The first performance was Kent and All-Star Anya.  They did a hot little cha-cha choreographed by Jean-Marc and France.  It was pretty sexy and a great way to start the show.  The judges gave Kent some really good feedback on where to improve, but boy (literally) he sure has grown during this show.  He’s looking more like a man and less like the corn-fed kid that he his.

Robert was paired with Kathryn on a Stacey Tookey contemporary piece about a couple being separated because one is going to war.  The music was a very strange and an interesting interpretation of Heaven is a Place on Earth originally done by Belinda Carlisle.  Kathryn is always stunning and she doesn’t fall short here (or ever really).  Nigel complimented Robert on how he has matured during the competition.  It was a beautiful piece and very well done.

AdéChiké danced with Courtney on a Tyce Diorio jazz number to a fabulous Dizzy Gillespie song (“Manteca”).  I love jazz dancing and music.  It’s so freeing and just good.  So was this performance.  Almost all of the judges talked about AdéChiké’s need to loosen up (particularly his back) because he’s such a powerhouse, he sometimes lacks looseness, style and finesse particularly to this kind of dance and music.

José lucked out and got hip-hop number with Comfort.  The choreographers, I think, are new to this show and the dude looks like Matisyahu, but their names are Marty Kudelka & Dana Wilson.  Evidently they are a big deal because Mia give Matisyahu Marty great props on his smooth style.  How f’n lucky is José to get hip-hop?  I really think his picks have been rigged this season because some judges want him to go all the way.  I personally think it’s been past his time to go, but this is the week (it better be).  Something about tonight’s show’s music has my attention.  They are really picking some fabulous tunes.  This performance is to one of my all time favorites, “Try a Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding.  It had a funky, cool old-school vibe.  Something with José was missing.  According to the judges and Comfort (she turned him in!) it was his smoothness, swagger and sexiness (that’s right Adam, tell us about it girl).

Whoohoo! Some girl-on-girl action with Lauren and All-Star Allison.  They performed a Tyce Diorio Broadway number.  Lauren did just as good as Allison, which was great to see.  One of the judges said that she already performs like an All-Star.  The girl is solid, consistent and strong.

Billy partnered with Adé on a contemporary piece with Stacey Tookey.  The story was about a homeless guy (Billy) and a businessman (Adé) as they run into each other and realize that they are old friends.  This piece got a standing ovation from the judges, which made me watch it again.  It was very interesting to be sure.  The best performance of the night, I think.  Billy is an amazing dancer, but I don’t think he’s America’s favorite.

José and Kent did a Spencer (omg he’s so cute) Liff Broadway “who’s gonna get the girl” routine.  I LOVE this kind of music (“From This Moment On” from Kiss Me Kate).  Again, José just looks stiff, but he did a good job.  Kent could easily be on Broadway.  It’s a perfect fit for him.  LOVED the choreography, style and music.  Clearly this was my second favorite performance.

Lauren and AdéChiké were paired on a foxtrot number choreographed by Jean-Marc and France.  It was respectable, but didn’t make a wild impression on me.  The choreography was good, but the execution and connection was mild-mannered.

Robert and Billy attacked a Nakul choreographed Bollywood number.  Billy has so much flexibility in his hips that he makes “crouching” (for the lack of the correct term) look so easy.  It was powerful and strong for both of them.

Two contestants will go home on Thursday night since last week everyone got a bye with Billy’s injury.  If I were to rank the contestants from best to not as strong I’m thinking it would go:

