Originally aired: 1-Jul-2009OK, here's how my recap/reviews work:
- I always DVR the show so I can start/stop as many times as necessary
- I watch the performance and pause so I can write my own critique and prediction for what will happen without being influenced by the judges (Jidges if you're Cat)
- I watch and recap the Judges' responses and decisions (compare against mine)
- In the end, I will decide who are my favorites and predict the bottom 3
My Favorites:
Kupono & Kayla
Ade & Melissa
Predicted Bottom 3:
Jason & Caitlin (Because people won't get it, but I liked it)
Vitolio & Karla (I think the concept was better than them)
Evan & Randi (Because it's weaker and less popular than some of the other performances)
Predicted Cast-offs:
Vitolio & Karla because I don't like their solos
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SHOW START -
Starting with a summary of the show so far using that music that Jason & Caitlin used last week. That segment was way better than Jason & Caitlin's Paso that's for sure.
Top 14...it's getting more sparse on the stage.
Cat is wearing a hot pink strapless dress with a black studded belt. I like this look this week. She looks pretty. If she didn't have the belt on, the dress would be too bridesmaid.
Judges - Nigel, Mary, & Mia (Good luck Brandon!)
Cat asks Mia if her opinions have changed about anyone in particular in the show. Mia calls Cat out on her "set up". Inquiring minds want to know...Mia's response - She says her opinion has changed for the better. (Yay Mia for being a big person!)
Special announcement coming up at the end of the show...Hmmm...could it be about the much anticipated Michael Jackson tribute dance show? Please please please let it be about that!
Tonight the dancers will tell us about their highs and lows since being on the show. They've been together for about 1-Mo now in Los Angeles.
Brandon & Janette - Cha Cha / Jean Marc Generaux / Hush Hush; Hush Hush (PCD)
-Wow, Brandon didn't know he could do hip hop?!?! Seriously? No way...people don't just look THAT good doing hip hop without knowing they can do it.
-Dance concept - Hot Cha Cha Cha - sassy & sexy, fast & dangerous
-Costumes - Janette has on a sexy fuchsia ballroom costume with little fringy things that look good when she twists. She looks hot in it. Brandon has on tight black pants and white belt with a white sleeveless button down shirt. This outfit makes him look taller and skinnier.
-Dance - I didn't like the first lift and slide down when the music was slow. It seemed like she got stuck on his clothing. The number was much better when the tempo picked up. I thought Janette was good, but I expected her to be because she's in her style genre. I wish she didn't make so many open mouth faces. It's not too pretty. Brandon was a little weird for me. He seemed super stiff at times and at other times he seemed to emulate Janette and his moves were slightly effeminate. There was some difficult partnering and it was done well. They're a good partnership, but this was not my favorite routine from them. It lacked the naturalness i normally feel when they dance together.
Nigel - Said it was the best cha cha he'd ever seen on this show and would have been welcome on a professional stage. Brandon = Michaelangelo of the dance world. First time one of them had their style and they were brilliant.
Mary - Hot tamale train?...Janette - good technique. Brandon - can do everything brilliantly. FIRST CLASS TICKETS ON THE HOT TAMALE TRAIN and screams galore!
Mia - She acknowledges she probably scared the bleep out of Brandon. Then she goes on to say that she, and all teachers, are the hardest on the ones with the best ability. And she won't be satisfied until she brings him to the next level. She says he's amazing. Brandon was crying. Janette has been on fire since the beginning and was on fire tonight as well.
YAY for Brandon. How vindicated he must feel to gain her approval.
I think I am just biased against ballroom because I know nothing about it. I just know I have loved other ballroom performances more than that one, but I am thrilled for their reviews because they really are very strong in this competition.
Kupono & Kayla - Contemporary / Sonya Tayeh / Eyes on Fire (Blue Foundation)
-I can't wait to see what Sonya does with Kupono. It's a genius pairing.
-Both talk about when they lost their partners and how devastating it was. Then they did well as a first time couple.
-Dance concept - Vampire qualities (LOVE already). Kayla is fighting death and Kupono has accepted it. Lots of fighting.
-OMG!!! Twilight soundtrack music!!! AHHHH, is Sonya a Twilight fan? I hope so =) Already a good start with such a recognizable soundtrack. Fangirls will eat it UP!
