I’ll start with a confession—I’ve been reluctant to post this, because I’m really going to miss our weekly SYTYCD discussion, and I don’t want it to end! But after long last, here it is.
Our top 20 open the show with a reprisal of Tyce’s “Brand New Day” routine. I’ve already forgotten who half of these people are! I was in The Wiz in 9th grade, and to this day, I feel compelled to grapevine and wave my arms to and fro when I hear this song. This is great and all, but I still think our version of The Wiz would kick this version’s butt stage left, right, and center. You heard me. Go Bulldogs!
Cat greets us, and informs us that there were 21.6 million votes. Tonight’s winner will win $250K, and the cover of dance magazine. No contract for a role in the next Step It Up movie, then? Bummer.
Tonight we have Lil’ C, a 50’s glam Mia, Tyce snapping it up, lovely and perfect Debbie Allen, debonair Adam, Mary rocking pigtails and a gaudy as hell necklace, and of course Nigel.
Our flashback of the auditions starts out with…Sex. Lord, let it end with him. Once again we see the whole naughty ballerina thing, Vitolio grabbing his crotch as he runs out with his ticket to Vegas, and Mary crying over Brandon’s solo. They also show the judges fight over Brandon, Ryan vs. Evan, and Natalie not getting through. I wonder if she’ll try out again. Oh I forgot about Miss Washington. She actually made the show, didn’t she?! Flashes of the dances this season, and when we see a crying Mia say “I wish I had the strength that you had for my Daddy” I lose my you know what and start bawling. Again! God.
Super long review of last night’s show. If there were an Emmy award for the show most capable of filling time with pointless footage, SYTYCD would surely be in the running. That whole Brandon Kayla dance was so good, but so strange. Is Brandon about to get an autopsy? Was Kayla supposed to be some sort of dominatrix mortician? Let me tell you, this is EXACTLY the type of funeral home I want to go to when the good Lord calls me home. They pretty much show the whole show again, so if you missed last night’s show, really—you’re no longer behind.
The judges introduce their favorite routines of the season. Oooh I want to guess! I think we’ll see the Cancer dance, the Addiction dance, the comic book cartoonish Wade routine with Brandon and Janette, B&J’s disco, and Kayla and Max’s samba. The first one up is the NappyTabs routine that Philip and Jeanine performed the first week. Wow, I don’t remember this AT ALL. OH now I remember this. Kind of. It’s sort of snore? Eh…I was less than impressed with the quality of the routines this season, so whatevs. You know, the top four had to perform five new routines last night, I hope they had a few weeks to rehearse these, and didn’t have to cram it all in this week. Anyway, the dance is good! I kind of think they pick these to highlight the people going on tour; maybe this was the only decent routine Philip had?
Oh YAY our next routine is the tango that Brandon and Janette did! I LOVED this! I swear, Janette’s legs are like a pair of Wusthof knives. It’s still amazing. I miss Janette, and now I’m all bitter again that she didn’t make the final four.
The charming and lovely Debbie Allen tells us her favorite dance of the season was the Louis van Amstel waltz with Asuka and Vitolio. Huh. Well, if Debbie says it’s her favorite dance, it must be the best! Oh, and this WAS great! It still has that floatingish quality that it did before. Holy crap though; Vitolio practically throws Oscar right off the damn stage at the end. Yikes!
Mary says one of her favorite numbers was Jeanine and Jason’s necklace dance. Much talk about the kiss. It’s still great and they kiss like they mean it; it garners a standing ovation from the judges and a thrilled Travis Wall.
Mia’s favorite routine of the season—besides her own, I’m sure-- is Max’s and Kayla’s samba from the very first show. FINALLY someone picks one of my favorites. Mia’s eyeshadow matches Kayla’s dress! I have to say, tonight, this dance lacks the spark that it had during the first show—it just seems like they’re going through the motions.
The top four dancers meet up with Kerrington to view the remake of Fame, which comes out this fall. Debbie Allen tells us that the time is right now, and she’s happy to bring the brand back to life. Well, tonight is just turning into a trip down my musical theater participation’s memory lane! But my main memory from Fame is being run over by a piece of scenery. Oh and that crazy dance I had to do with Sean Dugan, who went on to appear in Oz on HBO. Anywho… I swear, if Debbie Allen started a religion, I would chuck the Catholic Church and join that congregation in about a nanosecond. Ha, when discussing the movie, Debbie totally forgets the director’s name. I’m sure he appreciated that. She gives us that iconic “If you want fame, it costs. And you start paying here, in sweat” speech that she delivered in the original Fame. Preach the gospel, Debbie! Oh and she gets to bring another dance back, so she picks Calle Ocho. I didn’t know we could bring group routines back! Once again, it’s steamy and fun.
Nigel tells us that he got invited down to Australia to choose their top 20 dancers. Their winner is with us tonight to perform a solo choreographed by Sonya. She dances to a song that I think we heard on the Kill Bill soundtrack—that “bang bang I shot him down song”. It’s actually really hard to see the dancer, because of the distracting moving graphics in the background.
Lil’ C tells us if he has to pick a favorite routine, it will be Jai Ho all day. I have to say that after this show aired, I downloaded this song, because I loved the dance as well. Except I accidently got the Pussycat Dolls version, and it might have been the best mistake I ever made, because it is fan freaking tastic. I think I may “accidently” purchase the entire PCD catalogue now. This reminds me, I have to sign up for those Bollywood dance classes. Oh, there is more kissing in this routine. Wow, that Jason is a little man whore!
The top four FINALLY come out. Jesus, it’s been an hour!!! Judging by Evan’s costume, we’re going to see the butt dance soon. We’re going to learn who is in fourth place, and you can tell Evan is just ready for it. And the 4th is…Kayla. Huh. I read a review by someone who was in the audience of the performance show, and apparently Kayla’s family was really upset by Nigel’s “you have no personality” comments. Kayla tells us she’ll remember working with Mia, and she will miss everyone. Well, you’re not going to miss them too much, because this is the finale, and they are going on tour, so…there’s that. No need to mourn and cry in your pillow.
With a saucy “I’m a butt man!” confession, Adam chooses the butt dance. HEH. Oh, is Randi wearing Louboutins? Anyway this dance is just odd, like it was back then. I’m glad Evan got to perform his favorite dance, though.
Mary introduces the Paso Doble from last night. Huff. We JUST saw this one!
Evan comes back out, and we learn that the dancer in third place is…Evan. He looks totally prepared for this. The judges all look really relieved. Cat’s wrap dress looks SO comfortable. Evan tells us that everyone chanting his name last night was amazing. He thanks his friends and family, and says—genuinely, I believe—that he never thought he would make it this far. Well, that makes a lot of us, I think. Sonya appears to be in the aisle for some reason. Was she kowtowing or something? Evan fights back tears.
