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The Academy: Day 3 and 4

It’s the final rounds of the Academy and by the end of the episode the top 10 will be revealed. I’ve said it before but I am so glad I don’t have to make the decision that the All-Stars do.

A NappyTabs hip hop was up next and they had an hour to learn this very fun choreography. Not sure why hip hop got an hour and the other style got an hour and a half rehearsal time. Tabitha and Napoleon were impressed by the talent of the next generation. Most of the kids were impressive, I thought. Comfort was having a difficult time with this round of cuts, so she has Phoenix and Logan dance for their lives.

Contemporary with Travis Wall was next and an hour and a half to learn it. Travis didn’t hold back and the kids went for it. I thought that the All-Stars got their chance to show why they were chosen to mentor these kids. I thought they all gave great advice, especially Joshua in telling his team to use their hip hop experience in the contemporary round. I thought all of the contestants were impressive and the All-Stars were moved, Jenna seemed the most emotional. This was the round the struggle of making the decision was really starting to show on the All-Stars faces.

Before the All-Stars made their final decision on who would be joining them in the top 10, they had a one on one talk with each of their final two contestants. This is when I decided to play the guessing game of who I thought they’d pick. 5 out of 10 I guess correctly. So here is your top 10.

Kathryn and Tate
Sasha and Jordan
Fik-Shun and Kida
Jenna and Jake
Joshua and Sheaden
Robert and JT
Paul and Ruby
Gaby and Emma
Jonathan and Daniela
Comfort and Tahani

Since it will be two weeks till the live shows, I post my thoughts on the top 10 next week. Also a post with the National Dance Day routine.

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June 27, 2016 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

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The Academy: Day Two

Day two of the Academy and it’s time to learn a tough Broadway routine from Tony Award winning choreographer Warren Carlyle. The dancer have 90 minutes to learn the routine before having to perform it for the All-Stars. While they are learning the choreography the All-Stars and Maddie are there to help them and give them advice.

They pair off the dancer in groups of two and perform. Then comes the hard part, having to eliminate on of dancers from each team. I can’t help but think that Nigel, Paula, and Jason are happy that they don’t have to do this part. There were a few standouts that I saw in the montage that we saw. Also, love how supportive the All-Stars are and cheering the dancers on. In end we had to say goodbye to, Enoch, Diana, Pullany, Lera, Parker, Ava, Kai, and Jaryan. Didn’t catch who was eliminated from Kathryn and Comfort’s team.

It was the end of the Episode that both broke my heart and warmed it at the same time. Jaryan was unfortunately cut from Fik-Shun’s team and he broke down in tears and proceeded to say he has been bullied. I have to say Fik-Shun handled that so well by tell Jaryan that “we don’t bully in dance”, the rest of the contestants surrounded him and proceeded to lift his spirits. If there is one thing I know bullying is not OK and the theatre and dance community is the most accepting groups of people out there.

Next week is hip hop with NappyTabs and contemporary with Travis Wall.

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June 20, 2016 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Filed Under: So You Think You Can Dance
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New York Auditions

The New York auditions in the past have always had a lot of talent and it is no different this season. Plenty of young talent in many genres of dance. I love watching Cat interview the contestants, she has always been great with the contestants but the kids bring out something different in her. Plus they started the audition process not long after she had her son.

RJ 11 and Jake 12: Hip Hop, When they said Magic Mike, I think my reaction was much like Cat’s. A great duo of brothers, looking forward to seeing what else they can do. I think RJ was the stronger of the two.

Ruby 12: Ballroom; I loved her interview about her family. Her audition was equally enjoyable. Personally watch her dad do the dance with her while he was sitting was great. So glad Nigel got him up to dance with her. Seems like next week she is torn between the two guy ballroom All Stars…can’t say I blame her.

Tate 12: Without a doubt she is an early favorite of mine. All of the training she gets from the Ballet school plus the additional training has paid off. Nigel is right that the All Stars will be fighting to have her on their team. Her solo at the academy has been previewed on social media and she does this move and the All Stars lose the minds.

Valeriya 10 and Alex 11: Ballroom; I love the young ballroom dancers. Especially watching them nail the footwork.

Lucas 13: Tap; He’s a smart guy already knowing that girls love guys that can dance. Also, why he enjoys tap is a great answer too. Lucas could easily keep up with the other tappers that had been on the show. I would pair him up with Zach from season 11 if he was going to be a part of the show.

Liza 9 and Joshua 12: Ballroom; Another cute couple. It was a bittersweet audition in that Joshua made it through and Liza did not.

Kia 12: Our first b-boy and he’s even a part of a crew. His crew members have taught him well and loved that they got to dance with him.

