The soloist tonight on SYTYCD were:
Jonathan, Karla, Asuka, Vitolio, Paris and Tony. I think Paris and Tony are in the greatest danger of leaving.
I think this was completely correct based on last night's performances. The 6 dancers will now dance a 30 second solo, but the judges have likely made up their minds.
Karla had an extremely strong solo and was the first sent back safe for next week.
Asuka is safe as the judges love her.
Paris, though giving a strong solo tonight (Nigel said it was weak), did not do enough to stay. She was the first elimination of SYTYCD Season 5.
Nigel took all of the male dancers to task for having weak solos tonight.
Vitollio was first told he was safe.
Jonathan was finally told he was safe.
Tony is the second dancer to leave SYTYCD Season 5.
Going home tonight are:
Paris and Tony
It's finally time for the top 20 to dance live on Season 5 of SYTYCD. As Kat Deeley named them off, the talent is so clear already, I never know how the judges whittle it down.
Ashley
Ade
Asuka
Brandon
Caitlyn
Evan
Janette
Jason
Jeanine
Jonathan
Karla
Kupono
Kayla
Max
Melissa
Phillip
Paris
Tony
Randi
Vitolio
Paired up first was:
(01) Jeanine and Phillip (dancing to "Mad" Ne-Yo)
Hip Hop routine choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon
It was a very cute bubblegum hip hop routine, focusing on Phillip's ability to just be amazing. Jeanine started popping very well, it got weaker throughout the performance, but Phillip popped that much harder.
Adam Shankman: "...that was just amazing..."
Mary Murphy: "...I was a little worried about your chemistry, but you gave us a chemistry lesson..."
Nigel Lythgoe: "... Phillip you have a following... Jeanine I think you held your own..."
(02) Osuka and Vitolio (dancing to "Hot Honey Rag" from Chicago)
choreographed by Tyce Diorio
A theatrical jazz routine showing off Vitolio's leaping skills, very impressive. Osuka, not as much for me.
Adam Shankman: "...it felt a little more artificial.... what was apparent is that you are both incredible dancers...."
Mary Murphy: "...I am left a little disappointed... you both played it safe..."
Nigel Lythgoe: "... choreography can only do so much, but you've got to bring yourself to the party...and you didn't tonight..."
(03) Karla and Jonathan (dancing to "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga)
Cha Cha choreographed by Tony Merridan
Well, Jonathan is just plain ...HOT. The dance was very hot too.
Adam Shankman: "... I thought that was really good... you just (beeped) me up..."
Mary Murphy: SCREEM "... I love my Cha Cha rough....if it's not rough it's not fun..."
Nigel Lythgoe: "...you too just exploded onto the stage...it was exciting..."
(04) Randi and Evan (dancing to "I Only Have Eyes for You" by Jamie Cullem)
Jazz choreographed by Tyce Diorio
It was a pretty dance under blue lights. I would not have guessed it as jazz, more like contemporary. Fine with me. It was not fantastic, but still good.
Adam Shankman: "... you're slightly vertically challenged as a couple...you danced like you were 8ft tall... Evan no one saw you coming..."
Mary Murphy: "...the stars have just come out tonight... that was just smoldering..." SCREAMS
Nigel Lythgoe: "... you were absolutely fantastic tonight... this is one of Tyce's best routines, but it was your control of it..."
(05) Paris and Tony (dancing to "Boyz Noize" by )
Hip Hop choreographed by Tabitha & Napoleon
Well it was supposed to be stank hip hop, but they can't quite pull it off. Not even close. The pops were not good at all.
Adam Shankman: "... I thought it was really good..."
Mary Murphy: "... I expected you to just be in it... I think you're in trouble right now..."
Nigel Lythgoe: "... I don't think it was memorable... the two of you were doing steps...it's not real..."
(06) Caitlyn and Jason (dancing to "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire)
Bollywood choreographed by Nicul.....sorry
This is the fastest dance the contestants will do. The two got out of sync more than once. Caitlyn was better with Jason looking to her a few times. But Jason hand signals were better.
Adam Shankman: "...you made it look simple... great great job..."
