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Top 4 Power Rankings

Last night was another great night of dancing by the Top 4 and the All Stars. I have to congratulate the Top 4 for surviving last nights show, they showed great stamina to dance five times in the span of two hours. Paula Abdul was a guest judge for a second time this season and honestly I want more of her on the show. Gabby Douglas also was a guest judge, I felt like she was there simply cause she is a fan of the show. The gold medal references got old fast. Anyways, by the end of the season sometimes it’s hard to know who will exactly be America’s favorite dancer.

Each dancer, danced a solo, danced with the other top 4, and the style of their with an all star. The best dances of the night for each finalist were the dance style of their choice. The top 4 have all been great this season and they all have impressed me over the season. So here is how I would rank the top 4 based on last night’s performances.

Girls

Amy: Amy had the better night of the two girls. Her ballroom dance was better than Jasmine’s. She really does remind me of Melanie Moore, in the fact that she is a little powerhouse and she has been an early favorite for the fans and the judges. Ranking her dances of the night contemporary with Robert gets the top spot. The two Jazz numbers were about even for me, but I’m really beginning to question what planet Mark is really from. I did enjoy the Tango/Paso fusion but I just felt like it would have been dance better if it were danced with an all star.

Jasmine: Anyone else surprised to learn that it was Cat Deely that fought hard to make sure that Jasmine was a part of the top 20. So a big thank you goes to Cat for fighting so hard and hopefully she will win the Emmy this time.  Back to Jasmine, I can’t say I was surprise that she chose hip-hop for her style of choice. She and Comfort hit a homerun with that dance. The only time she seemed to struggle last night was in the Samba. I know that her skirt not wanting to come off threw her and Aaron. Other than that I’m not sure why it just didn’t seem to work for them.

Guys

Aaron: Finally we get to see another tap dance. I really think Aaron and Melinda have very similar tap style, not to mention insane technique, which is why this pairing worked so well. I didn’t expect the song choice they chose for the dance. This was my absolute favorite of the night from the telling of the story to the crisp clear sounds of their taps. Paula was right in saying that Aaron is a very generous partner, is the sense he doesn’t try to out dance them. He too struggled with the Samba but in the long run I don’t think that will affect him.

FikShun: I’m sure he isn’t alone in thinking to dance with Twitch will make your life awesome. I loved these two together. They both have fun personalities that came to life in this hip-hop. The other thing that I like about FikShun is the fact that he has risen to every challenge that’s been given to him. Sure he may still need some refining but partnering skills are there, and he proved that last night. I was a bit nervous if he could partner Jasmine, but he seemed to do it with ease.

 

So who is your favorite Guy and Girl dancer? Truthfully I would be happy no matter which girl wins. As for the guys Aaron is my pick to win, what can I say I love tap dancers.

 

 

September 4, 2013 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Top 6 Now Top 4 Thoughts

Since there was no voting last night, I figured that I would save power rankings for next week and just do a thoughts post instead. I love having Jesse Tyler Ferguson as a guest judge, too cute watching him blush over admitting he has a crush on Aaron. Each of the dancers had three dances each; a solo, paired with an all star, and paired with each other.

Solos

Amy: She is just a little powerhouse and has been an early favorite from the beginning. Her solo was probably my favorite out of the girls.

Jasmine: Still love that song choice. I like the fact that yes, her legs are her best feature but I like that she doesn’t always remind us in her solos.

Hayley: I wanted a bit more from her solo.

FikShun: The fact that he was moving about as fast as the lyrics of that song was impressive.

Paul: Ballroom solos are always a bit hard to watch. I would have like to seen him do a more serious solo.

Aaron: I love tap solos cause it’s really the only time we get to see it during the show. I would think they could pull one of the other tappers that have been on the show to dance with him…it would be nice.

All Stars

Paul & Kathryn: the thing I like about Paul is that he tends to have chemistry with everyone who he is paired with on the show. There may have been a fight concept but for me they both seemed to be on an even level.

