Music Monday - "Goodbye Stranger" by Supertramp

Hello my three readers.

It's time for something that makes you want to get up from your chair and shake it off... and I DON'T mean with Taylor Swift.



How are you feeling today? Is this a good one for you?

Belated Music Monday - "Despues Del After" by Kinky

You go ahead and try not to dance in your seat while listening to this one.
Go ahead.
I triple dog dare you!

SYTYCD Top 12, season 10

When we lived in San Diego, I think we used the air conditioner twice in three years. Now that we live in Texas, it is constantly running... Either to warm up in the winter or cool down now. It's 105 degrees outside people! So it should be no surprise that our a/c has called it quits and I'm sitting here in my underwear. Boopins are miserable and panting. Hubs says we're at 86 now indoors. Blarg. Repairs sometime tomorrow between 1 and 6 pm.

So in lieu of a usual detailed SYTYCD posting, I'm doing the highlights. I feel like a sweaty muppet.

Opening number was an awesome Bollywood number. Now THAT is how you lose weight...

UPDATE, MORNING AFTER: There was a lot more to this post but somehow I inadvertently deleted it.  I'm not going to try and recreate as it wasn't that thrilling of a read.  And I kept complaining about the heat.

Cross your fingers that my A/C gets fixed today and it's under warranty.

SYTYCD Top 16 Perform, Season 10

The past seven days have been pretty intense. I'm not really up to blogging this and it's the Hubster's birthday. But we need a distraction and it's going to take a while for dinner to be ready... so let's go ahead and get on with it. 

Opening number

The New World by The Irrepressionals (sp?)

Stacey Tookey and Sam Chu routine (I may not have gotten the second choreographer's name right.)

In danger... Curtis, Jenna, Mariah, Alan, MacKenzie, BluPrint.

Jenna looks rather confident though when she stepped forward. Now she's shocked. But she doesn't have to dance for her life, I don't know if that is a good thing or not. 

Alexis and Nico

Jive

Tony & Melanie choreographers (oh lookie lookie, the crazy red head is back!)

Mayhem by Imelda May

He's super bouncey. She could use some help. First lift wasn't good, but the second was better. Their timing is just off in places. It's a really hard dance. But they clearly look like amateurs. It's unfortunate. They really lost their steam. 

Jenna and Tucker

Contemporary

Travis Wall

Hangin by a Thread by Jean Arden

Must be hard to work with ropes. A couple of obvious hiccups. It was pretty. Jenna isn't going home tonight I don't think. 

Mariah and BluPrint

Hip Hop (nope, I guess it's Jazz)

Brian Freedman

Fall Into the Sky by Zedd and Lucky Date (feat. Ellie Goulding)

She's a Greek goddess? Um, okay. I can guess BluPrint as a gladiator. It was fun. Hard but good. I'm not very eloquent tonight. The costumes are awesome though! Good music too. 

Maleace and Alan

Hip Hop

David Allen

Bass Line by Chris Brown

Aliens come back to reinvent hip hop. They really utilized her hips in this one. It was a slower hip hop than I expected. But you couldn't take your eyes off her. Alan's pants were ... wrong. Just, wrong. He's not a hip hopper at all. Ballroom does not translate. 

Haley and Curtis

Dee Casperee

Contemporary

Don't Let Go Yet by David J Roch

There's a ladder for a prop. My favorite for the night. When music and choreography and the right dancers come together, it's wonderful. Dee is in the audience with teary eyes. 

Next up... Hobo Jazz?

Amy and Fik-shun

Jazz

Tyce Diorio

Under the Bridge from the Triplets of Belleville soundtrack

That was cute. Great use of each dancers talents. Great faces and attitude. Nothing bad to say. I want Amy's hat. I think I could wear that chapeau. 

MacKenzie and Paul

Hip Hop

Dave Scott

Pretty Lil' Heart by Robin Thicke feat. Lil' Wayne

1930s model and a photographer. I'm telling you again, for the third time, these choreographers are obsessed with the 30s and Gatsby. I was enthralled with the costume she was wearing. The routine was great, nothing bad to say here. It's funny that tonight you can tell the great numbers from the good ones. This was good... not great, but good. (Though I think I will be buying the song on iTunes. There are a few Robin Thicke songs that I have heard on KXT that I like.)

On a side note, I HAVE to hear the new Right Said Fred song "I'm too Smurfy". That might cheer up the Hubster. Maybe I can make it my morning wake-up song. 

Jasmine and Aaron

Quickstep (the kiss of death!)

Tony and Melanie

Pencil Full of Lead by Paolo Nutini

They make a striking couple. And did a great job! Hubster wishes they danced to "Zoot Suit Riot". God Mary Murphy's voice is SO annoying. She can't possibly be married. Maybe tonight the quickstep will get enough votes to squash the "kiss of death" reputation.  We shall see... they better not get Viennese Waltz next week.

Okay, to sum up. Nothing horrible. A couple of greats and the rest were good. Rather boring week actually. Lets's see who gets booted.

BluPrint and Mariah. Hubster called it with Mariah after he saw her initial dance. BluPrint is trying to hold it together. So with one fell swoop, one couple is gone.

And that's all I got. Time for boom beddies. 

SYTYCD Top 17 Perform - Season 10

Well hello there my three readers!* Time for another live blogging of So You Think You Can Dance, Season 10. Hubster is joining me in the entertainment room this evening instead of killing Zombies on the XBOX. Let's begin, shall we?

