Photos
Video
RSSPartner-go-round on 'So You Think You Can Dance'
Our first evening with randomized couples on "So You Think You Can Dance" brought great highs and one great low.
Brandon gets the Best Intro Non-Award. I liked Kupono's too and bonus points to Evan for the hat tricks. Sadly, I found the girls' intros to be weak overall. Host Cat Deeley's dress is a lovely emerald color but there's this weird black stripe going down the back and partially around the bottom. Not sure how I feel about that.
Joining Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy is the legendary Debbie Allen. I always like when she's on. For those who don't remember how the Top 10 works, the dancers will pick their partner as well as their genre from the proverbial hat. Each dancer will also perform a solo to help you decide who to vote for since each person gets their own number.
Group Number - Ladies
Style/Choreographer/Song: Bollywood/Nakul Dev Mahajan/"Dholna" from the "Pyar Ke Geet" Soundtrack
The concept of the number has them starting in an imaginary riverbed gathering water in a traditional bowl, the name of which I don't want to mess up. Nakul nicknamed them the "Bollywood Bombshells." Oooo...I love their costumes. There's this part where they have masks with mustaches on the back of their headdresses and perform the male part of the song. It's fantastic choreography and they look great as a group. I cannot understate what a great job they did. Janette is the biggest stand-out for me followed by Jeanine and Kayla. Nigel couldn't say enough nice things, Mary called them "stunning," and Debbie loved how they really articulated and embody the dance.
1. Kayla & Evan
Style/Choreographer/Song: Viennese Waltz/Melanie Lapatin & Tony Meredith/"Kiss From A Rose" by Seal
So of course the first random pick is the tallest girl picking the shortest guy. At one point during rehearsal, Melanie has Evan put on Kayla's heels. Awesome. For the number, Kayla is barefoot but with sparkly bits on her feet and he's got heeled shoes. The height difference is a relative non-issue because they danced very well and Evan a strong, strong partner. All three lifts were done beautifully and with ease and they have a natural chemistry. Nigel didn't think it was particularly Viennese Waltz-y but they danced it very well. Mary said Evan's technique wasn't up to par but was a great partner, then slobbered over Kayla. Debbie thought it was a wonderful surprise and that they were beautiful. She also called Kayla "White Lightning" and revealed the judges had nicknamed Evan "Gene Kelly" during auditions, which he was extremely honored by.
Solo: Brandon
Song: "In Your Eyes" by Jeffrey Gaines
It had the appearance of Contemporary with some African influences, like one of Vitolio solo's on steroids. He had a lot of air on his jumps, an interesting quality/mix of movements, and a connection to the music.
2. Janette & Ade
Style/Choreographer/Song: Hip Hop/Tabitha & Napoleon/"Love Sex Magic" by Ciara ft. Justin Timberlake
In contrast to the first couple, the shortest girl picked the tallest guy. The concept is that Ade is "The Funk Doctor" and Janette is lacking. What's funny is they use the afro pick Ade always wears in rehearsal as prop to "hypnotize" her. They had some sync issues at time but only because of the height difference. I really liked it overall and their personalities really helped pull it off. Great choreography. Nigel and Mary dug it, with Debbie rounding out the love-fest by calling them "mesmerizing."
Solo: Randi
Song: "Dream" by Priscilla Ann
The thing about Randi is she's great dancer and can do interesting choreography for herself but I just don't make an emotional connection to her. At least she wasn't wearing a unitard.
Solo: Kupono
Song: "Marina Gasolina" by Bonde Do Role
I liked this solo a lot and I liked the music. The thing that puts Kupono at a disadvantage is he doesn't just throw in a bunch of tricks just because he can if the music doesn't inspire him to do so. That puts him at a disadvantage in the judges' eyes...but I guess that doesn't really matter anymore since it's in America's hands now.
