SYTYCD S5 Ep. 8 Top 18 Performance

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Tonight is a little different than normal.  For one, I am on vacation, and for two, I am on the West Coast; therefore, this recap/review is starting a little later than normal.  I had wanted to make this a co-authored entry with my sister, but she has rehearsal until 1AM and I cannot wait until 2AM to watch the show, so I'm on my own. 

(Correction - sister came home while I was still watching so I will be adding her comments now).

SHOW START -

Cat is wearing a HIDEOUS dress that looks like a frilly drape or a bad prom dress.  It is uni-shoulder and red with huge ruffles cascading down her left side.  Her hair is pulled back which makes her face seem older, but it is a nice up-do.  I like Cat in simple dresses, not outlandish stuff. 

During the opening presentation of each dancer, when Cat says, "Here are your girls and here are your guys," did you see Kayla not even walking on the beat or like anyone else?  I think if you want to be different, at least look good doing it, and not look like a distraction.  She wasn't on the beat when walking to the guys either.  Everyone else looked fine.

Judges - Nigel, Mary, & Lil C

(Oh no...Lil C is on panel.  I'm nervous for Brandon already.)

Mary actually looks nice tonight.  She's wearing a more subdued green dress and her hair is fashioned in 40's curls with a clip.

Lil C says he watched last week's show and did his own critique.  He said it was a solid show and will be a good season. 

Mary was reminded that she revealed she has had Botox and she acts embarrassed.   

Nigel tells the dancers to show their strengths, not weaknesses (referenced Tony who locked when he had never locked before)

This week's topic for intro segments is each dancer revealing a secret about their partner.

Evan and Randi - Jive / Louis Van Amstel / Shake a Tail Feather (Ray Charles)

•  Evan reveals that Randi is obsessed with her dog and calls home to constantly check on him.
• Randi reveals Evan is a car aficionado
  
• Dance concept - never stand up straight, keep moving up, have fun, be free, effortless
• They definitely have a lot of personality.  In heels, Randi is almost as tall as Evan so as a couple, it is a little awkward,  Cute moments like the tooshy squeeze and the middle split over Randi's body.  They had a good synchronicity, but I felt their flicks were a little sloppy and not as sharp as other jive I have seen.  Randi's seemed less energetic than Evans, however, I really like watching Randi.  She has a good stage quality.  Overall, they're a cute couple and will probably receive votes. 
• Sister comment - It's cute.  Randi surprisingly can jive.
  

LOL - Cat also called it a "toosh grab"

Lil C - Evan was a little too smooth and needs to attack things more.  Randi is a firecracker.  Good job.  Equal performance between the two.
Mary - FUN - They are built for jive because they are both powerhouses, but it fell short a little bit.  Mary thought Randi was stronger.  Evan's feet weren't exact.  Feet were sloppy, but great way to start the show.
Nigel - Nigel thought Evan would be better but the double bounce was lost and was too smooth into the ground.  Randi was better technically, but together they're well paired.

I am not a ballroom dancer so I only critique by visuals, not technique.  I was off on the technique, but right on Randi's performance quality.  I loved their last week's performance more than this one. 

Ade and Melissa - Jazz / Sonya Tayeh / 24 Hours - TheAshton Shuffle A-Bomb Remix (Terry Poison)

• Ade reveals that Melissa has been married for four years and her sister married her brother-in-law (sisters who married brothers). 
  
• Melissa reveals that Ade's full name is Adetokunbo Isaac Kayode Obayomi (looks Nigerian). 
  
• When announced they'll be working with Sonya, the audience erupted in cheers.  I guess she's a fan favorite choreographer too. 
  
• Dance concept:  High maintenance girl who is playing hard to get and the man hates to lose.  Tough love.
  
• Per Sonya, Melissa needs to get dirty and lose the "ballerina"
• Ade is wearing only leather black pants and he looks good in them.  Melissa is wearing hot pink ripped up leggings with a black bra top on and a faux hawk.  I think the number could be really great, but there was something missing.  I think Melissa was still too controlled and needed to let lose more.  It seemed you focused on her because of her costume, but I actually liked watching Ade more.  He's really good.  Melissa's lines were good, but I wanted to see her dance as if it wasn't so choreographed.  I know this is way out of her normal dancing and she did well, but I don't think the number was super memorable in the end.  Nice end pose.
• Sister comment - Melissa wasn't aggressive enough in her approach, but they had nice partnering and cool lifts.  Ade is a amazing and did nice technical tricks.  Likes Sonia's stuff. 
  