Opener - Top 18
Pretty Face (Nathan Lanier Remix) by Soley
Contemporary
Sonja Tayeh and Christopher Scott routine
Wow. Great routine, slightly ballet-esque. Very pretty. The audience was enjoying each leap into the pyre. Quite symbolic. Good costumes. No one stood out, but that is the point, they all look great together. I enjoyed the leg extensions and not quite knowing where to focus my eyes.

Jade is out of the competition due to the need for surgery. And this week's cuts won't happen until the very end of the show (which is how it SHOULD be... geez.) And the guest host is Paula Abdul? Are you freaking kidding me? Hubster points out her beverage and we both reckon she is already drunk.

Who's in Danger?
Jasmine M, BluPrint, Jenna, Curtis, Alexis and Jade.
With Jade out, there's no need to send a guy home. All three girls will dance and one will be booted.
Please don't cut Alexis! We need a tapper to make it to the final 10!
Jasmine M is a lot of floor movement and turns, but I wasn't too impressed.
Jenna looks like a dancing gazelle mated with Princess Kate. And that's a compliment.

Amy and Fik-Shun 
Paso Doble
Jean-Marc routine
Tactical Dominance by Jack Trammel
A fight to the death! I couldn't take my eyes of Amy. Awesome costumes, the black leather rocked. As Mary Murphy provides commentary, Hubs shoots an imaginary gun at her face to shut her up. Some of those leaps were astounding. That was the least boring paso doble I've seen on the show. "Hate is a ssshtrong feeling." Oh shuddup Paula Abdul *hiccup* no one wants to hear your slurry mess.

Ooo. There's a SYTYCD app! I gotta get that.

Jasmine H and Aaron
Broadway
Spencer Liff routine
They Just Keep Moving The Line (SMASH Cast version) feat. Megan Hilty
Crime scene investigation + SMASH soundtrack? Color me IN!
Was that a quadruple pirouette? OMG I heart Aaron and Jasmine H. They are PHENOM! This was vastly entertaining and ridiculously fun for a Broadway routine. I wish that they hadn't spoiled the "dead" aspect and had her finish by lying on the marked out corpse line as a final reveal. They definitely acted the characters. If these are the first two routines, I hope the rest are able to at least match this entertainment.

MacKenzie and Paul
Contemporary
Lindsay Paulina routine
No Day But Today by Idina Menzel
She's got a terminal disease and he can't deal with it. Paula Abdul talks about Make a Wish, but turns it into herself in promotion. If you didn't have the backstory, then it would just be a pretty routine. It was lovely. But I wonder if the choreographers are trying to insert a story into the dance just to get votes? Perhaps I'm being cynical. It was lovely, but nothing that I would want to re-watch numerous times. Some of the lifts were quite brilliant.

At this point the Hubster leaves the entertainment room to go take a nap. I don't know that this bodes well for the rest of the show.

Jasmine M and Alan
Jazz
Sean Cheesman routine
Veins by Charlotte Martin (this is a popular song on SYTYCD. I swear we've seen other routines to this number, but I am likely wrong. They cannot reuse songs, right?)
Royalty? Go with it. Her skirt keeps getting in the way but she deals with it well. This was fun and different. I am impressed with Alan's strength. Jasmine M was fantastic to watch, but she did a weird skirt thing at one point that felt off character, but maybe that was the choreography. Enjoyable. SO far there hasn't been a bad routine.

Jenna and Tucker
Hip Hop
Keoni and Mari Madrid (sp?)
Dangerous (immortal version) by Michael Jackson
It is so uncomfortable to watch two white people who don't do hip hop try to do hip hop. Even the song is old. I am not a fan of the routine. I don't understand the costumes or Jenna's hair plan. It was... confusing. The judges are being nice. Paula calls it a "hipster kind of jazz" which is an insult to hipsters and jazz aficionados everywhere. Now I'm just being a little harsh... but it isn't a routine I will remember. The fact that it was a Nigel favorite makes me even more uncomfortable. I want to see Tucker highlighted next week.

Malece (minus Jade who had to withdraw) so we have All-Star Marco!
Contemporary
Sonya Tayeh
In the Embers by Sleeping At Last
Was it a funeral? Candles and the black lace. Maybe it was the recent wedding for Avril Lavine and Chad Kroger? Wow. Malece is going to be an All-Star herself. This was absolutely lovely. The leg extensions and lifts were incredible. Poor Jade. He is sooooo shooting himself in his bad leg right now. The judges are singing Malece and Sonya's praises. She is completely safe. The waves at the end were powerful. Great job! Normally the routines in the middle are less good (see Hip Hop routine above) but this was fantastic.

Haley and Curtis
Samba - oh this won't go well
Jean-Marc D
Straight to Memphis by Club des Belugas
Her hips don't lie... in fact, Haley's hips are non-existent. (Sorry Paula, but you are wrong.) Either the music was too slow or they just couldn't get it together. It was like watching Samba Hour for the novices. It wasn't good. It wasn't horrible. It just wasn't entertaining. Silver Linings Playbook had a better routine. The samba is the kiss of death; right behind the waltz. Sorry Jean-Marc... what happened to your Run Lola Run red-haired accomplice this season? I have a feeling one or both of these two dancers will be in the bottom three next week.

Alexis and Nico
Spencer Liff routine
Jazz
I Put a Spell On You by Nina Simone
Nico was on point, Alexis was slightly behind on her steps. But I heart her and want her to proceed. It was an interesting idea of being under control by a hypnotist. I think that these choreographers have been reading The Night Circus and coming up with ideas. You're about a year too late folks! All the judges mention is wondering why she is in the bottom three; which means she will likely make it. Nico has the teenage girl vote.

