Top 8 Perform

Sorry for the delay, folks!  Here's the breakdown of last night's stellar performances - and the good and bad news about who's left standing:

[Opening number by Peter Chu:  Cool.  And weird, in a Sonya Tayeh kind of way, but that's by no means a bad thing.  Also, a quick acknowledgement that I thought every last solo performance was wonderful - no duds in the bunch this time, not even by comparison with others.]

Witney & Twitch, Luther Brown "East Coast hip-hop":  I don't know what ratch-ed/ratchet/whatever is, but that number was AWESOME, with a capital "AWE"!  I have never seen Witney that down and dirty, and I kinda liked it.  (In a totally not creepy way, for the record.)  I commented to my husband that I pretty much failed to see Twitch in the number at all, because Witney had my full attention the entire time. (And after a second viewing, I paid explicit attention to Twitch, and I'm sorry but Witney outdanced his ass altogether.)  Quite impressive!

Cole & Allison, Sonya Tayeh contemporary:  I was a little dismayed to hear that Cole would be playing the soulless evilman again after he drew "Addiction" in the Mia tribute show, but he really did a great job with it (again), which helped redeem it some.  Personally though, I thought Allison overwhelmed and outshone him, and was a little surprised that the judges were so relatively lenient with him on that count.  Still, an overall moving routine, and I was glad Cole'd redeemed himself a bit from last week.


Eliana & Ryan, Jonathan Roberts quickstep: Hubby and I both groaned at the announcement that Eliana'd drawn The Death Dance, but really, that was a pretty terrific quickstep.  It had verve, it had a plot that gave it somewhere to go and some personality to see it through, and it was danced spectrifically (think "spectacularly" + "terrifically"; I've had to invent some new words so as to not keep repeating myself).  Beautifully done!


Lindsay & Alex, Sonya Tayeh jazz:  First of all, I am SO over that song.  Secondly:  I had to go back and watch this a second time today, and upon second viewing, I'm not so sure that the same thing didn't happen to Lindsay that happened to Will (but that's getting ahead of myself).  No, I don't think the chemistry was perfect - I got frustrated more than "sexual tension" - but after a second look, I don't think it was as entirely absent as the judges made it out to be.  Both were actually rather convincingly there, but again, it wasn't so much sexual longing as tension.  And how were they supposed to get sexier with that choreography and with the direction of "sexual tension, but chill."  In any case, I think Lindsay got a bit robbed there, but what're ya gonna do.

Will & Lauren, Christopher Scott hip-hop:  I thought this was an outstanding number, and I was a little baffled by the slightly dodgy comments by the judges.  Sure, the setup sort of negated the chemistry issue between partners, but there still had to be incredible coordination between them, and they definitely had that.  Plus, it was a whole different side of Will - I thought he did a terrific job of reining himself in and really doing justice to the character, as well as the style.  Yet the judges seemed to gloss over it with nothing more than generic "it was great" comments.  Hm...

Cyrus & Melanie, Mandy Moore jazz:  THRILLED to see Melanie back on the stage, and although I winced a little to see that she was paired with Cyrus - who she clearly outclasses as a dancer - I actually realized what a wonderful partnership they make because they both truly love what they do, put everything they have into every performance, and display it unmistakably.  About halfway through, my husband said, "I just don't even CARE about his dancing; he is just great to watch!"  That pretty well sums it up, and Nigel echoed as much in his comments.  I know some of you (cough*Sher*cough) hate it, but the competition is America's favorite dancer, not "best".  If Russell could win it over Jakob, then Cyrus has as much chance as anyone, and frankly, I think he's a lot more fun to watch.  Plus, as my husband was also quick to point out:  true, Cyrus can't do every style of dance well.  But give me one other dancer in this competition who could do what Cyrus does.   ....     What?  No one?  RIGHT.

