone 1902 55 55 65

(New Couple) Nick & Grace Contemporary Routine choreographed by Juliet ‘Jet’ Verne to ‘Pretty Wings’ by Maxwell Maxwell - BLACKsummers'night (Deluxe Version) - Pretty Wings

Voting Numbers:
SMS Nick or Grace to 19 10 10
or
Phone 1902 55 55 66

Kieran & Carly Broadway Jazz Routine choreographed by Cameron Mitchell to ‘The Tennis Song’ by the Original cast of ‘The City of Angels’ Cy Coleman - City of Angels - The Tennis Song

Voting Numbers:
SMS Kieran or Carly to 19 10 10
or
Phone 1902 55 55 67

Phillipe & Renee Ballroom (Paso Doble) Routine choreographed by Leanne Bampton to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen Queen - Classic Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody

Voting Numbers:
SMS Phillipe or Renee to 19 10 10
or
Phone 1902 55 55 68

Doug & Jess Contemporary Routine Choreographed by Amy Delves to ‘Fireflies’ by Owl City Owl City - Ocean Eyes - Fireflies

Voting Numbers:
SMS Jess SPlease remember when voting there is a Jessica, Jessie & a Jess when you vote you must add their last name initial which are in bold.

Don’t forget the voting lines close at 7:45pm tonight and the Results will be announced on the Results show tonight at 8pm.

February 24, 2010 I Written By

SYTYCD Australia – Top 20 Performance Music

Ilona & Nick Jazz Routine choreographed by The Squared Division to ‘Telephone’ Lady GaGa & BeyoncĂ© - The Fame Monster - Telephone by Lady Gaga & Beyonce
Jessie & Matt Contemporary Routine choreographed by Stephen Agislaio to ‘I’m Kissing You’ Des'ree - Supernatural - I'm Kissing You by Des’ree
Jess & Doug Latin Ballroom (Cha Cha) Routine choreographed by Leanne Bampton to ‘Love Long Distance’ Gossip - Music for Men (Deluxe Version) - Love Long Distance by The Gossip
Renee & Philippe Hip Hop Routine choreographed by (Former S2 contestant) Jessie Rasmussen to ‘Fallin’ Out’ Keyshia Cole - Just Like You - Fallin' Out by Keyshia Cole
Grace & Will Jazz Routine choreographed by Adam Williams to ‘You Should be Dancing’ (Remix) Bee Gees - Saturday Night Fever (The Original Movie Soundtrack) [Remastered] - You Should Be Dancing by the Bee Gees  (Sorry if this is the wrong version but this is all I found)
Mikhaela & Robbie Latin Ballroom (Rumba) Routine choreographed by Trent & Gordana to ‘Endless Love’ Glee Cast - Endless Love (Glee Cast Version) - Single - Endless Love (Glee Cast Version) by the Cast of Glee
Carly & Kieran Contemporary Routine choreographed by Sarah Boulter to ‘Furious Angels’ Rob Dougan - Furious Angels - Furious Angels by Rob Dougan
Jessica & Heath Jazz Routine choreographed by (Former Season 1 Contestant) Marko Panzic to ‘Empire State of Mind’ (Part 2) (Non Remixed Version) Alicia Keys - The Element of Freedom (Deluxe Version) - Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down by Alicia Keys
Ivy & Gaz Ballroom (Pas Double) Routine choreographed by Carmello Pizzini to ‘Ojos Asi’ Shakira - Donde Estan Los Ladrones - Ojos AsĂ­ by Shakira
Issi & Don Hip Hop Routine choreographed by Juliet ‘Jet’ Verne to ‘Work’ Ciara - Fantasy Ride (Deluxe Version) - Work (feat. Missy Elliott) by Ciara feat. Miss Elliott

February 17, 2010 I Written By