Nigel tells us one of his favorite moments was the night Mary admitted to using Botox; prompting Mary to shriek “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?! THIS night was going perfect; it was classy, it was everything I ever dreamed!!!” Mary, you KNOW it had to come up at some point. On a serious note, he picks the addiction dance. Oh, good, this was incredible. I love that moment where Kayla reaches up, and Kupono forces her back down. Kupono looks absolutely diabolical. Where was that strength during his other dances!!! Mia is in tears afterward...is it okay to cry over your own dance?
Back by popular demand is the Rage Boys crew. Still cute.
Tyce introduces the Doriana’s routine for Brandon and Janette. LOVED THIS! Great then, great now. I think that life where Brandon holds Janette in the splits over his head was one of the great moments on this show.
Our last dance of the night is the cancer dance, of course. Mia introduces it, saying that it broke her down in front of millions of people, and it also broke millions of people down. Tyce tells us that the friend for whom he choreographed this dance called him today, and told him she is cancer free. Oh, I love happy endings! I swear not four counts of music pass before my tears start a-wellin up. Oh Lance Bass is in the audience. What on earth has he been up to?
Before the break, we see that dance to “One” from a chorus line that does NOT have kicks. Oh but then the judges come out!! FUN! What I love the most are the looks of pure joy and happiness on the judges faces. They really look like there is no place on earth they would rather be. The screaming and standing ovation go on and on. I clap along at home.
And now, we’ll finally learn who the winner is!! We see their journey. Nigel says he thought these two would be standing there, and he already knows the winner, and he thinks it’s deserved. That is just BS; I think he should have to wait, like the rest of us! And our favorite dancer is…Jeanine! I’m okay with his; I wanted Brandon, but she’s great. She cutely says she never thought she would be giving an acceptance speech on the Kodak, but thanks the Academy.
And I thank YOU, dear readers, for SUCH a fun season. I cannot tell you how much I’ve loved hearing from everyone. See you all September 9th!!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Hey! Who's that, thinkin' nasty thoughts? So You Think You Can Dance Episode #22
The last performance night…I can’t believe it’s really the end! Seriously, next season—finale party. Tonight we’re getting all fancy in the ginormous Kodak Theater—home of American Idol and the Oscars—which is fun on one hand, and quite a challenge for the dancers on the other. How on earth are their solos not going to get lost on that huge stage? Cat reports getting chills as she walks out on the stage to the screams of 3000 fans, and marvels at the new location and set. As the top four run out for their mini solos, I pat myself on the back for picking three of these contestants as my top five at the beginning of the season. Of course I had Jeanine on my “who are these people, they will never make it list”, and my top five had one contestant that got booted the first week, so…prognosticator extraordinaire, I am not.
Cat delights in 3000 people saying “jidges”in unison, and tells us Adam is back oh YAY!!!Love love love him! Adam says he thought some of tonight’s top four would be here back when they were in Vegas, and some he didn’t see coming at all. Mary says that dancers feed off energy, challenges the audience to bring that energy, and hollers until they are loud enough for her. Also, she looks BEAUTIFUL tonight.
The top four will dance together first, and will be performing a Wade AND AMANDA Robson dance. VERY interesting that it’s not just Wade anymore. Are they going to be like NappyTabs, or will she drag him down? The dance is about two jocks that start hitting on cheerleaders, and the cheerleaders turn out to be more than they can handle. Well OF COURSE they are. Jeanine says she doesn’t think many people were expecting to see cheerleading on SYTYCD, but it’s the finale, so think big. I’m assuming she means that people didn’t think they would be SO LUCKY. They perform, and …hmm. I wonder who is responsible for the” sniff the armpit” choreography? I don’t think that will win an Emmy. OOOH but I want the sequin bloomers the girls are rocking!! Y’all know I love me some cheering, but I did NOT think this was good. I can’t believe the same guy who choreographed Ramalama did this. Really?
Our first couple is Jeanine and Evan, performing a Sonya routine about a clingy guy and a girl who is just over him. Girl Power! Oh on a side note—I heard that Victoria Beckham might replace Paula on American Idol. How fantastic would that be?!?! We see footage of Jeanine and Sonya beating Evan up, kind of for reals. I’m finding the big stage and the graphics a little distracting from the dance. Adam gives them a half hearted “that was great, guys.” He admits that he never saw Jeanine coming, and she’s been great every week, and now he feels bad that he underestimated her. I’m glad I’m not the only one! He tells Evan that he NEVER saw him in the top four, but this season will never be the same without him. That doesn’t even make any sense. Mary says she thinks they delivered, but Jeanine stood out a little bit more, but Evan “held his own.” They say that EVERY week about Evan, and he’s somehow managed to hold his own to the finale. Nigel encourages Evan to step up and be responsible for his own destiny. He acknowledges that Evan is loved by the public—despite the judges practically begging the audience not to vote for him-- and says he has to step up and be worthy of that. He praises Jeanine’s growth. It’s kind of lukewarm praise, and I thought the dance was very eh. They seem more focused on pointing out that Jeanine is brilliant, and Evan isn’t worthy.
Tonight we see Cat’s interviews with the contestants before we watch their solos. Brandon conveys how much Mia’s approval means to him. He confesses that he didn’t think he would make the show. Okay, I call BS on that. Also, he misses Janette the most. You and me both, Brandon! He performs, and HOLY CRAP is his solo good!!! Adam declares that he is competing, wonders about the choice of board shorts (seriously!!! They were like jailbird board shorts; all black and white striped and whatever), said it was a tad frantic. Mary says he was amazing, he defies gravity, he was born to dance, and that it’s still a privilege and honor to watch him dance. She starts crying again, the same way she did all those many months ago when he first auditioned. Aww. Nigel says that he’s amazing, and that he just wiped out the opposition. Okay, we get that you want him to win, y’all. But you still have three more contestants to go!
Brandon and Kayla have a Tyce routine. I love it when he gets all Brooklyn; why didn’t he do more of that when he was a guest judge? The dance shows them off to their best advantage; it highlights Kayla’s extension, Brandon’s strength, their flawless technique, including pirouettes a la seconde perfectly in unison. Kayla’s grandparents are beaming afterward. BTW where has her mom been during all of this? Cat asks Adam what he thinks, and he who has been perfectly calm all night FINALLY does his thing and leaps out of his chair with excitement. He confesses that these two are the two he always saw in the finale. He calls it an honor to have Kayla on the show, and calls Brandon an animal. Mary hollers a bunch of other superlatives. Nigel praises their amazing ability and compliments Tyce’s great routine.