-Costumes - Think corpse bride, but sexier and shorter. Very Gothic Victorian period with corsets and bustle-like tutu tulle & lace skirts. She's perfect as an undead because she's so white pale already so the costume really makes her look eerie. Kupono had a dressed down easy costume. His outfit complimented Kayla's well.
-Dance - LOVED IT! First rewind of the night to watch a second time. They were even interesting in the first two 8-cts when Kupono was just dragging Kayla and she struggles. Then they both just embodied Sonya's choreography so well. Kayla has the most ridiculous leg extensions. She looks like her legs go on forever and they were used very strategically in this piece. Loved the choreography when the lyrics say, "I will soothe your pain". Awww...seriously, I just loved it, and can't even tell you what parts I loved because I loved the whole thing. It's like Mark/Courtney (S4), but even better because I like this theme more.
Nigel - Inspiration (Interview with a Vampire, Twilight, True Blood) = fabulous. Kupono was a new man on stage this week. So much technique in a modern routine. Everything about it was tremendous and pair reaching their potential. This forced partnership just works.
Mary - Song was about death, but pair are alive and kicking. Played to each dancer's strengths and didn't hold back. Kayla's legs great, but pairing great. Kupono has stepped it up. Staying on the Hot Tamale Train.
Mia - Aesthetically, they are a gorgeous couple together. Costuming & makeup brilliant. Mia said this is Sonya's best piece on the show. Kayla commits to everything and has ridic lines. She makes beautiful pics. Kupono - takes every note and improves each week. He has a calm power on stage (Mark had it too...is it a Hawaiian thing?). Kupono is growing!
I am so digging them together. I already loved Kupono, but with Kayla who I didn't love before, I love both of them. They are just so good. I think Mia is right about how good looking they are together. That could be one reason I like them together because they do just draw you in with their being.
Evan & Randi - Broadway / Joey Dowling / Rich Man's Frug (Sweet Charity)
-They're an interesting couple because they aren't the best looking, but on stage, they are really captivating and beautiful.
-Dance concept - not traditional musical theater, but elements of it
-That woman is an amazon next to munchkins Evan & Randi...she's kind of scary tough. Choreographer expected a lot, but she said they struggled. She then says she was easy on them...ouch.
-Another amazing song choice. Digging the show this week. =)
-Costumes - They're both costumed in the vein of the musical number.
-Dance - For the first week, I enjoyed Evan's performance much more than Randi's. She just didn't personify the Fosse style very well. I don't know if it's because of her body type, but a lot of the actual "frug" moves seemed wrong to me and too small. I felt like Evan "danced" it more. They both had the personality down (snotty people at cocktail party). Again, I liked, but didn't love it because I have seen it done much better on Broadway. They're likeable and the audience loves them.
Nigel - Homage to Bob Fosse. Wrists not flexible enough. Nigel liked Randi more than Evan and thought Evan didn't bring enough style. But, he still thinks they are one of the top 10 dancers.
Mary - This was their style tonight and they did it well. Evan got the character and immersed himself. Randi got the style too. She wished they gave a little more. She enjoyed it and was entertained (but she wasn't very excited based on the delivery of her critique.)
Mia - Knowing Joey Dowling (6' tall brilliant dancer) and when she dances you'd never know she was that tall carrying that height. Evan & Randi didn't take to the next level and their height may have hindered them. Randi's movement was little "heavy". Evan - she expected more. Mia said Bravo for the choreographer and good job to the dancers.
I'm glad I wasn't crazy...thanks Mia. I was beginning to think I had lost my gift of critique (LOL).
Jason & Caitlin - Pop Jazz / Brian Friedman / Creator (Santigold)
-Let's see what Brian does on his second shot at choreo again this season...his first one was great, but didn't deliver the votes.
-Brian is looked extra special elfy tonight...or maybe it's his genie look? It's that bald head, perfectly manicured eyebrows, and beard. He usually is so hot, but I don't know about his new look right now.
-Dance concept - Alien that blew up Earth and coming down to find the last man alive to procreate. Caitlin needs to be dominant and control the routine.
-Oh yeah...SYTYCD is on fire with music this week. Awwww...this song brings back memories of MKiK's solo. =) Perfect song for the dance concept.
