Originally aired: 15-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 Girls & Guys.
Jason & Jeanine
Brandon & Melissa
Predicted Bottom 6:
Girls - Kayla, Randi, Melissa
Guys - Ade, Jason, Kupono
- I originally had Evan in the bottom 3 guys, but I have a feeling he is the reason he and Randi never saw the bottom. I think alone people will vote for Evan regardless of how great Jason was. There can only be two safe dancers and three in the bottom. Based on popularity votes, I think Brandon and Evan will take in more than the other guys. For the girls, I think Jeanine and Janette are leading the pack.
Sniffle sniffle as I write this, but I think it will be Kupono & Randi. I just think as a whole the other dancers are bringing more to the table. This makes me sad to even write his name, but I think he's going home....waaaahhh!
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Now that we're in the Top 10, here's a reminder how the rules have changed:
Cat is wearing a strapless emerald green dress with a sweetheart neckline and form-fitting overlaying fabric strips. There is a strange black line of fabric near the bottom of right side that follows horizontally around to the center on the back of the dress before ascending the zipper line up. She has on these great monster sized earrings partially camouflaged within her straight tousled hair. She looks pretty tonight.
Judges: Nigel, Mary, & Debbie Allen
While Nigel is yapping, I am distracted by the disaster that is Mary Murphy's style. She has on a black sweater with an intricate pattern of flesh boat neckline, but why on earth must she pair it with a garish sparkly necklace AND "matchy-matchy" dangling earrings. It's just TOO much.
They discuss the random pairings and how it is difficult not only with various physical attribute differences, but also trust and experience.
Debbie Allen says three of her top ladies and three of her top gentlemen are still in the competition so she thinks America and the judges are doing a good job.
Cat announces that to help America vote for individuals, each dancer will be performing a solo.
Top 5 Girls Routine - Bollywood / Nakul Dev Mahajan / Dholna (Pyar Ke Geet)
-Janette, Jeanine, Kayla, Melissa, & Randi
-Dance concept - Energy and multiple genres of dance & regions in India
-Costumes - I always love the Bollywood numbers because the girls' costumes are so beautiful, sparkly, and colorful. Each girl had a different color, but it was like a beautiful rainbow of fabric on stage
-Dance - The girls were all strong dancers. No one stood out negatively at all. I think Kayla and Jeanine stood out the most positively with Randi shining in some parts. To be honest, Janette and Melissa didn't stand out as individuals to me, but it could have been the camera angles and blocking. The number was clean and high energy.
Nigel - He apologizes to all other girls on the show because these five are so beautiful together. No one stood out because they were all cohesive in all areas. They were lacking nothing and are on Nigel's "Hot Bangs & Mash Train." (Blech)
Mary - BollyWOW! All five are stunning and any one of them could be in the final
Debbie - Agree it is a tight race. She thinks this is the best Top 5 girls of any season.
Evan & Kayla - Viennese Waltz / Tony Meredith / Kiss From a Rose (Seal)
-Kayla picked Evan from the hat. Camera angles were better this time and I coudn't see if there were multiple cards in the hat, but I tend to think Evan's was the only name included. Tallest girl & shortest guy, going to be interesting.
-Kayla towered over Evan in 3-in heels. They put Kayla's shoes on Evan and he tried to dance in them...pretty funny!
-Evan - "I'm gonna dance like I'm 9-Ft tall!" Kayla - "I'm going to plie A LOT!"
-Dance concept - None given
-Costume - They fixed the height issue by having Kayla dance barefoot with some rhinestone feet accessories. She looks gorgeous in a hot pink sparkly gown...very sexy Ginger Rogers-esque. Evan is dressed simply in black slacks, vest with purple rose motif, and white dress shirt with black tie. Can't tell if his shoes are taller than normal...it's not obvious if they are lifts.