Dougie 11: Love that Cat was willing to let him show off his wrestling moves. Dougie is a great performer however, his technique is quite there just yet. Something I pointed out to my mom before the judges did. Glad they are giving him the chance to go to the academy and hopefully grow as a dancer.

Olivia 12: Another contemporary girl with great technique and legs for days.

Let me know your thoughts so far? Do you have a favorite yet? The All Star post will be up next.

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June 13, 2016 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Filed Under: So You Think You Can Dance
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Chicago Auditions Thoughts

I have to admit I like the hour long audition shows compared to the two hour shows. Everything seems to move quicker and with LA, Chicago, and New York being the only stops, it makes sense that the show is only an hour. Also, I like that the parents and other family members are seated on the stage to support the dancer. The montage of family interviews and dynamics are cure.

This weekend I was lucky enough to be around some talented young dancers at a local dance studio’s annual recital. Between that and tonight’s episode it is evident to me that technique, flexibility, and discipline can be taught at a young age. Flexibility in particular is something that is best started at an early age. I watch these auditions and thinks some of these dancers have rubber bands for muscles.

Here are some of the dancers that I liked tonight.

Emma 10: Tap, Those were some clean, crisp and fast moving taps. I honestly think she could keep up with some of the other tap dancers that have been on the show in the past. Emma is like younger version of Gaby Diaz (Season 12 winner)

Leanna 10: Ballroom. I love seeing the young ballroom dancers do the jive, since they have the energy for it. I also hope this is what we might see when the top ten get to dance with the All Stars. Something that is appropriate for the situation.

Ainsley 8: She may not have gotten a ticket to the Academy but she was just too cute. Plus that face she made when she was told she might have to dance with BOYS…haha.

Daniela: Ballroom, Ballroom solos are hard but Daniela took the opportunity to show that she is also trained in some other styles. The saying like Mother, like Daughter is true for her and her mom.

I you missed any of the auditions or want to rematch them subscribe to the SYTYCD youtube page

http://fox.tv/SubscribeSYTYCD

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June 6, 2016 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Filed Under: So You Think You Can Dance
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SYTYCD: The Next Generation LA Auditions

There is a lot of young talent out there and honestly I’m glad that SYTYCD has decided to share it with us. First off I enjoyed the new intro for the show, but still missed the so you think you can dance at end. How else am I supposed to know when the show is starting or back from commercial.

Los Angeles is the first stop on the audition process. Like before the dancers perform in front of the judges to move on to the next round. So instead of a ticket to Vegas, they get a ticket to the Academy. I’m not sure what exactly what the academy will be like but I have an idea. Then the All Stars have the task of picking who will be on their team.

I can honestly say that these kids have impressed me…lots of talent in many genres of dance. Their personalities are great too and add in embarrassing parents usually leads to entertainment.

Hard to pick out a favorite just yet, but I did enjoy the ballroom dancer Lev and the tap dancer Ava.

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May 30, 2016 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Filed Under: So You Think You Can Dance
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SYTYCD Season 13…Starts Tonight!

SYTYCD: The Next Generation is then new title for season 13. This season is all about the young dancers between the age 8-13 competing for the title of America’s favorite dancer. Can’t say I’m surprised by the format change and from what I’ve seen on social media so far it hasn’t received good feedback yet. I’m choosing to be open minded and look forward to seeing what the Next Generation has to offer. Something tells me we are in for a surprise. Nigel, Paula, and Jason are back at the judges panel and Maddie Ziegler from Dance Moms will also be a judge during the live shows.

Look for my initial thoughts later and the full list of All-Stars that will be participating in this season.

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I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Filed Under: So You Think You Can Dance
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The Winner Is…Finale Thoughts

Stop reading now if you don’t like spoilers.

A great way to start the finale with the Top 10 and the All Stars. Love the Astrology theme of the dance.

A huge congratulations to Travis Wall on his Emmy win. How special that Cat was able to present that to him. Also, congrats to Derek and Julianne Hough and Tessandra for their Emmy win as well.

Jason’s Pick: Vigil and Joshua: The energy alone in this dance makes me want to get up and move. It was better this time around when it came to timing, which is normal when the pressure is off.

Paula’s Pick: Edson and Megz: Great pick, this was a standout routine for these two. Looking forward to seeing this one on the tour.

Paula’s Pick 2: Jaja and Ricky: Paula is like me…it’s hard to pick just one favorite. I love the actress that Jaja is…so expressive. Ricky kills me (in a good way) with those leg extensions…so good.

Cat’s Pick: Team Street: If you didn’t notice this was just the replay…or else Jaja had one heck of a quick change. I enjoy watching the strength of this team.

