Before I go and see the elimination round I want to speak about this top 6 dancers of sytycd. They are all really just brilliant. I can’t believe how good they all are. I think they are so good, they lifted our expectations to an unimaginable level. Noone really thinks that someone could mess up a routine anymore (which, let’s admit, would be completely human) or that someone can’t get a different style of dance in just a couple of hours. That seems a bit cruel. But how else can we decide on who is the best of the best. Nigel is right (again), we started judging them on choreography and that’s because they all dance everything they are given flawless. And we start picking on small things or their outlook. Really, how cruel is that?!
Bottom line, they are all brilliant. And I do not know who to pick:
- Ade: the gentle giant; perfect technique; seems like a great personality; obviously an incredible partner, which all girls trust completely.
- Brandon: has anyone ever got a standing ovation for a solo? I don’t think so. He was misinterpreted in the beginning but he is an INCREDIBLE dancer! Such strength, such technique, such devotion. Veeery powerful dancer.
- Evan: hehe, he’s very unique. I didn’t like him in the first few shows. Though he did good, he kinda didn’t match all others. But I think he grew as a dancer and people got to like him. He is more of a Benji type of dancer, not as flawless or universal, but has a great personality.
- Kayla: no need to say – that girl does EVERYTHING perfect. Damn… really beautiful lines, strong, though she looks tiny and very Barbylike look (but in a good way).
- Jeanine: little fire of sparks (whatever that could mean). She is hot, she is cute, she is strong, she is universal, I think LilC really fancies her . Well I already proclaimed her as my favorite once, so that probably says it all.
- Melissa: I loooove her. And the best of her qualities, which noone else poseses is her maturity. All dancers in this competition are usually young, but she is mature, she understands the world and life and that can be seen on the dancefloor. Obviously the ballet gave her all she needs fo to be qualified as a perfect dancer.
Who to pick? I still don’t know. I somehow wish it would be a girl this year. Cause I kinda think the girls stand out more this year. If I had to choose among guys, I guess it would be Brandon. But among girls.. phew.. It’s a hard one. Kayla is missing something in personality part, but she is such a quality dancer it makes up for that. Jeanine is so cute and energetic, hot and sexy, and good. And Melissa. Well, honestly I would like her to win, but I’m afraid I could ei a bit biased, because that Tyce’s routine really became memorable, so it could influence my decision (which it shouldn’t).
I don’t know.. help me out Can they all win? Please..
It’s hard even to title the article this way. But I was encouraged and glad somebody spoke out loud about that… even through dance! Emotions definitely stole last night. To make a routine about breast cancer is not something that anyone could or would want to do. It’s a very sensitive subject, so if you go and decide do it, you better do it well. You can’t do such a sensitive subject and ruin it by bad interpretation or dancing. So it’s very responsible and very hard to do. But when it’s done well, then it steals the night. I agreed with Nigel, the first half of last night performance show of Top 8 dancers on So you think you can dance reality show, was a little under our expectations (a lot of ballroom I guess, with no easy routines!!). But the second half met all of our expectations. The peek of all being Tyce Diorio’s contemporary peace… very touching, very emotional, very real, very well danced and very well remembered. We’re used to see Tyce do Broadway or jazz routines. Only few times he did contemporary. But when he did it, he got an Emmy nomination (that was the “Why” routine, performed by Allison and Ivan in the Season 2).
I think he always makes us cry when he does a contemporary peace. Yesterday Mellisa and Ade played the role of a woman suffering from breast cancer and her friend trying to help her and be beside her at any time. It was so heart-breaking and really just so real! The dancing spoke about the pain and the struggle of this woman and her friend feeling helpless, yet trying to be there whenever he could do something. So Ade was catching her, holding her, lifting her, encouraging her and being the best friend possible. Mellisa knew she was not alone, yet she also knew she was fighting an almost lost battle. What a strong message that was. And everything was topped with the outfits. Mellisa’s covered head and pale colours of the plain dress. I was in tears, Nigel had to turn around and weep, Mia broke down remembering her father, the entire audience was in tears, including the storyteller, Tyce Diorio.
