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SYTYCD Season 6’s Noelle and Ariana Dance AND Choreograph!

Earlier today, Noelle sent this Tweet:

NoelleMarsh
Choreography by ME AND ARIANA DEBOSE! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM3jX4fAhIw about 1 hour ago

Check out the video below. I loooved seeing this routine, especially because Ariana left too early, in my opinion. She was one of my favorites. Seeing her Noelle together, not only dancing but choreographing a group of dancers, is very exciting. Hmmm… how long do you think it’ll take before SYTYCD will have them on choreographing the dancers? That would rock!

February 1, 2010 I Written By

Emilie’s Top Routines From Season 6

This was hard! There were a lot of routines that were equally good in my mind, so I had to work hard to limit myself to a Top 10. I gave myself 5 extra routines for group numbers that rocked – we had a lot of amazing group work this season, especially when you factor in the Meet the Top 20 episode. I did not consider “fairness” or equal distribution here. So I think you’ll see a lot of the same dancers, which didn’t surprise me, personally.

Paired Routines

1. “Machine Gun” Ellenore/Legacy Travis Wall

2. “Tore My Heart” Ellenore/Jakob Sonya Tayeh

3. “At This Moment” Kathryn/Jakob Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden

4. “Little Green Bag” Pauline/Peter Wade & Amanda Robson

5. “Your Ex-Lover Is Dead” Ellenore/Ryan Travis Wall

6. “2 Steps Away” Kathryn/Legacy Stacey Tookey

7. “Frog Dance” Noelle/Russell Sean Cheesman

8. “Put Your Hands on Me” Kathryn/Ryan Jason Gilkison

9. “Violentango” Ellenore/Ryan Miriam and Leonardo

10. “Put Your Hands On me” Kathryn/Ryan Jason Gilkison

Honorable Mentions (alllllmooooosssst): Kathryn/Legacy’s paso doble, Noelle/Russell’s “A Case of You” contemporary, Noelle/Ryan “Give It To Me Right” hip hop, Mollee/Jakob’s “Ordinary Day” waltz, Ellenore/Jakob “Gotcha” Broadway, Ashleigh/Jakob “Whatcha Say” hip hop, Ariana/Peter’s “Black and Gold” hip hop, Bianca/Victor’s “Wasted Time” contemporary, Ellenore/Russell paso doble, Kathryn/Russell hip hop (both finale).

Group Routines

1. Top 20 “Comanche” Wade & Amanda Robson

2. Top 12 “What’s a Girl to Do” Nappytabs

3. Top 14 “Aha!” Wade & Amanda Robson

4. Top 16 “Warrior” Dave Scott

5. Ariana, Channing, Jakob and Nathan “Cryin'” contemporary Tyce Diorio

These were my standouts, the routines I’d expect on a tour (with the exception of those who didn’t make the Top 10). What were yours?

December 22, 2009 I Written By

Noelle Marsh Before SYTYCD

I want Ariana to come back so much – but it would be at the expense of Noelle Marsh, due to her injury (and who knows if she’d be allowed to come back later since she didn’t really get to compete in the Top 20). So I thought I would remind myself why I like Noelle Marsh, too, and I watched this YouTube video of her dancing with another dancer named Karla Allen. Enjoy!

October 29, 2009 I Written By

Brandon Dumlao and Ariana DeBose Exit Interviews

Fox just posted the exit interviews from Ariana and Brandon, so I thought I’d post them here for you guys. I can’t even begin to say how gracious they are. These dancers are so young, but they handled themselves with so much maturity and grace. Both say it was an honor just to make the Top 20. Brandon said he can’t believe he was asked back, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything. I do hope they find a way to let him dance again next season, with some time to grow he could be a beautiful dancer. It can’t be easy to be the first ones eliminated, especially for someone like Brandon who literally just got here!

It’s out there that it’s a possibility that Ariana could be back next week if poor Noelle’s knee doesn’t heal. I obviously can’t speculate because nothing official has been released (that I know of) regarding Noelle’s condition at this point, but it would be a treat to see Ariana dance again, I wish it didn’t have to be at the expense of Noelle.

It certainly has been a crazy beginning of the season!

Ariana DeBose

Brandon Dumlao

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Top 20 Performance Thoughts

I don’t want to say the words jump and shark, I really don’t, but I just don’t know about this season right now. Between the GIANT new stage and the camera angle limitations, all of the injuries and illnesses (Billy Bell, Pauline Mata at Vegas, Noelle Marsh and Mia Michaels) and now this first elimination…

At first I was a bit relieved that the judges were making this first decision. But now that I felt they made it badly, I want my vote back.

