Here are your (incomplete) Top 10 spoilers. Will update as information comes in.
General spoilers: - 2 dances per couple. - Tyce Diorio not choreographing this week. - Tony & Melanie, NappyTabs choreographing. - All ten dancers will dance a solo.
Couples: Jakob & Ellenore – Contemporary, Quickstep Nathan & Kathryn – Broadway, Rumba Russell & Mollee – Jazz (Mandy Moore), Jive Legacy & Ashleigh – Contemporary, Hip Hop Ryan & Noelle – Waltz, Hip Hop (NappyTabs)
On the live elimination episode of So You Think You Can Dance last week, it was tough to tell which of the guys would be eliminated, just shy of making the Top 10. Karen and Kevin, Mollee and Nathan, and Ryan and Ellenore received the lowest number of votes and were asked to dance for their lives. After Karen’s elimination, judge Nigel Lythgoe handed down the decision for the guys. He complimented Victor, and it seemed he was safe, but he turned back around and quickly sent him packing with his partner. Today, Victor spoke to reporters in a press conference call about his experiences on the show.
Last week, on So You Think You Can Dance, it was an all out battle to make it to Top 10 and a spot on the national tour. Each couple performed two routines and Karen Hauer and Victor Smalley drew tango and hip hop. It’s a known fact that a ballroom dance, such as the tango, doesn’t exactly get viewers to pick up the phones but they should have fared better, considering they were given hip hop. However, both routines failed to impress the judges and America. They landed in the bottom three couples and, after dancing for their lives, were both eliminated from the competition. Today, after a nice holiday break, Karen took the time to talk to reporters in a press conference call about her experiences on the show.
What up world! It’s your boy tWitch coming back once again to share my thoughts on the latest SYTYCD performance show. I want to thank everyone that has been reading my blogs and supporting me, it means a lot! It is great to see people agreeing with me, as well as disagreeing and letting me know what they think. That is what all of this is all about … sharing our thoughts and hopefully being heard. This last episode is the last time couples will perform together before having to switch each week, so let’s see what I thought:
Sonya Tayeh created a wonderful routine with Legacy and Kathryn. The piece was about a man who shivers every time his girl is around, and it left me in shivers as well. From top to bottom, it was captivating. A dope hybrid of Sonya’s quirks and b boy movement, with a nasty track in the back had me throwing stuff around my hotel room. The way Legacy came in was amazing and Kathryn was dripping hot! This dance alone is making me miss them as a couple already. Good work Sonya! You have the BEAST AWARD OF THE WEEK! Get your growl on!
We were then blessed with a very beautiful dance choreographed by Tyce for Russell and Noelle using paints. Beautiful song, beautiful lines, and beautiful commitment in partnership. Smart choices by Tyce to use Russell’s strength with lifts that just floated around the stage, holding poses that required rock solid support … and trust. These two are amazing, and Russell has evolved his game week in and week out.
So once again, my frames go off to Sonya who flexed sooooo choreographically hard this week. Her lyrical jazz routine with Ashleigh and Jakob blew me away this evening. Not only was the movement beautiful, but you can still see the trademark Sonya “swag” (yes, swag can be in jazz too) on it. It was danced beautifully! Whomever these two will be paired with next week, will be very lucky to have such strong individuals that also work so well as a partner. Oh but real quick, I got to agree with Adam Shankman when he told Jakob to never where the pants again. Purple, not a good look playa. ha!
Big ups to Mollee and Nathan for the first can-can in SYTYCD history. Besides Nathan’s costume (Pink pants… not a good look playa), I thought the routine was fun and entertaining! Mollee’s turn into a explosive aerial move (in heels might I add) was as equally impressive as Nathan’s turns, showing his incredible balance. Regardless of whether I am familiar with a dancer or not, that was impressive. The kicks and energy was high and it made me think I could can-can, but I must-must stretch these hamstrings first or I won’t-won’t be able to dance again. Not a good look playa.
As an individual, no one shined more than Ellenore in Spencer’s Razzle Dazzle. That dance was made for her to murder it … and she did. She has technical ability, charisma, unique characters, and I believe so much more we have yet to see. She doesn’t cease to amaze week after week. In retrospect, this week is going to be hard for America to decide who is in the bottom three because each couple delivered! We were reminded of why you did or didn’t fall in love with them as a couple and individuals. With that being said, it is the individuality meshing without the egos that makes these partnerships monumental and memorable to us. So dancers, as hard as it will be to leave your partners, hold on to the love and knowledge you’ve gained and will gain from each piece that you do. Bring all the positives from those past duets into the new one to create an even bigger, more cooperative unit, while never forgetting to add the main ingredient: YOU! That’s who we fall in love with more and more every week.