Chehon & Anya, Miriam & Leonardo tango:  That was probably the most understated tango I've ever seen, but it was that much more powerful as a result.  What an incredible performance!  Anya looked like an entirely different dancer this week (thank goodness), and Chehon finally stepped it up in the chemistry department, connecting with everyone and everything - partner, music, and audience.  That was the first time I really felt Chehon had earned his place in the top 10 this season.  Amazing what you can do when Mom's in the audience.  ;)

Tiffany & Ade, Mandy Moore contemporary:  I could care less about Celine Dion songs or singing along with them, but that was absolutely lovely to witness.  And for the life of me, I couldn't tell you why - there was really nothing about it that stood out to me.  Sure, there were lifts, but that's been true in a lot of numbers.  Yes, they danced it flawlessly, but again... not unusual.  But when they talked about Tiffany's making it look effortless and flashed back to a clip of the assisted lift series, I realized that it's truly the way she just radiates happiness that made the dance exceptional, and for that I give her major props.  Positively enchanting.

THE BOTTOM FOUR:

Well, I can't say that I was terribly surprised about either girl (Lindsay & Witney) - they'd been there before, and I think the pretty ones always have a harder time with the young female demographic of the show's main audience.  But I was positively stunned that Will was in the bottom, because I really thought he had a shot at winning...

THE FAREWELLS:

...so imagine how hard my jaw hit the floor when Will was the one they sent home!  *CLANG* <--sound of jaw hitting floor    I think Cole was more than a little surprised too.  Now, in retrospect, I suddenly realized why neither of those guys' judges' critiques had entirely made sense to me; Nigel already knew the outcome, and I think he and Mary tailored their thoughts accordingly.  I can only guess that the choreographers prefer Cole's exceptional discipline to Will's class clownism, because nothing else quite explains this particular choice.  Cole's a terrific dancer, don't get me wrong, but up until now, Will has clearly be a fan favorite (by comparison), and so I'm still shakin' my head a bit at the outcome.

I was also a little surprised that it was Witney they kept, because I think Lindsay has a smidge broader potential.  Then again, last night's performances don't necessarily demonstrate that - Witney rocked the house in a genre I didn't think she'd really be able to grasp, and Lindsay was unable to convince us she and Alex had it goin' on (or, hm, could the judges also have tailored these comments....).  Either way, it would've been both disappointing and a relief, which is how it will be from here on out, 'cause there are no losers left in the bunch.  We'll just have to see who has the most staying power with the fan votes.  Any predictions, America???

Tape Delay...

Just a quick post tonight to say I'm only just back from a trip and am catching up. Will post about tonight's show tomorrow!

Top 10 Perform

Opening Number:  Wonderful tribute to Gene Kelly – and props to Tyce Diorio for his dancing, as well as his choreography! 

Tiffany & Brandon – Doriana Sanchez disco:  WOW!!  I am thrilled that Brandon is back as an all-star, although I thought it was a little unfortunate that he got disco.  Then again, in his season, he had the best disco in the show’s history, so I suppose that makes sense.  That is, it was the best disco - until tonight!  THAT. WAS. AWESOME!  There was just nothing about that dance that did not work – the music was great, the choreography was both challenging and in the spirit of disco, their personalities were lively, and damn if they weren’t just on FIRE with their energy.  Outstanding, and I’m glad I don’t have to be the one to follow them!

Witney & Nick – Travis Wall: That was so COOL!  Once again, Travis Wall ROCKS. MY. WORLD.  (Okay, done overusing the already overused all-caps, extra periods thing.)  What a fantastic hybrid of contemporary and ballroom, and a unique take on the “dead dancers” storyline, and of course, the dancing was fabulous. 

Cole & Anya – Dmitry cha-cha:  Well, I can see this is just going to be a night chock-full of awesomeness.  Yowza!  I have to say Cole creeps me out ever so slightly, but that does not remotely mitigate the extraordinary talent he has on the dance floor.  I didn’t see quite what Mary saw; I thought he was doing his part to hold up the chemistry, but as I’ve thought with Anya before, she seemed a little vacant to me   Maybe Nigel has a point that he was performing more to the audience than to Anya, but I’m still not convinced that’s his fault.  Hubby thinks Anya looked a shade out of shape; also possible, but I just think she wasn’t fully checked in, and that hurt Cole with the judges – but not with me!