3. Jeanine & Jason
Style/Choreographer/Song: Contemporary/Travis Wall/"If It Kills Me (The Casa Nova Sessions)" by Jason Mraz
The two folks who lost their partners last week have been thrown together. This is Season 2 runner-up and all-around stud Travis' first time choreographing for the show. The concept is that they're best friends since childhood who are flirting with becoming more, but Jeanine isn't sure. Really, really great choreography and they danced it superbly. Loved it. Loved, loved, loved it. The judges and everyone in the audience gave them a standing ovation. Nigel said it was "fabulous work that was only bettered by the two people who danced it" and they've become stars tonight. Mary was lost for words at first then called them stars, later giving them a silent scream. She also almost started crying saying how proud she was of Travis. Debbie called them a "magical pair" adding she can't wait to buy the ticket to see them dance on the road.
Solo: MelissaSong: "Gabriel" by Lamb
She moves really well but wasn't particularly dynamic tonight. Unless she pulls something amazing out of her hat during her partnered number, I think she'll be going home.
Solo: Evan
Song: "Zing! Went The Strings of My Heart" by Rufus Wainwright
He's dressed in a white tux jacket and black pants. The choreography was a great mix of technique and personality. He really is Gene Kelly-esque and I love every minute of it. It's so refreshing after 80 Contemporary/Lyrical Jazz solos.
Solo: Kayla
Song: "Rock your Soul" by Elisa
It was better than some of her past solos but I didn't find the choreography particularly engrossing. Not to say she didn't move beautifully becase she did. She pretty much always does.
4. Randi & Kupono
Style/Choreographer/Song: Paso Doble/Melanie Lapatin & Tony Meredith/"Dies Irae" by Karl Jenkins
There is something...off here. I'm not sure what the problem is. Perhaps they're concentrating too hard at times. Kupono is into the character, Randi seemed to be there too but not always at the same time. Or something. It was just off. It was like Kupono didn't have enough gravity and Randi had too much. Nigel didn't think the dancing was as strong as the choreography and noted a lack of chemistry. Mary didn't find it believable and agrees there should've been more strength and passion. Debbie says there may have been a lack of trust but thought they executed a lot of things well.
Solo: Ade
Song: "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
I loved the choreography. I kind of wish he picked a different song because it didn't quite fit the music. He's up there with Brandon in terms of crazy awesome moves thrown down tonight.
Solo: Jeanine
Song: "Violento (Up Mix)" by Bailongo!
A really smart move to pick this Tango flavored Electronica song. It really sets her apart from the other girls' numbers. It was a good solo, though considering her number with Jason, she could've pulled a Lauren/"Popozao" and should be safe.
Solo: Jason
Song: "Train Fare Home" by Muddy Waters
Another really smart music choice. The piece had a lot of personality and he danced well. But again, he could stand there taking off his jacket for 45-seconds and he should be safe.
5. Melissa & BrandonStyle/Choreographer/Song: Broadway/Tyce D'Orio/"Aquarius" from the Tony-Award Winning new Broadway Cast of "Hair"
A Tasty Oreos number is like playing Russian Roulette with three bullets in the gun. A couple weeks off and getting challenged by the presence of another Broadway choreographer helped. Though I can't tell if the choreography is good or if it's because Brandon is doing so much heavy-lifting (and I'm not talking about Melissa). They both danced very well. When it finished, Cat said "I smell patchouli." And that's why I love her. Nigel thought it was great, Mary shrilly called it "unbelievable," and Debbie said they were brilliantly, seamlessly different and a joy to watch.
Solo: Janette
Song: "This Is Miami" by Sander Kleinenberg
For me, Janette is up there with Heidi and Lacey in terms of crazy beautiful legs. That fast footwork was fabulous. She's probably my favorite of the girls.
Group Number - Guys
Style/Choreographer/Song: African/Jeffrey Page/"Balent Funk" by Ayanda Clarke & Shawn Kelly
I do believe this is the first time we've seen Mr. Page's work. The concept is that they see a beautiful girl and want to show off for her...and he's not pulling any punches. This is authentic choreography, not "Hollywood style." It's no freaking joke. They must be exhausted after this. A really great job by everyone. Nigel said it was one of the toughest routines they've ever had on the show and that everyone was great. Mary adored it and called it "exciting." Debbie is proud of them for performing so well.
Favorite Numbers: Clearly Jason & Jeanine's Contemporary. Honerable mention to Janette & Ade's Hip Hop.
Stand-out Individuals: Seven of the ten had a good to great night - there's reasons to applaud almost all of them.