Dancers: Ellenore & Ryan
Dance: Lindy Hop by Carla Heiny to I’ve Got To Be A Rug Cutter by Boilermaker Jazz Band
Amanda’s Thoughts: Fun routine. They did really well with the choreography – perfect fit for Ellenore’s personality.
Dancers: Kathryn & Legacy
Dance: Jazz by Sonya Tayeh to So Deep by Hot Chip
Amanda’s Thoughts: OMG!!!LOVE this choreography by Sonya! One of my favorite routines of the show – period! Awesome. Fantastic. Amazing.
Dancers: Karen & Victor
Dance: Tango by Tony Meredith and Melanie to Montserrat by Orquesta del Plata
Amanda’s Thoughts: Not a Karen fan but this was good. I thought they both did a great job. Great chemistry too.
Dancers: Mollee & Nathan
Dance: Hip Hop by Jamal Sims to Ring A Ling by The Black Eyed Peas
Amanda’s Thoughts: I liked this routine. I miss Shane Sparks and Dave Scott but this was pretty good! I think Nathan does better at hip-hop than Mollee – he seems to hit harder. Not the best of the night but I really liked it – the concept, the song and the choreography.
Dancers: Noelle & Russell
Dance: Samba by Tony and Melanie to Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira
Amanda’s Thoughts: I just love Russell! Noelle is great too – this was def. not her cup of tea. I was a bit nervous throughout the routine – afraid she was going to fall or something – but she did pretty well considering she’s probably never moved her hips like that! Did I mention how much I love Russell?
Dancers: Ashleigh & Jakob
Dance: Lyrical Jazz by Sonya to Time Flies by Lykke Li
Amanda’s Thoughts: Oh … so awesome! Love me some more Sonya and wow … who would have thought this couple would be the power couple? They just keep getting better and better. And he lifts her like she is as light as a feather. So awesome. LOVED it!
Dancers: Ellenore & Ryan
Dance: Broadway by Spencer Liff to Razzle Dazzle from Chicago Amanda’s Thoughts: This was a much better routine than he did last time. Reminded me of the piece from Season 3 that Ashlee did (see pic below), although I can’t recall with who though….ugh!In any event, I really enjoyed it. Love Ellenore.
Dancers: Kathryn & Legacy
Dance: Viennese Waltz by Jean-Marc Genereaux to Your Guardian Angel by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (BTW … THIS IS THE SONG I WALKED DOWN THE AISLE TO AT MY WEDDING!!) Amanda’s Thoughts: Just loved this … yes, it was a bit “mess” since Legacy is a b-boy but still – he did a great job. And Kathryn, well she is just amazing! I thought the piece was so fitting and I really liked it.
Dancers: Karen & Victor
Dance:Hip Hop by Laurieanne Gibson to MovingMountains by Usher
Amanda’s Thoughts: Yikes!She actually did pretty well. I thought her performance was believable. Victor – no so much. He was way off and didn’t hit near as hard. This will put them in the bottom for sure.
Dancers: Mollee & Nathan
Dance: Can-Can by Tyce Diorio to Cancan Suite
Amanda’s Thoughts: Wow!What a fun routine. Couldn’t have picked a better couple for this though, huh? I thought they did pretty well considering the difficulty of the routine. And for Mollee – and her ankle? To jump and do flips like that – more power to her!I know a lot of people don’t care for her but I love her energy – and Nathan’s too. Nathan is still technically better than Mollee though. She will def. go before he does.
Dancers: Noelle & Russell
Dance:Contemporary by Tyce to A Case Of You by Diana Krall
Amanda’s Thoughts: Wow … they def. made up for their first routine with this. Loved it. Love them both. Russell is just amazing.It’s always the hip-hoppers that soak everything up!Great routine.
Dancers: Ashleigh & Jakob
Dance: Cha-cha by Jean-Marc and France to Cha Cha Heels
Amanda’s Thoughts: Holy Smokes – hotness!!Loved this. Wish they would have had her “shake it” a little more but still. The couple of the night for sure. Will be so very sad next week when they are split up.
