This is a big week my SYTYCD friends. It is the final two dances with some of our favorite couples, and it is the selection of the ten you will see live if you go to the tour (heck yes I go to the tour). Cat is fabulous in a one shoulder royal blue dress that appears to ride up on occasion, but she wears it well. The shoes are ridiculous (and when I say that I mean fabulous).
Tonight Cat tells us that we will get to see the first Can Can and the return of the Lindy Hop. While I am thrilled at the possibility of new choreographers, I have not forgotten the Russian folk dance from Season 5. Each couple is dancing twice, so let’s get busy.
Round Number 1
Ellenore & Ryan - Lindy Hop (Carla Heiney) -
This dance was packed with high energy and required a ton of lifting on Ryan’s part. These two captured the spirit of the dance (which I am sure was exhausting) while still looking like they were having a blast. The judges tell us that Ryan had pulled his back earlier in the week, which is amazing to hear after seeing such an effortless performance. There was one slight glitch where Ellenore’s leg appeared to get caught for a moment, but otherwise they didn’t miss a beat. All three judges loved it.
Kathryn & Legacy - Jazz (Sonya Tayeh) –
Sonya did a great job using Legacy’s strength’s as a b-boy in this quirky little number, and Kathryn oozed sensuality without the suggestive movement that sometimes gets Karen noticed. I thought they performed wonderfully together and the dance was edgy enough to stay with people throughout the show. The judges loved Kathryn and Legacy and Nigel even said it was his favorite dance of the season. I would not go that far, but I did really enjoy the performance.
Karen & Victor - Argentine Tango (Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin) -
This was an amazing comeback for both of these dancers’ who have not seemed to capture America’s attention despite their strengths as dancers. I thought the chemistry was riveting and the technique was perfect. The costuming was amazing for a change and I was on the edge of my seat throughout the dance. The judges were blown away, but Nigel told Victor to tuck his bum under his body. Thanks Nigel now that is all I will be looking at the next time he is on stage.
Mollee & Nathan - Hip-Hop (Jamal Sims) –
This was a cute fun dance, but I felt Nathan out performed Mollee. Gary thought it was the most ridiculous song he had ever heard in his life (and by this I mean ridiculously stupid). I thought they performed well, and though Mollee has been suffering from an ankle injury, I sure didn’t see the bobbles until the replay. This type of hip hop needs a story that connects the dancers in a way that creates chemistry, and unfortunately, I was not feeling it. This type of number on these two dancers only served to accentuate their youth. A a time when the other couples are forging ahead, this couple has stalled out due to style and in the case of last week-bad choreography.
Noelle & Russell - Samba (Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin)
This was not a number for these two dancers, and while they still seem to have a great connection between them, it was like their faces were still in the foxtrot and their bodies were trying to do something else. Noelle’s shaking never quite got with the music, so it looked a little frantic and out of place. I am not sure what happened at the end, but Noelle’s best hip action happened about a count of 8 after the music had stopped. The judges thought it wasn’t dirty enough, but Mary thought they did a respectable job.
Ashleigh & Jakob - Lyrical Jazz (Sonya Tayeh) –
This was actually a really beautiful piece that the dancer’s lived up to. I had no doubts that Jakob would be worthy of top ten, but I am happy to say that Ashleigh has won me over. She danced this beautifully. All three judges are going to be sad to see this couple separate, but I for one can’t wait until Jakob is paired with Ellenore or Noelle or Kathryn. Just think what Travis Wall could do with one of those pairings. These two have earned a spot at the top and will not be in trouble after tonight.
Round Number 2
Ellenore & Ryan - Broadway (Spencer Liff) –
This was an amazing Broadway piece that had so much character matched with great technical dancing. Ryan was the lure of fame and Ellenore was absolutely brilliant as the innocent one being lured in. Ellenore was able to use her face to completely sell this story and I was blown away by her extensions. I have to confess that I was watching Ryan’s expression and trying to decipher if he was staying in character or grimacing with the pain of all of the lifts (can you tell I have thrown my back out?) but this was so unique and well danced that in the end I was cheering with the crowd. These two have earned a place in the top ten, with their only misstep being the hip hop number (which was not great choreography so not entirely their fault).
