Thank you for making the dance world what it is today. Thank you for being a pioneer. There will never be another quite like you.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Every week I look foward to WEDNESDAY...not so much the Thursdays.
Hi SYTYCD fans! Are you as thrilled as I am that we're now well into Season 5?! I can't even express the excitement that I feel every Wednesday morning when my head pops off the pillow and I realize what day it is. Is that weird? It's like Christmas Wednesdays and the excitement builds up all day until it culminates at the tell-tale first two beats of the show intro and the, "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN..nahhh nah nah nah." I have to apologize for my recent absence and lack of posts from the first two weeks. Sometimes life just takes over and in the past two weeks I've barely had time to breathe. Alas I am back now and plan to be for the rest of the year! I'm already excited for Season 6 and am even contemplating a trip to LA and tickets to the show- wanna join?
Let me give you a quick "recap/opinion" of the first two weeks thus far. Week 1 was so exciting with Phillip and Jeanine starting the season with a fairly epic? routine by Tabitha and Napoleon. I can say I LOVED this routine- It was one of the ones that made me really like a song that I hadn't cared for much before. Before I say what I'm about to say I have to start with saying that I really like the friendship and chemistry between Phillip and Jeannie. I have to agree that his performance brought Jeanine into the spotlight. She proved herself and for being "horrible at hip hop" as she described herself, I think she pretty much killed it. BUT (here it comes) the dance didn't necessarily surpass any of my favorite lyrical hip hop routines from Season 4. Maybe it's just me- but I feel like everyone (judges included) were so hype for the first show that perhaps they were a wee bit over-excited and over-exaggerated? When I went back and watched the routine a couple of times -though I really enjoyed it- It didn't jump out at me as much and didn't seem quite as epic as all three judges made it out to be.
That being said- I must also vent about Mary for just ONE second. Let me preface by saying that I've ALWAYS loved Mary Murhpy. From day one. Even when all my friends griped about how annoying she is and how much they wished she wouldn't yell. I stood my ground- I loved it when Mary yelled- I loved everything about her excitement. However, on this first show of Season 5, I found myself tempted to mute the TV; I caught myself rolling my eyes one time! I think she was a little over pumped and perhaps about nervous in this first episode. I'd appreciate her saving the screams and yelling for truly epic performances. When you scream for performance that's good- it kinda loses it's appeal. Ya'll with me? Still got nothin but love for you Mary!
I had two favorites from the first night. First- Evan and Randie's jazz routine to Jamie Cullum's "I Only Have Eyes For You." Woohooo! Such chemistry. Beautiful lines- loved the intimacy of this dance. So glad to see Ryan and Ian in the audience too;)
The other: Max and Kayla's SAMBA. Rivaled Josh and Katee's Samba from season 4 (Watch it here) and I have yet to conclude which one was hotter! KAYLA killed it. Great hips, great energy, great faces. Max was wonderfully supportive and kept the same amount of energy as Kayla.
I was a bit let down by Auska and Vitolo's routine but I think it had less to do with their dancing and more to do with the choreography and song choice. I usually love Tyce's style (i.e. Randie and Evan's jazz routine) but this just didn't do it for me. Not to mention the fact that they had to follow a lyrical hip hop routine.
Kayla and Jonathan's routine was my least favorite. This is surprising to me because Latin styles and Lady Ga Ga are some of my favorite things! I had high expectations and though the choreography seemed HOT- something about Jonathan and Kayla's performance fell a little short for me. It seemed to lack the straight out of the gate energy that I love from Latin styles and Jonathan's body rolls made me want to cry. Maybe I'm biased against them because I would have preferred a girl with a less established career than Karla's- to have a spot on the show. She's got a lot to prove to me.
Tony and Paris' interpretation of the Tabitha and Napoleon hip hop routine felt really bubblegum/cheesy to me. Maybe it was the headphones? Maybe it was the black eyed peas song that recycled bits of their other songs- I thought the music lacked some speed and "meatiness." I love Tab and Nap but the choreography didn't seem hard hitting enough- that or Paris and Tony didn't put enough energy into it.