1. Billy-I think he is the best dancer. However, I don’t think he has enough appeal for the people who would call in on this show.  He drinks way too many sodas in a day and it’s wrecking his smile.  Once a season someone hits the SYTYCD snag of “best dancer, but not America’s Favorite.”  That’s Billy this season.
2. Lauren-the last girl standing.  She’s got the chops, but I’m afraid this season is going to the boys.  She’ll absolutely be in the Top 3.
3. Robert-I think he’s wildly talented and if he wasn’t such a goofball spaz and he could up his sexy factor, he could really go all the way.  But alas, he just turned 20 and I don’t think he’s going to mature overnight.  I’d love to see him in a dark, smoky bar late one night where they play sultry music and people actually dance (oops sorry, lost my train of thought…)  Oh yeah, I’d love to see the kind of dancer he’ll be in his 30s.
4. Kent-could likely win the whole damn thing if he keeps it up.  If he could find somewhat of his mature self  in each kind of dance then he could really pull through.  His problem is that he is too corny and overly-dramatic (the faces that Mia corrects him on), but that may very well be his (literal) corn fed nature.  Two sides of the same coin.
5. AdéChické-he’s so awesome, but he’s focused so much on his excellence and power that he doesn’t know when or how to easily access or to settle into a style and bring the je ne sais quois relaxed finesse.  He has it; we saw it in the lyrical hip hop number with Comfort, but he can’t find that cool-chillness in the other styles.  I think it’s costing him his shot.
6. José-He’s already missed his bus stop.  He thinks that his sweet puppy dog eyes are going to save his ass.  He’s not that cute.  He’s a cool guy, has learned a lot, but clearly he is being out-danced.  Go home already.

For sure José is going home, but I’ve been saying that for weeks now.  I also think that AdéChiké would be next, but then again, I’ve been wrong for a while with these two.  My money is on the table and I’m letting it ride.  I look forward to next week’s performances and seeing if the contestants really amp it up.

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Davis Family Reunion 2010 - Vallecito Lake, CO

Usually I participate in Wordless Wednesdays posts.  However, while looking at my pictures, I realized that there is one picture that I need to write about.  Earlier this month I attended my extended family’s biennial reunion.  This year, my Mom and I hosted the gathering at a lakeside set of cabins in southwest Colorado.  I should put in a friendly mention to Burt & Pat at the Bear Paw Lodge in Vallecito Lake, CO.  Their place was just lovely and they were delightful to work with.  (Thank you Pat & Burt!)

This extended family is who I spent my summers growing up with.  These are the people that have known me before I was born, all through my dance recitals, all through puberty and my boy crazy stage, into college, into and out of a bad marriage, and into a good one and now my life as a mom.  They know me.  They’ve known me a long time coming and they’ll know me a long time going.

These wonderful people knew my dear and beloved Grammy.  They played countless hours of cards with her, shared endless meals and stories with her, laughed with her, buried three brothers with her, held her hand, and finally buried her too.

It is an amazing thing to me when you have gone through life with a group of people and every great once in a while you come together to reunite, to share a meal and to create a warmhearted memory.  I appreciate the on-going love and respect that we have for each other.  Some of us are very different, but we move toward the things that bring us together on this one weekend every other year — the stories and pictures that we share;  the helpful hugs and advice (especially on parenting and marriage!); the good cheer;  and the damn fine bar-b-que (thank you Billy & Jackie!)

We came from all ends of the United States to share a weekend together and I love that.  There was very little drama, but whole lotta competition on the washers (kinda like horseshoes).  And there is always lots of love (and food!) to go around.

Thank you my Davis Family!  I hope you treasure the time together that we spent as much as I do and yes, I’ll get that slideshow up, “Uncle” Barry!  Cheers!

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To help me adjust to motherhood, I made up a saying that is a declaration, a meditation, and an affirmation; something that just helps me to get by.  It is “there’s enough room here for everybody.”  What I mean is that there’s enough room here (in my family, in my house, in my community, among my friends) for everyone to have a little space, have their needs met, get a little love and happiness.  There’s enough.  We’re all welcome here.

That’s me being happy and open, ready for the possibilities of what lies ahead.  You know, “the hills are alive” and all that jazz (sts).

