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RSSFirst cuts on 'So You Think You Can Dance'
Dear "So You Think You Can Dance" Producers: Please add another week to the show so no one has to be cut during the first week as it makes me sad.
The first group number of the season is to "Boom Boom Pow" by Black Eyed Peas. It's got this post-apocalyptic future vibe, which totally makes sense with the song. I dig it, man. Brandon is tearing the intro section up, I couldn't take my eyes off him and had to rewind a few times. Both Phillip and Tony get solo sections. Hey Director, stop it with the close-ups. I can't see what's going on. But a great number nonetheless. And it was so obviously a Shane Sparks routine. Love him. Based on what I saw, a lot of the dancers may have problems with Hip Hop when it comes up (especially the girls).
We've got the same judges in the house from last night - Adam Shankman, Mary Murphy, and Nigel Lythgoe. After host Cat Deeley introduces them, we get to see a montage of the moment they found out who they were paired with followed by some funny stuff about dancing with a partner.
Now Cat brings out the first three couples to find out their fates - Max & Kayla, Evan & Randi, and Phillip & Jeanine. After the customary recap of each of their performances, Kayla & Max are the first to hear they're safe. Randi & Evan are too. And after a fake out, Cat tells Jeanine & Phillip are also moving on next week. A cruel thing to do but their reactions are great.
After the break, Caitlin & Jason, Ade & Melissa, Kapono & Ashley, and Tony & Paris stand on stage. Caitlin & Jason are off the hook. As it should it be. Melissa & Ade have also brokered safe passage to Week 2. Our remaining two couples must wait for both packages before learning Paris & Tony are the first couple in the Bottom Three. Can't say I'm particularly surprised but, as Adam says, despite there being a lot of love for them (based on what he saw on Twitter) they just didn't hit the routine hard enough.
The last three couples wait to hear their fates now. Asuka & Vitolio are in the bottom which was pretty much a given thanks to Tyce D'Orio's craptastic Broadway routine. Brandon & Janette are safe leaving Jonathan & Karla to round out the Bottom Three. I guess looking like a member of the Wolfpack in "Twilight: New Moon" just wasn't enough.
As the dancers prepare backstage, Argentine Tango specialists Mariam Larici & Leonardo Barrinuevo perform for us to "Tanquera" from the soundtrack to "Luis Bravo's Forever Tango," a show they happen to perform in. You may recognize them from that farce "Superstars of Dance." http://blog.zap2it.com/ithappenedlastnight/superstars_of_dance/ In fact...I think they did this same routine. They're still awesome and she still outshines him like a flashlight next to the sun.
1. Paris
Song: "It Doesn't Hurt" by Katie Thompson
Her number was much more on the balletic side of Contemporary, which I guess makes it more of a Jazz piece. Whatever. She exhibited very good control of the movements and it was pretty...it just wasn't exciting. And I didn't exactly connect to the piece emotionally.
2. Tony
Song: "Early In The Morning" by The Gap Band
He's mostly Locking in the number with a very Old School vibe to it. It was good not great, certainly not the best I've ever seen. Like in yesterday's number, he lacks precision which is a must for what he was attempting.
3. Asuka
Song: "Did Ya" by BoA
Whatever your feelings are of Asuka, you can't say she doesn't have stage presence. Not the best choreographed solo but it had plenty of attitude and entertained. Also, I'm glad she danced to a BoA song - love her.
4. Vitolio
Song: "We Belong Together" by Gavin Degraw
The choreography isn't great but watching him move is fascinating. There's an underlying sharpness there that I appreciate and makes him stand out from other Contemporary dancers.
5. Karla
Song: "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin
She's the one I was most interested in seeing because I don't feel like I know what she's capable of. Her leg control is fabulous. Wasn't feeling the choreography but she gives good face and fills up the stage.
6. Jonathan
Song: "Krazy" by Pitbull feat. Lil Jon
So this is the first time any of us have been able to see him dance. I'm not particularly impressed. The choreography was fine and he threw down a lot of flips but it seemed like he was counting out the steps. Like he wasn't connected to the music. But he's terribly telegenic so at least there's that.
While the judges are off to deliberate, Sean Kingston sings "Fire Burning" which Cat describes as the "hit single of the Summer." Because that what it said on the teleprompter.
I'll take this moment to say that I think Vitolio should definitely move on to next week. As for the girls, they were evenly matched and I kind of like them all so I'll be disappointed whichever way it goes. My thought though is it'll either be Paris & Tony or Jonathan & Karla because they tend to eliminate an entire couple the first week, which I don't think is fair.