Jason and Kaitlin's Bollywood Routine: BALLER. LOVED IT. They really nailed it in my opinion. Especially because, having taken dance classes, I think this style would be incredibly difficult for the mind because they had to remember each hand pose and strike it and change them within a matter of seconds! Also- LOVE that song from Slumdug (Jai Ho).
Brandon and Janette's Foxtrot: This couple has consistently, pleasantly surprised me. They both seem to be getting the dances that are typically tend to be the "kiss of death" that send dancers home or cause them to have bad weeks. Their foxtrot was beautiful and classy and I think the Michael Buble' version of the song helped viewers enjoy the dance more.
Ashley and Kopono's Wade Robson routine: I was a little concerned that the "oddity" of Wade's choreography might alienate some viewers. I knew that there would be a lot of people out there who LOVE the eccentric, quirky dances. I'm glad it seems that enough people liked it to keep the couple out of the bottom. They really brought the dance to life. I loved Ashely's expressions and Kopono's interpretation of a nervous crash test dummy. The ending was a little cheesy but I can stand a lil' bit of cheese if mixed with brilliance.
Mellisa and Ade's routine was right up there with Evan&Randie and Max&Kayla's. It may have rivaled the two. Beautiful lines and their dancing made me remember
Melissa's personality so far has weirded me out a bit but as a dancer I love her strength combined with grace and calculated stylistics. I love Ade's quiet humble nature and think he may turn out to be the "black horse" of the competition that slowly becomes a favorite and front-runner.
I'll get caught up with episode 2, adding it to this one later tonight. For now- it's off to my own studio! :) Enjoy tonight's episode everyone!
Let me give you a quick "recap/opinion" of the first two weeks thus far. Week 1 was so exciting with Phillip and Jeanine starting the season with a fairly epic? routine by Tabitha and Napoleon. I can say I LOVED this routine- It was one of the ones that made me really like a song that I hadn't cared for much before. Before I say what I'm about to say I have to start with saying that I really like the friendship and chemistry between Phillip and Jeannie. I have to agree that his performance brought Jeanine into the spotlight. She proved herself and for being "horrible at hip hop" as she described herself, I think she pretty much killed it. BUT (here it comes) the dance didn't necessarily surpass any of my favorite lyrical hip hop routines from Season 4. Maybe it's just me- but I feel like everyone (judges included) were so hype for the first show that perhaps they were a wee bit over-excited and over-exaggerated? When I went back and watched the routine a couple of times -though I really enjoyed it- It didn't jump out at me as much and didn't seem quite as epic as all three judges made it out to be.
That being said- I must also vent about Mary for just ONE second. Let me preface by saying that I've ALWAYS loved Mary Murhpy. From day one. Even when all my friends griped about how annoying she is and how much they wished she wouldn't yell. I stood my ground- I loved it when Mary yelled- I loved everything about her excitement. However, on this first show of Season 5, I found myself tempted to mute the TV; I caught myself rolling my eyes one time! I think she was a little over pumped and perhaps about nervous in this first episode. I'd appreciate her saving the screams and yelling for truly epic performances. When you scream for performance that's good- it kinda loses it's appeal. Ya'll with me? Still got nothin but love for you Mary!
I had two favorites from the first night. First- Evan and Randie's jazz routine to Jamie Cullum's "I Only Have Eyes For You." Woohooo! Such chemistry. Beautiful lines- loved the intimacy of this dance. So glad to see Ryan and Ian in the audience too;)
The other: Max and Kayla's SAMBA. Rivaled Josh and Katee's Samba from season 4 (Watch it here) and I have yet to conclude which one was hotter! KAYLA killed it. Great hips, great energy, great faces. Max was wonderfully supportive and kept the same amount of energy as Kayla.
I was a bit let down by Auska and Vitolo's routine but I think it had less to do with their dancing and more to do with the choreography and song choice. I usually love Tyce's style (i.e. Randie and Evan's jazz routine) but this just didn't do it for me. Not to mention the fact that they had to follow a lyrical hip hop routine.
