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Alex Wong “Crave” Music Video – Exclusive Look #2

Alex Wong (SYTYCD, Season 7) has a music video for his song “Crave” coming soon, and the video is packed with So You Think You Can Dance veterans. Lauren Gottlieb (SYTYCD, Season 3) is the video’s director and choreographer, and Legacy (SYTYCD, Season 6) is the video’s associate director and co-choreographer. Check out the exclusive behind-the-scenes look below 🙂

March 22, 2012 I Written By

www.youtube.com/danceon

The Table Has It

This is a silly post I got the idea for last week (Sasha and Twitch made me think of it). It occurred to me that while routines with props can go either way, there are A LOT of routines choreographed around a table that seem to be highly memorable. So, I thought it’d be fun to look at some of those.

First, probably the most memorable table routine, the one that people generally think of when you say “the table routine” is from Season 3. Sabra and this week’s All-Star Neil dancing a Mandy Moore jazz routine.

Next memorable I’d say is the Travis Wall contemporary routine danced by Ellenore and Legacy in Season 6, the “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” routine.

Then, there’s the super-hot crossbreed of samba and hip hop that Dmitry and Nappytabs choreographed for Season 5’s Top 16, which featured several tables (and water!).

I also couldn’t help thinking of this Tyce Diorio-choreographed jazz routine with Season 7’s Kent and All-Star Courtney featuring one of my favorite Amy Winehouse tunes, “Amy, Amy, Amy” Amy Amy Amy - Frank.

Season 7 also had a phenomenally memorable Top 6 group routine which featured a table. Choreographed by Mia Michaels, it should’ve shown off eventual winner (and this week’s All-Star) LoFro, who was injured, but instead All-Star Allison (then and last week) took her place.

Here’s a video of LoFro performing it on tour:

Which brings us to the inspiration for this post, last week’s “Misty Blue” Misty Blue - Misty Blue, choreographed by Christopher Scott and danced so fabulously by Season 8’s Sasha and All-Star (of all time) Twitch.

All of this “evidence” that tables make for great routines *almost* makes me wish that Caitlynn and Mitchell’s Stacey Tookey choreography to “Turning Tables” Turning Tables - 21 had had a table in it instead of two armchairs and lamps. Except, it’s just so memorable on its own. I’ll include it anyway.

Can y’all think of any other great table routines I’ve forgotten? Can you think of a bad table routine ever in SYTYCD history? And you’re not limited to the American version of the show. Go for it!

UPDATE:

Thanks for commenter Anne who reminded me about Wade Robson’s Season 6 Top 20 routine, “Comanche.” I miss Wade so much. This is such a good one, check it out:

July 26, 2011 I Written By

SYTYCD Twitter Round-Up

Here’s what’s going on in the Twitterverse. Pay particular attention to Nigel’s Tweet as it means a big change for SYTYCD this season.

Billy_Bell

Ummmmm @sytycdism can we just watch @paulinemata KILL THISSSSSSSS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-Ts-lP5zW4 6 minutes ago via web

miamilegacy

@catdeeley miss you 27 minutes ago via Echofon in reply to catdeeley

catdeeley

Links of London has just announced that I am their first ever Global Brand Ambassador! http://tweetphoto.com/15629900 34 minutes ago via TweetDeck

adammshankman

Starting up on dizzyfeet benefit, and amazing benefit for the motion picture television fund benefit I’m directing. Let’s raise sum $ about 1 hours ago via Tweetie

And WHOA! big change alert –

dizzyfeet

First rule change. Only one dancer will leave the competition each week and not two. Many more changes to come by the end of this week. about 1 hours ago via Echofon

benjischwimmer

My band’s first single ” Right! ” is coming along! So darn excited!!!! about 3 hours ago via web

Jglove988

going to bed. Glee rehearsals were awesome today!! Can’t wait to film!! about 10 hours ago via web

MollsGrayy

Christina Aguliera audition tomorrow 🙂 🙂 yaaaay about 11 hours ago via UberTwitter

ADEEVERYDAY

I just got the greatest news. Life is about to change….watch out!! I’m soooo greatful 🙂 about 12 hours ago via Tweetie

Can’t wait to find out what that is. And for the new season to start May 27th. We’re going to have lots of fun talking about the show between now and then.

