One missing on 'So You Think You Can Dance'

June 28, 12:12 AM

The couples were generally strong on this week's So You Think You Can Dance, with a few standouts like Jaimie/Hok's interpretation of Wade Robson's hummingbird/flower dance and Shauna/Cedric's powerful Mia Michaels contemporary number. Even guest judge Debbie Allen was hard-pressed to say anything negative.

Spoilers ahead. Note: With so many couples still in the game, I can't accomodate a full recap that includes comments on the dance, all the judges' comments, song/artist and choreographer/dance style. I'll fit in as much as I can, but on occasion, I've been known to miss stuff!

Sara/Jesus - Oh boy. I was so psyched to hear they were going to try their hand at krumping. If you don't know what that is, just rent Rize, a great documentary about the dance. There were difficulties from the start because krumping isn't usually choreographed, but they got help from Lil' C. I'll give them credit for the right attitude and hitting the moves. My problem is that it felt like a slo-mo version of krumping, in tandem no less. So, they did well, but I wasn't keen on it. (Song: "It's Okay (One Blood) -- The Game)

Shauna/Cedric - I always look forward to a Mia Michaels contemporary routine, and the new partnership between these guys (after having lost Jimmy and Faina last week), looks promising. Wow, was that ever powerful and frenetic and passionate and other stuff that I didn't really understand. Shauna really captured the wildness, and I think Cedric didn't get a chance to really show off, especially that one portion where he was just sitting and fake crying. Regardless, I loved it. Oh, and how weird was it that they went back and forth that long about Cedric needing to learn? (Song: "I Thought We Had" -- The Family Stand)

Lacey/Kameron - Even though they look the part, the quick step gets a ballroom update to the tune of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's "Big and Bad." I'm not too familiar with the particulars on their form, whether they're supposed to break their hold that much or anything, but they looked fairly competent and energetic.

Anya/Danny - Very hot, creative and fun hip-hop choreography by Dan Karaty, but this couple didn't quite get it. Don't get me wrong: They were very strong, just not comfortable or committed to the boneless attitude. I liked it, but don't think I would have if the choreography wasn't that good. I felt they were stiff and formal, and Anya missed the beat at times. (Song: "Oh Timaland" -- Timbaland)

Sabra/Dominic - Non-expert that I am, I have to say it didn't feel like much of a rhumba to me. It was awesome though. Sabra has natural grace, and I was actually impressed with Dominic's lines and movement. Having said that, here's the same criticism that I had before. Dominic is too cheesy, too overt. He looks like he's parodying what he thinks rhumba is all about. Is it right that I want to laugh when I watch him and he's being earnest? Oh, and can someone derail Mary Murphy's hot tamale train? Please? (Song: "Stickwitu" -- Pussycat Dolls)

Lauren/Neil - Yes, this was an untraditional tango, but it still didn't play well no matter what the rules. I didn't feel any chemistry, and Lauren was dragging a bit, probably because of her flu. I disagree with Nigel and think Neil did well with the dance's necessary drama and theatrics.(Song: "Tanguera" -- Sexteto Mayor)

Jaimie/Hok - Hands down, the best and most intriguing performance of the night, thanks to Wade Robson's imaginative choreography and the couple's technical skills. How to describe this high concept jazz dance that cast Hok as a hummingbird who falls for Jaimie the flower? Damn if Hok didn't embody that bird and make me almost blush when he was ravishing her. Jaimie's style was controlled yet fluid, almost as if she were underwater. It seems like a boon for couples if they score one of Wade's routines. (Song: "The Chairman's Waltz" -- Memoirs of a Geisha soundtrack)

Jessi/Pasha - We were actually Jessi-less tonight because she was in the hospital, and doctors wouldn't let her perform. Instead, Pasha danced with the choreographer's assistant, who was technically correct, but really showcased his skills. Impressive to say the least that he could carry off such an acting performance with a last-minute partner switch. He was just on fire, and I'm surprised Mary didn't talk about the hot tamale train. (Song: "Let's Get Loud"-- Jennifer Lopez)

It's a tough call, but I think my Bottom Three this week would be Lauren/Neil and -- just because I have to pick two others -- Lacey/Kameron and Anya/Danny.

What was the best/worst routine? Who should get the boot?

Permalink

Comments (19)

Comments

Thanks for including the song/artist in your review of the show.

IMO, there is no chance that Cedric and Shauna aren't in the bottom 3.

I think that Neil/Lauren will also be there.

I had a really tough time picking the 3rd couple in the bottom 3. It will come down to popularity since all the other couples were good, so I think it will be Sara and Jesus.