Hayley & Joshua: Who else thought of Katy Perry when they saw the stage set up? This was a major improvement from her last hip-hop. She really did seem like she was fighting to stay in the competition

Aaron & Melanie: I so wanted to know what they were yelling at each other during this piece, which made it entertaining to watch. Granted yes he sort of dropped her but thankfully it went with the theme of the dance. Also, Melanie being as good as she is caught herself.

FikShun & Witney: A ballroom dancer he is not but he sure did try. I agree with Mary that his close hold position was nice and probably with a little more time he could really do the fox trot justice.

Jasmine & Neil: I knew this was going to be good just from the rehearsal footage. Tyce created a beautiful number for these two. This was my favorite of the all-star pairings.

Amy & Alex: So happy Alex was able to do Bollywood and not hurt himself. Amy’s personality just suits Bollywood. It takes a lot of energy to tackle those dances.

Paired together

Hayley & Paul: I loved this version of the song and love watching these two dance together. Sad to see them both go but I had a feeling that they would be the ones that left.

Amy & FikShun: Happy that Dave Scott didn’t make this a cutesy hip-hop. They really do bring out the best in each other.

Jasmine & Aaron: This was my favorite out of the last three dances. I loved the concept of this dance and I did notice that Aaron took the judges note from earlier in the night and corrected it for this dance. Jasmine must be double jointed, how else would her legs be able to move like they do.

So our top 4 are Jasmine, Amy, Aaron, and FikShun. Who will you be pulling for next week? I’ll be pulling for Aaron mainly, as for the girl I’ll be happy with who ever wins out of the two of them.

August 28, 2013 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Top 10 Power Rankings

Bollywood is always a fun way to start off a show. Of course I noticed we were missing a guy, took me a minute to figure out that Tucker was missing. Cat revealed that due to an infection in his knee that he will not be performing his duet. Also, that he will be in the bottom two automatically. This week Alan, Tucker, Nico, Jenna, Malece, and Amy were in the bottom six. I didn’t think that they would have saved Jenna, but they must see something in her that I’m missing by not being at a live show. Anyways, I pretty much knew who they were going to save and who was going home. Malece and Alan were the unlucky two that were cut tonight, and I hope Nigel will make sure they will be on the tour. I will include their dance in my rankings.

Top 3: These three received standing ovations from the judges.

Makensie & Paul: Mandy created another memorable piece, just without the insane lift (ex. Melanie & Neil Total Eclipse of the Heart). However it wasn’t really needed. They have a great chemistry with each other and you can almost feel the emotion through the TV. Just an overall a beautiful dance to a Lady GaGa song (I like to think GaGa might have thrown a shoe up on the stage).

Jasmine & Aaron: This was a classic gritty NappyTabs hip hop. I really don’t know what else to say other that Jasmine did nail the routine and so did Aaron. Plus I’m just happy for the possibility of Aaron being able to do a tap number now that the all-stars are available.

Hayley & Nico: I have to agree this was one of the best Broadway numbers we have seen in a while. They both did what Sean wanted them too and threw themselves into the characters of the dance. This for me was the best both have done all season. That one lift with the leg was just wow.

Middle Two

Jenna & Alex/Tucker: I love Alex filling in for Tucker, didn’t realize he didn’t get to do ballroom his season. Loved the pirate theme, and Jenna in her element and truthfully I understood why they saved her last night.

Amy & FikShun: The beauty of this dance for me I just don’t notice if the technique is there and I really don’t care either. It seemed that the judges felt the same way. FikShun grew in this dance and I was so proud of him, he did a great job. Amy was great too.

Bottom Cut Dancers

Malece & Alan: I’m not sure if these two were old enough to truly get the vision that Mandy wanted. It’s a dance I would have loved to seen Aaron and Jasmine do.

Group dances: I love both the guys and girls. I think I like the guys hip hop a little  bit more.