-Dance - It was actually a lot better than I expected. I felt Kayla really did use her plie to make the rise and fall look more elegant and appear that they were paired equally. There were a some beautiful lifts and they looked peaceful and graceful, especially Kayla. I liked it, but wasn't completely enthused by it.
Nigel - Look fabulous. Issues are with the choreography for what is considered an American Viennese Waltz versus Fast Waltz (they can't blame the dancers for that, but Tony heard the message). Lifts beautiful and Evan was supportive as a partner. Kayla has beautiful lines.
Mary - Song is about Power, Pleasure, & Pain. They got two out of three. Painful - Evan's natural turns in close hold weren't gliding. Power - Evan's lifts looked effortless. Evan has class and elegance. Kayla never disappoints and has tremendous lines.
Debbie - Unexpected surprise.."Darling, you handled your big woman! You handled your big woman honey!" (Yeah, I am sure Kayla loves being called "big woman" on national TV). Kayla - When picking the Top 20, she thought Kayla was "wow...like white lightening". Evan - nicknamed "Gene Kelly" in the auditions.
Solo #1 - BRANDON / In Your Eyes (Jeffrey Gaines)
-Love the cover of Peter Gabriel's classic done acoustically. Loved that Brandon dressed down too in beige pants and a white t-shirt versus his unitard outfits and knee pads we've see him sporting before.
-Very powerful but more simplistic and more emotional. I wish he danced a little more between tricks, but I liked his musicality emphasis on certain parts of the song.
Ade & Janette - Hip Hop / Nappy Tabs / Love Sex Magic (Ciara feat. Justin Timberlake)
-In this pairing, Ade is the tallest guy and Janette is the smallest girl. That's a better problem than the opposite. Oh, Janette is getting tossed around...you know it! Maybe not...it's hip hop.
-Dance concept - Ade is the Funk Doctor and helps Janette get her funk.
-Costume - What is up with non matching costumes? Ade has on this tacky orange and glittery sports jacket with black jeans and sparkly sneakers. One of his suspenders unlocked and was flailing around throughout causing distraction. His "magic" is in his hair pick. Janette starts off in a business looking suit and strips down into a hot pink tank, yellow booty shorts, and black boots. None of it helped this number.
-Dance - I think I hated it. Seriously, that was really horrible! It was bad starting off with the horrid costuming, but got worse as you saw how unsyncronized that was. They didn't even feel like they tried to make the moves look together. Wow, surprising because they're both great separate, but together is not a match for me. I wish they had some great partnering number where he could toss her around over this crap they're passing off as hip hop.
Nigel - He thought they danced great and Ade has funk. Heights were used well by the choreographers.
Mary - That was "funky" and a lot of fun/pure entertaining. Well syncronized and done just right.
Debbie - Routine was amazing and they were mesmorizing together.
IT SEEMS ADE ALSO HYPNOTIZED THE JUDGES DURING THAT ROUTINE! Seriously, I thought they looked horrible.
Solo #2 - RANDI / Dream (Priscilla Ahn)
-The music and her dress were so dreamy, but her movement, especially in her arms was really stiff. This is the first time I've seen her dance solo, and I wasn't as impressed as I am when she was dancing with Evan. She's cute as button though when she's standing next to Cat.
(OMG! Travis does look grown up with that dark hair and suit on. He's all mature and has made it! Good for him...so excited to see his choreography!)
Solo #3 - KUPONO / Marina Gasolina (Bonde Do Role)
-Uh, so everyone knows how much I love Kupono and I fight for him every week, but what happens to him during solos?
-This one had a lot of style (costume & dancing) and musicality, but he didn't DO anything. I know he isn't the strongest dancer and its his quirkiness I like, but while I like his movement, I don't think "America" understands him. At least he's in Top 10 already! =)
Jason & Jeanine - Contemporary / Travis Wall / If It Kills Me (Jason Mraz)
-Isn't it "funny" how the two who lost their partners last week ended up together this week.
