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Tomorrow it all starts – Season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada

So You Think You Can Dance Canada starts tomorrow, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

A few people have asked if it will follow the same format as the USA season did with all-stars and a Top 10 (well, 11).

Quite simply, no.

This is only Canada’s third season and although all the dancers are all-stars in my book, there isn’t enough to make it as successful as the USA Season 7 all-stars version was. Perhaps in a few seasons Canada will try it but for this season it will be the same with a top 20.

Starting tomorrow and over the next two weeks we will see the Cross-Canada Auditions from Toronto, Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Montreal.

Here is how it will work, in case you have forgotten.

Dancers will do their solo’s and one of three things will happen:

“It’s a no for me”: If the majority of the judges don’t think dancers can hold their own, they are homeward bound.
“It’s a yes for choreography”: If the judges aren’t sure about the potential of a dancer, or just want to make sure he/she is versatile and capable of picking up choreography, the judges send him/her on to Choreography with Blake McGrath. [Blake Bootcamp]
“It’s a yes for me!: If the majority of the judges see great potential in a dancer, he/she will receive a Boarding Pass to Toronto and head straight to the Finals. [like the USA “Vegas”]

Those who go to Choreo with Blake then have one of two things happen:

“It’s a no for me”: If the majority of the judges don’t think dancers are ready for the show, their So You Think You Can Dance Canada journey ends for this year.
“It’s a yes for me”: The strongest, most versatile dancers receive Boarding Passes to Finals Week.
Finals Week in Toronto

Then the best dancers from each city head to “VEGAS” – – – OK, Toronto (same idea)

Here is what happens there:

Competitors are taught routines in several different styles by prominent choreographers.

At each stage, the judges vote on whether or not to keep the dancers in the competition.
If the judges are split, contestants must “Dance for Their Lives” (i.e. perform a solo in their own style).
Then judges choose the Top 20 — ten male and ten female finalists — to participate in the live show.

As a reminder here is the schedule for the first two weeks:

Sunday, August 15 at 9 p.m. ET (two hour premiere) – Toronto Auditions
Monday, August 16 at 9 p.m. ET (two hours) – Calgary and Halifax Auditions
Tuesday, August 17 at 8 p.m. ET (one hour) – Vancouver Auditions
Wednesday, August 18 at 9 p.m. ET (two hours) – Montreal Auditions
Thursday, August 19 at 9 p.m. ET (two hours) – Finals Week
Sunday, August 22 at 9 p.m. ET (one hour) – Top 20 Reveal
Monday, August 23 at 9 p.m. ET (two hours) – Top 20 Performance
Tuesday, August 24 at 8:30 p.m. ET (half hour) – Top 20 Results

[Source: CTV]

SYTYCD Canada Returns August 15

Reality television junkies, such as myself, are enjoying a summer of SYTYCD, Big Brother, Bachelorette, True Beauty and Hell’s Kitchen. But that is just the start…..

So You Think You Can Dance kicks off it’s 3rd season August 15 with auditions from across Canada before moving into the Top 20 and weekly eliminations.

CTV Reports:

Season 3 will begin on August 15 and after the audition episodes, performance shows will air on Wednesdays at 8pm with the half hour result shows on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m.

The Season 3 audition tour travelled to five cities across the country – Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. SYTYCDC showcases dancers from across the country as they compete to impress an expert panel of judges.

Following each audition city, select competitors were invited to “Finals Week” in Toronto where they worked with some of Canada’s top choreographers. After a gruelling and challenging week mastering various genres of dance, 20 dancers earned a coveted spot in the SYTYCDC Top 20.

Chosen by the judging panel, this select group of dancers will perform in front of the nation. The public votes for their favourites following weekly performance episodes in which competitors are assigned partners and dance styles to perform, from hip-hop and krump to salsa, quickstep, contemporary and jive.

In the end, only one dancer goes home with the title of Canada’s Favourite Dancer and a $100,000 grand prize.

I don’t know about all of you but I am so excited. Something about BEING Canadian makes me just love seeing my “people” dance. Of course, I love SYTYCD USA and if I could watch international SYTYCD shows I am sure I would love them too, dance in general is so amazing – but, the hometown dancers I just connect with and become so attached to.

Set your PVRs, DVRs, TiVos and (dare I say it?) VCRs?!?! 🙂

Don’t miss SYTYCD Canada’s 3rd season startin next month!!!

Which choreographers, guest judges and past contestents would you MOST like to see in season 3?

Comment Below.

Jean Marc Carries Olympic Torch

CTV reports:

One of Jean Marc Genereux’s dreams came true on December 8th as he joined the 12,000 torchbearers and carried the Olympic flame in his home province of Quebec.

