Stacey Tookey | Pure So You Think You Can Dance

SYTYCD Season 8 Finale Part 1 Music

Who knows what tonight’s going to bring? I can’t wait to find out!!

Melanie and Marko danced a Doreana Sanchez disco to: Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love (12″ Version)” –

Sasha and All-Star Mark danced a Sonya Tayeh jazz to: Deadmau5’s “Raise Your Weapon” –

Tadd and All-Star Joshua danced a Lil C hip hop to: Ace Hood’s “Hustle Hard” –

Melanie and All-Star Robert danced a Stacey Tookey contemporary to: Sinead O’Connor’s “Sacrifice” – not on iTunes yet.

Sasha and Marko danced a Spencer Liff Broadway to: Ella Fitzgerald’s “Whatever Lola Wants” –

Melanie danced her solo to: Peter Bradley Adams’s “Song for Viola” –

Marko danced his solo to: Joshua Radin’s “The Fear You Won’t Fall” –

Sasha and Tadd danced a Mark Ballas cha cha to: Basement Jaxx’s “Raindrops” –

Marko and All-Star LoFro danced a Tessandra Chavez contemporary to: Me’Shell Ndegéocello’s “Shirk” –

Tadd danced his solo to: Jessie J’s “Mamma Knows Best” –

Sasha danced her solo to: Rachael Yamagata’s “Be Be Your Love” –

Melanie and Sasha danced a Stacey Tookey contemporary to: Ahn Trio’s “Heart Asks Pleasure First” –

Marko and Tadd danced a Chuck Maldonado gumboot stepping routine to: Outkast’s “B.O.B.” –

SYTYCD Canada Top 14 Performance Show

Tonight was another great night of dancing on So You Think You Can Dance Canada. The Top 14 danced for Canada’s votes and tomorrow we will send two more home.

Tonight’s judges were Jean-Marc Genereux, Tré Armstrong, Rex Harrington, Melissa Williams and Dan Karaty.

Once again the couples were swapped up, which seems to be a weekly thing now, however, it seemed more couples had at least one dancer in their genre. I like the switch up because it moves the votes around a bit more, but it is also scary because it puts certain dancers in danger undeservingly perhaps. Tonight’s dances left me a little disappointed overall… but I will talk about that more at the end of this post…

Anyhow, here is a summary of the night:

Francois & Jordan
Samba – Gustavo Vargas
“Chillando Goma” – Fulanito

Francois was in his genre, Jordan was way out, but you wouldn’t know it (unless you watched her feet carefully ha!) There were a lot of cool twists, spins and lifts. Gustavo warned it was about hips, hair and legs – and he was right! It was sexy and fun!

Joey & Geisha
Contemporary – Stacey Tookey
“Gasoline Rainbows” – Amy Kuney

The idea was that Geisha comes from the polluted future to warn Joey and encourage him to protect the environment. To me, the story was not really told, but the dance itself was beautiful as was the song. This was good for Geisha, who I feel is not as strong as the other female dancers. She was paired with the most amazing Joey and pulled it off, though he was still the star of the routine.

Yulia & JP
Hip Hop – ShoTyme
“Give ‘Em What They Asking For” – Busta Rhymes

This was so-so for me. JP was starting to grow on me, and this being his genre I expected a lot more. Yulia, as I have always said, is a ballroom girl and generally excels in her genre and never really peaks in anything else.

Lindsey & Christian
Jazz Funk – Blake McGrath
“Blow” – Ke$ha

This was a couple reuniting again this season not only with each other but with Blake as choreographer who worked with them week two. Given that, I think I expect a bit more since they have that history together. The story was a couple who has to choose love or career. For me it was weird. It didn’t feel Jazz-Funk (though who am I to judge what that even is exactly, I expect it from Sonya or Sean Cheesman usually) and was just a bit strange. I don’t know if it was the choreo or the execution. I typically love Blake and I really love Lindsey, but this was just so-so for me.

Denitsa & Matt
Cha Cha – Francis LaFreniere & Claudia Primeau
“Give Me Everything” – Pitbull ft Ne-Yo

It was nice to see alumni Claudia and Francis back to do choreography again. This routine had a lot of potential but fell flat in some areas. First, Denitsa was in her element and did well and Matt did his best but there were some technical errors that even my husband noticed. The most obvious was near the end when Matt went to grab for al ift too soon then stopped, then when they did the lift he slipped and they kind of fell forward. We have seen this before, it is part of life, but coming off an average performance, it puts a damper on the whole thing. Also there was far too much time spent in a slow embrace when there could have been dancing, and right in the middle of the routine.

