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Phillip’s SYTYCD Exit Interview

This came from the same site as my previous post. Bianca was too upset to do an interview.

Again my heart goes out to him and his family.

November 4, 2009 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.

SYTYCD Top 18 Performance Thoughts

We still don’t get to vote this week – next week, we’ll get a full meal of SYTYCD – Tuesday performance show and Wednesday result show. I’m still a little glad that the judges are making the tough early decisions. We’ll see if they make the right one (unlike last week…)

Here are some of my thoughts from tonight’s show [SOME SPOILERS]: Read more..

November 3, 2009 I Written By

SYTYCD Top 18 Performance/Elimination Show Music

I can’t wait to see what phenomenal routines and music the Top 18 show brings. If you missed anything from earlier episodes, check out the previous SYTYCD season 6 music.

SYTYCD Season 6 Top 18 Couples Music

Jamal Sims tennis hip hop (Noelle & Russell): “Move, Shake, Drop” DJ Laz, Flo Rida & Casely - Category 6 - Move Shake Drop Remix-DJ Laz, Flo Rida, Cassley

Tony & Melanie’s wedding dance/Viennese waltz (Ashleigh & Jakob): “At Last” Etta James - At Last! (Remastered) - At Last-Etta James

Tyce Diorio’s filled with God Broadway (Bianca & Victor): “Maybe God Is Tryin to Tell You Somethin'” – from The Color Purple (not on iTunes, but try this version San Francisco Gay Mens Chorus & Transcendence Gospel Choir & Transcendence Gospel Choir - Oh, Happy Day - Maybe God's Trying to Tell You Something from The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and Transcendence Gospel Choir)

Nakul Dev Mahajan’s cinematic Bollywood routine (Mollee & Nathan): “Azeem O Shaan Shahensha” A. R. Rahman - Jodhaa Akbar - Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah-Jodhaa Akbar

Tony & Melanie’s samba (Channing & Phillip): “Maracatu Funk” Samba Squad - Batuque - Maracatu Funk-The Samba Squad

Nappytabs’ entirely unsubtle (and awesome!) hip hop (Karen & Kevin): “Ice Cream Paint Job” Dorrough - Ice Cream Paint Job - Single - Ice Cream Paint Job-Dorrough

Stacey Tookey’s contemporary “fear” routine (Kathryn & Legacy): “2 Steps Away” Patti LaBelle - Timeless Journey - 2 Steps Away-Patti LaBelle

Wade Robson’s Van Gogh’s torment jazz routine (Pauline & Peter): “Little Green Bag” George Baker Selection - Reservoir Dogs (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Little Green Bag-George Baker Selection

Miriam & Leonardo Argentine tango (Elleanore & Ryan): “Violentango” Astor Piazzolla - Libertango - Violentango-Astor Piazolla

SYTYCD Season 6 Top 18 Solo Music
Read more..

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TAP on SYTYCD

Sometimes the can be so many misconceptions on what some of the dancers can or cannot do. I know that they are classified into one category which for some of these dancers it’s completely unfair. Contemporary dancers are some of the most well rounded dancers. They typically have studied every style of dance (with the exception of ballroom and maybe a few other styles). If they grew up in a dance studio chances are they took jazz, tap, ballet and lyrical/contemporary classes. That being said they have most likely chosen their favorite style to classify themselves. Fun fact in the tour program Evan said that he always has his TAP shoes with him. Kathryn can tap as well…I took at the same studio she did…that’s how I know.

