'So You Think You Can Dance': The seven final dancers wow America
Last week, favorite Alex Wong had to bow out of "So You Think You Can Dance" because of a serious injury. This week, another dancer, Ashley, is relegated to the sidelines because of a broken rib. What are they doing over there at "SYTYCD"?!
It's tough to imagine the competition continuing without Alex in the mix (because he was one of the top dancers without question), but the show must go on as they say. Still, I can't help but think how much different things would have been tonight had Alex and Ashley both been 100%.
Like last week, the dancers will be performancing two routines, one from a random draw and the other with an all-star. With Ashley's injury, This means she will be in the bottom three tomorrow night.
Performances:
1) Lauren and Mark, "Jungle" by Last Voices
(Tahitian; choreographer: Tiana Liufau)
My first thought: Look at those crazyy headdresses! It was hard to look beyond the feathers and grass on the costumes but once the routine began to take shape in the middle of it, it got heated. Still though, unsure of the choreography itself but anything with all-star Mark warrants another look!
2) Adechike and Anya, "Oyelo Que Te Conviene" by Eddie Palmieri
(Salsa; choreographers: Liz Lira and David Davalos)
The part where Anya went down several times seemed a bit trying, but other than that, it was a sexy dance. Kudos to the pair for achieving a super hard routine. The posture was a bit suspect in some parts but very entertaining number nonetheless.
3) Jose and Courtney, "Mister Cellophane" from the "Chicago" soundtrack
(Broadway; choreographer: Joey Dowling)
Love the song (and movie) so it can't be hard to act the part in the performance. I'm not sure I buy Jose in the routine, but at least the choreography featured him so clearly. If he was having trouble getting into the part, the music really acted as a fortunate aid. Nigel and the judges give Jose a hard critique, but I have to agree with Nigel's observation. I do think the judges should stick with constructive criticism for all dancers, and thankfully Adam gives us more of that than Nigel or Mia.
4) Robert and Allison, "Fix You" by Coldplay
(Contemporary; choreographer: Travis Wall)
Everything looked so effortless. My favorite contemporary routine so far. Kudos to Travis for a beautifully-choreographed piece (and fantastic accompanying music too).
5) Billy and Anya, "Paradise By the Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf
(Jive; choreographer: Louis van Amstel)
Oh Billy and your awkward laugh. Fun routine; it takes a man to pull off hot pink! This performance makes me want to pop in "Grease" or "Footloose" ..
6) Kent and Neil, "Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO" from "Damn Yankees"
(Broadway; choreographer: Tyce DiOrio)
Seeing Neil and Kent is like seeing a man and a little kid. It's quite hilarious! It's a pretty great pairing, if you think about it. Neil was known for his gymnastics tricks and Kent is similar in that sense -- and you really get a sense of their ability to jump and do crazy flips during the routine. A fantastic performance; a clear crowd favorite!
7) Lauren and Billy, "Boogie Shoes" by KC & The Sunshine Band
(Jazz; choreographer: Mandy Moore)
How come they couldn't do this all season long? Seeing two competitors paired together and performing is what I loved from previous seasons because you really got a sense of their growth or lack thereof. Absolutely fun performance and I'm a fan.
8) Jose and Dominic, "Battle for the Beat" by District 78
(B-boy; choreographer: Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo)
Oh man, sorry Jose, but Dominic is clearly the better b-boy. That's all I gotta say about that.
9) Adechike and Kent, "You Only Disappear" by Tom McRae
(Contemporary; choreographer: Dee Caspary)
Lovely and simple routine. I'm really becoming a fan of Dee's. What I didn't appreciate was Nigel saying that Kent has a great shot at being champion since Alex is now out of the competition. Can't you let America judge for themselves?
10) Robert and Katherine, "Instant Replay" by Dan Hartman
(Disco; choreographer: Doriana Sanchez)
Decent performance but definitely not one of my favorites. It just felt off.
First Impressions:
By far the best "SYTYCD" episode of the season (so far).
What are your thoughts on the top seven's performances? Discuss below.
I think that the performances this week were, for the most part, absolutely stellar; however, SOMEBODY has to be in the bottom three. Based on the performances, it should definitely NOT be Robert, Billy, Kent, or Lauren F., which leaves Jose and Adechike to join the injured Ashley. I truly hope that her injury won't prevent her from continuing in the competition because she's one of my favorite dancers; and if she does leave, Lauren F. would be the last remaining female competitor, which would be a crying shame.
It looked like the fix was in for Jose this week....the mysterious gold star which just happened to be his specialty and the unwarranted praise. Now if I could only figure out why every time I watch this show I get the urge to go to a field and put headbands on cows.
I don't think they gave Jose enough credit for his Broadway routine. I thought for being out of his genre he did pretty well.
Loved the Travis Wall routine as well as Mandy Moore's shoe routine best.
I, too, hope Ashley's not out.
I think whoever goes this week, it is going to be hard. One thing I don't like about this new format is that not only did we miss seeing some other great dancers who would have made top 20, but we're seeing the top 10 dancers far less than we would have -- it seems like they are all going too fast.
Does anyone know when the eliminations will be turned over to the audience vote alone? Are the judges controlling this right down to the finals?
WTF!!!! What is it with this show and Jose? It could not be more rigged in his favor - the judges' comments, the so-called random pairing and a coincidental b-boy routine to match his style. it’s so unfair to the other competitors.
I am really bummed about Ashley not being able to dance. She will probably end up being eliminated tonight which is a shame.
The one thing I DON’T miss about the old format is that the pairings were the luck of the draw (or maybe producer engineered). Depending on your partnering, you could really shine or be brought down by them.
I love the different styles of dance they present - Lauren and Mark killed that Tahitian dance.
I think Jose got torn apart for his routine because it really wasn't danced well, and his performance was really understated. He's not the only one who's ever been out of their style. Alex was out of his style in hip hop and did WAY better at that than Jose did at broadway. With 7 contestants left and 5 weeks into the competition now, they are expecting him to step it up.
That being said the eliminations have absolutely nothing to do with how well someone dances, it's about whether or not people like a contestant. So, I think he'll be safe.
I know Jose is not the best dancer but he is one of my FAVORITES...thats what this show is about. Never ever thought I'd say this but please bring back Mary Murphy. Mia is a B***H, she's mean, she's critical, and not in a constructive way, she's a great choreographer,but a terrible judge! People will not vote for Kent now just because of what Nigel said. Wish they'd keep their opinions to themselves and just critique the dancing!
Yeah, I thought, "Oh no! The kiss of death!" when Nigel said that about Kent. Haven't they figured out, by now, that the voting public doesn't like to be told who should win?
All judges have their personal favorites BUT they are supposed to be judges of each dancer's performance and impartial in their assessment. That's why they're called judges!
Is anyone else just as excited as I am for the tour they announced last night?!?!?!
I found the complete list of dates at: http://dance.aeglive.com/
It got me very amp'd up and I can't wait. I am still sad about Alex but I love Kent.