Okay, the girls are up first and the decision is unanimous. Nigel says Karla needs to bring more personality and not just perform a series of steps before being sent to join the other safe dancers. Nigel's explanation on how they're deciding who stays is kind of convoluted but when he says they like to have all types of styles represented, I just knew Paris was going to be eliminated. Poor thing. I really did like her. They've put together a farewell package which is cool because at least we get to see more of what she's capable of.
The decision on the guys is also unanimous. Nigel says the judges didn't think any of them really danced that well, which I agree with. Vitolio is told that he hasn't shown his personality yet and he'd better because they're keeping him. Jonathan is being kept over Tony which, considering they kept Karla, isn't a surprise. I think his problem is that he's a Hip Hop Jack of All Trades and a master of none.
Honestly, I'd rather Jonathan been sent home just based on his occasionally smarmy stage presence. But maybe he'll grow on me. Like a fungus only not gross.
Okay folks, are you outraged? Did it turn out exactly as you thought? Did you care about any of the Bottom Three enough for it to matter? What say you?
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I still don't get why they put Tony in the Top 20 to begin with. I can seriously dance better than that guy. And I hate that he killed Paris, because she seems really skilled. She must have have dreaded getting him as a partner. Like Twitch last year, who killed numerous partners. At least they cut Tony before he could strike again.
I'd have send Jonathan home as well, but if Tony winked ONE MORE TIME I think I might have boycotted. Winks are the pedophiles of facial expressions.
I agree that Tony should have been sent packing, but I hate the reason the judges gave Paris. If they wanted variety, they should choose more variety in the top 20.
Why not break-up couples in the early stages? If they are in the bottom, they have to work harder anyways. Maybe the bottom couples are not working out and it would be better to stir things up.
I'm sure Asuka will do well in the weeks to come, but do not see her in the top 10.
Like Tamara said, 3rd straight year when they eliminated a couple. I don't know why I thought Vitolio was going home (yesterday) when I made my picks b/c I knew they weren't elminating Asuka.
Can't say I'm surprised that Tony went over Jonathan for the keeping the couple together plus it seems like there are less ballroom this year than in year's past (3 total in Jonathan, Max and Asuka or am I forgetting someone?)
Lastly, when was the last time that Mia wasn't involved in a week on SYTYCD? She didn't do the group or any couple this week and when that happens she usually judges. I wonder if she has a side project that will keep her occupied for other weeks during the season or if it was just one of those things this week.
I think Tony should have gone home, but not Paris. I felt her solo was the best. I would have sent Asuka home.
They weren't sending Asuka home, so..., Tony yeah, weakest of them all; Paris? we'll never know-- what Jeanette did when Mary said she had botox (funnist show moment EVER( pulling her face back, was, I think, a bit rude.
Well I picked the correct bottom 3. But didn't expect the judges to send Tony home...
Didn't think the judges would send Tony home after picking him in the Top 20. Guess they didn't want him to be the "007" of female partners.
Wasn't surprised Paris went home, Karla reminds me of Melody from S1 Finalist (who I loved - I think the judges too).
Paris solo was very boring imo. Jonathan needs to step up his game... Vitolio needs to step up his solo.
@ Rishi - I think we both expected Vitolio to go home based on his bad performance on Wednesday and expected a medicore "contemporary" solo.
I foresee Jonathan and Vitolio continuing to be in the bottom 3 next week...
So, I've been thinking about this for awhile, and wanted to bounce it off you guys, especially as it relates to the cut last night. It seems that the judges (or producers, more likely) purposely put 2-4 meager, borderline dancers into the Top 20 with the complete intent on making it obvious who should be cut in the first couple performance nights. Its almost like they want to ensure that the splendid dancers have no risk in the first few weeks of getting into the bottom three, and thus risking being kicked off. It's like stacking the deck with some stinkers to easily and painlessly pick a few off without anyone doubting why. Otherwise, wouldnt it make sense that with the large talent pool they have to choose from that they would have no problem finding 20 fantastic, mindblowing dancers? And any one of them would be painful to lose in the first week. Doing it the way Im proposing, it is a safer elimination process.
This also seems plausible because you DO see pairs kicked off together in the first couple weeks because the weaker ones were put together purposefully. Can you see them pairing Caitlin with Tony and doing Bollywood?? NO way; again, reality shows are PRODUCED and they know exactly what they are doing.
Im not surprised a bit by last night; I think it was all part of the game.
So, think Im on the right track?
Tony had no business being in the TOp 20 in the first place. He drew Hip Hop for his first week and STILL landed in the bottom 3. That doesn't say much for his dancing ability. His solo was a joke.
Paris seemed alright, I would've rather seen Asuka leave. She bugs for some reason.