Okay, well – that’s it.Sorry, not so in depth this week. Takes too much effort.In any event, I thought this weeks show was amazing and the best by far!Bottom three is going to be tough Wednesday as will picking who goes home. If I had to guess, I would say – Karen and Victor for sure.As for the others – I really have no idea. I guess it’s possible Russell and Noelle could be in the bottom as their first routine wasn’t the best.As for the third couple in the bottom … ugh … I don’t know. Maybe Nathan and Mollee – just because they are consistently in the bottom as I think America is “torn” between them?I don’t know though?
My personal pick to go home – both Karen and Victor.I simply can’t stand Karen’s attitude and think the other girls are much more talented. As for Victor, he is an amazing dancer – he’s just being “outshined” by the other guys.
Ashleigh Di Lello and Jakob Karr: Cha-cha (Jean-Marc Generaux)/Lyrical jazz (Sonya Tayeh) Finally, Ashleigh gets to dance in her own genre! And from what we've seen of Jakob, it seems he can pull this off too, although inevitably all eyes will be on his partner, since ballroom is her specialty. Add to that a Sonya jazz routine, and this lucky power couple will inevitably shine tonight.
Ellenore Scott and Ryan Di Lello: Broadway (Spencer Liff)/Lindy hop (Carla Heiney) Ellenore and Ryan are the other power couple this season, although their hip-hop routine two weeks ago was a big stumble. Interesting to see the lindy hop around here--correct me if I'm wrong, but this was last danced back in season 3, with Lacey and Neil in matching outfits and sneakers. There's no reason to fear these two could go in the bottom three, though.
Karen Hauer and Victor Smalley: Argentine tango (Tony Meredith/Melanie LaPatin)/Hip-hop (Laurieann Gibson) Some may argue that Karen should've been eliminated last week (in Abbey's words, "sex beats skill") and their tango this week might reinforce that. However, both are outside their comfort zones with hip-hop, and it's not going to be easy, considering it's Laurieann who's doing it. It's going to be heavy, and it could be disastrous. Could be, but Laurieann seems pretty pleased in her Tweets
Kathryn McCormick and Legacy Perez: Jazz (Sonya Tayeh)/Waltz (Jean-Marc Generaux) I'm amazed at how many unrelated style Legacy gets in the competition, but after four weeks of seeing him defy the odds, I won't be surprised if he pulls this one off again. Kathryn, on the other hand, will be in more familiar territory this week with the jazz routine. Again, no need to be worried for these two, unless you factor in rumors that Legacy also suffered an injury.
Mollee Gray and Nathan Trasoras: Cancan (Tyce Diorio)/Hip-hop (Jamal Sims) Yes, it is a cancan, the French dance which involves all those fast, high kicks, much like in Moulin Rouge. The forums were burning up with this detail, and turns out it's actually true. Sure, the hip-hop could do them wonders--it's young but it's not really close to their styles--I bet everyone will be wondering how they'll pull the cancan off. Either it'll be totally wonderful or totally disastrous, like last season's Russian folk dance.
Noelle Marsh and Russell Ferguson: Contemporary (Tyce Diorio)/Samba (Tony Meredith/Melanie LaPatin) Tyce has a lot to live up to considering his last contemporary routine was the famed Breast Cancer dance of season 5. Luckily he has two dancers who could live up to the hype, Noelle and Russell have earned some plus points from the judges and Russell is the clear star of season 6. So, I'm a bit confident they'll breeze through the routines. The samba's got me curious. But not as curious as how they'll fare with two power couples and fluctuating voting patterns has me.
This morning I had the pleasure of chatting with Kevin Hunte the latest dancer to be eliminated from So You Think You Can Dance.
Despite his elimination, Kevin had a positive outlook on his time on So You Think You Can Dance and his future. Here's what Kevin had to say about his "brother in the top 6," what Victor can expect from his former partner Karen, and what's next in his journey.
There's a lot of people who started dancing young. It's interesting that you started when you were 14. What got you so interested in dancing? "Growing up, watching Michael Jackson inspired me to move. My mom said that she really wanted me to pursue dance. She put me in a dance school (at the age of 16) that I didn't really like. I started watching the show and opening my eyes to other aspects of dance. I started taking classes and getting my technique up to par. I went full force with the whole hip hop thing. I auditioned in season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance and got all the way to the green mile before I was cut. Mia Michaels told me she wanted me to grow more, so I took two seasons off and trained and trained and trained. And this time I actually made the top 20."
What styles were you formally trained in, before coming to So You Think You Can Dance?
