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SYTYCD: The Winner Is…

BAILEY! Which I can say I am not surprised and I think he absolutely deserved to win. It was during the Academy that Bailey really caught my attention. During the contemporary round he danced from his heart and he showed more emotion than some of the seasoned contemporary dancers. It was the live shows where I saw him soar…you can tell he worked hard to learn the dances. It was obvious that he was the fan favorite…and it was a very cute moment that Cat allowed him to read his own name.

Gino, Sophie, and Mariah, all three were also deserving of the title. I look forward to seeing the top 10 on tour this fall. While season 17 isn’t a guarantee yet, but it seems that Nigel wants to find a way to bring back the top 20. I hope that the higher-ups can find a way to make this happen.

September 18, 2019 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 4 Finale Performance

As usual the performance part of the finale was a night full of dancing. I did love the opening number from Mandy Moore, that was inspired by the musical/movie Cats. The final four were paired up in every way possible…which turned out to be four dances each plus a solo. I think they all were fantastic but I have a feeling who is the fan favorite. 

I loved that we got to see a switch up with the partners and they got difficult styles to perform.

Mariah & Gino: I don’t remember the last time we saw a quick step but I know it has been awhile. Sharna and Artem created a fun but difficult quick step. Side note DWTS is crazy to let these two go. I thought Mariah and Gino did this dance justice. It may not have been perfect technique wise but the performance quality made up for it.

Sophie & Bailey: They had a Bollywood routine. This style always seems somewhat difficult because of the details, like the placement of the hands. I have to disagree with Nigel, I really enjoyed they dance and thought they danced it well. 

The performance of the night for me was the contemporary that Sophie and all-star Marco performed. I hope that Talia will nominated for an Emmy next year. The lifts were breathtaking…especially that first one. Sophie just completely let go and trusted Marco and danced from her heart.

Overall, I enjoyed all the dances. Now who will win and as cliché as it sounds they all could win. There was some chanting going on in the studio audience for one dancer…Bailey…based on that alone, I think he will win. We will have to wait till next week to find out.

September 10, 2019 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 10 to Top 8

*Rain & satellite tv don’t go well together missed who went home and had to wait till spoilers on the inter webs posted.

Okay can we just hand Travis Wall another Emmy…seriously though that opening number was incredible. It also had a powerful message and I look forward to seeing it on the tour. Last night each couple got the chance to dance again and a bottom four was revealed and the judges decided which two to save. 

Gino & Stephanie: Jive, Emma & Sasha

A high energy performance with plenty of personality. An improvement from last week. The judges enjoyed it and so did I. I almost didn’t recognize Gino with his hair done.

Eddie & Sophie: Contemporary, Travis Wall

This piece was had a lot of partner work and Eddie stepped up and was there for Sophie. It was nice to see Eddie improve compared to last week. Overall I enjoyed the dance and it made me like the song a little bit better too.

Benjamin & Anna: Hip hop, Randi & Hef

So many sparkles and if the light hits it the right way does not sound fun for the eyes of the audience. That aside, I love seeing Anna in her element and I found myself watching her over Benjamin (who was great as well). I love when they stay in character after the dance as well.

Ezra & Madison: Jazz, Ray Leeper

I love and good steamy/sensual routine and these two knocked it out of the park. Madison is a power house and Ezra is a not only a great partner but quite a good dancer himself. Though Dominic commenting on his favorite part had me giggling but I agree with him it was a nice moment.

Bailey & Mariah: Hip hop, Luther Brown

Honestly I have no words for these two. I mean the definitely brought the “sauce”. The couple to beat.

Bottom Four: Eddie, Ezra, Anna, and Stephanie

Going Home: Eddie and Stephanie. Hate seeing them go but someone has to be first.

August 20, 2019 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 10 Perform

It was the first live show of the season and I thought surely we would get a two-hour show, but I was wrong. The opening dance was a fun way to introduce the dancers and probably time-saving as well. Essential each of the dancers had three chances to prove themselves: the opening dance, the dance with their partner, and the group dances. As always these are just my opinions on the dances please feel free to tell me you favorite dance of the night.