-Costumes - Caitlin has on a black long sleeve unitard and cap with shiny strips all around her leg and torso and shiny spikes like an alien on her head. She also has spikes on her wrists and pointy fingernail claws. Surprisingly, it works well. Jason is an Earthling whose planet was destroyed so he looks dusty and messy. Again, matches the theme.
-Dance - Brian's choreo is definitely unique and intricate. I was afraid that Caitlin couldn't be dominant because she's always so soft, but she really got into her role and had the more elaborate choreo tonight. This was a Caitlin vehicle and didn't showcase Jason's talents as much, but they worked well and the story was believable. Jury's out on if I loved it. I think I do, but not as much as Sonya's awesome piece.
Nigel - Brian Friedman comes from another planet. Very weird, but if given something like this you have to commit and they did. Nigel didn't like Caitlin's costume because she's too covered up for someone that wants to impregnate an Earthling..."the dancing condom". (how rude and crass Nigel!)
Mary - Didn't think the routine played to the dancer's strengths. Mary didn't get it and hopes the pair aren't in trouble with the piece.
Mia - Thinks Brian made something that was fun and out there. Mia didn't like the foil strips on Caitlin because it made it feel cartoony. She enjoyed and went on the ride.
I guess I just like weird then and "get" the choreography that isn't so literal and obvious (like some lyrical hip hop numbers I have seen). I will support Brian because I know he is a brilliant choreographer.
(AHHHH...just saw an iPhone 3GS commercial showing how to shoot, edit, and email/upload videos...makes me want one. Must resist, I love my phone, I love my phone).
Phillip & Jeanine - Hip Hop / NappyTabs / Love Lockdown (Kanye West)
-We got the spinning camera again.
-Here's the controversy online...WHY DOES PHILLIP GET ANOTHER NAPPYTABS HIP HOP SO SOON? My theory? They need him for this MJ special they're doing and wanted to ensure he gets the votes. What do you think?
-Dance concept - Idea of what the kids go through on the show and locked down into a partnership...they are physically chained together for the routine.
-OK, finally a song I'm eh about...sorry Kanye.
-Costumes - I do not like Jeanine's shirt. It has this piece that is saggy on her belly and makes it look like she has a flabby stomach. I also don't like the bow thing on her head. I think the focus should have been more on the chain than distracting with her outfit. The chain was a cool enough accessory.
-Dance - They were great, but I expected it considering we just saw them do hip hop a few weeks ago and they killed it then as well. This routine hit harder and there was a lot of coordination with the chain, but they handled it well. Maybe I'm annoyed that Phillip got his direct style again. Something smells fishy about that.
Nigel - If they keep dancing like that they should be chained together for life. Loved how at the end Phillp offered Jeanine the key and she didn't take it. Jeanine has not done any contemporary yet and makes all style look like her style. Phillip great and hit hard.
Mary - Incredibly creative, great choreo. Could have been a disaster, but they weren't. Jeanine was crazy good tonight in this routine. Sad day when they aren't partnered together anymore.
Mia - Big fan of NappyTabs' musicality. The concept was there, but got caught up in the chainography and it seemed sloppy against the clean dancing. That's not their fault, but distracting. Great job.
Practiced for hours to make sure they didn't mess up. Jeanine Freudian slips with, "we have chains all over our apartment." Nigel screams TMI. LOL. That'll just make people vote more for them.
I loved how the judges acted as if they'd never seen Phillip and Jeanine do a NappyTabs hip hop before. The judges weren't crazy excited like on some of the other numbers.
Ade & Melissa - Classical Pas de Deux / Thordal Christenson / Romeo & Juilet: Prokofiev's Suite No.1 Op. 64b, 6th Movement
-First time ever doing this style...luckily for them the Naughty Ballerina gets it.
-Dance concept - Romeo & Juliet (I knew it the minute I saw their costumes before the break)
-Melissa gets to wear pointe shoes =). Melissa has always wanted to be Juliet. So sweet.
-Seriously, I'm so happy songs aren't named like this anymore. That was tough to write it all.