March 24, 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

What Are Our Dancers Doing Lately?

This is a Twitter round-up, of sorts, cause a few of our favorite dancers have Tweeted about what they’re up to lately. Here you go:

MelissaSandvig Shopping with @adeeveryday and @jglove988 dolce and gabana hello!!! 11 minutes ago

LaurenGottlieb Yay!!! Just got word about another Glee episode…is it time for a rematch Matthew Morrison?? I think so =) 16 minutes ago

PaulineMata Class from Kyle Hanagami, Matt Cady, and Elm Pizzaro was amazing! Oh and saw @nathantrasoras today. Missed him much! It’s such a good day 🙂 44 minutes ago

miamilegacy Audition for a music video.. Wish me luck !!!!! about 4 hours ago

Billy_Bell Omg noooo! Bad rumor! RT @wilpher: @Billy_Bell do u have cancer? Hope not! about 7 hours ago

JManrara @jGlove988 is not having a good day! I’m on my way home, but wish I could be there to make him feel better… Love you babe!!!! Muuuuuah! 🙁 4:18 PM Dec 20th

ADEEVERYDAY @fivealive2009 rands! I need to Update you immediately. I’m shooting a music video today but I’ll call u when I get a chance. I’m dying!! 1:09 PM Dec 2nd

December 21, 2009 I Written By

SYTYCD Season 6 Cheers and Jeers

Here’s Season 6 in review. Y’all brought up a lot of this stuff in recent comments (Mrs. D’s comment in particular), which gave me the idea to do a review of the season, what we liked and didn’t like. If you disagree with me (or agree), feel free to put your two cents in, as it’s all subjective and I’d love to know what you think!

Jeer:

This season felt more rushed that any other that I can think of. Between baseball, the Presidential address, so many audition episodes and an early end to the season because of Christmas coming up, I feel like this year’s Top 20 got shafted on actual dancing time. But not just the dancers – the choreographers got fewer chances to wow us. And the audience lost out, as well.

Cheer:

I loved that I didn’t have to wait till the summer for a new season. While America’s Favorite Dancer gets a shorter reign if they continue on the two seasons a year model, we had a shorter wait, which was really nice. After Season 5, I just don’t know how I would have contained my SYTYCD longing. Are the producers hoping to follow a Survivor/Dancing with the Stars model with the two seasons a year thing? If so, they should be just as smart about scheduling and not hesitate to move the finale to a separate night (like Survivor’s Sunday finale yesterday).

Jeer:

The new stage, or at least the screen behind it. It seems like we’ve transitioned from utter hatred toward the new stage, which always threatens to swallow up the dancers, to an acceptance that we’ll probably never get our intimate little stage back. Many readers have begun to say that the screen and imprudent use of it, is actually the bigger issue.

Cheer:

The group numbers were able to utilize this enormous space in really pleasing ways. It’s nice to think that SYTYCD can now command (and fill) a larger audience space. Maybe it’ll end up being a wonderful challenge to the choreographers (as well as the production crew, especially camera folk) to recapture that intimate feeling.

Jeer:

It was awful having three static judges (Nigel, Mary and Adam). No new blood! Adam seemed to be the only one who had something to say, most reliably at least. And when the three additional judges (Debbie, Lil C and Tyce) came in for the finale, it felt like an eternity since I’d seen them and that they were given favorites to pick rather than choosing from their hearts. Maybe that’s not true, and I’m sure they still kept up with the season, but their involvement didn’t have the same feeling because they never rotated in and out during the season.

Cheer:

Adam Shankman is a wonderful addition to the judging panel. I didn’t mind him being a constant, I only minded that there was no new blood. You almost always knew what Nigel and Mary were going to say, so he was a breath of fresh air (especially at the beginning of the season). Adam is funny and honest (he called out choreographers for bad routines!) and you get the impression that he’ll actually hire the dancers he likes (i.e. when Noelle got cut, I was okay because I felt Adam wanted to work with her), so he’s a valuable part of the panel.