I also think tap dancers are also misunderstood. I don’t think anyone who hasn’t danced know what it takes to be a tap dancer. Here is what Wikipedia has to say about tap dance and its technique:

“Tap dancers make frequent use of syncopation. Choreography typically starts on the eighth or first beatcount. Another aspect of tap dancing is improvisation. This can either be done with music and follow the beats provided or without musical accompaniment, otherwise known as a cappella dancing. Hoofers are tap dancers who dance primarily with their legs, making a louder, more grounded sound. This kind of tap dancing, also called “rhythm tap”, came primarily from cities or poor areas. Today this is not the case, especially with such a wide variety of styles spreading throughout the world. Steve Condos rose out of his humble beginnings in Pittsburgh, PA to become a master in rhythmic tap. His innovative style influenced the work of Gregory Hines, Savion Glover and Marshall Davis, Jr. The majority of hoofers, such as Sammy Davis Jr., Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, and LaVaughn Robinson are African American men, although today the art form transcends racial and gender stereotypes. Savion Glover is the best-known living hoofer, who helped bring tap dance into mainstream media by choreographing and dancing for the major motion picture Happy Feet, a film about a tap dancing penguin. Another well-known tap film is 1989’s Tap, starring the late Gregory Hines and many of the old-time hoofers. Early dancers like Fred Astaire provided a more ballroom look to tap dancing, while Gene Kelly used his extensive ballet training to make tap dancing incorporate all the parts of the ballet. This style of tap led to what is today known as “Broadway style,” which is more mainstream in American culture. It often involves high heeled tap shoes and show music, and is usually the type of tap first taught to beginners. The best examples of this style are found in Broadway musicals such as 42nd Street. Common tap steps include the shuffle, shuffle ball change, flap, flap heel, cramproll, buffalo, Maxi Ford, single and double pullbacks, wings, Cincinnati, the shim sham shimmy (also called the Lindy), Irish, Waltz Clog, the paddle and roll, stomp, brushes, scuffs, and single and double toe punches, hot steps, heel clicks, single, double and triple time steps, riffs, over-the-tops, military time step, new yorkers, and chugs. In advanced tap dancing, basic steps are often combined together to create new steps.”

Tap is the first dance class I ever took and I have loved it ever since. That is why I’m excited about the tap dancers to be on the show. On the meet the top 20 we saw more of a Broadway style of tap dance. They have little time to learn a routine so sometimes they have to go with the more simplistic choreography. They not only have to dance the same but they also have to sound the same…which isn’t always easy. Plus for the show their taps have microphones attached to them so we can hear them at home. Each of the tap dancers represents a different from of tap. Phillip for me reminds me of a mix of Gene Kelly and Gregory Hines. He is more Broadway to me, very light on his feet, though he is able to transition into the rhythm tap. Bianca and Peter are the Rhythm tappers. They stay low to the ground. I have to admit I was kind of hoping that they wouldn’t be choreographed just to let them improvise and work together to create something. Nigel is right they look cool calm and collected from the waist up and their feet moving really fast. I could go on and on but I won’t I thought Wikipedia explains tap better than I could but if you guys have anymore questions, I will try to answer them the best I can.

November 2, 2009 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.

Top 20 Performance Thoughts

I don’t want to say the words jump and shark, I really don’t, but I just don’t know about this season right now. Between the GIANT new stage and the camera angle limitations, all of the injuries and illnesses (Billy Bell, Pauline Mata at Vegas, Noelle Marsh and Mia Michaels) and now this first elimination…

At first I was a bit relieved that the judges were making this first decision. But now that I felt they made it badly, I want my vote back.

Wait, let’s back up…

Cat was gorgeous tonight with her curls and her beautiful red dress. I’m sad that Billy’s gone, but I don’t mind seeing more of Brandon Dumlao.

I’m pleased by Channing and Phillip’s chemistry in the jive, but I can agree with Adam when he says they dropped character, especially near the end. Some of it was a bit awkward and we could see it coming a mile away. But I’m excited to see what’s next for them. It seems like a solid first performance.

Ashleigh seemed a bit sweeter in her interview package and I thought her “sultry Broadway” with Jakob was better than I thought it would be. But my mom made a really good point when she suggested that Ashleigh’s only as strong as her partner. Which is great when she’s dancing with Jakob…but he is outdancing her.