“When you do anything at the level that these athletes do it, you need to have that fire within you. The flame I got to carry represents that fire,” he says.

“I love that I was part of this human chain,” Jean Marc enthuses. “I just love the Olympics! It is so wonderful to push the physical body and celebrate the achievements of people regardless of anything other than their skills.”

Tre Armstrong blogs on So You Think You Can Dance Canada Auditions

Tre Armstrong

So far, Vancouver has been the best city for returns — the comebacks. The dancers who are determined to make it into this season’s Top 20.

I like that because they’ve all gotten stronger, but it does make our job as judges more difficult!

And for Montreal

The energy has really picked up over the course of the day. The first couple of groups seemed really nervous, but as soon as they got going, the nervous energy floated away. The b-boys are always good for that — they’re so easy going in Montreal.

I’m really looking for uniqueness in this city — I want to see the next Dario, that totally different look.

I must say, the ballroom is out of this world!

[source]

Season 3 Auditions Underway across Canada

CTV posted all the details for audtions for Season 3 of SYTYCD Canada

Hopefuls from across the country will audition to see if they can follow in the footsteps of Canada’s two Favourite Dancers — Tara-Jean Popowich from Lethbridge, Alta. and Nico Archambault from Montreal, Que.

And on the judging panel for the first stop on So You Think You Can Dance Canada cross-country auditions are:

Jean Marc Genereux

Tré Armstrong

Luther Brown

Mary Murphy

And as always, Blake McGrath will be choreographing for Blake Bootcamp. Toronto Auditions happened yesterday and more are coming up.

Montreal, Que.
Saturday, November 28
Palais des Congres, Viger Hall
201 Avenue Viger Ouest

Vancouver, B.C.
Saturday, December 5
The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
777 Homer Street
Registration starts at 8 a.m.

East Coast City
Venue and date to be announced.

Calgary, Alta.
Venue and date to be announced.

There are rules and forms and information you must read before you go here

I will try to pop by the Vancouver Auditions and get some clips for the site 🙂

So You Think You Can Dance Canada's Top 10 Results Show

And Then there were 8….

From this point on it will be even more difficult to say good-bye but at least we know they will all be on SYTYCDC Tour this winter

While my Power Rankings were not spot on – I did predict the most important part – – – who was going home

The opening dance routine by Stacey Tookey was pretty incredible and [maybe I am biased] but Melanie, Cody & Jayme Rae really stood out for me in the routine. The pairing was awesomely choreographed, though the group was not in sync and some were obviously stronger than others.

Leah Miller was annoying as ever though I enjoyed watching her fumble her words a bit and I could see that the hair in her eyes was annoying her but she was trying not to have to move it out of the way, thus blocking her face for a millisecond on screen.

Blake McGrath, who I adore, was there again and I have to say, as much as I love his bod – I do not dig the open shirt…. it’s a bit sloppy looking…

Leah’s introduction of Jean-Marc as the French Canadian Fabio made me literally laugh out loud!

Anyways, enough with my rants… here is what happened.

Girls

Amy – not safe (as I predicted)
Kim – safe
Tara-Jean – safe
Melanie – not safe (I disagree!)
Jayme Rae safe

Boys

Everett – safe (good!)
Cody – not safe (shocked me a bit)
Vincent – safe
Austin – not safe (as I predicted)
Emanuel – safe (Canada loves him!)

Solo’s

Amy- was fine but I knew she would be going home.

Melanie- was [if its possible] even more passionate and gave me goosebumps!

Cody- was more of a jazzy hip hop that i really enjoyed. The kid has charisma!

Austin – was amazing! I sensed he’d go home after being in the bottom before, I really think he cockiness in auditions gave him a bad rep early and he just couldn’t get in the votes, but he was AMAZING! I loved that he changed it up and tried something new. It wasn’t so floaty free, airy fairy… it was hard and fun and it was a great send-off.

Good-Bye

Amy & Austin went home, as I predicted

So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 10

So my power rankings started off strong then faded with my predictions for Bottom 3 couples usually only being 1/3 accurate, though my predictions for who goes home have been pretty close throughout.

Tre, Jean-Marc, Luther and Blake were judges and we saw lot’s of familiar choreographers as well as some past contestents Natali Reznik and Francis Lafreniere who guest choreographed.

This Week things changed. Top 10 means new couples each week and solo’s from all for individual votes. I am going to talk briefly about the couples routines then go into power rankings by individual.

