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Season 8 Top 8 Power Rankings

Sorry this is late! I’ve just caught up on the episode. Thanks for all your comments, y’all!!

I really wish this wasn’t going to be broken down into Top 2 Girls and Top 2 Guys vs. Bottom 2 Guys and Girls. I really want three girls in the top and I have to put one of my favorites in the bottom. :'(

Top Four

1. Melanie – While I agree she hasn’t been as challenged as some of the other dancers (she does tend to get contemporary/jazz) and never gets critiqued, I also love her. Her contemporary with Neil was the best of the night, I think and then she ended on a high note with Sasha at the end.

2. Sasha – She was stymied with a weaker partner at the beginning, but she’s gotten almost as much face time as Melanie since Vegas Week *and* she’s had to stretch herself more. Her routine with Twitch last week was maybe the best of the season. I liked her quickstep with Pasha, but it was the first routine. However, she and Melanie had that lauded Sonya routine at the end.

3. Marko – He had a stellar contemporary with Allison, has been part of the Power Couple with Melanie and had an alright hip hop with Rickey later.

4. Tadd – His heist routine with LoFro was great, despite his hat malfunction. He was very MJ-ish and had one of the more popular All-Stars, plus good chemistry. Also, his foxtrot with Caitlynn was really classy and elegant and I think might’ve surprised a lot of people.

Bottom Four

5. Caitlynn – I’d like to put her in the Top if this wasn’t broken down by gender. She had an alright hip hop early on with Ivan, but I really, really liked her foxtrot with Tadd. I think she’s grown enormously and she’s been challenged a lot, even just in tonight’s episode.

6. Jess – He surprised me in his hip hop with Lauren G., but his later number with Jordan wasn’t good. He was stronger than her, to be sure, and I know he’s got a fan base, but I think he’ll be in the bottom. I think he should be, anyway.

7. Jordan – She’s annoyed me more and more each week, with her “sexy” pouting and vamping, not to mention her leg extensions. She danced an alright jazz with Ade, but I think whatever strength the routine had was Ade’s, not hers. She didn’t connect with him or later, Jess, at all. Her rhumba with Jess really sucked. It’s time for her to go home, in my opinion.

8. Rickey – His jive with Anya was pretty good, but not nearly the most memorable routine of the night and then he was called out as the weaker link in his hip hop with Marko. He’s been in the bottom a lot and if he is again, it’s probably his week to go.

It makes me nervous that I didn’t get to vote, but I’m fairly confident that Jordan and Rickey will be going home tonight. What do y’all think?

Also, I BOUGHT MY TICKETS to the tour!! Whooo hooo! Has anybody else gotten theirs yet? I’m going to see it in Atlanta this year, with my mom and (I’m sure) Amanda.

July 28, 2011 I Written By

SYTYCD Season 8 – Week 6, Top 10, Robert Roldan, Comfort Fedoke

Week 6 post-performance interviews with the top 10, and all stars Robert and Comfort of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) Season 8!


 Video Below 🙂

July 21, 2011 I Written By

www.youtube.com/danceon

Season 8 Top 10 Power Rankings and Poll

Thoughts….

Top Three

1. Sasha (& Twitch) – Sasha had the best combination of incredible routine, chemistry with a popular All-Star and her own popularity (she came in 5th in our Top 10 Prediction Poll). I think it was the most memorable routine of the night. Plus, it came in the 2nd half of the routines and towards the end is always a nice little bonus.
2. Caitlynn (& Pasha) – Caitlynn was 4th in the same poll and she had a breakout performance with Pasha tonight. This was one of the sexiest, most sensuous Argentine tangos I’ve seen. She’s quickly become my #2 favorite and I think this routine will help win over a lot of holdouts (if there are any).
3. Melanie (& Pasha) – Melanie came in first in our poll. Her Viennese waltz might’ve been just slightly better technically than the Argentine tango, but I’m going to put it in the bottom of the Top 3 because tangos seem to be a little more popular than waltzes. That could just be me, though.

Middle Four

1. Marko (& Chelsie) – Marko was 2nd in our poll and while his samba with Chelsie was really good, it was also the first routine of the night and I think the choreo showed off Chelsie more than him. I still think the combination of his own popularity and people’s excitement that Chelsie was back on the show will make the routine memorable enough to keep him safe.
2. Jess (& Kathryn) – Jess ranked 6th in our poll. While he’s not a favorite of mine, he probably danced his best routine tonight with Kathryn, who is a very popular (and talented) dancer. She brought out a lot in Jess tonight, but I can’t help wishing it’d been another dancer in Jess’s place, in the routine and with Kathryn.
3. Clarice (& Robert) – Clarice was 7th in our poll, but I think that dancing a strong Bollywood with Robert and being the last of the episode will help her a lot. Her solo surprised me tonight and it’s hard to tell how she’ll do without Jess. I think she danced better with Robert than she did with Jess, but that she still might be one of the weakest.
4. Tadd (& Comfort) – Tadd was 3rd in our poll and his solo rocked. If not for those two things, I think he’d be in danger tomorrow (and he might still). It was one of the weaker routines, or at least not my favorite because it felt very strange. Comfort redeemed herself a bit as an All-Star last season, but she’s not the most popular of the All-Stars.

