Photos
Video
'So You Think You Can Dance': And then there were four...
We're a day away from finding out the winner of this season's So You Think You Can Dance but first, the final four must take it to the floor.
Spoilers
Tonight's third judge is one of my favorite choreographers, Mandy Moore. I'm pretty sure this is the first time Mandy's joined Nigel and Mary on the panel.
1. Courtney & Twitch
Dance/Choreographer/Song: Hip Hop/Napoleon & Tabitha/"Church" by T-Pain
There were good moments but...I wasn't really into it (though I might change my mind on a second viewing). On the upside, their characterization was solid and I liked the flavor of the choreography. Twitch attempted a propeller spin with Courtney on his head. It wasn't perfect but it's a hard maneuver - props for even getting it mostly right. I can't help but think how much better it would've been if Comfort had been his partner. The judges don't agree with me and were all over it.
I was wondering how they were going to kill time this year and, luckily for us, the producers decided to go with something useful and enjoyable. Cat talked with all the contestants and they'll run the packages before their solos.
The first interview is with Courtney and they talk about her family, her life and what lead her to try out. Her favorite routine so far is the Jazz number she did with Mark by Sonya and I totally agree with her. I've always found her to be likable, especially when interacting with her family which they show clips of. And, concerning her chemistry with Gev, she says that you don't have to be in love with someone to have it. You just have to like them and think they're a great person.
Solo 1: Courtney
Song: "They Weren't There" by Missy Higgins
Good job this week. There was a pass in the middle with a leap and a turn and an illusion that wa
s quite lovely. Like she admits in the footage shown in her interview, she doesn't have the best technique, but I think she emotes and connects to her pieces very well. That's something not everyone has.
2. Katee & Joshua
Dance/Choreographer/Song: Lyrical/Wade Robson/"Slow Dancing In A Burning Room" by John Mayer
There's something about Wade's face that makes me want to slap him sometimes (I think it's something about the eyebrows), but darnit he's a fantastic choreographer. It was a great number - it was simple, pretty, and both dancers were emotionally invested in the moves. Mandy said she was sold from the close up of Katee breathing before it even began.
3. Katee & Courtney
Dance/Choreographer/Song: Broadway/Tyce DiOrio/"The Trolley Song" by Rufus Wainwright
Their outfits are cute, albeit somewhat Old West prostitute-y with a touch of Circus acrobat. Ooo. Mandy barely said anything about the actual choreography. Translation: She wasn't into it. I'm with you Mandy. It was definitely cute and performed as well as it could've been, but I didn't find it engrossing.
Cat's interview with Twitch revealed some interesting things: he got his name because he was always dancing about, even when sitting down; if he hadn't made it on to the show this season, he was going to join the Navy; and the Viennese Waltz Jean-Marc did for his daughter has been his favorite routine so far because of what it represented.
Solo 2: Twitch
Song: "It Was All In Your Mind" by Wade Robson
Great as always - not my favorite but still great.
4. Twitch & Joshua
Dance/Choreographer/Song: Russian Tropak/Youri Nelzine/"Trepak" from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcraker
It wasn't a Hip Hop number, but it was impressive nonetheless. Hazzah for more world dance! That stuff is hard and they played the rivalry aspect about it perfectly (even carrying it through the judges commentary). They were leaping and jumping and spinning and on the ground. Crazy.
Katee's up next and we get to relive her blown-out-of-proportion reaction during the Vegas selection show. Cat tells her that she'd probably have reacted in the same way and thought she was just being honest and in the moment. Katee says that she never thought she'd be in direct competition with her good friend like that and it added stress to an already stressful situation. Her favorite number is the Napoleon & Tabitha "No Air" piece. She liked the emotional nature of the piece and, as it was her very first number with Joshua, it helped them connect with each other quickly.
Solo 3: Katee
Song: "Hide & Seek" by Imogen Heap
I really liked this solo, one of her better one's I think. Her movements fit very well with the music.
5. Katee & Twitch
Dance/Choreographer/Song: Foxtrot/Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin/"Feeling Good" by Michael Buble
Their lift was fantastic and I liked the suave vibe the number had. I can't really comment on the technique because the shots weren't really conducive to watching footwork for more than 3-seconds. Mary said they did well so I'll just have to go with that I guess. And all the judges thought Twitch was tres James Bond in his tux.
