Top 16 Perform & 2 More Depart

Tyce Diorio opening routine:

Wow, that was COOL!  I was equally impressed by the music, choreography, costuming, and lighting – positively brilliant, Tyce.  Now let's get down to the business at hand:

Tiffany & George – NappyTabs “babysitting” hip-hop – That. Was. AWESOME!  It was fun, it was interesting, and I thought the two of them did the down-in-it part of hip-hop very well, not just for contemporary dancers, but just period.  Fantastic!

Amber & Brandon – Ray Leeper jazz – Hm.  I think the judges and I watched a different routine.  Dancing?  Excellent.  No question there.  But chemistry?  Um…lotsa sultry movement doesn’t itself make for chemistry.  I saw a lot of smiling, but not about each other.  There was a lotta happiness, but I wanted to see desire.  Ironically, before Cat said it, we were comparing that routine to Sasha & Twitch’s “The Breakfast Table” as well, but as the gold standard for passion and chemistry – and this, I’m sorry, was no Breakfast Table.  Still a great routine, but not the fire-filled perfection the judges apparently saw.

Janelle & Dareian – cha-cha by Pasha – Was it a fun dance to a fun song?  Sure!  Was it technically perfect?  No.  Mary was right – even a non-Ballroomer like me could see the mountain of imperfections.  I thought it was enjoyable to watch, but both of them clearly struggled with the polish and prettiness.  I actually wondered if the hyperbolically popular song wasn’t a little too peppy for them to really connect chemically – but as Nigel pointed out, Anya and Pasha woulda had that chemistry, so you can’t blame it all on the song.  Sorry, ‘cause I like the both of ‘em, but not their best effort.

Lindsay & Cole – Mandy Moore contemporary – Riveting.  I absolutely loved that, particularly the lighting (Nigel, quit stealin’ mah stuff!), and in spite of it having a much simpler story, it was almost as powerful for me as the Breast Cancer and Addiction routines of seasons past.  I was really moved, and thought the dancing and performance of both dancers was breathtaking.  Outstanding work!

Amelia & Will – Mandy Moore jazz – Well, that was kinda typically jazz for me, in that I really didn’t care for the routine itself.  Just a little too funky, music and moves alike.  That said, I thought they danced it brilliantly, and in spite of MY not connecting with the routine, I felt like they connected with each other beautifully, no matter what Nigel failed to see.  I think it’s probably going to be a “meh” for a lot of people, and might affect them in the voting, but I don’t think that’s at all their fault.

Audrey & Matthew – Liz Lira salsa – That was…disappointing.  Disappointing because they’re both great dancers, and because we’ve come to expect such great ballroom numbers on this show.  But that…just…didn’t…  Well it just didn’t.  I felt like Audrey was afraid she was either gonna break her ankle or lose her shoe.  Her lines were terrible and her moves sloppy, and she was gripping with her knees which were bent the entire time.  Christina Applegate (LOVE HER!) had a good point that the music was also kind of off for the dance it was supporting.  But, neither of them really rocked that number, whatever the reason. 

Witney & Chehon – Stacey Tookey contemporary – It was mighty ambitious to choreograph anything to that song, and I was fearful of their ability to do it justice – Stacey’s or the dancers.  But, I thought they did a tremendous job.  Hubby was right – it felt short – but other than that, it was splendid.  It was moving, it was fluid, and I think Witney & Chehon had chemistry for the first time this season.  They did wonderfully, and I congratulate them. 

Eliana & Cyrus – NappyTabs hip-hop – “Uh-oh.”  That was my first thought upon hearing Cyrus got hip-hop.  No doubt people (*cough*Sharon*cough*) are going to wail that it’s unfair, especially if he survives another week as a result.  But then I realized it might be the last time we get to see Cyrus dance, so I was glad it was in his element.  Now that I’ve seen the dance?  Well, pretty much…nothing’s changed.  It was really good; Cyrus was predictably terrific in the genre, and Eliana rocked the house.  So whether he stays or goes, I’m happy that I got to see Cyrus do that dance.

***WARNING:  SPOILERS BELOW!!!***

The Bottom Six:  Amber, Lindsay, Eliana, George, Brandon, Dareian. 