First of All – Couples Dances

This is in order of performance not ranking:

Vincent & Melanie
Pasa Doble with Natalie Resnik & Francis Lafreniere
“Conquest” – White Stripes

This was agressive and entertaining. Melanie showcased legs I didn’t know she had and that flip into Vincent’s arms was awesome.

Cody & Amy
Contemporary with Stacey Tookey
“Come Home” – One Republic

There was a lot of partnering and overall it was pretty and quite fluid. Cody out performed Amy and as the judges noted, she should have stood out given it is her area of dance!

Emanuel & Tara-Jean
Samba with Tony & Melanie
“Samba Vocalizado” -Luciano Perrone

This was fantastic. I really liked that Emanuel took the character on so well and they both shook their booties like there was no tomorrow. I was so scared my heart jumped when Emanuel charged at TJ to jump as she did a back bend… wow!

Everett & Kim
Jazz with Sean Cheeseman
“St. James Infirmary Blues” —The White Stripes

This was creepy and fun. I loved the use of the table and how Kim was “dead” it was really entertaining. I wasn’t a fan of Kim neccessarily and all of a sudden all the judges are soo ga-ga over her… but I am starting to see it more.

Jayme Rae & Austin
Hip Hop with ShoTyme
“Da Rockwilder” —Method Man & Redman

I think she hit harder than he did. Austin is such a beautiful fluid dancer I think this hard-hitting hip hop was a challenge for him. It was fun to watch though.

Power Rankings

Girls

Melanie
“The Fame” – Lady Gaga
This girl has energy, she almost had too much tonight if you ask me, but she was all over the place and performed well overall. I hope she is safe.

Jayme Rae
“Make me Over” – Keyshia Cole
This was fun, sexy, only she can pull off those silver spandex! I see so much passion and versatility in her. I worry she will be lower than my ranking, I love her but I feel like Canada doesn’t as much.

Tara-Jean
“Relief” – Chris Garneau
She has passion and she is quirky and fun. I like dhow she was flowing so beautifully then would have sudden jerky movements. The juxtaposition of her movements fit well to the music and I loved her shoulder movements.

Kim
“Kiss from a rose” – Seal
It didn’t stand out to me as anything spectacular. She was wearing a bikini top that I thought would fall off. I’d put her in the bottom though i don’t know if Canada will.

Amy
“Wanted” – Vanessa Carlton
It was pretty and cute. It didn’t stand out for me much. I predict she goes home.

Boys

Everett
“Everybody Dance” – Chic
Wow! This was entertaining. Tap is not typically that entertaining to me but he was fun and had great moves and energy. I know most may not put him in the top but he was my top solo for the men tonight…

Cody
“I need a girl” – P. Diddy
This kid can do no wrong in my book. He is so adorable and a pleasure to watch, especailly in his element. His moves were awesome and I enjoyed it. I would be surprised if he was in the bottom, though he has been before. Me and Canada disagree sometimes.

Emanuel
“Bridge” – Amon Tobin?
This guy is def. a figure skater. His foot work was stunning, his jumps and turns amazing and if I didn’t know any better I would have thought he WAS floating on an ice rink. Awesome Dance. Canada Loves him… likely safe.

Vincent
“Can you feel it” – Real2Real
Flawless, natural and upbeat. He moved his hips like no man I’ve seen and he just kills it everytime he is on stage. He was not an early fave for me but I love him now! I think he is safe.

Austin
“Always Midnight” – Pat Monahan
A beautiful solo as always (he has sure had his fair share of opportunities for solo’s this season!) He has such passion and moves so smoothly, it is hard to get ridof him after seeing his solo’s, but he has been bottom 3 before a few times and it’s crunch time. I predict he will go home.

Final Thoughts

Amy did not stand out for me amongst everyone else so I predict she will go home.

Austin has been in the bottom 3 many times and his couple performance was weak so I am predicting he will go home.

Power Rankings – So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 14

Last Week’s Power Rankings I predicted 1/3 of the Bottom 3 and one of the two going home.

This week I hope to be more accurate (Hey, the previous week I was 3/3)

Our judges this evening were Dan Karaty, Karen Kain, Tre Armstrong and Jean-Marc Genereux. Dan spoke about how SYTYCD Canada pushes the envelop and keeps getting sexier. Tomorrow Night Blake’s choreographed an “almost too sexy for tv” routine that I can’t wait to see.

1.Cody & Melanie
Hip Hop with Luther
“Turnin’ me on” – Keri Hilson ft. Lil Wayne

Yes, they are my favourite couple (though Jayme Rae & Daniel are creeping up a close second lately) but this routine by Luther was HOT! Cody didn’t have what I refer to as “Evan syndrome” (being too cute and innocent) he rocked it hard along with Melanie who was hard-hitting. They were convincing, they were in unison and they were sexy. Best routine of the night in my opinion.