Lil C - Bucc - He tells Ade that he might be everyone's competition.  Ade looks shocked and excited.  Ade impressed him.  Sonya gives steps, but dancers have to find the movement.  He thought Melissa really tried to submerge herself. 
Mary - She loved it.  The style and the technique was great.  Ade stood out in lifts and technique.  They got a "woooo"
Nigel - Great dancers.  Melissa equaled Ade's strengths.  Great routine. 

The judges liked it more than I did.  I really liked Ade and I thought Melissa was good, but I wished she was a little less controlled.  I loved their last week's performance more than this one. 

Jason and Caitlin - Hip Hop / Shane Sparks / Missin You (Trey Songz)

• Caitlin reveals that Jason was obsessed with Michael Jackson (adorable home video)
  
• Jason reveals that Caitlin does a baby voice and a velociraptor voice that drives him nuts.
  
• Dance concept - met in a bar and had a great time, but separate only to see each other a few weeks later and the guy longs for what he can't have (Chemistry)
• Audience cheers when Shane starts talking (We've missed you Shane!)
• Shane says they needs to dance, they need character, and they need to act like they're in love (Uh...I guess Shane didn't see them KISS last week) - They are very flirty with each other.  I love it!
  
• I really like this couple.  I think Jason is great.  He has a cute face, he's a wonderful all around dancer, and he's a performer.  I will say that Caitlin was a little awkward in parts, but good when she needed to be sexy and interact with Jason.  However, her solo was actually good and showed she could get down.  I guess in the end, I believe the relationship and I like them enough to overlook some of her hip hop shortcomings.  I loved that back walkover onto her elbows.  Her gynmastics always looks so natural.  
• Sister comment - Jason was really good.  Caitln did "white girl hip hop" and seemed contemporary in parts.  Personality was good and in love.
  

Lil C - Audience loves you, but he didn't love it.  Mssing "nectar".  Sharp and clean, but corny. 
Mary - Michael Jackson and Britney Spears...both good dancers, but completely different and they felt off.  The chemistry didn't work even though last week's was good.  They didn't nail it.
Nigel - Shane provided a routine that fit the dancers style which wasn't hard hitting and he thought they looked good. 

Did it seem their critique was a lot shorter than the first pairs?  I still liked the routine because I really like them as a couple.  I know, I am being biased, but this about "favorite dancers". =)

Brandon and Janette - Disco / Doriana Sanchez / Loving Is Really My Game (Brainstorm)

• Again, I am nervous for Brandon especially because he doing a genre he's not a master at with Lil C critiquing.  Let's hope he stays calm under pressure.
  
• Brandon reveals that Janette had snaggleteeth when she was younger.  Brandon says Janette looks like a beauty queen now (awww...sweet)
• Janette reveals Brandon has never worked out traditionally.  He works out by lifting girls. 
  
• FAST MUSIC!
• Dance concept - the fastest disco ever on the show...IT'S NO JOKE!
• I actually liked most of it.  It was good high energy song and they kept the energy throughout.  Brandon is ridiculously strong and can lift Janette with ease.  I loved all the lifts.  I think Brandon was little flamboyant on some moves.  Janette tripped on her feet in one part, but recovered well.  I didn't like some of her faces, but maybe that's part of disco?  The last lift had a few issues.  Overall, it's a lot better than some disco I've seen on this show. 
• Sister comment - Movement reminded her of what she did in her college jazz dance class across the floor.  Janette shouldn't open her mouth so big.   Don't like when costumes don't match each other.  Fun, entertaining, and had a lot of cool parter work.
  

Lil C - In Lil C speak, Brandon and Janette have progressed as amazing dancers (Yay...he's being nice to Brandon).  Extremely amazing and Brandon did a phenomenal job.  Janette recovered well from her mistep.
Mary - They nailed it.  They really danced it.  Brandon blew her away.  Lots of screams.
Nigel - Tremendous.  Brilliant lifts.  Brandon - wishes him well because Mia is choreographing the group number for tomorrow. 

That was the best review of the night.  I'm happy for them.  I love Brandon! 

Vitolio and Asuka - Waltz / Louis Van Amstel / Dreams Are More Precious (Enya)

• Hmmm...before they even dance, I feel bad for them because it's two weeks with dances that may be bleh.  However, last week's number should have been great, but it wasn't.  That was their fault, not the number. 
  
• Asuka reveals Vitolio is obsessed with motorcycles. 
  