Wait, let’s back up…

Cat was gorgeous tonight with her curls and her beautiful red dress. I’m sad that Billy’s gone, but I don’t mind seeing more of Brandon Dumlao.

I’m pleased by Channing and Phillip’s chemistry in the jive, but I can agree with Adam when he says they dropped character, especially near the end. Some of it was a bit awkward and we could see it coming a mile away. But I’m excited to see what’s next for them. It seems like a solid first performance.

Ashleigh seemed a bit sweeter in her interview package and I thought her “sultry Broadway” with Jakob was better than I thought it would be. But my mom made a really good point when she suggested that Ashleigh’s only as strong as her partner. Which is great when she’s dancing with Jakob…but he is outdancing her.

I was pleased with Ariana and Peter. According to that Buddy TV slideshow, they were one of the potential worst couples, but I was immediately excited they were dancing together. They have great personalities and are both adorable. I really like the Nappytabs hip hop routine. Then the judges are pretty tough on them, which makes me nervous.

It was really too bad that Noelle couldn’t dance that foxtrot with Russell – they would’ve been so cute. I thought he did an amazing job with Melanie. And Nigel says that Russell is an example of why he stresses that kids should experience dance in school.

You know who really surprised me? Bianca in her Travis Wall contemporary with Victor. Amazing! Perhaps she has issues with her head, shoulders, knees and toes as Adam suggested, but they had wonderful chemistry together and I think they’ll continue to bring out the best in each other. That one move where Victor lowered her behind his back was stunning. Beautiful.

Karen and Kevin did a really good cha cha, though there were some really awkward transitions. Their personalities and chemistry really carried the routine, though, and Mary put Karen ont he hot tamale train – though Kevin’s just standing on the platform at the moment. Adam had that great comment about “and that’s not usually my thing” about Karen’s smoking hotness. πŸ™‚

So I didn’t get the Elleanor and Ryan Sonya piece the way everyone else did. Maybe I need to watch it again. It definitely had its moments and I was so pleasantly surprised by their chemistry together. Elleanor hasn’t been standing out for a lot of people, so I’m glad if this does the trick for her.

I was pleased by Pauline and Brandon’s smooth waltz. Jason Gilkison said he wanted to do a “young waltz” and I think he did a great job with the movement (the judges compared it unfavorably to a prom dance), but a horrible choice with the song. The Whitney song is good, but not a “young” song. I thought the two of them did a great job, especially considering they had far less time than the others to prepare.

Kathryn and Legacy did a great Dave Scott hip hop. And Legacy is a lucky joker, for sure. It’s pretty unfair how many chances this guy gets and I really don’t think he’s going to do much earthshattering. BUT, this routine was pretty awesome and I’m so glad Kathryn got a chance to shine. She was better than him, though, and this is closer to his style.Β  I loved that she pounded her chest at the end. πŸ™‚

Like Adam, I generally don’t like disco. My mom and I go back and forth on this cause she loves it. It’s just not my thing. Yet…I LOVED this disco routine. For the first time, disco has felt relevant to me and not just cheesy. Mollee and Nathan are so good together and the perfect couple for something this high-energy and youthful.

I was pretty much in shock when the judges announced the bottom 2 girls and the bottom 2 guys to dance. I loved Ariana and I don’t want her there. Why not Ashleigh? Nigel’s highest compliment to her was that if she keeps not messing up, she can ride Jakob’s coattails for a while. Clearly, she’s only a strong as her partner. And after Nigel’s comments about Russell earlier, WHY is he in the bottom 2? It doesn’t make any sense. As much as I love Channing, I’d understand her and Phillip being in the bottom 2 more than these choices. Brandon’s kinda a gimme, though very mean.

The solos are pretty awesome, all of them. I particularly liked Russell’s and had a good feeling he’d be safe. I’m mildly appeased that Nigel’s going to “try” to change the rules so that Brandon can come back next season (hopefully Billy gets the same chance), but I get the feeling Brandon kinda knew this was coming and he was just subbing for a bit more dance experience. He was very gracious.

I just do NOT understand why Ariana went home tonight. I didn’t want Pauline to go, either, but I love Ariana and I do feel like she’s danced stronger than Pauline so far. While I hate the idea of Noelle leaving because of her injury (hey, maybe she’ll get a chance to come back next season too, while we’re handing out maybes), I’d love for Ariana to come back in her place if that turns out to be the case.

Big breath. Well, what do y’all think?

October 27, 2009 I Written By

Top 20 Power Rankings Live

Top 6:

3 Girls – Ariana, Channing and Karen

3 Guys – Nathan, Billy (except…) and Jakob

Middle 8:

4 Girls -Mollee, Noelle, Elleanor and Pauline

4 Guys – Ryan, Peter, Russell and Kevin

Bottom 6:

3 Girls – Ashleigh, Bianca (ducks all the flying objects), and Kathryn (ducking again – sorry Amanda)

3 Guys – Legacy, Phillip and Victor

I think Ashleigh and Legacy will be the ones cut.