Mariah and BluPrint
Hip Hop
Luther Brown routine
Bring the Noise by M.I.A
They made it sound so epic, but it fell flat. They weren't synched together during parts of the routine. I'm not saying I could do it, cause I know for DANG sure I can't. But it wasn't anything tremendous. And BluPrint lifting his shirt reminded me of Combs from the Navy who used to do that and it's so dumb. Maybe I have to watch it again because apparently I'm not agreeing with the judges. Paula has been drinking ... she thinks they were in sync at the beginning. Though, her comment that BluPrint was holding back is correct. BluPrint looks pissed at the judges when they say he needs to bring out his personality.

Now... which girl is going home? I'm going to go out on a limb and say Jenna.

Nope. I'm wrong. Must be Jasmine.

Yup, it's Jasmine. Alexis continues on but gets the note that she needs to LISTEN to the choreographers.

See you next Tuesday folks!!!


*And hello to all those who found this blog on a search engine. Somehow I have over 70+ readers on a Wednesday. I don't know who you are, but you are welcome to comment. Or not. Be a lurker. That's cool. Whatevs.

SYTYCD - Top 20, two are leaving

Glo called at 6:55pm and we gossiped about the winery... I missed the first part of the show. By the time I joined, Carlos and Brittany were voted out and leaving. Why didn't I have this set to DVR?

Wow! So I suppose that is the format now? The bottom four perform for their lives and then BAM! They are told to pack their bags and go. Hubster noted that Jade the Animator is basically a mime. Couldn't disagree with him.

Hayley and Curtis
Ray Leeper choreography
Jazz
Mama Knows Best by Jessie J
Showed off Hayley and her booty. Curtis seemed to get more confident as the routine progressed, especially with the final booty grab. Hubs says that Mary Murphy is an irritating version of Aunt Linda from SNL. "The only Happy Feet were MINE as I was walking outta the theater! I give this a 'Whaaaa?'"

Jasmine H and Aaron
NappyTabs
Lyrical Hip Hop
Tears Always Win by Alicia Keys
Hubs thinks Jasmine is too clumsy with her body, not as fluid as she could be. I think she was spot on with the steps, but see his point since Aaron was very good coming across with the character. I enjoyed the routine and liked them as a pairing. Lots of challenging steps and tricks. They should be safe.

Oh, and I love Kat's hair.

Jade and Malece
Bollywood
Nakul dev Mahajan choreography
Radha by Student of the Year soundtrack
Echhh. The end was choppy and there were spots that needed help. Bollywood is really tough. You really need to have a certain something in your movements. It was almost too tough a routine for them. Commentary on the costumes? She is gorgeous sparkly pixie and he could sub in for Dance Raj   on Big Bang.

Alexis and Nico
Contemporary
Stacey Tookey choreography
Old Skin by Olafur Arnalds & Arnor Dan
Sequel to going to war, now she is coming home. The truth is, when your spouse comes home, you RUN when you see your love. I know, because i was that spouse in 2003. You go so long without touching that just a hug and a kiss is weird... Great but weird and awkward and wonderful. So you are standing there in each others arms, grinning foolishly and feeling a little shy. But it's the best feeling in the world. Your love is home.
Soooo, that said, I love the song. I loved the dance. But it doesn't quite ring true for me. It needed that joy and shyness and awesome all rolled into one. These two were great, but I personally don't feel they expressed the sentiment through the characters authentically. But they are safe.

Brittany (voted off) and BluPrint
Spencer Liff choreography
Broadway
It's Oh So Quiet by not Bjork.... Ice Princess soundtrack
Did BluPrint's shirt say "My life is your vagina"??? No. it was "My Life vs. Your Vacation". Wow. I got that way wrong! I wonder if I would have watched him as closely if Brittany wasn't voted off. This was fun. This guy is an animator and did a great job. I think the judges are being a little bit harsh, but agree that BluPrint needed to sell it a bit more.

Jasmine M and ALan
Miriam and Leonardo choreography
Tango
Escape from Slavery by PP Music
She doesn't look comfy in heels, like she can't dance well in them. He was great with the exception of the strength in the lifts. He really, really needs to address the length of his pompadour. I didn't feel the passion the way Mary Murphy did. I'm not saying it's not a tough dance, it is! Although, I enjoyed the faces Christina Applegate is making when Mary speaks. Classic. Alan looks like Derek Zoolander, even down to the sucked in cheeks.

Paul and MacKensie
Sean Cheesman
??? not quite sure, didn't catch it
Mannequin by Skeet & Tito (remix)
Pre-dance, Hubster says "What are they going to do? Put him in a lab coat and her in a sexy robot outfit?" And BINGO was his name-oh. She's his Sex Robot, Sex Robot.  Very Weird Science. IT was a great song, great choreography. Wonderful dancing. Paul was fantastic with the flips. MacKensie had great emotion and movement. Did you see that foot flex?

Mariah and Carlos (going home)
Stacey Tookey choreography
Contemporary
Dead in the Water by Ellie Goulding
That was lovely, but how did it relate to a guy losing his memory? I didn't see that come across in the dance at all? I'm still not feeling a huge oomph that I have in previous years. When Christina talks about them walking forward, I'm confused. Did I watch the same routine? Are they paying for Stacey Tookey to get an Emmy? Where is this season's bench routine or hummingbird? Don't get me wrong, I heart Stacey. But I'm not getting the emotiveness that everyone else is feeling. Apparently me and the Hubs are heartless.

Amy and Fikshun
NappyTabs choreography
Hip Hop
After Party by Dorrough Music
That was fun! Both were fantastic and silly. Great faces. Awesome moves. I thought the idea was rather... odd... but it worked! She was MUCH better than I expected. They are like bitty fun dancers; she looks a little like Katie Holmes. No? They're safe.

