SYTYCD S7 Ep. 3 - Auditions Dallas/Nashville & VEGAS BABY!

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SHOW START -

WOW, not only do we get the final two cities for auditions, but we're already starting Vegas week.  They are booking it through this season. 

DAY 1 Dallas
Judges - Nigel, Tyce Diorio, & Toni Reopath (Ballroom expert / SYTYCD Debut)

Ida Saki - Age 18 / Contemporary

•  At first, I thought she moved strangely and couldn't tell what her style was, but as she continued she's definitely a mix of ballet, contemporary, and modern.
  
• She danced to this classical song full of violins and almost a Fiddler on the Roof vibe, that was matched by her performance.  I felt her emotions as she danced.
  
• She is so light on her feet and her jumps to floor work looked effortless.  She did a beautiful double pirouette to a develope a la second.  The craziest move she did was a pulling herself off the ground from a middle split.  She was very purposeful with her performance and made you watch her.
  
• With all that said, I didn't love her, but I think she'll go straight to Vegas. 

Nigel - She is Iranian and parents weren't allowed to dance.  Exquisite.

Toni - Dynamic range and intensity, unbelievable

Tyce - WOW

They brought her Mom and brother on stage.

STRAIGHT TO VEGAS

Robert Rolden - Age19 / Contemporary

• Hmmm, another SoCal person...this time from Thousand Oaks, CA.  It's easier to get noticed when you're not surrounded by so much competition. 
• He's really good. He has great feet and a typical contemporary style that looks like a lot of people in Cali.  However, he had beautiful jumps and musicality.

Toni - spellbound

Rebecca Hart - Age 21 / Contemporary

• Oh hai Rebecca, nice to see you again (she's been shown in S4 & S5).  I am sure she was in S6 too.  Once she lost her "competition" styling, she made it to Vegas.  Unfortunately, she has been cut in Vegas before getting to Top 40 status.
  
• She's also a Cali girl (Northern), but has been known to travel to other cities to try out again.
  
• Beautiful pirouettes to a hold.  She looks good.
  

Tyce - Lucky Season 7?

STRAIGHT TO VEGAS

Haylee Durbin - Age 18 / Jazz

• Her father was the ultimate "dance Dad" who pushed her to be the best. He died from cancer. Their three goals were: Graduate from High School, Get into Un of TX, & try out for SYTYCD.  =(
• I wish she didn't wear so much makeup.  It ages her mere 18 yrs and makes her appear much older.
  
• She stunted her movements by repressing them and not extending anything.  Her musicality was strange to the song (I wonder if this was actually her music, or if the producers changed it because it didn't clear).  She also made this mean faces and hit so hard when the music felt soft.  It had a hip hop jazz feel.
  
• I always feel bad when someone has a story of why they dance that is inspirational, but they don't deliver on that compared to other dancers.
  
• NEXT

Nigel - Her routine didn't express her style well.  She had a stank face and it wasn't her best audition.

Toni - Dance bound and tight, holding it in and can't express her potential.

Tyce - Didn't feel "her" when she danced.  She needs to use her feelings when she dances.

CHOREO (pity move from the judges so they didn't look heartless)

Montage of "judges chemistry"

Conor "Scooter Rocket" McLaughlin - Age 29 / Scooter Style

• He skates and looks like TRON. He is also a musician.
  
• He tried to dance on skates, but it was a bad version of "Break Skate" from ABDC.  They knew how to make skating cool.
  
• LOL - He was lip syncing to his music. 
• Man he's goofy looking
  

Tyce - He needed to be so good on wheels that it would make choreographers need him.  Conor thinks the judges want too much and should settle for something different.

This guy is a weird man. 

Montage of "BAD" dancers started w/ a guy doing a really nice backhand spring to back tuck pass, but the force of his flips caused his sweats to fall off so he botched the back tuck and landed flat on the ground w/ everyone looking at his pink bikini briefs. How embarrassing. Fortunately, that happened outside waiting to get in and not on stage.  He landed in grass not the stage.

Awww...sad clown ='(

Nicole Knudson - Age 18 / Contemporary

• Known for a ton of hair that she wears on her head (Nigel called her Marge Simpson)  She said she wears it like that all the time and it isn't a gimmick.
• She's from N. Ogden, UT.  I bet she's at Odyssey Dance Company where Matt Dorame, Brandon Bryant, & Katie Sheen's roommate dance (I can't remember her name right now, but I was thinking about her earlier today).
• She's dancing to Portishead's The Rip.  I LOVE that song.
• She's so skinny and wirey...def a ballet body.  She had a modern style and there was strength in her movement.  I don't get the whole headphone thing.  I think if she wasn't so skinny, I might have liked her more.  I didn't like her transitions between moves.  She'd just walk around, prep and then turn. She's really cute though...great TV face.  
  
