Audition Highlights

I have to say I am impressed with SYTYCD producers, for keeping the auditions rolling. I am blown away that we will have a top 20 tomorrow and that next week the competition can begin. The last four hours of auditions brought out some talent that I can't wait to see again in Vegas (which will be tonight my friends). I want to highlight some of my favorites, and I will tell you up front that I will not be highlighting the terrible auditions. There were too many dancers that really did well, and I want to focus on the positives. I will start back to last week Thursday.
Sheila Kaiser-the student whose father did NOT support her decision to audition. I absolutely loved her from the first smile. She has one of those faces that does its own performance. I can't wait to see her tonight.
Jeremiah-I really didn't want the audition to go well, because I thought he was really out there and strange, but even though he went through, I don't think he will survive Vegas. There are some OUTSTANDING gentlemen this season.
Brandon Bryant-All I can say is GORGEOUS. I can't imagine that he won't be in the top 20, and can't wait to see the partnering this guy is going to be capable of with all of that strength and technique.
Anthony and Antwain Hart-twins. I don't think they will last long in Vegas.
Courtney Galiano-Loved everything about her audition. She had fabulous technique and a personality that drew you in. I can't wait to see her family members in the audience during the top 20! They will probably give the Schwimmer's a run for their money.
Megan Campbell-came with her aunt. She gave an interesting audition, but there was little too much head flailing for my tastes.
Claire of season 2. First, I think this girl looks 12, not 20. I enjoyed her season 2 audition, but there wasn't any dancing in this one. It was all posing, and I kept waiting for her to do something. All of her emotion was saved for the interview afterwards, and I was glad that she was able to pull something out for the choreography section. There is so much talent this year, that I am not sure how she will stack up in Vegas.
Last night had even more wow factor than last week's auditions, and we started with the best that they hadn't shown us yet.
Michael Kim had been cut season 2 during Vegas week, as he couldn't hack the partnering. His his hop style was ridiculous and I could have watched him for hours. He says he has been training and preparing for this round of Vegas. He is up against some crazy talent in the hip-hop genre. It is any one's game at this point.
Katee Shear and Natalie Reid came out together and are dear friends who dance together. I instantly was worried, since the two friends from last week completely underwhelmed me. These two were a completely different story. They had great choreography, which will always showcase a dancer in the best possible way, but both brought it, and I can't wait to see more.
Janette Manrara and Romulo Villavede performed the most incredible salsa I have ever seen, but only Manrara made it through choreography, and without her partner I am not sure how she will compare to Chelsea Hightower and the 2 ballroom couples that have already been showcased. Of course there are probably others we haven't seen...
Susie Garcia did some Latin dance in the most outrageous get up. I didn't get it, and I doubt she goes very far.
Philip Courter's hip hop number was also very interesting and entertaining. There are so many unique poppers and lockers (did I do say that right Christine?), it is making my head spin.
Rebecca Hart had been cut two weeks earlier and came back to Milwaukee to try again. She managed to not bring any rhinestones or competition flair and made it through to Vegas. I am not 100 % sold.
Evan Kaprzak was my Fosse guy and my favorite audition of the night. I loved it from the second he threw the hat. His turns were AMAZING and that face. LOVED IT!!!
Kourtni Lind auditioned to a beautiful spoken word piece and completely won me over with her emotional execution of this dance.
Even Cat is starting to grow on me after this season's audition process.

The highlight of the evening was Travis Wall in drag. I am a little disturbed at how quickly my daughter was able to name him after only a few seconds of his dance technique and style.

I will not be able to post a blog until Sunday but believe me, I will be sharing my thoughts on the top 20 and on the winner of Step it Up and Dance that will be announced this evening on Bravo. For me, the winner is Nick, but I would not be unhappy if Nick, Mochi or Cody won. Nick's work ethic, his crazy funny personality won me over before his dancing did-but after his interpretation of Man in the Mirror I will forever be a fan. It was like I was a witness to Nick's rediscovery of his love of dance. I wish the show had been just a little longer, as it has just now hit its stride for me and it will be over tonight.

As far as MTV's search for the next Elle Woods, I am addicted already. Having seen Laura Bell Bundy on Broadway, however, it is hard to picture any of those girls replacing her.

As far as my first love SYTYCD, it really begins for me next week. While I am curious about the auditions, I am excited to fall in love with a brand new set of dancers and choreography. Tune in tonight-and let me know your favorites!!