Cat's last interview is with Joshua. He didn't take a lot of classes as a kid because of lack of funds but, despite also being great at track and football, the artistic side of him won out. His favorite routine was surprisingly the Samba he did with Katee. He liked stepping out of his comfort zone like that. And Cat got to rib him about being a bit of a crier, which he denied was normally in his nature. Kawaii!
Solo 4: Joshua
Song: "(Not Just) Knee Deep" by Funkadelic
He did something cool by jumping off the main stage and dancing next to the judges. I've said this before about him (and Twitch) - his solos are always great.
6. Courtney & Joshua
Dance/Choreographer/Song: Jive/Jason Gilkison/"The Dirty Boogie" by The Brian Setzer Orchestra
Wow. There was a lot of content in there. It looked really tiring. They performed all the tricks well but it wasn't the best technique-wise. I'm wondering if Courtney & Joshua were the dancers that were dehydrated? Considering how hard their three numbers were in comparison to Katee and Twitch, I'm thinking yes. Also, that backflip at the end where Joshua basically fell on the floor instead of landing on his feet looked painful. I know he did it on purpose but ow.
Group Number
Dance/Choreographer/Song: Contemporary/Mia Michaels/"Hallelujah" by The Vitamin String Quartet
Mia said this piece was a piece of joy and celebration and I definitely got that feeling. I enjoyed it but I didn't have the immediate "I love it" reaction I usually have for Mia's work. There were times that they weren't all on beat or they technique didn't match exactly but they recovered nicely. Mary says Twitch was the stand-out for her.
Favorite Numbers: Hmmm...Katee & Joshua's Lyrical piece was definitely a stand-out and I liked the group number. I'll have to re-watch a lot of the numbers to see how I really feel about them.
Stand-out Individuals: I think they all stood out tonight for different reasons, though Katee was probably the most consistent performance-wise. Also, I appreciate that Mandy Moore gave them tips on how to improve their technique.
Disappointments: Though the Tropak was cool, I really, really wanted to see Joshua & Twitch do a Hip Hop number. Or better yet, Krumping. If there was ever a time to break that particular dance out it would've been now.
What were your thoughts about tonight's episode? And who do you think will win?
did anyone else feel like the deck was stacked against Courtney & Joshua? having them do the Jive at full speed and then turn around and do the Group number at full speed right after. No wonder C & J looked tired, and Katee & Twitch had great form.....
debbie | Aug 6, 2008 7:34:30 PM | #It was actually Joshua & Twitch who were taken to the hospital. More than likely it was from that Russian street dance and the fact that these poor dancers have gotten no breaks since the Top 20. The only thing that dissapointed me was that they didn't have Josh & Twitch do hip hop, other than that it was fine and I truly believe the final 2will be the two guys with Josh winning.
dj | Aug 6, 2008 8:53:52 PM | #I was thinking the same thing, Debbie.
I was disappointed by both the boys solos. I loved both the girls.
I connect to Courtney the most, as Katee just... ahhh I can't explain it, I just don't like her. But I do think it will be between her and one of the boys in the end.
Thanks for the review!
Kelly | Aug 6, 2008 9:55:50 PM | #On second watch, there were entirely too many close-ups and half-shots during the Broadway number to get a good feel for it.
Tamara B. | Aug 6, 2008 9:56:44 PM | #I think the winner will be Josh and Twitch will be the runner up as the judges seemed to gush over them more than the girls. It also seemed like the judges focused their comments more on the guys than the girls eg. Mary just saying speechless to Katee after spending the better part of a minute on Twitch in the Foxtrot.
For me I thought the guys dance (The Russian dance) was by far the best number of the night as all the other 10 dances just didn't have it tonight. None were bad, but none were great. None of the others were memorable and none of the others were the best of that style of the season. Perhaps if eg. there was another Bollywood routine in this ep it wouldn't have had the impact it did in its first 2 outings.
I'm looking forward to the finale.
Lastly, I'm disappointed that Debbie Allen didn't judge either last week or this week. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but perhaps she was even more disappointed in Will's elimination than he was (I'm trying to phrase it as nicely as possible here).