-Dance concept - childhood friends becoming more than friends
-I'M SOOOOO EXCITED FOR THIS ROUTINE!!! I <3 TRAVIS (almost as much as Danny Tidwell)!
-Costume - Jeanine in a turquoise flowy babydoll with matching trunks underneath (like lingerie sort of). Jason in black pants and unbuttoned white dress shirt. Prop was a heart necklace representing love.
-Dance - JASON IS THE MACK DADDY OF SYTYCD!!! That routine was RIDICULOUS! I love how they represented Jason trying to give his love to her by using the necklace. It really showed how it terrified Jeanine and yet was drawn to it. It showed how he tried harder when she spurned his attempts. The choreo was so amazing from the lifts to the way you could see Travis represented. Then there was the forceful passionate "undressing" where Jason actually ripped Jeanine's dress and she tore off some of his buttons. In the end, Jeanine accepts his love and they pass the point of no return (where Jason kisses his second female partner on the show). Man, that number was really sexy! So nice to be able to see both of them dance with someone of equal ability! Loved it!
Standing Ovation from the Judges!! Well deserved!
Nigel - Fabulous work from Travis, only vetted by the fabulous work from the dancers! Jeanine is beautiful. First time she had a partner that could keep up with her technically. Both became stars tonight.
Mary - STARS!!! Proud of them. Seeing an alumni grow and choreograph - love it (she starts tearing up). Jason - strength and power, new level! Jeanine - she keeps growing and her light keeps shining brighter because she is a star. HOT TAMALE TRAIN!!! (Silent Mary Screams are so much better than the real ones!)
Debbie - The show is beyond a competition...it's a conversation connecting the dance community...growth for alumni and current dancers. Debbie recommends this be a tour piece.
I think it was awesome for the two of them to finally get critiques worthy of their dancing. I am so happy Jason was kept over Phillip. This is the Jason I remember from Season 4 Vegas. He's BACK! And Jeanine finally got to dance in her own style and it was wonderful to watch.
Solo #4 - MELISSA / Gabriel (Lamb)
-I loved that solo so much more than last week. Her outfit and soft hair made her look ethereal versus manly and that accentuated his graceful movement. Plus, I love Lamb! =) Listen to Gorecki if you want to hear an amazing song!
Solo #5 - EVAN / Zing Went the Strings of My Heart (Rufus Wainright)
-Nice tuxedo Evan...so classy!
-Awesome! There's the Evan we all fell in love with. When he does his own style, it's like being transported into an old glamorous movie. I miss that type of class and charm!
Solo #6 - KAYLA / Rock Your Soul (Elisa)
-Finally a light colored dress (Is she reading my blog?) =)
-Awww...I liked it so much more than her normal solo as well. She seemed more relaxed and did a little more than just leg extension moves. Plus, she looks angelic in baby blue...it makes her skin look like porcelain.
Kupono & Randi - Paso Doble / Tony Meredith & Meredith Lapatin / Dies Irae (Karl Jenkins)
-Meredith is usually mentioned, but this week she got her name on the choreogapher's credit slate.
-Dance concept -Randi = Cape, Kupono = Matador (classic Paso Doble unlike that last one we saw with Jason & Caitlin in Gladiator/Genie gear)
-Costume - OK, it seems this time we're Pirate Paso Doble dancers. Randi has on a red and black corset and they gave her a long brown wig, but it's very "sexy wench". Kupono has on a frilly necked open v-neck shirt with a red vest and a tight black pants (I like the pants) and black sash.
-Dance - First off, I didn't like that song at all. Secondly, it was sloppy during the lifts. There were multiple stumbles and I didn't feel their chemistry. I think Kupono was almost there, but I wanted even more bravado and machismo arrogance. Randi seemed like she was trying, but I wasn't buying it. Unfortunately after Travis' piece, this one was eh.
Nigel - Choreo summed up what the dance should be, but the dancing wasn't as good. Kupono wasn't strong enough and didn't carry the power of the dance. Randi wasn't recognizable and that's not good when voting. Chemistry lost. Wasn't authentic.