Bottom Three

1. Rickey (& Allison) – Rickey was 8th in our poll and his solo tonight wasn’t as strong as it could’ve been. I think he’s picking up more of a following apart from Ryan. He probably danced his best in this routine and it was one of the later ones, but I had to put somebody in the Bottom 3, so I put him here because of his low ranking in the poll and his solo.
2. Jordan (& Brandon) – Jordan was 9th in our poll. I could see her trying to change up her solo, but she seems over-reliant on the same moves, not growing as much as other contestants. She danced the 2nd routine of the night and while it was beautiful, it might not be the most memorable. Some people struggled to connect to Brandon in his season and sometimes people don’t connect to Desmond & Dwight routines, so those factors might not do her any favors.
3. Mitchell (& Melody) – Mitchell was 10th in our poll, danced with one of the lesser known All-Stars and was unlucky enough to get the weaker of Tyce’s two routines, an awkward Broadway (hit or miss with voters). His solo was really strong, but he looked like he was wearing a large diaper. I thought he handled the judge’s comments really well – he’s come a far way in my opinion, but I think this may be the end of the road for him.

Because we can vote for individual dancers, they probably won’t arbitrarily cut 1 boy and 1 girl anymore. Still, it might be kneejerk for the judges and I think they might cut Jordan and Mitchell tomorrow night. Oh, wait, we’ll only lose 1 dancer a week now, won’t we? Well, if that’s the case, I think Mitchell will be the one to go tomorrow night.

And here’s a poll (you can pick up to 3 couples):

July 20, 2011 I Written By

SYTYCD Canada Top 20 Performances

Tonight was the Top performance show and I have compiled a list of the dancers, choreographers, music and a few thoughts.

I will power rank them at the end of this post – feel free to comment with your own thoughts.

Judges Tonight: Jean-Marc, Tre Armstrong, Rex Harrington, Mary Murphy.

Rodrigo & Lauren
Hip Hip – Luther Brown
“Look at me Now” Look At Me Now (feat. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes) - Look At Me Now (feat. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes) - Single – Chris Brown (ft. Lil’ Wayne & Busta Rhymes)

I really enjoyed this routine. We learned Rodrigo had an injury last week, as he walked on stage to do his solo/dance for his life he actually fell and hurt his neck. He had a minor concussion. He is better now and they two danced really well. It is kind of an awkward song for dance, but Luther choreographed it well and I thought they did a fantastic job.


Christian & Lindsay
Contemporary – Blake McGrath
“1+1” 1+1 - 4 – Beyonce

This was one of my favourites of the night. It was emotional and deep. It was about the importance of touch in relationships and was very sensual. I usually love Blake’s routines and this was no different.

JP & Denitsa
Jive – Danny Arbour (Past contenstent)
“Blue Suede Shoes” Blue Suede Shoes - The Essential Elvis Presley (Remastered) – Elvis Presley

This was a fast moving edurance dance. I thought they both did very well and was impressed to see Danny back choreographing for the show. It was in the middle for me tonight.

Carlena & Boneless
Dancehall – Jaeblaze
“Star Bwoy” Star Bwoy - Star Bwoy Riddim – Mavado

This was fun and had a good vibe. I am not sur ehow I feel about Carlena yet, some days I love her, others I just remember her crap-attitude and unfortunately it really puts that dark cloud over everything she does. Amazing dancer, yes, and hopefully that will continue to shine and cast away the bad attitude I remember. Overall this dance had the swagga’ it needed.


Kevin & Teya
Viennese Waltz – Pierre Allaire
“Good to You” Good To You (Featuring Kate Voegele) - Masterpiece Theatre – Marianas Trench

This was my least favourite dance of the night. It was slow, dull, boring and they really did not have a strong grasp of the steps. Granted, it is supposed to be a calm dance, but they didn’t glide across the dance floor – they kind of stumbled. It wasn’t horrific, and I couldn’t do any better, but it just didn’t entertain me. I predict this will be inthe bottom 3.

Geisha & Francois
Hip Hop – Tucker Barkley
“Roman’s Revenge” Roman's Revenge (feat. Lil Wayne) - Roman's Revenge (feat. Lil Wayne) - Single – Nicki Minaj (ft. Lil’ Wayne)

I enjoyed this routine. The costumes were a bit strange, but the choreo was good and they delivered it well. Compared to the rest of the night, it was about middle rating, but entertaining and fun!

