OLTL Discussion Group

Topic: So You Think You Can Dance

Judges: Nigel, Mary and Adam.

Nigel has a chair with Paula Abdul's name on it. It sits empty and he moved it near Adam as if he'll have more influence. I'm betting this is all a ploy and set up and she's already signed to guest judge.

It's announced that Billy Bell and Brandon will both be allowed to compete next season.

Noelle & Russell: Choreographer Jamal gives them prop rackets. This is all over the place. They stayed with it but whoa!
Adam: Praises Jamal. Tells dancers they need to let it go and make it work. Felt it overwhelmed them.
Mary: definitely in a fight to the end. Russell won the match. Labored with rackets.
Nigel: was so fast you didn't get hold of it. A little disappointing.

Ashleigh & Jakob: Tony and Melanie...Viennese Waltz...At Last
She's good but lucks out with him as a partner. He's elegant has great extension and those leaps.
Adam: Both can do no wrong in my book. M&T put too many lifts in - didn't have to put in the split jete just because Jakob can. (I'M LOVING Adam as a judge - he critiques everything and everyone regardless. He won't praise a choreographer if they don't earn it).
Mary: Jakob is not perfect and could be better. Ashleigh - wonderful
Nigel: Beautiful couple. Jakob is such a beautiful dancer. Ashleigh proving the naysayers wrong.

Bianca & Victor: Tyce...Broadway...from Color Purple
She nailed the feeling of the character and style of the piece. He stayed with her and had some fine moments.
Adam: very important to be studied and references. Danced it well but you need to lose it. Overly aware you were dancing - little character.
Mary: didn't go through and get crazy - lost character.
Nigel: agrees that characters weren't there. Danced well but it didn't sit comfortably.

Mollee & Nathan: Nakul...Bollywood...Azeem something
Long time before they really got started. I love the style but this was very different.
Adam: Excellent couple. Mollee totally came into her own.
Mary: like a Bollywood movie. A new energy...screams.
Nigel: it was great. Great control, tremendous.

Channing & Phillip: Tony and Melanie...Samba...Maracatu Funk
She's HOT. This song is too hard for the Samba. Don't know how he got through it and she had a tough time because he is not capable. Weird ending.
Adam: could see you struggling. Channing, great strides, personal interaction, incredibly supportive.
Mary: saw how hard you were working. Rhythmical - Phillip feet were off.
Nigel: Phillip your back was stiff. Chemistry didn't work. Channing looked nervous (you would be too if you didn't trust your partner in those lifts).

Karen & Kevin: Napoleon and Tabitha...Hip Hop...Ice Cream Paint Job
Yikes stripes MAN I liked it!!
Adam: Pretends to pass out (lol)!! Tells T&N it was very smart. Fantastic. Pretends to pass out again.
Mary: It was hot Miss Thing!You're not getting off the train! Puts Kevin on the train, too.
Nigel: I expected Kevin to be great. Karen is like an invertebrate. A real pleasure to watch.

Kathryn & Legacy: Stacey...Contemporary...2 Steps Away
High voice aside Kathryn can DANCE and he shines partnering her. Damn this was a great routine (Stacey is a bit like Mia). LOVED it.
Adam: incredible - special. No words to say how proud I am of Legacy.
Mary: abandonment in the routine. No one has improved as fast as legacy.
Nigel: touching routine (and then some!!). Legacy has risen. Kathryn was under the radar.

Pauline & Peter: Wade and Amanda Robson...Jazz...Little Green Bag
I love the Robsons, think their routines are top notch and the dancers and choreography are fantastic. ART!!
Adam: 1000% committed. Peter sold it. Pauline great job.
Mary: love the concept and costumes. Won't take you anywhere (boo).
Nigel: you will not forget Wade's statement.