Bailey & Mariah: Jazz, Mandy Moore

It might have been somewhat of an obvious pairing due to Bailey’s height but it was a great one. I love the song choice (which I have danced to in the past). I loved the beach theme…though I might have put Mariah in red. Overall it was a fun and sassy to watch. I have a feeling these two will go far.

Gino & Stephanie: Hip hop, Luther Brown

Honestly I had to watch this one twice because I missed what the concept was about. It fell a bit flat for me, it was danced well but I felt like something was missing. Even the Judges had mixed reactions.

Anna & Benjamin: Cha Cha, Emma Slater & Sasha Farber

Let me say I loved the fact the first thing they did was come up with a team name. Second, Emma and Sasha prove again that they are amazing teachers. I love the dance and they seemed to be having fun themselves. Agree that Anna needs to point her feet.

Madison & Ezra: Contemporary, Talia Favia

Talia created a beautiful piece that Madison was able to connect to and we got to see her softer side. I was Dominic’s favorite dance of the night. Ezra, was great too and prove that he is not only a good partner but also quick thinking. He was able to take a little mistake and make it seem like it was part of the dance.

Eddie & Sophie: Jazz, Brian Friedman 

Brian style tends to require the dancers to have to infuse a personality to match the choreography of the dance. Again it was danced well but felt bad for Eddie, Sophie out shined him in the dance.

Travis Wall and Luther Brown gave us great group dances and all the dancer seemed to dance well. There wasn’t anytime for Judges comments but I do feel like some of the dancers might have redeemed themselves in this round. However, will the home viewers take that in to the consideration when they voted. I hope so…I not looking forward to losing people next week.

August 14, 2019 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 10 Dancers

Over the past two episodes we got to see the top 20 perform with an all-star, to earn a spot in the top 10. Also, each contestant danced outside their comfort zone. Overall I thought most of them did well and there are a few(Nazz and Nathan) I hope come back next season(if there is one). Watching the performances did make me rethink some of my thoughts on who would be in the top 10. I had the hardest time trying pick which guys would make, cause I had 6 of them on my list. As always it reminds me that I am glad I am not a judge and don’t have to make the difficult decisions.

Top 5 Girls: Anna Linstruth, Madison Jordan, Stephanie Sosa, Mariah Russell, and Sophie Pittman

Top 5 Guys: Bailey Munoz, Benjamin Castro, Ezra Sosa, Gino Cosculluela, and Eddie Hoyt

August 7, 2019 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: Academy Week Top 20 Reveal

Monday night’s episode began with the continuation of the contemporary round, where a few more tough cuts were made. Including Jarrod Tyler Paulson but of course he is still supporting the girlfriend. 43 dancers survived the cuts to move on to the group round with Mandy Moore. Mandy came up with something different for this round. She took the choreography they had already learn and mixed it up and put it to a new song. The dancers also were split up into smaller groups for certain parts and could definitely see the stress of the competition starting to get to them.

After the group round came the final solo round…the last chance for the dancers to prove they should be in the top 20 and move on to the final cut. Gino, Sumi, Bailey, and Eddie had the featured solos for this episode. Eddie’s choice of footwear must have thrown him off his game since the strap came undone at the beginning of the dance. The top 10 girls and guys were finally revealed and consisted of 7 ballroom, 6 contemporary, 5 hip hop, and 2 tap dancers.

Top 10 Girls                                                           Top 10 Guys

Ashley Sanchez (Ballroom)                                  Bailey Munoz (B-Boy)

Anna Linstruth (Hip hop)                                      Brandon Talbot (Contemporary Ballet)

Sofia Ghavami (Ballroom)                                     Benjamin Castro (Contemporary)

Nazz Slydryan (Ballroom)                                     Ezra Sosa (Ballroom)

Madison Jordan (Contemporary)                        Vlad Kvartin (Ballroom)

Stephanie Sosa (Ballroom)                                  Nathan Cherry (Hip hop)

Sumi Oshima (Hip hop)                                        Aleksander Ostanin (Tap)

Mariah Russell (Contemporary)                          Gino Cosculluela (Contemporary)

Melany Mercedes (Salsa)                                    Bryan “Clocks” Volozanin (Hip hop)

Sophie Pittman (Contemporary)                         Eddie Hoyt (Tap)

Looking forward to seeing the contestants paired with an All Star next week and to see who will make the final cut to be in the Top 10 and move on to the live shows. I have a few guesses and curious to see if I am right.