Kathryn & Legacy - Viennese Waltz (Jean Marc and France Généreux) –
I am not a fan of the waltz in any of its manifestations, and this was not really an exception. I thought that Kathryn was gorgeous and used as a major distraction from Legacy’s lack of training. Lesson for all you contestants, if you know you were really bad, cry and talk about hope. The judges will then softly serve you their criticisms. I still love these two, but I think they might be in trouble after that.
Karen & Victor - Hip-Hop (Laurie Ann Gibson) –
Why is Laurie Ann Gibson still a choreographer on this show? This was just awful, although I will say that they gave their whole hearts over to it. They weren’t together in the beginning, but the music, the endless reaching (or was it pushing?) and the painfully executed lifts took these two from professional dancer to workshop dancer in a minute and thirty seconds. I was so disappointed for both of them after that fabulous tango, especially Victor who was not utilized in this piece at all. I get that the dancer’s seem to love to work with Laurie Ann, but even Adam was thinking the music and the movement did not go together. Enough of my rant, they are going to lose good dancer’s if they keep this woman on staff!
Mollee & Nathan - Can Can (Tyce Diorio) –
This was pretty darn fun, and was another high energy performance that was a winner with the judges. For me, it was memorable, but not special, if that makes any sense. The choreographers need to help these two grow up in a hurry. Since there will be three couples on top and three on bottom, I think these two could land in the bottom again based on both of their work tonight. Sidebar, was it me or did the rest of you find it totally unnecessary to know that the French did that dance without underwear?
Noelle & Russell - Contemporary (Tyce Diorio) - Tyce
Tyce wanted the dancers to paint their relationship on each other with their bodies, and he was literal enough to use paints halfway through. It was stunning to watch Noelle, and Tyce created some really unique lifts and body shapes within this work that kept me interested and moved throughout. I thought they would be in the bottom and possibly going home after their samba, but now I am not so sure.
Ashleigh & Jakob - Cha-Cha (Jean Marc and France Généreux) –
I have come to love this style and this performance was perfection. Jakob can do no wrong in my eyes; he adapts to whatever they throw at him and captures the essence of the dance as well as the movement. Ashleigh was in her style and was fantastic. This was a great way to end the evening, and all three judges were loving, even after giving Jakob some teasing for the ballroom facials and points.
Bottom three couples? Karen and Victor, Mollee and Nathan, and Noelle and Russell. From my surfing of the blogs, Legacy’s fan base is HUGE and may carry him through over Noelle and Russell, although either couple could be there based on their split performances. Going home? Victor and Noelle, that is if Noelle is there over Kathryn. The judges are really crazy about Karen, and after her tango they are not going to let her go unless she has another abysmal solo. If it is Kathryn and Legacy instead of Noelle and Russell, it will be Kathryn to go home. I find them to both be very beautiful dancers but minus that special something that Jeanine (season 5 winner) had. You need that extraordinary personality to get the phones ringing, and I am not sure either one of the girls have won hearts with their personalities. The only thing that could change this scenario is if Mollee’s injury is worse than they are letting on. Tune in tonight…..
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Top 14
After last week I had almost forgotten tonight was a SYTYCD night, and wasn’t in a hurry to watch it. Thank goodness for some different choreographers, because with one exception, I enjoyed every performance this evening. Cat was having a fabulous hair day, but her dress was reminiscent of a wrap dress I had in the 80’ made with tin foil. When I saw a Nappy Tabs number would open the show, I was nervous. Especially after all the Twitter ridiculousness of last week when they felt they had to defend their racy number with Karen and Kevin to their angry fans. My only complaint about tonight’s show was that it could have been an hour and a half, even with the 10 minute plug for the Dizzy Feet foundation. There was just way too much banter by the judges used as filler. Let’s get busy.
