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RSS'So You Think You Can Dance': Couple Up
We're finally at the best part of "So You Think You Can Dance" - our first partnered numbers. Excited!
Cat Deeley, whom I love dearly, is wearing a dress that reminds me of "Xanadu" tonight. I don't mind though because it's one of my favorite so-bad-it's-good movies. Just based on the dancers' intros, the guys are far more interesting as a whole - Brandon and Kupono win for Best Intro this week.
The judges tonight are Adam Shankman, Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe. On top of participating in "SYTYCD," Adam's producing three movies that are in production at the same time including "Step Up 3-D" which features Katee, Joshua, Ivan, and a huge role by Twitch. Cue squees.
1. Jeanine (Contemporary) & Phillip (Popper)
Style/Choreographer/Song: Hip Hop/Tabitha & Napoleon/"Mad" by Ne-Yo
For not ever hearing from Jeanine before, the piece did a good job at make her endearing (or at least likable). The theme is a couple who can't fall asleep without resolving their issues. They're giving me good emotion and Phillip is absolutely killing. I'm impressed by Jeanine's ability to do the waves so good though she gave me a little too much Contemporary at times. They've got great chemistry. Happy thoughts from all the judges, Nigel calling it a "great way to start the night."
2. Asuka (Latin/Ballroom) & Vitolio (Contemporary)
Style/Choreographer/Song: Broadway/Tyce D'Orio/"Hot Honey Rag" from "Chicago"
Ugh. A Tyce number for their first week? Maybe he'll be fresh enough that it won't be lackluster choreography. Vitolio is the director as Asuka is the silent movie star. There's...something off. I can't tell if it's the steps or if it's them but it's just not working. Asuka is totally outshining Vitolio. Was he really nervous maybe? Adam says it feels more artificial following Phillip & Jeanine's emotional number but they danced it well. Nigel says they need to bring more of their great personalities to the table as opposed to being so concerned about the technique. Thank you boys for explaining my ambivalence. Update: I rewatched and figured out what the problem was: it seemed like this was a fraction of a bigger number. If they had 20 other dancers around them then we might be cooking.
3. Karla (contemporary) & Jonathan (Salsa)
Style/Choreographer/Song: Cha Cha/Tony Meridith/"Poker Face" by Lady Gaga (Really?)
Okay so I was totally wrong about Jonathan - he's a Salsa dancer. I wish they'd state everyone's specialties like they used to. It's very difficult to guess based on four-seconds of dancing. Whoa with the strobe lights! Eh...not feeling this number. It was performed well enough and the technique was really good but there was something missing for me. Also, Karla's giant ruffled skirt minimized her visual hip movement and it looked like she was trying not to slip on the floor at times. I like her though, she gives good face. Jonathan is cute but a little raw. He's very "Twilight"-friendly. All the judges dug it though Adam was the only one who gave a few constructive pointers.
4. Randi (aka Unitard-Girl, Contemporary) & Evan (Gene Kelly...er, Broadway)
Style/Choreographer/Song: Jazz/Tyce D'Orio/"I Only Have Eyes For You" by Jamie Cullum
Based on the rehearsal piece, Randi's doing nothing for me. She's seems like a nice girl and all but I'm ambivalent. Oh, so this is where Tyce's good choreography went. Great performance from the both of them - the technique was fab and the emotional projection was there. I'm still ambivalent towards Randi but she's a great dancer. Evan was fantastic - a strong, strong partner. Wow...they're like oompa loompas standing next to Cat. Adam thinks this is one of the best pieces Tyce has done, they blew Mary away, and Nigel believes people will pick up the phone for them.
5. Paris (Contemporary) & Tony (Hip Hop)
Style/Choreographer/Song: Hip Hop/Tabitha & Napoleon/"Let The Beat Rock (Boys Noize Megamix)" by Black Eyed Peas
Oooo. I like this one. Surprisingly, Paris is hitting her stops harder than Tony. I think it helps that her Contemporary style is very staccato, makes the transition easier. She definitely impressed me. Tony was good overall but he wasn't hitting his stops as clean so their movements ended up not matching. But I dug it. Adam liked it but gave the tip that they weren't rebounding from the stops enough. Mary didn't think Tony was aggressive enough. Nigel didn't believe it was genuine enough.
6. Caitlin (Jazz/Contemporary) & Jason (Contemporary)
Style/Choreographer/Song: Bollywood/Nakul Dev Mahajan/"Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire"
Nakul is not messing around. I think it's going to be a harder number than Katee & Joshua's. The opeing lift was beautiful. Jason looks like he's striaght out of a movie. Lots of impressive stuff in there. Caitlin was really good but cheated movements at times to keep up with the ultra-fast movements. It was awesome. Huzzah for Nakul! Adam agrees that Jason looked effortless. Lots of verbal roses thrown from the judges.