I respect and encourage that this kind of themes get a place in the dancing routines.
We can’t even imagine how many people suffer from this pain and struggle to extend their lives. And how many people suffer and morn with them. It’s cruel, yet it’s a part of our lives as well. I know there’s many of you out there, but I would personally like to dedicate this article, this thoughts and the brilliant routine to two of my very dear friends Janja and Mojca. I know you’ll be in a flood of tears watching this routine, but the purpose is not to make you cry , it’s to let you know there’s a lot of Ades out there. I know, you know and feel that, so let this routine bring you warmth, nice memories and courage. Both girls are angels on this world and it’s not fair what they had to go through. But it certainly shows, they got out stronger and with such a human touch, that barely anyone can possess. I love you girls. This is a story about the beautiful world that still surrounds you and of nice memories which can always fill your heart and soul. You are angels on this planet and you have angels up there…
Since embedding of this clips usually doesn’t work, you might not be able to play it from this blog. Click here to see the clip on Youtube.
Like Melissa very well put it, this was not about them and their technique… no one could judge that.. It was unquestionably good, but the story was stronger. So I will skip the judging comments this time and not comment on any other routines. All Top 8 dancers are brilliant, but last night one thing really stood out – and that was the message. I am thankful that the dance is being used as a great tool of storytelling. Thank you Tyce for this.
I had a lot of doubts lately, regarding who could my favorite America’s dancer on So you think you can dance reality show be. Actually it was sort of a sweet decision to make, cause there are just numerous talents there this year, it’s unbelivable. Last week I was hesitating, thinking weather Kayla or Janette are the best, or should it be Melissa… But this week I’m certain it’s Jeanine. That girl is sooooo good, such a big talent, great technician, great spirit, cuty… just the best. I think she reminds me of Allison from season 2 a bit. She was the same talent and personality, but went out a bit unnoticed. She was too brilliant I think. And so is this girl Jeanine. I love watching her dance and it is so true, that Philip was holding her back a bit. They were still good, but this time, with Jason… OMG!!! It was perfect! Very difficult and yet superb dancing! I would vote for her if I could! I don’t know why they have too kiss at the end of almost each dance, but I’ll let it be They danced like king and queen of the dancefloor.
In that regard Travis Wall was the master of storytelling. Trully – this was a great surprise in the first place (when he was announced as the new choreographer of the show) and even greater when the dance was danced. He made a choreographie which was in Mia’s style I dare to say. This was a huge break-through for him and I think he seezed it in the best way possible. But it is true that he had the best two dancers to work with, both coincidentaly with contemporary background. So the brilliance was only bettered by them (like Nigel very well put it). So Travis became the new star and Jeanine my favorite dancer. Cause it wasn’t just this routine that stole the night, it was her solo as well. Great choice of music and great interpretation of it. Loved it!
Otherwise, this wasn’t the only good routine of the night. But it was the best in my opinion. For the first time top 5 girls and top 5 boys performed together as well. The Bollywood routine was good (though I’ve seen better) and the guys routine – Jesus, that was some physical work!! The african dance premiered on that stage and boy o boy, it looked tough
I have to see the results show now, but somehow I have a feeling Kupono and Randi will be leaving us. They are good, just not as good as all the others anymore. Evan is getting weak as well, but his apperance in the african dance was so funny the audience might give him another credit
Thanks to Facebook, nowadays, one gets more information then one used to… So I accidently ran into a link of Jonathan (SYTYCD Season 5 contestant) doing some salsa. It was very interesting to see that, cause I was hoping to see him do a whole salsa routine before he’ll get eliminated. Since I come from salsa world, seeing salsa dancer on So you think you can dance show is very interesting and so far there were no really good salsa shows… with great exception of Benji and Heidi in Season 2. But all others were done by Alex Da Silva, and I’m sorry, but I’m not a fan of his style.