Ashleigh & Jakob (Hip-Hop w/ Napoleon & Tabitha D'umo)
"Whatcha Say," Jason Derulo
After the hip hop we have seen so far in season 6, if these two were going to fall apart it would be here. The story was that Jakob was a big fat cheater trying to get Ashleigh back. Ashleigh was so committed to the acting, but she actually kept up with Jakob’s dancing. They started off with her reading a text (which they displayed behind the dancers) and from that moment I was hooked. It had moments that reminded me of Chelsie and Mark’s Bleeding Love number, and it brought back that angst that Napoleon and Tabitha are so good at pulling out of their dancers. I loved it, and all three judges were blown away by Ashleigh. She may have started out with doubters, but each week she is changing minds. These two may have been the first number of the evening, but they aren’t going anywhere.
Karen & Kevin (Broadway w/ Spencer Liff)
"If My Friends Could See Me Now," Sweet Charity (2005 revival cast)
Before I start, I want to be clear that I loved this choreography. I felt so sorry for Spencer Liff who created a really authentic Broadway number, because these two looked amateur and uncomfortable. Apparently if Karen can’t bump and grind, she disengages from her dancing. You could almost see them counting steps and it was a huge disappointment. This piece had so much potential, and I can only imagine what Benji and Danielle (season 2) would have done with it. The judges were underwhelmed. These two are in the bottom for sure, and if it was my doing they would both go home.
Noelle & Russell (Foxtrot w/ Edward Simon)
"Baby (You've Got What It Takes)," Michael Buble and Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
I really enjoyed Noelle and Russell in this number, and there was a sweetness and a joy that came across in their dancing. There were a couple of really nice lifts and I didn’t see any missteps. The judges agreed that this was a solid performance. Unfortunately, this is the Foxtrot, and I think this fact alone will land them in the bottom. Sweetness alone isn’t enough on this show to inspire phone calls, and I think it is outrageous that this poor couple pulled this style twice out of the hat. Out of the two hip hoppers that may find themselves on the block this week, Russell has no worries. Noelle on the other hand…
Channing & Victor (Jazz w/ Tyce Diorio)
"Blackbird," Bobby McFerrin
This music was obnoxious. I am not sure what Tyce was thinking. He could have accomplished the quirkiness of the dance and great use of the birdcage prop with Paul McCartney’s voice, come on! Victor and Channing danced it with technical perfection, and for the first time I might get what all of the hype is about Channing. She had personality and fierce confidence, which took this dance to a place that their contemporary piece from last week never made it to. Victor is a fantastic dancer, but he is missing the star quality that Jakob has, and this pairing doesn’t seem to have the connection that some of the other couples have. Overall, I loved the concept and the execution, but felt the music was a distraction.
Kathryn & Legacy (Paso Doble w/ Tony Meredith)
"Pursuit," Ka (Cirque du Soleil soundtrack)
If you could forget the last couple of seconds of the dance, this was extremely entertaining. Kathryn took notes after her critiques last week and brought a new level of intensity and emotion to her dancing. Legacy has won me over with his determination, even though he is a crybaby. I don’t know that I have seen someone want something as bad as he wants to do well in this competition. They captured all of the drama that the music and choreography required, and the judges were all three blown away. This was right up there with Neil and Sabra or Heidi and Travis’ Paso Dobles from seasons past.
Ellenore & Ryan (Contemporary w/ Travis Wall & Jaimie Goodwin)
"Your Ex-Lover Is Dead," Stars
Thank God for Travis Wall. He is bringing us those pieces that take your breath away this season, and this dance was one that I will save on my TiVo and watch over and over again. Ellenore was exactly how I expected her to be, brilliant, but Ryan was such a surprise. The story was about bumping into an old flame ten years down the road, and all those possibilities that might have been that didn’t happen. From the minute they looked at each other it was so believable and touching, and the lifts were freaking amazing. One of my fav’s from the season so far. All three judges were amazed with Ryan’s growth. They won’t be dancing for their lives this week.