• I say choreo 

Tyce - Electric & beyond.  The kind of talent that comes along every 100 yrs.  Everything and a bag of chips.

Nigel - In control of entire body and mind...haven't seen anyone like her before.

Toni - Took my breath away, took on a journey and she loved it.

STRAIGHT TO VEGAS (needs to do other styles)

Choreography - Don't know how many (SYTYCD slacking on the # consistency)

• Haylee Durbin - CUT

13 dancers made it through to Vegas from Day 1

DAY  2 Dallas

Deroccius Harris - Age 29 / Jazz

• Masculine & sassy - throw in some jazz hands
• Dancing to Britney's Toxic
• Lots of booty popping and hip rolls.  LOL - he has this smile plastered on his face that doesn't change.  It reminds me of a high school cheer/song routine or something.
  

Nigel - wasn't for him - "You certainly might make the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders" to which Deroccius replied, "Thank you" and smiled.

Toni - He can't see his masculinity

Tyce - If you're happy with what you see/do, that's great, but his styling, music, and style was hard to watch.  He's a man and they have to imagine him dancing with a woman, which they can't.

NEXT (he's a good sport leaving)

Marcella Raneri - Age 24 / Contemporary

• Mafia family ties and her father got caught and the family lost everything.  She didn't know until he was caught.
• Her Mom started a lingerie company and she models and helps her Mom design it.
  
• Why do all these Dallas girls have so much makeup on?
• Dancing to Anouk's Lost.  Pretty song (used S4 auditions I think)
• She's def a gorgeous girl w/ a killer body and pretty face (oh wait...she looks better far away than up close...I think it's the orange face and caked on makeup messing up her beauty)
  
• She has good technique (nice fouettes), but it felt a little old school competition style and needed to feel a little more organic.  Her emotions felt choreographed and I didn't "feel" her perfomance, but I thought she was a pretty dancer.
  
• I think choreo

Nigel - Your music is about "Lost in this world" and you're performing it with a huge smile on your face. No heart or soul in that performance.

Toni - gorgeous, when you're this beautiful you look for everything to be beautiful, too much set ups, but liked her dancing

Tyce - pretty girl, great body, felt like she was imitating other people's choreo rather than showing herself

CHOREO

Montage of "NOs"

Jordan Johnson - Age 26 / Hip Hop Jazz

• small town guy who didn't fit because he was a dancer/gymnast
• He carried the weight of knowing he had a different Father who didn't want him and struggled with addiction at some point.
  
• He's an emotional guy.
  
• Another SoCal auditioner
• He has an interesting quality, especially mixed with his gynmastics. He did a lot of isolations, but I really just liked his performance. He was entertaining, funny, and engaging. 
• The song was about monkeys and I kept thinking about the 100 Monkeys and Jacksper for some reason.
  
• I think choreo

Nigel - REALLY like him: dangerous, exciting, on the edge of seat, appreciated humor, good technique.  He's five years clean and that makes Nigel happy because he'd have a good chance of shocking people in the competition.

Toni - Not traditionally handsome, but sexy energy. She's hot for him

Tyce - Reached the judges with his fresh talent

STRAIGHT TO VEGAS (Wow, normally his style would have to prove they can do other stuff.  Good for him)

Choreography - 12 Dancers Total

• Marcella Raneri - VEGAS

7 dancers made it through to Vegas from Day 2

DAY 1 NASHVILLE
Judges - Nigel, Adam, Joey Dowling (Broadway)

Faith Looney - Age 18 / Flamenco

• She has this big toothy braces clad grin and is dancing with her best friend when the dance is normally performed with a man
• They told a dumb story about how Faith doesn't like her friend's boyfriend and she woudn't be her friend if she continued to date this guy.  The friend says in this weird warbly voice, "I don't like when Faith is mad at me because she's my best friend."
  
• Yeah, they're kind of dorky...sorry
• That may have been the worse flamenco I have ever seen.  There was no Latin fire or conviction.  It was so bland and not even executed that well.
• NEXT

Nigel - That is not anywhere near flamenco - It needs to be like the women coping with the matador's ego with fire and anger.  She's too sweet and makes dead people look like party animals.

Adam - Instead of Ole, it was Oi Vey

Joey - You seem so uninterested in it, I almost thought you were making fun of the style. Too sweet for flamenco.

NEXT

Montage of "BAD".  Per Cat, it was one of the most disappointing days in SYTYCD history.

