SYTYCD S5 Ep. 5 TOP 20 There Will Be Tears!

Obviously this show is unlike any other episode of SYTYCD.  This one is the necessary evil to whittle the field down from 32 Dancers to Top 10 Girls & Top 10 Boys. There will be 12 more dancers who will leave heartbroken as this season's dream of stardom is ripped from their grasping hands  Oh yes, it's guaranteed, we will see tears, screams, smiles, judges' fake outs, and probably a few tense situations where the choice will be between contestants you wish could both make it. 

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SHOW START -

172 Dancers who were invited to Vegas Callbacks are eliminated until there are only 20 dancers left. 

The show makes it look like this happens right after the solo rounds, but really it's a few weeks later.  They aren't even in Vegas anymore.  I know this because Vegas auditions were in April, but Nigel Lythgoe on his Twitter tweeted about picking the Top 20 a few weeks ago.  If you aren't following the SYTYCD peeps on Twitter, you really should.  The judges provide a lot of insight into decisions made or rules, and past dancers are just fun to follow.

The dancers must walk down a dark hallway with monitors showing them throughout the audition process.  It must be the longest walk ever knowing your life could change so drastically when you reach the stage on the other end.  Janette Manrara (Ballroom - Miami) was shown first yesterday walking down the hallway and she called it The Green Mile.  How appropriate; some people's dreams will be executed, while others' dreams will have receive a stay of execution to dance one more day on the show.

Judges:  Nigel, Mary, Debbie, Adam, Lil C, & Mia

Janette Manrara - Ballroom (Miami)

• Reflection:  Before Vegas was in a car accident and broke up with her boyfriend of 4-yrs (ahhh yes, play the spicy singles card to get votes if you make it)
• Judges - Nigel - You work hard and Debbie thinks people would call in for you
  
• TOP 20 GIRL #1

Diana Vaden - Jazz (LA)

• Reflection:  Brought a good luck stuffed animal chimpanzee with her.  She calls it a monkey, but it's not a monkey.  (I know, I have an issue with this touchy subject of designating Apes and Monkeys into their proper species.  In fact my old blog was called It's Not A Monkey)
  
• I have not been the hugest fan of her dancing since her audition, but at this point it's casting, not technique.
• She IS really well spoken and has a nice smile.
  
• Judges - She has a lot of potential, but she's not going to be Top 20.  The tears start immediately.
• Lil C - "The greatest motivation is sometimes embracing the fact, and being honest with yourself, and saying you know what, I wasn't good enough. Just improve...that's where the improvement comes. That's where the progression comes."  Uh, Lil C, in this time of her grief for her lost dream, was that "I wasn't good enough" speech really what she wanted to hear?  It's a great statement and true, but when I'm down, I don't want to the knife twisted after it's penetrated my heart.
• Thanks Nigel for ending it positively for her - "You're a better dancer now than before Vegas.  It's about degrees of winning.  You are a winner."

Vitolio Jeune - Contemporary (Miami)

• I don't think they showed his original audition.
• He said this is a diarrhea moment.  Really?  You'd say that on TV.  Well, we know why they like you (besides the dancing).  Loose cannons who speak before thinking will always bring entertaining moments on Live TV.
• REALLY good back story - Haitian whose Mom died when he was five, raised by his grandma who gave him up to an orphanage because she didn't have a job and couldn't care for him.  He left when he was 15 yrs old and has been on his own ever since.  He's a street performer to make money. (That is very compelling!)
• Judges - Lil C - They didn't notice him or his character until the group choreo numbers (he was in Ryan K's Nerdography number).  Because he "came alive" and expressed show qualities, he's IN.
• TOP 20 GUY #1

Asian guy - Don't know him (white t-shirt and black/white striped vest) - CUT

Henry Rivero - Contemporary (Miami ) - CUT
I love that Cat really cares about the dancers and was the first to hug Henry when he didn't make it.

Pauline Mata - Contemporary Hip Hop (LA) - CUT
I'm so sorry Pauly that you didn't make it.  It's amazing how close you were.  They said you were "ever so close"...I hope you try again!

Kayla Radomski - Contemporary (Denver)

• I DO NOT LIKE HER MAKEUP.  She has this beautiful face, but it's hidden under gobs of mascara and frosty bubblegum pink lipstick. 
  
• Reflection: It'd mean a lot to her family to make it (She and her Mom live with her Grandparents so they can afford her dance career)
• Judges - Mia - Admits she loves male dancers; their strength and energy (like we didn't know that Cougar Mia!). It's rare for her to connect to female dancer, but Kayla has captivated them all (yeah, that and Kayla is one of BFree's assistants and Mia and BFree are like BFF). 
  
• She made Top 20, but she's kind of void of personality when she's not dancing.
  
• TOP 20 GIRL #2

HUGE TEASER OVER BRANDON!!

• Showdown between Mia and Debbie, and Mary looks like she wants to leave.
• You see Mia say that what Brandon brings as a dancer annoys the crap out of her, and then Debbie disagrees.  Then Mary says she doesn't want to listen to this crap.