HUH???  Well…dayum.  Amber?  Dareian?  Eliana???  I mean, okay, I get why Cyrus isn’t in the bottom (because yes, Sharon, it’s unfortunately at least as much a popularity contest as a dance one), but:  ELIANA???  I’m a little baffled there.  I suppose I can see how Amber and even Lindsay’s routines failed to impress last week, but Brandon and Janaya (before her untimely departure) were spectacular.  And George?  And Dareian?  Well, I guess not everyone connects adequately with the audiencewhen it comes to vote-getting time.  As for their soloes?  I’m sorry, but although Brandon may have “owned it” in his style, his performance paled in comparison to Dareian’s, as did Amber’s as compared to Eliana.  We’ll see if the judges agreed…

Alvin Ailey

Let me just take a moment to say that the Alvin Ailey dancers NEVER fail me.  I actually got to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Company many years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, and then and now, I am left jaw-dropped every time I see any of them perform.  The strength, the complexity, the stamina, the lines…just spectacular, every. time.

The Bad News:

Well, yes, I think they agreed on the girls.  It pains me to see Amber go, but then again, who would I rather see in her place?  This is a season wherein ten of The Most Talented Female Dancers Ever are competing; how is there a right answer as to whom to send home?  I think of the three, Amber was the right choice, but it still sucks.

And with the guys as well.  Again, I do not want to see Brandon go, and in fact, I (of all people) would actually have been okay with Cyrus going home this week.  But Cyrus wasn’t in the bottom three, and of those that were, I think Brandon was the right decision, and certainly after the solo performances by him and Dareian. 

A painful week of goodbyes, but I suspect it’s only gonna get worse as we move on, because absolutely none of these dancers is disappointing.  Until next week then, America!

The Dive to 16

Opening number:  NappyTabs did that???  COOL!  :D  Not exactly my kinda music, but my husband loved it – clapped his hands in glee, actually.  I loved the routine, and continue to be impressed at how 20 people can move in such synchronization and grace, all doing their own thing but coming together fluidly.  Outstanding.

Now, the new format of the show is uniquely challenging, because we watch everyone dance tonight and vote on them for next week – except that four of them won’t make it to next week.  /:|  That sort of makes the whole show...just...feel…weird.  But it is what it is, so here’s the breakdown of routines, followed by The Big News, in the order in which it happened.

Cole & Lindsay – Christopher Scott hip-hop to Lady Gaga’s “Teeth” -  Fun routine, but I was a little worried for awhile there that wasn’t a lot of dancing so much as performing.  I don’t disagree with the judges’ assessment of Lindsay’s character performance, but I didn’t find it as prominent as they did.  Maybe it’s the mother in me, but on the contrary, I was worried that this young lady was being too vampy.

Amelia & Will – Sonya Tayeh contemporary – WOW.  Okay, first of all, I am running out of superlatives to use to describe these routines, so my apologies as I undoubtedly repeat myself.  That was marvelous.  The routine was gorgeous, the dancers were fully engaged, and Amelia’s legs rivaled Jordan Casanova’s (last season’s champion of the vertical split).  That was a truly fantastic number, and hats off to everyone involved for how beautifully executed it was.

Nick & Amber – tango (with new choreographers whose names escaped me) – Hm.  Just…hm.  Feel like I watched an entirely different dance than the judges did here. I wanted to like this more than I did, and for two reasons in particular.  First, in spite of Nick’s best efforts with serious faces and Amber’s overall fierceness, I felt zero connection between the two of them.  Secondly, that choreography just…lacked something for me.  It just wasn’t that interesting, even though Mary insists it was very difficult.  That said, sure, their individual performances were good, but in a tango, I wanna feel passion and spark and intrigue, and instead I just felt…lukewarm.  Might have to re-watch that one to see if I can figure out what I was missing.

Audrey & Matthew – Sonya Tayeh jazz – I really enjoyed that choreography, and find myself wondering exactly what is going on in Sonya’s life these days…but I digress.  Now, both dancers danced it well, but again I’m a little “meh” on the connection between the dancers, and hope Audrey soon learns that it takes more than some stank faces (I was thinking that before Nigel used the word!) to portray “aggressive.”  Still, it was an overall good routine – I’m just not sure I’m convinced it was as brilliant as the judges seemed to think.  I’m beginning to see a pattern here…

Janelle & Dareian – Christopher Scott lyrical hip-hop – That was cute.  It wasn’t brilliant, and they were a little out of sync once or twice, but it was enjoyable.  Still, I’m 100% with the judges on this one.  As brilliant as Christopher Scott is, I think he left a little on the table, and I think the dancers did will but not exceptionally.  I will say that watchin Janelle bend in half – backwards – was breathtaking each time she did it.