Rishi | Aug 7, 2008 12:17:29 AM | #OK they are all great but Katee, in my opinion has been perfect all season. The judges are CLEARLY pushing for a hip-hop artist to win as they pushed for Sabra (first woman) last year. It's annoying and transparent. I am also tired of hearing that Joshua had no training - he's had TONS of training. Why are they making that up? He even admits it on his profile and no one can do spins, etc. like that without training. He went to a dance school! Come ON! I also thought his earlier in the season routines were only about strength with no passion/technique but he has gotten better. His and Twitch's solos were lame and Twitch, although I like him, needs an arrogance check with his stupid T-shirts. Anyway - Joshua won (check Dialidol.com) as I thought he would. I wish the judges wouldn't push but I understand their desire to get a different style dancer to win to keep the show "interesting" and increase audience diversity. Whatever - Katee should have won
Todd | Aug 7, 2008 4:53:01 AM | #Hey -- if that's true about who won, it would have been nice for you to mention the major spoiler.
Boo.
sadie hawkins | Aug 7, 2008 6:30:44 AM | #Dialidol isn't always correct - no spoiler is necessary
Todd | Aug 7, 2008 6:39:07 AM | #Last season was much better: many more memorable numbers, better dancers, less obvious bias in the judging, and a much more humble Mia. I still enjoy the show, but this season wasn't nearly as good as last, despite what the producers are trying to cram down our throats.
JeffR | Aug 7, 2008 6:40:24 AM | #I think that maybe this should be a lesson for the producers not to have sooo much going on in the last few weeks. The dancers seemed particularily tired this year. Someone mentioned above that it was the guys taken to the hospital, but I could have sworn one was Katee, as she looked dead tired last night.
I think the best overall should win and that is Katee. She is the most consistant and in seeing her package last night, it really showed that she has had awesome dances with everyone, not just her original partner. That and her solo was amazing last night, where as the rest of them just brought the usual.
Oh and did anyone else feel there was too much filler done by the judges talking? They seemed to just repeat themselves after every number. Boring.
My heart is with Joshua. He blew me away from the very first show. But I think Twitch is going to take the prize. I think his personality is ENORMOUS and that's what counts in this competition. I wouldn't mind even if Katee won; she's a very solid dancer. I don't think Courtney has a chance. She's just not in the same league as the other three.
Anne | Aug 7, 2008 7:05:10 AM | #I didn't understand about Twitch's solo being by Wade Robson? Does he sing to or ??Thought it was a GREAT season. They all did a super job. I thought Mandy Moore HAD judged once before?
Kate2 | Aug 7, 2008 7:06:10 AM | #I agree with Todd. Calling Joshua totally untrained is a bit of a stretch.
Courtney & Twitch - Hip-Hop
I am suprised how good Courtney is at hip-hop. She may be the best female non hip-hopper to the show. Strong start to the show 4/5.
Katee & Joshua - Contemporary
Always strong chemistry between them. Love Wade Robson's routine. Those rigid poses needs tons of control. 4.5/5
Katee & Courtney - Broadway
I can honestly say that I'm not big on Tyce, some good choreography and most just average. Katee & Courtney got a average one, danced just ok. I am going to disagree with Nigel here and say Courtney emoted more energy than Katee, and therefore danced it better though. Needed more acting from both dancers though. 3/5.
Twitch & Joshua - Tropak
Now why did Twitch get all the Russian floor work, while Joshua did 3 jumps in the air??? I have to take marks off for that poor judgement both on the choreographer and the dancer.
On that note Twitch gets 5/5 and Joshua gets 2/5.
Katee & Twitch - Foxtrot
I don't like Mary forgoes critiquing on the technique on couples she doesn't like. For bashing Comfort, she sorta glosses over Twitch's bad steps compared to a professional week after week. Katee is majestic as usual. 4/5 for Katee and 2/5 for Twitch. Together 3.5/5
Joshua and Courtney - Jive
These are the times when I miss Chelsie H. I think Jason gave them too much to do and didn't teach enough technique. Almost wasn't recognizable as a Jive due to the dancers ability. I am so happy Nigel critiqued it professionally and am disappointed Mary glossed over it again. 1/5.