Jenna and Tucker
Cha Cha
Dmitry Chaplin
I Like It Like That by Pete Rodriguez (omg. really? srlsy? I hate this song.)
At least it was a remix. Not sure why they chose this for the finale. She did great. Hubs shot an imaginary gun at Mary on the tv while she gave feedback, then blew away the smoke. It was entertaining. Jenna's walk off was not timed with the steps. Why are the judges being so nice tonight? Nigel calls it when he says here isn't enough Cha Cha... but that's the kiss of death on the death, do a classic ballroom dance style and you get voted off.

That's all from Lake Wobegone. Thoughts?

SYTYCD - Top 20, Battle Commences

Happy Tuesday, my three readers. While the Hubster is killing deviant hordes on Defiance the video game, I am safely ensconced in the master bedroom ready for So You Think You Can Dance!

Opening
Song: Puttin' n the Ritz by Herb Alpert feat. Lani Hall
Choreographers: NappyTabs
Dancers exit from Bentleys, walk through metal detectors and begin to dance. Fluid motion shot from one camera. We see choreographers Tabitha and Travis, then Napoleon and even Nigel and Mary Murphy get in on the routine. Fun. Nice opening.

Kat Dealey is in a hot, hot, hot pink dress that matches her lipstick. Special guest judge is Wayne Brady. Huh? Isn't he the host of Let's Make a Deal? I hope they explain his dance background to make this a little clearer why he is a judge.

Jive
Mariah - her front teeth are fake and she sleeps with her eyes open
Carlos - he plays ping pong and sings falsetto
Choreographer - Jason Gilkison
Song: Get It Right by Fantasia (I so wanted to type Fangtasia... how True Blood sad is that?)
Great yellow outfits. She needs to stay higher on her toes, she's got a cute little body but not being light enough on her feet for the jive. He was great. Carlos was expressive, great arm movements.
Judges are being nice tonight. Work on your technique guys. But the correlation to the 60's Mad Men play is pretty spot on. (Side note, the way Kat says "Car-loss" is cute.

Contemporary
Jasmine M - Cray-cray about cats. She's got wild hair.
Alan - Not much of a personality... he likes the color blue. I want to cut his hair.
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Song: Can't Help Falling in Love (Live at Daytrotter) by Ingrid Michaelson
Blind lovers. Talk about a trust fall! (Or trust drop as Wayne coins it.) And a kiss at the end? It was lovely. Not particularly the most amazing Travis routine, but it was beautiful. I just hope Travis brings out a little bit more of the emotion as the season continues. (I'm sure he will. It's the first show. He's holding back.)

Jazz
Malece - i heart her. Her hair is awesome and she hates feet.
Jade - Likes cats and terrified of clowns. You're good in my book. He should hook up with Jasmine M, the a crazy cat lady.
Choreographer: Travis Wall (again? Okay, so he had two this show.)
Song: Silver Screen (Shower Scene) by Felix da Housecat (what IS it with cats this episode? Srsly!)
Dressed like Great Gatsby. That is apparently the inspiration for a lot of folks this year. Ask my creative agency! Her lines are fantastic. That little booty shake shift she did was exquisite! Jade was great. Great job. Good line Wayne Brady, So You Think You Can Pimp. Pretty sure they are safe. I still think she will get to top 10. (Side note - standing next to Ket they are like little Oompa Loompas.

Broadway
Jenna - she has a wacky laugh
Tucker - he wanted to be a mermaid?
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: That's All by Kevin Spacey (Beyond the Sea Soundtrack)
She's dressed in 40's war-inspired dress. I kinda want to steal that look for work. But only Emilie can pull that off. I really need to go shopping with her... Emilie that is. Though I am sure Jenna might be fun too.  Okay, it was a great Broadway routine, but it did Tucker no favors. He needs to come across very sexy and virile, but this was too... soft. He needed a different choreographer the first time out. She was great. And the both look great for Broadway. But he isn't going to win fans on this one.

Afro Jazz
Brittany - deaf in right ear and puts spoons on her face?
BluPrint - likes pigs ears and whistling like a bird
Choreographer: Sean Cheesman
Song: Drumming Circle by Professor Trance & The Energizers
Meh. They weren't in sync. They didn't get into it. They just weren't the right couple for this dance. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't good. BluPrint did great since he hadn't danced this style before. But Brittany kept a lot of her ballroom style, it was good, but not as good as the judges are saying. Like I said before, they are being nice tonight. Mark my words... a couple episodes from now they are going to come down on them for lack of technique and skills in other areas. Mary putting them on the hot tamale train confuses me. Did we watch the same dance?

Hip Hop
Alexis - She likes blue, just like Alan. And Beiber. Wow. But she's an amazing tapper.
Nico - He likes cupcakes and making bubbles noises. I think he's Colombian.
Choreographers: Christopher Scott
Song: Last Time (Knife Party Remix) by Labrinth
Where were all the flips that they showed in the preview? He looks like a Belieber. Alexis was more spot on than Nico. Nico gets the girlie vote though. There wasn't a connection or a great feel to it. Nigel finally gets his balls back and calls them out. The crowd doesn't boo is feedback, so... I'm just sayin.

Viennese Waltz
Makenzie - she likes vampires
Paul - he smiles a lot
Choreographer: Jason Gilkison
Song: I'm With You by Avril Lavigne (omg, srsly? this is going to be painful.)
Oh, you are so screwed. The waltz is the kiss of death on this show. Good luck ya'll. Pressing play. (Update: Hubs is NOT killing the hordes on XBOX but is, in fact, watching Reservoir Dogs. I came out strutting to "Stuck in the Middle With You" to get a refill on my drink. Nice ear cutting scene.)
It didn't suck! The bench and umbrella were great props to keep it fluid. I can see the tweens enjoying the love story. It could have been a train wreck, but it was actually enjoyable. Great job guys!