So this is what I found first – a clip of Jonathan’s solo:
This was not something to die for, but it lead me to some other clips. And the next was much better. Good show, from the choraographie, position changes, footwork… everything is likable
Judges and contestants of the So you think you can dance show used to call Quickstep “the kiss of death”, but the dancers are nailing it very well, each season is better. But the program is obviously packed with same genres (we see contemporary, hiphop, broadway, ballroom and jazz), so they are searching and searching for new things. Bollywood was a great refreshment to the show I think, but this Russian folk dance… I’m sorry to say, but it was a kick into an empty space… It was the kiss of death for Philip and Jeanine. I know Nigel didn’t want to critique the choreographers and say something bad about them, but it was terrible. I have total respect to ethnical dances, but some of them are just not appropriate for this show. It’s as if we’d put polka (Slovenian traditional dance – consisting only of bouncing from right to left on an 1-2-3, 5-6-7 rhythm) on that stage. And to put those tradicional costumes on sexy young people? It didn’t work really… Last year Joshua killed that Russian dance, but this time I didn’t like it and I know it will again affect the voters decision.
Other numbers were pretty much all spectacular. The tango stood out the most though. Jesus! What Brandon and Janette did there was simply amaaaazing. They totally deserved the standing ovations of the judges. What that girl did with her legs.. Christ! I had to see it multiple times and I was amazed each time.. A big big congratulations. It’s funny how universal Janette is. I still don’t get her being a salsa dancer in origin, cause salsa really doesn’t give you all that knowledge, but I’m becoming a big fan of hers.. and Brandon. I admit I didn’t pay too much attention to them from the beginning, but they’ve come up with a couple of sooo amazing routines that they are a couple to beat right now. There’s a lot of talent on that stage, but there are some who really are close to perfection. Those two really topping that, than there’s Kayla who in my belief might be the most technical, thorough and universal dancer – the only thing I don’t like is the fact that she’s such a Barbie-doll, such a typical blond American model, but I’m glad she’s clearing the stereotypes. It’s not just the beauty that counts, it’s the talent that keeps you going. I don’t know, I would just make them all win now. They are all so good! Each with their individual quality… Now check this tango… just…. arrrghhhhhhhh…. hoooooot!!
Naturally I paid some attention to last night’s ceremonial - the Michael Jackson memorial. It was a beautiful celebration of his life, his work and his great influence on basically the whole world. No questions about whether he deserved it or not, he was the king of pop, he had the most universal music, which all generations, races and genders liked and he was a fighter for human rights.
The whole ceremony was very emotional, with a couple of heartbreaking moments. The first ‘horreautiful’ moment was bringing the 14-karat golden casket in front of the stage in Los Angeles Stapels Center. Having him there made the whole happening even more emotional and brought even more tears to the eyes. Next teary-eyed moments followed with the speeches and performances. Mariah Carey sang beautifully and ended with an emotional “we will miss you”, I loved the performances from Stevie Wonder, who said he wished he’d not live long enough to live this moment, Brooke Shields came up on the stage obviously touched and sad, sharing some of the most private moments of their joined life…. Then there was Usher’s performance. Apparently he believes he would not be, where he is now, if it was not for Michael Jackson. He sang his song “Gone to soon”, cried while singing, walked towards the casket and touched it at the end of the song. All speakers and performers paid respect to the members of his family, to all Jackson brothers, sisters, children, parents etc. All the brothers wore one of MJ’s glove, sunglasses and yellow tie. The glove was the most representative symbol of this memorial I think, even people around the world, watching the live showing of memorial in the city centers across the world, wore it.
If one was not touched by now, the ending surely was the moment to break down. All performers came up on the stage and sang We are the world. Veeeery beautiful, touching, cause it had more than one message attached. Primer naturally was a tribute to MJ’s greatest hit and the other was a tribute to his fight for human rights and promotion of this in general. The song was followed by my favorite Heal the world.
I’m sure everybody was on the verge of crying by then, if not heavily crying already… but that was not the end. Members of the family said their last respect, last of them being Michael’s little daughter saying: “From the day I was born, daddy was the best father to me.” Well, no need to say more here, it was simply …… heartbreaking.