Katee, Courtney, Twitch and Joshua - Contemporary
I classified this dance a Olympic Race to the finish. Mia gave them tons of intricate choreography to work with. Looks like they were too tired and ran out of time to perfect the moves. Both timing and ability were off in the performance. Hope they can perfect this while on tour. Not sure the tartan was the best costume choice. 3/5.
Solos
Katee - One of her best solos, combining both soft movements and her freeze moves. Wished she did her signature finger roll though. 4.5/5
Twitch - Twitch has great talent in choreograhy. Best soloist this year. Great range of themes while still showing consistent technique 5/5.
Joshua - He is starting to feel like a one-trick pony to me. Is it just me or is he dancing to same song every time? Also, most of his moves look the same. 2/5
Courtney - Better solo last night. Showed great range of movement and use of the stage. 4/5.
Winner - Another toss up, but guessing Katee and Joshua as runner up.
Gary | Aug 7, 2008 7:17:12 AM | #Hi Katee2
I think Wade also makes his own music sometimes.
Hence Twitch danced to a Wade Robson produced track.
Gary | Aug 7, 2008 7:21:30 AM | #I think they set up oshua because he danced three number in a row. He did his solo, then the jive and then mia micheals. Thats alot to put your body through. No alone the quick changes, I would be really tire. Also, Courtney did not once do anything she trained to do like Katee.. She had to dance to all fat song. I think Conspiracy is in order. I sitll love KAtee tho.
Anthony | Aug 7, 2008 7:56:14 AM | #I agree with you, Tamara: I was so waiting for a Joshua/Twitch hip hop number, but the tropak was pretty awesome.
Missed the first number, so can't comment on that. Was excited to see Wade Robson back, but was disappointed with that dance - it's the quirky, bizarre-yet-cool numbers of his that I've always loved, and this wasn't any of that. It was fine, but not what I wanted.
The Broadway routine was OK - great idea, somewhat lackluster choreography. Loved the foxtrot, but the jive was tired (cool tricks, though). Mia's number was actually pretty good.
Solos: contemporary just doesn't do much for me, whereas hip hop seems tailor-made for solo work. Not surprisingly, then, I preferred the guys to the gals, though I admit Katee's solo had its moments.
I agree with what someone else said above: I'm pretty sure Mandy Moore has been a judge at least once before (but I could be wrong). I'd been hoping for Lil' C, but she was good.
I also agree that the judges seemed to be downplaying Courtney and Joshua (but more particularly Courtney). Annoying as that is, I do think she should be 4th. I'd be fine with any of the other 3 winning, though Katee is probably the most deserving in terms of ability and consistency (Twitch gets the edge for personality, with Joshua a close 2nd).
Wonder if they're still doing that 'dance-off' between that one guy (Robert, I think?) and that other dude Nigel knows - they confirmed it a few weeks ago, but there was no mention of it last night...
DanC | Aug 7, 2008 8:14:55 AM | #this is a tricky one
the judges were really pushing the men
I wish they would just stop doing that
katee should win - consistent
lovely line great technique
but the guys' personality shine more
Joshua or Twitch
Courtney adorable but not a winner for this .
Others stand out more
I will say between the men
Cat was brilliant as ever!
THe first dance of Mia Michaels i didn't like
I always love her . Didn't move me to anything.
Wrong choice for the finale
I thought the Broadway number was really lame. They should have given the women something solid and awesome to perform. That choreography was plain boring.
The group number was all out of synch. I don't think that they perform all of the dances on the same night, but if they do, someone needs a reality check. That's just plain wrong-not just to the dancers but to the viewers. They all looked exhausted and after the first number Joshua looked really down. Maybe it was the emotions of the piece, but he finally smiled that gorgeous smile at the end.
Cudos to Twitch for both his solo and doing all the difficult moves on the Russian number, but Joshua is just amazing the way he is able to levitate.
Courtney was great in her solo, but Katee was even better. I think in this last show the performers should be judged on the entire season, in which case Joshua and Katee shined the brightest for me, so if either of them win, I will be happy.
cynx | Aug 7, 2008 8:32:28 AM | #No, the dancers don't perform their dances all on the same night. According to the show credits, some of the performances are taped in advance.