Jeanine’s solo is next. Jeanine admits when she was younger, she wasn’t a very good dancer, and her parents had to push her to keep going. She also says that Russian folk dancing was a low point, and confesses to having a panic attack when she realized that she was going to have to go onstage dressed like that. Her favorite dance thus far was Travis Wall’s piece. Oh! Cat mentions the “full smooch-o-rama-rooney” and Jeanine enthusiastically points out that was NOT choreographed! Well well well! Her solo is incredible. She dances to a tango, and has a flower in her mouth the whole time, which is a bit distracting. But she does this pirouette with about a bazillion rotations, and lands beautifully—it’s really stunning. Travis and this year’s contestants seemed thrilled for her. Adam is amazed by her turns, which—aren’t we all? He praises the risk she took, said she just killed it, and genuinely tells her he is so happy for her. But he does say “what the hell was that stupid plastic flower”, which, yeah. Mary says she saw her coming (whatevs), she gets better every week, she’s peaking at the right time, and that solo is the best thing that she’s done on the show. Nigel says it was a brave solo, and she pulled it out, and she’s in the final two as far as Nigel is concerned. Good for Jeanine!
Evan and Brandon have a Laurieann piece. Laurieann is wearing the same humongous pink headphones around her neck that she was sporting the last time she choreographed. I think I need an accessory like that. And she has some assistant wearing a shocking pink shirt who looks REALLY into whatever she’s doing—which appears to be just holding a cord, but I’m sure it’s much more than that? They dance to Janet Jackson’s “Nasty” in leather jackets, and appear to be fighting. I like how every season the routine for the top two guys is a fight. Evan doesn’t do as badly as I thought he would. The judges disagree with me; Adam says “Evan, you got dusted”. I know the judges don’t want him to win; but comments like that will only encourage his very large fan base…do they not realize that? Anywho, Evan takes the criticism gracefully. When Adam says Evan’s sweetness hindered him, he gets booed, and kind of panics, saying “Oh no! I’ve never been booed! Can you guys go back to liking me again?!” Mary giggles and asks Evan “What’s the nastiest thing you’ve ever done?” Goodness! Evan blushes, his family dies laughing, and Cat admonishes “Meeehreh, his GRAMS are in the audience! “ Oh and so are his brothers; Ryan is wearing a tux and looking sharp! Cat cajoles “the grams” into put their fingers in their ears, and then conspiratorially asks Evan again what the nastiest thing he’s ever done is. Brandon pipes up “I’m excited!!” as Evan considers his answer. Ahahaha… I bet you are, Brandon. Evan just says that’s a toughie; the list is so long. Nicely deflected, Evan! Mary admits Brandon was just a little bit better in this routine. Nigel says that if you speak to the choreographers, they will all say that Evan’s work ethic is beyond reproach; but there isn’t a nasty bone in his body. He also says that he has a choochie face--I have no idea what that means—and that he just can’t do “Nasty”. I feel his pain; I was practicing my stank face the other day, and apparently I can’t pull it off either. Anyway, Nigel goes on about how Brandon outdanced Evan. Okay y’all, we get it. Brandon=good. Evan=bad.
The girls are up next with a Mia routine. They are on a journey, and the dance involves shedding layers of their skirts as a sign of their progression. It’s interesting, but at the end Jeanine seems to have difficulty unsnapping her last skirt; it’s a big moment and she’s obviously late. Quite honestly, I felt like Kayla did a much better job; I barely noticed Jeanine in this piece. Adam said bringing a concept piece like that to the finale was risky, and that he loved it. Mary notes that they are the strongest two women they’ve ever had in the finale, and that it was very well matched. Nigel loves it, says something about how he wishes it went on longer, and everyone giggles, assuming he means he wanted them to keep shedding clothes. I give him a pass; I think this is the one time he didn’t mean it like THAT.
Evan talks about how hard it was when he and his brother realized that only one of them would be on the show; Ryan is his best friend, and the memory of the audition still chokes Evan up. Evan’s fave routine of the season was the butt routine. Interesting! I thought he would say Tyce’s “Get me to the church on time” routine. I guess Evan is a butt man? His solo is cute—same old same old. Adam says it’s interesting, because it was a variation on his audition piece, which will either make people crazy, or make them be like “I’ve seen this before”. Cat asks Mary if it did it for her, and she half heartedly goes “You know… I think it did, Cat. “Nigel says he was good, but he hasn’t grown as much as he had hoped on this show, and he doesn’t think it was a strong as Jeanine and Brandon’s solo. Cat asks the audience if they liked it and they go insane. She reminds everyone that no matter what the judges say, it all depends on our votes. You know the judges could just kill her for firing up his fan base like that.
Kayla and Evan have a Tony and Melanie jive routine. This should be good for Evan, since he’s had this style before. Oh, and Kayla has to do this in cowboy boots. I have to say Evan seems a lot tighter than he was the last time. Also, he is wearing those man heels again. That is NO good. Adam says that while he loves Tony and Melanie’s work, he doesn’t think that was a finale level routine. This prompts more booing, to which he replies “Two in one night! Score.” Hee. At least he’s honest; I thought the dance was very eh myself. He liked Evan in this, but didn’t think it was competitive. Mary said she thought the routine was phenomenal. She said she didn’t think Evan’s kicks were strong, and thought they were like two dancers just doing their own thing. She says Kayla just stole the show—I guess Kayla wasn’t part of those two dancers just doing their own thing? Nigel says he thought they both came out with guns blazing. The whole auditorium starts chanting EVAN! EVAN! prompting Evan to tear up. I don’t blame him; the judges have basically been like “YOU SUCK” all night long; he’s probably so happy to get good feedback. I totally didn’t think he should be in the top four, and even I’m feeling sorry for him! He asks where Kayla’s personality has been this whole season; and says that if it had been there this season like it is tonight, she would be riding clear to the final. I’m sure that made her feel good.
Kayla tells us that she wanted to dance since she was two. They talk about her emotional grandpa and how proud her grandparents of her; she seems a little embarrassed by it. She likes her white lightning nickname, and her favorite piece was Mia’s addiction piece. I hope they do that one again tomorrow, I LOVED it! She performs her solo, and I think it’s okay. It didn’t grab me. Adam said he thought the solo was fine, but he wants to talk about the season. He says that this show has shown him some of the best dancers he’s ever seen, including Travis, Will from last season, Danny, and our Kayla. Mary says that Kayla is gifted and she’s been touched by an angel. Nigel says what’s been difficult for her is that when they praise constantly, oftentimes the audience will assume someone is safe, or decide that they want to decide who the best is on their own, and won’t call for that person. He’s happy that she’s made it to the finale.
Our last performance is Jeanine and Brandon, doing a Louis van Amstel Paso Doble. Interesting they are ending the night with a Paso Doble; this one must be really good. Jeanine falls during rehearsal; shocker. Louis raves about them as a pair. They perform to a song from the Matrix soundtrack, and whew! This is a good Paso Doble! Very passionate and strong from both dancers. They get a standing ovation from everyone, including the judges. Adam says they shredded it. Mary screams, praises the choreography and the dancing, and then really lets her hollers rip. I suppose the shrieking needed a finale of its own? Nigel screams back at her, and says Brandon and Jeanine have edged the other two out for him.