Then there are also days when I really hope that we don’t run into each other at the grocery store.  I’m grumpy, short-tempered and the kids are in the way…you know that feeling?  In fact, I’ll even admit it, I (accidentally) knocked BigBoy over in the store today.  It was a big boo-hoo scene.  Suck it up kid, was the extent of my sympathy (sorry it just goes that way sometimes).  We go to an unconventional grocery store with smaller aisles and I really ask that the boys (I try to keep BabyD in the seat) to pay attention to the cart and other people in the aisle.  They need to stay out of others’ way and watch where I’m steering.  They can’t just wander (or run) around the aisles aimlessly.  Because kids like that are annoying and I’m sorry because those may be your kids.  (Don’t hate me for asking the question, but you do know that behavior is annoying, right?  Especially in small markets or areas with limited spaces or crowds or…I better shut up now. )

But here I am correcting BigBoy, holding BabyD because he’s about to have a meltdown and unloading the grocery cart all at the same time.  I hate these days.  I’m in a mood.  I never feel less sexy than going grocery shopping in my mom uniform.  You know what I’m talking about, right?  Mom uniform:  capris, non-belly flab revealing t-shirt and matching flip flops, which is of course the dressier version of yoga pants and a two-day old tank top.

I promise you these are not my capri pants. But it's how they make me feel.

There is nothing redeeming about capris.  Your legs are either too chubby for shorts (or you’re demented enough to think so) or it’s too cold for exposing your legs, but all your junky jeans really need to get washed.  I try to cute-up my capris with a cool t-shirt and matching flip flops.  And you know what Grammy taught me, “A lady never leaves her house without lipstick and earrings.”  I put in a good minimal effort.  But the simple truth is who looks good wearing these?

I think the simple fact of the matter is that these capris to blame.  They made me grumpy.  It’s their fault.  So if sexy is an attitude and a feeling then my carpis make me feel so not sexy, frumpy, generic, like a mom who has lost herself and I don’t give a shit.  And then f-off thankyouverymuch.

Excuse me.  I think I need to go change out of these capris and back into not just another jen.  Cheers.

For more rage against capris, here were some good ones:

FLAM’s Fashion Fail: Capri Pants

Mom Uniform Not for Me

Capri Alternatives, or That Girl That I Hate

Red alert! It’s another anti-capri sortie

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And then WHAT THE HELL!!!  Billy Bell is out with a knee injury.  That’s three down with injuries.  Seriously, this show needs to improve its safety record.  Not good. Husband has a theory about the rash of injuries and he blames the All-Stars.  All-Stars are trained to a higher level.  They are professionals now.  They’ve been through this process already and are presumably more rested. The contestants meanwhile, are under so much pressure; they must rise to the level of the All-Star during both practice and performance, and stretch way beyond their bodies’ capability on each piece, thus resulting in injury.  While last year, partners were at the same level of exhaustion and pressure, but they worked together to get through it.  That is an interesting theory.  I’ll pose it over drinks with Nigel next time we have dinner. [insert chuckle here]

Also good to note, powerhouse director/choreographer Kenny Ortega has joined the judges’ panel tonight.  What a great addition.  He gave a great acknowledgement to the show and the difference it’s making in dance.  That was really cool.

But let’s get on with the show; the first up last night was Lauren who was paired with Twitch on a NappyTabs hip hop cowboy show down routine.  How apropos.  She is the last woman standing.  It was hot and she went for it.  I hope to see Lauren hold on (and injury free) to the Top 3.  I loved the concept and the delivery was spot on.

This week José is paired with All-Star Allison on a Sonya Tayeh contemporary piece.  Allison confessed her crush on José, which was weird.  Also weird was the lack of dancing.  It was very conceptual — a couple on the edge of their relationship — and literally they danced on the edge of the stage.  I don’t understand why the judges are so pro-José.  Yes, it was a good performance.  However the key word in the judges’ critiques was “pedestrian.”  People, he doesn’t have the training or the skills.  It’s time for him to go.