Adam & Yulia
Samba – Gustavo Vargas
“Samba” Samba - Beats Around The Bush – Ganga Giri

This was really really fast. I think Yulia did better than Adam, but together it seemed a little chaotic, frantic and just off. Granted, it was fast, but it went from “fast – wow!” to “fast – what?” and I predict they may end up in the bottom three.

Melissa & Shane
Contemporary – Sabrina Matthews
“This Year’s Love” This Years Love - White Ladder – David Gray

This was amazing! Sabrina Matthews always choreographs such amazing pieces and this one was about a friend helping another friend through HIV AIDS. The topic was emotional, but these two dancers nailed it. THey brought raw emotion and amazing lifts, I was in tears! The judges agreed and got quite emotional connecting the dance to experiences of loved ones lost from AIDS. One of my favourites of the night!

Shelaina & Matt
Hustle – Maria Torres
“Melody of Love” (Wanna Be Loved) Melody of Love (Wanna Be Loved) - Endless Summer – Donna Summer

I usually like Maria Torres’ work and was excited to see a Hustle, but was disappointed. I do not know enough about the genre to say if it was the choreo or the dancing or just the song, but it was really slow and felt almost like it had to be choreographed at half time or something. I was bored besides a few nice lifts and spins. I think it may put them in the bottom three.

Jordan & Joey
Jazz – Sean Cheesman
“That’s Life” That's Life - Nothing But the Best - The Frank Sinatra Collection (Remastered) – Frank Sinatra

By far my favourite of the night! This dance was athletic, comedic, completely in sync and absolutely fantastic! Judges called these two a power couple and I couldn’t agree more. Jordan was an early favourite for me in auditions and tonight I think she quickly became Canada’s favourite! The two of them nailed the facial expressions, comedic moments, dance moves and chemistry! The story was a first date at the movies and the boy wants a kiss and tries to get one… it was so funny – once I find it I will post it for those of you who don’t get CTV to watch… really fantastic!

With that said here are my rankings for the night – please comment if you agree or disagree.

Top 3:

-Jordan & Joey
-Melissa & Shane
-Christian & Lindsay

Middle 4:

-Rodrigo & Lauren (almost top 3)
-JP & Denitsa
-Geisha & Francois
-Carlena & Boneless

Bottom 3:
-Adam & Yulia
-Shelaina & Matt
-Kevin & Teya

We will see if I am right, it is sad because the bottom 3 couples are not necessarily my least favourite dancers, they just didn’t pull through tonight for some reason.

What do you think?
Stay Tuned for Results tomorrow, Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 8pm Local time on CTV. I will post the results here tomorrow night.

Random Comment: Am I the only one who dislikes Leah Miller? I know I always say it, but she is way too young to have that much botox! Her outfit tonight was so strange! An orange skirt that went up her back and a purple long sleeved shirt that was tied up to show her upper torso? I wish Cat Deely could do our show here too 😉

[Photo Source: CTV]

July 18, 2011 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

SYTYCD Season 8 – Week 5, Melanie and Marko Extended Interview

Check out this interview with Melanie and Marko where they talk about the transformation from dress rehearsal, the final lift at the end of their performance, and the difference between the “moth dance” and the “statue dance”! From week 5 of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) Season 8. Scroll down for video 🙂

July 14, 2011 I Written By

www.youtube.com/danceon

Season 8 Top 12 Power Rankings and Poll

So, this is the really tough one. I’m going to base my Power Rankings on tonight’s routines and my perceptions of the fan support the dancers/couples have and of course, my own opinions. I hope you’ll let me know what you think in the comments and I’m going to include a poll so you can pick your Top 10 at the end of this post.

Top Three

Melanie & Marko – Not only have they been the most consistent in performance and approval through the season, but they had two hands-down great routines. Their tango was phenomenal and while they’re contemporary wasn’t as mind-blowing, it was strong and beautiful.

Sasha & Alexander – Sasha seems to have been carrying this couple most of the season with Alexander flying largely under the radar. She (or they) have been picking up steam approval-wise and have had some stellar routines, two of which were tonight. While they were the first to dance in both sets, I think their performances were both memorable enough to keep them safe.

Clarice & Jess – They had a great first routine and were the last performances of the episode. While their jive at the end of the episode wasn’t all that great, they have been picking up fans as a couple. A lot of people have been vocally supporting Jess in particular lately. But mostly, every time I put them in the Bottom 3, they’re safe, so I’m going to just call them safe now.