I was pleased with Ariana and Peter. According to that Buddy TV slideshow, they were one of the potential worst couples, but I was immediately excited they were dancing together. They have great personalities and are both adorable. I really like the Nappytabs hip hop routine. Then the judges are pretty tough on them, which makes me nervous.

It was really too bad that Noelle couldn’t dance that foxtrot with Russell – they would’ve been so cute. I thought he did an amazing job with Melanie. And Nigel says that Russell is an example of why he stresses that kids should experience dance in school.

You know who really surprised me? Bianca in her Travis Wall contemporary with Victor. Amazing! Perhaps she has issues with her head, shoulders, knees and toes as Adam suggested, but they had wonderful chemistry together and I think they’ll continue to bring out the best in each other. That one move where Victor lowered her behind his back was stunning. Beautiful.

Karen and Kevin did a really good cha cha, though there were some really awkward transitions. Their personalities and chemistry really carried the routine, though, and Mary put Karen ont he hot tamale train – though Kevin’s just standing on the platform at the moment. Adam had that great comment about “and that’s not usually my thing” about Karen’s smoking hotness. 🙂

So I didn’t get the Elleanor and Ryan Sonya piece the way everyone else did. Maybe I need to watch it again. It definitely had its moments and I was so pleasantly surprised by their chemistry together. Elleanor hasn’t been standing out for a lot of people, so I’m glad if this does the trick for her.

I was pleased by Pauline and Brandon’s smooth waltz. Jason Gilkison said he wanted to do a “young waltz” and I think he did a great job with the movement (the judges compared it unfavorably to a prom dance), but a horrible choice with the song. The Whitney song is good, but not a “young” song. I thought the two of them did a great job, especially considering they had far less time than the others to prepare.

Kathryn and Legacy did a great Dave Scott hip hop. And Legacy is a lucky joker, for sure. It’s pretty unfair how many chances this guy gets and I really don’t think he’s going to do much earthshattering. BUT, this routine was pretty awesome and I’m so glad Kathryn got a chance to shine. She was better than him, though, and this is closer to his style.  I loved that she pounded her chest at the end. 🙂

Like Adam, I generally don’t like disco. My mom and I go back and forth on this cause she loves it. It’s just not my thing. Yet…I LOVED this disco routine. For the first time, disco has felt relevant to me and not just cheesy. Mollee and Nathan are so good together and the perfect couple for something this high-energy and youthful.

I was pretty much in shock when the judges announced the bottom 2 girls and the bottom 2 guys to dance. I loved Ariana and I don’t want her there. Why not Ashleigh? Nigel’s highest compliment to her was that if she keeps not messing up, she can ride Jakob’s coattails for a while. Clearly, she’s only a strong as her partner. And after Nigel’s comments about Russell earlier, WHY is he in the bottom 2? It doesn’t make any sense. As much as I love Channing, I’d understand her and Phillip being in the bottom 2 more than these choices. Brandon’s kinda a gimme, though very mean.

The solos are pretty awesome, all of them. I particularly liked Russell’s and had a good feeling he’d be safe. I’m mildly appeased that Nigel’s going to “try” to change the rules so that Brandon can come back next season (hopefully Billy gets the same chance), but I get the feeling Brandon kinda knew this was coming and he was just subbing for a bit more dance experience. He was very gracious.

I just do NOT understand why Ariana went home tonight. I didn’t want Pauline to go, either, but I love Ariana and I do feel like she’s danced stronger than Pauline so far. While I hate the idea of Noelle leaving because of her injury (hey, maybe she’ll get a chance to come back next season too, while we’re handing out maybes), I’d love for Ariana to come back in her place if that turns out to be the case.

Big breath. Well, what do y’all think?

October 27, 2009 I Written By

Top 20 Power Rankings Live

Top 6:

3 Girls – Ariana, Channing and Karen

3 Guys – Nathan, Billy (except…) and Jakob

Middle 8:

4 Girls -Mollee, Noelle, Elleanor and Pauline

4 Guys – Ryan, Peter, Russell and Kevin

Bottom 6:

3 Girls – Ashleigh, Bianca (ducks all the flying objects), and Kathryn (ducking again – sorry Amanda)

3 Guys – Legacy, Phillip and Victor

I think Ashleigh and Legacy will be the ones cut.