Mary Murphy: "...I'm glad that Bollywood came to Hollywood... "
Nigel Lythgoe: "... you brought it tonight... that was beautiful to see..."
(07) Janette and Brandon (dancing to "Come Fly With Me" by Michael Buble)
Fox Trot choreographed by Louie Van Amstel
The couple looked gorgeous dancing together. Once they settled in, it was a great dance. I was impressed with Brandon's 'coolness'. The spin at the end...amazing.
Adam Shankman: "... it was lovely... it really was beautiful..."
Mary Murphy: "...I can't give it (an eyebrow) anymore because of botox... Janette you were Ginger Rodgers up there..."
Nigel Lythgoe: "... good luck to the both of you, I thought it was a wonderful routine..."
(08) Ashley and Kupono (dancing to "
Jazz choreographed by Wade Robson
As two crash-test dummies. This was one of the weirdest routines ever. In full white makeup, it was just weird. But mesmerizing. So much so that I missed the song title and artist....
Adam Shankman: "... your technique was exquisite...Wade, you are one sick puppy..."
Mary Murphy: "... I bought it 100%... Ashley... I couldn't get my eyes off of you..."
Nigel Lythgoe: "... we're talking about a genius here in Wade Robson... I was in a completely different world..."
(09) Melissa and Ade (dancing to "Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx)
Contemporary choreographed by Many Moore
I'm not too impressed with Mandy Moore's work yet. This was a beautiful dance, showing off Melissa's extensive training in ballet. Ade got to show off his power lifting as well. The timing of the low leaps was impeccable.
Adam Shankman: "...what we get to see every once in a while is special [chokes up]..."
Mary Murphy: "... [SCREAM] I feel like I've just been put through it... you can't deny training..."
Nigel Lythgoe: "... what a fantastic top 20 we have this season... this was a beautiful routine..."
(10) Kayla and Max (dancing to "Jumbah Day" by House of Gypsies)
Samba choreographed by Louie Van Amstel
This was a hot little number with Kayla dressed in hot pink. She actually did better than Max.
Adam Shankman: "...that was so good!... Max, you must be the luckiest man alive... only God could have created this girl in front of me..."
Mary Murphy: "... I can hear it [Nigel put on his headphones]... you are on the Hot Tamale Train..."
Nigel Lythgoe: "...that was truly sensational routine... you have topped an absolutely brilliant night..."
SYTYCD Announces the Top 20 Who Are the Top 10 Guys and Girls to Vote On? FOX 8/7c Thursday 6/05/08
Tonight’s showdown was full of surprises right from the start. The dancers who were invited to Las Vegas were in for the toughest week of their dancing lives. Over three hundred kids started the Las Vegas auditions to compete for twenty spots by completing five rounds of choreography. Talk about grueling.
The choreography was broken into categories, and dancers were cut after each session. First Hip Hop, then the Fox Trot, followed by a 5 person group performance (choreographed by the group), a Mia Michaels Contemporary routine, and for the few that were left, a solo in their own style. I was tired just typing all of that!
The shockers started right off with Popper Robert Murraine of YouTube.com fame pulling out of the competition before it really started. I did not expect Robert to make it to the Top 20, most Hip Hop and Poppers don’t, but I did expect him to try. Nigel Lythgoe called Robert to the stage when he heard the buzz about him wanting to quit and asked if he would like to solo for the judges. Mr. Murraine gladly obliged and wowed us again, Mia Michaels told him, “You’ve been given a gift, don’t ---- on it!” Robert chose to leave the tryouts, not wanting to hold a partner back.
Several Hip Hop and Poppers did make the final cut, including two of my favorites Joshua Allen and his friend from Dallas, TX, Comfort. Both were worried beyond words prior to the Fox Trot choreography, they should not have been. Graceful to the core, they looked like they were born to ballroom dance.
Stephen “Twitch” Boss was a favorite to go straight through to the television Top 20 from the start. On Season 3 of SYTYCD, Twitch made it to the final two guys before losing to Hawk (so he came in 21st ). He took the year and got some professional training, boy did it pay off, he did go straight to the Top 20.