Disappointments: Melissa fell flat during her solo and Randi & Kupono were a disaster as a couple. I'm more disappointed in Randi since her solo didn't do anything for me.
All right my little twinkles of light, what did you think? Did anyone surprise you tonight in a good or bad way? Is Randi a partner killer who's flown under the radar thanks to Evan or was it just a case of genre incompatibility? How fab was Travis' choreography?
Follow Zap2it on Twitter for all the latest TV, movie and celebrity news.
43 Comments
Post a comment
Find it fast
Advertisement
Zap2it Twitter Talk Recent posts
Such a strong Top 10! I really think Randi is going home this week. Sad, but she just didn't have the chemistry with Kupono and no longer has Evan's fans' votes.
For more of my thoughts, check out my blog here: http://bit.ly/Chvjt
Such a strong Top 10! I really think Randi is going home this week. Sad, but she just didn't have the chemistry with Kupono and no longer has Evan's fans' votes.
For more of my thoughts, check out my blog here: http://bit.ly/Chvjt
randi and kupono were a train wreck. i tivo the show and i couldn't watch the whole dance. contrast that with ade and jeanette who i watched 5 times. amazing. and sorry judges jeanette stood out in that bollywood. tight steps throughout which is exactly how it should be performed - no bounce.
but travis, who i so loved with benji in season two. i still remember his emmy award performance with mia's dance in the bench. amazing dancer, and now amazing choreographer. no surprise. what a raw piece. watch out mia.
yes, i think kupono is out, and sadly randi, but i'm going to hope fan backlash against kayla continues and she's cut. i'll even take a cut for evan. so over him, though he's not nearly as bad as the judges make him out to be.
Why does the studio audience for this show always look like a Jonas Brothers concert? Ninety percent seem to be 12 to 14 year old girls. And I looove Debbie Allen but Mary Murphy makes everyone who sits near her look foolish.
Mary Murphy is annoying as hell.Sorry i don't think any of the girls hold a candle to Sabra!! Although melissa is very sexy : ) Jeanette is my fave girl she just nails everything!! Brandon is awesome!! ade too, the rest of the guys are just alright.
I'm not sure how accurate dance.dialidol.com is, but it has Randi and Evan as the top vote getters. I'm not terribly surprised, because although this recap is generally representative of the show, the judges were actually much harder on Randi and Evan than the recap would lead a reader to believe. At this point that's like asking the audience to vote for them. As for me, I was very surprised that Evan and Kayla's number got so many negative comments - Debbie Allen finally said it was beautiful, and I had to agree, it was beautiful to watch.
And, according to dance.dialidol.com, Kayla is the lowest vote-getter! Judges' effect again, I think: they've been gushing over her all along, which sets her up to be voted out because the voters won't want to be told what to do. (Janette and Jeanine are a bit more approachable so the gushing rule doesn't seem to have the same effect.)
Randi and Kupono's paso doble was greatly undermined by the bizarre choice of music. It was terribly loud and distracting, drawing attention away from the dance. This happened with another dance this season, though I can't remember which one - Caitlin, maybe? dancing to Orff? Anyway, it wasn't paso doble music, it was a requiem for pete's sake, and worked against the dance, not for it.
I would relly like to see the judges get one point of critique ironed out: they give a lot of love to some of the choreographers, and rightly point out when it is excellent and when the dancers let the choerography down. But they ignore the fact that the dancers have to dance the choreography given, and sometimes the choreographers let the dancers down (Russian folk dance, anyone?). This comes up almost every week: last night it was Nigel starting off negatively with critique of the style of waltz Evan and Kayla were dancing. This wasn't their fault.
But most of the evening was great fun. I just enjoy watching these people excel.
"(Evan) really is Gene Kelly-esque and I love every minute of it. It's so refreshing after 80 Contemporary/Lyrical Jazz solos." I agree entirely! I really, really, really enjoyed his solo, and I thought he pulled off the Viennese waltz, too.
"I kind of wish (Ade) picked a different song because it didn't quite fit the music." Me, too. The song was much too legato for his movement.
