Finally, the first two-hour show of the season and they gave all the dancer a challenge. Two dances with their partner, a group dance, a solo, and they had six days to prepare for show day. I’m really glad that Dominic pointed this out because I think it probably forgotten by some how little time they have to make sure their performance is as close to perfect as they can get it.
Bailey & Mariah: I think for most part they are still the couple to beat and unless they completely bomb next week, we will see them in the top four. Their contemporary was good and fun to see how Mandy and Elizabeth incorporated a big stage prop in their choreography. Their cha-cha was good to but you could tell that Bailey did struggle with the lifts.
Gino & Sophie: They were a new pairing and they also had a the two new choreographers Monday night. Gino and Sophie are my other pick to make the final four. I loved the contemporary by KC Monnie, it was beautifully danced by Sophie and Gino but I do wish Gino wasn’t on the props as much as he was. The jazz was fun and a nice throw back to Elvis, Gino seemed to be able to channel his inner Elvis.
Ezra & Madison: Hands down these two had the hardest dance of the night with the Argentine Tango and they managed to pull it off with flying colors. Which makes me happy their hip hop was first, and it was nice to see the fun light-hearted side of Madison. For whatever reason these two aren’t connecting with the audience, which is why we saw them in the bottom two this week
Benjamin & Anna: I feel like I understand why they were the ones to go home Monday night. For whatever reason both of their dances left me wanting more. Like Nigel, I found myself comparing their Tahitian dance to one for a past season. The broadway on the other hand was good but I think it was too understated for a top 8 performance.
Now that we are getting down to the last few episodes of the season there is a good chance that the top 4 will be solely based on the viewers votes.
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.
After a busy two days, I was finally able to get caught up with this weeks episode. I enjoyed Mia’s opening number but not my favorite of hers…I think my arms were tired from just watching them spin the fabric around their hands. The all-stars also return this week with a bit of requirement(well not really). All the participated in Monday’s episode, finished in the top 4 in their respective seasons. I was excited to see JaJa back, because if my memory is right, she is the only female hip hop dancer to make it to the top 4.
Also, it a few all-stars first time to choreograph for a live show, Jenna, Robert, and Comfort. I have to say enjoyed all of their dances and I hope we get to see them choreograph again for the show. If had to pick a favorite of the three, Robert’s piece that Marko and Hannahlie performed was my favorite.
Other Favorites
Jay Jay & Lauren: Mandy delivered a great jazz number, that was entertaining to watch. It reminded of the type of jazz dance that I am used to seeing.
Hannahlie & Darius: These two definitely were able to find a connection with each other quickly after losing their partner last week. It’s a good thing the did, because I don’t think that the Argentine Tango would have worked as well as it did.
Both group dances were good this week but the girls may have edged out to the guys for me but not by much.
The fan vote surprised this week in the top 4 reveal…in the sense that it wasn’t the top 2 guy and top 2 girls. Jensen, Hannahlie, Genessey, and Slavik are this seasons top 4. Sad to see Jay Jay and Darius go…I did’t not see that coming. I thought Jay Jay would have been in the top 4.
Next week will be the performance part of the finale and vote from this week and next week will determine the winner of this season.
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.
Spoilers ahead
Of course week two we get a more information of how this season will go so far. So they will be pulling style out of the hat…glad they will be challenge with other style of dance. Also at the end of the show the bottom three will be revealed and then the Judges decides who will go…let’s hope that this will only last till the top five. Love the disco vibes in the beginning of the show and Cat looks stunning as always and she seems to like having the cat walks back an interacting with the audience more.
Mark & Comfort: Ray Leeper: Jazz
Anyone else reminded of Dominic( D-Trix) when it comes to Mark. It’s nice to see Mark can be serious and learn the dances. I didn’t really care for the choreography that much but I thought it was perform well. I think they are one of the stronger partnerships in the show.
Lex & Gaby: Miriam & Leonardo: Argentine Tango
I feel like Miriam and Leonardo always bring out the best in the dancers that they work with. I enjoyed this dance though Lex and Gaby were great. Mary wanted there to be more chemistry…which I can understand…they might have been think about the steps more and lost a little bit of their connection.
Kiki & Jenna: Luther Brown: Hip Hop
I will say this it was a vast improvement compared to his fail during Academy. I liked Luther’s concept but felt like Jenna should have been dress as Harley Quinn. While I enjoyed seeing a different side of Kiki…seeing him take on a character. However…not sure if it will be enough this week to keep him safe.
Sydney & Paul: Jaci Royal: Comtemporary
Everything was better this week. I feel like contemporary suits her better than ballroom. Happy Sydney seemed to have a break through tonight. Sometimes even the simplest choreography with a good story makes all the difference in the world.
Logan & Allison: Brian Friedman: Jazz
My only complaint about this dance is that it took too long to get Logan dancing. Again he is a technically great dancer but there is just something missing. I had thought it would be different with Allison back but I was still left underwhelmed.
Kaylee & Cyrus: Pharside and Pheonix: Hip Hop
Another couple that was an improvement after last week. I love that hip hop seems to be Kaylee’s other strength. I like the fact they also seem to change Nigel’s opinion too.