7:45 p.m. update: Half the couples have danced, let’s see if any of my thoughts last night have changed. Victor is definitely out of the bottom 3 guys!! Let’s move him to the top. But who does he oust? Ashleigh did better with Jakob than I thought she would, but I still think she’s in danger. She pulls too many faces and it’s kinda clear she’s only as good as her partner – and while her partners are phenomenal, she does a’right. I don’t think Bianca’s gonna be in the bottom – not after that great Travis Wall. More about that later. I really loved Ariana and Peter, but if we get some great routines, I think they’ll probably be about the middle till they get more props from the judges. It’s too bad Noelle couldn’t dance that great Foxtrot with Russell.

8:25 p.m. update: Wow, the Legacy and Kathryn pairing really surprised me! Pauline and Brandon did very well and everyone loved Elleanore and Ryan’s (I’m undecided). Karen distracted everybody from Kevin a bit, but he did a pretty good job of holding his own. I’m so confused!!! One more couple before they cut a  girl and a guy and now, I just don’t know. They’re doing a good job of acting like everybody’s gonna be around next week – it sounds convincing every time. I think maybe Ashleigh’s still in danger. Maybe Pauline (no!). Maybe Noelle because of the injury. As for the guys – Legacy just represented pretty well and he was my best bet to go. They wouldn’t send Brandon home would they – he did a phenomenal job for a day and a half preparation. What do y’all think?

8:40 p.m. update: Oh no!!! The four dancing solos are Ariana, Brandon, Pauline and Russell. NOT a good decision! I have to say, Ariana is one of my favorites, so as much as I like Pauline… and I have a feeling it’s Brandon going, not Russell. Russell had an amazing performance, so I don’t understand that at all. What do y’all say?

8:52 p.m. update: No, it’s Ariana going home. Worst decision ever.

8:55 p.m. update: They cut Brandon, which makes sense because of Russell, but is a little bit of a cheat. They’re going to try to change the rules so that Brandon can come back next season.

I’m really upset about Ariana.

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Top 20 Power Ranking (HA!)

How am I gonna rank the Top 20 without seeing a regular performance show?!? Do you think I’m as crazy as I’m starting to think I am for even offering to try? Lol. I’ll have to update this tomorrow as the show goes, but I don’t think I’ll have enough time to get a power ranking up tomorrow before they cut two dancers unless I put something up now.

Top 6:

3 Girls – Ariana, Channing and Karen

3 Guys – Nathan, Billy (except…) and Jakob

Middle 8:

4 Girls -Mollee, Noelle, Elleanor and Pauline

4 Guys – Ryan, Peter, Russell and Kevin

Bottom 6:

3 Girls – Ashleigh, Bianca (ducks all the flying objects), and Kathryn (ducking again – sorry Amanda)

3 Guys – Legacy, Phillip and Victor

I think Ashleigh and Legacy will be the ones cut. They’re my least favorite, but I think they’re the least versatile and interesting and the least liked.

My criteria? What else can I go on except for gut instinct? Well, I am also thinking of some of what I’ve read on the Internet and in the comments of this site as we’ve gotten to this point. And their performances in their own style, the judges’ reactions to them.

I predict that there are going to be a lot of re-pairings due to cuts (one dancer in a couple goes home, the other is safe). I don’t think this is going to be a season where most of the couples stay together all the way to Top 10…though the best two or three couples probably will.

I’d love to know how the couples were picked. Check out this BuddyTV.com slideshow I found that puts together the “best” and “worst” potential couples. **SPOILER ALERT** Four of their “worst” couples are dancing together tomorrow night (according to Margaret’s spoilers, which I think are probably accurate): Bianca & Victor, Ariana & Peter, Channing & Phillip and Kathryn & Legacy (Season 6’s “criers,” as they call them. But FIVE of their “best” couples are dancing together tomorrow night: Karen & Kevin, Mollee & Nathan (YES!), Noelle & Russell, Channing & Phillip and Elleanor & Ryan.