Mollee & Nathan (Pop-Jazz w/ LaurieAnn Gibson)
"Bad Romance," Lady Gaga
I may get yelled at, but I do not get LaurieAnn’s choreography. I am not sure why they have her on the show except for the drama of her berating the dancers. I thought that Mollee and Nathan gave 110% and that they looked fantastic, but I just wasn’t moved by the story or lack of story. This piece did not do these two any favors, and the way the other guys are killing it this season, Nathan better start looking less childlike in a hurry. I think they are a cute couple, but cuteness is not required very often on this show and after last week’s disaster of a salsa, these two have a lot to prove to their fans. I thought they worked really hard this week, I am just sorry that it wasn’t for something more memorable.
BOTTOM
Hands down the worst couple of the night was Karen and Kevin. I am sure that Kevin is the weakest link left in that group of guys. The judges are crazy about Karen, although I don’t think she has the personality to inspire fans. The Foxtrot (due to the style not being a fan favorite) is going to land in the bottom as well. The third couple will either be Victor and Channing (if Tyce was too weird for the viewing audience) or Mollee and Nathan (due to bad choreography). I don’t think the judges will want to send Karen home, although that is who should go. I worry for Channing and Noelle if they are the other two in the bottom with Karen. Tune in tonight….
Ashleigh & Jakob (Hip-Hop w/ Napoleon & Tabitha D'umo)
"Whatcha Say," Jason Derulo
After the hip hop we have seen so far in season 6, if these two were going to fall apart it would be here. The story was that Jakob was a big fat cheater trying to get Ashleigh back. Ashleigh was so committed to the acting, but she actually kept up with Jakob’s dancing. They started off with her reading a text (which they displayed behind the dancers) and from that moment I was hooked. It had moments that reminded me of Chelsie and Mark’s Bleeding Love number, and it brought back that angst that Napoleon and Tabitha are so good at pulling out of their dancers. I loved it, and all three judges were blown away by Ashleigh. She may have started out with doubters, but each week she is changing minds. These two may have been the first number of the evening, but they aren’t going anywhere.
Karen & Kevin (Broadway w/ Spencer Liff)
"If My Friends Could See Me Now," Sweet Charity (2005 revival cast)
Before I start, I want to be clear that I loved this choreography. I felt so sorry for Spencer Liff who created a really authentic Broadway number, because these two looked amateur and uncomfortable. Apparently if Karen can’t bump and grind, she disengages from her dancing. You could almost see them counting steps and it was a huge disappointment. This piece had so much potential, and I can only imagine what Benji and Danielle (season 2) would have done with it. The judges were underwhelmed. These two are in the bottom for sure, and if it was my doing they would both go home.
Noelle & Russell (Foxtrot w/ Edward Simon)
"Baby (You've Got What It Takes)," Michael Buble and Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
I really enjoyed Noelle and Russell in this number, and there was a sweetness and a joy that came across in their dancing. There were a couple of really nice lifts and I didn’t see any missteps. The judges agreed that this was a solid performance. Unfortunately, this is the Foxtrot, and I think this fact alone will land them in the bottom. Sweetness alone isn’t enough on this show to inspire phone calls, and I think it is outrageous that this poor couple pulled this style twice out of the hat. Out of the two hip hoppers that may find themselves on the block this week, Russell has no worries. Noelle on the other hand…
Channing & Victor (Jazz w/ Tyce Diorio)
"Blackbird," Bobby McFerrin
This music was obnoxious. I am not sure what Tyce was thinking. He could have accomplished the quirkiness of the dance and great use of the birdcage prop with Paul McCartney’s voice, come on! Victor and Channing danced it with technical perfection, and for the first time I might get what all of the hype is about Channing. She had personality and fierce confidence, which took this dance to a place that their contemporary piece from last week never made it to. Victor is a fantastic dancer, but he is missing the star quality that Jakob has, and this pairing doesn’t seem to have the connection that some of the other couples have. Overall, I loved the concept and the execution, but felt the music was a distraction.