"As you know, I'm a hip hopper. I took ballet and modern. That's basically about it. I had the privilege of joining a contemporary company. That's all the training that I have. No ballroom!"
What was the hardest style of dance to pick up? "Besides the cha cha, I would have to say the Broadway. It took me out of my element. It took me by surprise. The character, the style, the movement, the whole feel of it - that was kind of different. It was so fast." Tell us about the "get to know the Top 20" show where you, Russell, and Legacy did a hip hop routine together.
"Oh, that was amazing! That was the most amazing experience ever! As you know, me and Russell became like brothers. Just to be able to do that together is mind blowing. Right after the taping of that, Russell and I had a moment where we hugged and they put it on the cameras. We were like, "Wow, we're really here. We're really doing this." It was just amazing."
What did you think about the judges saying your solos weren't up to par?
"I loved my solo the first time. So I thought, 'This next time just go out there and dance your heart out like you always do.' It was a privilege to perform on that stage. But I loved my first solo and I loved my second solo and that's all that matters is how you feel about it."
What style did you most want to perform?
"I really wanted to get contemporary. I want to emote and show that a hip hop dancer can emote and can give off the whole contemporary feeling. Because a lot of time we can't do the contemporary styles. I was excited to work with contemporary choreographers like Tyce, Mandy, or Stacey Tookey. Seeing them with other couples you get inspired and want to work with them." Any advice for Victor now that he'll be with your former partner, Karen?
"Oh yes. If he ever feels tired or hurt or just not up to it, he better get it together real quick because she is no joke. She's a professional. She's a mambo champion. She's about her craft and about her work. That's what i loved about her she adapted to whatever style I got. I told Victor be ready because she's fierce and non stop."
What's next for you?
"Auditioning, Auditioning, Auditioning. I hope to get into movies, modeling, get some campaigns and print work. Going where the work is. I am the kind of person who doesn't stop. So You Think You Can Dance was a stepping stone to get my career started."
This morning I had the pleasure of speaking with Channing Cooke, the latest dancer to be eliminated from So You Think You Can Dance. I'm no psychologist, but based on Channing's tone and short answers, it would seem she's just as upset and confused about her elimination last night as the rest of us are.
Here's what she had to say about her partnership with Victor, the Blackbird routine, and what she wishes she'd done different during her time on So You Think You Can Dance.
What did you think of Tyce Diorio's "Blackbird" routine? Do you believe, as Adam Shankman said, the music made it more difficult to connect with?
"Tyce was trying to do something different and go with a different choice of music. I thought it was a cool dance and the choreography went well with it. Everyone has their own opinion and we had fun with it. I think the show needed something different like that."
As a dancer was it fun to get into a quirky character like the Blackbird during your performance?
"It's definitely fun to get into a character, it takes your dancing to a different level. If you get to live in a character it's more fun and exciting to watch, people can get in the character with you."
What did you think about Nigel saying America couldn't connect with you emotionally and that's why you were in the bottom 3?
"Everyone has their opinions. Ultimately, it's just what the show puts across and what they air and what they show. What they showed isn't all of me. Victor and I, we had a great partnership, and I wish it showed a little more. But it is what it is." What was your partnership with Phillip like?
"It was tough.I felt at times I could have lifted him better than he could have lifted me. I fell on my head a few times, but we figured out how to use my strength to aide in some of the lifts. It ended up working kind of well." Would you rather have been critiqued on your technique or personality?
"I've been working on my technique for 15 years. The technique part will always be there. And I have a personality. But it just didn't come through as I wish it had."
What do you wish you'd done differently during your time on So You Think You Can Dance?
"Gotten my face in the camera more and shown people more of myself. They only give you so much time to do so, and I should have jumped in front of the camera often."
Do you have any predictions on who will be crowned America's Favorite Dancer this season?
"I have my predictions, however this is something you can't truly predict because things can happen that you just don't expect."
What's the biggest lesson you learned from your time on So You Think You Can Dance?
"ThatI can push myself through boundaries that I set before. I'm never going to set limits again, because I know I can break them."
Tonight on So You Think You Can Dance we learned that while a remarkable solo can save a dancer in danger, a totally terrible solo won't necessarily get you sent home if you have already banked enough "star moments" and sex appeal in the minds of the judges.
Channing Cooke and Kevin Hunte were eliminated this week, despite a disastrous solo by Karen Hauer and last week's extended lecture from executive producer Nigel Lythgoe on how the performers always need to dance as if their lives depend on it.