July 24, 2019 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: Academy Week, Part One

Well that first Academy episode went by a little to fast and I had to re watch just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Now this is a personal opinion, I feel like the network has done this show a disservice shortening the length of the show by limiting the number of episode. It really doesn’t allow the viewers to connect with the dancers, unless they were featured in the first round of auditions. That being said, the first episode of the Academy didn’t disappoint with very challenging rounds for the dancers to take on. Nigel was probably the toughest judge that we saw during the show. The first three rounds were featured in this episode: Hip hop with Luther Brown, Ballroom with Emma Slater and Sasha Farber, and Contemporary with Talia Favia. 

Round One: Hip Hop (79 Dancers)

Luther gave us a hard-hitting routine that allows the dancers to inject their own personalities into the performance. I also agree with him when it comes to talking while he is trying to teach. The dancers have 90 minutes to learn these routines…I would be paying attention as closely as I could to each choreographer.

The only hip hop girls to make the academy were up first and one of them seemed to get a little bit flustered but they were given a second chance. The second chance was much better.

It’s really hard to see those struggle with picking up the choreo and that includes dancers from all styles. However it is also great to see the dancers succeed as well, like Jay Jackson being part of the best group. Sophie Pittman seemed to be worried while learning but shined when it came time to perform.

Laurieann’s reaction to Nigel being a bit harsh was amusing “You made it, run for your lives before he changes his mind…” By the end of day one a total of 10 dancers were cut.

Round Two: Ballroom

I love that Emma and Sasha are back and that they want to show the dancers what they created first. Wow…what a cha-cha. I was really cute to even see the ballroom dancers react to that last trick. Which was probably an optional thing due to the potential injuries if the trick went wrong.

The was a lot of debate after the first group to which D-Trix commented that when they did that his season, that it scared him. The entire group made it through but I understood their critiques.

The ballroom round turned out to be the end of the road for many dancers including  a few of my favorites (like Smac) from the first auditions.

Round Three: Contemporary

I feel like Talia created a piece that sums up this week of auditions. The dancers are at “war” fighting and crawling your way to the top 10. With not much time left in the episode we only saw a few clips of this round.

Unfortunately Jay Jackson, even though he had improved since last year, it wasn’t quite good enough. It had to sting a bit when Nigel said we will see you again. He quickly said that they wouldn’t because he is 30 and that is the cut off age for this show. 

The best group of the night was Bailey and John John, a b-boy and a hip hop dancer. They put their whole heart into that performance and show more emotion than some of the contemporary dancers.

Next episode will feature the group round with Mandy Moore and the Top 20 that will make it to the final cut to create the top 10 for the live shows.

July 17, 2019 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.

STYTCD: Season 16 Judges Auditions Part 5

It was the final night of the Judges auditions and another night of great dancing. Plus, some inspirational stories and a preview of the Academy.

Andrew Avila & Melany Mercedes: I enjoyed seeing the street style of salsa and those tricks were fun to watch. I am however more drawn to her as a performer.

Michael Sales: At the age of 15 he was ranked as one of the top 100 b-boys. That first jump trick was impressive. It might just be me but I feel like we’ve seen more b-boys this season.

Mariah Russell: I agree with Lauriann’s comments, she had a slow build to get to the heart of her routine. Mariah is a great dancer, she just needs to use her story to give more power to her movement.

Phoebe Kochis: Her story just made me happy and I hope she has inspired others like herself, teaching them they can do anything. It was incredibly sweet that Nigel invited her as his guest to the academy. It will be a fantastic opportunity for Phoebe just to be able to experience and enjoy.

James Cody: He previously auditioned in Season 10, 11, & 12…I don’t remember him though. That being said I hope that he puts in the work and makes it through academy week.