Pono Aweau - Contemporary (Seattle)

• He's definitely one of my favs (and my dance crush this season).  I just love how sexy he moves, but WHY did he shave his hair off?  I loved his crazy hairstyle from his auditions.
• OH...Nigel didn't like his hair so he shaved it off.  Damn you Nigel....his hair was Alt-Sexy and would have garnered him attention and votes. 
  
• He's lost some of his appeal without the hair...sad =(
• BTW, he dances at MKiK's studio in Hawaii if you recognize the style similarities.
  
• Reflection:  He makes lists of things he needs to do...he has nice handwriting.  It's that Asian-like writing that all my Asian friends had and I wish I also had (because if I'm Asian, why wasn't that skill downloaded?)
• Judges - Adam - Says he has not enjoyed this process because apparently Pono was distracting during his audition because of his hair (again old farts, I liked it!) and the way he danced (Mary said he was effeminate - again I disagree).  In Vegas, Adam thought he was strong and by the end, one of the strongest guys.  HE MADE IT!!
• YES YES YES YES!  Hawaii power lives again on SYTYCD!  OK, charm back...he's adorable.  I <3 him! 
  
• TOP 20 GUY #2 

Paris Torres - Contemporary (Miami) - TOP 20 GIRL #3

Jeanine Mason - Contemporary (Miami) - TOP 20 GIRL #4

Ade Obayomi - Contemporary (LA) - TOP 20 GUY #3

Karla Garcia - Contemporary (Brooklyn) - TOP 20 GIRL #5
I think she hurts Paula VanOppen's chances because they're both Asian contemporaries, and I bet Asuka makes it for Ballroom...that'd be too many Asian females for one season. 

Jonathan Platero - Ballroom (Miami) - TOP 20 GUY #4
Woah, Pauline Mata practically tackled him from behind with a hug.  LOL

Brandon Bryant - Contemporary (Denver)

• TENSE - So many mixed messages from the judges based on him. 
  
• I think he's fantastic and should be on the show.
• Judges -
  
• Mia (uh oh here we go) - "I can't take you.  I can't take like what you bring to the floor as an artist.  It annoys the sh*t out of me.  I hate to say that to you, but Vegas you just rubbed me the wrong way.  I feel there's an attitude inside there underneath that fake smile. (insert Brandon - apologizes if that's what came off) I understand there's talent there, but I don't think it's all cracked up when everyone is saying you're amazing.  I don't see it."
• Debbie - "Well I have a real difference of opinion.  And I have to say it outloud" (you can hear Mia still talking).
• Nigel intervenes and shuts Mia up to allow Debbie to speak.
• Debbie - "When you dance, I get it. I love the way you dance.  You dance with power, with manliness.  I love how you soar.  And I don't judge your personality."
• Lil C - "To be completely honest, you don't impress me and I'm waiting for you to impress me because I've heard so much about you."
• Mary - "I just don't want to sit and listen to this crap. Lil C, I'm sorry.  Brandon, you know exactly who you are.  To have anyone sit here and tear you down is nonsense (ooooohhhh....look at Mia's face.  She's shooting lazer beams of hate right now!!!).  There were three judges in Denver that saw you dance with all the emotion, putting your soul out there on the floor.  I don't think you're cocky one bit.  You are a fabulous dancer and I just don't want to sit and listen to this crap."
• Nigel - "Well, you've heard everything.  You are going to have to work on this.  You got 4 votes out of the 6, but I am delighted to tell you that takes you into our Top 20.  Congratulations, you'll have an opportunity of changing people's mind."
• All the judges clap to congratulate him except Mia.  Mia, I respect you and your dancing genius, but right now, GET OVER YOURSELF!  You got out-voted.  Was it really necessary to tear him down like that? 
  
• OK, she got over herself and asked (smiling), "What's going to happen if we get into a room together?"  Brandon's response, "Oh it's gonna be bomb, don't worry.  It's on."  =)  I am happy Brandon could take that and still face them positively.  I would have been either intimidated and terrified of them, or pissed. 
  
• I wish his victory was not marred by having to see the judges' cattiness.  I really hope it was staged for TV.
• TOP 20 GUY #5

Tony Bellisimo - Hip Hop (Brooklyn)

• Reflection:  Tony is thinking about his brother in Afghanistan.  His brother is his hero and his biggest supporter besides his Mom. "He'd be really proud if he knew I got through."  (Why I am getting emotional over this?)
• Judges - Nigel - Technique not as strong as it should be.  Great personality and everyone loves him.  Even with a lack of vocabulary, he made it!
• TOP 20 GUY #6

Maksim Kapitonnikov - Ballroom (Brooklyn) - TOP 20 GUY #7

Caitlin Kinney - Contemporary (Memphis) - TOP 20 GIRL #6 (YAY!)

Melissa Sanvig (aka Naughty Ballerina) - Ballet (LA) - TOP 20 GIRL #7

Jason Glover - Contemporary (LA) - TOP 20 GUY #8 (YAY!)