Janaya & Brandon – Sean Cheesman Broadway – Hm.  Sean Cheesman, Broadway.  Wasn’t expecting that combination – nor how incredible it was.  This is a couple that, unfortunately, I think is likely to be in trouble after last week, and this routine proves what a mistake that probably is.  They both had me from their first expression, and then the dancing totally lived up to the character portrayals.  Fabulous for both of them – even if it does end up being a farewell performance.

Eliana & Cyrus – Tony and Melanie jive – Okay, okay, even I thought this one was dumbed down a bit for Cyrus.  I still think he did respectably, especially all things considered, and his effort and throw-himself-in-it-110%-ive-ness (new word!) still show through wonderfully.  And, as Mary pointed out, he was a great partner for Eliana.  Was her dancing affected by the dumbed down footwork?  Meh, I doubt it will bring her down.  Will Cyrus last beyond this week?  Meh, we’ll see.   He’s still my favorite dancer, even if he isn’t anywhere near the best dancer.  I’ll watch him any time, no matter the style.

Alexa & Daniel – Dee Kaspary contemporary – Fluid, elegant, beautiful.  I disagree about the connection and emotion.  My husband put it well:  there seems to be some residual expectation that Alexa will fail to live up to the emotion, and sometimes the judges see what isn’t necessarily there.  I think Daniel actually was the more passionate of the two, but I still thought Alexa was more invested in it than she got credit for.

Tiffany & George – Tony and Melanie foxtrot – Well, they danced that fantastically, but I have to admit it felt a bit less like a ballroom partner dance and more like two individual spectacles – which were great.  It was a perfectly lovely dance.  Even so,  I wonder if it will really stand out and stand up with all the other great dancers and routines. 

Witney & Chehon – Nakul’s Bollywood – I have said this often, but never about a woman:  I could watch Witney watch paint dry, and still find her absolutely entrancing.  And what a routine to watch!  That was just exhilarating, from the choreography to the music to the performances.  Terrific!

*WARNING: SPOILER ALERTS BELOW*

The Bottom Six - I was on board with all but the one that made my jaw drop:  Witney.  Yeah, I know, her samba with Chehon could’ve been better, but that was largely because of Chehon.  And clearly, it wasn’t all a “couples” vote, since Nick and Janaya both ended up in the bottom, but Amber and Brandon did not, so you can’t claim it was because Chehon brought her down.  A little puzzled, and wondering if this is a case of American teenage girls hatin’ on the cute blonde.  Had to hold my breath for the judges’ decisions…

But thankfully, they agreed with me on the girls and Witney stays.  I'm genuinely sorry to see Alexa go - she was my Ryan Ramirez of the season.  I am a little disappointed we didn't get to see more of Janaya, and I think the producers did a bit of a disservice to her by not remotely featuring her in the early shows.  But on the whole, I think those were the right choices under the circumstances - which were having some of the best female dancers ever on the show to compete against.  

I found I was more than a little surprised it was Chehon they saved for the guys though.  I believe my exact reaction was, "Whaaaaaat?"  Admittedly, I'm not sure saving either of the other two would've been a better option (and never mind, Sharon(s), that Cyrus wasn't among the choices!), but...huh.  Well, I'll be curious to see how that works out for him.

What do you think, America?

Top 20 Perform

Opening Christopher Scott routine – Well, that was kinda cool in a way that only Christopher Scott routines really can be.  My husband thought it was “cluttered” because he wasn’t sure what he was supposed to be watching.  I suppose I can see his point, but in a 20-person routine, that’s probably kinda gonna happen.  I liked the “story” and the amazing synchronization across 20 people. But let's get down to bizness:

Witney & Chehon – Louis van Amstel samba – WELL.  Um, can we just skip to the part where Witney wins the whole shebang?  Okay, fine, that’s premature.  But DAMN, that child can move!  I had to keep reminding myself that there was someone else on the stage with her.  And to that point: um, Chehon…hung in there.  He did better than I feared he would, but let’s be honest, with Witney for a partner in her own style?  He didn’t really stand a chance.

Tiffany & George  - Sonya Tayeh, contemporary – props to Sonya for a) doing fluid and beautiful just as well as she does weird and angry; and b) for some truly innovative and fantastic choreography.  As for the dancing: technically, perfect.  Emotionally:  mmm, it took me a bit to feel that George was as committed as Tiffany was, but about halfway through, when he grabbed her leg, the fire lit and the game changed.  All that said, I have this nagging feeling it might not be enough to overcome the firecrackers - and I’m not just showing my Witney bias here.  I think this is a season when you have to be a superstar in every dance to survive, and I don’t know yet if that number will be memorable enough.