So how bad was Karen? When we talked to judge Mary Murphy afterward, she was still reeling in reaction: "Karen's solo was horrid. I'm a ballroom dancer, and she's a ballroom dancer, and after that I shook my head and said, 'I'm not sure what she was doing just now! I didn't even recognize what that was.' " Nonetheless, the judges raved backstage about Karen's previous star work, especially in her hip-hop with Kevin, and they decided to saved her. (Does anyone else suspect that last season's lack of a breakout personality has led the judges to perhaps slightly overemphasize star quality this season? Perhaps the judges' "producer" tendencies are showing a bit more than is strictly smart?)
As for poor Channing, we asked why her fascinating Tyce Diorio-choreographed "blackbird dance" with Victor didn't result in the star moment the judges were looking for, and judge Adam Shankman told us, "I think it was the song. It was too a capella and too alienating. It wasn't emotional in any way—it didn't bring us in, at all." Mary Murphy agreed, saying, "It was just 'very good' for us. It was quirky and never connected with us emotionally...I don't think we ever said anything bad to Channing in this competition. Everything's 'very good.' " Adam also saluted Channing's talent, saying, "I think she's an amazing technician and a lovely person, but the winner of the show has to be more than lovely."
As for the elimination of breaker Kevin, Adam Shankman told us, "Not only did we see that solo last week, we saw that same basic script in Vegas. So...if you're not even growing in your own style, if you're not showing us new tricks, then you're in lot of trouble. [Overall] I thought that he met a lot of challenges, but he never conquered a lot of challenges. It was always just enough." And that just wasn't good enough compared to Victor's sophisticated solo. Mary Murphy spilled, "I think Victor did a fabulous job. He was probably, in my mind, the person that was going to go until he did that solo. For me, that solo did save him."
Next week, sexy Karen and piroutte master Victor will join forces and try to create enough chemistry to send them through to the top 10.
Tonight's "SYTYCD" analysis will be short and sweet, so let's get right to the spoilers:
I don't think anyone was surprised by the guy who went home tonight: The judges last night warned Kevin Hunte and Karen Hauer that they'd probably be in the bottom three couples after their Broadway dance, and they were proved right. I had a feeling that no matter who else was in the bottom with Kevin, he'd be going home -- he just hasn't proved himself as promising as Nathan Trasoras or Victor Smalley. I do like Victor, but I'm glad that Nigel warned him about his dangerous pirouette habit.
I'm not sure how I feel about the female elimination, on the other hand. In terms of pure dance ability, I'm not sure that Mollee Gray, Channing Cooke or Karen was far superior to the other girls, but I think Channing just got the short end of the stick because she's not as young and bubbly as Mollee or as smoldering as Karen. I actually thought Karen's solo was fairly weak -- sex appeal and black leather, yes, but lots of strong dancing, no.
Oh well. I will at least have the fond memories of NDM Bollywood Dance Productions featuring Nakul Dev Majahan: How often do we get a piece where one of the "SYTYCD" choreographers is the star and makes love to the camera, to boot?
It's boring me, a little bit, how "So You Think You Can Dance" is keeping the same order of dancers each week, so for fun I am going to discuss the dances in the order I found most compelling (for reasons both good and bad).
Even though I think most viewers probably liked Travis Wall's dance the best, I was most impressed by Legacy Perez and Kathryn McCormick's Paso Doble. First, it was a good idea for Legacy to dance without his shirt on, but he wasn't the only dancer in the pair to work with this costume (or lack thereof). Kathryn was definitely fiery tonight, including, as Adam Shankman pointed out, the way she flung her flowing white dress down when she hit the ground. This couple is climbing up the ranks for me each week, and I also got a kick out of Legacy admitting to his practicing in the mirror. It was clear they both felt confident and excited about the dance, and the feeling was contagious.
Speaking of the shirtless, I am rarely opposed to seeing Ryan Di Lello's abs, but I actually didn't think his exposed stomach worked in tonight's Travis Wall contemporary piece. I loved the story behind the dance, about a former couple reuniting and the man realizing he was the one who "lost" in the breakup. The dance was beautiful (including the autumnal stage lighting) and Ellenore Scott was captivating as always, but with Ryan's hunky physique hanging around it was hard for me to believe him as the character in the piece. But I did appreciate his dancing, thanks especially to the judges, who noted the great timing of his catches. Mary Murphy (looking lovely tonight, a little bit more chic than when she's surrounded by a cubic zirconia halo) even got choked up as she talked about Ryan breaking down barriers on the show for ballroom dancers.