• Vitolio reveals that Asuka likes to make spit bubbles (self taught).
• Asuka says they will practice and show personality this week...BUT she says in this monotone robotic voice.  You can't say you're going to SHOW personality...you just have to actually SHOW it!
• Vitolio says he asked Asuka why they don't have a connection and she said it's because she's not attracted to him.  He then says, I am a handsome guy, how can she not be attracted to me.  (That's a revealing statement about why they aren't doing well so far).
  
• Dance concept - lyrical spiritual waltz using Vitolio's story as inspiration.  (Vitolio was crying during practice)
• I have enjoyed Louis' choreography so far this year.  Asuka had beautiful lines and was very graceful.  Vitolio's technique is still strange to me.  While pretty, I didn't feel "the story" except for their pained expressions.  There was more chemistry than last week, but it still feels a little "put on".
  
• Sister comment - Asuka's frame was pretty.  Vitolio didn't do the waltz large steps and his steps were abrupt.  Understand the concept of suffering, but they were over the top "angst faced".  
  

Mary - She started crying, but this week was beautiful.  Vitolio's dancing was honest tonight.  Asuka is usually over the top for latin, but tonight's was beautiful and believable.
Lil C - Vitolio's choppy steps were compensated by his honest vulnerable performance.  Asuka has a dominant submission in her dancing which is good.
Nigel - "If anyone didn't feel moved by that routine you're heartless."  (I guess I am heartless then.  I realize that I am not fooled by a great backstory that is supposed to be represented by a number.  I didn't feel it during Mia's Tribute to her Father with Neil/Lacey - S3, and I didn't feel it last year when Jean Luc choreographed a number in honor of his daughter for Twitch/Kherrington.  It's not that I am heartless because the stories themselves are very moving, but I would rather the dancing make me feel something versus being told what I should be feeling based on a story).  Nigel says this is a different couple tonight and it was beautiful.  He thinks they have grown.  They have shown their "quality".

OK...I am sorry, but I think Asuka is absolutely FAKE.  Did you see her leaning her head into Vitolio's shoulder looking demure and "connected" with him?  I guess this is her way of "showing" us her personality.  She's a chameleon playing her part as whatever she thinks the judges want.  I want honesty and realness.  I smell her phonyness and I'm not buying it!

Max and Kayla - Pop Jazz / Brian Friedman / Hot Like Wow (Nadia Oh)

• YAY!!! Brian's back!  (His assistants this time are Montana Efaw & Tucker Barkley)
  
• Interesting pairing considering Kayla is known to be one of Brian's assistants.  I have heard this routine will be very ganky and she looks good doing his stuff (has to if she's an assistant).  Seems a bit biased, but we'll see.
  
• Kayla reveals that Max is the "House Dad" for his roommates.
  
• Max reveals that Kayla is a master texter...100 words per minute.
  
• Dance concept - Princess and Max is performing for her, but wants her throne.
• Strenous routine.
• That was an awesome routine.  I love Brian's choreo and I missed it.  I was VERY impressed by Max.  He was so good.  He looked very natural doing the moves and kept up with Kayla who seemed born in this style.  This is probably my favorite routine so far tonight.  Good concept and her costume was great.  I didn't like his MC Hammer pants especially the color of them. 
  
• Sister comment - She wanted Brian to do a nasty ganky number, but  maybe he needed the theme for the show.  Max looked pretty good.  No surprise about Kayla because she's Brian's assistant and should be good doing his routine.  Good, but not WOW.
  

Lil C - Max did very good and Kayla was amazing.  They picked up Brian's "vernacular"
Mary - She doesn't like Max's outfit, but she saw past it to see his dancing and he was a surprise.  She doesn't think he stole the throne, but did well.  Kayla is a beast out there.  She nailed it and remains on the "hot tamale train."
Nigel - Happy to have Brian back.  They say that Kayla is a front runner and she is an incredible dancer.  Max kept up with Kayla tonight.  The pair bring a lot to the show. 

I like Kayla's eyelashes.  Hmm...big words for Kayla.  I think she is a great dancer, but still think she's kind of blah as a person.  She was trying harder this week and I saw a little more, but want to see her personality as a person and as a dancer be more congruent.  I wonder if she can keep up the momentum?

Did you just see that commercial for "More to Love"?  Why does the "big" guy only get "big girls".  What statement is that making?  Are they saying that the "real bachelors" would never go for a "real life woman".  How sad.  

Jonathan and Karla - Contemporary / Stacey Tookey / Falling Slowly (The Frames)

• New choreographer and I have no idea who she is.  (Nevermind...found out she's a choreo from SYTCD Canada - per sister)
  
• Jonathan reveals that Karla is an accomplished hip hopper and was a member of MTV's ABDC Boogie Bots dance crew.  (Hmmm...this is interesting.  I wonder if MTV only has a 1-yr contract where you can't be in any other show versus SYTYCD's 2-yr contract).
• Karla reveals that Jonathan loves to sing, but he's not very good. 
  