Bottom Three

Caitlynn & Mitchell – I want them to be safe and I think there are a lot of people like me who love Caitlynn and have enjoyed watching her relationship with Mitchell grow. But, they had two sucky routines this episode. I hate to say it, but I don’t think their hip hop or even their Travis Wall were all that great. I hope people vote for them like I did, though, cause I’d love to see Caitlynn in particular in the Top 10 dancing with All-Stars (ahem, Robert).

Jordan & Tadd – Their first routine was a FABULOUS Travis Wall routine, but their second one was a kinda awful Spencer Liff Broadway. I think people are getting annoyed with Jordan and her overuse of her one leg (I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes whenever she raised her one leg in the routines), but they’re loving Tadd more than ever. It’ll be interesting to see whether Tadd’s growing popularity and their awesome first routine saves them from the Bottom 3.

Ryan & Rickey – I hate putting them here, but of all the couples, they had the two worst or least memorable routines. I liked their Spencer Liff Broadway, but the judges panned it. I didn’t love their Louis cha cha, though Rickey got put on the hot tamale train for it. Ryan’s been losing popularity big time over the course of the season, so I’m afraid they’re probably going to land in the Bottom 3 and possibly go home.

I think if R&R land in the Bottom 3 and the judges stick with this season’s annoying eliminating couples together policy, they’ll probably go. However, if Clarice & Jess are in the bottom, I can see them splitting a couple and eliminating Clarice and maybe Mitchell. If the Bottom 3 I’ve predicted happens, I hope they split the couples and keep Caitlynn, Tadd and Ryan. I’d be okay with Jordan, Mitchell or Rickey leaving this week.

You know, this is really hard. Why don’t you help me out here and pick who you would like to see in the Top 10 (you can pick 10 dancers).

July 13, 2011 I Written By

Top 14 Power Rankings

Just consider this whole thing a spoiler. But, just in case, I’ll delay posting this for a little bit. I can never tell if my Power Rankings are how it is or wishful thinking on my part, so you tell me. Either way, this gets harder and harder every week. Here we go…

Top 3 Couples

1. Caitlynn and Mitchell – they had a phenomenal Mandy Moore routine and the benefit of going last before the Top 7 Girls routine. They grow on me more and more every week. They got a standing O from the judges and were really cute together on stage. I’ve decided that them being in the Bottom 3 last week was a mistake, so I’ve put them at the top of the heap. Perfect storm of great dancing, great routine and great placement in the episode.

2. Ryan and Rickey – I know they’ve been losing favor, particularly Ryan and have also been in the Bottom 3, but their Chucky Klampow jazz routine full redeemed them for me and they also danced later in the episode. I think they started their comeback last week and sealed the deal this week. I hope, anyway, cause it’d suck if they were in the Bottom 3 again, especially if they didn’t get saved.

3. Melanie and Marko – Their Ray Leeper Latin-fused jazz was interesting and strongly danced, but had the bad luck to be the first routine of the night. However, they are the most popular couple by far, so I’ve put them in the safety zone. Hopefully, people won’t assume they’re safe and forget to vote for them. I wouldn’t want them to get Kherrington’d. 

Am I crazy putting my favorite 3 couples in the Top 3 or do y’all agree?

Middle Couple

4. Sasha and Alexander – I don’t love them as a couple, but Sasha in particular is very popular and is feautred prominently in group routines. She’s always given strong choreography and really immerses herself. I think they’ll be safe, but I could foresee an alternate set of events where they’re in the Bottom 3 and one of the other couples is here by the skin of their teeth.

Bottom 3 Couples

We *have* to have a Bottom 3 and despite the fact that I keep putting the same ones in danger and they always seem to be safe, I’m doing it again…

5. Jordan and Tadd – I could see them switching with Sasha and Alexander and being safe. However, I think their routine,  while a great Toni Redpath routine, was a waltz towards the front half of the show. It was, at least to me (and Travis), a bit awkward at times and not as smooth as it could’ve been. I hope they’ll survive thet Bottom 3 cause I love them and would love to see them in the Top 10.

6. Clarice and Jess – They seem to be picking up steam, so they could also switch with Sasha and Alexander. They had their best routine together (in mine and Travis’s opinions, again) and one of my favorites of the night. I’m putting them here because I think they’re less popular than Sasha (and Alexander) and Jess really needs to dance with someone else to prove his mettle. At least as far as I’m concerned.

7. Ashley and Chris – Their salsa was the hands down weakest performance, by most definitions. I wouldn’t mind seeing either one of them dance with someone else, but I find that they are more consistantly the weakest of the couples and my least favorite. Which is so hard to say because they’re such great dancers and their personalities are shining more each week. I think, all things aside, they’ll be the ones to go tomorrow.

Okay, how delusional am I this week? 🙂

July 6, 2011 I Written By