What I still don't understand is the judges' love affair with Mollee Gray and Nathan Trasoras, who performed a Laurieann Gibson dance to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance." I think it was a poor song choice in some ways because I was thinking about the recent video the whole time, which is weird and wonderful, but Nathan and Mollee's dance was neither. I just think they both lack the maturity to really throw themselves into their dances. As a couple they remind me a little bit of Ashleigh Di Lello and Jakob Karr, but I think Ashleigh and Jakob both work hard for the chemistry they have. It bothers me that Mary refers to Mollee and Nathan as the "dream team" because they're definitely not in my top selection of couples so far.
I like Channing Cooke and Victor Smalley better. I enjoyed the eclectic "Blackbird" dance choreographed by Tyce Diorio ,which especially helped Channing show off a little personality (and I liked the minimalist but pretty "cage" they performed behind). I thought the judges were right on that Victor needs to push himself to really stand out from the crowd and also that the choice of the Bobby McFerrin version of the song was a little off-putting. As Adam put it, the song is great but I think something a little more funky and weird might have helped establish the tone of the piece better.
Those were the highlights and lowlights of the evening for me. I thought Ashleigh Di Lello and Jakob Karr's Tabitha and Napoleon D'Umo hip-hop dance was fine, except that I wish their dances wouldn't always start with a little scene, plus the dance reminded me very much of the dance Mark Kanemura and Chelsie Hightower did for the same choreographers in Season 4. I was glad the judges explained the fox trot to me because while I appreciated the zestier moments of Noelle Marsh and Russell Ferguson's performance, I needed to be reminded that the dance is supposed to be slow and deliberate. And Karen Hauer and Kevin Hunte may be in trouble Wednesday for their Broadway routine. I think Kevin tried pretty hard, but his lack of confidence in his abilities was evident, and this time Karen wasn't able to draw the charm that was necessary for the routine. The judges predict they'll be the ones to go, although the part of me that hates dreams and teams is hoping it's the youngsters.
On a happier note, L.A. residents, tickets are still available for the Dizzy Feet Foundation's "A Celebration of Dance": As of last glance I saw that they were available for $25, which seems like a bargain to catch performances by stars from "So You Think You Can Dance," "Dancing With the Stars," The American Ballet Theatre and the Ailey II Troupe.
Whether his delivery was too harsh or not, it seems the majority of So You Think You Can Dance contestants got Nigel Lythgoe’s message loud and clear last week when he said he was “angry” after elimination night’s solos.
“The show was an improvement from last week [and] the solos were an improvement from last week,” Adam Shankman told PEOPLE backstage Wednesday night. “It’s kicking in now.”
Despite Mollee and Nathan’s jazz number, which PEOPLE.com blogger tWitch said demonstrated they “had chemistry and were so on point with each other,” the couple still ended up in the bottom three.
Nigel called that a possible “backlash” from last week, but said this week their routine (and his attitude) were much improved. “[Nathan] still seems a little arrogant,” Nigel explained. “They’re not voting against him, they just didn’t vote for him.”
Still, after their solos, the judges kept the couple, deciding instead to send home contemporary dancer Channing Cooke, 18, and hip-hopper Kevin Hunte, 23.
“We were looking at growth,” Adam said. “Kevin was doing okay, but he wasn’t growing. But more compellingly, I’d seen a lot of the stuff from his solo before and it wasn’t feeling like fighting for your life.”
While Channing, he continued, “just wasn’t reaching us. She’s a talented technician but she just wasn’t reaching us as a performer. We have a couple stars on the show right now, so we have to look at that.”
Nigel went further, saying that despite her “awful” solo, when it came down to Channing versus Karen, who was just as off as anything fellow ballroom-dancer Asukah did last season, “[Karen] is a star performer [who] will just get better and better.”
Channing lacked personality, Nigel said, comparing the two to an “ice-maiden” and a “hot-maiden.”
Season 6’s dancers appear to be back on track as they head into next week when each couple will dance two routines in the final performance show before the top 10 — who will get spots on the tour — are chosen. –Jed Dreben
Okay everyone … here are my thoughts on the eliminations. I must say, I am a bit saddened by the judge’s pick to go home for the girls.
Here’s a mini play-by-play of the night.
Group routine by Wade and Amanda Robson – “Aha” Imogene Heap (love her btw!) – Really dug that. Awesome choreography and dancing. I just love Wade and all his craziness!
