'So You Think You Can Dance': Ellenore & Ryan razzle dazzle 'em
Tonight's twelve performances decide who makes it into the top ten on "So You Think You Can Dance" and who gets to sit in the audience when the SYTYCD tour comes through their city. It's also the last night we see our couples dancing together. So soon?
Maybe it's just because we had those first couple baseball weeks, and because there's perhaps been more splitting up of couples than usual, but I don't feel like we've had as long this season to get to know these guys as pairs. Just me? In other news, Cat's costume and makeup are still making strides toward sanity, I'm happy to say. Crazy gold record-resembling earrings notwithstanding. On to the dancing:
1. Ellenore & Ryan
Lindy Hop/Carla Heiney/"I've Got To Be A Rug Cutter" by Boilermaker Jazz Band: Okay, this dance looks super fun. Which is the point, I guess. I'm still love love loving Ellenore and Ryan. The move where she swings around in and out of his legs was awesome! ("Coffee grinders with front flares," Adam informs us.) The judges agree that it was terrific. Huzzah!
2. Kathryn & Legacy
Jazz/Sonya/"So Deep" by Hot Chip: Yay, Sonya! Her playfully sexy routine is based on a man who can't contain himself every time he sees his lady love. Sonya did a fabulous job choreographing to their strengths, to the point where they do a fair bit of dancing in their own styles. This is probably the couple I'll miss most next week - it's always a pleasure seeing what they do with what they're given - but I'm interested in seeing how they do with other partners. The judges are uniformly pleased, and Nigel even calls it one of his favorite routines of the season.
3. Karen & Victor
Tango/Tony & Melanie/"Montserrat" by Orquesta del Plata: This tango had a modern feel to it, and though it was better than fine, I expected even more. Perhaps it was the lack of opportunity to build chemistry as a couple, leading to a reliance on over-the-top forced-feeling chemistry? Maybe the choreography just wasn't to my taste compared to some past tangos? Or, my expectations may be way too high, since the judges really liked it. Karen remains on the hot tamale train, and Victor is on his way there.
4. Nathan & Mollee
Hip Hop/Jamal Sims/"Ring-A-Ling" by Black Eyed Peas: Okay...so Nathan is Alexander Bell, and Mollee is his assistant helping him test the telephone. It's a weird concept, and I didn't love it to death (Nathan's hilarious mad scientist hair excepted). They receive quite mixed reviews from the judges, who feel that Mollee in particular could've hit harder. And Nigel calls it "twee," which I agree with completely. The judges (and I) look forward to their being split up as a couple.
5. Noelle & Russell
Samba/Tony & Melanie/"Hips Don't Lie" by Shakira: It's not fantastic - even I can tell that their samba rolls need improvement. Adam found it "a little too nice," and Mary liked the performance level, but felt like the technique was skating across the surface rather than getting down and dirty and into it. Nigel, of course, thought Noelle should've been sexier. I'm really hoping these guys get a great routine later this evening.
6. Ashleigh & Jakob
Lyrical Jazz/Sonya/"Time Flies" by Lykke Li: The piece is about one moment in life when you feel truly content, and though I love Lykke Li, I'm not sure this was the best song choice - the dance seemed to have a hard time connecting with the music for the first half of the routine. That said, it was absolutely gorgeous. Jakob. Wow. And you know what? Ashleigh's actually growing on me a bit. Nigel calls it his new favorite routine (after Sonya's previous routine), and Mary almost tears up at the prospect of Jakob and Ashleigh being split up.
7. Ellenore & Ryan
Broadway/Spencer Liff/"Razzle Dazzle" from "Chicago" (original Broadway cast): In the routine, Ryan entices Ellenore into a world of fame and fortune. And no joke, I knew the song would be from "Chicago" as soon as Spencer described the concept. I honestly couldn't love the choreography more. It's definitely my favorite Broadway routine of the season, and is a very strong contender for favorite Broadway routine ever. Spencer borrows a little from Fosse, but the routine truly has its own flavor, which is tough for a song so associated with such a distinctive choreographer. Ellenore does an amazing job with the puppet portrayal, and Ryan conjures up a perfect Alan Cumming in "Cabaret" vibe - beautifully sinister. Two thumbs way up - this is the first one tonight I've felt compelled to rewind and rewatch immediately. Rave reviews from the judges, of course.