I pick Sara and Jesus as the least popular of the remaining couples for a few reasons:

1) I don't believe that there is anything that makes you remember them - and I'm not including their dancing just personality;

2) just on my belief that Lacey will ride Benji's popularity until at least the top 10 unless she and Kameron have an absolutely awful routine;

3) Hok is there b/c of his overall screen time - and I'm including his time from the first 2 years, this will carry Jamie through. Once we get to the top 10, Jamie will be one of the first girls to go because she seems to be devoid of personality;

4) Dominic and Sabra have done a really good job of showcasing their personalities on the taped pieces introducing the dances as well as the interview segments with Cat (including the 1st results show when they were in the bottom 3). In addition, they seem to have won favour with the judges and that goodwill will save them from extreme comments if they have a poor performance;

5) and lastly Pasha, I can't see a way that him having to dance with an unfamiliar partner at the last second doesn't save him this week. Personality wise, he isn't that much ahead of Jesus/Sara, but for this week I'd be very surprised to see him in the bottom 3.

As for Jessi, I believe that her and Pasha would have performed that routine very well and Pasha would have had a partner where the sexyness of the dance would have been believeable. All that being said, Pasha and Jessi would have been tooth and nail to not have been in the bottom 3 instead of Jesus/Sara. I'm only basing this opinion on the fact that Pasha/Jessi were far superior to Jesus/Sara last week and were still in the bottom 3. To me that is unfortunate, b/c Jessie is probably the best all around female in the competition (and top 2 for looks along with Anya :D).

I'd be very surprised if Jessi wasn't cut this week even if she is able to dance b/c Lauren seems to be a judges favourite and Shauna was very good and as long as she has a solid solo she should and deserves to be safe. And the judges have made it pretty clear, especially in their comments today, that Cedric will be eliminated tomorrow. I felt really bad for Shauna during the back and forth between the judges and Cedric tonight.

Sorry for the long post/ramble.

Rishi | Jun 28, 2007 1:42:33 AM | #

Predicting who will be in the bottom three gets a little confusing with the whole complication of Jessie being there regardless. Does that mean that there may be 4 girls in the bottom three? I don’t understand how that will work. Oh well, here’s my rundown of the best and the bottom:

Best Performances

1. Sabra and Dominic
2. Anya and Danny
3. Jamie and Hok

Least Impressive Performances

1. Shauna and Cedric
2. Lauren and Neil
3. Lacey and Kameron

Bottom Three Couples:

1. Shauna and Cedric
2. Lauren and Neil
3. Sara and Jesus
4. Jessie?

Who Will Be Sent Home:

* Cedric - I don’t think he has proven that he deserves to still be in the competition, and I think the judges will keep their promise not to let his solo save him this time. Plus, he basically gave a concession speech after he and Shauna’s performance.
* Jessie - It sounds like she will be in no condition to “dance for her life” on Thursday, so I guess that means we’ll be saying goodbye to her.

Emily | Jun 28, 2007 6:43:05 AM | #

I really like Neil and Lauren but agree they'll probably be in the bottom three. The judges were rather harsh on them, after yet again hyping up Dominic - the weakest of the male dancers. Frankly, I've been less impressed with his solos in his own style than any of the partner work he's done on the show.

I also think Cedric/Shauna will be in the bottom triad courtesy of Cedric's weak performance. I really like his attitude though; he seems very genuine and likeable.

For the third couple, I don't know. I fear it could be Pasha. He doesn't deserve it, but he and Jessi were bottom three last week despite having one of the best performances. It could also be Jesus/Sara, though they don't really deserve it either. Based on this week's performance, I think Danny/Anya probably deserve to be bottom 3 but probably won't be.

I suspect it will be Cedric and Jessi going home, the latter due to her apparent medical condition.

Favorite (and best) dance of the night was definitely Hok and Jamie. You just can't go wrong with a Wade Robson routine (even more so than a Mia Michaels one). It's like the golden ticket / fast forward / no-hassle pass to the next round (unless you REALLY screw it up).

Dan | Jun 28, 2007 6:50:11 AM | #

Oh, and can I just say how fine, seriously fine, Cat Deeley is? And quite aside from her being a hot Aussie lass, she's just a very good host. All the hosts of all the other talent competition 'reality' shows could really take some serious lessons from her.

Maybe it's just because I also watch On The Lot, with its E-List host Adrianna (who apparently needs not only serious lessons in hosting, acting and speaking, but also a new wardrobe assistant) but I've really just been noticing recently how much better Cat is at the job than most if not all others (including that idiot Ryan Seacrest).

Just sayin'....

Dan | Jun 28, 2007 7:01:01 AM | #

Well last night there were so many amazing dancers, its incredibly hard to say you should go home. It's coming to the point where the technical and entertainment details are so important because there are no standout awful dancers on the show right now and there is 16 left.