Mary - Didn't believe the wig or the chemistry. It's about strength and life and death. Not believable. This was mediocre and safe. She felt Kupono had some animation on his face, but not movement. She also thought Randi was better than Kupono.
Debbie - Awkwardness, not enough trust between the two of them.
I think they are both "cute" people and that doesn't translate to powerful and tough very well. Plus, they didn't match together. I guess my bias towards Kupono keeps making me think he is better than the judges think. I know they'll be in danger tomorrow.
Solo #7 - ADE / Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers)
-While I love his style, I didn't like his choreo with that song. It felt like he was syncopating the music too much making the song feel clunky in the background. With that said, hello five gazillion pirouettes! And wow the height on that back layout! Ridic!
Solo #8 - JEANINE / Violento - Up Mix (Bailongo!)
-Good choice in tying in her hot Latina flavor in the choreo. I am beginning to see a trend in her solos where she does that jumping arabesque move A LOT! She's a gorgeous dancer, but I want to see what else she can do.
-Was that the same song she and Phillip danced to in their horrendous Tango?
-Yup, looked it (Top 18 Performance) and it was the same song.
Solo #9 - JASON / Train Fare Home (Muddy Waters)
-It was cute, not your typical contemporary routine. The music really didn't grab me because it's unrecognizable for most, but I enjoyed him taking a chance.
Brandon & Melissa - Broadway / Tyce Diorio / Aquarius (Hair)
-Dance Concept - HAIR, 60s hippy vibe, pretty sexual free love
-Brandon is wearing NappyTabs sweats to practice. Lauren Gottlieb is back to assisting Tyce it seems.
-Costume - What do you think? Of course...it's tie-die, fringe, flowers in the hair, and peace-man
-Dance - Wow! That was really really good! That was the loosest I've seen Melissa get. She really looked natural in this piece. Brandon, what can I say besides WOW? Did you see all those flips he had to do? It was crazy. They're both strong dancers and Tyce really took good advantage of it. Great partnering. Although too much smoke at the end; I lost the choreo in the mist.
Nigel - Twyla Tharp choreographed the movie (I didn't know that) and similar to Tyce's choreo. First musical where white girls danced with black guys and was very progressive. Great.
Mary - Unbelievable. Groovy. Brandon = star!
Debbie - Evoked real harmony. Both amazingly technical and different, but harmonious together. Brilliant...amazing.
Solo #10 - JANETTE / This is Miami (Sander Kleinenberg)
-Way to incorporate her home city. Loved her costume and the way it was flirty. It's weird to see ballroom because I forget she's the last one left.
Top 5 Guys Routine - African / Jeffrey Page / Balant Funk (Ayanda Clarke & Shawn Kelly)
-Ade, Brandon, Evan, Jason, & Kupono
-Dance concept - complicated African, masculine, the woman is the crowd
-No counts, just rythmn. Raw movement.
-Costumes - All shirtless with voluminous pants that stopped at the knees in African prints.
-Dance - I'll just say, that was a very difficult routine and I commend all them for making it look as decent as it did. It wasn't great and it wasn't very clean, but they got through it. I liked the ending where it slowed a little and they flipped Evan & Brandon. Ade seemed the most adept at handling this and making it look okay. I think Five Guys Named Moe from last year's Top 5 Guy routine blew this one away though.
Nigel - One of the toughest routines ever on this show, esp because of the energy needed. Evan looks like a Dancing Milkshake. No one stood out negatively. All great.
Mary - Love the costume. So much energy and so exciting. The humor of Evan's belly was entertaining.
Debbie - This dance style is the origin of hip hop and jazz...it's the mother of them all. This was a challenge based in rythmn and stamina. You have to train to do this type of dance.
Show's finally over and the dancers must be exhausted.