-Costume - Traditional Juliet dress in pale pink and Ade in dance pants and poofy shirt
-Dance - Absolutely unbelievably beautiful! I love ballet and that was exquisite. I know Ade isn't a classically trained ballerino, but he was great overall. He's strong and makes those lifts look so easy. The only one that I didn't love was when he had to run with her on his shoulder It seemed she bounced too much, but the rest was wonderful. Watching Melissa in her element was a dream. She's just WOW. LOVED IT!
Nigel - Love scene from R&J where they first secretly meet. Melissa - Thank you. Ade - Your feet could be better, but your carriage and lifts were beautiful. Big first.
Mary - Loved it. Really beautiful. Chemistry flawless and believable. Melissa - great to see you in your style and pointe work phenomenal. Ade gave Melissa wings with the lifts. Dream she didn't want to wake up from.
Mia - Excited to be celebrating classical dance on the program because it is what solidifies technique and strength and body alignment and what makes you a great dancer. Danced really well. Love that it's a Black & White R&J (very progressive). It was gorgious? You can't fake classical ballet and Melissa is a true ballerina.
The Dizzy Feet Foundation created by Nigel, Carrie Ann Inaba, Adam, & Katie Holmes. Helping underprivileged dancers. Interview with Katie. Awards scholarships to young people who can't afford to experience art and dance. Will kick off with six scholarships for kids from different studios. They will also start an accredidation program for instructors so people know that the teachers are really experts in their fields. They'll also try to do community outreach.
Steering committee includes - Paula Abdul, Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus, Debbie Allen, Lil C, & more
Arts is on life support due to economic downturn.
July 23rd = 100th episodes. Tyce Diorio choreographed a Judy Garland tribute starring Katie Holmes. She donated her performance fee to the foundation (because she's married to Tom Cruise and doesn't need money anymore). The performance will be shown on the 100th episode.
Vitolio & Karla - Quickstep / Jean Marc Generaux / Puttin' On the Ritz (Rufus Wainright)
-Yeah, the producers don't want them around too long. haha. I'm not expecting great things.
-1st time partnership
-Dance concept - Museum and Vitolio is a statue
-Costume - Ugh...that is a horrible shapeless polka-dotted dress. OHHHH, I didn't see that coming, but very creative dress transformation. No wonder that dress was so poofy on top. Much better as a beautiful colored gown. Vitolio looks nice in a tux.
-Dance - It wasn't as bad as I expected it to be, but I'm still left with an eh feeling. Karla's feet sometimes looked like they weren't pointed and were dangling and some of their lines were strange. It's a hard number after some of the better ones tonight so that's unfortunate for them. I actually like them together as partner more than Vitolio and Asuka. Karla looks more suited for Vitolio.
Nigel - So many good things and loved the choreo. Entertaining. Technique good. Sometimes the lines took away from the style. Too static in charleston. Personality showed.
Mary - So much for the kiss of death dance. Difficult dance and Vitolio did well in close hold. Well done. Karla was beautiful. Loved concept and costume change.
Mia - Jean Marc is a genius. Amazing piece (costume, concept, & choreo). Not to detract from their performance, but good piece does wonders for dancers. Vitolio usually seems like a wild horse and untamed, but he was controlled in this. Mia wants consistency from him. Karla - more confidence, less scared looking. Be more bright on the face.
Sooooooooo...the Dizzy Feet Foundation was the BIG surprise? I'm a little disappointed. I wanted to hear about an MJ tribute, Drats.
I have had the week from hell at work and I was really tired tonight, but I knew I had to blog the show regardless. And now, I am so happy I did. I realize that blogging about something you love just wipes away all the stress because I am sharing my passion with you. Thanks for letting me be a voice for dance each week.
Until tomorrow...Kelly Clarkson performing on the elimination show.
SHOW START -
Starting with a summary of the show so far using that music that Jason & Caitlin used last week. That segment was way better than Jason & Caitlin's Paso that's for sure.
Top 14...it's getting more sparse on the stage.
Cat is wearing a hot pink strapless dress with a black studded belt. I like this look this week. She looks pretty. If she didn't have the belt on, the dress would be too bridesmaid.
Judges - Nigel, Mary, & Mia (Good luck Brandon!)
Cat asks Mia if her opinions have changed about anyone in particular in the show. Mia calls Cat out on her "set up". Inquiring minds want to know...Mia's response - She says her opinion has changed for the better. (Yay Mia for being a big person!)
