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Chris Koehl of So You Think You Can Dance Season 8 Live Chat Today!

Conducted by Cricket Wireless, they are conducting…

an exciting live Facebook chat with popular dancer Chris Koehl, star of the new Nice Moves TV spot for Cricket Wireless. Chris has a pretty loaded dancing resume, as you know, highlighted by his impressive turn during season 8 of “So You Think You Can Dance?”

Koehl will answer fan questions, discuss working on the spot and share experiences from his dancing background. The chat will start at 6pm EST and you can sign up here on Cricket’s Facebook tab.

Earlier we have posted a little bit about the Nice Moves TV Spot featuring Chris Koehl.

So if you have any burning questions for Chris Koehl with his current and future career moves, his dance background of even his time on So You Think You Can Dance, this is your chance!

August 22, 2012 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... =)

So You Think You Can Dance’s Chris Koehl featured in a new TV spot: Nice Moves

It was only a matter of time until Chris Koehl of So You Think You Can Dance’s Season 8 – who made it to the Top 14 – popped up. In this case there is a new TV spot coming to the airwaves called: Nice Moves, which stars Chris Loehl, is directed by Chris Applebaum (who has directed music videos fro Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Mariah Carey, Kid Rock and otheres) and choreographed by Fatima (who has worked with Usher, Mary J. Blige, No Doubt and Aaliyah).

As a kick off for their celebration of music & dance here is a behind the scenes sneak peak of the making of Nice Moves, featuring interviews with Chris Applebaum, Fatima and Chris Koehl.

After a routine like this:

Is it really a surprise that we would see Chris pop up so soon?

August 13, 2012 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... =)

SYTYCD Season 8 Revisited: Outstanding Choreographer Nominations

With the Emmy nominations out… I decided to scour the internet to find the routines from Season 8 that the choreographers created that earned them the Emmy nominations. Based on the the routines you see below… there is a poll at the bottom where you can choose the choreographer that you’d like to see win the Emmys this year. Keep in mind that Smash also earned an Emmy nomination but since it is not SYTYCD related… I did not include them in this list.

Interesting enough we have representation for:
– Contemporary (Travis Wall / Stacey Tookey)
– Hip Hop (Christopher Scott)
– Broadway (Spencer Liff / NBC’s Smash)

No love for ballroom? Awww… =( But I digress…

First I am going to start with the homegrown SYTYCD alumni:
TRAVIS WALL: Dancing with the Stars
Episode: Season 14 – Top 8 Results Show (24 April 2012)
Style: Contemporary
Other Choreographer: Teddy Forance

Thoughts: Travis has yet to create a “mediocre” routine, then again what can be considered as a “mediocre” routine for Travis would be strong routine for other choreographers. He has really grown into his own with developing his skill set and moving outside of the box, going from choreographing partners on SYTYCD and smaller groups to the larger scale routines as show on DWTS last season. Adding in the fly system so that one of the dancers is floating on air just adds more to the routine as opposed to being a gimmick.

Also, it is always nice to sift through the dancers and play “are they from So You Think You Can Dance”? For example I saw Nick Lazzarini, Jaimie Goodwin, Melanie Moore, Ryan Ramirez… the list goes on. If he keeps this up I will be very interested to see what he brings onto the plate in the Off-Broadway production of Bare that he is tapped as choreographer. Not to mention the reality based television series on cable that is rumored to revolve around his new dance company.
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July 19, 2012 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... =)

Podcast: SYTYCD Season 8 – Top 14 Performance and Elimination

Hello everyone! Our podcast for the Top 14 week is completed and ready for listening! Thank you to everyone that checked out our previous episodes the past couple of days, we really appreciate it!

The way these posts will work is that a summary of the podcast is provided. It gives a general overview of what we talk about, along with any other supplemental information. Following that is a Time Stamp list, which serves as a table of contents for the episode.

The links to the podcast are at the bottom of the post. Please let us know what you think in the comments!

Summary
In this podcast, we explore how this was an interesting week of So You Think You Can DanceSeason 8. For the first time in a month, there wasn’t much in the way of controversy regarding the eliminated couple. It seemed pretty clear cut who should go home. We also were treated to a collection of new (to the show) choreographers which, despite the mixed fan reaction on twitter, we feel made for an interesting set of pieces compared to the previous week which we both felt was blander. We also really enjoyed having Travis Wall as a guest judge, although we could do without the celebrity judges.

We discuss in detail how, for the first time this week, we really enjoyed Ryan’s work and commend her for it. It took us by surprise that she and Ricky were in the bottom instead of Sasha and Alexander, which we attribute to a fan backlash against her. Hopefully this week was not a one-off thing and next week she continues to prove herself.

We also discuss what the choreographers, both new and old, brought to the performance episode. We’re particularly excited by Justin Giles’ work and absolutely loved the male group routine and Jess and Clarice’s piece. Justin Giles really has a way with letting music inspire his choice of movement for the dancers! Caitlynn and Mitchell had a wonderful piece and the girl group routine by Ray Leeper was very cool.