This next one was a knee slapper.  On the pre-performance tape, I literally cracked up when Robert, who was paired with All-Star Lauren this week, walked in on Tyce Diorio while practicing this seductive jazz piece and said, “Oh hey.” Then in the rehearsals he uttered, “Oh doggie,” when it was getting a little steamy.  Then tell me about it Lauren…she said, “How could it be hard doing a seductive piece with Robert?  Yeah, I think I could fall in love with Robert.”  Yeah, me too.  But he’s 20! Wow. I can’t say out loud that I have ever been attracted to a 20 year old, but Robert really does it for me.  It’s what every perv says, “but he doesn’t look that young!”  Not only were the before clips great, but the song selection was from My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult.  OMG I used to love that band fiercely.  That took me back.  Yes, the performance was good.  However, I’m still left with the questions of Robert: Is he or isn’t he? (gay)  Because there’s just a little tiny something missing in the connection with his female partners.  Who couldn’t be bi with Lauren.  I’m just saying.

Kent this week has All-Star Kathryn (my favorite girl All-Star) as a partner to a dance choreographed by Sonya Tayeh.  It was probably my favorite dance of the night.  I loved the cute striped tops.  Where could I get one?  Ken said it reminded him of a funky “Gidget-Moon Doggy” kind of piece.  I so agree.  Cute, funky and just damn good dance.  There was a spot-on critique from Maya about how the animation in Kent’s face takes the choreography to a juvenile level.  Good point.  It’s that darn “aw shucks” quality that he can’t (yet) escape.  Outside of that, I loved it.

The NappyTabs piece with AdéChiké and Comfort was awesome.  It was a powerful and brilliant dance to “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys.  Adé and Comfort really threw themselves fully – emotionally and physically – into this performance.  Husband and I cracked up that the judges said if Wesley Snipes (who is so last decade!) or Mary J could dance they would perform this piece.  It was dramatic and emotional to be sure. I think I love Comfort more this season than the one that she was on.  That’s probably because she’s only doing her style and damn the girl is good.  Nigel said that the dance had the same emotion and beauty as the song and hoped that Alicia could see the performance.  That’s cool.  AdéChiké is holding on.  He’s fighting to stay in.

I seriously had a moment on the Robert-Lauren-Dmitry Chaplin together in the Samba practice clip.  Two guys and a girl and the samba = hawtness.  However, the dance theme was a beach party.  Meh.  Lauren wore a coconut hammock top, which was not so hot.  However the dance was really good.  Did I mention that the samba was hot?  And that Robert is hot?  Oh ok, just making sure.

AdéChiké and José were paired for an all-male Paso Doble.  The story line was two matadors going mano y mano.  The shirts were off and the capes were twirling. José looked really stiff.  Cool idea, but José blew it for me.  Again, time for him to go.  The judges said “valiant effort” and I agree.  There was no attack.

Kent was paired with Twitch on a step number.  I’m just gonna say it:  White people shouldn’t step. It doesn’t look right.  The judges liked it and I don’t get it.  At all.  I’m not buying it.  I’m also not buying that Kent’s the one to beat.  Let’s not even talk about stepping being in the Olympics, Ortega.  No.  There were so many things wrong with that performance and the subsequent commentary I poured myself another drink.

And on a final note about Wednesday night performances, I don’t think the solos add anything.  They are just not necessary.  They are only 30 seconds and we’re watching the contestants at least twice anyways.  By now, we know how great they are in their own style.  This will be my second suggestion for Nigel over dinner (as if).  However, I loved the parents’ commentary before everyone’s solos.  The moms are just so cute and loving.  Awww….

My favorite performance of the night was the Lauren & Kent “funky Gidget” Sonya piece.  My guess for the Bottom 3 tonight are Billy (by default, but he better be back!), José and AdéChiké.  I think that José needs to go and AdéChiké is just not as hot great as Robert and Kent.  Cheers friends!

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Anthropologie model I'm not, but finally found the perfect summer dress for these vintage earrings! Yipee! Girly moment!

I love Wordless Wednesdays.  Check out these sites that sponsor link-ups.

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Years ago my GBF gave me the simply, funniest book I’ve ever read.  Since then, I have often recommended this book and finally Tiffany suggested that we read it as a part of our book club.  I’ll say right off the bat; this book is for a select few of twisted and witty folk.  It turns a lot of people off.  I get it.  Really I do.  And just because you don’t like this book doesn’t mean that you are not twisted or witty.  However, this author (Christopher Moore) and particularly this book, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal is most undeniably off the charts twisted and witty.

