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Top 20 Power Rankings

First let me start by saying what a great way to start the live shows of season 11. Since everyone got to perform in their own style I figured I rank each of the different genres, with the exception of tap, ballet, and hip hop they will form their own group.

Contemporary

1. Ricky and Jessica: Sonya out did herself on this piece. Just an absolutely gorgeous dance that was the best of the night. I think it safe to say that these two are safe judging from the judges reactions and the reactions on social media. What I loved most was how simple the music was, it gave the illusions like they they were dancing with our any music.

2. Rudy and Carly: Stacey Tookey’s choreography is always easy to watch and enjoy. I loved they way Rudy and Carly  performed this with such emotion. I think Rudy could very easily be a fan favorite.

3. Stanley and Bridget: I love Bonnie Story and this dance. I think that both Stanley and Bridget are great dancers. Stanley for me is right up there with Ricky as the best male contemporary dancer I just hope he doesn’t get lost in the mix.

4. Casey and Emily: I love Travis’s work and I loved this as well. I just felt like the other contemporary dances outshines it but not by much. I love Emily and Casey as a pair it kinda stinks that they will be split up next week. I really hop they make it to the next round. Emily is one of my favorites this season.

Ballroom

1.Nick and Tanisha: So happy to have Louis Van Amstel back on the show. That may have been the fastest I’ve have ever seen the judges talk…too bad they can always do that, they can ramble at times. I think that Tanisha and Nick were the best ballroom couple of the night. Tanisha for me is the best out of the girls.

2. Surge and Brooklyn: Overall loved the dance and the choreography by Dmitry. I do have to agree with what the judges had to say about Brooklyn. Surge was able to steal the attention from her. Had her nervousness not gotten the best of her, I think she would have been fine.

3. Marquet and Marlene: I’m not sure what it was about this dance that seemed to fall flat to me. They danced well and it’s one of the few time that I rely on the judges opinion.

Others

1. Zack and Valerie: It’s not really a secret that I love tap and I was loving Anthony Morigerato’s Choreography. I know the hard work it takes to pull of a routine like that. Stairs are not an easy prop for tap dancers especially cause tap shoes can be slippery. My personal favorite of the night.

2. Jacque and Jourdan: I had to rewatch this pas de duex because I was sure who lost their balance during the dance. I’m pretty sure it was Jourdan and thankfully the judges didn’t seem to mind but Nigel was being a tad bit nit picky.

2. Emilio and Teddy: This and the ballet were even to me which is why there and two 2s. I have to admit I kinda have a crush on these two Sure part the reason is the Teddy taps as well and Emilio was reminding me a bit of Dominic. I love that Chris Scott choreographs to songs you would never think of doing a hip hop to. The smoothness of the dance is why I enjoyed it.

So who’s going to be the first to be eliminated? It’s kind of tough to figure out, it’s easier  to figure who will be staying. It’s a toss up really…they are all really good it’s more about who gets lost in the mix and what dances are easily forgotten about.

Hope everyone had a safe 4th of July weekend.

July 5, 2014 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.

So You Think You Can Dance – The Off-Season

Now that Season 9’s So You Think You Can Dance has ended what else is there to talk about? Forget talk about… what else is there to watch… dance-wise?

It would appear that this is the season of the dance reality shows as two past contestants (and SYTYCD mainstays) from Season 2 have branched out to their own shows (A Chance to Dance and All the Right Moves) and new possibilities have popped up for fans of So You Think You Can Dance could sink their teeth into:

First the obvious… the So You Think You Can Dance Live Tour

So You Think You Can Dance’s ninth-season Top 10 finalists will be hitting the road this fall making their way across North America as part of the 2012 live tour, sponsored by Just Dance 4

[…]

The 30-city tour will kick-off October 23 in San Diego and will conclude on December 5th in Hollywood, FL with tickets for all shows going on sale Friday, August 24 beginning at 10AM.