Debbie Allen sat in on tonight’s SYTYCD judging, but will not be asked to continue. What? Debbie Allen got cut? Well, sort of. Her protégé, William Wingfield a hugely talented Contemporary dancer, was accepted into the Top 20. Nigel Lythgoe explained that to assuage any thoughts by the public about Ms. Allen being involved and knowing a contestant personally, she would step aside and let him dance. “Now you are representing Tennessee and Debbie Allen”, Nigel told William.
In the same sort of position was Kelli Baker. Her mother is famed choreographer Bonnie Story, of High School Musical. Kelli was in the movie in a supporting role. I and many of the remaining contestants voiced that though Kelli was every bit strong enough on her own dancing merits, her mother’s fame may have been her downfall. Kelli Baker was not chosen for the Top 20 with really no explanation from the judges. She will still be a professional dancer, obviously.
Brandon Bryant was the other big shocker of the evening for me. I still can not believe they picked Hip Hop dancer Gev over Brandon’s Contemporary brilliance. Brandon took the news like a man, stating he would definitely be back next year. I guess thinking about it may have been his build that was his downfall. While absolutely gorgeous and all muscle, sometimes the bulk is hard for a partner to cope with. I can’t wait to see what Brandon Bryant brings to the SYTYCD stage next year.
The So You Think You Can Dance judges are: Nigel Lythgoe Mary Murphy
Choreographers: Mia Michaels Dan Karaty Tabitha & Napoleon Jean Marc Genereaux Tyce Diorio Mandy Moore
And the So You Think You Can Dance - Season 4 Top 20 are: Gev M. Kourtni L. Joshua A. Raven A. Matt D. Courntey G. William W. Katee S. Twitch B. Kherington P. Jamie B. Chelsie H. Chris J. Jessica K. Mark H. Susie G. Marquis C. Chelsea T. Thayne J. Comfort F.
So You Think You Can Dance Goes To Madison and Milwaukee FOX Wednesday 8/7c 6/04/08
It's the last night of on the road auditions for this season's SYTYCD. Tomorrow we are off to Las Vegas where the fun really starts! Not that the auditions for this FOX hit by the creators of American Idol aren't fun. As I've said before, at least bad dancing doesn't give you a headache (though Mary Murphy's laugh might!).
Tonight's auditions left me expecting another great season from the So You Think You Can Dance team. The good dancers were sic, stupid, funky; the bad dancers were still better than me! Even the end dancer, or encore performance, of a mystery guest audition. A tall figure in full rain gear including umbrella, entered stage left. The judges were abuzz... I wasn't sure who it was at first, a return of Jason Looney? No the dance was far too advanced, even if it was forced to be bad. At the end of the performance, Nigel Lythgoe commented, "I know who you are... you're not Ryan Seacrest are you?" Disgusted, the dancer stormed off stage right and Nigel announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, your choreographer, Travis Wall!"
In the middle we got to watch some auditions that got crowded out in their respective cities. Included in these were Michael Kim, a dancer that made it to Las Vegas in Season 2 of SYTYCD. He could not take the choreography last year, and told Mary Murphy, "you killed me with the Salsa, I couldn't do it!" Mary Murphy shot back, "that's because I was showing you the Samba!" This guy can definitely dance, and got his ticket to Vegas. I hope he took some lessons.
More missing LA auditions were: Katee Shean and Natalie Reid
Stay tuned for video!
Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin brought SYTYCD some more great talent. I'll give you all of the videos as they become available.
Michael Kim got his ticket to Vegas. Kim was invited to Las Vegas for Season 3 SYTYCD, but Mary Murphy kicked his ass teaching the Salsa. Turns out Mary was trying to teach Michael the Samba.
Stay tuned for video!
Janette Manara and Ramulo Villaverde did an excellent couples Salsa audition, but were separated when Janette was give a ticket to Vegas and nothing for Ramulo.
Stay tuned for video!
Bianca Revels is a tap dancer... I hate tap. Unless it is done very, very well. I was surprised twice tonight. First by Bianca, then by Liz Plott, another tapper from last year. Last year Liz did not tap, she chose hip hop and did well. This year she did better! Both ladies got tickets to continue in the competition.
Stay tuned for video!
Evan Kasprzak had a great jazz audition:
Stay tuned for video!