So outside of the impious topic, Moore has a particular brand of humor that doesn’t suit everybody.  It’s boy humor.  Farts and guts, boobies and bugs.  Frankly, sometimes I can’t hang with that kind of humor (I have enough boydom in my house), but sometimes it’s just right.  Especially when the humor comes with a side of Monty Python sauciness.  Moore’s writing hits this sweet spot that really leaves me wanting more.

So yes, Lamb is the story about the original JC.  We all know he was born in a manger.  Most of us know Jesus is the reason for the season (or the story there about).  But what happened between birth and the conclusive thirty-third year?  Well Christ had a best friend like Biff, the originator of sarcasm, who can sin freely and tell Jesus all about it.  The story is really a buddy tale about two boys learning to become men.  One man just happens to be the Son of God.  How does a kid come to terms with that kind of gravity?  It’s through levity and Moore’s kind of smarts and satirical wit. Yes, the story is irreverent, but Christians with a sense of humor are the very best kind.  I don’t think that I’ve ever laughed out loud reading before Lamb.

Recently GBF sent me a package with a book and note that said, “Read it.”  So I did.  It’s Christopher Moore’s again.  This time it was Fool.  This book is another familiar story with an alternative tale.  This is not Shakespeare’s King Lear.  Quite frankly, I don’t really remember English Lit’s Cliff Notes on that particular one, but I wish this were the notes (however, Moore throws in the witches from MacBeth, which would really mess a student up!).  There’s a ghost (“always a bloody ghost”), an old crazy king, three naughty daughters, many viers for the throne and the Black Fool.

The story is full of sex and scandal (who’s screwing who is a major theme), bawdy laughter and British boy humor. It’s funny, offensive, naughty, bawdy and a damn smart tale.  I love the dialogue and would be over the moon to see this performed on stage.  It’s that good.

If you’re up for a good laugh, a light-hearted romp and a walk on the wild side, I’d highly recommend these two books.  Christopher Moore will give it to you good.  I hope you enjoy.  Cheers friends!

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And PLEASE by all means watch the video, it’s ALL ABOUT the hair and those guys are ugly mofos.  But yeah, gotta love some Foreigner.

Anyway, I just got my first blog award and I’m doing the So Awesome Dance (just not to Foreigner…maybe “Just Can’t Get Enough” from Depeche Mode, but I’ll spare you).  I am honored and tickled to receive this award from Heligirl.  She’s totally awesome because she’s a jen, but she’s also a mom of two, a part time public relations manager, a freelance journalist, a dog mom, and a licensed helicopter pilot in Seattle…and oh yeah, an avid blogger (whew!).  She’s also way up on positive parenting techniques, which we all can use good tips and support of other positive parents.  Be sure to check her out and tell her I sent you.  THANK YOU HELIGIRL! (#1 done. Check!)

Now, on to the rules

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
2. Share seven things about yourself.
3. Pass this award along to five bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason!
4. Contact the bloggers you’ve picked and let them know about the award.

Seven Things

1. I LOVE lists.  You will often find post-its all over my desk and in my purse with lists of stuff.  Groceries, ideas for my blog, things I need to do, books I want to read, and music I want to get from the library are all common occurrences.
2. When swing was king (for the second reign in the 1990s), I went out and danced three times a week.  I also had an addiction to vintage clothes and furniture (still have a few dresses and Heywood Wakefield pieces).  I was even bold enough (but not quite good enough) to compete a small bit.  It was loads and loads of fun and swing dancing brought lots of joy to my life.  Swing introduced me to salsa, tango and other forms of ballroom and my love of dance was reignited.
3. I really did leave a tiny piece of my heart in San Francisco.  It still hurts when I think about it too long.
4. I crack up every time I see this picture of myself as an 8^th grade cheerleader in Texas.  OMG, that was some weird shit and it was serious.
5. I deeply believe that we’re all connected, karma is real, positivity begets more positivity (the reverse is also true), what you think about you bring about and words wield magic.
6. I have a story that has been brewing inside my imagination and is aching to get out.  Tiffany Fox, I do believe you’ve given me a key, but I can’t wait 52 weeks to tell the tale!
7. I love my life, where we live, my darling husband, and my surprising and sunny two little boys.  I love my larger family, cherish my dear friends, respect where I came from and am proud that I’ve lived my life without many regrets.