Lindsay & Jakob – Spencer Liff Broadway:  YAAAAAAAAAAAAY, JAKOB’S BACK!!!!  *Kermit-the-Frog wavy arms*  I have been waiting for this moment!  And lucky me, it was capped off by:  Spencer Liff choreography.  ???  REALLY???  WHY do they keep letting that horrifically incapable man choreograph on this show???  *sigh*  Okay, in spite of that, Lindsay (and of COURSE Jakob)?  Incredible.  They managed to make that routine (which wasn’t Spencer’s horriblest) eminently enjoyable, and I genuinely saw the Broadway in Lindsay.  LOVED IT.  (And THANK YOU, Nigel, for bringing Jakob back!  IT’S ABOUT TIME!)

Will & Kathryn – Nakul Bollywood:  I mean…rrrreeeeaaalllllyyy, to use an old Cat Deeley phrase.  That was full of energy and spunk, sensuality and silliness (in the way that Bollywood should be).  Kathryn, ever beautiful, was the perfect snake to be charmed That was thoroughly entertaining, and I am so glad they continue to put Bollywood routines in these shows.

Cyrus & Jaimie – Travis Wall contemporary:  Uh-oh, it finally happened – Cyrus got contemporary.  So, to all you naysayers who thought Cyrus would be screwed when he finally got contemporary, all I have to say is:  how ya’ like me now?  Travis did not dumb that routine down one iota, so I don’t wanna hear any nonsense about how it wasn’t a challenging enough routine.  No, his leap wasn’t executed the way Jakob would’ve done it, but did his performance lack in this dance?  Nuh-uh.  It is so obvious how hard he works and how much he puts into every single dance, and I am thrilled that he survived this competition long enough for us to see that particular performance.

Chehon & Lauren – Dave Scott hip-hop:  You know, on another night, that might’ve been better for me than it was tonight.  In light of the other routines, I thought this was okay.  I thought Chehon performed well, but I felt like he was a ballet dancer in a hip-hop routine (which, while true, should not have been so evident).  Granted, Dave Scott created a very fluid routine which facilitated Chehon’s style, but I think that actually did him a disservice because it didn’t give him any…well, “buck-ness.”  It was by no means a bad dance, but it wasn’t exceptional the way the other routines tonight were. 

George & Allison – Tyce Diorio jazz:  First words out of my husband’s mouth:  “Great dance!”  Meanwhile, I was thinking:  “Hm.  Not my favorite genre…still, the choreography was challenging…Allison is smoldering hot…but George, while performing well, just doesn’t seem to be connecting with her, per se…”  Huh.  So, what a relief to me when Nigel said exactly what was on my mind.  Thank goodness, because I was beginning to think it was just me!  Sorry, I adore George, but the chemistry just wasn’t there, especially given the premise of the number.

Eliana & Alex – Stacey Tookey contemporary:  I’m sorry, let me get this straight:  I get to watch Eliana – and ALEX – do a Stacey Tookey contemporary routine?  Um, short of Jakob joining in, I can’t think of a more ideal set-up.  And yet… I think, honestly, it was a routine I’d rather have seen on another night.  It was such a change of pace from all the hyperkinetically-charged numbers we’ve seen so far, that it just felt almost out of place.  That said, it was lovely.  Nigel pegged it right in terms of the strengths – the maturity, the intensity…  it was a terrific routine, but I just didn’t feel like I enjoyed it to its fullest, and I can only imagine it musta been the context of the other numbers.