Carlena & Shane
Contemporary – Sabrina Matthews
“Wise Up” – Aimee Mann

This was about being unable to take back words once you say them, as if that can be portrayed clearly in a routine? It was pretty slow moving and as far as Sabrina Matthews goes, it wasn’t my favourite.

Adam & Melissa
Hip Hop – Luther Brown
“Buyou” – Keri Hilson

Well, Melissa has had four consecutive standing ovations from all the judges, whoever they may be that week, with whoever she may be dancing with that evening. Amazing! It was a fun, sexy, hard-hitting routine that was my favourite of the night and being last of the night will be memorable and likely get them plenty of votes to stay safe.

Power Rankings:

Top 3:

-Adam & Melissa
-Joey & Geisha
-Francois & Jordan

Middle:

-Carlena & Shane

Bottom 3:

-Lindsey & Christian
-Denitsa & Matt
-Yulia & JP

I was really off last week, so we will see how it goes this week. To be honest, I was a tad disappointed overall this week with the routines. They weren’t as impressive as past weeks. I feel like based on JUST tonight’s dances, many would risk going home. Though, some of it may have been choreography, and maybe my own mood, but I just didn’t feel it tonight as much as I usually do.

Anyhow, please comment below if you agree or disagree or have something to add….

Results Show is Tomorrow Night, I will be away camping so unless wordpress agrees with my blackberry and service is clear at the lake, I won’t post until I return Friday evening.

Also tomorrow on the results show Melissa Williams’ group routine is about relationships and rumours. Host Leah Miller reminded us a trillion times to tune in….

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” .

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” , 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” 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:

Season 8 Top 10 Thoughts and Discussion

SOOOOOO extremely happy to see Neil Patrick Harris as the guest judge. I adore him and I’m not surprised he’s a fan of the show or of Cat Deely. She cracked me up when she said, “You’re not popular at all,” after all the cheering for Neil and then told Nigel the audience didn’t have any energy left for him. Lol.

My live thoughts follow, so I guess I’ll put in a spoiler space here…

Season 8 Top 10 Performance Music

I’m so excited to see the routines tonight – Top 10 is always a great moment in the season and I’m excited to see what the All-Stars bring to the table. Many of them were All-Stars last season, we we already know they’re great, but it will be nice to see them interact with new dancers. And oh yes, I’m sure the music will be incredible. 🙂 Here we go…

Marko danced a Jason Gilkison samba with Chelsie to: Kate Hudson’s “Cinema Italiano” –

Sasha danced her solo to: Duffy’s “Syrup & Honey” –

Jordan danced a Desmond & Dwight contemporary with Brandon to: Jessie J’s “Who You Are” –

Jess danced his solo to: Harry Connick, Jr.’s “Come By Me” –

Tadd danced a Chuck Maldanado hip hop with Comfort to: Chris Brown ft Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes’s “Look At Me Now” –

Melanie danced her solo to: Angus & Julia Stone’s “You’re the One that I Want” –

Mitchelle danced a Tyce Diorio Broadway with Melody to: “Take Off With Us” – from “All That Jazz”

Rickey danced his solo to: Cassidy Haley’s “Daylight Breaks” –

Clarice danced her solo to: Crookers ft. Roisin Murphy’s “Royal T” –

Caitlynn danced a Miriam & Leonardo Argentine tango to: Orquesta Color Tango’s “Malajunta” –

Mitchell danced his solo to: John Legend’s “This Time” –

Sasha danced a Christopher Scott hip hop to: Dorothy Moore’s “Misty Blue” –

Jordan danced her solo to: Lykke Li’s “Tonight” –

Jess danced a Stacey Tookey contemporary with Kathryn to: Christina Perri’s “The Lonely” –

Tadd danced his solo to: Robin Thicke’s “Everything I Can’t Have” –

Melanie danced a Jason Gilkison Viennese waltz with Pasha to: Tina Arena’s “Everybody Hurts” –

Caitlynn danced her solo to: Florence & the Machine’s “Cosmic Love” –

Rickey danced a Tyce Diorio jazz with Allison to: Tori Amos’s “Precious Things” –

Marko danced his solo to: Gavin DeGraw’s “More Than Anyone” –

Clarice danced a Nakul dev Mahajan Bollywood with Robert to: “Aila re Aila” – from the “Khatta Meetha” soundtrack

SYTYCD Canada – TOp 22 becomes 20 after first elimination

I apoligize for posting this late, I had my wisdom teeth out Tuesday morning so I have been delayed in posting.