Janaya & Brandon – NappyTabs lyrical hip-hop – Hm.  I was so ready to love this number, but… hm.  A few things were slightly off for me:  1) the choice of music – not nearly emotional enough for the subject matter; it failed to create the necessary spark, I think.  2) the technical proficiency of the dancers – they were good, but there were a few points where they were off. 3) the connection between the two dancers – I’m not entirely convinced they were entirely committed to each other in the story.  I believe each of them in their roles, but not so much together.  It was by no means a bad performance, but Nigel’s right that it’s going to have to be much better than good to make it this season.

Alexa & Daniel – Sean Cheesman jazz number – I gotta admit to a bit of trepidation having Alexa and Daniel partnered together, given Alexa’s emotional challenges with the judges and Daniel’s…well, what I perceive to be attitude issues.  But I gotta say, I thought they did really well together.  I depart a bit from Nigel and Kenny; aside from a little mugging for the camera that made me cringe, I thought they connected (inasmuch as you can connect in a number like that), and they executed some exceptional choreography, so I give them props.  But I do think the choreography was limiting in his exhaustiveness – not their fault, just an unfortunate first pick.

Amber & Nick – Jason Gilkison Viennese waltz – well Amber was just the picture of grace and beauty.  I don’t know what Mary saw in the shoes, but I thought she was just the picture of elegance.  As for Nick, I am not sure what he was struggling with in rehearsal, but he did just fine in the performance.  Hard to focus on him with all that flowy-ness from Amber, but I thought he was a fluid partner and perfectly competent.  Again, like Nigel, I’m not sure it’ll be enough, but it was lovely.

Amelia & Will – NappyTabs hip-hop – CUTE!  I’m struggling a little to see how it’s hip-hop, but if you put that particular fact aside, it was pretty awesome.  Amelia was surprisingly sexy and not remotely quirky, and Will bought into it hook, line, and sinker.  It was really a fun and engaging routine, marvelous performances from both of them, and it will be memorable. 

Janelle & Dareian – Sean Cheesman jazz – Holy. Crap.  My first thought:  OH MY GOD, they broke Janelle!  My second:  OW.  My neck hurts just watching that.  Finally:  DAYUM!  Except for one series of moves in the middle when Dareian was a hair behind, the two of them just TORE. THAT. UP.  That was remarkable, and I was unconditionally impressed.

Eliana & Cyrus – Tyce Diorio Broadway – I’m sorry, I know there are people who don’t understand why Cyrus made the top 20 (*cough*Sher*cough*), but HE. WAS. AWESOME!!  He was absolutely magical in that routine, and proved that in the Broadway style, performance matters almost more than dance.  Eliana was also terrific, don’t get me wrong, but I think we kind of expected that.  That number rocked, and even the naysayers better be givin’ props to the boy with endless enthusiasm and no previous choreography experience because he NAILED IT.

Audrey & Matthew – Travis Wall contemporary – Setting aside the fact that I loathe that song ever since Ghost caused it to be played on the radio every third song for about a year (for you young’uns, these were the days before Spotify, iPods, and the internet in general): it was a gorgeous number, but as my husband was quick to point out, not Travis’ best – in light of all of the awesomeness he has previously produced - which was why I was a little surprised by Nigel’s overwhelming rave.  It was a lovely number, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not sure I saw the chemistry to match the praise it received.  I’ll go back and watch it again, because it I’m wondering what the judges saw that I didn’t.

Lindsay & Cole – Jason Gilkison paso doble – Alright, who stacked the deck in favor of the ballroom beauties? Really – Witney a samba and Lindsay a paso?  But who cares, because it was Just. So. AWESOME!  Somehow, Lindsay managed to look both the sexy femme fatale and masculine badass at the same time.  And unlike Chehon who trailed Witney a bit in samba, Cole could easily have competed with that routine – and won.  Brilliant indeed.  YOWZA.

Predictions for the bottom six?  Unfortunately, I think Janaya, Amber, and possibly Alexa are going to find themselves there, but only Janaya really deserves it, IMO.  Chehon will probably be joined by the likes of Daniel and, I fear, George, who I just think isn't as standout-memorable as some of the other guys.  Nick could also find himself there, but it will really depend on how well people really separate individual dancers from their routines.  

And now, we wait a WHOLE WEEK to find out!  Curse you, FOX!