Special announcement coming up at the end of the show...Hmmm...could it be about the much anticipated Michael Jackson tribute dance show? Please please please let it be about that!
Tonight the dancers will tell us about their highs and lows since being on the show. They've been together for about 1-Mo now in Los Angeles.
Brandon & Janette - Cha Cha / Jean Marc Generaux / Hush Hush; Hush Hush (PCD)
-Wow, Brandon didn't know he could do hip hop?!?! Seriously? No way...people don't just look THAT good doing hip hop without knowing they can do it.
-Dance concept - Hot Cha Cha Cha - sassy & sexy, fast & dangerous
-Costumes - Janette has on a sexy fuchsia ballroom costume with little fringy things that look good when she twists. She looks hot in it. Brandon has on tight black pants and white belt with a white sleeveless button down shirt. This outfit makes him look taller and skinnier.
-Dance - I didn't like the first lift and slide down when the music was slow. It seemed like she got stuck on his clothing. The number was much better when the tempo picked up. I thought Janette was good, but I expected her to be because she's in her style genre. I wish she didn't make so many open mouth faces. It's not too pretty. Brandon was a little weird for me. He seemed super stiff at times and at other times he seemed to emulate Janette and his moves were slightly effeminate. There was some difficult partnering and it was done well. They're a good partnership, but this was not my favorite routine from them. It lacked the naturalness i normally feel when they dance together.
Nigel - Said it was the best cha cha he'd ever seen on this show and would have been welcome on a professional stage. Brandon = Michaelangelo of the dance world. First time one of them had their style and they were brilliant.
Mary - Hot tamale train?...Janette - good technique. Brandon - can do everything brilliantly. FIRST CLASS TICKETS ON THE HOT TAMALE TRAIN and screams galore!
Mia - She acknowledges she probably scared the bleep out of Brandon. Then she goes on to say that she, and all teachers, are the hardest on the ones with the best ability. And she won't be satisfied until she brings him to the next level. She says he's amazing. Brandon was crying. Janette has been on fire since the beginning and was on fire tonight as well.
YAY for Brandon. How vindicated he must feel to gain her approval.
I think I am just biased against ballroom because I know nothing about it. I just know I have loved other ballroom performances more than that one, but I am thrilled for their reviews because they really are very strong in this competition.
Kupono & Kayla - Contemporary / Sonya Tayeh / Eyes on Fire (Blue Foundation)
-I can't wait to see what Sonya does with Kupono. It's a genius pairing.
-Both talk about when they lost their partners and how devastating it was. Then they did well as a first time couple.
-Dance concept - Vampire qualities (LOVE already). Kayla is fighting death and Kupono has accepted it. Lots of fighting.
-OMG!!! Twilight soundtrack music!!! AHHHH, is Sonya a Twilight fan? I hope so =) Already a good start with such a recognizable soundtrack. Fangirls will eat it UP!
-Costumes - Think corpse bride, but sexier and shorter. Very Gothic Victorian period with corsets and bustle-like tutu tulle & lace skirts. She's perfect as an undead because she's so white pale already so the costume really makes her look eerie. Kupono had a dressed down easy costume. His outfit complimented Kayla's well.
-Dance - LOVED IT! First rewind of the night to watch a second time. They were even interesting in the first two 8-cts when Kupono was just dragging Kayla and she struggles. Then they both just embodied Sonya's choreography so well. Kayla has the most ridiculous leg extensions. She looks like her legs go on forever and they were used very strategically in this piece. Loved the choreography when the lyrics say, "I will soothe your pain". Awww...seriously, I just loved it, and can't even tell you what parts I loved because I loved the whole thing. It's like Mark/Courtney (S4), but even better because I like this theme more.
Nigel - Inspiration (Interview with a Vampire, Twilight, True Blood) = fabulous. Kupono was a new man on stage this week. So much technique in a modern routine. Everything about it was tremendous and pair reaching their potential. This forced partnership just works.
Mary - Song was about death, but pair are alive and kicking. Played to each dancer's strengths and didn't hold back. Kayla's legs great, but pairing great. Kupono has stepped it up. Staying on the Hot Tamale Train.