• Dance concept - two strangers who have an accidental meeting and their chemistry dealing with temptation
• LOVE the song!
• I liked the choreo.  It was pretty.  The lifts were really really really good.  I felt their connection much more than last week.  I thought Jonathan did really well doing contemporary and he was cuter this week.  Karla has some funky technique.  She has nice lines in part, but in other parts it seems like she doesn't do things properly.  I loved the end of the routine when he comes up behind her, but then Karla pulls Jonathan's arm off her and walks away.  I don't understand the ending now. 
• Sister comment - Liked the choreo, pretty with nice moments.  Like the song.  Didn't even realize Jonathan was dancing out of style. 
  

Mary - Jonathan you did that style better than your own style (first time ever said on the show).  Jonathan thanks her, but that's not really a compliment because that means he sucks a ballroomer.  They are the underdogs and they really shined tonight.  Lived up to the song.
Nigel - Incredible how they performed.  Came back after bottom 3 and were sensational.
Lil C - Danced beautifully, perfectly balanced.  BUCC. 

That was a great performance.  Cat said she got her first chills of the season.  I hope Nigel never wants any of the other choreographers from Canada because he just said that Stacey was the best choreographer from Canada's SYTYCD.

Philip and Jeanine - American Tango / Tony Meredith / Violento - Up Mix (Bailango!)

• Jeanine reveals Philip is an Engineering/Science major and loves reptiles
• Phillip reveals Jeanine loves her teddy bear and dresses him up (he's the perfect boyfriend).
• Woah - this practice session looks pretty comical...Tony was surprised by their lack of ballroom experience.
  
• Dance concept - look like you actually can do the tango
• Well, it was better than the intro piece, but it wasn't the best Tango we've seen on this show.  Phillip was OK, but didn't lead very well.  I liked Jeanine's performance, but there was something odd about her stance, like she was sticking out her butt.  They're lucky they had a good song that was more upbeat than "sexy".  
• Sister comment - Phillip did better than expected.  Piece was awkward.  Liked the shimmies.  Jeanine's costume looked like a West Coast Dance Studio competition costume, except they'd have pointe shoes.  Phillip's funny faces made her laugh.
  

Mary - Phillip - A+ in attitude, but C- in technique.  Jeanine is a hot mama.  Technique was better and she did a great job.
Lil C - Fan of Phillip, but lack of confidence will anchor your dance and there was no confidence in that routine versus his normal style.  Lil C is corrected when he learns that Phillip's knees should be bent during the routine. 
Nigel - People love Phillip in his style, but Tango is a tough technique.  He can't strain his face during lifts - LOL.  It wasn't good technically, but great performance.     
 
Kupono and Ashley - Hip Hop / Shane Sparks / Imma Be (The Black Eyed Peas)

• Ashley reveals Kupono is OCD
• Kupono reveals Ashley projectile vomited on her first grade class.
• Dance concept - Ashley is Kupono's shadow and is fast
• Lots of wardrobe in this routine.  There were hats and jackets and scarves, etc.  I liked this one better than Jason & Caitlin, and that's only because Kupono and Ashley danced it better.  Ashley was really good, but Kupono is GREAT.  Still one of my favs!  =)  The jacket removal section was very time consuming unnecessary.  I don't really get the "theme"...she didn't really "shadow" him too much.  They're cute together. 
  
• I don't like when camera angles don't let you see both dancers
  
• Sister comment - Breakdown should have been longer.  Shadow concept cool, but the concept was only used at beginning and end, not throughout.  Both looked good, but Ashley was better.  Jacket nonsense not needed. 
  

Mary - It was OK.  Nothing to love, just there (should they be blamed if it's the choreo, versus emotional contemporary?)
Lil C - Kupono struggled so Ashley couldn't mirror it.  (Did I watch the same number?  I thought he was good.)  Ashley saved the routine for him.
Nigel - Stopped at the point he was enjoying it.  It underwhelmed him.  He wanted it to work.  (Shane looks pissed).  Nigel thinks the dancers didn't do Shane's choreo justice. 

I guess I am biased.  I liked that routine. 

Overall, I was kinda underwhelmed by the whole show tonight.  I didn't have any WOW moments.  There were good moments, but not LOVE.  That makes me sad.  It also makes it harder to find favs and least favs.

I'm looking forward to Mia's Top 18 Group Routine =)