My guess is that Jessi is gone already because of injury. Someone with a heart condition should obviously not be dancing and Cedric will join her in the rankings. That will put Pasha and Shauna together, her 3rd partner now. I think it'll be a better match overall because they had so much flavour to the dynamic group. Other couples will be splitting soon though.

My Bottom 3:
Shauna/Cedric - only because of Cedric
Pasha/Jessi - only because of Jessi hospitalization
Lauren/Neil - just not as good overall, I see Lauren's talent but I don't see her passion.

And I'm shocked at Jaimie because I hate her personality I wish she wouldn't speak but she was hot last night, amazing flexibility and even Danny was ok and I dislike his arrogance completely.

I think Danny and Jaimie will end up being partners very soon.

Chad | Jun 28, 2007 8:54:20 AM | #

Wow, first off I would say that I am really pleased with this season's performers on SYTYCD. All of them are strong dancers and it is really hard to find 3 "really bad" performances.

Sara/Jesus - I liked their performances. Although I have no idea what exactly to look for in krumping. I say that they did a strong performance in "hip-hop" . 3.5/5

Shauna/Cedric - I love Mia Micheals' routines. I am actually glad that Shauna was in the bottom 3 last week, because I started to see her dramatic flair and passion for dance. Her solo in tonight's routine was amazing. Cedric really didn't do much dancing in this routine and when he did dance it looked more like hip hop movements than lyrical contemporary. Shauna 4.5/5, Cedric 1/5. Together 2/5.

Lacey/Kameron - One of the strongest couples in competition and one of my favourites. Another strong performance tonight. However, I am concerned that Kameron has not "WOWED" me yet in any of his performances. This may prove his downfall later in the competition. 3.5/5

Anya/Danny - My other favourite couple. I believe both of these performers will make the final 4. They started really strong but lost a lot of energy as the dance progressed. Overall well done. 4/5

Sabra/Dominic - For some reason, I find this couple really forgetable. Their Rhumba tonight did not have any fire or sensuality. I like my Rhumba NC-17 hot, tonight I think we got a PG-13. Perhaps the dance became too technical. 2.5/5.

Lauren/Neil - Their tango wasn't very good technically, but they started out with a lot of energy and drama. At moments they did convey some passion more than Sabra/Dominic. 2.5/5

Jaime/Hok - Wow, such an interesting dance which showcased both their strengths. A little bit concerned that this dance looked like a hip-hop/contemporary routine than a jazz routine, but it doesn't take away the fact that they had a great dance and strong choreography. 5/5

Pasha/Jessi - Hard to judge cause Jessi was missing and Pasha was in his style. Props to Pasha for carrying the show without his partner. Jessi has been my all-time favourite female dancer. Just watch her audition solos - BABY OIL AND SUITCASES OH YEAH!. Wish my girlfriend could pop out of my suitcase with baby oil. Pasha 4/5.

Strongest Choreographer of the season award goes to Wade Robson.

Top Couples:

1. Jaime and Hok
2. Danny and Anya
3. Kameron and Lacy

Bottom Couples:
1. Shauna and Cedric
2. Laruen and Neil
3. Sabra and Dominic
(4). Jessi....?

Going Home: Jessi and Cedric

I doubt the doctors will let Jessi continue in the competition and Cedric has not been doing very well.

Gary Hong | Jun 28, 2007 9:11:44 AM | #

I was totally mesmerized by Jaime and Hok, it was incredible! Please, just don't ever let her speak....ever..

sarah | Jun 28, 2007 9:17:01 AM | #

I have to give big kudos to Nigel, when Debbie Allen said Cedric was welcome at her school anytime he immediately put her on the spot and said "For free right?" Because I think he is assuming, maybe correctly, that Cedric couldn't afford to pay for her school. Now she is on record saying he has a scholarship, thanks to Nigel.

Dave | Jun 28, 2007 11:01:34 AM | #

Ok, it became the Cedric show last night. the producers should have cut him off, -- I mean would they let any of the other guys ramble on and on, but that drama makes for good tv. If America keeps Cedric in, the Neil will go (shame), but he's been cited as being the weak partner in 2 of 3 routines now, and, let's face it, Dominic's comedy and Danny's arrogance make for good tv. Assuming Jessi goes and no other girl does. If she doesn't go, then it might be Sarah or Lauren. I like Lacey and Kam, but Kam needs to stand out more, or he, like Jamie won't last. Can we have a show where Wade just choreographs every routine, please. He and Mia make me feel like I'm watching a professional dance troupe, not a reality show competition. And yes, Cat's a really good host.

John | Jun 28, 2007 11:26:27 AM | #

Isn't Cat English (not Australian)?

It'll be interesting to see if Jessi has recovered, it will be 3 days. The performance shows are taped on Mondays (if I'm not mistaken).