Kayla and Jonathan's routine was my least favorite. This is surprising to me because Latin styles and Lady Ga Ga are some of my favorite things! I had high expectations and though the choreography seemed HOT- something about Jonathan and Kayla's performance fell a little short for me. It seemed to lack the straight out of the gate energy that I love from Latin styles and Jonathan's body rolls made me want to cry. Maybe I'm biased against them because I would have preferred a girl with a less established career than Karla's- to have a spot on the show. She's got a lot to prove to me.
Tony and Paris' interpretation of the Tabitha and Napoleon hip hop routine felt really bubblegum/cheesy to me. Maybe it was the headphones? Maybe it was the black eyed peas song that recycled bits of their other songs- I thought the music lacked some speed and "meatiness." I love Tab and Nap but the choreography didn't seem hard hitting enough- that or Paris and Tony didn't put enough energy into it.
Jason and Kaitlin's Bollywood Routine: BALLER. LOVED IT. They really nailed it in my opinion. Especially because, having taken dance classes, I think this style would be incredibly difficult for the mind because they had to remember each hand pose and strike it and change them within a matter of seconds! Also- LOVE that song from Slumdug (Jai Ho).
Brandon and Janette's Foxtrot: This couple has consistently, pleasantly surprised me. They both seem to be getting the dances that are typically tend to be the "kiss of death" that send dancers home or cause them to have bad weeks. Their foxtrot was beautiful and classy and I think the Michael Buble' version of the song helped viewers enjoy the dance more.
Ashley and Kopono's Wade Robson routine: I was a little concerned that the "oddity" of Wade's choreography might alienate some viewers. I knew that there would be a lot of people out there who LOVE the eccentric, quirky dances. I'm glad it seems that enough people liked it to keep the couple out of the bottom. They really brought the dance to life. I loved Ashely's expressions and Kopono's interpretation of a nervous crash test dummy. The ending was a little cheesy but I can stand a lil' bit of cheese if mixed with brilliance.
Mellisa and Ade's routine was right up there with Evan&Randie and Max&Kayla's. It may have rivaled the two. Beautiful lines and their dancing made me remember
Melissa's personality so far has weirded me out a bit but as a dancer I love her strength combined with grace and calculated stylistics. I love Ade's quiet humble nature and think he may turn out to be the "black horse" of the competition that slowly becomes a favorite and front-runner.
I'll get caught up with episode 2, adding it to this one later tonight. For now- it's off to my own studio! :) Enjoy tonight's episode everyone!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Interviews! Getting Hype for Wednesday!
Top 20: Thoughts on Vegas and the Results Show
Well...whew. Where to start. We're finally here. THE TOP 20! I really don't know where to start. No really, I don't. I need to get my thoughts together. I guess I'll just mention a few things about the Top 20 show itself.
Not to beat a dead horse but...well, I'm gonna. I generally think that the judges make sound decisions and in years past, though they have moments where they need to be tough, I genuinely think they are caring people who stray from the drama of typical reality shows. Perhaps I should be blaming more of the off camera producers than any of the judges...What I'm trying to get at here is...what the heck guys, Natalie?! I know the judges have gotten a lot of flack for cutting her and I'm really not going to give them too much of a break either. Most of them have defended their decisions by saying that Natalie was given as equal a chance as anyone else...maybe that got lost in the edit because I don't remember her getting to dance for her life. They said the decision to cut her was based solely on her audition. Ok, that's fair?...except, wait...I distinctly remember several contestants who actually made it to the top 20, royally screwing up their group auditions and then given a second chance, some of whom royally screwed up their solos too. I guess it seems strange to me that they took risks on so many others but cut Natalie. I also remember watching another girl do the same routine that Natalie did before she got cut and no offense to whoever it was...but it SUCKED and she made it through.
I'm not trying to add to the drama and present my in depth argument for the sake of arguing. Natalie got cut and that's that and we have a new top 20 that I'm extremely proud of and excited about. I just want to say right now for the sake of the integrity of SYTYCD, that Natalie better not have been cut just to add some "entertainment value" to a television show. She better not have been cut because they wanted to "shake things up a bit" and have all the other contestants freak out. She better not have been cut because she doesn't have the typical "commercial" face that some TV executive was looking for. So for now, I'm going to hope that what happened was just lost in the editing of so much material into a two hour show. I know that Natalie has worked her butt off all year for this one audition and to be cut in the manner that she was just doesn't feel quite right. So...all that being said, you top 10 girls better stinkin BRING IT because if you don't I'm going to be ticked that Natalie didn't get your spot. Ok, enough beating :), I'm done with that.