Ellenore & Ryan: Argentine Tango...Miriam and Leonardo...Violentango
The look, the moves. HIM...woof. OMG her heel gets caught but you'd never know - she keeps on going. This is fine!
Adam: lazer like connection. Impressive. Still and mature.
Mary: E dances just like Miriam...smoldering. Spot on! Ryan played the part, technically outstanding.
Nigel: Quiet stillness. No other couple this season could do this better. Like Cyd Charisse (my all time fav dancer...Cyd)!

Dancers In Danger:
Noelle: nice solo, she's stronger overall than Bianca
Bianca: her tapping has no spark. She should have done another style - she has the ability. Comfort tapping will be her ticket home!
Phillip: the best tapper of the three, fun solo but won't get him anywhere.
Victor: wow that was one fab solo!

Going Home: Bianca & Phillip. I'm not surprised but that leaves ONE tapper and, imo, he was the weakest of the three. Glad he's showing he's got more styles to give.

For the record - I liked Jakob's split jete!! Ashley was good but my eyes went to Jakob. (IMO it's not good, for a dance that celebrates the female dancer for the most part, if I'm drawn to the guy...)

Here's what bugged me about the Tyce dance - Bianca's see-thru costume! Appropriate for another dance but certainly not one where she's supposed to be in church!!

Liked the Bollywood! Bollywood is getting harder (thinking back to the dance 2 seasons back w/ Katie and Joshua).

Ay caramba- the samba!! Poor Channing cuz she was hot during those whatever-those-fast-and-twisty-steps-with-all-the-hip-action are called - she had 'em nailed. He couldn't lift her - YIKES!

Ummm, YAY Legacy! That dance totally reminded me of the addiction dance (Mia, last season), but it was danced so well, that made up for it. Legacy's toe point (and everything else he did) shocked the heck outta me!

As you may know, Wade IMO can do no wrong so of course I loved his dance. Not a big fan of Pauline but she sure danced that one well last nite!

Ahhhh, the tango, bingo bango! Loved it and I couldn't stop looking at how pretty Ellenore is. (She should do her hair like that all the time.) That dance was awesome from the both of them!

Those who left - I would've liked to have seen Bianca one more week. Philip, not so much. I gotta say again that those contemporary solos, with few exceptions, look pretty much the same (sepec. the gals). Split leap - twirl - stretch arms out while looking sad/wistful/agonized - leap and land with one leg straight, one leg bent, etcetera etcetera etcetera.... Last nite, I preferred Bianca's and Victor's solos. It was nice what Philip said about the support he got from the group after his dad's death. That's so sad and I'm sorry for him.

ag

Replies: (list all replies)

Hi, auntgrace...glad you posted here...I enjoy reading your thoughts on the show. After a bit I get tired of all the solos...they start to look the same week after week. I really like the concept of the show...fresh talent and a clean canvass with the chance to make a name for themselves in dance. :)Tori

First I must thank you for posting dance by dance of the night I missed. Couldn't see the whole show but knowing that I can pull each up on youtube. I liked Jakob's jete as well BUT they really shouldn't overdo it or folks will tire of it (it's too soon). As I've mentioned I run hot and cold with Tyce. This was good choreo and (gak) I didn't notice her dress. I liked Katee and Joshua's Bollywood better than this one - I prefer the clean style without mixing I guess. Channing will survive to dance another day with a more accomplished partner (whew). I agree about Legacy's dance - Miaesque. He shocked and they will be a coupling to be reckoned. I'm with ya on Wade (and the wife) tops always. Ellenore and Ryan were probably the best duo of the night. I honestly feel Bianca did herself a disservice tapping for her solo - she can do many styles and that bored me. Yes it was wonderful to hear that most of the contestants were there for Phillip. eom/WE

Thx, Tori, I thought I remembered you 'inviting ' me to post here too. So I will (when I remember, lol!) ag

---

Posted by: songbird
Date posted: Wed Nov 4 12:46:40 2009
Message:

I'm all danced out and not sure how invested I'm going to get in SYTYCD. This cast is not impressing me (so far) like the summer cast did. I thought the summer group was stellar. Am I suffering from dancing viewer fatigue? (not sure)

I liked Ashleigh's Waltz which she danced beautifully, Kathryn & Legacy's Contemporary routine was wonderful, and Ellenore & Ryan's Argentine Tango was hot. Other than that I wasn't blown away. The judges didn't seem to be either. I know it's still early but I really connected with the summer dancers early on. Not so with this group. Btw, Adam Shankman is my idea of a judge who knows HOW to critique. I'm loving him.