Contemporary
Jasmine H - has a twin and likes red
Aaron - onions make him puke, something about PeeWee Herman?
Choreographer: Sonya Tyia (i never know how to spell her name)
Song: Bottom of the River by Delta Rae
Damn that was sexy. Too tall drinks of hot chocolate. Her legs extensions were AMAZING! And Aaron was partnering with aggressive strength. This SOOOO made up for the last dances. Apparently, Aaron's dad is a singer in Vegas. Remember how Aaron was a bring back from the dude who broke his ankle? We are better for it.

Again. I wonder if the dancers on SYTYCD reads the blogs. If so, I'm entertained. Sorry for the lack of visuals my three readers, but I don't want to wait for screen caps before I post. 

Hip Hop
Hayley - wants a hedgehog
Curtis - talks in his sleep and has a pet (stuffed) monkey
Choreographer: Chris Scott
Song: Go by Delilah
The timing between the two was great but not enough connection. They should have had sex in order to get closer before the dance. Is that wrong to say? They needed that little extra swag between each other. Hayley knew how to exude the sex. Curtis... too timid. First dance, so we will see what is to come.

Contemporary
Amy - likes Christmas socks and turquoise
Fik-Shun - has 2 dogs and something something about red
Choreographer: Sonya Tyai (how the HECK do you spell her name?!)
Song: Elsa by The Valeria Project
BEST. DANCE. OF. THE. NIGHT! Now THIS is what the season should be about. It's why they were placed last. Absolutely perfection. I have no words, they are clearly the front runners tonight. So strong. Intense. Way to go!  Who knew that Fik-Shun is now a contemporary dancer?

SYTYCD - Top 20, Meet the Dancers

And a new season has begun! Watching live and giving you my Gfunkadee commentary on the dancers, choreography and the music... with some added snark as appropriate (or really, as I see fit.) Welcome my three readers to So You Think You Can Dance, season ten!

First up, hip hoppers minus Emilio that had an injury and had to resign before his star was born. Hope we see him next season.
Song: Ball by T.I. feat Lil Wayne
Dancers: Fiction and Mariah
Choreographer: Luther Brown
Mariah is expressive and stole the routine. Fiction is great, I think he has better personality in the interview than what comes across during the routine. Nigel apparently agrees with me.  Mary Murphy is still annoying. Lovahs on Stage (LOS) ... Cute!

Contemporary
Song: Goes On and On by Sleeping At Last
Dancers: Mackenzie, Jasmine, Tucker, Nico
Choreographer: Leslie Twokey (sp there I am sure)
I think this band did a Twilight song. Very well done. Tucker is crying. It was gorgeous. They worked well together. It reminded me of a performance by the SMU Dance grads to a Thelonius Monk tune, Epithropicus something or other. Mackenzie is the one to watch of this group.

Tap
Song: You Really Did It by Jason Mraz
Dancers: Alexis, Curtis, Aaron (who got in because Emilio hurt himself. Yay tappers! About FREAKIN time!)
Choreographer: Anthony Margarato
Damn. Go Aaron! Alexis has great arm expression. Curtis is full of love and smiles. Oh god Nigel, shaddup about Dizzy Feet already. I love threes and I want them all to go far.

Side bar, I wonder if the SYTYCD top 20 go online and read the reviews?

Animators
Song: Twigger by Kezwik feat. Mel Presson
Dancers: Jade and Blue Print
Choreographer: Christopher Scott
Jade has the BEST facial expressions. He hit more of the marks and was spot on. Blue Print is talented and great, but needs to work on engaging the audience. Who cares if Jade is short, I sure don't.

Contemporary
Song: Stay by Rihanna feat. Nikki Ekko
Dancers: Haley, Carlos, Melisse
Choreographer: Mia Michaels (OMG it's about time she came back! Her work always makes me cry. Most involved and personal choreography routines... Only other I think competes on her level is Sonya.)
And that's what you call a performance. I have no words. Well, maybe a few. This is a threesome exploration of love and betrayal with a Mad Men theme. Perfection.

Ballroom / Jive
Song: Wings by Little Mix
Dancers: Britney, Allen, Jenna, Paul
Choreographer: Louis van Amsel
Like a dancing octopus. I have no idea who is who. But it is Mary Murphy's parade and I guess I'm on it. Just not the hot tamale train.

Contemporary
Song: Enjoy by Bjork
Dancers: Amy and Jasmine
Choreographer: Sonya Tye (HOORAY!)
This was almost ballet in the extreme. Stunning. I am very much looking forward to watching more from these two. Sonya even matching hairstyles. Loverly.

Now it is they guys routing and gals routine. I'm going to sign off and enjoy watching. See you next week.

SYTYCD - Top 10 Review

***WARNING*** This post is a little more "stream of consciousness" . I was tired, drinking, and didn't feel like making it all pretty pretty.

OMG Kat, you're wearing a disco ball. Hubster is more polite and says it looks like chain mail. Your stylist should be shot.

The Cool World Stomp (Reprise) - Mark Isham
This week we get the top 10 for the season plus all-stars from past years. We're starting out the group number on a "Gene Kelly" movie set. I bet only half of the dancers can name GK movies other than Singing in the Rain and White Christmas (the most racist movie title of all time.)
It's the 40s slash 50s. Dancers have garbage can lids on their feet. There goes the Cracker Jack kid and a bunch of sailors.  Ooooo, I get it. It's a combination of GK's famous works. Hello Broadway. This lacks excitement or chutzpah. All the female dancers hate the chick in green. I'm over it.