**Nigel says some of the less technically proficient dancers are stepping it up. Next week, the dancers will perform two routines.
First two couples: Ashleigh and Jakob are safe and Karen and Kevin are in the bottom three – no big surprise here.
2nd three couples: Ellenore and Ryan are safe (Yay). Noelle and Russell are safe. Channing and Victor are in danger. No surprises so far…
3rd two couples: Mollee and Nathan are in the bottom three and Kathryn and Legacy are safe. Nigel is looking forward to Mollee and Nathan’s solos–he doesn’t believe they belong in the B3 this week.
Solos:
Karen – Are you kidding me? That was the slowest worst latin dance solo I have seen in a long time. I mean, hello Lacy and Heidi? Or maybe Anya? Wow … that was awful – just awful. Did she really even try. OMG … her actions and attitude are just pissing me off. She shows now emotion at all when she is up on that stage learning the results and when the judges talk to her. Sorry – I’m done ranting. I just can’t take her!! Should be going home.
Kevin – Eh, this was just okay to me. He had the charisma but the solo just wasn’t strong enough – looked like it needed more work. Could be in trouble.
Channing – I love Channing and I loved her solo. I mean, it wasn’t a “wow” factor but it was a very beautiful and thought out solo. I think she is having problems with the fact that she’s had to chance partners twice and didn’t have a lot of good luck/reviews with Phillip (the tapper) and I think that really got her heading the wrong direction. She’s just so technically perfect! **sigh**
Victor – Really enjoyed Victor’s dance. Thought he put a lot into it and it was very well danced. I like him but I think if he doesn’t go this week – he’ll be gone next week.
Mollee – LOVED her routine. She did such awesome tricks and flips and dancing too. So glad she had a chance to dance like that and prove herself! Loved it.
Nathan -- LOVED his solo too. How amazing was that? Wow. A little bit of everything in it. So well danced and controlled. Not to mention he’s so hot!! NO way is he going home tonight!!
Elimination:
Girls: Nigel says the decision is unanimous, all are good enough to be in the Top 10. Nigel says Mollee now dances like a woman. She is SAFE. Nigels calls Karen a star, says Channing didn’t reveal her personality. Karen is SAFE. Channing Cooke is eliminated.
Boys: Again, the judges are unanimous. Nigel thinks Nathan learned “a hell of a lesson”. Nathan is SAFE. Nigel tells Kevin he looks uncomfortable in routines. Says he’s got a long way to go. Victor is safe Kevin Hunte is eliminated
Okay – final thoughts on that … I can’t believe they kept Karen. After a bad routine and that awful, terrible solo – ugh. Sure, maybe Channing hasn’t 100% connected with the audience but she will. I just think Nigel didn’t want to get rid of the “sex pot” of the competition – even though she’s really not that sexy. She sure as hell doesn’t have a sexy personality. Her attitude sucks ass! Sorry to repeat myself but I’m angered by it. Ugh.
And Kevin going – no biggie to me. I mean, he was good but I was surprised they picked him for the Top 20 with all of the other options they had!!
Oh well, down to the Final 12. All of these dancers will go on tour anyways b/c they need backups for injuries so that’s cool. Two dances next week. Bring it on!!!!
What up doc! It’s your boy tWitch, still Stomping the Yard in Hotlanta! I am back once again to share with you my thoughts on Tuesday’s performance show of So You Think You Can Dance. First thing first: Nigel, you got to let me know where to get an outfit like you had in that pic of you as a 9-year-old. Haha! Love you man! And Nigel, I have to agree with one of my readers (Tina) who said next season there should be a soft shoe routine thrown in. That would allow tappers to show off their talents in a duet piece and also throw another style at some of the best dancers in the world.
Now, here are some of the highlights from last night’s SYTYCD:
The show started with a bang as Jakob and Ashleigh HIT HARD thanks to a piece choreographed by Nappy Tabs. I am proud of Ashleigh for defying all of the haters out there and letting her growth speak volumes! It was dope to hear all of the judges give them props and I agree with all three of them — Jakob and Ashleigh should be locked-in for the top 10.
Tyce Diorio did it again! He turned Victor and Channing into funky little blackbirds. A shout out to Victor for his “war wound.” Nice try on getting six stitches for season 6! I totally agreed with Nigel too, in that it looked like Channing finally let go and found the character. It is always great to see what spills on to the stage from Tyce’s brain. I also thought the song choice was a creative touch and that the cage was a great addition. Speaking of … has everyone noticed how much more SYTYCD is using props and elaborate lighting, as well as the video wall? What do you think?