(#2 done. Check!)

Blogger Award

Bloggers I am awarding and that I have recently discovered are mostly local.  It’s been good to find and great to know that we may have a good-sized mom blog community in San Diego.  Please excuse my short list of local love, but these are actually women that I’m reading regularly or Tweeting with.

Red Lotus Mama – we share a love for SYTYCD and wine

Mama Mary Show – also a viewer on SYTYCD and I’m hoping that she’ll do a SD Mom Blogger National Dance Day get together (and that I’ll be invited).

Sugar in the Raw – she’s a little bit crazy and I like moms like that

Kara-Noel from EliLids – not necessarily local local, but regionally local. She’s really cool, I like her company and she just had a wee one

Jennifer (aka La Jolla Jennifer or jen_eration_X) – because we share a love of all things 80s, especially the music

SuferWife – because she’s cool, rubs elbows with the rich and famous (and talks about it), shares the same dream job as me, and our kids are going to the same elementary school.  Yeah!

And two of my most favorite bloggers (I’m stealing this from you JerseyGirl) that I think I know in life, but really don’t.  Yeah, I’ve known them for a while, but I want to share their goodness.  And I do consider them blog friends:

Dirty Little Secret – she’s a jen and awesomely sarcastic and snarky

The Mommyologist – she’s not a jen, but witty, awesome at creating community and incredibly generous

(#3 done plus bonus two. Check!)

Now, I realize that some people think that these kinds of awards are lame.  I get it. I really do.  So I’m okay if you don’t post the award or participate.  Just know that I think of you as an awesome blogger that I like to read and appreciate. I hope you meet this award with good cheer and pass it along.  Cheers friends!

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The first dance of the night Lauren was paired with All-Star Mark for the first-ever Tahitian cultural dance.  All I want to say about that dance is “shake your tail feathers.”  Interesting. I’m digging Mark’s moves (calling in his Hawaiian masculinity) and temporary tattoos.  He’s always had a thing that I dig and it appeared again tonight.  Yumm-may.

AdéChiké and All-Star Anya did a competitive Salsa dance.  It was extremely challenging and they did a good job, but it missed the mark on passion and heat that typically comes with salsa.  It looked like they were just trying to keep up with the choreography.  They did, but I wanted a different dimension, not just all the tricks. Even Anya looked like she was doing her best to keep up.  They wore ugly day-glo costumes and boy can Anya’s boobies shake.  Seriously.  I’m thinking there must be an injury there.

Jose joined All-Star Courtney on a Joey Dowling Broadway routine to “Mr. Cellophane” from Chicago.  More feathers.  Nigel called it.  Mr. Cellophane didn’t allow Jose’s personality to shine through and there is so little technique to back up the performance.  Too bad. Too sad.  He may be at risk.  Judges stop babying Jose.  If he can’t cut it. He’s out.  Click and move on.

"Fix You" Choreographed by Travis Wall - Performed by Robert & Allison

My favorite guy, Robert, and All-Star Allison, performed a Travis Wall contemporary routine to Coldplay’s “Fix You.”  Very moving. The piece was about Travis’ mom, who is clearly going through some kind of debilitating treatment or disease.  Robert did EXCELLENT.  It was a beautiful piece.  Super duper noteworthy for the season.  Mia said it was the best that she saw Robert dance.  Adam said it was one of the best performances of the season, declared there is no god if Travis doesn’t get an Emmy this year and then went on to say, “I just literally on national television blew a snot bubble.”  I love Adam.  Best performance of the night so far. Fur sure.  Yeah Robert!