Bee tee dubs, Gene Kelly's widow looks 40. GK, you sly dog you! Kat says something while I'm typing and Hubster says "whole. nother. level." Nerely wee'd my pants.

Doria Sanchez routine
she says its fun studio 54. oh crap disco
Tiffany and all star Brandon
11 lifts. ELEVEN
you make me feel by cobra starship feat. sabi
she's disco princess lea without the hair buns
ahead of the beat
she's bendy
that's gotta give you a neck ache
judge screams "ugh" when judge screams. she does it on purpose! mary murphy
she looks like she's 11!!

Travis Wall routine
they are ghosts
Whitney and Nick from S1
Sing it Back - Moloko
true blood and vamparkle makeup
great moves. stop looking at audience if you are a ghost.
he looks like a freaking zombie

cole "asian edward cullen" and all star anaya chacha
dmitry chapman
glad you came - the wanted
omg how are they allowed to wear those outfits? anya is blue porn star barbie. did you get that at fredricks of hollywood?
mary murphy has cool ring though
shirt open distracts me
he looks full of himself
good dancing


lindsay and jakob omg you have super gaydar voice "its sooo hard to see whats happening with that screen"
spencer liff
what is with her michael jackson glove?
a shadow owes its birth to light, so you have to shine
*jazz hands*
jakob is gay eric from true blood
me and my shadow. should have seen it coming
stiff neck
bob fosse feel good
judges not saying anything mean

bollywood with all star kathryn and will
choreo by nakul
snake charmer. will has a flute and charming me in
ooh la la - the dirty picture
he's better than she is
fantastic
play the will ferrell jazz flute
horrible beaded headband though

travis wall routine
black dude with big earlobes
jenny all star
apocolyptic
cyrus
outro - M83
hard routine best so far
tits exposed

benjamin judge is bland who is he? no good feedback

cryus has wonky eyes

cheon joins all star lauren in a dave scott hiphop routine
pretty wings- maxwell
cheon is a fluffy haired harry connick


george with astar allison
tyce deorio routine
1920s paris
missing the train
bahamut - hazmat modine
no one in 1920s paris dressed like that
she sure flips her hair a lot
how very french
pencil line douchebag moostache

elianna with allstar alex
elianna is gums mcgee - she's got gums, theyre multiplying
stacy tookey
contemporary song about a relatiosnhip too hard to leave
bangbang (my baby shot me down) - nancy sinatra
not sure why there was a tree there
really good
standing o
alex who hurt himself and i want him back

twitch and audrey
dave scott routine
400 year old couple who love and hate each other
sincerely, jane - janelle monae
best of the night
coffin.
she was great as twitch!
watched it twice
entertaining

the girls are all the same height
people got booted.
bed

SYTYCD Wrap Up - Top 16

Ooo Kat! Love the 50s glamourpuss hair and red lips.

The Here and After - Jun Miyake (Group Routine)
Black and White Charlie Chaplin slash Hobo number. Though the moostaches are still slightly Hitler-esque. Imjustsayin. (What was that insurance company that uses a red umbrella as their logo? Found it.) Choreography was coolio and song was great. I'm not sure what Tyce Mister Oreos had in mind with this, but good job.

Special Judge Cristina Applegate... whaaaaa? Well, it's not as weird as Zooey Deschanel, but clearly FOX is promoting its shows with star judges who don't dance.
Oh and we learn there is a 2 week break due to the Olympics. Yay Olympics... Boo SYTYCD.

Tiffany and George "Out of My Mind" by B.o.B. feat. Nicki Minaj 
He peed his pants in track. She got a 5.22 GPA in High School
Babysitter routine. Can't take your eyes off Tiffany. Far superior in this routine. Okey dokey NappyTabs!

Judges, specifically Mary Murphy, are annoying. Shut your trap.

Brandon and Amber "Dr. Feelgood" by Aretha Franklin
She's a hairstylist. He was in Step Up.
Southern couple after work. Baby making music. Hot and sexy. All we needed was the "o" onstage. Good job Ray Leper (thanks Nigel for stealing my "baby making" comment.) Sweat is pouring off Brandon's eight pack during judges comments. Magic Mike Much?

Janelle and Dareian "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen
He's a skateboarding dare devil and she writes bad raps.
Ooo Pasha Cha Cha! And it's the song Hubs and I joke over. I just met you. You're probably crazy. Here's my number. Kill me maybe. Didn't your mom ever tell you not to talk to strangers?
Great job. Entertaining. I'm kinda over the critique thing.

Lindsey and Cole "Wild Horses" by Charlotte Martin
He's an actor and she hates feet. Angry Mary Moore routine.
I really hate this song. This version isn't half bad, but I still hate this song. The dancing is great though. Best choreography of the night.

Amelia and Will "You!" by The Creatures
He wants to be in boy band and she carries SPF 100. Jazz with Mandy Moore, opposites attract.
Will executes better, but she's kinda awesome too. Cool routine, but I'm not connecting. Therefore, I won't vote. Nothing hit my heart chord.

Matthew and Audrey "Cinco Salsa" Sverre Indris Joner / HSC / KORK
He likes to golf and she wears a night guard.
Time for a salsa. It's challenging, but it's boring. "Nothing outstanding" says the Hubs... and I agree.

Witney and Chehon "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
He can play the violin and she cthinks she knows German but clearly does not.
Hubs points out that Chehon has an abnormally long neck and must own a lot of turtlenecks. Choreography is by Stacey Tookey. When the upfront gives a great story, the dance is more complete to the audience. Just saying. Standing O. Connected partners but nothing that makes me want to keep them. I didn't cry. Make me cry and you have my vote.