7. Janette (Salsa) & Brandon (Contemporary)
Style/Choreographer/Song: Foxtrot/Louis Van Amstel/"Come Fly With Me" by Michael Buble
So, despite me not being a big fan of Louis, it's a really good number. But I give more credit to Janette and Brandon for performing so well. Janette absolutely sparkled and Brandon was very charming. One thing I found distracting was that I couldn't always suss out his shoulders in his white shirt/black vest combo. And the lifts were fab - he's freakin' strong. When Cat requested an eyebrow lift from Mary, she said she couldn't because she's botoxed out. High-larious. Nothing but happy thoughts with Nigel giving the note to Brandon that he needs to make sure he takes bigger/consistent steps.
8. Ashley (Contemporary) & Kupono (Contemporary)
Style/Choreographer/Song: Jazz/Wade Robson/"Felt Mountain" by Goldfrapp
In this number, Kupono is a crash test dummy that's been blown apart a whole lot while Ashley is fresh and new. Wade also mentioned something about living life like you've never been hurt but, you know, whatever. Wow. They're both fabulous. It's a weird number but they embody their characters so well it's just beautiful. If the two of them weren't so great this number would've fallen on its face. All the judges found it odd but loved it. Nigel called it "genius." Such lofty concepts from a former Meaty Cheesy Boy (Wade's the one in the middle) and his wife.
9. Melissa (Ballet) & Ade (Contemporary)
Style/Choreographer/Song: Contemporary/Mandy Moore/"Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx
A very relaxed, adorable piece without being overly simple or simply. The number is deceptive because it relies a lot more on personality than it would appear. Both Ade and Melissa have fantastic stage presence. There was this one lift where Melissa was in the splits on Ade's shoulders behind his head, then moved in front of his head effortlessly. Crazy. Adam was so touched that he almost started tearing up. Mary called it "believable" which is a great word.
10. Kayla (Contemporary) & Max (Ballroom)
Style/Choreographer/Song: Samba/Louis Van Amstel/"Jum Bah Day" by House of Gypsies
Louis' known Max since he was 14. Interesting. The Samba Rolls were great and Kayla had fantastic attitude. She adapted to the style super well. Max was as fab as you'd think he'd be dancing in his element. He shined brightly but always showcased Kayla, a mark of a great partner. They're the first riders on Mary's Hot Tamale Train and essentially blew all the judges' minds. Okay, fine. Kudos to you Louis for two great numbers.
Favorite Numbers: Ashley & Kupono's Jazz and Caitlin & Jason's Bollywood with special recognition to Melissa & Ade, Jeanine & Phillip, Randi & Evan, and Kayla & Max
Stand-out Individuals: Almost everyone was really, really good as shown by the long list preceding. I think I was most pleasantly surprised by Paris who really worked that Hip Hop number. She was appropriately grimy at times. But really...Kayla. I mean really.
Disappointments: Oh Asuka & Vitolio. I'm not really disappointed by them, more disappointed they had to do a Tyce Broadway number. Karla & Jonathan were a little flat. I think both couples are in trouble.
Okay peeps, let's hear it. Are you happy now with the Top 20? What was your fave/least fave number? Disappointed or impressed by anyone? Have a front-runner picked out? Any other thoughts/observations?
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Zap2it Twitter Talk 
I love Tab & Napoleon. I'm so glad Wade is back and I liked the Mandy, Moore number she's hit or miss with me.
Loved everyone this is going to be a tough year!!
I thought it was an overall good show, but I was shocked by that kiss Caitlin and Jason. Don't get me wrong, I loved it because it annoys me when they just pretend to get close enough to kiss and they never do. But the thing that shocked me was that I don't think Caitlin was expecting it, that is why she quickly covered the kiss with her hands, even though they continued frenching.
Wades number, I can't decide if I loved it or hated it. I was really taken in by it and it was quite captivating, but if other people don't get it that could spell doom for Ashley and Kupono through no fault of their own.
I was quite disappointed to learn that Randi is married :(
I thought Paris was making some horrible facial expressions during the piece. It seemed too cheesy for my liking.
I liked Jeanine and Phillip, but I don't think they shown tonight. Jeanine was off with most of her movements and it did not feel clean. I feel like the judges just said they loved it because it was the first piece and they had to say that to set the tone for the first show and first dance. If they had gone later I'm pretty sure they would not have gotten as good of a review.
I really did not like Karla and Jonathan. (I wonder if it's a sign that I can never remember their names??) I was so disappointed by Asuka and Vitolio since I felt that they would have been outstanding if they had some other dance style. It's too bad.
Oh and I'm also a little jealous of Caitlin because I love Jason!
I think it was a really good top 20 show. Probably the best of the 5 seasons overall.
To me the best 2 performances were Max and Kayla's Samba and Caitlin and Jason's Bollywood.