Mia - Aesthetically, they are a gorgeous couple together. Costuming & makeup brilliant. Mia said this is Sonya's best piece on the show. Kayla commits to everything and has ridic lines. She makes beautiful pics. Kupono - takes every note and improves each week. He has a calm power on stage (Mark had it too...is it a Hawaiian thing?). Kupono is growing!
I am so digging them together. I already loved Kupono, but with Kayla who I didn't love before, I love both of them. They are just so good. I think Mia is right about how good looking they are together. That could be one reason I like them together because they do just draw you in with their being.
Evan & Randi - Broadway / Joey Dowling / Rich Man's Frug (Sweet Charity)
-They're an interesting couple because they aren't the best looking, but on stage, they are really captivating and beautiful.
-Dance concept - not traditional musical theater, but elements of it
-That woman is an amazon next to munchkins Evan & Randi...she's kind of scary tough. Choreographer expected a lot, but she said they struggled. She then says she was easy on them...ouch.
-Another amazing song choice. Digging the show this week. =)
-Costumes - They're both costumed in the vein of the musical number.
-Dance - For the first week, I enjoyed Evan's performance much more than Randi's. She just didn't personify the Fosse style very well. I don't know if it's because of her body type, but a lot of the actual "frug" moves seemed wrong to me and too small. I felt like Evan "danced" it more. They both had the personality down (snotty people at cocktail party). Again, I liked, but didn't love it because I have seen it done much better on Broadway. They're likeable and the audience loves them.
Nigel - Homage to Bob Fosse. Wrists not flexible enough. Nigel liked Randi more than Evan and thought Evan didn't bring enough style. But, he still thinks they are one of the top 10 dancers.
Mary - This was their style tonight and they did it well. Evan got the character and immersed himself. Randi got the style too. She wished they gave a little more. She enjoyed it and was entertained (but she wasn't very excited based on the delivery of her critique.)
Mia - Knowing Joey Dowling (6' tall brilliant dancer) and when she dances you'd never know she was that tall carrying that height. Evan & Randi didn't take to the next level and their height may have hindered them. Randi's movement was little "heavy". Evan - she expected more. Mia said Bravo for the choreographer and good job to the dancers.
I'm glad I wasn't crazy...thanks Mia. I was beginning to think I had lost my gift of critique (LOL).
Jason & Caitlin - Pop Jazz / Brian Friedman / Creator (Santigold)
-Let's see what Brian does on his second shot at choreo again this season...his first one was great, but didn't deliver the votes.
-Brian is looked extra special elfy tonight...or maybe it's his genie look? It's that bald head, perfectly manicured eyebrows, and beard. He usually is so hot, but I don't know about his new look right now.
-Dance concept - Alien that blew up Earth and coming down to find the last man alive to procreate. Caitlin needs to be dominant and control the routine.
-Oh yeah...SYTYCD is on fire with music this week. Awwww...this song brings back memories of MKiK's solo. =) Perfect song for the dance concept.
-Costumes - Caitlin has on a black long sleeve unitard and cap with shiny strips all around her leg and torso and shiny spikes like an alien on her head. She also has spikes on her wrists and pointy fingernail claws. Surprisingly, it works well. Jason is an Earthling whose planet was destroyed so he looks dusty and messy. Again, matches the theme.
-Dance - Brian's choreo is definitely unique and intricate. I was afraid that Caitlin couldn't be dominant because she's always so soft, but she really got into her role and had the more elaborate choreo tonight. This was a Caitlin vehicle and didn't showcase Jason's talents as much, but they worked well and the story was believable. Jury's out on if I loved it. I think I do, but not as much as Sonya's awesome piece.
Nigel - Brian Friedman comes from another planet. Very weird, but if given something like this you have to commit and they did. Nigel didn't like Caitlin's costume because she's too covered up for someone that wants to impregnate an Earthling..."the dancing condom". (how rude and crass Nigel!)
Mary - Didn't think the routine played to the dancer's strengths. Mary didn't get it and hopes the pair aren't in trouble with the piece.
Mia - Thinks Brian made something that was fun and out there. Mia didn't like the foil strips on Caitlin because it made it feel cartoony. She enjoyed and went on the ride.
I guess I just like weird then and "get" the choreography that isn't so literal and obvious (like some lyrical hip hop numbers I have seen). I will support Brian because I know he is a brilliant choreographer.