Kathryn & Legacy (Paso Doble w/ Tony Meredith)
"Pursuit," Ka (Cirque du Soleil soundtrack)
If you could forget the last couple of seconds of the dance, this was extremely entertaining. Kathryn took notes after her critiques last week and brought a new level of intensity and emotion to her dancing. Legacy has won me over with his determination, even though he is a crybaby. I don’t know that I have seen someone want something as bad as he wants to do well in this competition. They captured all of the drama that the music and choreography required, and the judges were all three blown away. This was right up there with Neil and Sabra or Heidi and Travis’ Paso Dobles from seasons past.
Ellenore & Ryan (Contemporary w/ Travis Wall & Jaimie Goodwin)
"Your Ex-Lover Is Dead," Stars
Thank God for Travis Wall. He is bringing us those pieces that take your breath away this season, and this dance was one that I will save on my TiVo and watch over and over again. Ellenore was exactly how I expected her to be, brilliant, but Ryan was such a surprise. The story was about bumping into an old flame ten years down the road, and all those possibilities that might have been that didn’t happen. From the minute they looked at each other it was so believable and touching, and the lifts were freaking amazing. One of my fav’s from the season so far. All three judges were amazed with Ryan’s growth. They won’t be dancing for their lives this week.
Mollee & Nathan (Pop-Jazz w/ LaurieAnn Gibson)
"Bad Romance," Lady Gaga
I may get yelled at, but I do not get LaurieAnn’s choreography. I am not sure why they have her on the show except for the drama of her berating the dancers. I thought that Mollee and Nathan gave 110% and that they looked fantastic, but I just wasn’t moved by the story or lack of story. This piece did not do these two any favors, and the way the other guys are killing it this season, Nathan better start looking less childlike in a hurry. I think they are a cute couple, but cuteness is not required very often on this show and after last week’s disaster of a salsa, these two have a lot to prove to their fans. I thought they worked really hard this week, I am just sorry that it wasn’t for something more memorable.
BOTTOM
Hands down the worst couple of the night was Karen and Kevin. I am sure that Kevin is the weakest link left in that group of guys. The judges are crazy about Karen, although I don’t think she has the personality to inspire fans. The Foxtrot (due to the style not being a fan favorite) is going to land in the bottom as well. The third couple will either be Victor and Channing (if Tyce was too weird for the viewing audience) or Mollee and Nathan (due to bad choreography). I don’t think the judges will want to send Karen home, although that is who should go. I worry for Channing and Noelle if they are the other two in the bottom with Karen. Tune in tonight….
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Top 16
Tonight we have 8 performances and two hours. Get ready for filler. Cat is sporting a hairdo that is not flattering, but her shoes are fabulous. In the interview portion of the show, the dancers are asked to let America know one thing about them that they wouldn't know. Let's get this party started.
Karen & Kevin - Hustle (Maria Torres) - "Come to me" France Joli
Karen tells us that she and her husband filed for divorce (I am not sure why this is what she chose to share, but she did), and Kevin has traveled all over the world which has influenced his dance. I am surprised with Kevin in this number, I guess because I actually watched him for a change and he was good. Unfortunately they tried to get fancy after the music stopped and he almost dropped her on her fanny. Tragically, that is really the only thing that stuck with me. All three judges loved it.
Ashleigh & Jakob - Jazz (Mandy Moore) - "Relax" Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Ashleigh is a book nerd and Jakob is best bud's with season 5 champ Jeanine.
This was great Mandy Moore choreography, and I am impressed by how much better Ashleigh is dancing. Jakob should be on Broadway already, and I am not sure what in the world he is doing on this show, but as always he is unbelievably good. They have pretty great chemistry and this is one of those numbers that I would rewind and watch again. The judges were quick to praise Ashleigh on how much she has grown.
Pauline & Peter - Quickstep - (JT & Tomas) - "Hey Baby! (Shake Those Hula Hips)" Big Kahuna & The Copa Cat Pack
Peter works with special needs adults and Pauline eats all day long. I am not sure that bit helped her with the viewing audience, but seeing Peter teaching all those special people to dance did much to smooth out what I perceived as arrogance in his personality. This dance usually results in a kick-off. I am pretty sure it still will. The actual quick-step part looked ridiculous, but they really sold the story of an army guy fascinated with a Polynesian woman. It was really nice choreography, and I was entertained. I just don't think anybody cares enough about quickstep to let it sell them on a new couple.