8. Kathryn & Legacy
Viennese Waltz/Jean-Marc & France/"Your Guardian Angel" by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus: The piece kind of mirrors Legacy's life (he actually cries afterwards), as he plays someone who doesn't know the dance, and Kathryn is a guardian angel teaching him the moves. And you know, for a Viennese Waltz it kept me interested far more than usual. The dance definitely took great advantage of Kathryn and Legacy's chemistry, but the judges have negative reviews on the technical end of things for Legacy. Still, it's pretty clear they don't think these dancers should be going anywhere.
9. Karen & Victor
Hip Hop/Laurie Ann Gibson/"Moving Mountains" by Usher: The dance is all about moving mountains and overcoming adversity, which is fitting for a couple who's clearly on the bubble. However, this wasn't great. The synchronization was off at times, they could've hit way harder, and I honestly didn't love the choreography. It just felt like it dragged a bit and didn't come together completely, especially at the end. And wow, when Adam questioned the choreography I was worried Laurie Ann was gonna run up there and beat the tar out of him. They get a resounding "meh" from the judges. And I think it's telling that Nigel attracted awws rather than boos from the crowd when he expressed his displeasure with the piece. No chance these two don't end up in the bottom, and I'd be a bit surprised if they don't both go home. 
10. Mollee & Nathan
Cancan/Tyce Diorio/"Cancan Suite" by Offenbach/Ponchielli: Tyce. Mollee and Nathan. Cancan. Yikes? But something about hearing that classic cancan music and seeing the kicks and the ruffles and the energetic young 'uns just made me smile, you guys. (When I wasn't having epileptic seizures brought on by the crazy lights flashing on the new stage background, that is.) And Mollee apparently made it all happen on a bad ankle, which is both impressive and kind of a bad idea, no? The judges really like it, maybe more than anything they've done since Bollywood.
11. Noelle & Russell
Contemporary/Tyce Diorio/"A Case of You" by Diana Krall: The routine, apparently, is about painting a picture of their relationship as artists. I'm happy to see these guys draw something aside from ballroom, as I feel like Russell is able to truly show off for the first time in weeks the reasons we loved him from the beginning. There are several very lovely moments, including a great aerial by Russell. The judges give it rave reviews, in particularly pointing out their commitment to the characters and Russell's ever-improving technique (and I'm with Nigel - it's hard to remember his style is krump). I'm not sure I loved the number as much as the judges did, but maybe that's just "11th out of 12 routines" fatigue.
12. Ashleigh & Jakob
Cha Cha/Jean-Marc & France/"Cha Cha Heels (Ralphi Rosario Radio Edit)" by Rosabel feat. Jeanie Tracy: It's fast. It's sexy. It's fabulous. Hate to say it, but it's everything Russell and Noelle's samba wasn't. Adam: "This is Ashleigh's world and we're all just visiting." Even better than the routine, though, is Adam's impersonation of the cheesiest parts of ballroom (all of which were in the routine): The "hungry jazz" look, the faux surprise look, the pointing...hilarious. Adam calls them the couple of the night, Mary loves Ashleigh's confidence and skill, and Jakob gets props for great partnering and for staying afloat in Ashleigh's "cha cha goddess" wake.
Favorite Numbers: Ellenore and Ryan's Broadway, no contest. I also really liked both of the Sonya routines.
Stand-out Individuals: Ellenore, as always. And you know what? I'm actually going say Ashleigh. It was nice to see her do her thing, rather than just look like she's hanging on Jakob's coattails.
Disappointments: You know, I honestly thought Karen would improve with a new partner, since she started out reasonably strong. Not so, unfortunately.
Twelve numbers! Which was your favorite? Who deserves to go home? What did you think about the new (& returning) styles tonight?
Great night. Ash/Jak and Kat/Leg were great. El/Ryan were good too. Going to be a tough elimination. Nathan was really strong but Mollee was not. Vic/Karen were a bit of a disappointment and Noelle/Russ were 1 for 2 and the second wasn't that strong. Clearly the judges are dumping Vic/Karen, but I'd dump Moll or Noelle and Vic/Russ are a tough call too.