Eleana and Cyrus "Toxic" by District 78 feat. Cheesa
She killed a bird and his bellybutton is a XBOX power switch.
Hip Hop NappyTabs about a ballerina and a robot.
If they were constantly in strobe light, it would be better. Hubs notes that if there were a crank on the side of the pedestal she stands on, it would be more rad. They should have painted him in silver as a robot.

In danger: Amber, Lindsey, Eliana, George, Brandon and Dareion

Hubs and I agree that Eliana and Dareion need to stay.

Though best performance of the night goes to...
"Jungle Jazz" by Les Tambours du Bronx. Alvin Avion Dance group: The Hunt
Black slaves sold to white merchants? Dance for your life. Sexuality. Life and death? The way the front dancers had their mouths covered at the end makes me want to know more. Want to talk to Joe Black about this tomorrow.

So who is out?
Amber and Brandon.

See ya in two weeks.

SYTYCD - Top 20 Wrap up

It’s 7 central and time for SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!

Top 20 perform, 4 get booted.

Let’s go.

Bee tee dubs, nice earrings Kat.

Top 20 - The Beautiful People, Marilyn Manson

Are we at Disney’s Haunted Mansion? What the frak? Blondie Ballerina (what’s his name again? Daniel. Okay.) kinda rocks it. Oh, it’s a dub step version of the song! Cool. The guy who introduced it at the beginning (sorry man, I don’t know your name yet... You’re black and have great hair... oh CYRUS!) is split between the men and women, costume wise. A comment on sexuality? Maybe. I have a feeling this is a routine by spikey haired chick. Nope, it’s a NappyTabs.

Okay, that was interesting. Now they introduce by couples... that’s new.  Fake smiles everyone!

Blah blah. Kat. Blah blah. I miss hearing her say “jidg-es!” But she looks like a big, sexy tomato. So there is that. Apparently the US Post Office is issuing stamps of four famous American dancers. Does anyone send snail mail anymore?

LINDSAY AND COLE - Christopher Scott routine

He’s wearing a “I do my own nude scenes shirt” in the upfront. She’s got long hair. It’s a routine about Dentists?

“Teeth” by Lady Gaga

A sexy dentist coming on to a nerdy asian. Um, okay. Stop mugging for the camera Lindsay. The nitrious oxide makes it all better. Say it with me “awwwww”. Fun number to start off the show. 

AMELIA AND WILL - Sonya Teyah routine

Weight of the world on their shoulders. Okay! SHould be an amazing number!

“3326” by Olafur Arnalds

Great partnering work. Hubs says ballet-style. I would see this at the SMU artist performance. Wonderful lighting and understating costumes. This did not disapoint. Wonderful. Just great. Both performers were in their element. 

AMBER AND NICK - choreography by some Argentinian (?) peeps I didn’t get their names fast enough

It’s a tango routine. 

“Tanguera” by Sexteto Mayor

They work great together! This season is stepping it up. I think I was pretty hard on them last week, this week is fantastic partnering, legwork and lifts. She kinds looks like Rihanna, but in a great way (not a slutty mess way).

AUDREY AND MATTHEW - another Sonya Teyah routine

Are they kickboxing? What’s with the karate moves in the promo? Sonya says its intense and robotic. Okey dokey. 

“Hear Me Now” by Steed Lord

Punctuated leg moments. Great movement. It went well with the music. I have zero criticism. Not very personal or moving, but great choreography and wonderful execution.  It had some stanky dub steps, so it was a nice change from last week. 

JANELLE AND DARIAN - Christopher Scott routine

He wants to marry her. Yet, he does Donald Duck impressions. This should be intriguing.

“My Girl” by The Temptations

Hubs perks up cause he likes the song. Boopins have jerky treats. It’s a bit distracting. 

Fast and erratic. Not in sync. Not enough connection between the two. Cute kiss at the end. Blarg. No one is going to vote for this. Choreographer dialed it in.

JANAYA AND BRANDON - Sean Cheesman (dude, you’re black with a last name about cheese?)

It’s two peeps at a bus stop. She’s reading 50 Shades of Grey and apparently attacks him with her seksiness. 

“Bring on the Men” by Linda Eder

Broadway routine. Nothing special until the inverted flip near the end. That’s why they put your routine in the middle. Cause it’s pretty much blah. 

Hubs reminds me that Mary Murphy’s voice is exceptionally annoying.

ELIANA AND CYRUS - routine by Melanie Lapatin & Tony Meredith

What the frak again! They don’t have a clue what is going on. I think this is a jive number.

“I’m Shakin’ ” by Black White

He’s black. She’s white. Comment on the song writer? IDK. 

She can shake her ass. And flip. He can... do stuff, I guess. Nice splits, lady! Hey, I just met you. This might be crazy. You can split your legs. The results will be crazy.

ALEXA AND DANIEL - Dee Caspora number

Something to do with a bathtub. Following a 50 Shades number just a bit ago, i have commentary, but will hold it.

“So Long My Friend” by Yanni

Oh, how I hate Yanni. Nice claw foot tub though! Step to step. It’s executed well but i don’t feel a connection. Too fast and frantic. It’s a hard routine, but there’s something missing. 

TIFFANY AND GEORGE - routine by Melanie Lapatin & Tony Meredith

Foxtrot. Boring preview. We know nothing of the dancers.

“I Want To Be Loved By You” by Sinead O’Conner

Well, it was the best ballroom routine I have seen in a while. Likely, brides will want to copy it. But the lifts will be challenging. Boop boop de oop.