OMG “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”? You’ve got to be kidding me.  Alas, no.  Billy and Anya did a Louis VanAmstel Jive number to that song.  Wow. Anything that is uber-Broadwayish Billy can really get into.  He turned it on!  Jive is not easy (having attempted it myself) and I think that he did a stellar job.  I agree with Mia that there was a really good connection (odd as it may be) between Billy and Anya.  I thought the funny banter between Cat and Billy about dancing with “sex bomb” Anya (or as Adam said, I’m still stuck on “sex bum”) was quite lively and entertaining.  Oh how I miss my gay bantering.

Kent was paired with tall, blonde All-Star delicious Neil for a Tyce DiOrio Broadway baseball number.  It was all about Shoeless Joe and it was delightful.  Fantastic.  It really pulled out and capitalized Kent’s “aw shucks” personality and was ideally suited for him.  Lovely and jolly good fun.  However, that sounded more British than American All Star, but you get the drift.

"Boogie Shoes" Choreographed by Mandy Moore - Danced by Billy & Lauren

Billy and Lauren were together for a Mandy Moore funky dance-o-rama to one of my favorite songs “Boogie Shoes” by KC and the Sunshine Band.  OMG so cute and peppy.  If I could dance this would come from my heart.  That dance was so me.  Don’t laugh.  It’s true.  The boogie shoes were bejeweled Converse Chuck Taylors.  Ugh.  Such classic moves.  I loved it.  Watch this one again. It’s so worth it.  Adorable.  Mandy Moore I love you.  Why do I not have a pair of Chuck Taylors?  It’s so wrong.  Performance was “completely in the pocket,” cute and quirky. Yes, thank you, Mia.

Jose danced with Dominic on a NappyTabs B-Boy number.  I have to admit that I found myself following Dominic a bit more.  But a nice performance nonetheless.  I like Jose, but not as much as the judges do.  He’s a very good B-Boy dancer, but I’m still hot for Legacy and he doesn’t compare in the sexiness category.  However, Mia I’m with you.  I love boys too.  Nicely done.  Dominic is a hoot.  Leaving the stage in that manner.  Bad boy.

AdéChiké and Kent did a great contemporary number with a chair.  It was masculine and athletic.  Very good and well done.  I very much liked that number.  Nigel delivered some big words to Kent about being the front-runner since Alex is gone.  Wow.  I like what Mia said about the “softness and openness and the vulnerability along the strength and power to back it up.”  Very true.  Well done.

Ashley was to be paired with hottie Robert before her injury, but she missed out on the Doriana Sanchez Disco (quite frankly, I would love to be choreographed for a DSanchez dance cuz it’s hot…and fun…all that disco should be…yeah baby).  Too bad for Ashley. Now Kathryn, one of my absolutely favorites, danced with my lovely Robert (said with a latin disco accent).  That was hot.  Husband said that it was very hot Scott Baio.  Awesome.  I love disco. I wish that was me!  Oh my fantasies be still.

Wow. Hard call on who’s to be on the Bottom 3.  Well Ashley is a sure thing.  I’m just gonna say AdéChiké because he’s been in the bottom lately and Jose because technically he’s just not up to the high standard as the others.  I think Jose’s going home this week.  For me, best dance of the night was the Billy and Lauren’s “Boogie Shoes” because it was so happy, but artistically it would be the Travis Wall dance for his mom.  (blessings to you dear)  Great night tonight and it was even better with my bottle, yes bottle, of Casal Garcia Vinho Verde (yes that is the correct spelling) of my newest favorite 5 Cent sale wine from BevMo.  Oh lovely Portuguese white, you tickle me and I had no idea how much I drank because you were clearly too drinkable.  Cheers friends!

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This is my Grammy, sometime in the 1940s

I love Wordless Wednesdays.  Thank you Angry Julie and Red Lotus Mama for the big share.  You gals are awesome!