We have a few more minutes to kill, so Cat puts the judges on the spot, and asks who they think will win the competition. Adam says that Evan sucks, but whatever, America seems to love him; Kayla is brilliant, and the other two are wonderful, and he can’t pick one. Cat asks Mary to be “more of a man” than Adam, and Mary says she can’t pick either. Nigel reiterates that he thinks it will be Brandon or Jeanine, but assures the audience that no matter what, we’re having a Kasprzak on Season 6—does that mean that Ryan made the top 20? I guess we’ll know in a month!
I think Jeanine will be our winner tonight. Thoughts?
Cat delights in 3000 people saying “jidges”in unison, and tells us Adam is back oh YAY!!!Love love love him! Adam says he thought some of tonight’s top four would be here back when they were in Vegas, and some he didn’t see coming at all. Mary says that dancers feed off energy, challenges the audience to bring that energy, and hollers until they are loud enough for her. Also, she looks BEAUTIFUL tonight.
The top four will dance together first, and will be performing a Wade AND AMANDA Robson dance. VERY interesting that it’s not just Wade anymore. Are they going to be like NappyTabs, or will she drag him down? The dance is about two jocks that start hitting on cheerleaders, and the cheerleaders turn out to be more than they can handle. Well OF COURSE they are. Jeanine says she doesn’t think many people were expecting to see cheerleading on SYTYCD, but it’s the finale, so think big. I’m assuming she means that people didn’t think they would be SO LUCKY. They perform, and …hmm. I wonder who is responsible for the” sniff the armpit” choreography? I don’t think that will win an Emmy. OOOH but I want the sequin bloomers the girls are rocking!! Y’all know I love me some cheering, but I did NOT think this was good. I can’t believe the same guy who choreographed Ramalama did this. Really?
Our first couple is Jeanine and Evan, performing a Sonya routine about a clingy guy and a girl who is just over him. Girl Power! Oh on a side note—I heard that Victoria Beckham might replace Paula on American Idol. How fantastic would that be?!?! We see footage of Jeanine and Sonya beating Evan up, kind of for reals. I’m finding the big stage and the graphics a little distracting from the dance. Adam gives them a half hearted “that was great, guys.” He admits that he never saw Jeanine coming, and she’s been great every week, and now he feels bad that he underestimated her. I’m glad I’m not the only one! He tells Evan that he NEVER saw him in the top four, but this season will never be the same without him. That doesn’t even make any sense. Mary says she thinks they delivered, but Jeanine stood out a little bit more, but Evan “held his own.” They say that EVERY week about Evan, and he’s somehow managed to hold his own to the finale. Nigel encourages Evan to step up and be responsible for his own destiny. He acknowledges that Evan is loved by the public—despite the judges practically begging the audience not to vote for him-- and says he has to step up and be worthy of that. He praises Jeanine’s growth. It’s kind of lukewarm praise, and I thought the dance was very eh. They seem more focused on pointing out that Jeanine is brilliant, and Evan isn’t worthy.
Tonight we see Cat’s interviews with the contestants before we watch their solos. Brandon conveys how much Mia’s approval means to him. He confesses that he didn’t think he would make the show. Okay, I call BS on that. Also, he misses Janette the most. You and me both, Brandon! He performs, and HOLY CRAP is his solo good!!! Adam declares that he is competing, wonders about the choice of board shorts (seriously!!! They were like jailbird board shorts; all black and white striped and whatever), said it was a tad frantic. Mary says he was amazing, he defies gravity, he was born to dance, and that it’s still a privilege and honor to watch him dance. She starts crying again, the same way she did all those many months ago when he first auditioned. Aww. Nigel says that he’s amazing, and that he just wiped out the opposition. Okay, we get that you want him to win, y’all. But you still have three more contestants to go!
Brandon and Kayla have a Tyce routine. I love it when he gets all Brooklyn; why didn’t he do more of that when he was a guest judge? The dance shows them off to their best advantage; it highlights Kayla’s extension, Brandon’s strength, their flawless technique, including pirouettes a la seconde perfectly in unison. Kayla’s grandparents are beaming afterward. BTW where has her mom been during all of this? Cat asks Adam what he thinks, and he who has been perfectly calm all night FINALLY does his thing and leaps out of his chair with excitement. He confesses that these two are the two he always saw in the finale. He calls it an honor to have Kayla on the show, and calls Brandon an animal. Mary hollers a bunch of other superlatives. Nigel praises their amazing ability and compliments Tyce’s great routine.
Jeanine’s solo is next. Jeanine admits when she was younger, she wasn’t a very good dancer, and her parents had to push her to keep going. She also says that Russian folk dancing was a low point, and confesses to having a panic attack when she realized that she was going to have to go onstage dressed like that. Her favorite dance thus far was Travis Wall’s piece. Oh! Cat mentions the “full smooch-o-rama-rooney” and Jeanine enthusiastically points out that was NOT choreographed! Well well well! Her solo is incredible. She dances to a tango, and has a flower in her mouth the whole time, which is a bit distracting. But she does this pirouette with about a bazillion rotations, and lands beautifully—it’s really stunning. Travis and this year’s contestants seemed thrilled for her. Adam is amazed by her turns, which—aren’t we all? He praises the risk she took, said she just killed it, and genuinely tells her he is so happy for her. But he does say “what the hell was that stupid plastic flower”, which, yeah. Mary says she saw her coming (whatevs), she gets better every week, she’s peaking at the right time, and that solo is the best thing that she’s done on the show. Nigel says it was a brave solo, and she pulled it out, and she’s in the final two as far as Nigel is concerned. Good for Jeanine!
Evan and Brandon have a Laurieann piece. Laurieann is wearing the same humongous pink headphones around her neck that she was sporting the last time she choreographed. I think I need an accessory like that. And she has some assistant wearing a shocking pink shirt who looks REALLY into whatever she’s doing—which appears to be just holding a cord, but I’m sure it’s much more than that? They dance to Janet Jackson’s “Nasty” in leather jackets, and appear to be fighting. I like how every season the routine for the top two guys is a fight. Evan doesn’t do as badly as I thought he would. The judges disagree with me; Adam says “Evan, you got dusted”. I know the judges don’t want him to win; but comments like that will only encourage his very large fan base…do they not realize that? Anywho, Evan takes the criticism gracefully. When Adam says Evan’s sweetness hindered him, he gets booed, and kind of panics, saying “Oh no! I’ve never been booed! Can you guys go back to liking me again?!” Mary giggles and asks Evan “What’s the nastiest thing you’ve ever done?” Goodness! Evan blushes, his family dies laughing, and Cat admonishes “Meeehreh, his GRAMS are in the audience! “ Oh and so are his brothers; Ryan is wearing a tux and looking sharp! Cat cajoles “the grams” into put their fingers in their ears, and then conspiratorially asks Evan again what the nastiest thing he’s ever done is. Brandon pipes up “I’m excited!!” as Evan considers his answer. Ahahaha… I bet you are, Brandon. Evan just says that’s a toughie; the list is so long. Nicely deflected, Evan! Mary admits Brandon was just a little bit better in this routine. Nigel says that if you speak to the choreographers, they will all say that Evan’s work ethic is beyond reproach; but there isn’t a nasty bone in his body. He also says that he has a choochie face--I have no idea what that means—and that he just can’t do “Nasty”. I feel his pain; I was practicing my stank face the other day, and apparently I can’t pull it off either. Anyway, Nigel goes on about how Brandon outdanced Evan. Okay y’all, we get it. Brandon=good. Evan=bad.