Episode Length: 23:35

Time Stamps
0:00 – Introduction, thanks to puresytycd.com, new choreographers, guest judges
3:50 – Bottom 3: Ashley and Chris
6:32 – Bottom 3: Jordan and Tadd
8:45 – Bottom 3: Ryan and Ricky
13:20 – Justin Giles: Boys group routine and Clarice/Jess
16:00 – Shaun Evaristo: Sasha/Alexander
17:57 – Ray Leeper: Melanie/Marko and girls group routine
20:13 – Caitlynn and Mitchell
21:20 – Trimming from Top 12 to Top 10 next week
22:38 – Wrap-up


Episode 6 direct download

Subscribe to podcast on iTunes

 

July 8, 2011 I Written By

Over the past few years my fiancée Meghan slowly brought me into the world of television, turning me into a full-fledged fan of both scripted and reality shows. So You Think You Can Dance turned into one of my favorite reality shows as it is a competition that takes itself seriously, providing the audience with artistic choreography and talented dancers. It's certainly not something I ever expected to get emotionally invested in, but here I am! Meghan and I are very analytic when it comes to the things we enjoy. We constantly discussed and analyzed shows with each other and after doing this for a couple years, we decided that we should turn these discussions into a podcast. We created Reflections on Pop Entertainment, a podcast that provides commentary and analysis of popular entertainment as found in visual mediums, particularly television and film. So You Think You Can Dance Season 8 is the first television series we're covering with weekly podcasts and has allowed us to find our voice as well as actively contribute to the fan community. We hope that you'll enjoy our installments as they are posted to Pure So You Think You Can Dance!

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

Season 8 Top 16 Power Rankings

Tonight’s episode reminded me of the Meet the Top 20 episode, it had so many great routines. Especially with the addition of these two Eight/Top 16 Routines. It makes it pretty hard for me to figure out the power rankings, to be sure, so my Bottom 3 picks are probably going to be a bit more personal, though I’m gonna try to factor in how they performed (of course) and how I think fans will vote. Away we go…

Top Three Couples:

Melanie and Marko – Back on top. Not only are they my favorite couple, but I think they’re one of the few couples where both partners seem to have a strong fan base individually, as well as together. Plus, they keep killing their routines (let’s not talk about last week). Melanie consistently stands out in the group routines, probably because she’s almost always in the front, which seems to indicate she’s a darling of the choreographers. But they’re both humble, yet confident and both their personalities and their dancing shine.

Jordan and Tadd – Their Nappytabs hip hop would’ve been memorable even if it hadn’t been the last couples routine of the night. They’re adorable and they bring so much out in each other. This routine was sexy and fun and perfectly suited them.

Sasha and Alexander – Their routine was first, but it was very, very good and memorable. Especially that bit with Sasha’s hands at the end. Sasha seems to have a huge following. Plus, Alexander showed a lot more personality than ever before when he licked Sasha’s face while Cat was campaigning for votes for them.

Middle of the Pack:

Caitlynn and Mitchell – Their samba got rave reviews, but was a bit frenzied and had some awkward connections, even if Mary didn’t mention it. I think they both did a stand-up job, regardless and I’m really loving Caitlynn lately. I think they’ll be safe, but there were several stronger and more memorable routines tonight.

Ryan and Rickey – There’s been a big backlash against Ryan after last week’s cuts, but their routine tonight was really good and I hope it’s redeemed her and kept them in the safety zone. It’s hard to tell.

Bottom Three Couples:

Miranda and Robert – Miranda’s getting a lot of love from the judges and I know she’s got some fans. But one of the judges even said it – Miranda blends in too much. She’s great at taking on characters, except she’s not terribly memorable. I think if she’s given a chance to stay around, she may really come out of her shell. However, as routines go, this was not one of the most memorable of the night and I don’t think Robert captured his character as successfully as Miranda (he just seemed like a version of himself).  If you combine a lack of a memorable routine with one dancer disappearing into her characters, they may be in danger.

Ashley and Chris – They got the most negative comments of the night, which weren’t terribly critical. It was an ok routine, but also not very memorable. Ashley is another one who doesn’t stand out – Lil C even labeled her the “silent assassin” and admits he forgets about her, though he loves her when he watches her dance. They had the most memorable routine last week, but weren’t so lucky this week.

Clarice and Jess – I predicted they’d be here last week and they were safe. They got rave reviews from the judges tonight. Why am I putting them in the Bottom 3, then? I think there are still a lot of people who don’t like Jess, or who like him less than other dancers. Clarice would probably fare better with a different partner, but she seems rather bland at the moment. The foxtrot is not always a huge fan favorite and this one wasn’t a stand out, especially against the shinier routines of the night.

I think they may end up splitting a couple. Maybe pairing Miranda and Chris, or Robert and Clarice. I wonder what would happen if Ashley and Jess were paired? If one couple is going to both get cut, I think it’ll be Ashley and Chris. But who knows how it’ll pan out. What do y’all think?

June 29, 2011 I Written By

Top 16 Performance Thoughts

Here are my thoughts on tonight’s episode, live as they happen (after the jump). I hope you’ll add your 2+ cents as well, in the comments below. Let’s get this discussion started!