Now that we're in the Top 10, here's a reminder how the rules have changed:
- Couples will change each week (supposedly random, but I doubt anything is really random on a reality show).
- Dancers are voted on as individuals, not couples anymore.
- The cast offs are chosen by America's votes alone and not by the Judges anymore.
- The dancers in the bottom 6 still get to perform their solos, but it is no longer a "Dance for Your Life" because it does not change the outcome.
Cat is wearing a strapless emerald green dress with a sweetheart neckline and form-fitting overlaying fabric strips. There is a strange black line of fabric near the bottom of right side that follows horizontally around to the center on the back of the dress before ascending the zipper line up. She has on these great monster sized earrings partially camouflaged within her straight tousled hair. She looks pretty tonight.
Judges: Nigel, Mary, & Debbie Allen
While Nigel is yapping, I am distracted by the disaster that is Mary Murphy's style. She has on a black sweater with an intricate pattern of flesh boat neckline, but why on earth must she pair it with a garish sparkly necklace AND "matchy-matchy" dangling earrings. It's just TOO much.
They discuss the random pairings and how it is difficult not only with various physical attribute differences, but also trust and experience.
Debbie Allen says three of her top ladies and three of her top gentlemen are still in the competition so she thinks America and the judges are doing a good job.
Cat announces that to help America vote for individuals, each dancer will be performing a solo.
Top 5 Girls Routine - Bollywood / Nakul Dev Mahajan / Dholna (Pyar Ke Geet)
-Janette, Jeanine, Kayla, Melissa, & Randi
-Dance concept - Energy and multiple genres of dance & regions in India
-Costumes - I always love the Bollywood numbers because the girls' costumes are so beautiful, sparkly, and colorful. Each girl had a different color, but it was like a beautiful rainbow of fabric on stage
-Dance - The girls were all strong dancers. No one stood out negatively at all. I think Kayla and Jeanine stood out the most positively with Randi shining in some parts. To be honest, Janette and Melissa didn't stand out as individuals to me, but it could have been the camera angles and blocking. The number was clean and high energy.
Nigel - He apologizes to all other girls on the show because these five are so beautiful together. No one stood out because they were all cohesive in all areas. They were lacking nothing and are on Nigel's "Hot Bangs & Mash Train." (Blech)
Mary - BollyWOW! All five are stunning and any one of them could be in the final
Debbie - Agree it is a tight race. She thinks this is the best Top 5 girls of any season.
Evan & Kayla - Viennese Waltz / Tony Meredith / Kiss From a Rose (Seal)
-Kayla picked Evan from the hat. Camera angles were better this time and I coudn't see if there were multiple cards in the hat, but I tend to think Evan's was the only name included. Tallest girl & shortest guy, going to be interesting.
-Kayla towered over Evan in 3-in heels. They put Kayla's shoes on Evan and he tried to dance in them...pretty funny!
-Evan - "I'm gonna dance like I'm 9-Ft tall!" Kayla - "I'm going to plie A LOT!"
-Dance concept - None given
-Costume - They fixed the height issue by having Kayla dance barefoot with some rhinestone feet accessories. She looks gorgeous in a hot pink sparkly gown...very sexy Ginger Rogers-esque. Evan is dressed simply in black slacks, vest with purple rose motif, and white dress shirt with black tie. Can't tell if his shoes are taller than normal...it's not obvious if they are lifts.
-Dance - It was actually a lot better than I expected. I felt Kayla really did use her plie to make the rise and fall look more elegant and appear that they were paired equally. There were a some beautiful lifts and they looked peaceful and graceful, especially Kayla. I liked it, but wasn't completely enthused by it.
Nigel - Look fabulous. Issues are with the choreography for what is considered an American Viennese Waltz versus Fast Waltz (they can't blame the dancers for that, but Tony heard the message). Lifts beautiful and Evan was supportive as a partner. Kayla has beautiful lines.