Erika | Aug 7, 2008 9:03:40 AM | #Tonight, it was very apparent (again) that this show has been working the dancers TOO hard. This really shouldn't be an endurance test... after the Mia Michaels number, Twitch (who looks to be in FANTASTIC shape) was basically heaving onstage. They all couldn't seem to catch their breath. I felt bad for them... and then to be dressed down by Nigel. I mean, he's right of course, if you're on Broadway or a concert tour, no one cares if the dancers are tired or don't feel good, they have to give A-level performances.
However, that's not a fair comparison to what this show is doing; each performer had a week to learn (and attempt to perfect) FOUR dances each. Mia's number, the Jive and the Trepak, in particular, seemed very difficult.
I like Twitch, but honestly, I don't understand his huge popularity. He is an entertainer, but his non-hip hop numbers have been relatively limited (though I do agree with Mary, that he was a standout in the Mia Tartan piece).
Joshua indeed has had training, he talks about it in his interview with Cat. I just don't think he's had consistent and steady training in various styles for years, like someone like Katee has. If he wins, I won't be upset. He has improved a lot over the season.
Katee, imo, should win this competition. She has performed so well all season long. I can't think of a performance that she didn't deliver... there were only a few performances where the choreography basically sucked and didn't allow her to shine (like that Tyce piece). A dancer can only do so much... Tyce, btw, gets an award for most inconsistent choreographer. They really should give him only Jazz and Contemporary - after watching it all season, I've decided I hate his Broadway work.
Courtney is really very adorable and a strong likable dancer, but she did seem either too tired or just not quite on everyone else's level yesterday.
Something the show did last season that I'd like to see again, was when all the dancers did the same solo choreographed by Wade Robson. I think where they attempted this last season was too early in the competition and therefore was really boring to see the same basic solo over and over again. But the finale, with only four dancers, would have been the perfect spot to do this. The solos last night were good from the girls and pretty standard from the guys, however, we've just seen too many of them this season to care. Not every dancer is a good choreographer and these four are very different dancers, so seeing them stylize the same piece would have been cool.
This season has highlighted a lot of problem with the show that I do hope are addressed in some way next season. I, like most everyone else, think it's still very enjoyable - we complain because we love it!
Varris | Aug 7, 2008 9:09:06 AM | #To those who suggest that Twitch did all of the floor work in the Russian number because Joshua was not capable, please rewatch the Bollywood numbers where Josh does a number of very similar moves (knee-rolls, vaults). Their parts in that routine were a choreographer choice. Congrats to the final four.
I Can't Dance | Aug 7, 2008 9:20:56 AM | #I tried for 1 1/2 hours to vote for Katee last night and never once got through. I also tried Josh's number a few times and couldn't get through there either. I gave up and went to bed. Did anyone else have voting issues?
For me, last weeks show (with the final 6) was the high point of the season. Everything came together and it was, simply put, fun. In contrast, last night I saw a lot of nerves, exhaustion and, in my opinion, sub-par choreography. I hope that tonight the top 4 can all relax and enjoy the final show - whether they win or lose.
I missed Mark and Chelsie last night and look forward to seeing them again tonight as well (I assume top 10 will all be back).
PM | Aug 7, 2008 9:42:25 AM | #yeah, josh deserves to win. he's just phenomenal and so much fun to watch.
and man, the producers put him through the ringer, giving him the hardest routines AND he was in all 4 of the final numbers. What a marathon...and he nailed it.
brad | Aug 7, 2008 9:43:06 AM | #This whole year was disappointing...my favorite season was 2 i think...the one with Travis & Benji...the group number to Sexy Back was amazing...
This finale was nothing special some of the episodes were better than the finale...i personally like courtney...but she has no chance so i rather josh win then the other 2...twitch was in hairspray and katie thinks she is better then everyone...josh has no experience so he changed the most...
i hope next year is better
Linda | Aug 7, 2008 9:55:49 AM | #Camera work...camera work...CAMERA WORK! Is anybody else having trouble connecting with the dances because of too many close ups and cuts? We all need to write letters to te producers so that maybe we will actually be allowed to see dancing instead of head shots next season.
Courtney | Aug 7, 2008 9:56:10 AM | #
Zap2it Twitter Talk