Bottom 4: Tucker, FikShun, Jenna, and Amy going solely on how I ranked the dances but Tucker is the only one I know for sure. Now bring on the All Stars.

August 7, 2013 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

Top 20 Power Rankings

I really want to start off by saying how amazing that opening routine was last night. I loved seeing the dancers, choreographers, and judges tell us a story through dance. Nappy Tabs quite possibly created one of my favorite dances of the season…well I’m sure one of many. 

Now on to the tough part, keep in mind this is subjective and just my thoughts on the night. I always find it hard to rank the not so good dances especially when I feel like there really weren’t any total train wrecks. So glad I don’t have the judges job this week cause I really have no idea who will be in trouble next week. 

Top 3 

Amy & Fik-Shun

This was the dance of the night. Sonya created another beautiful contemporary dance. I knew Amy wouldn’t have any trouble with this dance but I was worried about Fik-Shun. Needless to say I think he probably made us all think twice about him. I can’t wait to see what is in store for them next week. 

Jasmine H & Aaron

Another power couple according to the judges, and well I agree. Sonya can be hit or miss for me and truthfully I am on the fence about the dance itself but Jasmine and Aaron made the dance great for me. I don’t see them going anywhere soon. 

Brittany & BluPrint

This was another pleasant surprise for me tonight. Just judging from the rehearsal footage I was a bit worried that this could’ve been a train wreck. Thankfully it was not, I thought both of them pulled this off well and was the only dance to technically to make the Hot Tamale Train. BluPrint does pick up the choreography well but I still feel like he could still tap into the emotion side of the dances. Over all I’m looking forward to seeing these two grow. Total side note Cat and Wayne had me laughing and I was impressed to hear Wayne mention a Season one dancer. 

The Rest (I just couldn’t bring myself to make a bottom 2 or 3 list.) 

Malece & Jade

This was the first dance of the night that really made sit up and get excited about the show. To hear the judges say that the actual performance turned out much better that the dress run, really makes me want to see the dress run just to see the difference. I’m happy to see Jade prove himself as a partner and being there for Malece. He still needs some refining as Wayne mentioned but I don’t think he has to worry about going home first. 

Makensie & Paul

I love the Viennese waltz it’s always just mesmerizing to me. I was surprised to here that Paul is strictly a Latin ballroom dancer but he and Makensie pulled it off and made it look effortless.   

Jasmine M. & Alan

When Travis pulled out the blindfolds, I’ll admit I thought he was a little bit nuts with it being the first week of the partners. Of course he proved me wrong, and it seemed to strengthen them as partners. While the dance was absolutely beautiful it was lacking something for me and I’m not quite sure what was missing. I feel that Jasmine is the stronger of the two in this dance. 

Hayley & Curtis, Alexis & Nico

Both of these couples had a Chris Scott hip hop dance. I equally loved both of them but the judges seemed to like Hayley and Curtis a little bit better. The only thing that I can think of that Alexis and Nico could work on is the attitude of the dance. Overall I truly enjoyed both dances. 

Jenna & Tucker

Oh boy I do love these two paired together but the routine just didn’t work for me. I thought Tucker stood out more for me than Jenna. This is one of those times I really want to love the dance but I just can’t. 

Mariah & Carlos

This is when being the first ones to perform did not help them. While the both performed the Jive well…the just seem not quite up to what the dance required. I love these two and hated that it seemed they were given more than what they could handle. It was the technique that was lacking and honestly Wayne summed up what I thought about this Jive. 

Okay so what Girls and Guys might be in trouble next week…I really have no clue but here is what I’m thinking. I’m just going with my gut on this part.

Girls: Jenna, Mariah, and Alexis

Boys: Carlos, Alan, and Nico

So who do you think will be the first to leave the competition.

June 26, 2013 I Written By

Dance is one of my biggest passions. I grew up dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio (the same studio that Kathryn McCormick). I have a BFA in theatre/dance from Valdosta State University. Tap is my favorite style of dance.