Fall’s hottest ticket will feature this season’s most popular routines as well as original pieces created specifically for the nationwide tour.

[…]

Also for dancers and fans from all walks of life: So You Think You Can Dance Experience (aka SYTYCDX) – the official dance convention

[…] The SYTYCD® Experience is a 2-3 day workshop filled with classes, seminars, mock audition opportunity, and performances! Our weekend will be the most exciting and educational dance event you have ever experienced! This event is for dancers, educators, and enthusiasts 18 & older!

The Experience Includes:
– Classes throughout the weekend
– Seminar Breakouts
– Performances from your favorite SYTYCD Alumni Dancers and other Special Guests
– Solo Showcase Opportunity
– Q and A
– Meet and Greet
– Amazing Scholarship Opportunities
– Optional Mock Audition for the opportunity to perform in the Saturday’s Opening or Closing Number of the Showcase

Also… as featured on So You Think You Can Dance: The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers
Featuring the dance talents of:
Christopher “Lil’ C” Toler as Z
Christopher Scott as Copeland
William Wingfield as Katana
Stephen “Twitch” Boss as Dr.E

According to the New York Times

“They lie amongst us, preparing for battle, waiting to rise and change things for good. Some are gifted in ability, others are trained to master it and some, some have it bestowed upon them at birth, but they all must choose.” […] The lines come from the first episode of “The LXD” or “The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers,” a new dance-inspired Web series created by Jon M. Chu, the 30-year-old director of the hit 2008 movie “Step Up 2: The Streets” and the soon to be released “Step Up 3D.”

The series, […] is produced by Mr. Chu and Hieu Ho with Agility Studios and distributed by Paramount Digital Entertainment and is a leap in Web-based original programming for both the companies and Mr. Chu. (An exclusive clip from the first episode of “The LXD” is available at nytimes.com/dance.)

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September 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... =)

Top 12 Performance Thoughts and Discussion

Here’s a nifty spot for you to write in your thoughts on tonight’s performance episode. I’ll be updating my own thoughts, though I’m sure there will be a delay since I’m posting the music live as well. Get your talk on!

Okay, I gotta start. There is SO MUCH to talk about already.

First of all, Cat’s lovely and I think Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s gonna be a great guest judge. Excited to see Sonya and Cat’s response to the “mum and pop” of the panel pretending to kiss was funny. Even if Nigel and Mary aren’t funny, Cat’s always hysterical responding to them.

I wasn’t quite prepared for how quickly everything got started and I missed them saying there would be 2 performances from each couple, but yay!

Spoiler space…lalala

Read more..

July 13, 2011 I Written By

Season 8 Top 12 Performance Music

This may be one of the most important performance nights since we’re going to see our Top 12 cut down to the all-important Top 10. Here’s hoping the performances are amazing! I’ll be updating the music here live.

Sasha & Alexander’s Tony & Melanie Paso doble: I didn’t catch all of this, help if you can! Taylor Long & ? ‘s “Alley Dash Alley Dash - Destructive Drums 2 - Tremors/March of the Trolls” March Of The Trolls - Destructive Drums which is not on iTunes (that I can find)

Jordan & Tadd’s Travis Wall contemporary: Olafur Arnaldo’s “Brotsjor” – Ólafur Arnalds

Ryan & Rickey’s Spencer Liff Broadway: Frank Sinatra’s “All I Need Is the Girl” – All I Need Is the Girl - Francis A. & Edward K.

