Wednesday was the first night of So You Think You Can Dance where we actually get to vote for the contestants. I’m excited to see the incredible dancing and be wildly entertained. I have great concern about the new pair-ups with the All-Stars that I discussed in my previous post. I’m afraid this new format doesn’t allow a firm partnership and chemistry to create between the two performers (the contestant and All-Star) as well as within the group. However, I have little doubt that the great performers will overcome this hurdle and put on a fantastic show.
Billy partnered with Lauren on a Tyce DiOrio Broadway routine from the Footloose soundtrack. I like that Billy had to man-up a bit. He’s a little squishy when he talks, which may be a product of age. He even grew facial hair, which was really cute. I thought he did a great job for the first performance of the competition. He’ll be in the show for a long time and I look forward to see how he develops.
Salsa dancer Cristina was paired with one of my favorites, Mark, on a Sonya Tayeh routine. I loved Cristina’s wicked costume and Sonya always chooses the most unusual and interesting music, of which I’m fan. Cristina did a great job holding her own in the quirky-odd ball of choreography. I was surprised that she did so well. I agree with Alan that you couldn’t see evidence of her salsa dancer background.
Breakdancer Jose was teamed up with Comfort on a NappyTabs hip hop routine. I didn’t love the choreography and it’s no surprise that Jose would do well in his own genre. We’ve seen in prior shows that he is incredibly diverse, but that’s what I want to see him do, things outside of his comfort zone (pun intended). Hopefully, he’ll stick around long enough to rise to the upcoming challenges.
AdeChike was paired with Kathryn (so awesome) in a Travis Wall office fantasy routine performed to a revamped Robert Palmer classic Addicted to Love. Technically beautiful, but wasn’t as hot as I would hope it would be with such a great partner. Nigel called him out on his performance to inhibit the character a bit more. Mia Michaels thought they lacked sexual chemistry. It could have been so much more.
The tap dancer Melinda was paired with Pasha on a jive routine from Melanie & Tony. Lucky girl. I thought jive would be a great dance for her since it’s the closest to her training as a tap dancer and the quick footwork. However, she lacked precision and placement of her hands and feet. Nigel and Mia thought that she might be at risk for going home this week and I agree. I’m not sure what it is about tap dancers on this show, but they don’t move so well outside of their genres. They have the hardest time and I don’t suspect that she’ll last outside of this week.
Alex was joined with Alison in a Sonay Tayeh contemporary routine to Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah. Wow. Show stopper. Alex is grace, strength and precision. I’m guessing that he may be the one to beat this season. The judges were stunned – Nigel was speechless and Mia & Alex gave him a standing ovation. Mia said that this was the best piece danced on this show ever. That’s a huge compliment from the woman that’s earned 3 Emmys on this show.
Alexie danced with Twitch on a NappyTabs hip hop routine about sneaky love. It was cute and smooth. I’m not sure Alexie is strong enough to get outside of herself during this competition. I think that she’s going to get in her own way and will be gone in a few short weeks.
Lauren is absolutely my favorite girl on this show so far. She danced pop jazz with Ade in a Mandy Moore number to the 80s classic Oh Yeah from Yello. What she can do with her legs is incredible. I think she probably smiled too much during the performance, but it was good. Mia had the best feedback, “technically and athletic-wise you are flawless and powerful,” but continued that there is a lot of character and emotional space to fill. She showed her lack of maturity, which disappointed me greatly. The girls are falling short this season!
Cutie cowboy Kent was paired with Anya on a Tony & Melanie cha-cha routine. This dance number got the most reactions out of me. They danced to Lady Marmalade and it was so great. Cutie cowboy got so into the routine and it looked like he had so much fun. What a great performance. He’ll be in for a long while no doubt. The faces Kent made during the performance and energy was off the chart.
Ashley teamed up with the long blonde Neil on a Tyce DiOrio number on For All We Know, one of the most beautiful love songs. I dunno, I wasn’t feeling it as much as the dancers were. Pretty yes, but lacking connection outward to the audience.
Robert was teamed up with Courtney in a Sean Cheesman African jazz routine. Robert is for sure the sexiest of the male dancers. I think he’s done modeling in the past (or spent a lot of time looking at himself in the mirror) because it’s like he senses the camera on him, he knows which way to look and what makes him look best. As for the dance, I think it was crazy good. Nigel called him the dark horse of the competition and I think Mia has a bit of a crush on him. I would like to gnaw on his flesh too, Mia.
There is little doubt that Alex stole the show tonight. But I’ll give cutie coyboy Kent my favorite performance of the night. Where he lacked in technicality, he made up in heart and energy. As for the Bottom 3 tomorrow, I’ll pick Alexie (too cute), Ashley (kept her emotions too much to herself during the performance) and Melinda (tapper lacked precision in the jive). Melinda won’t make the cut and will be the first one sent tapping home.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the new combination (contestant & All-Star) and your picks for this week’s big winners and Bottom 3. Cheers friends.
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What I love about having the dancers paired up with an All Star is that their performance will not be hindered by their partner. Their partner is already great at the style they are dancing, so now we can just focus on the contestant and their performance in the style. You can judge them against the level they should be at. Yes, I will miss the “relationships” that we all fell in love with in previous seasons. But, this to me will show their ability to form partnerships quickly, trust their partners, show their diversity and we can judge them as individuals which in the end is what we are voting on anyway. It is going to be a great season!
I like your POV. Plus, the best ones will rise above and shine!
I have the same concerns about chemistry — and it was reinforced last night. The partnering is missing that guttural “ugh!” that the those competing used to have. I didn’t feel like it was the same show, missing that heart piece.
I looove Lauren but was really disappointed last night. She wasn’t “into” the piece at all.
Melinda is definitely at the bottom for me. Don’t know who else though!
@ToThink
Hopefully over time the cream will rise to the top, but agreed on the partnering piece. Thanks for coming over and commenting. I’ll be here every Thursday. Cheers!
I actually thought Cristina was pretty weak. But yes, the tapper will probably go home first.
Did I hear correctly or did Nigel call Tabitha and Napoleon, “Tabby and Nap”?
On the whole though, jolly good show!
Tapper stays and Alexie goes! And Cristina was in the Bottom 3, KTB. Good guess as I thought she did better than that. I got 2 out of 3 which wasn’t bad. I’m excited to see next week! Keep coming back and commenting. I love when we get to ‘play’ together. Cheers!