Rishi | Jun 28, 2007 12:09:35 PM | #

I have truly enjoyed this season of sytycd. Yes Cedric should go home tonight. I have not noticed any arrogance in any of the dancers. I am rooting for Pasha to stay in for a long time,he is very likeable. Agree that cat is the best host. Love Domonic.

Trupen | Jun 28, 2007 12:30:13 PM | #

The way I understood it, if Pasha is not in the bottom 3, then Jessie is safe too, by default. If they are in the bottom 3, then she has to dance for her life, and if she's not able to, too bad, she goes home. I may be wrong, but that's what I understood Nigel to be saying.

As for the routines, I loved Hok and Jaime's routine, it was mesmerizing. The judges did seem to like Sabra and Dominic alot. I was surprised because I thought it was a little boring, but I do like Sabra and her personality. Perhaps it was the choreography. I didn't like Shauna and Cedrics routine, Shauna was great - because she did all of the dancing. Mia loves Cedric, and as Mary Murphy pointed out, she was clever in coming up with a routine to hide his flaws. BTW - I am in the minority, I don't care for Mia's choreography - it all looks the same. I could just see the Ivan and Allison dances from last year (loved them though) watching her routines from this year. The male waves his arms up an down fluidly, hands bent, girl runs from male, spins with leg out, pretend pushes him away, they are drawn back together, walk away sullenly - yawn.

Sue | Jun 28, 2007 3:45:07 PM | #

@ Rishi:
You're absolutely right. I googled Cat and she is indeed a Brit. For some reason I thought they'd said she was Australian, but obviously I thought wrong.

She's still hot, though. I got that part right at least.

@ Sue:
I understood him to have said Jaime will have to dance for her life no matter what happens to Pasha. I certainly may have misheard (it's obviously happened before) but that's what I thought he said.

Also, I kind of agree with you on Mia. I've enjoyed some of her stuff; others have just been a big 'whatever' from me. The only choreographer who's been gold every time for me is Wade Robson. That dude is a bloody genius.

And speaking of being in the minority, I guess I'm one of the few who doesn't really like Dominic. I like his personality, but not his dancing. I agree Cedric should go this week, but it really should have been Dom on week 1 or last week.

Dan | Jun 28, 2007 4:24:00 PM | #

Er, I meant Jessi, not Jamie. The one time I don't verify I got the names correct...and I get it wrong.

Dan | Jun 28, 2007 4:28:03 PM | #

To Dan:

I concur that Dominic is not a really strong dancer, however I believe he is someone the judges really look for cause it proves that a b-boy can do different styles. One of the goals of this show is to see how dancers learn and progress in different styles and I would say that Domininc might be this year's Ivan. Whom, btw was my favourite dancer in season 2.

P.S. Cat Deeley is hot and a great host. She has a talent of making the silly metaphors flow from one judge to the next. I do however have to disagree with some of her wardrobe choices.

Sometimes she wears dresses that look frumpy and horribly cheesey.

Gary Hong | Jun 28, 2007 5:40:08 PM | #

@ Gary:

True enough. And he is probably the better of the 3 hip-hop/b-boy type dancers (Hok and Cedric being the other 2) as far as versatility so far. Hok is good and this last performance was brilliant, but it also played very much to his style.

I think my problem with the judges with respect to Dominic is that they cut a number of dancers at least as good as him during the auditions, telling them they "weren't quite ready for the show" or "not good enough" or "the standard is so high this year..." Then they turn around and try to explain away certain inconsistent decisions as "we're want variety" and "its about showing progress" or whatever...

I don't know, I'm just rambling on now. They just don't seem to be very consistent in what they say the show is all about.

Don't even get me started about tonight's results show. I mean: What. The. Hell.

As for Cat's wardrobe...I don't recall all the dresses so you might be right, but really, try watching On The Lot and you'll see frumpy taken to a Whole. 'Nother. Level. Compared to whoever dresses Adrianna, whoever is dressing Cat is fashion genius.

Dan | Jun 28, 2007 10:27:06 PM | #

I cannot find that Family Stand song anywhere (Shauna and Cedric danced to it). Has anyone heard it before? Do you know where to find it? I found "The Family Stand" but none of their cds include that song. Help!

Ptrap | Jun 29, 2007 1:13:09 PM | #

I fell in love with the dress that Jessie was wearing a few episodes ago. it was a baby doll dress with a red flower on the chest. i have to know where to find this dress.... how can i get this info???

Leanne | Jun 29, 2007 9:00:23 PM | #

Dominic is HOT HOT HOT! Does he dig Sabra? They make a cute couple. Dominic is always toppling over Sabra.

Anastacia | Jul 18, 2007 6:57:48 PM | #