Shanya Vaughn - Age 22 / No actual style

• Poorly executed club dancing hip hop where she didn't leave the center of the stage and barely moved her feet

Adam - SYTYCD is about serious professional level dancing and she looked like she was just dancing at home.  She'd get slaughtered on the show.

Joey - She agreed

Nigel - Very stationary...no leg movements.  Don't think she'll make it as a professional dancer.  When asked what she wants to be, she replied she wants to be a model. *cricket cricket*

NEXT

Didn't even show choreography or say how many made it to Vegas. WOW...that's BAD

DAY 2 NASHVILLE
 
Montage of "BAD" again.  They are really ripping on Nashville.

Brian Gaynor - Age 23 / Hip Hop

• Judges favorite and viewers favorite.  He is affected by scoliosis limiting movement, but does the most awesome robotic isolations.
• OH, I can't believe they showed the old footage with Shane Sparks in it.  I know we haven't heard much since the charges that he molested a minor, but you'd think they could edit him out until there is a ruling. (IMO)
  
• Showcased on Season 3.
• Love Brian's CHIBI hat =)
• He danced to a DCFC song about learning to dance.  His interpretation of the music was so beautiful because he really looked like a robot that was just learning about the world. 
  
• I love his dancing so much.
  

Nigel - WOW  - You're magical and you transport anyone who watches you into your world which is so difficult especially for the judges who have seen everything. But, the physicality of the partner work doesn't bode well for him.

Adam - So extraordinary, best in the world, so cool, want to be you when I grow up

Joey - You glow...from the minute you started you were glowing. Unbelievable.  She's crying.

Asked what he's been doing - 2008 formed a dance crew. 

Nigel tells him he can't be put through to Choreo or Vegas because of partnering, but he will put his crew on the show.  I'm so happy for him!

 7 dancers made it through to Vegas from Day 1 & 2 - WOW THAT'S ATROCIOUS!

VEGAS BABY!!

They show Alex Wong and Billy Bell in Vegas...they edit it to look like one of them gets cut.  Ahhhh so scary.  ::biting nails::

Over 122 Dancers made it to Vegas. There's only a Top 10. Cat explains how the new show format will work while showcasing some of the All-Stars' talent.

Reminder of the All-Stars -
They are:

• Allison (S2)
• Pasha (S3)
• Neil (S3)
  
• Anya (S3)
• Lauren (S3)
• Dominic / DTrix (S3)
  
• Twitch (S4)
• Comfort (S4)
• Courtney (S4)
• Mark (S4)
• Ade (S5)
  
• Kathryn (S6)

The judges are out for blood on this.

DAY 1 LAS VEGAS
Judges - Lil C, Mary Murphy (What the Hell is she wearing? It looks like a pink polkadot mumu...UGH), Tyce Diorio, Adam Shankman, Toni Reopath, & Nigel Lythgoe

Nigel tells them they only need 5 guys and 5 girls.

The dancers will begin with a solo.  Both Billy Bell and Alex Wong went straight to Vegas without having to try out so this will be the first time the judges are seeing them.

• Reminder - Billy Bell made Top 20 S6, performed on the first show, and then got mono and had to drop out.  Alex Wong would have made Top 20 S5, but his Miami City Ballet contract wasn't up and they wouldn't release him.  
• Oh nevermind...they tell you their history.
  
• Hey...what happened to Brandon Dumlao from S6?  He was brought in as Billy Bell's replacement, and then cut on the same show.  Nigel said he could come back at Top 100.

  Alex Wong - Age 23 / Ballet

• WOW!  Like Tyce said, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME? ARE YOU SERIOUS?" Yeah, he was that amazing.
• He looked so much better than last time to me.  He's learned to relax his ballet posture yet still show his immaculate technique and artistry.
  
• He really is just sick - he's cut, dances masculine, has ridic feet and incredible turn out.  He's just amazing.
  
• No feedback, but judges looked happy.

Billy Bell - Age 19 / Contemporary

• So, I know him because my sister loves his dancing, but never watched S6 auditions.
  
• Positives - great feet, and so bendy flexible - extensions forever, clean turns
• Negatives - I HATED that choreography.  It was just kind of weird and didn't really fit him.  It didn't emenate from within him. 
  
• I wanted to love him but didn't.  Unlike Alex, when Billy dances, there is less masculinity in his moves.
  

Anthony Burrell - Age 29 / Contemporary

• NYC Auditions - Nigel said he was one of the best contemporary dancers from New York auditions
• Pulled his hamstring the day before Vegas solos
• Getting checked out by a doctor to see if he could continue
• Cleared to dance
• Performed to Maxwell's Pretty Wings.  Loved the develope extension where he was making wings with his arms. 
  