Audrey & Twitch – Dave Scott hip-hop:  That was entertaining, and a smidge of hilarious, but I’m not sure that Audrey wasn’t just a little too cute for that routine.  I think Benjamin had a point about her being a little outshone by Twitch’s stardom, especially in this genre.  She wasn’t at all buck, although I have to admit it kinda worked for her character to be a bit more peppy.  We’ll see how the voting goes.

And now, for the bad news…

The Bottom Four: 

You know, I so enjoyed this show, that I honestly forgot we had to lose someone at the end.  And wow, Witney and Audrey are the bottom two??  Oy.  I mean, there is not going to be any satisfying answer, especially among the women, but…wow.  I do think Chehon and George are probably the right answers for the guys, but it’s still unfortunate.  I’m glad they opted to have them do solos – although I feel confident the judges have already made up their minds.  All four soloes were terrific, and I’m glad I didn’t have to choose.  (Note:  loved the LA Dance Project performance!)

The Goodbyes:

I must say, while I think there was no right answer, I was a little surprised they ultimately picked Audrey to go home.  I am guessing they think Witney is a smidge more marketable, but otherwise, I kinda thought Audrey’d be the keeper.  As for the guys, that was less of a surprise.  I think they both have their struggles, but I think George’s brink-of-ouster last week was a little fresher, and I think his performance tonight didn’t help.  I hate seeing either one of these folks go, but at this point, there are going to be no good goodbyes.  We’ll just have to set our sights on seeing them both on tour!

And then there were eight…

Update on the Top 14 Performances

Now that I've had a chance to see the first two numbers (group and Cyrus/Eliana), I wanted to chime in and complete the last post.  The group routine was...in..ter..est..ing.  In a Mia Michaels sort of way, I suppose.  With a taste of Wade Robson thrown in for good measure.  I liked it, but I can't exactly...explain...why...

As for Cyrus & Eliana:  That routine ROCKED, and for all the reasons the judges cited.  No, I don't think there was really a ton of actual dancing for Cyrus to do, but purely as a performer and entertainer?  He was terrific.  Eliana, of course, was beyond awesome in all aspects, and I look forward to seeing what she does now that she can branch out from Cyrus a little.

Finally, I thought the twitter stream that Nigel shared the day after was particularly interesting.  Understandably, many people were upset about the format - chiefly, the fact that these dances had been performed by other performers and that the new performances were compared to the previous ones.  It seemed somewhat unfair to take something that now stands as somewhat iconic (especially since a few of those routines were Emmy-nominated/winning) and expect a new group to step in and do it justice.  But Nigel repeatedly iterated that very point:  these are dancers.  What they do is step in to choreography, often the same choreography others have done.  Broadway stars do it all the time.  It's part of the business, and those that can do it well - not only doing as well with the dance, but bringing something new to it to love - are the ones who will succeed.  To that end, I think it was a fair contest - with some clear winners.

Jes my two cents.  What do you think?

Top 14 Perform - and the Top 10 Are Chosen

WELCOME BACK!

Well, I’m on vacation, but thanks to the Olympics and other programming decisions by Fox, I am, for once, not missing the finale!  I did, however, tune in late, so I missed the first routine (and, I presume, an opening number), which I now know was Cyrus & Eliana (bummer!).  I came in during the recap of National Dance Day, so that’s where I’ll pickup tonight, until I can get home and see what I missed on the DVR.  (OH, and being late, I have NO idea who these guest judges are, so…yeah.)

George & Tiffany – “Hometown Glory” - Yep, they blew that one away.  Granted, I never really saw the original, originally (I’ve only seen the footage – musta been a season I didn’t watch or before I tuned in that year.  But they killed it – although I do think Tiffany leapt more than ran during the assisted run.  Otherwise, beautiful.

Will & Amelia – “The Butt Dance” – I’m not a fan of this dance.  Wasn’t the first time, not now.  BUT (har, har), they did it tremendously well.  I continue to be impressed by these two, and although I understand Nigel’s criticisms, I’m not entirely sure I agree. 