Replies: (list all replies)

The problem is it's just too SOON after season five. I like this cast but it feels rushed. Yes I'm LOVING Adam. Another problem is this dodging of the World Series that no one took into consideration. Proves only one night is needed but to satisfy the viewers voting we'll get two starting next week. That could make a difference and get the show back on track. Many fine dancers and they aren't getting their due...yet (and some will leave before they do). eom/WE

---

Posted by: Tori
Date posted: Wed Nov 4 8:39:25 2009
Message:

My thoughts...

So nice to know that Billy and Brandon will get another chance!

So far Adam is doing a great job...his consttructive criticism is a positive force for the dancers...if they heed it and I think they will.

Noelle/Russell...interesting idea, but I had a hard time following it

Ashiegh/Jakob...awesome and beautiful. I'm liking her more and he is so talented.

Bianca/Victor...she was so in character. I think they did a fine job. While watching I was seeing this routine more of a group dance than a couple dance...that would have been fun.

Mollee/Nathan...I think her maturity level may be rising. lol. Nathan is oustanding and I thought the dance awesome. I'm loving Bollywood.

Channing/Phillip...she can move! I thought the tricks and lifts were a little clumsy...maybe a trust issue.

Karen/Kevin..nice work...great chemistry and confidence. She owns the stage...amazing performer.

Kathryn/Legacy...awesome choreography and execution...wonderful chemisty.

Pauline/Peter...interesting concept...it worked and I loved it.

Ellenore/Ryan...beautiful...five stars! Whoa and Wow. Costume caught on the shoe and the dance went on flawlessly.

I could get used to the judges being in total control of who leaves...seems much fairer.

The solos...Noelle and Victor did great jobs, Phillip was fun to watch, Bianca's solo was disappointing.

And, I was smiling throughout the show, unlike DWTS.

 

Replies: (list all replies)

I wasn't surprised about Billy and Brandon - as it should be. Adam is tops - even my hubby remarked how refreshing it is that he doesn't bow to choreographers. He praises where it's earned and criticizes when it's not regardless. I'm liking Ashleigh more and more, too. I'm not a Bianca fan but felt she really did nail it - sorry the judges didn't think so. I love Bollywood, too, and glad Nigel pointed out that he incorporated several styles as it was different. Channing is a fine dancer - that routine needed a stronger male. Karen and kevin work WELL together. I guess I'll warm to Kathryn as long as the voice stays down. They did GREAT. Glad you loved Pauiline and peter, too - Wade is tops. Ellenore gets huge props for continuing and Ryan for partnering. I'm with you - we don't need a second night and the judges deciding IS the way to go. (won't happen though). YES, this show is so much more interesting than DWTS. They made an announcement last night that another dance show will follow in DWTS slot. Anything to pull from SYTYCD. Darn that ABC. eom/WE

Oh PULEEZE!!!!!!! Just what we need - another dance show. I thought I heard that but was hoping I was wrong. There comes a time when one must draw the line. Frankly, I DO watch other shows besides dancing. At least AI has contained itself and I hope it remains that way. /sb

Kudos to ellenore for the dress issue. I actually didn't see how/when the dress got caught so when I looked up and she was just continuing to dance without being phased, I thought it was somehow attached to her leg or shoe on purpose!! (Well, I wasn't sure anyway.) So good on her. ag

---

---