Twitch’s Pick: Gaby and Neptune: I don’t know if I can say that I am surprised that Twitch picked a stage routine for his favorite. This was a beautiful routine by Stacey Tookey and a great moment for Neptune. Beautifully danced by both dancers.

Nigel’s Pick: Lil’ Pheonix and Cyrus: So glad that Nigel shared this cute routine from the Dizzy Feet Gala. Love getting to see talented kids dance.

Hailee’s Pick: Jazz with Robert: I can’t blame her for picking this as her favorite dance of the season. I agree…who would want to dance with Robert and even get the chance to kiss him.

Travis’s Pick: Gaby and Joshua: He picks a street routine. This was one of many breakout moments for Gaby. It’s been so great to see Josh this season.

Jason’s Pick 2: Travis’s Ghost Light routine: This was one of my favorite group routines too.

Virgil’s Pick: Robot routine with Hailee: Still a fun routine that showed of their characters just as much as their dance skills.

Nigel’s Pick 2: Jim and Alex: Requested by the audience and I’m so glad that they listened. Absolutely beautiful routine that will no doubt earn Travis another Emmy nomination.

Results: Top Team Stage is Gaby

Nigel’s Pick 3: Jaja and Alex: Agree with everything Nigel had to say about this routine.

Travis Wall and Jenna Dewan-Tatum: Again I am happy that they shared this number from the Dizzy Feet Gala. So good to see Jenna dance again and hopefully there might be another chance to see her dance with her husband Channing.

Results: Top Team Street is Jaja

Jaja’s Pick: Hip Hop with Jim: This routine reminds me why I love Chris Scott. Such a great dance for both Jim and Jaja.

Gaby’s Pick: Contemporary with Robert: This was hands down the best routine of the entire season, beautiful choreography by Mandy Moore.

Before we get to the winner, I just want to say that both of these girls have been my favorites from the beginning and the both could easily win.

The Winner is…Gaby Diaz!

Will there be a season 13? I don’t know yet but I’ll will post as soon as it’s announced.

 

 

 

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September 14, 2015 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Filed Under: Entertainment  So You Think You Can Dance
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Top 6 to Top 4: Thoughts

Tonight we learn who the top 4 finalist will be and one step closer to the end of the season. Last week team stage took back over the lead for votes. Travis’s reaction was priceless. Okay so normally I take notes during the show and then re watch anything I need a second look at to get a better opinion. Of course the on time I decide to just enjoy the show, my DVR doesn’t record the show, so I’m doing this on memory…so I may not remember all of the choreographers.

Gaby & Marko: Ray Leeper (Jazz)
I like what Ray did here, just going with a dance that focuses on the technique rather than a story. I’m not sure I agree with what the judges said cause I thought Gaby did a great job.

Jaja & Alex: Tessandra Chavez
This was easily the best dance of the night. I think one of Jaja’s best qualities is the ability to capture the character of the dance.

Megz & Joshua: Chris Scott
I love seeing Joshua back on stage. It’s always good to see Megz in her element. Don’t really have much else to say about this other than overall it was a fun routine.

Jim & Anya: Dmitry (Samba)
So excited to have Dmitry and Anya back. I thought Jim did a fantastic job considering that the samba is on of the hardest of the ballroom dances to learn. I did see how the ballet training did hold him back a little but not much.

Virgil & Melanie: Justin Giles
Virgil is another dancer that is able to capture the character of the dance. I think this was Virgil’s best contemporary dance and dancing next to the beast that is Melanie Moore is a tall order and he held his own.

Hailee & Robert: Nick Flores and RJ Durell
Love how giggly Hailee was around Robert…I imagine I would probably feel the same if I had the chance to dance with him. I liked how this dance started out almost like a contemporary and then morphed into a jazz.

Gaby & Jim: Josh Bergasse (Broadway)
I wanted to like this routine but the chemistry just wasn’t there, even though they dance the routine well.

Hailee & Megz: Stacey Tookey
I did like the concept of the dance. This is one of those dances that I just need to watch again.

Virgil & Jaja: Pharside andPheonix
Such a fun Alice in Wonderland theme. I thought Paula made a great point about the music not lending to the energy of the dance. Still a great dance though.

Top 4 reveal: Hailee, Jaja, Gaby and Virgil

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August 31, 2015 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Filed Under: So You Think You Can Dance
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Top 8 to Top 4: Thoughts

It’s hard to believe that we are almost to the end of this season and I still not sure of who I think might win. I enjoyed the Addam’s Family theme of the opening number, just sort of wish Tyce used the music from the musical. Team Street won the night again with 52% of the vote. Travis and Twitch’s exits are just too much fun, though this week they asked social media for help and I was hoping they’d pick leap frog to leave the stage.