Taylor & Robert: Al Blackstone: Broadway
Classic Hollywood of the 1940s brought into the present. I loved that Taylor and Robert made this dance look effortless. Nigel made a big statement tonight by saying that they are the couple to beat.
Koine & Marko: Sean Cheesman: African Jazz
From the moment Sean said the secret life of insects…I knew it would be an interesting dance. That head dress at the beginning was beautiful but I knew that had to go away. This whole dance was just fascinating to watch…the partnering was fantastic. Cat putting on the head dress after was great just one of the reasons why I love her.
Robert & Jasmine: Stacey Tookey: Contemporary
I feel like this routine is different than what I am used to seeing from Stacey. I felt like Robert did a good job but he could have done better.
Dassy & FikShun: Nakul: Bollywood
There was a little bit of a stumble that I didn’t see at first…after re-watching I saw Dassy just fell out of the lift a little bit. So I don’t think anyone is at fault just a rough transition. This style really allowed us to see Dassy personality even more.
Bottom Three: Logan, Sydney, and Robert.
In the end the judges decided that Robert would be the one leaving tonight.
Thoughts? Favorite dance? Who will be in danger next week? Let me know what you think and I will have my thoughts on who is safe vs in danger up by Wednesday night.
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.
Here are my live thoughts and a space for you to start and join in on the discussion. Spoiler space since I’ll be talking live and relatively uncensored…
Well…on the discussion post, I said that I might have to flip back and forth between the SYTYCD finale and the first Saints pre-season game. Well, the good news is that I won’t have to flip back and forth. The bad news is that my local FOX channel has pre-empted the SYTYCD finale in order to show the first Saints pre-season game. I won’t be able to see the show till 10:30 local time.
You have to understand that little else matters in New Orleans during football season. We love our Saints. Though, I’m a little ticked off with them at the moment.
My mom lives in Atlanta, so she’s gonna help me out with the music. If you can see the show and would like to help me, please do. 🙂
Top 3 Group Routine:
Choreographer: Christopher Scott from LXD
Song: My mom says it was Nation Lanier’s “Ra,” but I can’t find them on iTunes, so help me out if we got it wrong. Ha! Marianya just said it’s NATHAN Lanier’s “Ra,” which isn’t on iTunes, so try is “Invisible Children Theme” – instead. I know it’s not the same, but enjoy anyway. 🙂
Kenny Ortega’s Chosen Dance:
Dancer: Kent Boyd
All-Star: Neil Haskell
Style: Broadway
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: “Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo” from Damn Yankees –
Nigel’s Chosen Dance:
Dancer: Billy Bell
All-Star: Ade Obayami
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Stacey Tookey
Song: Michael Andrews ft. Gary Jules’s “Mad World” –
Professional Performance:
Dancer: Quest Crew!!!
Song: Caravan Palace’s “Suzy” –
The crazy love and smooching montage was to “Love.” I’m not quite sure who the singer is, but maybe Keyshia Cole . Our commenter Natasha pointed out that it’s L-O-V-E by Joss Stone –
Dancer: Kent Boyd
All-Star: Anya Garnis
Style: Cha Cha
Choreographer: Jean Marc and France Genereux
Song: 3OH!3 ft. Ke$ha’s “My First Kiss” – , which was on my predicted music list.
Tyce’s Chosen Dance:
Dancer: Robert Roldan
All-Star: Dominic Sandoval
Style: Hip hop
Choreographer: Nappytabs
Song: Basement Jaxx ft. Kelis, Meleka and Chipmunk’s “Scars” –
Dance Day Recap:
Music: Flo Rida ft. David Guetta’s “Club Can’t Handle Me” –
Guest Performers:
Tappers: Luke Spring and the Manzari Brothers
Professional Performance:
Dancers: Season 6 winner Russell Ferguson and Lil C
Song: Buckmouth’s “Hazardous” – which I haven’t found on iTunes yet
Mary Murphy’s Chosen Dance
Dancer: Jose Ruiz
All-Star: Dominic Sandoval
Style: Breakdancing
Choreographer: Nappytabs
Song: District 78’s “Battle for the Beat” –
Professional Performance:
Dancers: SYTYCD UK Season 1 winner Charlie Bruce and Neil Haskell
Choreographer: Mandy Moore
Song: Celine Dion’s “I Surrender” –
She and Drew danced this on SYTYCD UK, but I loved seeing her dance it with Neil, I have to say.
3rd Place goes to: Robert
Song: The Undeserving’s “Something to Hope For” –
Cat’s Chosen Dance: (?)
Dancer: Alex Wong
All-Star: Allison Holker
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Song: Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” –
Stacey’s Chosen Dance:
Dancers: Billy Bell and Robert Roldan
Style: Bollywood
Choreographer: Nakul dev Mahajan
Song: “Ganesh” – from “Bombay Dreams”
Mia’s Chosen Dance:
Dancer: Kent Boyd
All-Star: Neil Haskell
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Song: DeVotchka’s “How It Ends” –
Musical Performance: Black Gold with Season 7’s elimination song “Shine” –
Check out this cute video of them rehearsing for the show:
Everybody’s Chosen Dance:
All-Stars: Twitch Boss and Ellen Degeneres
Style: Hip-hop
Choreographer: NappyTabs
Song: Lil Jon ft. LM*AO’s “Outta Your Mind” –