7:45 p.m. update: Half the couples have danced, let’s see if any of my thoughts last night have changed. Victor is definitely out of the bottom 3 guys!! Let’s move him to the top. But who does he oust? Ashleigh did better with Jakob than I thought she would, but I still think she’s in danger. She pulls too many faces and it’s kinda clear she’s only as good as her partner – and while her partners are phenomenal, she does a’right. I don’t think Bianca’s gonna be in the bottom – not after that great Travis Wall. More about that later. I really loved Ariana and Peter, but if we get some great routines, I think they’ll probably be about the middle till they get more props from the judges. It’s too bad Noelle couldn’t dance that great Foxtrot with Russell.

8:25 p.m. update: Wow, the Legacy and Kathryn pairing really surprised me! Pauline and Brandon did very well and everyone loved Elleanore and Ryan’s (I’m undecided). Karen distracted everybody from Kevin a bit, but he did a pretty good job of holding his own. I’m so confused!!! One more couple before they cut aΒ  girl and a guy and now, I just don’t know. They’re doing a good job of acting like everybody’s gonna be around next week – it sounds convincing every time. I think maybe Ashleigh’s still in danger. Maybe Pauline (no!). Maybe Noelle because of the injury. As for the guys – Legacy just represented pretty well and he was my best bet to go. They wouldn’t send Brandon home would they – he did a phenomenal job for a day and a half preparation. What do y’all think?

8:40 p.m. update: Oh no!!! The four dancing solos are Ariana, Brandon, Pauline and Russell. NOT a good decision! I have to say, Ariana is one of my favorites, so as much as I like Pauline… and I have a feeling it’s Brandon going, not Russell. Russell had an amazing performance, so I don’t understand that at all. What do y’all say?

8:52 p.m. update: No, it’s Ariana going home. Worst decision ever.

8:55 p.m. update: They cut Brandon, which makes sense because of Russell, but is a little bit of a cheat. They’re going to try to change the rules so that Brandon can come back next season.

I’m really upset about Ariana.

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Top 20 Power Ranking (HA!)

How am I gonna rank the Top 20 without seeing a regular performance show?!? Do you think I’m as crazy as I’m starting to think I am for even offering to try? Lol. I’ll have to update this tomorrow as the show goes, but I don’t think I’ll have enough time to get a power ranking up tomorrow before they cut two dancers unless I put something up now.

Top 6:

3 Girls – Ariana, Channing and Karen

3 Guys – Nathan, Billy (except…) and Jakob

Middle 8:

4 Girls -Mollee, Noelle, Elleanor and Pauline

4 Guys – Ryan, Peter, Russell and Kevin

Bottom 6:

3 Girls – Ashleigh, Bianca (ducks all the flying objects), and Kathryn (ducking again – sorry Amanda)

3 Guys – Legacy, Phillip and Victor

I think Ashleigh and Legacy will be the ones cut. They’re my least favorite, but I think they’re the least versatile and interesting and the least liked.

My criteria? What else can I go on except for gut instinct? Well, I am also thinking of some of what I’ve read on the Internet and in the comments of this site as we’ve gotten to this point. And their performances in their own style, the judges’ reactions to them.

I predict that there are going to be a lot of re-pairings due to cuts (one dancer in a couple goes home, the other is safe). I don’t think this is going to be a season where most of the couples stay together all the way to Top 10…though the best two or three couples probably will.

I’d love to know how the couples were picked. Check out this BuddyTV.com slideshow I found that puts together the “best” and “worst” potential couples. **SPOILER ALERT** Four of their “worst” couples are dancing together tomorrow night (according to Margaret’s spoilers, which I think are probably accurate): Bianca & Victor, Ariana & Peter, Channing & Phillip and Kathryn & Legacy (Season 6’s “criers,” as they call them. But FIVE of their “best” couples are dancing together tomorrow night: Karen & Kevin, Mollee & Nathan (YES!), Noelle & Russell, Channing & Phillip and Elleanor & Ryan.

What do y’all think?

October 26, 2009 I Written By

Meet the Top 20 Thoughts

Wow, what a great show! Adam Shankman said it best, I think when he talked about growing on the show and if this is where these Top 20 start, “what do you become?” Brilliant show.