I think the bottom 3 will be:
1) Asuka and Vitolio;
2) Paris and Tony; and
3) Ashley and Kupono.
I think that 1 of the latter 2 couples could be saved b/c a) Tony had so much face time leading up to the top 20 that he may have a built in fanbase already or b) Ashley/Kupono could be saved b/c Wade Robson was their choreographer this week.
The other couple that could take their place in the bottom 3 would be Karla and Jonathan.
I think Vitolio is going home tomorrow and one of Ashley or Paris for the girls. I think Paris. If Karla and Jonathan are in the bottom 3 the 1 of Ashley or Paris in the bottom will be departing.
I really didn't like Wade's routine, to me there was nothing there and the costumes/makeup were really a negative and very distracting.
Where were they hiding Jeanine? She's unbelievably good looking. Even though I've picked Evan (did so when only he and not both he and his brother made the top 20) to win the whole thing, I'll be hoping that she goes a long way in the competition.
Lastly, I wish they wouldn't have choreographers do 2 routines in a week. They seem to have 1 routine that is much stronger than the other. That was true this week as well as Tabitha and Napolean's 2nd routine (Paris/Tony) was much weaker than their 1st routine (Phillip/Jeanine), I thought Louis Van Amstel's Foxtrot (Janette and Brandon) wasn't as strong as the Samba Kayla and Max) and Tyce's Broadway wasn't as good as his Jazz (Randi and Evan).
Anyone hear who's doing the group choreography? Mia? Sonya? Shane? Here's hoping for an awesome routine.
This is by far the most talented top 20 the show has ever had. In previous years, it was fairly obvious who would go home on the back of that first performance but this time, they were all quite strong. I have a feeling that it will be either Auska & Vitolio (which would be really sad after hearing his story about his life) or Paris & Tony. I have to agree with Nigel on Paris & Tony - it was danced well but the number really wasn't memorable. Not like Even & Randi or Melissa & Ade's routines (just to name a couple of my faves from last night).
Have to disagree with people about Jonathan and Karla, they were fantastic! And it blows my mind that he just started dancing five years ago after seeing SYTYCD! Kudos dude. :)
Probably the blandest was Asuka and Vitolio, but I really have to blame the choreography rather than the dancers. I thought the whole concept was uninspired and flat.
Best first week ever -- I thought everyone was great...even the couples that didn't perform as well at least danced weel enough that you could see their obvious talent.
I thought Wade's routine was really twisted, but that's him. Like the judges said, love it or hate it, you'll be talking about it.
Fabulous First Week! (Loved Cat's spider-webby dress, too!) Philip and Jeanine surprised the heck out of me. I really thought he was a one-trick pony but it looks like I was wrong. Here's hoping the Paso Doble doesn't do him in!
I'm thinking Tony and Paris will go. They looked to be the weakest of the big bunch this week.
Too bad Vitolio and Asuka got stuck with that hideous Tyce mess. They're much better than that!
I can't pick a winner at this point; they're all pretty amazing!
OK, time to bring back my SYTYCD rating system
Overall really strong last night, I think the person going home will be heavily dependent on their solos tonight.
Jeanine & Philip - Philip was good as expected, Jeanine held her own. Love Tabitha and Napoleon. 7.5 / 10.
Asuka & Vitolio - To carry Tyce's choreography, you usually have to exaggerate and be larger than life. Didn't happen for them. 4.5 / 10 .
Karla & Jonathan - Jonathan kinda reminds me of Ivan. I totally don't remember much from this performance. Hence they get a 5 / 10.
Randi & Evan - Evan really surprised me in his skill in other styles. Strong connection throughout the piece. 8.5/10
Paris & Tony - I always wonder what would of happened if Tony & Paris switched routines with Philip and Jeanine. I am pretty sure Tony still would of been bad.
These 2 didn't do the routine clean enough to get the "wow" factor out. 4 / 10.
Caitlin & Jason - Really intricate routine. Glad they had lots of content to work with. Jason totally rocked it. Caitlin looked really good. 8.5 / 10.
Janette & Brandon - Very boring foxtrot. Janette carried the feeling, but Brandon's performance left be bored. 6 / 10.
Ashley & Kupono - Wade is weird in a good way. Had moments of greatness in this routine. Perhaps the dancers feel a little shadowed by the strange costumes. 8 / 10.
Melissa & Ade - Wow Ade is big and strong. I am becoming a Melissa fan. Nice routine by Mandy. 8.5 / 10.
Kayla & Max - Max to me does not have the charisma as a Pasha or Dimitri. Kayla was hot! Missed a little bit of the wow factor such as from a Benji/Heidi performance though 9 / 10.
Bottom 3:
1. Asuka & Vitolio
2. Paris & Tony
3. Karla & Jonathan
Possibly Janette & Brandon
Going Home:
Again depends on solo performance, but guessing:
Vitolio & Paris