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What I can say is that there is a lot of changes this week.  First off, Alex didn’t dance.  He’s got a ruptured Achilles tendon.  That sucks.  Really sucks.  This automatically puts him in the Bottom 3 this week.  If he gets medical clearance to dance for his life this week, then he’s presumably back in.

The first dance was with All-Star Pasha & Lauren and it was hot! Hot! Hot!  They danced some kind of salsa-ish number to a Jean-Marc Genereaux and France spicy thing.  Lauren really raised the bar on her performance in that number.  Way to go girl!  I like her again.

Mandy Moore choreographed Jose and All-Star Lauren in one of my all time favorite INXS songs, “Never Tear Apart.”  Mandy is most excellent at choreographing dance to 80s music.  It was solid and well done.  It really showed Jose’s spirit and it was so clearly what Mia said, “when your soul dances, your body follows.”  Totally awesomeness.  He danced his heart beautifully.

Kent and Comfort were paired on a Dave Scott hip-hop number.  Kent had to get into a little JT groove and I’m surprised to say that he really pulled it off well.  He’s definitely growing and improving.

AdéChiké and Kourtney did a great jazzy seduction number choreographed by Mandy Moore.  However, I feel that AdéChiké has the moves, but is lacking some sort of depth.  It’s like he has it and then loses it during the performance.  The judges were split on if they liked it or not.  I think he’s going to be in the Bottom 3 this week.

Billy had an All-Star change when Allison had an injury and Katie from last season stepped in on the Spencer Liff jazz number to Cats’ “McCafferty.”  Billy’s performance was flawless and perfectly suited to his skill and personality.  Nigel thought it was his very best performance.  I loved it.

Ashley was paired with Dominic on a NappyTabs hip hop ninja assassin routine.  I thought it was creative, but kinda dorky.  Ashley had ridiculous Hammer pants on and she could hit it (harder than I thought she would).  It was good, but I didn’t love it.  Adam Shankman said that Ashley was a quiet contender.  I definitely don’t think so.  I suspect that she’ll go before Lauren, but I think she’s rise above the Bottom 3 this week.

Robert and Kathryn performed a high-concept jazz dance choreographed by Sean Cheesman.  They were supposed to be a Barbie and Ken coming out of the box.  I’m not sure if it was the music or the high-concept execution, but something was off for me.  The judges really went to bat for Robert.  Clearly, they don’t think he should be in the Bottom 3.  So they totally pumped him up.  I think they then overlooked the missed synchronicity of the dance.  I still think he’ll be in the Bottom 3 even though I REALLY like him.

So another one of the strange changes this week is that they paired the competitors for a performance.  So they are pulling back from last season’s format.  WTH.  Make up your mind, Nigel.

Alex and AdéChiké were supposed to dance a Nakul Bollywood number, but with Alex’s injury he sat out and AdéChiké performed with one of Nakul’s dancers.  He threw in his own groove, but it didn’t mesh well with the Bollywood style.  It was too loose and not precise enough.  The end was amazing.  It made him look like he was a leaping puppet on a string in repetitive split jumps.  So I feel for him and think he’s going to be the first guy to go home if it’s not Robert first.

Kent and Lauren were paired together on a Travis Wall contemporary routine.  It was amazing.  This was the best that either of them ever danced.  It was incredibly intimate and real (I so agree with you Adam!) and it was weird like we shouldn’t be watching it because it was just for them.  They even got a great real smooch and extended embrace in the end.  For me, the best performance of the night.

Robert and Ashley (weird pair) had the Quick Step put together by Jean Marc Genereux and France.  I agreed with Mia that the music over powered the dance.  It wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t great.  So few people actually excel at this dance.

The last dance of the night was Billy and Jose in a Sean Cheesman African jazz performance.  Another strange high concept dance.  Okay, whatever, Billy looked cool in the weird positions that he had to sit in and the black emo hair bang.  Jose looked like he was amateurish and trying really hard.  It wasn’t for me.

The Bottom 3 I believe will be AdéChiké, Robert and of course Alex with the injury.  This may be the first week that that the ladies are safe.  We’ll see.  Cheers friends.

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