The girls are up next with a Mia routine. They are on a journey, and the dance involves shedding layers of their skirts as a sign of their progression. It’s interesting, but at the end Jeanine seems to have difficulty unsnapping her last skirt; it’s a big moment and she’s obviously late. Quite honestly, I felt like Kayla did a much better job; I barely noticed Jeanine in this piece. Adam said bringing a concept piece like that to the finale was risky, and that he loved it. Mary notes that they are the strongest two women they’ve ever had in the finale, and that it was very well matched. Nigel loves it, says something about how he wishes it went on longer, and everyone giggles, assuming he means he wanted them to keep shedding clothes. I give him a pass; I think this is the one time he didn’t mean it like THAT.
Evan talks about how hard it was when he and his brother realized that only one of them would be on the show; Ryan is his best friend, and the memory of the audition still chokes Evan up. Evan’s fave routine of the season was the butt routine. Interesting! I thought he would say Tyce’s “Get me to the church on time” routine. I guess Evan is a butt man? His solo is cute—same old same old. Adam says it’s interesting, because it was a variation on his audition piece, which will either make people crazy, or make them be like “I’ve seen this before”. Cat asks Mary if it did it for her, and she half heartedly goes “You know… I think it did, Cat. “Nigel says he was good, but he hasn’t grown as much as he had hoped on this show, and he doesn’t think it was a strong as Jeanine and Brandon’s solo. Cat asks the audience if they liked it and they go insane. She reminds everyone that no matter what the judges say, it all depends on our votes. You know the judges could just kill her for firing up his fan base like that.
Kayla and Evan have a Tony and Melanie jive routine. This should be good for Evan, since he’s had this style before. Oh, and Kayla has to do this in cowboy boots. I have to say Evan seems a lot tighter than he was the last time. Also, he is wearing those man heels again. That is NO good. Adam says that while he loves Tony and Melanie’s work, he doesn’t think that was a finale level routine. This prompts more booing, to which he replies “Two in one night! Score.” Hee. At least he’s honest; I thought the dance was very eh myself. He liked Evan in this, but didn’t think it was competitive. Mary said she thought the routine was phenomenal. She said she didn’t think Evan’s kicks were strong, and thought they were like two dancers just doing their own thing. She says Kayla just stole the show—I guess Kayla wasn’t part of those two dancers just doing their own thing? Nigel says he thought they both came out with guns blazing. The whole auditorium starts chanting EVAN! EVAN! prompting Evan to tear up. I don’t blame him; the judges have basically been like “YOU SUCK” all night long; he’s probably so happy to get good feedback. I totally didn’t think he should be in the top four, and even I’m feeling sorry for him! He asks where Kayla’s personality has been this whole season; and says that if it had been there this season like it is tonight, she would be riding clear to the final. I’m sure that made her feel good.
Kayla tells us that she wanted to dance since she was two. They talk about her emotional grandpa and how proud her grandparents of her; she seems a little embarrassed by it. She likes her white lightning nickname, and her favorite piece was Mia’s addiction piece. I hope they do that one again tomorrow, I LOVED it! She performs her solo, and I think it’s okay. It didn’t grab me. Adam said he thought the solo was fine, but he wants to talk about the season. He says that this show has shown him some of the best dancers he’s ever seen, including Travis, Will from last season, Danny, and our Kayla. Mary says that Kayla is gifted and she’s been touched by an angel. Nigel says what’s been difficult for her is that when they praise constantly, oftentimes the audience will assume someone is safe, or decide that they want to decide who the best is on their own, and won’t call for that person. He’s happy that she’s made it to the finale.
Our last performance is Jeanine and Brandon, doing a Louis van Amstel Paso Doble. Interesting they are ending the night with a Paso Doble; this one must be really good. Jeanine falls during rehearsal; shocker. Louis raves about them as a pair. They perform to a song from the Matrix soundtrack, and whew! This is a good Paso Doble! Very passionate and strong from both dancers. They get a standing ovation from everyone, including the judges. Adam says they shredded it. Mary screams, praises the choreography and the dancing, and then really lets her hollers rip. I suppose the shrieking needed a finale of its own? Nigel screams back at her, and says Brandon and Jeanine have edged the other two out for him.
We have a few more minutes to kill, so Cat puts the judges on the spot, and asks who they think will win the competition. Adam says that Evan sucks, but whatever, America seems to love him; Kayla is brilliant, and the other two are wonderful, and he can’t pick one. Cat asks Mary to be “more of a man” than Adam, and Mary says she can’t pick either. Nigel reiterates that he thinks it will be Brandon or Jeanine, but assures the audience that no matter what, we’re having a Kasprzak on Season 6—does that mean that Ryan made the top 20? I guess we’ll know in a month!
I think Jeanine will be our winner tonight. Thoughts?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Let's have some fun; this beat is sick: So You Think You Can Dance Episode #20
“Tonight is the most important performance show of the competition” Cat informs us, and thus begins our top six performance night. I can’t believe next week is the finale! I’ll miss this, y’all!
Every week, there seems to be at least one outfit similar to either a bridesmaids dress or formal dress I’ve worn in my lifetime. I don’t know if I should be delighted or dismayed by these trips down my closet’s memory lane. Tonight Melissa sports a blue sequins top very similar to my senior prom dress that was also worn to at least six other fraternity or sorority formals—probably by some of you, dear readers!-- throughout my college career. We’re so green!
Lil’ C is back as our guest judge. Oh lord. Where the heck is Adam??? Why can’t we have Debbie Allen on repeat?!? It’s been a tough week; do I have the energy to translate his craziness? I shall try. When asked to “pontificate on the preference of the population” (Cat, don’t encourage it!) he responds with “I think the decisions have been appropriated(sic, I believe) by what the public prefers”. Sigh…I guess that’s close enough to correct English. Mary and Cat agree that Janette’s departure last week was a shock. Mary begs the audience not just to evaluate the dancers that week, but also to consider all of their performances, and vote accordingly. I think what she’s trying to say is “Look, Melissa should have been voted out last week, and just because she had the super sad cancer dance doesn’t mean you should have voted for her.” Nigel once again encourages the dancers to become “stars”, as nobody has yet to “pop” this season as they have in years past. I guess I would agree with that. BTW, Kerrington from last season is going to be in the remake of Fame coming out in the fall. Cannot wait!