SYTYCD Top Twenty perform for the First Time

SYTYCD Top Twenty
I am so excited for this season. I’m not sure who’s going to win but I’m rooting for Malece and Jade. The opening dance was so amazing! I loved the look at behind the scenes as well as the choreographer’s cameos. The hallway scene was my favorite. Side note: NAPPYTABS BABY! And I’m excited to see Wayne be a judge again. I’ll be touching base on what I think are the best and worst routines of the night.

Travis Wall “Love is Blind”
I love Jasmine M so very much. Her hair is amazing. Travis is very clever. This could have been really bad. I’m very impressed with how well they danced together without seeing. Do you really think they couldn’t see though? That’s a huge risk to have blind dancers. Their partnering was so beautiful. Her legs are just so beautiful. They really had the emotion of being in love. I really loved it.

Travis Wall “Silver screen”
Malece and Jade is a stellar combination. I love how elegant and smooth she can be and still so powerful against Jade. Travis did such a good job blending both their styles together. Such a great, great piece.

Sean Cheeseman Afro jazz
Animator + Ballroom + Afro jazz? Say what? I was really scared about this one to be honest. It had me mesmerized. I like that there was some isolations thrown in there for BluPrint. It was so powerful and joyful at the same time.

Sonya Tayeh “Bottom of the River”
I love Sonya. She’s my favorite choreographer of all time. Jasmine H and Aaron are power houses alone. Together they are beastly. I almost feel bad for the other couples. She is all leg and he is all muscle. Her turns seemed a bit off to me. The whole piece was very Sonya and I loved all of it.

Final Thoughts
I think the hip hop groups are in trouble as well as the jive. Jasmine H and Aaron and Malece and Jade are the couples to beat. It started as a very good season and I am excited to see how it progresses. I will not be happy when any of them leave.

June 25, 2013 I Written By

Rachel considers herself a dancer in that she loves to dance and has fun doing it. She works part time for RAW Hollywood Artist of the year Ricky Rebel as his street team leader and loves watching him dance on stage. She has brushed arms with Alexander Fost from season 8 and other famous people.

In Living Color Fly Girls Auditions – Allison Holker, Comfort Fedoke & NappyTabs

In Living Color is coming back! FOX is rebooting the iconic 1990s sketch series, complete with Fly Girls! Check out what potential superstars are at the Los Angeles auditions for the Fly Girls 2.0. including SYTYCD veterans Allison Holker and Comfort Fedoke. Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo a.k.a. Nappytabs are choreographing, and Keenen Ivory Wayans is the executive producer. Video Below 🙂

February 17, 2012 I Written By

www.youtube.com/danceon

So You Think You Can Dance Season 9 Auditions

So You Think You Can Dance is searching for dancers to compete on Season 9! SYTYCD S3 contestant Lauren Gottlieb tells you about her auditions experience, and where you can audition. Also, SYTYCD choreographers Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo share their exciting news with Lauren! Video Below 🙂

January 5, 2012 I Written By

www.youtube.com/danceon

SYTYCD Season 8 Finale Part 2 Music

So excited for tonight! I’m going to have to work double hard cause I’ll just want to soak it all in instead of taking notes. 🙂

Sonya Tayeh Top 20/Top 4 (+All-Stars??) Group Routine: District 78’s “Wanna Get Hype” – Wanna Get Hype - Radios At Reception

Mary picked Tyce’s Sasha/Kent routine: Me’Shell Ndegéocello’s “Fool of Me” – Fool of Me - Bitter

Nigel picked Nappytabs’s Melanie/Marko routine: Leona Lewis’s “I Got You” – I Got You - Echo (Deluxe Version)

Robin picked Mandy Moore’s Tadd/LoFro routine: Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” –Another One Bites the Dust - Queen: Greatest Hits

Lil C picked Nappytabs’s Miranda/Robert routine: Busta Rhymes’s “Break Ya Neck” – Break Ya Neck - Genesis

Cat picked Tyce’s Top 8 Group Routine: James Newton Howard’s “The Circus Sets Up” The Circus Sets Up - Water for Elephants (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – from the Water for Elephants soundtrack.

