HOT-lanta!

After last year's Atlanta auditions, I couldn't wait to get back to the Peach state again.  And I appreciated the Melanie tribute at the beginning of the show, because really, who doesn't like watching her dance, over and over again?  But boy, that's a tough act to follow.  So how’d Atlanta fare?  Let's run it:

Audrey Case – freaky neck-squeaking talent, but lovely dancing.  Was she Melanie?  No.  But was she good?  OH. YEAH.  And she danced with joy, an evident love for what she was doing.  Vegas for me!  And the judges too, so we’re off to a running start.

Boris Penton – hip-hop/piano dancer:  the first of three roommates/housemates to wow us.  I loved that he took a chance, and it really worked.  He demonstrated great musicality in the blend of his movement to the melody.  Mesmerizing indeed, Nigel.  Can he do anything else?  We’ll see in Vegas, but I certainly hope so.

Joshua Alexander – VEGAS! 'nuff said.

Tim Conkel – The Karate Kid:  I will grant that he’s got spunk, personality, and a lot of sweet tricks.  I’m kinda with Nigel though – can he dance?   Aw, who cares, that kid is dyn-o-mite.  Vegas, baby!

Jackson Alvarez – I love a good performer, and this boy PERFORMS!  Downright exuberant.  Thank goodness that translated to other styles in choreography, and we'll be seeing him again.

Janelle Ississ – Alabaman belly dancer: well, it’s not really my thing, but I gotta give the girl props for her isolations, musicality, and performance.  Beautiful girl.

Danielle Dominguez – My first thought was:  that’s Ellenore music!  And Ellenore style!  And I loved it, much like I did Ellenore.  Yay to Vegas!

Andre Rucker and Cyrus Spencer – the other two Dragonhouse dancers (along with Boris) – Wait!  I’m almost done shakin’ my head….okay, done.  Um…DAYUM.  There just aren’t words. My husband described Andre as a Rubik’s Snake toy personified.  I could watch him do that ALL. DAY. LONG.  Fortunately, I’ll get to see what else he can do in Vegas.  Along with Cyrus, who just…  DAY-UM.

And then, Day 2 happened. 

Courtney Kirby – Grandma's girl:  That was a very gymnastic routine, but I would’ve liked to have seen some better choreography.  I don't think I was alone in that, but I thought Nigel handled the situation very diplomatically.  Because really, how could you say no to Grandma? Vegas it is.

Asher Walker – hip-hop redneck – That was FUN!  Will it translate to other styles of dance?  Meh, who cares.  That was FUN!  :D 

George Lawrence the Second – There are only a handful of male dancers on this show who truly moved me, especially out of the gate – Brandon, Billy, Alex… and George.  Welcome to the show, George Lawrence the soon-to-be-not-so-Second.

Brittany Hortner (sp?) – potential is the right word indeed.  This is a girl who has the whole package, right down to the Jessica Simpson memorability.  Good thing she's going to Vegas, because I think she has a lot more to show us.

Deon and Damon – the choreography borrowers – Better.  Because we do appreciate originality on this show.  Choreography was definitely a necessary step, but I was a little confused; I thought (from what little I saw, obviously) that the judges had it backwards.  I thought Deon performed better than Damon, and that Damon made Vegas while Deon did not still has me a little puzzled.  But…we’ll see; truthfully, I suspect that'll be as far as he goes anyway.

And to all the other dancers who made it through – I loved what little I saw and I can’t wait to see more.

But I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:  How the HECK are they gonna pick only 20 dancers out of this crew??  Guess that’s why they get paid the big bucks and I’m just an armchair expert.

See you in Salt Lake City!