Ok, next...Mia. Mia, Mia, Mia, Mia, Mia. So, I really do adore and highly respect this woman. Have for many seasons. Always will. But every now and then, she'll do something that totally pisses me off. I generally agree with her on most counts but every now and she completely shocks me and makes me want to throw my shoe at the TV. i.e., Season 4 when she told Kherington that in her performance with Twitch in the Viennese Waltz (Watch it Here) - that she wasn't sure she needed to smile the whole time. She didn't get that the dance was to uplift Jean-Marx's daughter...all the more reason for exaggerated features and SMILING. Luckily, Nigel shot her down. (I love it when he calls someone out for saying something really stupid): Which is why I'm glad he essentially told her to shut up when she was giving her opinion on Brandon. In both the Vegas auditions show and the top 20 results show, I feel like the judges have been more brutal than ever. Maybe they just have to be because they're going through so many dancers, but this year it just seemed different. Sometimes they were just plain mean without much justification. Mia's critique of Brandon made me want to scream. In fact, I may have. I could feel my face getting hot. Now, a friend of mine watching Brandon's original audition with me did not like the music Brandon chose and that to him, it came off as over the top/arrogant. I could see why he said that though I don't necessarily agree. I did like Brandon's audition for Season 4 better than this year’s, but there's no denying he's an incredible athlete, artist and dancer. He's nowhere near my favorite dancer but his talent is clear and undeniable! MIA was downright out of line. How dare she. How unprofessional and pompous. I thought it ironic that she said HE had an attitude. I think we know who has the attitude. And for her to call his smile fake...um, hello? Judgmental much? I really just wish sometimes that she's think before she opened her mouth. For her to sit there all smug and say, "I understand there is talent there, but I don't think it's all cracked up what everyone's saying, I don't see it..." Um, No. You just said...I understand there's talent there...then you say, I don't see it? Mia, clearly, you don't understand or see it. And you must be blind. Glad it wasn’t up to just you. Thank God for my lovely Debbie Allen speakin up against Mia. I'm also really glad Mary interrupted both Mia and Lil' C because Brandon did not at all deserve the comments he was getting from them. Oh and Mia, next time, let go of your smug attitude and pride and clap for a contestant when they make it into the top 20, I'm pretty sure you're going to have to work with them so you might as well suck it up and get over yourself. Again, I love Mia, she's my favorite contemporary choreographer and highly I respect her but yeah...there, it's out, said, done, over. I'm so excited for him to prove those two naysayers wrong. Ok, rant over.
Just a couple more notes. I wish that BOTH Kasperzak brothers could have been on this season. I love them both but was leaning toward seeing Ryan in the top 20. His personality was a light that drew me in and made me forget anything but how much I was smiling while watching him. After hearing him say that in the business he's heard, "you're too short, too fat, too bald, we don't need a tap dancer," I wanted it even more for him. Watching his version of Mia's choreography to the Gavin Degraw song sealed my decision and I'd hoped to be able to see him dance more contemporary on the show. The judges probably have many different reasons for their decision to only take one of them (one of them being that the brothers have similar styles), and regardless of the outcome I'm super pumped about what Evan has to bring to the table. I'm looking forward to seeing Ryan on Season 6 or 7!
I'm SO bummed that Alex didn't make it due to his contract with the Miami ballet company. Initially I didn't like the fact that he was so experienced and already had a contract, but he grew on me after seeing him to different styles of dance. I know he would have brought a lot to the table. My heart went out to him when he found out he wouldn’t be able to compete this season. I also hope to see him back when he's contract is done.
Also bummed about Denna not making it. I'm glad Asuka make it (love her personality and dance style) but am wondering if I would have switched another girl to have Denna in. She was superb in all the different styles in Vegas. It was heartbreaking to see reaction to not making it.