Kathryn & Legacy- Broadway (Andy Blankenbuehler) - "I Wanna Be Like You" Swingin' Fireballs
Kathryn loves to do mission work, and Legacy was almost a soccer star. This story line about who was going to get control of the remote for the TV had alot of potential, but it didn't quite get there for me. The judges seemed to lay the blame at Kathryn's feet, that she was too juvenile for the story. (Hello, it is Jungle Book. They had nothing but praise for Legacy. I didn't think they danced poorly, it just wasn't to the standard that we are used to on this show. In other words, I have already forgotten about it.
Channing & Victor - Contemporary (Stacy Tookey) - "Be Be Your Love" KCRW version - Rachael Yamagata
How sad is this, even in their opening sequence I can't remember what these two wanted us to know about them. Maybe that was the start of the problem. This dance had so much beautiful choreography packed into it, and it was technically perfect. Unfortunately, these two have NO chemistry. I have to say, that although she danced gorgeously, it was Channing that fell short, because I had already witnessed great chemistry with Victor and Bianca in their contemporary piece. Channing is a mystery, because she has gorgeous lines and great quality of movement. I just don't feel her spirit when she is dancing. I was a little disappointed, because this could have been one of those pieces that moved me with different dancers. The judges loved it, but Nigel was a little let down too.
Ellenore & Ryan - Hip-Hop (Lil' C) - "Lost BoiZ Anthem" Tha J-Squad
Ryan is an extreme sports addict and Ellenore has 6 or 8 different ethnicity's. Lil'C did what he could with these two, but they could not figure out the style, and thus couldn't sell it. They will be in the bottom 3 couples for sure. I have loved these two, but after all of the hype about this being the best of the best dancers ever seen on the show, this danced proved that this might not be accurate. Pasha and Lauren sold a Shane Sparks piece that I still remember. I can't wait to forget this number.
Mollee & Nathan - Salsa (Gustavo Vargas) - "Quimbara" Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco
Mollee is deaf in one ear and Nathan loves to jet ski. These two are so young and childlike that there is not a hope of a prayer that they are going to pull off the sexiness of a salsa. Guess what, it was way worse than I even imagined. Mollee couldn't shimmy, wiggle or dance in heels. It was actually at times too embarrassing to watch. Judges thought it was their worst ever, and if I hadn't known how talented they were, I would think they were beginner dancers at a dance competition. This could land them in the bottom 3 if they didn't have such an established fan base already. The judges all agreed with me.
Noelle & Russell - Afro Jazz (Sean Cheesman) - "Frog Dance" Mickey Hart and Planet Drum
This was a great number and after the night I have had, it restored my faith in the show. It was fresh, and they completely pulled me into their story. I am so glad that Noelle had such a strong performance, because I really wasn't too sure about her. Russell was a natural with this movement, and they had great chemistry together. The judges loved it as well as the audience.
Bottom 3 couples?
Ellenore & Ryan
Pauline & Peter
Karen & Kevin
I am wildly guessing on the last couple, but I think as horrendous as Mollee and Nathan were, they will squeak through. I pick Peter and and Pauline to go.
Tune in tonight!
Karen & Kevin - Hustle (Maria Torres) - "Come to me" France Joli
Karen tells us that she and her husband filed for divorce (I am not sure why this is what she chose to share, but she did), and Kevin has traveled all over the world which has influenced his dance. I am surprised with Kevin in this number, I guess because I actually watched him for a change and he was good. Unfortunately they tried to get fancy after the music stopped and he almost dropped her on her fanny. Tragically, that is really the only thing that stuck with me. All three judges loved it.
Ashleigh & Jakob - Jazz (Mandy Moore) - "Relax" Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Ashleigh is a book nerd and Jakob is best bud's with season 5 champ Jeanine.