Other great auditions were:
Kourtni Lunde - Nigel Lythgoe compared her to Uma Thurman and said, "Quinton Tarantino is watching this somewhere and saying,'Kill Bill- The Musical'"
Stay tuned for video!
Suzie Garcia is a High School teacher, ... really?
Stay tuned for video!
Rebecca Hart was turned down 2 weeks ago when she auditioned for SYTYCD in LA. She showed tons of potential for learning and improvement in those 2 weeks, very impressive.
Stay tuned for video!
Cooper Zamarano is an incredible contemporary dancer that really reminded me of someone. The judges named it, Travis Wall.
Stay tuned for video!
Philip Courter has some sic Hip Hop moves, and a few heartfelt words.
Phil "Destroy" Courter to Armin Van Buuren's FIND
Yesenia Gomez, I will let Yesenia speak for herself as soon as the video becomes available.
Stay tuned for video!
Raymond Love did not make it to Vegas, but he is a talented choreographer.
Stay tuned for video!
So tomorrow SYTYCD will name the Top 20, I can't wait!
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of SYTYCD Week 2 Auditions Charleston and Washington D.C. FOX Thursday 8/7c 5/29
Tonight the crew from So You Think You Can Dance took the auditions to Charleston and Washington D.C. Gaining another talented group of under 30 year old dancers (age seems to be a theme this year).
The good ones were, as always, phenomenal. The bad were, as usual, appalling. The ugly speak for themselves.
Most notable SYTYCD Charleston audition, or actually auditions, would have to be twin brothers Anthony and Antwain Hart. Antwain came out first and did a freestyle club type disco solo that failed to impress anyone. I could tell he was a good dancer and so the judges stated, but he looked thoroughly amatuer. His identical twin brother Anthony stepped out on the SYTYCD audition stage next and performed a well rehearsed hip hop routine that showed all of his strengths.
The judges were amazed at the difference in the Hart brothers, and Anthony explained that Antwain had not shown his best performance ability. NigelLythgoe called Antwain back to the SYTYCD stage and had them do a number together. They were great!
Other SYTYCD contenders for the Las Vegas ticket included:
Sheila Kaiser, 18, from Atlanta, Georgia.
Jeremiah Hughes, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Excellent!
B.J. Harris is a student from the Performing Arts School in New York. The school principal held a fund raiser to get the money to send B.J. Harris to the SYTYCD auditions in Charleston. B.J. Harris should come back next year for the SYTYCD auditions because he was good, he just couldn't get the choreography.
Courtney Galiano from New York had an incredible lyrical/modern audition. She traveled to Charleston with two of the coolest, loving grandparents that I've ever seen. Courtney earned a ticket to Las Vegas without waiting for choreography.
Claire Calloway returned this year after a making it to Las Vegas in season 2 of SYTYCD, then injuring her ankle/foot. She spent time with her new baby during season 3, the judges had told her they would put her right through if she auditioned. So now she had to really prove herself. She did not, at first. Nigel Lythgoe did finally give Claire Calloway a ticket to Vegas this season, but it was almost begrudgingly.
Now for the bad auditions, skip down or avert your eyes if you can't take it!
I'll start with Abigail Furman, while not a good dancer, what a great sport. Abigail was sadly one of those that did not know she sucked. Until confronted by the judges, then reality hit. When Abigail referred to herself as a loser, Nigel Lythgoe responded, " You're not a loser, you're just a shitty dancer!...but you are a great sport."
Stay tuned for video!
Erin Mansour & John Tabarian
Stay tuned for video!
Syddah King
Shamika Robinson
Stay tuned for video!
Jason Looney (the name says it all!)
And then it was on to the capital city, Washington D.C., where the SYTYCD auditions seemed endlessly filled with bad to marginal auditions. Then, finally, came the standouts.
The most notable of the D.C. auditions is definitely Brandon Bryant. The now 18 year old dancer first auditioned for the show in season 1, the problem was Brandon was only 15 (clearly for this competition you must be 18). Brandon's mother pointed out that he was under age, and made him apologize and back out. Look at him now!