The guy’s group dance is first, and they will be performing what looks like an amazing Sonya routine, if rehearsal is any indication. Sonya has quickly become one of my favorite choreographers. They nail it, and it’s fantastic, but I feel like Brandon and Ade are on such a different level from Evan in terms of being huge, powerful dancers. It’s sad that the best thought I have about Evan is “well, he held his own”. Lil C’ tells Ade that he’s still “proving it: for him, compliments Brandon for growing with each challenge, and tells Evan “good job not getting swallowed by the dominant excellence of Ade and Brandon, because of the style you represent.” Wow, that is such a backhanded compliment, but I have to agree with him. Mary declares that she “just loved it” and comments on the fact that the three of them can kick so high and do standing back flips at the same time is amazing. Nigel said that Evan actually stood out to him because he did so much that he’s never attempted before. Sonya seems delighted with the great feedback the dancers receive. Sonya and Mia are so similar in being thoroughly themselves as artists, but what I like about Sonya is she seems really supportive of her dancers, and makes it all about them, and with Mia, it’s all about her.
Jeanine and Ade are doing a Louis Samba. Oooh…didn’t he do the one with Max and Kayla the first week? That was one of my favorite dances of the season, and I still covet Kayla’s hot pink costume. Apparently this won’t be a “typical” samba…rehearsal shows lots of crotch in face, so oh my goodness. Also, how can anyone dance in three inch stilettos? I can barely walk down the hall without tumbling down when I sport that look. They perform, and it starts really sexy, but then just gets…messy. There’s one part where Ade is behind her, and it looks like he’s trying to wrestle her to the ground in slow motion. That can’t be right. . Mary judges first and says it looked “really novice”. I thought so too, and I know jack about samba-ing. Lil’ C said he expected an “explosion of excellence” and it fell short for him. Nigel said Jeanine did a wonderful job, but Ade needs to adjust his style to suit the dance.
Kayla performs a solo “You found me” by The Fray. I swear she’s like the twentieth contestant to use that song for her solo. Lots of legs and reaching and searching.
Melissa TELLS us she’s excited about being paired with Evan, but her face says “crap, I really don’t want to be stuck with Evan.” They have a Tyce Broadway piece, and Tyce comments that Evan is a dream for this style of dance. They’re performing to “Get me to the church on time”, in what I’m guessing is supposed to be wedding day underwear? Is Melissa supposed to be a stripper bride? I have to say, I’m a little disappointed. I thought Evan would be bigger, somehow. It’s cute, and it’s good, but it’s not incredible. Lil’ C chimes in and basically says the same thing—it was an “A” performance, but not an “A+”. Mary shrieks that this could be “get me to the finale on time!!!” How excited do you think she was to use that line, and how long do you think it took her to think of it? I swear, Evan and Melissa could have dropped to the ground and done the worm instead of performing the choreography, and she STILL would have hollered that line. Nigel tells us a lot of ballet dancers have tried out for season six, but none seem as adaptable as Melissa. He thinks the challenge of this dance was in the personality, and that they both did well.
Ade dances to “18th Floor Balcony”, which seems like a mandatory rite of passage for any contemporary dancer these days. He doesn’t include gymnastics, though. I don’t know if that’s wise…if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
Kayla and Brandon are up next. Brandon says he hopes to get on the hot tamale train with Kayla. Isn’t he on the hot tamale train? They are dancing a Stacy Tookey piece about a mistress too weak to leave her lover. It’s an incredible piece that they both dance beautifully…I think this might be one of my favorite dances this season, and no, not just because Brandon is shirtless. Lil’ C says it was beyond intense, and beyond amazing. Mary notes that Brandon is so on the hot tamale train, and he’s still on it, and he’s riding first class. She tells Kayla she was perfection. Nigel praises Stacy, and notes that he wishes they had more time to cement their chemistry, but that their technique was brilliant.
Melissa shimmies around the stage. I wish she would let her pointe work be the star. So far it’s more like a contemporary dance that just happens to be en pointe.
Jeanine and Ade tell us what it would mean to them to make the top four. Shocker it would mean everything to them, etc. Can you believe that Ade is still sporting that pick in his hair during every interview? They have a NappyTabs routine about…being evicted from their apartment? Perhaps my favorite moment of the night is the clip of Tabitha, rocking a preppy argyle vest, saying “Daay-um! I just got kicked out! Of my apartment! ReCESSion!!!” (slams boxes in mock anger). For the next week, when I find things irritating, I fully intend to incorporate this language into my rants. “DAAAAY-UM! MY iPod battery is dead! ReCESSion!” Lots of footage of Jeanine falling frequently and hard during rehearsal. She goes on about how she doesn’t want to fall down on TV and COME ON nobody ever does, okay? You’ll get it. They perform. They walk around in a menacing fashion, only to come home to an eviction notice, which prompts them to play hop scotch and skid around the floor in the boxes? Honestly, that’s probably not the reaction a landlord is hoping for. Anywho, it’s very entertaining. Lil’ C says that they performed it even better than he thought they could, and punctuates his critique with “it was buck, it was buck, it was buck…” Somehow during Mary’s comments we learn that Nigel’s wife’s divorce attorney is really mean, and that Lil’ C has been evicted before. Beyond that, she loved the dance, and feels like neither one will be evicted tonight after that performance. Nigel agrees that it was a great dance, applauds Ade for taking a note and “getting down”, and praises Jeanine for stretching herself as a dancer.
Brandon gets all half nekkid and dances to “O Fortuna”. Honestly, I think this is the same solo he did to get on the show. That’s fine, because it was incredible, and even more so now. He is just the most amazing dancer…lord, I hope he goes to Alvin Ailey, where he belongs! Cat deadpans “very average; nothing special” as the judges give him a standing ovation, and the audience leaps to their feet screaming. Breaking with the tradition of not giving feedback after the solos, Nigel says that he’s just given us one of the best solos that we’ve ever seen on the show, which—yes yes y’all. And no, not just because he’s barely wearing any clothes!
Melissa and Evan are back with the kiss of death quickstep. Melissa notes that she doesn’t trust Evan as a partner, and she “certainly hopes that in three days, he’s strong enough not to drop me”. Yikes, and whatever, Melissa. People drop each other all the time on this show during rehearsal! Jeanine was just tumbling right out of Ade’s arms a few dances ago. I just noticed that Evan has no shoulders. He really doesn’t! It’s very odd. Look next time! I think they dance it well…it’s cute. Lil’ C notes that Evan danced bigger than he ever danced, but that his retractions were lazy. He notes that Melissa looks fabulous, and did a fabulous job. Mary praises Louis’ amazing routines tonight, but says she was disappointed with the dancing. Nigel mocks Melissa’s earlier lament about being the oldest dancer on the show; telling Melissa that she is to this show was Cloris Leachman was to “Dancing with the Stars.” For a second she looks truly horrified, until she realizes he’s kidding. He says that it wasn’t one of the best of the night, and says they have voters questioning who they will vote for tonight. Ouch. Truthfully, though, I think it’s time for both of them to go.