Jeer:

Shane Sparks and Alex DaSilva‘s arrests (both for sexual crimes related to their dance students) are not only damaging to the choreographer’s careers, but also haunt the dance community at large and threaten to harm SYTYCD’s image.

Cheer:

The Dizzy Feet Foundation and gala do wonderful things for the dance community, SYTYCD and for us, as it unites our favorite shows, dancers, choreographers, crews in a really positive mission. It raises awareness and gives our favorites work! We can help, too!

Jeer:

How many injuries did we have this season? Mia Michaels was rushed to the hospital at the beginning of the season. Then, Billy Bell had to drop out due to illness. Noelle was injured in the first competition show while Ellenore and Ashleigh were both hurt during the Top 8 week and Russell was injured in the finale. Did I forget anyone??

Cheer:

Despite the overly-produced and rushed feel of the season, despite all the injuries, we had a wonderful Top 20 this season. As John pointed out, they had a great mix of styles and backgrounds. We saw some consistent excellence (Jakob and Ellenore, namely) and some great growth arcs (arguably, everybody, but notably Kathryn and Russell, in my opinion). We had some “characters” to get behind this season, in Legacy and the DiLellos in particular.

Jeer:

America’s SYTYCD lost Mia Michaels this season and her absence was certainly felt. Our loss was apparently SYTYCD Canada’s gain, so while it’s good that she’s working within the SYTYCD family, there’s a great big gaping hole where she was in our shows.

Cheer:

Mia’s absence gave way to a ton of “new” choreographers this season. New to us, at least. Like Sean Cheesman, Jason Gilkison, Spencer Liff and a routine from Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden. We had more Wade Robson, more Stacey Tookey, more Mandy Moore and more Travis Wall routines, which seriously rocked. More Sonya routines, many of which blew our minds, like the “Tore My Heart” Oona - Tore My Heart - Single - Tore My Heart routine with Ellenore and Jakob.  Hopefully, we’ll get to see special Mia routines, maybe one or two a season, in the future. I don’t want SYTYCD America to be completely devoid of Mia Michaels, but I’m glad we had so many standout choreographers, new and recurring, this season.

Jeer:

This season had some really awful costumes…

Cheer:

And some really amazing music. But these two things are pretty typical of all seasons, I suppose. 🙂

Jeer:

No mention of a Season 6 tour! Not even on the finale show! What are they thinking? There had better be a tour, or I will seriously cry foul. I’m keeping my feelers out, y’all, and using my contacts, to see if/when the tour will be.

Cheer:

I’m glad they mentioned auditions for Season 7 because it sounds like it’ll be another summer season. So that means that we’ll either have two seasons a year, or we’ll go back to our beloved summer format (probably the former). SYTYCD keeps motoring on, which is good news. And again, we don’t have to wait several months till fall, sounds like.

Jeer:

Hell no to the Top 6! I hope Fox and SYTYCD realize they can never do this to us again. This was the worst idea ever and I suspect the results might have been significantly different, if we’d had a normal Top 4 finale. Not cool.

Cheer:

The Meet the Top 20 episode was the biggest stroke of genius and the best of all the new ideas and concepts we dealt with this season. I hope they *always* do this from now on. It was sublime to see all of the Top 20 dancing within their styles without fear of elimination. Some of the best dancing of the entire season happened in this very first episode, as evidenced by how many of the judges’ favorites in the finale show were from this very episode.

I think that’s all I’ve got. I’ve run out of steam. But I’m sure I’ve forgotten something you hated or loved, so let me know what you think.

I Written By

SYTYCD Top 6 Results Music (Finale Part II)

Many, everybody’s been killing me with anticipation today on Twitter, so I have HIGH EXPECTATIONS for tonight’s show, including the music.

Opening song, layered over the Top 6 talking: “Sweet Disposition” The Temper Trap - Conditions - Sweet Disposition-The Temper Trap (thanks Blair!)

Kelly Abby Top 19 Group Routine: “Scared of Me” Fredde le Grand - Scared of Me (feat. Mitch Crown) - EP - Scared of Me (Radio Edit)-Fredde Le Grand ft. Mitch Crown

SPOILERS from here on out.