(AHHHH...just saw an iPhone 3GS commercial showing how to shoot, edit, and email/upload videos...makes me want one. Must resist, I love my phone, I love my phone).
Phillip & Jeanine - Hip Hop / NappyTabs / Love Lockdown (Kanye West)
-We got the spinning camera again.
-Here's the controversy online...WHY DOES PHILLIP GET ANOTHER NAPPYTABS HIP HOP SO SOON? My theory? They need him for this MJ special they're doing and wanted to ensure he gets the votes. What do you think?
-Dance concept - Idea of what the kids go through on the show and locked down into a partnership...they are physically chained together for the routine.
-OK, finally a song I'm eh about...sorry Kanye.
-Costumes - I do not like Jeanine's shirt. It has this piece that is saggy on her belly and makes it look like she has a flabby stomach. I also don't like the bow thing on her head. I think the focus should have been more on the chain than distracting with her outfit. The chain was a cool enough accessory.
-Dance - They were great, but I expected it considering we just saw them do hip hop a few weeks ago and they killed it then as well. This routine hit harder and there was a lot of coordination with the chain, but they handled it well. Maybe I'm annoyed that Phillip got his direct style again. Something smells fishy about that.
Nigel - If they keep dancing like that they should be chained together for life. Loved how at the end Phillp offered Jeanine the key and she didn't take it. Jeanine has not done any contemporary yet and makes all style look like her style. Phillip great and hit hard.
Mary - Incredibly creative, great choreo. Could have been a disaster, but they weren't. Jeanine was crazy good tonight in this routine. Sad day when they aren't partnered together anymore.
Mia - Big fan of NappyTabs' musicality. The concept was there, but got caught up in the chainography and it seemed sloppy against the clean dancing. That's not their fault, but distracting. Great job.
Practiced for hours to make sure they didn't mess up. Jeanine Freudian slips with, "we have chains all over our apartment." Nigel screams TMI. LOL. That'll just make people vote more for them.
I loved how the judges acted as if they'd never seen Phillip and Jeanine do a NappyTabs hip hop before. The judges weren't crazy excited like on some of the other numbers.
Ade & Melissa - Classical Pas de Deux / Thordal Christenson / Romeo & Juilet: Prokofiev's Suite No.1 Op. 64b, 6th Movement
-First time ever doing this style...luckily for them the Naughty Ballerina gets it.
-Dance concept - Romeo & Juliet (I knew it the minute I saw their costumes before the break)
-Melissa gets to wear pointe shoes =). Melissa has always wanted to be Juliet. So sweet.
-Seriously, I'm so happy songs aren't named like this anymore. That was tough to write it all.
-Costume - Traditional Juliet dress in pale pink and Ade in dance pants and poofy shirt
-Dance - Absolutely unbelievably beautiful! I love ballet and that was exquisite. I know Ade isn't a classically trained ballerino, but he was great overall. He's strong and makes those lifts look so easy. The only one that I didn't love was when he had to run with her on his shoulder It seemed she bounced too much, but the rest was wonderful. Watching Melissa in her element was a dream. She's just WOW. LOVED IT!
Nigel - Love scene from R&J where they first secretly meet. Melissa - Thank you. Ade - Your feet could be better, but your carriage and lifts were beautiful. Big first.
Mary - Loved it. Really beautiful. Chemistry flawless and believable. Melissa - great to see you in your style and pointe work phenomenal. Ade gave Melissa wings with the lifts. Dream she didn't want to wake up from.
Mia - Excited to be celebrating classical dance on the program because it is what solidifies technique and strength and body alignment and what makes you a great dancer. Danced really well. Love that it's a Black & White R&J (very progressive). It was gorgious? You can't fake classical ballet and Melissa is a true ballerina.
The Dizzy Feet Foundation created by Nigel, Carrie Ann Inaba, Adam, & Katie Holmes. Helping underprivileged dancers. Interview with Katie. Awards scholarships to young people who can't afford to experience art and dance. Will kick off with six scholarships for kids from different studios. They will also start an accredidation program for instructors so people know that the teachers are really experts in their fields. They'll also try to do community outreach.
Steering committee includes - Paula Abdul, Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus, Debbie Allen, Lil C, & more
Arts is on life support due to economic downturn.