Mary - Song is about Power, Pleasure, & Pain. They got two out of three. Painful - Evan's natural turns in close hold weren't gliding. Power - Evan's lifts looked effortless. Evan has class and elegance. Kayla never disappoints and has tremendous lines.
Debbie - Unexpected surprise.."Darling, you handled your big woman! You handled your big woman honey!" (Yeah, I am sure Kayla loves being called "big woman" on national TV). Kayla - When picking the Top 20, she thought Kayla was "wow...like white lightening". Evan - nicknamed "Gene Kelly" in the auditions.
Solo #1 - BRANDON / In Your Eyes (Jeffrey Gaines)
-Love the cover of Peter Gabriel's classic done acoustically. Loved that Brandon dressed down too in beige pants and a white t-shirt versus his unitard outfits and knee pads we've see him sporting before.
-Very powerful but more simplistic and more emotional. I wish he danced a little more between tricks, but I liked his musicality emphasis on certain parts of the song.
Ade & Janette - Hip Hop / Nappy Tabs / Love Sex Magic (Ciara feat. Justin Timberlake)
-In this pairing, Ade is the tallest guy and Janette is the smallest girl. That's a better problem than the opposite. Oh, Janette is getting tossed around...you know it! Maybe not...it's hip hop.
-Dance concept - Ade is the Funk Doctor and helps Janette get her funk.
-Costume - What is up with non matching costumes? Ade has on this tacky orange and glittery sports jacket with black jeans and sparkly sneakers. One of his suspenders unlocked and was flailing around throughout causing distraction. His "magic" is in his hair pick. Janette starts off in a business looking suit and strips down into a hot pink tank, yellow booty shorts, and black boots. None of it helped this number.
-Dance - I think I hated it. Seriously, that was really horrible! It was bad starting off with the horrid costuming, but got worse as you saw how unsyncronized that was. They didn't even feel like they tried to make the moves look together. Wow, surprising because they're both great separate, but together is not a match for me. I wish they had some great partnering number where he could toss her around over this crap they're passing off as hip hop.
Nigel - He thought they danced great and Ade has funk. Heights were used well by the choreographers.
Mary - That was "funky" and a lot of fun/pure entertaining. Well syncronized and done just right.
Debbie - Routine was amazing and they were mesmorizing together.
IT SEEMS ADE ALSO HYPNOTIZED THE JUDGES DURING THAT ROUTINE! Seriously, I thought they looked horrible.
Solo #2 - RANDI / Dream (Priscilla Ahn)
-The music and her dress were so dreamy, but her movement, especially in her arms was really stiff. This is the first time I've seen her dance solo, and I wasn't as impressed as I am when she was dancing with Evan. She's cute as button though when she's standing next to Cat.
(OMG! Travis does look grown up with that dark hair and suit on. He's all mature and has made it! Good for him...so excited to see his choreography!)
Solo #3 - KUPONO / Marina Gasolina (Bonde Do Role)
-Uh, so everyone knows how much I love Kupono and I fight for him every week, but what happens to him during solos?
-This one had a lot of style (costume & dancing) and musicality, but he didn't DO anything. I know he isn't the strongest dancer and its his quirkiness I like, but while I like his movement, I don't think "America" understands him. At least he's in Top 10 already! =)
Jason & Jeanine - Contemporary / Travis Wall / If It Kills Me (Jason Mraz)
-Isn't it "funny" how the two who lost their partners last week ended up together this week.
-Dance concept - childhood friends becoming more than friends
-I'M SOOOOO EXCITED FOR THIS ROUTINE!!! I <3 TRAVIS (almost as much as Danny Tidwell)!
-Costume - Jeanine in a turquoise flowy babydoll with matching trunks underneath (like lingerie sort of). Jason in black pants and unbuttoned white dress shirt. Prop was a heart necklace representing love.