Caitlynn & Mitchell’s Christopher Scott hip hop: Lupe Fiasco ft. Eric Turner & Sway’s “Break the Chain” – Break the Chain (feat. Eric Turner & Sway) - Lasers (Deluxe Version)

Melanie & Marko’s Louis van Amstel tango: Gotan Project’s “Triptico” – Tríptico - La Revancha del Tango (Bonus Track Version)

Clarice & Jesse’s Christopher Scott lyrical hip hop: Boyce Avenue’s “Just the Way You Are” – Just the Way You Are - New Acoustic Sessions, Vol. 1

Sasha & Alexander’s Tyce Diorio jazz routine: Aretha Franklin’s “That’s Life” – That's Life - Aretha Arrives

Jordan & Tadd’s Spencer Liff Broadway: “Out Tonight” – Out Tonight - Rent (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) from the RENT soundtrack.

Ryan & Rickey’s Louis van Amstel cha cha: Enrique Iglesias ft. Ludacris & DJ Frank E’s “Tonight (I’m Loving You)” – Tonight (I'm Lovin' You) [feat. Ludacris & DJ Frank E] - Tonight (I'm Lovin' You) [feat. Ludacris & DJ Frank E] - Single

Caitlynn & Mitchell’s Travis Wall contemporary: Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” – Piece of My Heart - Janis Joplin's Greatest Hits

Melanie & Marko’s Dee Caspary contemporary: David J. Roch’s “Skin and Bones” – David J. Roch

Clarice & Jess’s Tony & Melanie jive: Robert Randolph & the Family Band’s “Ain’t Nothing Wrong with That” – Ain't Nothing Wrong With That - Colorblind (Deluxe Version)

I Written By

I Hear Dance – Suggested Music for SYTYCD

It’s all Kelly’s fault. 🙂 Our reader said:

I think we need another “What music would you like to see on the show?” post.

You see how she demanded that I do another suggested music post? Well, Kelly, here it is.

This time around, I didn’t make any big thing out of the assignment. All weekend, I basically just listened to music like I always do, but since I knew I was gonna do this, I dropped songs into a special file and promised myself when I got to 10, I’d post.

Well, it’s time to post. And this time, I’m gonna go one step forward and say who I think would best choreograph to these songs. Well, some of them. You may have to help me with the others.

Suggested Music for SYTYCD

1. Project Jenny, Project Jan ft. So Percussion’s “You Said” – You This would make a great Wade routine.

2. Kate Earl “Impossible – Impossible It’s got Travis written all over it.

3. Beck’s “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime” from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind I’m not sure who would do the best with this one. It could probably be used by Dmitry or Louis or Toni Redpath in a creative ballroom routine OR, it could be contemporary a la Travis.

4. Jill Barber’s “Goodnight Sweetheart” – Goodnight Has a country flavor to it, but might be a good Mia Michaels or Stacey Tookey routine. Am I crazy???

5. Paolo Nutini “Last Request” – Last Totally Travis. Well, I thought this was my brilliant idea, but actually, this song was used on the last season of AU, choreographed by Paul White and Anthony Ikin. Check it out:

They could totally just have this routine on Season 7. Lauren and Kent. Lauren and Billy.

6. Kate Earl’s “Cry Sometimes” – Cry Nappytabs or, strangely, Mandy Moore

7. James Morrison’s “Better Man” – Better Travis again. Or Mia. Or Stacey Tookey.

8. Sydney Wayser’s “Ghost Song” – Darn. It’s not available on iTunes. Her other song “Carousel” Carousel is, though. Anyway, I envision jazz by Sonya or even maybe some funky neo Broadway by Joey Dowling. Or crazy crazy by Wade. Check out the YouTube video below (and download the song for free from Daytrotter).

9. My Brightest Diamond’s “Apples” – Apples Either Wade or Mia.

10. Eminem ft. Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie” – Love Lil’ C or Shane Sparks. I just heard this song coming home from work today. I usually don’t like rap or hip-hop very much. But this one shook me. I’d love to see what either of these choreographers made of it.

So, I challenge you. What songs do YOU suggest for the show??