I loved Jeanine and Jason doing Travis's contemporary number. I believed every second of it. I honestly thought they might get it on right there on the dance floor! Ha-ha-ha. (And last night was the second time this season that Jason has kissed the girl at the end of the routine.) I also really enjoyed the girl and boy group numbers, especially the boys' number. It looked really hard, and they all seemed to really be going for it (even Evan, for whom I was quite afraid). I felt a bit bad for Evan having to go shirtless, though, because his torso just isn't as nice as the other boys'. (It's too normal-looking. Ha-ha-ha.)
Least favourite routine of the night was Kupono and Randi's pasodoble. I never like the pasodoble, anyway, and I found Randi a little hard too watch. I felt like she was trying too hard to look serious. For me, she was reminiscent of Shawn Johnson dancing the pasodoble on "Dancing with the Stars". She was unlucky to get the pasodoble this week. Ooo, and I was really distracted by the wig.
I think Kupono and Randi will be eliminated tonight. Kupono and Jason have been in the bottom three quite often, so I feel it will likely be one of them, and Jason danced really well last night, so I think it will be Kupono getting cut. I feel like Randi has been getting by so far on Evan's popularity, like Kameron with Lacey in season 3. Don't get me wrong -- I think Randi is just sweet, and I like her and think she is a good dancer, but she hasn't got the extra oomph that the other girls have. I think her less than stellar paso last night coupled with her somewhat boring solo will do her in. But I could be completely wrong.
I think this is one of my favourite weeks. This is when you figure out who the proper favourites are and who has just been getting through based on having a very popular partner. Can't wait to see what the outcome is tonight!
Really excited to see the couples find new partners last night. I like Cat's dress, though for some reason her makeup made her look like her nose was broken or crooked...
1. Girls Group Dance - not as strong as Jason and Caitlin's bollywood, but strong start. No one really stood out 3.5/5 for all.
2. Evan and Kayla - I really like Kayla. She brought back some of her great skills, that we haven't seen since Week 1 of the competition. Evan struggled through the choreography, but the Waltz style helped mask some of his awkwardness. 5/5 for Kayla, 3.5/5 for Evan. 8/10 together
Evan also had a great solo, Kayla had a "okay" solo, but not the strongest.
3. Janette + Ade - Ade was really strong in this routine. Janette was pretty good, but slightly weaker. Not sure if this performance had any strong memorable moments. Both had strong solos. 4.5/5 for Ade, 3.5/5 for Janette. 8/10 together.
4. Jeannine and Jason - Both had really strong solos. Some of the best of the night. Jeannine choice in music helped her stand out and Jason's routine was unique. I wasn't as impressed with the routine as the judges - I think they were biased by the choreographer. But the routine was danced well. 9/10.
5. Randi + Kupono - Trainwreck couple of the night. Kupono really showed off his weaknesses this week. I did like the intensity Randi showed off in her face. Unfortunately, lack of technique hindered their dancing. Both solos were really weak. 2.5/5 for Randi, 1.5/5 for Kupono. 5/10 for their routine together.
6. Melissa + Brandon - I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Brandon this week. He did outshine Melissa in this piece. Melissa's solo also lacked great content, Brandon solo while strong was a little messy. 3.5/5 for Melissa, 4.5/5 for Brandon. 8.5/10 together.
7. Guys Group Dance - I think this dance was weaker than the girls. Evan and Kupono stood out as really weak. Jason also didn't dance as strong as Ade or Brandon. 3/5 for the routine.
Bottom 2:
1. Kupono
2. Evan
3. Randi
4. Kayla
Going Home:
Randi + Kupono
Clearly Randi SHOULD go home; she failed at both her solo and her partner dance. But I think Melissa just might be the one to pirouette out of the competition. She's wonderful, but I think America might have tired of a ballerina. Just sayin'...
I LOVED Kupono's solo, but I think he may have danced his last SYTYCD dance. He drew a bad dance (paso doble of death) and a worse partner (Randi). Too bad.
Competition is tough! And I still don't know which girl is Jeanine and which one is Janette! They ought to make a rule that names have to be un-confusing in future runs of the show!
What was Cat getting at after Ade's solo? She kept saying something about he did it, didn't he, as if she was referring to something naughty. Can anyone fill me in?