July 23rd = 100th episodes. Tyce Diorio choreographed a Judy Garland tribute starring Katie Holmes. She donated her performance fee to the foundation (because she's married to Tom Cruise and doesn't need money anymore). The performance will be shown on the 100th episode.
Vitolio & Karla - Quickstep / Jean Marc Generaux / Puttin' On the Ritz (Rufus Wainright)
-Yeah, the producers don't want them around too long. haha. I'm not expecting great things.
-1st time partnership
-Dance concept - Museum and Vitolio is a statue
-Costume - Ugh...that is a horrible shapeless polka-dotted dress. OHHHH, I didn't see that coming, but very creative dress transformation. No wonder that dress was so poofy on top. Much better as a beautiful colored gown. Vitolio looks nice in a tux.
-Dance - It wasn't as bad as I expected it to be, but I'm still left with an eh feeling. Karla's feet sometimes looked like they weren't pointed and were dangling and some of their lines were strange. It's a hard number after some of the better ones tonight so that's unfortunate for them. I actually like them together as partner more than Vitolio and Asuka. Karla looks more suited for Vitolio.
Nigel - So many good things and loved the choreo. Entertaining. Technique good. Sometimes the lines took away from the style. Too static in charleston. Personality showed.
Mary - So much for the kiss of death dance. Difficult dance and Vitolio did well in close hold. Well done. Karla was beautiful. Loved concept and costume change.
Mia - Jean Marc is a genius. Amazing piece (costume, concept, & choreo). Not to detract from their performance, but good piece does wonders for dancers. Vitolio usually seems like a wild horse and untamed, but he was controlled in this. Mia wants consistency from him. Karla - more confidence, less scared looking. Be more bright on the face.
Sooooooooo...the Dizzy Feet Foundation was the BIG surprise? I'm a little disappointed. I wanted to hear about an MJ tribute, Drats.
I have had the week from hell at work and I was really tired tonight, but I knew I had to blog the show regardless. And now, I am so happy I did. I realize that blogging about something you love just wipes away all the stress because I am sharing my passion with you. Thanks for letting me be a voice for dance each week.
Until tomorrow...Kelly Clarkson performing on the elimination show.
I LOVED the show tonight!!! Romeo and Juliet made me slightly teary, as did Brandon's teary-eyed gratitude for Mia's praise! I can't believe Cat's Ro-May-YO thing, LOL!
Poor Caitlin and Jason. It's just not fair that she had to look like that, when you had Melissa's angelic Juliet and Kayla's cool Corpse Bride outfit. I hope she doesn't get sent home! I liked the alien dance even though it made me feel weird. I love Brian. Miss his curls!
I love Ade. Brandon has the cutest smile ever. I think they are my two favorites right now.
Diane, I thought of you during Sonja's number! I knew you were loving that one! It was awesome!!! I'm sad I'm not a Twilight fan. :(
I think you're right about Phillip! That's hilarious! They also really need to keep Jason for Michael week.
Thanks for being faithful to your blog! I really enjoy reading your comments after I watch. It's a treat!
My top three:
Jeanette & Brandon, Kayla & Kapono, and Ade and Melissa.
These were by fav's of the night. Loved the twilight music!!!! That was awesome! And Sonia is amazing!I thought Brandon was so good in the cha cha. Is there any dance he can not do? And why were Mia and Lil C so unimpressed with him anyway? He is amazing!
Melissa and Ade were just breath taking. I could watch that all night!
I think the bottom 3 might be:
Jason & Caitlyn- I liked the story but wasn't wowed by the routine.
Randi & Evan who I love, but the number was just ok. I did not like that coreographer. She was so mean! Biotch!
Karla & Vilolio- quick step is boring, so even though they did a good job, I don't know if people will be really excited about it!
What are the odds that Phillip & Jeanine get hip-hop for the SECOND time and Melissa & Ade get the first ballet piece on the show when she's the ballerina? Really? Do you expect us to believe you pick these styles out of a hat?
Anyway, this episdoe was really good! I miss Wade Robson routines though...I feel like Brian is trying to be like Wade and create concept routines but it doesn't work as well. 2nd routine in the bottom? Yikes.
Awesome that Sonya did like a total Twilight-themed routine. When Nigel was naming inspirations she looked really excited when he said Twilight. I think she is a fan, whoo!