What do y’all think?

October 26, 2009 I Written By

Meet the Top 20 Thoughts

Wow, what a great show! Adam Shankman said it best, I think when he talked about growing on the show and if this is where these Top 20 start, “what do you become?” Brilliant show.

First, Wade Robson’s routines are pretty much always my favorites. I don’t think there’s ever been a routine of his I haven’t liked. I love the collaborations with his wife Amanda. But the dancers just made this routine something truly special. Right away, we have a highly memorable (Emmy-worthy?) routine on the very first episode. Sheesh. Nathan really stood out to me in this one, but I thought they were all phenomenal. And was that Lady GaGa in the audience as they gave the routine a standing ovation?

I liked the Nappytabs hip hop with Russell, Kevin and Legacy, but it was probably one of my least favorite of the night and I still haven’t warmed up to Legacy. Don’t know that I will, though if he surprises me, I’ll be the first to say it.

Tyce’s routine with Nathan, Ariana, Channing and Jakob was amazing. Looooved it. Especially Ariana’s jump into Nathan’s arms. It was a great song and a great routine.

Really loved it when Cat said, “How are we going to send anyone home this season?” Really. I’m glad the first few decisions are the judges’ to make. But I hope they make the right decisions. 🙂

The tappers. I love Bianca, Peter and Phillip and I can appreciate that tap is tough. But…I thought this routine was kinda boring. The parts where they were encouraged to show their personality were awesome, but I didn’t think “Take the A Train” was a great song for tap. I liked how Derick K. Grant said, that “good tap is like a good kung fu movie.” Maybe I’m underestimating tap dancing…but why couldn’t they expect dancers to pick up *some* tap in order to do a routine, especially with a tap partner? Caitlin and Jason did Bollywood their first week and Ade did a classical ballet routine with Melissa, all last season. And these are good dancers. Would tap be tougher for these dancers than for example, a hip hop dancer having to learn ballroom?

While I liked Sonya Tayeh’s jazz with Mollee, Elleanore and Pauline, it felt very reminiscent (sometimes in a bad way) of last season’s “Superheroine” routine with the top 3 girls. Watch it again and tell me I’m wrong. I liked all three of them and I agreed with Adam that Mollee had “graduated from High School Musical” and danced like a woman. And I do agree with Sonya that confidence is sexy. I love Sonya and I love these three girls, so I hate to pick on the routine.

Mandy Moore’s contemporary with Billy, Noelle, Kathryn and Victor was fun, had a 5o’s vibe and was very fast and clearly difficult. But kinda boring. Victor and Noelle had an awkward lift at one point, I thought.

I’m not the biggest fan of the DiLellos, but I really liked their Jason Gilkison samba with Karen. The fact that she held her own with a couple who’s been dancing together for years really impressed me. It was really sexy and fun.

Is it just me, or did they NOT announce the couples! I think we’ll have to depend on Margaret’s spoilers.

It’s kinda a shot in the dark, but I’m going to take a stab at a Power Ranking since a boy and girl will be kicked off by the judges after they perform tomorrow. Maybe I’ll even make live annotations during tomorrow’s show. If you’re good.

I hope all of you will chime in, too. John? Amanda? Margaret?

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Top 20 “Meet the Dancers” show and Couples Spoilers!

On the eve of the “meet the top 20” show (an awesome idea I must say), I have uncovered some spoilers about the show and about the top 20 couples!

p.s. thanks to Emilie for putting up the schedule for the first few weeks of the show. additionally, and I cringe as I write this as an anti-Yankees baseball fan, thank the Yankees for wrapping up their series last night. If they had lost, game 7 would have been tonight instead of SYTYCD!

**warning, these are spoilers!!**

Read more..

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