2. Jayme Rae & Daniel
Disco with Melissa Williams
“Disco Inferno” -The Trammps

The lifts, the spins, the flips, the bounce, the outfits… it was hot. I don’t know what the heck Dan Karaty was watching but he was not watching these guys dance if he thinks they weren’t “there” When Jayme Rae did those splits in a lift then a spin and flip – holy guacamole – amazing! Disco is face-paced and fun and these guys did a fantastic job and entertained me.

3. Austin & Corynne
Hollywood Jazz with John Byrne
“Paparazzi” – Lady Gaga

I haven’t liked Austin since auditions but that guy can dance. I have liked Corynne since auditions and I am really glad these two are paired, they seem to really connect and I think they will stay out of the bottom 3 again this week. I didn’t like the gun part, it seemed corny but the falls and jumps and that KISS!?! wow!

4. Natalie & Danny
West Coast Swing with Benji Schwimmer
“Love Lock Down” – Kanye West

I have tried West Coast Swing and this to me was so unlike what I have tried (at a novice level obviously ha ha!) Benji is a genius. There were some amazing flips and complicated patterns but the air worked well together and performed beautifully. (Although I wasn’t a fan of the song – especially after kanye’s lil’ outburst at the VMA’s this past weekend!)

———————BOTTOM 3————————-

5. Tara-Jean & Everett
House with Sho Tyme
“When Love Takes Over” – David Guette

I don’t want to put these guys in the Bottom 3 but it’s a close call with Natalie & Danny / Tara-Jean & Everett. It was very fast, it was entertaining, it truly was body versus feet as Dan Karaty said. I enjoyed it but something about Benji’s routine made it stand out slightly above this one and so here we are with our Bottom 3 predictions.

6. Kim & Emanuel
Contemporary with Stacey Tookey
“To Build a Home” – Cinematic Orchestra
They seem defeated in the rehearsal clips. With bruises and injuries and struggling with the lifts. It felt like a real bummer just watching. Though they performed well, their outfits were boring, it was slow and seemed to just drag on for me. Near the end it pick ed up and they gave it some life but I just felt like it fell short.

7. Amy & Vincent
Cha Cha with Gustavo Vargas
“Rie y llora” – Celia Cruz

It was fun and sexy and cute but it didn’t stand out much compared to other routines this evening. it was quirky but just nothing spectacular in my opinion.

Assuming my Bottom 3 are correct (and it is so hard to tell at this point) I would predict that Amy & Vincent go home… ooh I dunno…. everyone deserve to be where they are on that stage… so sad to send people home each week.

Can’t wait for Blake’s routine tomorrow 🙂

Top 18 Rant – So You Think You Can Dance Canada

While you can go view my Power Rankings Here I had a few things I wanted to get out of my system ASAP – Please feel free to comment on your own opinions and if you agree or disagree with me.

First, what is wrong with Mary Murphy’s Back? She needed help walking out on stage and also standing up during judging…. it was nice to have her as a guest, even if she gets on my nerves pretty quickly…

I loved the lil “get to know you” part before each routine.

And have much to say about the wardrobe tonight.

I am so excited with what they are bringing to this season. With Last Week’s MJ Tribute and tomorrow night’s Longinus Fernandas (Oscar Winner for Slumdog Millionaire) I am excited to see what else they bring to the table this season.

What was up with judges telling Cody he was lucky to have Melanie as a partner? um – Cody kicks butt too – they are fantastic together. And Tre’s whole “Mah is not blah” was cheesey!!! She must have had writers prepare that for her… ha! And then telling Cody he had swagger but not enough ghetto? Of course not – he is too adorable to have gangsta – like Evan on SYTYCD didn’t have “nasty” sheesh!

I was impressed with Emanuel’s performance with a broken finger. Although he did appear to step RIGHT ON poor Kim…. I wasn’t a fan of Emanuel before because I thought he was kind of cocky with his skating background, but he is pretty awesome… Austin, however, is still pretty cocky.

When they showed Blake grunt and act evil during the rehersals for Amy & Vincent’s routine I was pretty excited… not gonna lie…. Blake is damn sexy.

Loved that Francis and Natali were assistant choreographers for Tony & Melanie’s Paso Doble danced by Anthony and Corynne. Love when past dancers return in any capacity but especially to help new dancers.

Luther raised a great point tonight on taking Hip Hop seriously. I don’t think Jenna was NOT taking it seriously, but I do think Luther is correct, it is a complex style of dance and needs attention.