Virgil & Jasmine: Sean Cheesman (African Jazz)
“African Jazz Ant Man” really Nigel. Nigel is right I don’t think that Virgil has had a bad night on the show. What I like about Virgil is that he just an entertainer and had the ability to adapt to whatever the show has thrown at him. Love how he got excited about keeping the envelope that said he was safe.

Derek & Jamie: Tyce (Contemporary)
Just as Derek is having a break through, he is eliminated. Like the judges, I think he has great technique but seemed to have trouble with connecting to the emotion/story of the dances.

Hailee & FikShun: Luther Brown (Hip hop)
It was easy to figure out that I would like these two paired together. While I didn’t really care for the dance itself, I did enjoy watching them dance it. Hailee is in my personal top 4 so I hope she stays.

Megz & Paul: Jean Marc (Paso Doble)
I felt bad for Megz, she gave her all in this dance but still fell short of the technique that it takes to truly pull off this dance. However, I think if she had a little more time to practice it may have been a little better.

Neptune & Kayla: Ray Leeper
Neptune was the dark horse of the street side to me. I thought he has done well all season and I hoped he was the one that stayed.

Jim & Comfort: Pharside and Pheonix (Hip hop)
I actually think Jim wasn’t that bad but I can see what the judges were saying. He doesn’t seem quite comfortable with this style, so it’s not quite believable.

Gaby & Robert: Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore did it again…created another memorable routine. This was my favorite dance of the night.

Jaja & Ricky: Al Blackstone (Broadway)
Glad Ricky was given time off from Broadway to be an all star. Nigel was right, Jaja does look like Amy Adams. I love how she always has the character down and she had the skills too.

Bottom 4: Derek, Hailee, Neptune and Megz
Going home: Derek and Neptune

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August 24, 2015 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Filed Under: So You Think You Can Dance
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Top 10 to Top 8: Thoughts

My favorite part of the season is here…All Stars and solos are back. It’s just something about when the all-stars join the show the dancers step up their game. There are no more saves, so whoever has the lowest votes from each team will go home. Also, there was another injury, this time it’s JJ and her ribs. Before the show gets started, Jennifer Lopez had some news. The winner of this season gets the chance to dance in her Las Vegas show.

Hailee & Brandon: Warren Carlyle (Broadway)
Such a fun, fast paced routine. This is what I like about Broadway numbers. I really can see the Liza Minnelli and Lady Gaga, when it comes to Hailee. It was just another fantastic way for her to show her personality. Side note you can find Brandon dancing in Brittney Spears in Vegas.

Derek & Kayla: RJ Durell & Nick Flores (Jazz)
Okay so not going to lie…I had to re watch this one because I couldn’t take my eyes of Kayla. I sometimes forget who is the one competing. We definitely saw a different side of Derek this week.

Virgil & Comfort: Chris Scott
This was just too cute. Chris Scott does it again…from the music selection to the dancers was just amazing. I love how effortless that Virgil and Comfort made that dance look. Virgil’s personality is infectious (such a goofball)…loved his happy dance with Cat.

Megz & Marco: Ray Leeper (Jazz)
This was another one I had to watch again…this time it was the song choice…it makes me think of “Center Stage” every time.
This was just a simply a fun routine and just makes you want to dance with them. Megz, like Nigel said, stays true to herself which is nice. Anyone else surprised to learn her parents were ballroom dancers.

Edson & Jaime: Travis Wall
Hate that Edson was eliminated tonight…moments like this I really miss the results show. Thankful he left on such a high note. One of the best of the night and Travis deserves to win an Emmy.

Neptune & Jasmine: Pharside & Pheonix
Halloween a few months early? Just a fun concept and good to see Neptune in his element.
Also, Nigel said the wrong dancers name again. This time it was Sasha who didn’t get the credit for dancing “Misty Blue” with Twitch.

Jim & Jessica: Dee Caspary
So weird to see Jim struggle in rehearsals. I’m not sure but maybe the pressure of the competition got to him a little bit. Over it was a beautiful dance but I felt that the story was a little lost…maybe it had something to do with not connecting with his partner. Agreed with everything Jason said.

Jaja & Alex:  Nakul (Bollywood)
This was so much fun…especially to see yet another side of Jaja. She is my favorite street dancer and has a really chance of winning.

Gaby & Joshua: Pharside & Phoenix
My favorite of the two Pharside & Phoenix routines tonight. Gaby is the other chameleon on the show. I have a feeling it may come down to Gaby and Jaja in the final two.

Bottom 4: Megz, JJ, Derek and Edson Going home: JJ and Edson

Stay tuned for tour info.

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August 17, 2015 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Filed Under: Entertainment  So You Think You Can Dance
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