Fun!
Why is Laurie Ann Gibson even on the show? Clearly her style of choreography doesn't fit in with the concept of the show AT ALL. Anyone who knows her style knows that she choreographs routines for groups, and it's very obvious when watching the routines she does for SYTYCD that she doesn't know anything about partnering. Even the judges aren't impressed with her, which is a bit embarrassing after they praise EVERY other choreographer except her. Since Nigel is not only a judge (who has nothing good to say about her), but is also an executive producer, why not just get rid of her or at least just use her for some of the group that will come up in later episodes of the show?
This was a great episode with some really strong dances. I didn't love the Ryan/Ellenore routines as much as the reviewer though. My favorite routines of the night were definitely both of Kathryn/Legacy's and the Mollee/Nathan hip hop number. For more of my thoughts, check out my blog here: http://toointerestingfortwitter.blogspot.com/2009/11/so-you-think-you-can-dance-top-12.html
There were some wonderful routines tonight, and I really liked the "what would you miss most about your partner" bits. I think the dancers in danger are Victor, Karen and Noelle. Again, why dress dancers in black against a black backdrop?
A very good night. (A bunch of these dances could be in the tour.) I loved the dark, eerie Tango by Karen and Victor. And Ryan and Ellenore and Ashleigh and Jakob and Kathryn and Legacy and the cute Can-Can and Nicole and Russell.
Wow - Ryan! He danced great but I think he was in a lot of pain--they mentioned he hurt his back--he looked pale and pinched (but trying not to show it) after each dance.
@Allie- Agreed completely. That routine she did for Brandon and Jeanine last season was great (in large part thanks to the dancers), but she's definitely fallen flat since then, and I think you hit the nail on the head as to the reason.
This was a spectacular show, but I didn't love the Victor/Karen combination. To me, their chemistry really wasn't there and they were so out of sync in their hip hop number. I also really don't care that much for Russell and Noelle, so if any of those four depart tonight, I'll be fine with it. I could also be fine with Mollee and Nathan leaving.
The others are amazing-not only with their performances but the personalities really sparkle this season. Looking forward but not looking forward to the partners being split up. No one really seems to be propping up their partners - they are all fantastic dancers and can stand on their own.
As for the choreography - I agree with Allie about Laurie Ann, and I really enjoy Sonia's choreography, but her choice of music is, to me, questionable and distracting.
I so wanted Karen and Victor to have a successful night, but even though I thought their tango was great, that second piece was kind of DOA; which really is a shame since the dancers seemed to truly connect with the piece and with Laurie Ann. Unfortunately, she just kind of scares me and I don't like her choreography at all. I think she'll soon go the way of Dan Karaty (who I liked as a judge - he could be way harsh though! - but his choreography always sucked).
I know Mollee had an injury, but it's become so clear that Nathan is WAY better than she is and needs a new partner.
Their first routine was not good. But it wasn't wholly their fault. Why has the hip hop been so lackluster this season?
And can Nigel just ban the stupid prop dances? Candlestick telephones? Come on...
Ashleigh and Jakob's Cha Cha worked because while it *used* a chair in the dance, it wasn't *about* a chair; there's a huge difference...
Speaking of Ashleigh & Jakob, they had a really great night. Loved both their dances.
Ellenore and Ryan were both great too.
I still LOVE Kathryn and Legacy, but that Viennese waltz was not very good on Legacy's part. I was really afraid of the day he finally drew ballroom. But their connection and chemistry is awesome and nearly saved it piece.
As for who's going home, I think Viktor has probably had as many chances as he's going to get. Karen will likely go too, but I'd support a "shocker" and send Mollee home... Or Noelle. She's very lovely, but I find her instantly forgettable (and that Samba was sort of terrible).
@Varris -- what you said. :-) Agree with all your points. I'm sorry that Mollee was picked for this season because she could clearly benefit from more experience and might have had a better shot in a couple of years.
I just can't get into this season. I think it was too soon after a really good season 5.
Don't like the new stage and the same judges every week is getting boring.