When performers left the stage, there was only one thing left – a microphone. A tool, which was his second hand, a tool which ruled his life, a tool which made and killed him, a tool which was probably his best friend and worst enemy. But now, this tool was left alone. It was only microphone on the stage and the white stage-light pointed at him. In the background only instrumental music played and it was one of the most powerful moments of the memorial. Michael in his best years was remembered as the long-haired guy, wearing black suite, white shirt and white socks, surrounded by white fog and light by sheaf of light. This was the same image, but missing to essential things – his voice and posture.
As many said, it is funny he gave the biggest concert after his death, since hundreds of thousands of people wanted to attend the memorial and millions across the world watched live airing of it. And it is funny how everybody forgot all the affairs Michael had in the past years – he was relived as a star and marked as one of the biggest pop stars in history. Many generations will remember him and will still be his fans. The record sales went up again, he has best selling CDs all over the world. But it is always the case, that people get their peek in fame after they’re gone. Thank god he was appreciated during his life as well.
This memorial was beautiful, touching, but we have to admit it was done for the people, not just for Michael, it was produced in American pathetic mode, like they best can do it, cause this is what people like to watch. A lot of emotions were shared last night, a lot of people opened up, which is never a bad thing, and America created the most viewed low budget event. But it was worth it… and hopefully he saw it!
I watched the top 7 couples perform at Season 5 of So you think you can dance reality show and I can’t say there were any not-good numbers, not even semi-good!! Everything these guys do is just brilliant. What Brandon did in cha-cha is an OMG. He had those legs under control .. and the posture, attitude, facial expression… everything veeeeery ballroom like. I don’t believe Janette had only salsa training, cause I doubt salsa can give you all the technique this girl has
I also loved seeing the Romeo and Juliet’s ballet story… beautiful… But watching the whole show it came to my notion, in which way the choreographers are going. It seems as if they are entering a whole new wicked, twisted, wierdly creative era, where dancing really is becoming performance but the dancers are turning into models for creators. Mostly, this refers to choreographers like Sonya, Brian etc. who are talking about death, aliens and other creepy stuff. Don’t get me wrong, the ideas are superbrilliant, amazingly clever and new but I’m slightly afraid this show will turn into a parade of choreographers not of dancers. Again it reminds me of a fashion show, where models need to be perfectly shaped so that every dress fits them, but they don’t stand out more than a dress itself. Like in So you think can dance show this dancers have to be perfectly trained to do any style the choreographers throw at them. I’m no expert in this show, but I got a feeling it should be a show about america’s dancers, a show where ignorant non-dancing people decide on who looks best on the stage, who gives out the best energy, who makes the biggest progress throughout the show, who they like the most. But with this strange, dark concepts, bizzare costumes and black make-up, the true beauty of individual dancer gets a bit hidden away. One does not notice the dancer anymore, he notices the story he is telling.
This story telling is, however, my favorite part of the dancing, because I see it as the best possible way of sending out messages, better than text, movie or music, cause it includes more emotions, seems more real and beliavable. What I am trying to say is, the dancers might get ripped of on the show, cause a beautiful girl with dark lipstick can’t look as a beautiful as a ballerina – every little girls dream come true. It’s harder to win people over I think, eventhough the ballerina and the black girl are equally good, talented and trained dancers. So I sincerely hope the people who vote for the dancers do realize they are judging on their dancing, on their improvement throughout the season, on the ability to adopt to any genre and their personalities. Imagine you are on a fashion show or on a beauty pedgant. On one you watch creations on the second you critique the girls. I think this show should be about Mr. and Miss of the dancing world, not the best creation.
I hope Kaitlin and Jason won’t be in a bottom 3 again, I hope America sees what quality Cayla has, I hope people were watching the sweetness of Jeanine and Philips and not just the chain that connected them.
But still,… this must be my all time favourite show.. the dancing anthem. thank you Nigel and Simon for making it happen and keep up the good work!!
. Well I already proclaimed her as my favorite once, so that probably says it all.
Can they all win? Please.. 