-Dance - JASON IS THE MACK DADDY OF SYTYCD!!! That routine was RIDICULOUS! I love how they represented Jason trying to give his love to her by using the necklace. It really showed how it terrified Jeanine and yet was drawn to it. It showed how he tried harder when she spurned his attempts. The choreo was so amazing from the lifts to the way you could see Travis represented. Then there was the forceful passionate "undressing" where Jason actually ripped Jeanine's dress and she tore off some of his buttons. In the end, Jeanine accepts his love and they pass the point of no return (where Jason kisses his second female partner on the show). Man, that number was really sexy! So nice to be able to see both of them dance with someone of equal ability! Loved it!
Standing Ovation from the Judges!! Well deserved!
Nigel - Fabulous work from Travis, only vetted by the fabulous work from the dancers! Jeanine is beautiful. First time she had a partner that could keep up with her technically. Both became stars tonight.
Mary - STARS!!! Proud of them. Seeing an alumni grow and choreograph - love it (she starts tearing up). Jason - strength and power, new level! Jeanine - she keeps growing and her light keeps shining brighter because she is a star. HOT TAMALE TRAIN!!! (Silent Mary Screams are so much better than the real ones!)
Debbie - The show is beyond a competition...it's a conversation connecting the dance community...growth for alumni and current dancers. Debbie recommends this be a tour piece.
I think it was awesome for the two of them to finally get critiques worthy of their dancing. I am so happy Jason was kept over Phillip. This is the Jason I remember from Season 4 Vegas. He's BACK! And Jeanine finally got to dance in her own style and it was wonderful to watch.
Solo #4 - MELISSA / Gabriel (Lamb)
-I loved that solo so much more than last week. Her outfit and soft hair made her look ethereal versus manly and that accentuated his graceful movement. Plus, I love Lamb! =) Listen to Gorecki if you want to hear an amazing song!
Solo #5 - EVAN / Zing Went the Strings of My Heart (Rufus Wainright)
-Nice tuxedo Evan...so classy!
-Awesome! There's the Evan we all fell in love with. When he does his own style, it's like being transported into an old glamorous movie. I miss that type of class and charm!
Solo #6 - KAYLA / Rock Your Soul (Elisa)
-Finally a light colored dress (Is she reading my blog?) =)
-Awww...I liked it so much more than her normal solo as well. She seemed more relaxed and did a little more than just leg extension moves. Plus, she looks angelic in baby blue...it makes her skin look like porcelain.
Kupono & Randi - Paso Doble / Tony Meredith & Meredith Lapatin / Dies Irae (Karl Jenkins)
-Meredith is usually mentioned, but this week she got her name on the choreogapher's credit slate.
-Dance concept -Randi = Cape, Kupono = Matador (classic Paso Doble unlike that last one we saw with Jason & Caitlin in Gladiator/Genie gear)
-Costume - OK, it seems this time we're Pirate Paso Doble dancers. Randi has on a red and black corset and they gave her a long brown wig, but it's very "sexy wench". Kupono has on a frilly necked open v-neck shirt with a red vest and a tight black pants (I like the pants) and black sash.
-Dance - First off, I didn't like that song at all. Secondly, it was sloppy during the lifts. There were multiple stumbles and I didn't feel their chemistry. I think Kupono was almost there, but I wanted even more bravado and machismo arrogance. Randi seemed like she was trying, but I wasn't buying it. Unfortunately after Travis' piece, this one was eh.
Nigel - Choreo summed up what the dance should be, but the dancing wasn't as good. Kupono wasn't strong enough and didn't carry the power of the dance. Randi wasn't recognizable and that's not good when voting. Chemistry lost. Wasn't authentic.
Mary - Didn't believe the wig or the chemistry. It's about strength and life and death. Not believable. This was mediocre and safe. She felt Kupono had some animation on his face, but not movement. She also thought Randi was better than Kupono.
Debbie - Awkwardness, not enough trust between the two of them.