July 19, 2010 I Written By

SYTYCD S7 Top 7 Performance Music

Here’s hoping there’s some GRRRRRREAT music tonight, as there has been before in the season. With Alex eliminated due to injury last week and Ashley sitting out due to a broken rib tonight, music is pretty much the only thing this season’s got going for it…

Dancer: Lauren Froderman
All-Star: Mark Kanemura
Style: Tahitian dance
Choreographer: Tiana Liufau
Song: Last Voices’ “Jungle” – Jungle

Dancer: Adechike Torbert
All-Star: Anya Garnis
Style: Salsa
Choreographer: Liz Leary
Song: Eddie Palmieri’s “Oyelo Que Te Conviene” – Oyelo

Dancer: Jose Ruiz
All-Star: Courtney Galliano
Style: Broadway
Choreographer: Joey Dowling
Song: John C. Reilly’s “Mister Cellophane” from “Chicago” – Mister

Dancer: Robert Roldan
All-Star: Allison Holker
Style: Travis Wall
Choreographer: Contemporary
Song: Coldplay’s “Fix You” – Fix

Dancer: Billy Bell
All-Star: Anya Garnis
Style: Jive
Choreographer: Louis van Amstel
Song: Meatloaf’s “Paradise By the Dashboard Light” – Paradise

Dancer: Kent Boyd
All-Star: Neil Haskell
Style: Broadway
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: “Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo” from Damn Yankees – Shoeless

Dancers: Billy Bell and Lauren Froderman
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Mandy Moore
Song: KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Boogie Shoes” – Boogie

Dancers: Jose Ruiz and Dominic Sandoval
Style: Breakdancing
Choreographer: Nappytabs
Song: District 78’s “Battle for the Beat” – Battle

Dancers: Kent Boyd and Adechike Torbert
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Dee Caspary
Song: Tom McRae’s “You Only Disappear” – You

Dancers:Robert and Kathryn (for Ashley)
Style: Disco
Choreographer: Doreana Sanchez
Song: Dan Hartman’s “Instant Replay” – Instant

You can check out all Season 7’s music here.

July 14, 2010 I Written By

SYTYCD S7 Top 7 Discussion

With Alex out of the competition and with Ashley out of the dancing tonight due to a broken rib (can she come back next week with that?!?!), I just don’t know about the rest of this season. My favorites are dropping like flies. They better bring back some amazing All-Stars to make me feel better. And I hear that  Louis Van Amstel, Dmitry Chaplin AND Travis Wall are choreographing tonight, which makes me happy. The only way things on the choreography front could be better is if Wade’s doing the group number tomorrow…

Oh, here’s the place for all your thoughts going into tonight’s show, by the way.

I Written By

Who Wants to Talk Emmys?!!

So I know that the Emmy nominations don’t come out for another month, but Mollee Gray tweeted yesterday that her waltz with Jakob was nominated (I think she meant it’s been submitted for a nomination) but it got me thinking, for as much flack as seasons 5 and 6 have gotten in comparison to the first 4 seasons, there have been some incredible pieces that deserve recognition. Since 5 and 6 occurred during the same television season, there will most likely be a combination of nominations for both. Here are the pieces I’d love to see nominated:

Jason and Jeanine “If It Kills Me” Travis Wall-this was Travis’s coming out party as a choreographer, with Jeanine and Jason as the hosts.

Jakob and Kathryn “At This Moment” Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson-it was a crime that these 2 legends weren’t nominated in season 4 for Imagine with Katee and Will, good thing they hit the jackpot again with Kathryn and Jakob. As with Imagine, there was no backstory, but you don’t need one, the dancing speaks for itself.

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June 4, 2010 I Written By

Returning for Season 7

Louis Van Amstel. He tweeted this yesterday: As far as i know i WILL BE part of SYTYCD this coming season.
Im actually really looking fwd to this season
This is news I like for obvious reason that Louis is an amazing ballroom choreographer. Also it gives me hope that maybe we could see Dmitry, Lacey, or Chelsie. So welcome back Louis can’t wait to see what you will bring to season 7.

May 28, 2010 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