Lil C’s favorite with Russell, Legacy and Kevin: “Beggin'” Madcon - Beggin' - Single - Beggin'-Madcon

Adam’s favorite with Ellenore and Jakob: “Tore My Heart” Oona - Tore My Heart - Single - Tore My Heart-OONA and Dave Tweedie

Nigel’s favorite with Peter, Bianca and Phillip: “Take the A Train” Ella Fitzgerald - Pure Ella - Take the "A" Train-Ella Fitzgerald

Mary’s request for new routine that the DiLillos danced and choreographed themselves: “Straight To…Number 1” Touch & Go - I Find You Very Attractive - Straight To... Number One-Touch & Go

Leona Lewis performs the theme from Avatar (who apparently sponsored tonight): “I See You” Leona Lewis - Avatar (Music from the Motion Picture) - I See You (Theme from Avatar)

The Groovaloos perform to “Groovaloo Street” by Rapier & Burns (not yet on iTunes)

Nigel’s favorite with Kathryn & Jakob: “At This Moment” Michael Bublé - Crazy Love (Deluxe Edition) - At This Moment-Michael Buble

Tyce’s favorite with Mollee & Nathan: “Azeem O Shaan” A. R. Rahman - Jodhaa Akbar - Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah -AR Rahman from Jodhaa Akbar

Ryan is #6 to “Where It Ends” 16 Frames - Where It Ends - Where It Ends-16 Frames

Adam Lambert performs “Whataya Want From Me” Adam Lambert - For Your Entertainment - Whataya Want from Me

Season 6 highlights recap to “Guardian Angel” The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Don't You Fake It - Your Guardian Angel by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Ashleigh is #5 to “Never Say Never” The Fray - The Fray - Never Say Never-The Fray

Adam’s favorite with Ellenore & Legacy: “Machine Gun” Portishead - Third - Machine Gun-Portishead

Debbie’s favorite with Noelle & Russell (tape): “Frog Dance Mickey Hart - Supralingua - Frog Dance-Mickey Hart

Ellenore is #4 to “Breathe” Ryan Star - Breathe - Single - Breathe-Ryan Star

Lil C’s favorite with Ariana, Channing, Nathan and Jakob: “Cryin'” k.d. lang - Live by Request - Crying-kd lang

Mary’s favorite with Kathryn & Russell (tape): “I Can Transform Ya” Chris Brown - I Can Transform Ya (feat. Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz) - Single - I Can Transform Ya (feat. Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz)-Chris Brown

Mary J. Blige performs “I Am” Mary J. Blige - I Am - Single - I Am

Nigel’s favorite – the Top 20 group routine: “Comanche” The Revels - Pulp Fiction (Music from the Motion Picture) - Comanche-The Revels

Kathryn (NO!!) is #3 to “Something Beautiful” Needtobreathe - The Outsiders (Deluxe Version) - Something Beautiful-Needtobreathe

Jennifer Lopez performs (with SYTYCD girls from Season 6 and seasons past!) Louboutins (not on iTunes yet)

The recap of Russell and Jakob’s journeys was played to “Time of Our Lives” Paul van Dyk - Reflections - Time of Our Lives -Paul van Dyk (thanks again, Sokko!)


We had such amazing music on the show this season! Check it all out here.

December 16, 2009 I Written By

Kathryn McCormick Article

Hey everyone I just wanted to share an article about Kathryn that was published in the Metro Spirit today. The Metro Spirit is a local paper here in Augusta, Ga.

Dance off with Kathryn McCormick

BY ASHLEY HERRING WHITAKER

AUGUSTA, GA – Kathryn McCormick has been working towards becoming “America’s favorite dancer” for more than 15 years.

McCormick, an Augusta native, performed one last time Tuesday night on “So You Think You Can Dance” and, after call-in votes, a winner will be crowned Wednesday. She is competing against five other dancers, including a married ballroom couple and a quirky contemporary dancer.

McCormick took classes at Augusta West Dance Studio from the age of eight until she left for Los Angeles more than a year ago after earning a small part in the remake of the movie “Fame.”

Megan Luquire, the owner and director of Augusta West, said thatMcCormick was always at the front of the pack when it came to the art of dance.