This was great Mandy Moore choreography, and I am impressed by how much better Ashleigh is dancing. Jakob should be on Broadway already, and I am not sure what in the world he is doing on this show, but as always he is unbelievably good. They have pretty great chemistry and this is one of those numbers that I would rewind and watch again. The judges were quick to praise Ashleigh on how much she has grown.
Pauline & Peter - Quickstep - (JT & Tomas) - "Hey Baby! (Shake Those Hula Hips)" Big Kahuna & The Copa Cat Pack
Peter works with special needs adults and Pauline eats all day long. I am not sure that bit helped her with the viewing audience, but seeing Peter teaching all those special people to dance did much to smooth out what I perceived as arrogance in his personality. This dance usually results in a kick-off. I am pretty sure it still will. The actual quick-step part looked ridiculous, but they really sold the story of an army guy fascinated with a Polynesian woman. It was really nice choreography, and I was entertained. I just don't think anybody cares enough about quickstep to let it sell them on a new couple.
Kathryn & Legacy- Broadway (Andy Blankenbuehler) - "I Wanna Be Like You" Swingin' Fireballs
Kathryn loves to do mission work, and Legacy was almost a soccer star. This story line about who was going to get control of the remote for the TV had alot of potential, but it didn't quite get there for me. The judges seemed to lay the blame at Kathryn's feet, that she was too juvenile for the story. (Hello, it is Jungle Book. They had nothing but praise for Legacy. I didn't think they danced poorly, it just wasn't to the standard that we are used to on this show. In other words, I have already forgotten about it.
Channing & Victor - Contemporary (Stacy Tookey) - "Be Be Your Love" KCRW version - Rachael Yamagata
How sad is this, even in their opening sequence I can't remember what these two wanted us to know about them. Maybe that was the start of the problem. This dance had so much beautiful choreography packed into it, and it was technically perfect. Unfortunately, these two have NO chemistry. I have to say, that although she danced gorgeously, it was Channing that fell short, because I had already witnessed great chemistry with Victor and Bianca in their contemporary piece. Channing is a mystery, because she has gorgeous lines and great quality of movement. I just don't feel her spirit when she is dancing. I was a little disappointed, because this could have been one of those pieces that moved me with different dancers. The judges loved it, but Nigel was a little let down too.
Ellenore & Ryan - Hip-Hop (Lil' C) - "Lost BoiZ Anthem" Tha J-Squad
Ryan is an extreme sports addict and Ellenore has 6 or 8 different ethnicity's. Lil'C did what he could with these two, but they could not figure out the style, and thus couldn't sell it. They will be in the bottom 3 couples for sure. I have loved these two, but after all of the hype about this being the best of the best dancers ever seen on the show, this danced proved that this might not be accurate. Pasha and Lauren sold a Shane Sparks piece that I still remember. I can't wait to forget this number.
Mollee & Nathan - Salsa (Gustavo Vargas) - "Quimbara" Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco
Mollee is deaf in one ear and Nathan loves to jet ski. These two are so young and childlike that there is not a hope of a prayer that they are going to pull off the sexiness of a salsa. Guess what, it was way worse than I even imagined. Mollee couldn't shimmy, wiggle or dance in heels. It was actually at times too embarrassing to watch. Judges thought it was their worst ever, and if I hadn't known how talented they were, I would think they were beginner dancers at a dance competition. This could land them in the bottom 3 if they didn't have such an established fan base already. The judges all agreed with me.
Noelle & Russell - Afro Jazz (Sean Cheesman) - "Frog Dance" Mickey Hart and Planet Drum
This was a great number and after the night I have had, it restored my faith in the show. It was fresh, and they completely pulled me into their story. I am so glad that Noelle had such a strong performance, because I really wasn't too sure about her. Russell was a natural with this movement, and they had great chemistry together. The judges loved it as well as the audience.
Bottom 3 couples?
Ellenore & Ryan
Pauline & Peter
Karen & Kevin
I am wildly guessing on the last couple, but I think as horrendous as Mollee and Nathan were, they will squeak through. I pick Peter and and Pauline to go.
Tune in tonight!
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