SOOOO excited that Kristin Chenoweth is the guest judge!!

Looooove Cat’s look tonight, the finger waves in her hair and the flapper dress. But Cat, being Cat, has an adorable personality to match her appearance. She nailed it when she referenced last week’s “brutal, quadruple elimination.” When chaos erupts on SYTYCD, we always have Cat Deely to keep things sane.

It’s good to see Lil C back, too. He made me laugh when he said he’d been a “busy little buckster, maintaining my buccness.” He’s great. AND, did you catch him double dog dare Mr. Producer Lythgoe into booking him for the finale? Would you like to see Lil C as the musical guest?

Here’s a spoiler line for the rest, just in case…

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Top 20 (Part 2) Power Rankings

I feel relatively confident in 2 of the Bottom 3 couples, but I feel like whichever dancers I pick for that third slot, there’s going to be lots of dissent. Which, is a good thing. 🙂 It means we’re passionate. So, bring it on! I’m dying to know which dancers y’all think will be in the Bottom 3.

Top Three Couples:

Caitlynn and Mitchell – I think they had the best routine of the night. This is the first time we get to see them dance together on stage and I was really please with their chemistry and their strengths as dancers. They were both in their style this week, so that certainly helped them a lot, but they could’ve both been hurt by Mitchell’s injury last well.

Sasha and Alexander – People were really affected by this piece and the timing couldn’t be more fortuitous, on the same night as the President’s announcement about the troop withdrawal. Plus, it was the second to last routine and Sasha seems to be a favorite.

Ashley and Chris – As the last routine, it’s one of the more memorable anyway. Plus, it was really upbeat and sexy. The song was great, their moves were great, as was their chemistry. Plus, they were safe last week when Jordan and Tadd probably had a better routine, so there seem to be some fans on their side.

Middle of the Pack:

Melanie and Marko – This is probably the favorite couple. It’s mine, for sure. They’ve consistently had about half the vote in our favorite dancer poll. But this routine didn’t live up to its promise. It had everything going for it – great dances, great choreographer, interesting song, funky moves. But it didn’t entirely come together. Still, I don’t think they’ll be in danger.

Ryan and Rickey – This is another opportunity of a not-quite-right routine danced by a favorite pair. I think they’ll be safe, but Ryan and Rickey’s Mandy Moore wasn’t all that it could’ve been and Ryan was smiling (sometimes weirdly) throughout the piece, playing to the audience. Plus, it was the first routine. But, I think they’ll be safe too because they’re such favorites.

Iveta and Nick – They came in #2 in our favorite dancer poll and they had a fun but not very memorable Bollywood routine. They have a good partnership, to be sure, but the routine was pretty early. Still, they’ll probably be safe.

Miranda and Robert – I know a lot of people, like our reader beth, disagreed with my comments about this routine and really loved it. Plus, Robert toned down the more annoying parts of his personality while still being playful. So, even though these two were in danger last week, they’ll probably be safe this week.

Bottom Three Couples:

Missy and Wadi – I hope they survive, but I think they’ll be here in the bottom. I really love Wadi and it hurt to see him so sad after the judges’ comments. It’s gonna be a tough week though and I think that as one of the two dances with obvious flaws, they’re in danger. However, many people may just vote for their favorites and I’m pretty sure lots of people love Wadi and like his partnership with Missy.

Clarice and Jess – They don’t have a great partnership and they were in the bottom last week. This week, their routine was the other obviously flawed one. They looked so awkward whenever their were paired. Clarice is not very big, but Jess sets up his lifts so obviously that he makes her seem like this huge weight. I think I’d like them better with different partners.

Jordan and Tadd – A lot of people liked this Viennese waltz, but I thought it was pretty boring. Plus, it’s not a style that people vote for unless it’s a phenomenal, stand-out routine. Their stint in the bottom 3 might hurt them again this week.

Personally, I’d lose all the girls to keep Wadi and Tadd. Regardless of who they keep, if this IS the Bottom 3, I hope they switch up the couples. Maybe Missy and Tadd or Jordan and Wadi.

What do y’all think?

Tomorrow’s episode is gonna be tough, man.

June 22, 2011 I Written By

Top 20 (Part 2) Performance Thoughts

So SYTYCD was pre-empted for 15 minutes due to President Obama’s speech. Good news that our troops are coming home.

Here I go with my thoughts, live and feel free to put yours in the comments. We love the discussion.

Spoiler space for my live thoughts…

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SYTYCD Week 1, Season 8 Interviews with Top 20

So You Think You Can Dance kicks off with week 1 of season 8. Check out our interviews with Top 20!

Couples:
Jordan and Tadd
Sasha and Alexander
Clarice and Jess
Ryan and Ricky
Caitlynn and Robert from Season 7 (Mitchell was injured)
Miranda and Robert
Wadi and Missy
Melanie and Marko
Ashely and Chris
Iveta and Nick

June 16, 2011 I Written By

www.youtube.com/danceon