Janelle & Dareian – “The Mattress” Hm.  I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this routine.  I never saw the original (was busy having a baby that season), and now that I have…hm.  I think it’s a very passionate piece, but I feel like there isn’t enough dancing, just a lot of throwing themselves around on the mattress.  That said, I think they both danced it well.  I don’t notice Dareian’s feet when I’m busy watching him dance, but I do think Janelle’s hair got in the way, BUT THAT’S NOT HER FAULT.  Who decides the costuming and such?  I’m thinkin’ that wasn’t up to her, and so I’d hardly fault her for the fact we couldn’t see her face. In any case, a “meh” routine by comparison, but by no means poor.

Audrey & Matthew – “Time” – Another one I didn’t see the original of, but I liked this version.  I agree with Mary that I felt something was a little lacking from Matthew in the emotion department, but at the same time, I think that somehow gave it a lightness that was actually kind of useful in the piece.  Audrey was, once again, beautiful.  I understand Nigel’s critique, but once again, I’m not sure if I agree.  I think if you’re comparing it to the previous and if you fully understand all the background that he does, it’s understandable, but on its own, I think it was lovely and touching.

Witney & Chehon – I have to say that I think that was THE best I’ve ever seen Chehon perform – not just dance, perform.  I was, for once, a little less impressed with Witney, contrary to the judges.  I think she performed okay but actually didn’t dance it as well as she could have.  Maybe this time I’m comparing it to the original, but I think Heidi had it in spades over Witney.  It was by no means a poor showing, though, and I still thoroughly enjoyed the routine.  

Cole & Lindsey – That. Was. Outstanding.  I was worried, because I did not think it was possible to match up to Kayla and Kupono, but they managed it.  I wasn’t entirely sure about Lindsey until near the end when I got a look at her face, and it just stole my breath.  I immediately teared up, and I hadn’t realized I was that invested until then.  And Cole was perfect for this dance; I agree with Mary that he was a little quirkier where Kupono was sinister, but he has the capacity to look completely inhuman, and in that respect, he was even better than Kupono – he looked less like a bad guy and more like the personification of an evil thing, and that was appropriate.  By far the best performance of the night.

The Bottom Six

WOW.  Um, okay, even I’m a little surprised Cyrus made it to the top 10, but I guess that’s a popularity contest for ya’.  But BOTH Lindsey AND Amelia in the bottom???  Oh my.  I’m not entirely sure what to hope for here, because I truly think Lindsey has the potential to win the whole shebang – especially after seeing what she is capable of in that Addiction number – but Amelia has been marvelous so far, so it’s not like I want to see her go home.  True, we’re reaching a point where there will be no more good answers, but…LINDSEY OR AMELIA???  (Because no, I don’t believe Janelle has performed well enough to be allowed to stay – shame though I think that is.)  That is just the suckiest of all possible dilemmas for the top 10 selection, in my opinion.

As for the guys…well, I don’t love the choices there either, but I’m not quite as heartbroken about them.  I will miss whoever it is, and I think I would miss George most.  That said, Dareian was the ONLY one of the six who danced for his life just then, and I mean that boy danced like it was the last thing he might ever do.  Bad feet or not, if that solo has any bearing, Dareian just might’ve bought himself a spot in the Top 10.  I think Nigel even made a face that said, “well heck, I thought I had my mind made up until Dareian danced.”

*****SPOILER ALERT*****

I was both relieved and disappointed about the girls – understandably, since there was just no right answer.  But, I agreed with the logic – if tonight has bearing, then Lindsey knocked it out of the park, and more importantly, showed us an entirely different dimension that we haven’t seen, and that I wasn’t entirely sure she was capable of portraying.  As for the guys, I’m okay with it (but I would also have been okay with Dareian after that solo) because I’ve got a soft spot for George; I don’t know why.  Sadly, this is just a season where nobody really “deserves” to go home., but somebody must.  And on that happy note…

WE HAVE OUR TOP 10!