SYTYCD UK champ Matt Flint, Nick Young and Jess LeProtto tap to: Michael Buble’s “Can’t Buy Me Love” – Can't Buy Me Love - It's Time

Mary picked Mandy Moore’s Melanie/Neil routine: Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” – Total Eclipse of the Heart - Faster Than the Speed of Night

Jesse picked Sonya’s Marko/Allison routine: Jeff Buckley’s “I Know It’s Over” – I Know It's Over - So Real: Songs from Jeff Buckley

Tyce picked Sonya’s Top 10 Girls routine: Chonique Sneed ft. Lisette Bustamante’s “Pop, Drop and Roll” – Pop Drop & Roll (feat. Lisette Bustamante) - Pop Drop & Roll (feat. Lisette Bustamante) - Single

Lil C picked Spencer Liff’s Ashley/Chris routine: Rachel Sweet’s “Please, Mister Jailer” – Please, Mr. Jailer - Cry-Baby (Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) from the “Crybaby” soundtrack (THANK YOU BETH!)

Nigel picked Christopher Scott’s Sasha/Twitch routine: Dorothy Moore’s “Misty Blue” – Misty Blue - Misty Blue

Sonya picked Christopher Scott’s Top 10 Guys routine: Nathan Lanier’s “Velocity” – Velocity - Velocity - Single

Jesse picked Miriam and Leonardo’s Caitlynn/Pasha Argentine tango: Orquesta Color Tango’s “Malajunta” – Malajunta - Con Estilo Para Bailar

Mary picked Travis’s Melanie/Marko routine: Ingrid Michaelson’s “Turn to Stone” – Turn to Stone - Turn to Stone - Single

Nigel picked Sonya’s Melanie/Sasha routine: District 78’s “Game On” – Game On - Game On - Single

August 11, 2011 I Written By

Emilie’s Top Partner Routines from Season 8

This one was really, really hard, which just goes to show you how many great routines there have been this season. I know we feel like the choreography has been lacklaster and maybe the dancing too. Maybe it’s felt over-produced. But we’ve said that before. Usually, after the season’s over and we see the tour, re-watch videos, we remember all the great highlights of the season. SO, I’m going to share some of my favorites now.

I can’t even really put these in order because they’re all amazing in different ways. I’ll list the ones with All-Stars first, how about that?

1. Christopher Scott’s “Misty Blue” with Sasha and All-Star Twitch (Top 10)

2. Mandy Moore’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” with Melanie and All-Star Neil (Top 8)

3. Miriam and Leonardo’s “Malajunta” with Caitlynn and All-Star Pasha (Top 10)

4. Tyce Diorio’s “Fool of Me” with Sasha and All-Star Kent (Top 6)

5. Stacey Tookey’s “Hearts Ask Pleasure First” with Melanie and Sasha (Top 4, last night)

6. Nappytabs’s “Memories” with Jordan and Tadd (Top 16)

7. Stacey Tookey’s “Turning Tables” with Caitlynn and Mitchell (Top 20 2nd round)

8. Dee Caspary’s “Belong” with Sasha and Alexander (Top 16)

9. Travis Wall’s “Turn to Stone” with Melanie and Marko (Top 20)

10. Spencer Liff’s “Please Mr. Jailer” with Ashley and Chris (Top 20 2nd round)

And because I absolutely CAN’T resist giving you lagniappe (and I can’t keep it to only 10):

11. Sonya Tayeh’s “Heavy in Your Arms” with Caitlynn and Marko (Top 6)

12. Spencer Liff’s “(Where Do I Begin) Love Story” with Melanie and Tadd (Top 6)

Can you tell that I think the Top 6 night was pretty much the best performance night of the season, after the Meet the Top 20 episode? 🙂

Well, what do you think? I *KNOW* there are some routines you’re going to be mad I didn’t include. What are they?

I Written By