I really really like the sponsored by Tylenol Relief bit at the end where they show “Back Stage Relief” with the dancers right after their routine… it’s clever and it’s neat to see their reactions right after performing.

that’s it for now…. discuss away…

Power Rankings – So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 18

I always get nervous doing these power rankings, especially so early on when we haven’t seen enough of the dancers to really predict or forecast… however, I enjoy watching and will base my Power Rankings on what I saw, heard and felt about each couple’s routine.

1. Amy & Vincent
Contemporary with Blake McGrath
“When You Say My Name” – Mario Spinetti

I had goosebumps. Yes, I think Blake is a God. Yes, I am biased because of that. It was dark but this routine was beautifully choreographed and beautifully danced and it was memorable. People will vote for this!!! It was my favourite tonight!!!

2. Melanie M & Cody
Crump with Lil C
“Buck N Roll” – Tha J Squad

I love that Melanie is so versatile and even though I think Cody has the “Evan Syndrome” (Of being too cute to be “nasty” or “crump”) the two of them worked well together and they are both favourites of mine so I am thrilled they are paired together. They are likable and they rocked it so not only are they not bottom 3 I think they would be top 3 if they announced those results!

3. Emanuel & Kim
Theatre with Sean Cheeseman
“Maybe This Time” – Connie Fisher

I think Theatre can get too “Cheesey” with “Cheeseman” (heh heh!) but this was well done and the facial expressions and emotion was perfectly done. Emanuel (as someone noted in a previous comment) is very well-known in Canada for his figure skating, so I think people will continue to vote for him as he already has a huge fan-base.

4. Jayme & Daniel
Dance Hall with JaeBlaze
“So Fine” – Sean Paul

I don’t know this “Dance Hall” style, the choreo *seemed* simple (or maybe they just mastered it) but it was entertaining and I think people will vote for things that entertain them, especially when they aren’t dance instructors or specialists, bottom line is entertaining or not.. this was.

5. Tara-Jean & Everett
Salsa with Tony Meredith & Melanie LePatin
“Ana Pa’ Mi Tambor” – La Excelencia

I thought there were some awkward transitions but overall it was sexy and hot. She’s a looker and he is pretty adorable also. The routine was good enough to get calls I hope.

6. Danny & Natalie
Jazz with Melissa Williams
“Please Don’t Leave Me” – Pink

The boy underwear was distracting and awkward but the dancing was good. I am a huge fan of Natalie but tonight I felt she was a bit frantic, though her “character” was supposed to be a bit crazed… It was an average routine, with the exception of the spins which I loved.

——————- BOTTOM 3 PREDICTIONS ——————-

7. Nicholas & Jenna
Hip Hop with Show Tyme
“Blast Off” – P. Diddy & Fam

It wasn’t as hard-hitting as it could have been and though I agree he did a better job than she did, I think the judges were too rough on Jenna. This could bring in some sympathy votes on her behalf, but mostly I think it was an average performance with a mismatched couple who will be in the bottom 3.

8. Anthony & Corynne
Paso Doble with Tony & Melanie
“Fuego” – Bond

This seemed like difficult choreo and style for week 2. There was the fall, and though I don’t think it phased them enough to be a strike against them necessarily, I also don’t find Paso Doble very exciting typically… I have seen some very powerful routines that I enjoyed but this one was just average for me personally, not enough to make me want to vote sadly, I really do like Corynne (and her giggles)

9. Austin & Melanie B
Smooth Waltz with Danny Quillman
“Nights in White Satin” – Il Divo

I am not a ballroom expert, so when it comes to these routines I usually watch the feet unless something else is exceptionally interesting to captivate my attention. This routine didn’t have anything to captivate me and while watching their feet I noticed a lot of off-beat steps and awkward footing. It was pretty, but not entertaining for me. Add that they are a new couple because of being bottom 3 last week… I predict they will find themselves there once more this week. I am a bit biased, I don’t really like Austin, I mean he seems like a great dancer (his solo last week was fantastic) but his personality rubs me the wrong way ever since the group routines during audition finales… meh!

Feel free to comment what do you think?

Tomorrow it all starts – Season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada

SYTYCD Canada Returns August 15

Jean Marc Carries Olympic Torch

Tre Armstrong blogs on So You Think You Can Dance Canada Auditions

Season 3 Auditions Underway across Canada

So You Think You Can Dance Canada's Top 10 Results Show

So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 10

Power Rankings – So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 14

Top 18 Rant – So You Think You Can Dance Canada

Power Rankings – So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Top 18

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