First, Wade Robson’s routines are pretty much always my favorites. I don’t think there’s ever been a routine of his I haven’t liked. I love the collaborations with his wife Amanda. But the dancers just made this routine something truly special. Right away, we have a highly memorable (Emmy-worthy?) routine on the very first episode. Sheesh. Nathan really stood out to me in this one, but I thought they were all phenomenal. And was that Lady GaGa in the audience as they gave the routine a standing ovation?

I liked the Nappytabs hip hop with Russell, Kevin and Legacy, but it was probably one of my least favorite of the night and I still haven’t warmed up to Legacy. Don’t know that I will, though if he surprises me, I’ll be the first to say it.

Tyce’s routine with Nathan, Ariana, Channing and Jakob was amazing. Looooved it. Especially Ariana’s jump into Nathan’s arms. It was a great song and a great routine.

Really loved it when Cat said, “How are we going to send anyone home this season?” Really. I’m glad the first few decisions are the judges’ to make. But I hope they make the right decisions. πŸ™‚

The tappers. I love Bianca, Peter and Phillip and I can appreciate that tap is tough. But…I thought this routine was kinda boring. The parts where they were encouraged to show their personality were awesome, but I didn’t think “Take the A Train” was a great song for tap. I liked how Derick K. Grant said, that “good tap is like a good kung fu movie.” Maybe I’m underestimating tap dancing…but why couldn’t they expect dancers to pick up *some* tap in order to do a routine, especially with a tap partner? Caitlin and Jason did Bollywood their first week and Ade did a classical ballet routine with Melissa, all last season. And these are good dancers. Would tap be tougher for these dancers than for example, a hip hop dancer having to learn ballroom?

While I liked Sonya Tayeh’s jazz with Mollee, Elleanore and Pauline, it felt very reminiscent (sometimes in a bad way) of last season’s “Superheroine” routine with the top 3 girls. Watch it again and tell me I’m wrong. I liked all three of them and I agreed with Adam that Mollee had “graduated from High School Musical” and danced like a woman. And I do agree with Sonya that confidence is sexy. I love Sonya and I love these three girls, so I hate to pick on the routine.

Mandy Moore’s contemporary with Billy, Noelle, Kathryn and Victor was fun, had a 5o’s vibe and was very fast and clearly difficult. But kinda boring. Victor and Noelle had an awkward lift at one point, I thought.

I’m not the biggest fan of the DiLellos, but I really liked their Jason Gilkison samba with Karen. The fact that she held her own with a couple who’s been dancing together for years really impressed me. It was really sexy and fun.

Is it just me, or did they NOT announce the couples! I think we’ll have to depend on Margaret’s spoilers.

It’s kinda a shot in the dark, but I’m going to take a stab at a Power Ranking since a boy and girl will be kicked off by the judges after they perform tomorrow. Maybe I’ll even make live annotations during tomorrow’s show. If you’re good.

I hope all of you will chime in, too. John? Amanda? Margaret?

I Written By

Top 20 “Meet the Dancers” show and Couples Spoilers!

On the eve of the “meet the top 20” show (an awesome idea I must say), I have uncovered some spoilers about the show and about the top 20 couples!

p.s. thanks to Emilie for putting up the schedule for the first few weeks of the show. additionally, and I cringe as I write this as an anti-Yankees baseball fan, thank the Yankees for wrapping up their series last night. If they had lost, game 7 would have been tonight instead of SYTYCD!

**warning, these are spoilers!!**

Read more..

I Written By

So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Couples

It’s time for the predictions of the So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 couples. Yes, this is really serious business. You partner on So You Think You Can Dance can completely change how well you do on the show (for good and bad). Will we see an amazing couple like Benji and Donyelle? Will we see interesting couples like Allison and Ivan? Oh the combinations we could talk about.

Also, I can’t help, but say that this website has the best readers/commenters. They’re amazing. On that note, I asked one of the readers of this site, Christine, if she’d predict the SYTYCD season 6 couples. Here’s her predictions:
Billy Bell – Pauline Mata
Legacy – Kathryn
Jacob Karr – Karen Hauer
Russell Ferguson- Ellenore Scott
Ryan DiLello – Channing Cooke
Kevin Hunt – Noelle
Peter Sabasino – Mollee
Victor Smalley – Bianca
Nathan Trasoras – Ariana Debose
Philip Attmore – Ashleigh DiLello

Here’s Christine’s explanation of how she came up with these couples:
This is based on heights (from what I could see), personality dynamic, and a combination of power couples and underdog couples. Also genre diversity would help, but there’s a whole lot of contemporary girls. I could be a little biased for some of them, and I understand that some of them appeared to have great chemistry together on camera, but it doesn’t mean they get paired together sadly.

Which couples would you like to see happen on So You Think You Can Dance season 6?

I Written By

Just call me Charlie...but where are my angels?