Meet the TOP 22 Dancers here

Moses suffered an injury and was replaced by Quebec’s Adam Asselin-Rioux, who almost made Top 22 originally.

Monday Night’s routines were as follows:

Salsa: Lindsay and Christian
(choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin)
“Salsa Dura” – La Excelencia

Contemporary: Jordan and Joey
(choreographed by Stacey Tookey)
“For the People” – Mark Huculak

Hip-hop: Denitsa and JP
(choreographed by Tucker Barkley)
“Somebody to Love” – Justin Bieber

Contemporary: Shelaina and Matt
(choreographed by Sabrina Matthews)
“The Nutcracker: Act II: Tableau 3: Pas De Deux: The Sugar-Plum Fairy & Prince Orgead – Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra/Ondrej Lenard AND “Sofi Needs a Ladder” – Deadmau5

Musical Theatre: Yuliya and Adam L.
(choreographed by Melissa Williams)
“Oh Boy” – Buddy Holly

Rumba: Cassandra and François
(choreographed by Eric Caty and Kelly Lannan)
“Alone Again” – Alyssa Reid (feat P. Reign)

Hip-hop: Carlena and Boneless
(choreographed by Steve Bolton)
“Super Bass” – Nicki Minaj

Contemporary: Teya and Kevin
(choreographed by Stacey Tookey)
“You Lost Me” – Christina Aguilera

Cha Cha: Lauren and Rodrigo
(choreographed by Gustavo Vargas)
“El Sol De La Noche” – Salsa Celtica

New Disco: Geisha and Adam A.
(choreographed by Melissa Williams)
“Edge of Glory” – Lady Gaga

Afro Jazz: Melissa and Shane
(choreographed by Sean Cheesman)
“Umoya We Nkosi” – Soweto Gospel Choir

*I apologize if some music is under wrong couple, let me know in the comments and I can switch up – the wisdom teeth surgery had me loopy*

Tuesday was Results Night…

The Top 22 Group routine was choreographed by Luther Brown.
Hip-hop Routine: On the Floor (feat. Pitbull) – Jennifer Lopez

So You Think You Can Dance Canada’s results show is only 30 minutes, so we really get down to it quicker than the USA version.

CTV writes:

Each of the bottom six dancers had 30 seconds to dance for their lives. First up was Cassandra performing a jazz routine, followed by Lauren’s salsa number and finally, Geisha’s lyrical contemporary performance.

The guys took to the stage next. François kicked it off (literally!) with a high energy jive, followed by Rodrigo’s hip-hop routine that had the audience shrieking with excitement. Last up, Adam A. combined contemporary moves with b-boying tricks.

At that point, Adam and Cassandra were sent home, leaving only the Top 20 for next week. Talk about short-lived for Adam A?! Ah well…

Get to know the SYTYCD Canada Dancers better here

Adam A and Cassandra were sent home Tuesday night.

[EMILIE’S UPDATE 7.18.11
Cassandra danced to Martin Solveig & Dragonette’s “Hello” –
Lauren danced to Robin Thicke’s “Everything I Can’t Have” –
Geisha danced to: Sia Fuler’s “I’m In Here” –
Francois danced to Sue Foley’s “Gotta Keep Moving” –
Rodrigo danced to Danny Fernandes ft Shawn Desman’s “Feel It” –
Adam danced to Ron Pope’s “A Drop in the Ocean” – ]

Top 20 (Part 2) Power Rankings

I feel relatively confident in 2 of the Bottom 3 couples, but I feel like whichever dancers I pick for that third slot, there’s going to be lots of dissent. Which, is a good thing. 🙂 It means we’re passionate. So, bring it on! I’m dying to know which dancers y’all think will be in the Bottom 3.

Top Three Couples:

Caitlynn and Mitchell – I think they had the best routine of the night. This is the first time we get to see them dance together on stage and I was really please with their chemistry and their strengths as dancers. They were both in their style this week, so that certainly helped them a lot, but they could’ve both been hurt by Mitchell’s injury last well.

Sasha and Alexander – People were really affected by this piece and the timing couldn’t be more fortuitous, on the same night as the President’s announcement about the troop withdrawal. Plus, it was the second to last routine and Sasha seems to be a favorite.