I think they are both "cute" people and that doesn't translate to powerful and tough very well. Plus, they didn't match together. I guess my bias towards Kupono keeps making me think he is better than the judges think. I know they'll be in danger tomorrow.
Solo #7 - ADE / Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers)
-While I love his style, I didn't like his choreo with that song. It felt like he was syncopating the music too much making the song feel clunky in the background. With that said, hello five gazillion pirouettes! And wow the height on that back layout! Ridic!
Solo #8 - JEANINE / Violento - Up Mix (Bailongo!)
-Good choice in tying in her hot Latina flavor in the choreo. I am beginning to see a trend in her solos where she does that jumping arabesque move A LOT! She's a gorgeous dancer, but I want to see what else she can do.
-Was that the same song she and Phillip danced to in their horrendous Tango?
-Yup, looked it (Top 18 Performance) and it was the same song.
Solo #9 - JASON / Train Fare Home (Muddy Waters)
-It was cute, not your typical contemporary routine. The music really didn't grab me because it's unrecognizable for most, but I enjoyed him taking a chance.
Brandon & Melissa - Broadway / Tyce Diorio / Aquarius (Hair)
-Dance Concept - HAIR, 60s hippy vibe, pretty sexual free love
-Brandon is wearing NappyTabs sweats to practice. Lauren Gottlieb is back to assisting Tyce it seems.
-Costume - What do you think? Of course...it's tie-die, fringe, flowers in the hair, and peace-man
-Dance - Wow! That was really really good! That was the loosest I've seen Melissa get. She really looked natural in this piece. Brandon, what can I say besides WOW? Did you see all those flips he had to do? It was crazy. They're both strong dancers and Tyce really took good advantage of it. Great partnering. Although too much smoke at the end; I lost the choreo in the mist.
Nigel - Twyla Tharp choreographed the movie (I didn't know that) and similar to Tyce's choreo. First musical where white girls danced with black guys and was very progressive. Great.
Mary - Unbelievable. Groovy. Brandon = star!
Debbie - Evoked real harmony. Both amazingly technical and different, but harmonious together. Brilliant...amazing.
Solo #10 - JANETTE / This is Miami (Sander Kleinenberg)
-Way to incorporate her home city. Loved her costume and the way it was flirty. It's weird to see ballroom because I forget she's the last one left.
Top 5 Guys Routine - African / Jeffrey Page / Balant Funk (Ayanda Clarke & Shawn Kelly)
-Ade, Brandon, Evan, Jason, & Kupono
-Dance concept - complicated African, masculine, the woman is the crowd
-No counts, just rythmn. Raw movement.
-Costumes - All shirtless with voluminous pants that stopped at the knees in African prints.
-Dance - I'll just say, that was a very difficult routine and I commend all them for making it look as decent as it did. It wasn't great and it wasn't very clean, but they got through it. I liked the ending where it slowed a little and they flipped Evan & Brandon. Ade seemed the most adept at handling this and making it look okay. I think Five Guys Named Moe from last year's Top 5 Guy routine blew this one away though.
Nigel - One of the toughest routines ever on this show, esp because of the energy needed. Evan looks like a Dancing Milkshake. No one stood out negatively. All great.
Mary - Love the costume. So much energy and so exciting. The humor of Evan's belly was entertaining.
Debbie - This dance style is the origin of hip hop and jazz...it's the mother of them all. This was a challenge based in rythmn and stamina. You have to train to do this type of dance.
Show's finally over and the dancers must be exhausted.
I think you're right about Kupono. It makes me sad because he's always so fun to watch in the routines, but then I want him to do so much more in his solos and he always comes up short. :(
But, I'm happy I'll get to see them all on tour. That Travis Wall number BETTER be on the program. I wouldn't be surprised if that routine was nominated for an Emmy next year. :)
Wow...I really liked Ade and Janette. I think she is amazing! She can do anything you throw at her. Her and Janine are my two favorite girls...but I thought this dance was really good! It was my second favorite after Janine's.
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