Megan Campbell, on her first audition ever, did a phenomenal comtemporary routine that wowed the judges into a trip to Vegas. Megan told Nigel Lythgoe that her aunt was with her and lined up the audition, he went and gave the aunt a hug and kiss!
Marcus Shield was dancing in memory of his mother. He lost her close to Christmas and it obviously upsets him to this day. That wound heals so slowly. Marcus auditioned an excellent hip hop routine, but looked angry during the performance. Nigel Lythgoe picked up on the emotions and was not convinced about Marcus, so he sent him to choreography. Thankfully, Marcus Shield pulled it together and got his ticket to Las Vegas.
Showing off their D.C. Swing talents were Marcus Smith and Deonna Ball.
Anthony Bryant is a talented young man with a great big chip on his shoulder. You can sense it in every step he takes, he dares you to judge him. There is no passion for the music, it's sad.
And then there was Derek "Dancing D" Bradley. Let's just say... well watch.
Stay tuned for video!
See you next week for another round of on the road auditions for Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance.
So You Think You Can Dance Goes To Salt Lake City & Dallas FOX 8/7c Wednesday 5/28/08
Week 2 of So You Think You Can Dance? brought us to Salt Lake City, Utah for more auditions. At least on this show the bad ones don't give you a headache, though Mary Murphy's laugh may cause ear hemorrhages.
I love the way this show tears into the bad auditions, I mean the ones who just don't get it. Mary Murphy jumped all over a couple of the SYTYCD groupies tonight. Including one that just looked blankly back at the judges, and another that had to be told to leave the building.
Nigel Lythgoe and the crew of SYTYCD picked up 32 more contestants on the road to Las Vegas.
Here are some of the best of Salt Lake City, Utah:
Chelsie Hightower led the show off in fine fashion
Thayne Jasper
Ryann Race
Kelli Baker, her mother (Bonni Story) choreographed High School Musical (and Kelli had a part in the show), had a lot to live up to. I was not nearly as impressed as the judges were by this performance. She was really good, but she reminded me of Lacey Schwimmer (and Lacey was better). You be the judge.
Lindsay Judkins was good if she controls her facial expressions.
Next it was off to Dallas, Texas. The SYTYCD auditions did not start off well at all. Brian Davidson was up first and ... well, let's just say he is in denial, period.
Stay tuned for video!
There was a pageant girl, Page Jones, who danced like a pageant girl. Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy really told her that the dancers on this show feel the dance. I won't bother you with the videos of the bad ones any further, unless there is a blow out.
Here is Page Jones
Other notables auditioning in Dallas and going to Las Vegas include:
Arielle Coker
Joshua Allen
Kortney Pearson & Michelle Stringham
Matt Dorame
So that was it for tonight! Watch So You Think You Can Dance tomorrow night for another night of auditions. Man, I can't wait for these to be over and the competition to start!
I just had to put up some more videos of So You Think You Can Dance. This is such a great show, truly full of talent. No need for weeks of bad auditions, in fact there is not enough time. I am planning on showcasing all of the great undiscovered dance talent that I can find on the web, let me know if there is a talented dancer missing... I'm sure there are thousands!
Hop Hop and Pop and Lock Dance Videos
I don't even remember if I had this on the first post, but it's definitely worth another look! This is contortion, hip hop, popping all take to the next level. Insane moves, wanna learn to to pop? Watch this guy!
Week 1- Robert Muraine The Great- So You Think You Can Dance
Once you witness the RobotMan, you will always remember him!
This one is from last year's auditions, Philip Chbeeb, but I liked it better than this years audition. Then again, how can you not love anything about Philip's dancing. Check it out:
Lyrical and Modern Dance Videos
This is a beautiful recital dance from 19 year old Rebecca Anne Hart in Lyrical dance.
Because of You- Rebecca Anne Hart
William Wingfeild will be at the Las Vegas auditions moving on last week in the first round. Here is his lyrical dance audition for SYTYCD.
So you think you can dance William Wingfield Age 21
Jazz and Swing Dancing Videos
This is undeniably the best swing dance routine of all time. I have no idea who the dancers or choreographers are. Dancers today would probably not do these routines today.
Hellzapoppin! Best Swing Dance Routine of All Time!