Ashley and Chris – As the last routine, it’s one of the more memorable anyway. Plus, it was really upbeat and sexy. The song was great, their moves were great, as was their chemistry. Plus, they were safe last week when Jordan and Tadd probably had a better routine, so there seem to be some fans on their side.

Middle of the Pack:

Melanie and Marko – This is probably the favorite couple. It’s mine, for sure. They’ve consistently had about half the vote in our favorite dancer poll. But this routine didn’t live up to its promise. It had everything going for it – great dances, great choreographer, interesting song, funky moves. But it didn’t entirely come together. Still, I don’t think they’ll be in danger.

Ryan and Rickey – This is another opportunity of a not-quite-right routine danced by a favorite pair. I think they’ll be safe, but Ryan and Rickey’s Mandy Moore wasn’t all that it could’ve been and Ryan was smiling (sometimes weirdly) throughout the piece, playing to the audience. Plus, it was the first routine. But, I think they’ll be safe too because they’re such favorites.

Iveta and Nick – They came in #2 in our favorite dancer poll and they had a fun but not very memorable Bollywood routine. They have a good partnership, to be sure, but the routine was pretty early. Still, they’ll probably be safe.

Miranda and Robert – I know a lot of people, like our reader beth, disagreed with my comments about this routine and really loved it. Plus, Robert toned down the more annoying parts of his personality while still being playful. So, even though these two were in danger last week, they’ll probably be safe this week.

Bottom Three Couples:

Missy and Wadi – I hope they survive, but I think they’ll be here in the bottom. I really love Wadi and it hurt to see him so sad after the judges’ comments. It’s gonna be a tough week though and I think that as one of the two dances with obvious flaws, they’re in danger. However, many people may just vote for their favorites and I’m pretty sure lots of people love Wadi and like his partnership with Missy.

Clarice and Jess – They don’t have a great partnership and they were in the bottom last week. This week, their routine was the other obviously flawed one. They looked so awkward whenever their were paired. Clarice is not very big, but Jess sets up his lifts so obviously that he makes her seem like this huge weight. I think I’d like them better with different partners.

Jordan and Tadd – A lot of people liked this Viennese waltz, but I thought it was pretty boring. Plus, it’s not a style that people vote for unless it’s a phenomenal, stand-out routine. Their stint in the bottom 3 might hurt them again this week.

Personally, I’d lose all the girls to keep Wadi and Tadd. Regardless of who they keep, if this IS the Bottom 3, I hope they switch up the couples. Maybe Missy and Tadd or Jordan and Wadi.

What do y’all think?

Tomorrow’s episode is gonna be tough, man.

Top 20 (Part 2) Performance Music

Here we go again, round 2 of the Top 20 performances. I’m excited to see everybody dance again, but so nervous about losing 4 of them tomorrow night. Crossing my fingers for my favorites…now…which makes it hard to type….

And a spoiler space, just in case…

SYTYCD Season 8 – Top 20 Reveal – Music

Interesting difference for the Top 20 Reveal. Live performances! I’m actually kind of liking this.

Music for the Reveal the Top 20:

Dancers into the Holding Area:

[Marianya started the post, above and now I’m taking over. This post will contain spoilers, so here’s a spoiler break…]

Christina Perri’s Working on Her CD

We’ve posted a lot about Christina Perri and her song “Jar of Hearts,” which SYTYCD helped launch to national attention.

I actually hear the song every night on my way home from work as it’s remained in the Top 5 of the radio station I listen to all the time. I think I’ve got it memorized.

So, I was really glad to read this article that goes behind the scenes with Christina and her management and talks about how “Jar of Hearts” got into Stacey Tookey’s hands, what they’re doing to get her cd finished and to keep her at the top of our lists.

I especially love this part, because I remember thinking something similar the first time I saw Christina Perri give an interview:

Chisholm says Perri impressed him by being “totally prepared” for all the major-label wining and dining. “She holds herself well, and she’s very poised,” he says. “It all happened very fast-from initial interest to a deal took about two weeks.”

Check it out!

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SYTYCD Season 8 Finale Part 1 Music

SYTYCD Canada Top 14 Performance Show

The Table Has It

Season 8 Top 10 Thoughts and Discussion

Season 8 Top 10 Performance Music

SYTYCD Canada – TOp 22 becomes 20 after first elimination

Top 20 (Part 2) Power Rankings

Top 20 (Part 2) Performance Music

SYTYCD Season 8 – Top 20 Reveal – Music

Christina Perri’s Working on Her CD

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