Montage of Vegas Solos.  I'm too tired to name all the people that were featured before. Sorry.

Judges make choices for first cut -

• They pull 9 dancers (7 girls, 2 boys) on stage by their names just to cut them.  Gah, that's so embarrassing.  I'd almost wish it was by number only to provide a little anonymity.
• They pull 10 dancers (3 girls, 7 boys) on stage and cut
• 26 people cut so far (they don't show them all)
  

Judges call 14 dancers including the following on the stage: Anthony Burrell, Ariel Coker (return auditioner for like past 3-4 seasons), Billy Bell, Alex Wong, Rebecca Hart, Kent Boyd, Ida Saki, & more on stage.

• Oh gosh, they're safe...that was so nerve-wracking. Nigel just wanted them to have a special mention. 
• This is so stressful.  My heart is pounding.
  

HIP HOP ROUND - Tabs (w/o Nappy)

• Each judge gives the dancers a yes/no...need 3 yes to get through
• Rachel Girma (Rhythmic Gymnast) - She basically sucked w/ a capital S...I knew she'd have a hard time w/ choreo - CUT
• Jose Ruiz (BBoy from Miami) - 5 yes/1 no (from Lil C - I think Lil C is kind of full of himself...he sorta bugs me)
  
• Melinda Sullivan (Tapper) - Yes
• Alexie Agdeppa (Contemporary from Dellos Dance) - Yes
• Michael Petr (Ballroomer) - No
  
• Teddy Tedholm (Contemporary quirky blonde guy) - No
• Anthony Burrell (Contemporary w/ hurt hammy) - 6 Yes
  
• Sarah Brinson (Contemporary "self proclaimed big dancer" w/ hurt back) - 5 No/1 Yes (Yes from Tyce)
• She started crying and said she felt like she disappointed the judges.  Tyce asked why she was crying because she was a beautiful dancer.  Um, duh Tyce...she just got cut.  Of course she's justified to cry.
  
• At least 26 dancers cut from Hip Hop

DAY 2 LAS VEGAS

BALLROOM ROUND - Toni Reopath

• 69 dancers remaining after Day 1 Cuts
• Cha-Cha
• New choreographer = "Nazi Barbie" according to Billy Bell
• Nicole Knudson (Marge Simpson haired contemporary) -
  
• They hated her hair up and she took it down
• Once down, you see how gorgeous she is and they asked her to dance again. (Lucky Girl)
• Ashley Galvan (Contemporary) - Oh, I know her too.  She works a lot in the business.  Not sure which studio she's from, but she's good. - Yes
• Jose Ruiz (BBoy) - YES
• Hey, Brandom Dumlao IS there!  He was dancing w/ Giselle Peacock (the ballroomer from Burn the Floor with the big crazy fake tatas that want to punch out my eyes)
• The Ballroom people looked great during this, of course.
  
• Adechike Torbet - Showing a contemporary guy who made it straight to Vegas, but then decided to tap for his solo.  He's barely making it. - On the fence. Nigel offers to allow him to dance for his life doing contemporary.
  
• Jordan Johnson (Hip Hop Jazz sober living guy) - That was BAD - 6 NOs
• 11 Dancers cut (including Jarrod Mayo from Chicago)

58 Dancers left after Hip Hop (before last 2 - re-dance & dance for his life)

Nicole Knudson - RE-Dance Ballroom

• Got a professional ballroom guy who made it through, Serge (last name?) to partner her.  Good strategy.
• I didn't think it was that much better even with the good partner.  He really tried to reign her in.
  
• Her nerves showed which can't happen.  Nigel said she was a different dancer.
  
• 4 Yes / 2 No (I agree w/ the NOs, but she's cute and looks good on TV so I know why they want her)
  

Adechicke Torbet - Dance for His Life (Age 22)

• Wow, what a difference your style makes. 
  
• He is so amazing as a contemporary dancer, but he was really bad in ballroom.
• Nigel - blasted him for not doing that solo before and he wants him
• 6 Yes
  

BROADWAY IS NEXT...58 dancers left

They will finish up in Vegas next week. They show Ida Saki drop out & Nigel gets mad at her. The judges will go to the contestants homes to let them know who will make the show. I saw Ryan Ramirez, Jose Ruiz, Ashley Galvan, Adechicke Torbet, Alex Wong, Cristina Santana, Anthony Burrell, Kent Boyd, & more still in the competition at that point.

See you next week!