Jeanine does a saucy solo, which shows off great control during pirouettes, and lots of strength, while also entertaining.
Evan’s solo…lots of shrugging of non-existent shoulders; beautiful series of turns that end in a huge leap.
Kayla and Brandon are back with a Doriana Sanchez disco. Oooh, I loved the one Brandon did with Janette; I hope this one is as good! Rehearsal shows Brandon busting out some butt smacking move that I think I’m going to love. The cameras are extra zoomy during the performance, which annoys the bejeesus out of me, because this routine is fantastic, and I want to be able to see it! The lifts are just amazing, including one where Kayla is upside down, in the splits, over Brandon’s head. I must practice this move with my hubby. Lil’ C says “being out of your comfort zone represents unfameeererity, and it also represents darkness.” WTF? If there is one thing this piece was not, it was dark. He keeps going on about befriending parts of the challenge and seeing the music with your ears…I don’t know… I guess he liked it? And he’s STILL going on, yakking about how there is a pocket of music, and you have to get in between those instruments, and what the hell is he talking about. Somebody please bring cut him off! Mary hollers that they hit a home run. She tells us she agrees with something Lil’ C said…how that is even possible, I don’t know. Then she stands up and yells at Brandon, who earlier confessed to self esteem problems, saying that he’s great, and she carries on to the point that both Nigel and Lil’ C have to restrain her. Mary proclaims “I’M NOT CRAZY!!!” to which Cat calmly replies “You do have a little crazy in you, Mary, but we love it”. Nigel says “it’s easy to get everyone riled up with screaming and energetic routines, so let me be professional”, and proceeds to leap out of his chair, carrying on like a lunatic. I don’t know…I kind of think the judges want Brandon and Kayla in the finale, no? Cat begs Nigel to “take the tablets!!!’ Hee.
Our last routine of the night is the girl’s group routine, also choreographed by Sonya. She’s chosen a superhero theme, which I think really suits her style of dance. I like the rehearsal footage, which funs it up with retro Batman type graphics. This might be one of my favorite routines of the season, and also, def. my inspiration for a Halloween costume this year. I must have the monogrammed supergirl belt! Lil’ C says it was amazing, but he wants more than amazing. Mary tells him that’s crap, and that they were great. Nigel makes a thinly veiled reference to Jeanette’s voluptuous chest. Lord, Nigel.
I think Evan and Melissa have to be the ones going home tonight. It’s their turn, for sure.
Every week, there seems to be at least one outfit similar to either a bridesmaids dress or formal dress I’ve worn in my lifetime. I don’t know if I should be delighted or dismayed by these trips down my closet’s memory lane. Tonight Melissa sports a blue sequins top very similar to my senior prom dress that was also worn to at least six other fraternity or sorority formals—probably by some of you, dear readers!-- throughout my college career. We’re so green!
Lil’ C is back as our guest judge. Oh lord. Where the heck is Adam??? Why can’t we have Debbie Allen on repeat?!? It’s been a tough week; do I have the energy to translate his craziness? I shall try. When asked to “pontificate on the preference of the population” (Cat, don’t encourage it!) he responds with “I think the decisions have been appropriated(sic, I believe) by what the public prefers”. Sigh…I guess that’s close enough to correct English. Mary and Cat agree that Janette’s departure last week was a shock. Mary begs the audience not just to evaluate the dancers that week, but also to consider all of their performances, and vote accordingly. I think what she’s trying to say is “Look, Melissa should have been voted out last week, and just because she had the super sad cancer dance doesn’t mean you should have voted for her.” Nigel once again encourages the dancers to become “stars”, as nobody has yet to “pop” this season as they have in years past. I guess I would agree with that. BTW, Kerrington from last season is going to be in the remake of Fame coming out in the fall. Cannot wait!
The guy’s group dance is first, and they will be performing what looks like an amazing Sonya routine, if rehearsal is any indication. Sonya has quickly become one of my favorite choreographers. They nail it, and it’s fantastic, but I feel like Brandon and Ade are on such a different level from Evan in terms of being huge, powerful dancers. It’s sad that the best thought I have about Evan is “well, he held his own”. Lil C’ tells Ade that he’s still “proving it: for him, compliments Brandon for growing with each challenge, and tells Evan “good job not getting swallowed by the dominant excellence of Ade and Brandon, because of the style you represent.” Wow, that is such a backhanded compliment, but I have to agree with him. Mary declares that she “just loved it” and comments on the fact that the three of them can kick so high and do standing back flips at the same time is amazing. Nigel said that Evan actually stood out to him because he did so much that he’s never attempted before. Sonya seems delighted with the great feedback the dancers receive. Sonya and Mia are so similar in being thoroughly themselves as artists, but what I like about Sonya is she seems really supportive of her dancers, and makes it all about them, and with Mia, it’s all about her.
Jeanine and Ade are doing a Louis Samba. Oooh…didn’t he do the one with Max and Kayla the first week? That was one of my favorite dances of the season, and I still covet Kayla’s hot pink costume. Apparently this won’t be a “typical” samba…rehearsal shows lots of crotch in face, so oh my goodness. Also, how can anyone dance in three inch stilettos? I can barely walk down the hall without tumbling down when I sport that look. They perform, and it starts really sexy, but then just gets…messy. There’s one part where Ade is behind her, and it looks like he’s trying to wrestle her to the ground in slow motion. That can’t be right. . Mary judges first and says it looked “really novice”. I thought so too, and I know jack about samba-ing. Lil’ C said he expected an “explosion of excellence” and it fell short for him. Nigel said Jeanine did a wonderful job, but Ade needs to adjust his style to suit the dance.
Kayla performs a solo “You found me” by The Fray. I swear she’s like the twentieth contestant to use that song for her solo. Lots of legs and reaching and searching.
Melissa TELLS us she’s excited about being paired with Evan, but her face says “crap, I really don’t want to be stuck with Evan.” They have a Tyce Broadway piece, and Tyce comments that Evan is a dream for this style of dance. They’re performing to “Get me to the church on time”, in what I’m guessing is supposed to be wedding day underwear? Is Melissa supposed to be a stripper bride? I have to say, I’m a little disappointed. I thought Evan would be bigger, somehow. It’s cute, and it’s good, but it’s not incredible. Lil’ C chimes in and basically says the same thing—it was an “A” performance, but not an “A+”. Mary shrieks that this could be “get me to the finale on time!!!” How excited do you think she was to use that line, and how long do you think it took her to think of it? I swear, Evan and Melissa could have dropped to the ground and done the worm instead of performing the choreography, and she STILL would have hollered that line. Nigel tells us a lot of ballet dancers have tried out for season six, but none seem as adaptable as Melissa. He thinks the challenge of this dance was in the personality, and that they both did well.