Ashley Valerio (sp?) - Contemporary (LA)

• 4th time auditioning (I have never seen her before)
• Judges - Mary - You're a fighter.  We do see improvement.  Beautiful dancer.  Made it.
• TOP 20 GIRL #8

Randi Evans - Contemporary (Denver)

• Another dancer I don't recognize except for the clips of her dancing in that blue one piece space outfit (not a fan of it, but does make her look different).
• She likes those one pieces..she had a different one on for her audition.  I liked that one better...it certainly doesn't hide anything, but nor can you wear any undergarments.  Shows confidence.
• Judges - Mia - She has the body to be a tigress and that is glory, but she's not there yet.  She's only stepped into her confidence with her unitards LOL.  (They show her throughout the auditions and she wears a different unitard for every round.)  "If you committed to your artistry the way you commit to your unitards, you will go very far in this world."
  
• She made it
• TOP 20 GIRL #9

Alex Wong - Contemporary (Miami)

• Amazing technician and really astounding to watch.
• Reflection:  He loves expressing himself in many styles, but it limited to ballet right now because he's in a company.  But, he was impressed by all the genres.
• Strangely, he is better looking now than that first audition, so I take back my original comment...sorry Alex.
  
• Judges - Nigel - We adore you, but you are under contract with the Miami Ballet Company. Artistic Director with Miami Ballet said he couldn't afford to lose Alex. 
  
• Awwww....so sad.  Alex is crying.  He says he was really looking forward to the opportunity to express himself through many forms of dance.  Adam asked if he felt trapped in ballet and Alex says he's satisfied, but he was hoping the show could be his chance to explore more. 
  
• The judges try to cheer him up so he can enjoy his current position with Miami Ballet and still hunger for more.  Lil C said his hunger is breathtaking.  Be proud and hone his skills where he is, and rejoin SYTYCD later.

Girl with black & red hair - Cut

Paula VanOppen - Contemporary (LA) - Cut
Awww...sad for her too!

Ricky Sun - Ballroom (LA) Cut
Your fault (by my assessment) = They like Asuka more and can't have two Asian ballroomers.

CJ Tyson - Cut

Philip Chbeeb - Hip Hop (LA)

• He better make it...he already has a huge fanbase
• Reflection:  All his ability is homegrown in his bedroom using his window reflection as a mirror and construction noises as his music.
• Judges - Adam - You have grown and improved.  Adam also saw an overall sense that he loved dance.  Made it!
• As he's walking, he does his finger tricks and it's just ridiculous!  Seriously.  He's insane at his own style.
  
• TOP 20 GUY #9

Cat tells the remaining four people that there are only two slots left; one for the girls, and one for the boys.  It hits harder for the guys because it'll be between Broadway brothers, Evan & Ryan Kasprszak.  They hug and start crying. 

Deanna Brinkley (sp?)- Contemporary (Miami) OR Asuka Kondoh - Ballroom (LA)

• They've never shown Deanna before on the show.  Asuka has received a lot of airtime, plus was almost Top 20 last year.
  
• Judges - Debbie - One is exciting to watch, and one is very powerful, but didn't seem to take enough risks and go the distance.  Deanna is cut.
• ASUKA KONDOH = TOP 20 GIRL #10

AWKWARD MOMENT - Deanna is balling and Asuka is trying to comfort her, but at the same time, she MADE IT and probably doesn't want to be there hugging Deanna.  Asuka finally releases Deanna and tells everyone, "I made it" and there's cheering.  Deanna still upset moves off camera.  Then it's congratulatory hugs for Asuka, and comforting hugs for Deanna.  (Evil me thinks Asuka is like, hello this is MY moment here!) 

Evan Kasprzak - Jazz (Memphis) OR Ryan Kasprzak - Tapper (Memphis)

• I honestly think Ryan is more talented and the better overall dancer, but he looks really old and Evan has a following from not making it last year.  I think it'll be Evan.  
• They are so cute though.  You wish there was room for both. 
• Bow ties or Straight ties
• Reflections:  Evan - loved experiencing this with his brother, his BFF / Ryan - throughout his career he's heard:  You're too short, too fat, too bald, no tappers needed and that sidelined him for 4-yrs.  His own fear kept him from going after his dreams and now he realizes all those things may get him on the show.  (I got teary eyed with that one Ryan!)
  
• Judges - Nigel - similar style and Ryan choreographed Evan...that choreography is getting Evan on the show
  
• EVAN KASPRZAK - TOP 20 GUY #10

TOP 20 SUMMARY:

1. Ade
2. Ashley
3. Asuka
4. Brandon
5. Caitlin
6. Evan
7. Janette
8. Jason
9. Jeanine
10. Jonathan
11. Karla
12. Kayla
13. Kupono
14. Max
15. Melissa
16. Paris
17. Phillip
18. Randi
19. Tony
20. Vitolio

Love the new name changes for Pono and Maksim. 

Did your favorites make it, or are you screaming at your TV right now?

My early favorites:
Brandon
Caitlin
Jason
Kupono
Phillip

I know I know...there's only one girl in the group.  I'll just have to watch them dance before I decide if I like more of them. 

TOP 20 COMPETITION STARTS NEXT WEEK!  Let those tears dry up and let's start dancing!