People I'm pumped about (this list will grow as I get to know the dancers who weren’t featured much in the edits):
PHILLIP! LOVE HIM! Was holding my breath awaiting the news about him and was going to be TICKED if he didn't make it. I love his personality- he's going to bring a lot of fun to the show.
ADE- we really didn't see much of him at all but something tells me he'll BRING IT.
EVAN- KASPERZAKS!! Love his smile, charm, originality, sweet demeanor and genuine personality. Oh, and ...he CAN flippin dance. Love the classic style he'll introduce to the show. Something we've not really seen yet from past seasons.
JASON- He looks like the kind of guy who could really pull it out and dance for his life. Looks like a cool personality too.
KAYLA- LOVE her style. LOVE LOVE LOVE. She was my first favorite in the audition process.
CAITLIN KINNEY: She's a fighter and I think her solos will be very creative and expressive.
MAX- so sweet and I think he'll be one of those to surprise us and do well in other forms than just his style.
TONY- because I have no idea what to expect. He could be the dark horse because I feel he'll have to work all that much harder to make up for his lack of technical training; A real cutie and probably a crier too.
VITOLIO: He's so joyful. I think I'm the MOST excited about him because I know he's worked so hard to get where he is. I think he'll also be a "crier" like Josh and Katee:)
Not to beat a dead horse but...well, I'm gonna. I generally think that the judges make sound decisions and in years past, though they have moments where they need to be tough, I genuinely think they are caring people who stray from the drama of typical reality shows. Perhaps I should be blaming more of the off camera producers than any of the judges...What I'm trying to get at here is...what the heck guys, Natalie?! I know the judges have gotten a lot of flack for cutting her and I'm really not going to give them too much of a break either. Most of them have defended their decisions by saying that Natalie was given as equal a chance as anyone else...maybe that got lost in the edit because I don't remember her getting to dance for her life. They said the decision to cut her was based solely on her audition. Ok, that's fair?...except, wait...I distinctly remember several contestants who actually made it to the top 20, royally screwing up their group auditions and then given a second chance, some of whom royally screwed up their solos too. I guess it seems strange to me that they took risks on so many others but cut Natalie. I also remember watching another girl do the same routine that Natalie did before she got cut and no offense to whoever it was...but it SUCKED and she made it through.
I'm not trying to add to the drama and present my in depth argument for the sake of arguing. Natalie got cut and that's that and we have a new top 20 that I'm extremely proud of and excited about. I just want to say right now for the sake of the integrity of SYTYCD, that Natalie better not have been cut just to add some "entertainment value" to a television show. She better not have been cut because they wanted to "shake things up a bit" and have all the other contestants freak out. She better not have been cut because she doesn't have the typical "commercial" face that some TV executive was looking for. So for now, I'm going to hope that what happened was just lost in the editing of so much material into a two hour show. I know that Natalie has worked her butt off all year for this one audition and to be cut in the manner that she was just doesn't feel quite right. So...all that being said, you top 10 girls better stinkin BRING IT because if you don't I'm going to be ticked that Natalie didn't get your spot. Ok, enough beating :), I'm done with that.