Ade dances to “18th Floor Balcony”, which seems like a mandatory rite of passage for any contemporary dancer these days. He doesn’t include gymnastics, though. I don’t know if that’s wise…if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
Kayla and Brandon are up next. Brandon says he hopes to get on the hot tamale train with Kayla. Isn’t he on the hot tamale train? They are dancing a Stacy Tookey piece about a mistress too weak to leave her lover. It’s an incredible piece that they both dance beautifully…I think this might be one of my favorite dances this season, and no, not just because Brandon is shirtless. Lil’ C says it was beyond intense, and beyond amazing. Mary notes that Brandon is so on the hot tamale train, and he’s still on it, and he’s riding first class. She tells Kayla she was perfection. Nigel praises Stacy, and notes that he wishes they had more time to cement their chemistry, but that their technique was brilliant.
Melissa shimmies around the stage. I wish she would let her pointe work be the star. So far it’s more like a contemporary dance that just happens to be en pointe.
Jeanine and Ade tell us what it would mean to them to make the top four. Shocker it would mean everything to them, etc. Can you believe that Ade is still sporting that pick in his hair during every interview? They have a NappyTabs routine about…being evicted from their apartment? Perhaps my favorite moment of the night is the clip of Tabitha, rocking a preppy argyle vest, saying “Daay-um! I just got kicked out! Of my apartment! ReCESSion!!!” (slams boxes in mock anger). For the next week, when I find things irritating, I fully intend to incorporate this language into my rants. “DAAAAY-UM! MY iPod battery is dead! ReCESSion!” Lots of footage of Jeanine falling frequently and hard during rehearsal. She goes on about how she doesn’t want to fall down on TV and COME ON nobody ever does, okay? You’ll get it. They perform. They walk around in a menacing fashion, only to come home to an eviction notice, which prompts them to play hop scotch and skid around the floor in the boxes? Honestly, that’s probably not the reaction a landlord is hoping for. Anywho, it’s very entertaining. Lil’ C says that they performed it even better than he thought they could, and punctuates his critique with “it was buck, it was buck, it was buck…” Somehow during Mary’s comments we learn that Nigel’s wife’s divorce attorney is really mean, and that Lil’ C has been evicted before. Beyond that, she loved the dance, and feels like neither one will be evicted tonight after that performance. Nigel agrees that it was a great dance, applauds Ade for taking a note and “getting down”, and praises Jeanine for stretching herself as a dancer.
Brandon gets all half nekkid and dances to “O Fortuna”. Honestly, I think this is the same solo he did to get on the show. That’s fine, because it was incredible, and even more so now. He is just the most amazing dancer…lord, I hope he goes to Alvin Ailey, where he belongs! Cat deadpans “very average; nothing special” as the judges give him a standing ovation, and the audience leaps to their feet screaming. Breaking with the tradition of not giving feedback after the solos, Nigel says that he’s just given us one of the best solos that we’ve ever seen on the show, which—yes yes y’all. And no, not just because he’s barely wearing any clothes!
Melissa and Evan are back with the kiss of death quickstep. Melissa notes that she doesn’t trust Evan as a partner, and she “certainly hopes that in three days, he’s strong enough not to drop me”. Yikes, and whatever, Melissa. People drop each other all the time on this show during rehearsal! Jeanine was just tumbling right out of Ade’s arms a few dances ago. I just noticed that Evan has no shoulders. He really doesn’t! It’s very odd. Look next time! I think they dance it well…it’s cute. Lil’ C notes that Evan danced bigger than he ever danced, but that his retractions were lazy. He notes that Melissa looks fabulous, and did a fabulous job. Mary praises Louis’ amazing routines tonight, but says she was disappointed with the dancing. Nigel mocks Melissa’s earlier lament about being the oldest dancer on the show; telling Melissa that she is to this show was Cloris Leachman was to “Dancing with the Stars.” For a second she looks truly horrified, until she realizes he’s kidding. He says that it wasn’t one of the best of the night, and says they have voters questioning who they will vote for tonight. Ouch. Truthfully, though, I think it’s time for both of them to go.
Jeanine does a saucy solo, which shows off great control during pirouettes, and lots of strength, while also entertaining.
Evan’s solo…lots of shrugging of non-existent shoulders; beautiful series of turns that end in a huge leap.
Kayla and Brandon are back with a Doriana Sanchez disco. Oooh, I loved the one Brandon did with Janette; I hope this one is as good! Rehearsal shows Brandon busting out some butt smacking move that I think I’m going to love. The cameras are extra zoomy during the performance, which annoys the bejeesus out of me, because this routine is fantastic, and I want to be able to see it! The lifts are just amazing, including one where Kayla is upside down, in the splits, over Brandon’s head. I must practice this move with my hubby. Lil’ C says “being out of your comfort zone represents unfameeererity, and it also represents darkness.” WTF? If there is one thing this piece was not, it was dark. He keeps going on about befriending parts of the challenge and seeing the music with your ears…I don’t know… I guess he liked it? And he’s STILL going on, yakking about how there is a pocket of music, and you have to get in between those instruments, and what the hell is he talking about. Somebody please bring cut him off! Mary hollers that they hit a home run. She tells us she agrees with something Lil’ C said…how that is even possible, I don’t know. Then she stands up and yells at Brandon, who earlier confessed to self esteem problems, saying that he’s great, and she carries on to the point that both Nigel and Lil’ C have to restrain her. Mary proclaims “I’M NOT CRAZY!!!” to which Cat calmly replies “You do have a little crazy in you, Mary, but we love it”. Nigel says “it’s easy to get everyone riled up with screaming and energetic routines, so let me be professional”, and proceeds to leap out of his chair, carrying on like a lunatic. I don’t know…I kind of think the judges want Brandon and Kayla in the finale, no? Cat begs Nigel to “take the tablets!!!’ Hee.
Our last routine of the night is the girl’s group routine, also choreographed by Sonya. She’s chosen a superhero theme, which I think really suits her style of dance. I like the rehearsal footage, which funs it up with retro Batman type graphics. This might be one of my favorite routines of the season, and also, def. my inspiration for a Halloween costume this year. I must have the monogrammed supergirl belt! Lil’ C says it was amazing, but he wants more than amazing. Mary tells him that’s crap, and that they were great. Nigel makes a thinly veiled reference to Jeanette’s voluptuous chest. Lord, Nigel.
I think Evan and Melissa have to be the ones going home tonight. It’s their turn, for sure.
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