WITNEY AND CHEHON - Nakul Dev Mahajan routine

Bollywood! Bring It!

“Tandav Music” by Aatish Kapadia

Witney hit her marks perfectly. I dig the song. I’ve been drinking, so let’s move on.

Dancers in danger: no surprise.

Witney is safe. Bye bye to Alexa and Janaya.

Chehon is safe. Bye bye to Nick and Daniel.

See ya next week!

SYTYCD Top 20

Um Kat? You look like an Oompa Loompa. Chill on the spray tan.

TOP 20 INTRO DANCE
Architect of the Mind - Kerry Muzzey
What was that? Mad Men? Ooo, me likely. When is Mad Men coming back anyway? Wouldn't it be awesome if Don Draper broke out into dance? With a smoke and gin and floozy of course. The dude in the front at the end was stellar... Either Matthew or Will, maybe?
Christopher Scott choreographer. Good job, yo.

WITNEY AND CHEHON
Witney (no "h" which is weird) who can flower her tongue but scared of crickets. Chehon (key on) the Swiss ballet dancer. They'll be doing a samba routine choreographed by Louis Van Amstel.
Jump - The Cube Guys & Lucinana
She's in pink. His shirt is unbuttoned like a Latin lovah. (say it with me.. Love ahhh)
She's too smiley. Music is better than the routine. In fact, this music in small doses is good, longer than that you need an aspirin. Chehon's leg flares are distracting me. That said, Chehon steals it. Hello Magic Mike Musical?

Judges babble about stuff.. Blah blah. Mary Murphy clearly borrowed her jewels from Van Cleef. Oh, and Kat is in something sparkly.

TIFFANY AND GEORGE
Tiffany has baby hands and a pet duck. George (George II thankyouverymuch) has a pet frog. I guess these two belong together. Time for a contemporary routine from my favorite choreographer Sonya Tayeh. It's all about looooove peeps.
Turning Page - Sleeping At Last
Holy crumb cakes, it's a Twilight song. Way to play into the audience Sonya. Too early in the competition for this routine. The dancers don't connect. We don't connect with them. It's gorgeous, but I don't believe it. Give that to me later in the season when I will cry.

Judges talk. I notice we didnt see how they were paired this season. They must be being nice. This is about choreographers and not dancers tonight. But if this is what is to come from Sonya, I'm on board.

JANAYA AND BRANDON
She wants to meet Shamus and hates Chucky. He speaks too fast. Something about pazzokis?
Napoleon and Tabitha hip hip. (Nattytabs) An alcoholism number, Tabitha is super preggo.
Take Care - Drake featuring Rihanna (an alcoholic if there ever was one)
Who is the boozer here? IDK? He's in a wife beater.. Just sayin. Janaya can't keep up. Okay, he kicks the bottle and chooses her. Whatevs.

Judges babble. I still think it would have been better if she was the alkie.

ALEXA AND DANIEL
Alexa barely made it through. She couldn't connect. She likes red lstick and puppies. Daniel is the ballet dance from SFO. He's ann Aussie... Yeah, we get it. Time for a jazz routine from Sean Cheesman. Will it be cheesey? I just don't know.
Hey Hey - Dennis Ferrer
They are in a box contraption. Helloooo Olivia Newton John pants! They look good together, same coloring and hair. Good music, but I feel like I'm at a froufrou dance club and they are the entertainment. Better song than dance number.

Judges .. I skipped through comments.

AMBER AND NICK
I'm not even going to comment. This is a bad match. Sassy black chick and flamboyant white kid, notsomuch. Oh snap, they got the dreaded Viennese waltz from Jason Gilkson. Yeeeeah, you are going home.
Knights in White Satin - Tina Arena
Wow, racist much? It's great and fluid, but no one is going to vote unless you are Amber or Nick's friend. Great lifts though.

Judges.. Skipped. The chick-fil-a commercial was more interesting.

AMELIA AND WILL
She's the Amelie want-a-be. Will is the dude I think I already dig. Except when he says UM. And they get a Nappytabs hiphop. It's about cats. Okay then.
The Lovecats - The Cure
She knows where to place her booty. Looks like he wants to sniff it. It's okay. Kinda.. Meh.

I'm going to skip Judges from here on out. It's stupid and sexually charged. NEXT!

JANELLE AND DAREIAN
She likes stuff, he does too. I'm bored. Let's dance. African something with the Cheese dude.
Jungle - Hilight Tribe
Remember in Can't Buy Me Love when the dude did the african mating dance ritual? It looked like that. But worse.

ELIANA AND CYRUS
Type Diorio, Broadway
Run and Tell That - Hairspray
Kneepads for ten seconds of choreography. Meh. Cyrus has ridic earring things happening. Nope, not voting for him.

AUDREY AND MATTHEW
Don't eff it up. They've got Travis Wall. So again, don't eff it up. It's a lovey Dovey piece on the Titanic. SO DON'T EFF IT UP!!!
Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
Omg. Travis, 4rlz? That is so trite. Hubs even called the dive from the couch. That said, it was sexy. And Matthew is a mini Ryan Gosling. Chicks will vote for it like they read 50 Shades do Grey.

LINDSAY AND COLE
Another Jason routine with a Paso Doble.
Unstoppable - E.S. Posthumus
Hubs interjects he wants a dance routine with all Super Heroes. The fact is if your not first or last n the show, no one remembers you. Cole is not wearing a shirt cause he's a martial artist. Nuff said. Where were the lifts? Mary Murphy has an annoying voice.

The end. We shall see who gets cut. I'm thinking someone in the middle.

Music Monday - My Funny Valentine

From the filme "The Company" with Neve Campbell and Malcom McDowell.