“She was always the student that was the most dedicated and determined,” Luquire said.

Luquire said that McCormick was always a good “technician,” but that her perfectionist tendencies sometimes got in the way of her dancing.

“I am a really firm believer in dancing from the heart,” Luquire said. “It took me about a year to break her habit of dancing so technically. To see her dance from her heart is the biggest joy.”

McCormick’s and Luquire’s hard work obviously paid off as McCormick made it into season six of the dance reality contest.

Over the course of the season, McCormick has wowed the judges, fallen into the bottom two and been introduced to dance styles that she never encountered before.

Keeping with the show’s knack for throwing dancers out of their comfort zones, contemporary dancer McCormick was paired with B-Boy Jonathan “Legacy” Perez. Luquire said that this pairing made her nervous at first, but that Perez’s encouragement calmed her fears.

“We were like, ‘What if they get ballroom?’” Luquire said. “I think the beauty in that is that Legacy told her it was going to be OK. And it ended up being a beautiful partnership.”

McCormick has performed countless routines ranging from hip-hop to Broadway during her weeks on the show. After attending Dec. 13’s taping of the show, Luquire said that she enjoyed all of the dances but that a few stuck out in her mind.

“During the taping, one routine was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” she said. “I also liked the Cha-Cha because it showed a side of her I’ve never seen before.”

When Luquire found out that McCormick made it on “So You Think You Can Dance,” she was “incredibly excited” for the 19-year-old dancer.

“Throughout high school she was always so close to getting first place,” she said. “Getting on to the show was a type of affirmation for her. It said, ‘I can do this for aliving.’ I’m happy that someone else saw the beauty that I see.”

I hope you guys enjoyed this article. I hope I can get some reactions from friends and family tonight.

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.

Season 6 – Season of the Flip Flop?

I’d like to share a bit of yet another conversation between me and John and see what y’all think.

Emilie: and this season, i’ve felt like a flip flopper.John: you are a flip flopperalthough, i think a lot of people have flip flopped this seasonEmilie: i haven’t flip flopped THAT much this seasoni liked my favorites pretty early the only ones i flip flopped on were ashleigh, legacy and mollee oh, i flip flopped on karen, too.

Yes, I’m aware that I flip flopped on whether or not I was a flip flopper. 🙂 So, let me be honest with myself and with all of you.

-I liked Mollee and then didn’t. And then did again after she got to the Top 10 and switched partners.

-I liked Karen and didn’t like Ashleigh. And then I liked Ashleigh better and Karen a lot less. And then Karen left and Ashleigh peaked (in my opinion) and I was ready for her to go again.

-I didn’t like Legacy, but then I was impressed by him in a lot of his routines with Kathryn. And then less impressed (or at least less reliably so) when he switched partners.

But it’s not just SYTYCD dancers I flip flopped over this fall season. I disliked most of Louis van Amstel’s work on SYTYCD, but out of curiosity (and John’s peer pressure), I started watching Dancing with the Stars sporadically. Louis’s partnership with Kelly Osbourne on there made me fall for him and his work. I’m excited to see more of it on SYTYCD in the future. Will that happen?

However, I also had a few solid passions this season. Peter. Sigh. Really wish he could be on the tour. Maybe the tappers could be “special guests,” eh Nigel? Loved Ellenore since Vegas and love her more today. Grew to love Noelle and Kathryn quickly into the Top 20. While I admire Jakob and I’ll be satisfied if (if? ha!) he’s the winner, I’m much more passionate about the girls this season, especially Kathryn and Ellenore.

Did anybody else feel like a flip flopper this season? Who made you flip flop? Any of the dancers have your love from day one?

December 14, 2009 I Written By

SYTYCD Top 8 Results Thoughts

I made my predictions last night and called them the “easy” solution to a hard choice. But in the meantime, I remembered how much Ashleigh’s grown on me and how many phenomenal routines Ryan’s had this season. And then, I wondered how Ryan’s plea for Ashleigh would impact whether they’d continue to the Top 6. And your comments scared me on behalf of Ellenore. I wonder what’s gonna happen tonight.

My thoughts, as the show unfolded…

Read more..

December 9, 2009 I Written By