Maia Bliudnika: I can see how he name is always mispronounced and the same can be said about many of the contestants. According to Mary she had a perfect audition. I not sure if I would agree on the perfect part but she was good.

Eddie Hoyt: He was a favorite of mine that didn’t quite make it and it seems like he was a favorite of Nigel’s as well. Eddie put his heart and soul into his audition and even had the judges tearing up. Then he blows everyone’s mind when he said he improved that!

Looking forward to what the Academy has in store for this season and hopefully give me more of an idea of who will eventually make the top 10 for Season 16.

July 9, 2019 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: Judges Auditions Part 4

Well last night started off with Jalen Sands auditioning…not introduction, no comments from the judges, and a ticket to the Academy. I’m not complaining about it because Jalen was fun and funky but just felt like a weird way to start the show. Anyways, last nights episode was fun and even has some familiar faces.

Trent & Colton Edwards: Identical twins who have only be dancing for three years. I almost instantly recognized them…they appeared on AGT two years ago. I thought they were just okay then but they have improved so much since then. Regardless of what happens on this show these brothers have a career in some form of entertainment.

Bryan Volozanin “Clocks”: Honestly, sometimes I only half paying attention to some stories but when Bryan mentioned he was apart of the Jabbawockeez show in Vegas…I was like wait…what? It’s kind of nice to see one of them dancing with out the mask on. Bryan has made it to the green mile in the past and I think that should work to his advantage.

Hip hop had its hot streak of dancers getting a ticket to the Academy. Then it was the ballroom hopefuls turn and they brought past top 10 contestants to be their partner.

Sofia Ghavami brought Kiki from season 14

Vlad Kvartin brough Magda from season 15

Annie Lyn Sheketoff brought Ryan(her coach) from season 6

Sydney Burtis: Dance helped her rise above her autism and a tap star was born. I loved her and I love that they mic the taps for this show. Sydney has been fan of the show since she was young and even has D-Trix on her wall.

As I was preparing for the last two audition of the night, there was a storm moving my way. Which means it will affect my satellite signal…and it would be my luck that it did interrupt the show a little bit but thank goodness for the internet.

Jarrod Tyler Paulson: A jack of all trades who just happens to be a dancer. There was just something about his dance style that made want to see him work with Travis Wall. I really want to see more of him.

Madison Jordan: Jarrod’s girlfriend, who has a very different/unique style. I liked her just wish I was able to hear what the judges said about her.

I liked that they auditioned separately but I also liked that Nigel allowed them to dance together.

Looks like next week will be a repeat but hopefully the Academy episodes will begin the following week.

June 25, 2019 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: Judges Auditions Part 3

Part three of the Judges auditions was just as impressive as the other two. I do wish they showed a little bit more of those contestants that were returning, like Jay Jackson but I’m sure we will see more of him during Academy week.

Bailey Munoz:”Bailrok” I’m always somewhat impressed by b-boys especially when they make their tricks look effortless. I like his energy and think we will see that continue into the next round. Partnering should be interesting since he is only 5 feet but they won’t pair him with someone around his same height.

Luke Romanzi: His audition had more of a modern dance type of feel to me, but I felt like it was missing something. After being cut from Juilliard and then appearing on TV, I need Luke to really show them what they missed out on.

Jordynn & Elan Lurie: I remember felling so bad for them last season when they were cut because a trick went a little wrong. They definitely deserve a do over.

Maria Babineau: I would have never guessed that she was that kind of dancer. Also, for being self-taught by watching YouTube videos…she’s not bad. That being said I don’t think she is ready for what the rest of the show is about.

Sophie Pittman: I think I liked her more than the judges did, but I do understand what they wanted from her emotionally. I like that they decided to give Sophie another chance and hopefully she will find away to dance form her heart.

Frank Crisp Jr: His personality and energy immediately made me like him. Might have jut been me but he seemed a little bit rusty but still impressed by him. I look forward to seeing “Ghost” more during Academy week.

Lauren Luteran: She is the definition of dancing like there is no tomorrow. Living with Cystic Fibrosis can’t be easy not to mention dancing. Lauren made it some how look effortless and I hope she inspires more with the same disease to loving their life to the fullest.

June 18, 2019 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.