Ok, next...Mia. Mia, Mia, Mia, Mia, Mia. So, I really do adore and highly respect this woman. Have for many seasons. Always will. But every now and then, she'll do something that totally pisses me off. I generally agree with her on most counts but every now and she completely shocks me and makes me want to throw my shoe at the TV. i.e., Season 4 when she told Kherington that in her performance with Twitch in the Viennese Waltz (Watch it Here) - that she wasn't sure she needed to smile the whole time. She didn't get that the dance was to uplift Jean-Marx's daughter...all the more reason for exaggerated features and SMILING. Luckily, Nigel shot her down. (I love it when he calls someone out for saying something really stupid): Which is why I'm glad he essentially told her to shut up when she was giving her opinion on Brandon. In both the Vegas auditions show and the top 20 results show, I feel like the judges have been more brutal than ever. Maybe they just have to be because they're going through so many dancers, but this year it just seemed different. Sometimes they were just plain mean without much justification. Mia's critique of Brandon made me want to scream. In fact, I may have. I could feel my face getting hot. Now, a friend of mine watching Brandon's original audition with me did not like the music Brandon chose and that to him, it came off as over the top/arrogant. I could see why he said that though I don't necessarily agree. I did like Brandon's audition for Season 4 better than this year’s, but there's no denying he's an incredible athlete, artist and dancer. He's nowhere near my favorite dancer but his talent is clear and undeniable! MIA was downright out of line. How dare she. How unprofessional and pompous. I thought it ironic that she said HE had an attitude. I think we know who has the attitude. And for her to call his smile fake...um, hello? Judgmental much? I really just wish sometimes that she's think before she opened her mouth. For her to sit there all smug and say, "I understand there is talent there, but I don't think it's all cracked up what everyone's saying, I don't see it..." Um, No. You just said...I understand there's talent there...then you say, I don't see it? Mia, clearly, you don't understand or see it. And you must be blind. Glad it wasn’t up to just you. Thank God for my lovely Debbie Allen speakin up against Mia. I'm also really glad Mary interrupted both Mia and Lil' C because Brandon did not at all deserve the comments he was getting from them. Oh and Mia, next time, let go of your smug attitude and pride and clap for a contestant when they make it into the top 20, I'm pretty sure you're going to have to work with them so you might as well suck it up and get over yourself. Again, I love Mia, she's my favorite contemporary choreographer and highly I respect her but yeah...there, it's out, said, done, over. I'm so excited for him to prove those two naysayers wrong. Ok, rant over.
Just a couple more notes. I wish that BOTH Kasperzak brothers could have been on this season. I love them both but was leaning toward seeing Ryan in the top 20. His personality was a light that drew me in and made me forget anything but how much I was smiling while watching him. After hearing him say that in the business he's heard, "you're too short, too fat, too bald, we don't need a tap dancer," I wanted it even more for him. Watching his version of Mia's choreography to the Gavin Degraw song sealed my decision and I'd hoped to be able to see him dance more contemporary on the show. The judges probably have many different reasons for their decision to only take one of them (one of them being that the brothers have similar styles), and regardless of the outcome I'm super pumped about what Evan has to bring to the table. I'm looking forward to seeing Ryan on Season 6 or 7!
I'm SO bummed that Alex didn't make it due to his contract with the Miami ballet company. Initially I didn't like the fact that he was so experienced and already had a contract, but he grew on me after seeing him to different styles of dance. I know he would have brought a lot to the table. My heart went out to him when he found out he wouldn’t be able to compete this season. I also hope to see him back when he's contract is done.
Also bummed about Denna not making it. I'm glad Asuka make it (love her personality and dance style) but am wondering if I would have switched another girl to have Denna in. She was superb in all the different styles in Vegas. It was heartbreaking to see reaction to not making it.
People I'm pumped about (this list will grow as I get to know the dancers who weren’t featured much in the edits):
PHILLIP! LOVE HIM! Was holding my breath awaiting the news about him and was going to be TICKED if he didn't make it. I love his personality- he's going to bring a lot of fun to the show.
ADE- we really didn't see much of him at all but something tells me he'll BRING IT.
EVAN- KASPERZAKS!! Love his smile, charm, originality, sweet demeanor and genuine personality. Oh, and ...he CAN flippin dance. Love the classic style he'll introduce to the show. Something we've not really seen yet from past seasons.
JASON- He looks like the kind of guy who could really pull it out and dance for his life. Looks like a cool personality too.
KAYLA- LOVE her style. LOVE LOVE LOVE. She was my first favorite in the audition process.
CAITLIN KINNEY: She's a fighter and I think her solos will be very creative and expressive.
MAX- so sweet and I think he'll be one of those to surprise us and do well in other forms than just his style.
TONY- because I have no idea what to expect. He could be the dark horse because I feel he'll have to work all that much harder to make up for his lack of technical training; A real cutie and probably a crier too.
VITOLIO: He's so joyful. I think I'm the MOST excited about him because I know he's worked so hard to get where he is. I think he'll also be a "crier" like Josh and Katee:)
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