Tony Meredith, you own the paso doble! The routine he gave to Legacy and Kathryn was insane! Adam Shankman nailed it right on the head when he told Legacy that he is no longer a breakdancer … he is a dancer! Kathryn, the Beast Award definitely goes to you! Seeing them perform and then seeing the Dizzy Feet segment really shows how dance can change lives. The Dizzy Feet Foundation is such an amazing organization and I ask everyone to support by donating! Dance changed my life and I can’t wait to see what great things are on the horizon thanks to Dizzy Feet.
Ryan and Ellenore brought a Travis Wall piece to life! Ryan’s strength made the lifts look so effortless. Ellenore was so beautiful in her movement and Ryan matched it, which surprised me because of his ballroom background. This was one of my favorite pieces of the season so far.
After watching their piece, I realized that almost all of the pieces on this show moved me. (Sorry, Kevin and Karen, I wanted to enjoy it so bad but it was lackluster.) I am starting to see that passion that is needed to win — and I see it in several of the dancers.
It was also great to see Nathan and Mollee commit themselves to a crazy jazz piece by Laurieann Gibson. This couple bounced back in a strong way. They had chemistry and were so on point with each other. I am proud of these two. There is still a lot of room to grow but Nathan and Mollee are two of the top dancers this season.
Alright — that is a wrap! The competition is heating up but Jakob and Ashleigh as well as Ryan and Ellenore were the best of the night to me. I have to agree with the judges and say that Kevin and Karen are in the hotseat this week. Hey you two, just slay the solo portion of it because that is all you can control. America loves you, so you never know what will happen — they might decide to save you!
Bye for now citizens, stay funkyfresh as always. Captain tWitch out!
Dancers: Ashleigh and Jakob Dance: Hip-hop by Tabitha and Napoleon to Watcha Say by Jason Derulo (Good song !) Amanda’s Thoughts:As always, love me some NappyTabs and this did not disappoint me in any way. I can’t believe how much Ashleigh has grown on me .. she is just doing such a great job. Whatever negative feelings I had about Ashleigh are gone. This chick is f*cking fierce And Jakob, well he’s just freaking awesome!! And Jakob … he’s just awesome. I just loved this routine, loved it, loved it.
Dancers: Karen and Kevin Dance: Jazz by Spencer Liff to If My Friends Could See Me Now from Sweet CharityAmanda's ThoughtsYeah, no room for Nigel to talk about her sexuality now, huh?Finally – even though he still found a way to bring it up. Their routine was not that great and neither of them seemed very “into it”.It just didn’t work for me and I doubt it worked for a lot of other people either. Bottom 3 for sure!! I would pick them to go actually – considering what we have left in dancers.Just my opinion though.
Dancers:Noelle and Russell Dance:Fox Trot by Eddie Simon to Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes) by Michael Buble
Amanda’s Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I love both of these dancers and I thought it was a fun and well danced routine. Not the most exciting of the night but memorable. I think Russell is a force in this competition and I think Noelle is too. I hope they are safe.
Dancers:Channing and Victor Dance: Jazz by Tyce to Blackbird by Bobby McFerrin.
Amanda’s Thoughts:Song choice a little odd – but so was the dance.Thought it was a pretty good fit if you ask me. Reminded me a bit of Wade Robson routines (the hummingbird) but I liked it … and both dancers really did well with the choreography and chemistry if you ask me. They might be in bottom – depending on how people feel about the “quirky” choreography?
Dancers: Kathryn and Legacy Dance: Paso Doble by Tony Meredith to Pursuit by Ka from Cirque du Soleil
Amanda’s Thoughts:Awesome!! Great routine from both of them. They gave it everything and I thought it was great . I just love them as a couple. They fit so well.I hope they are safe!
Dancers: Ellenore and Ryan Dance: Contemporary by Travis Wall to Your Ex-Lover’s Dead by Stars
Amanda’s Thoughts:Fabulous! Ellenore was fantastic! Ryan was good and did some great moves/lifts but those were because of his strength.What about his dancing? I would say there were a few awkward moments but I enjoyed the routine. Especially Ellenore, she is freaking awesome!!
Dancers: Mollee and Nathan Dance: Pop jazz by Laurianne Gibson to Bad Romance by LadyGa Ga (BTW … LOVE THIS Amanda’s Thoughts:I am so tired of his back-handed comments and tired of him commenting on Mollee and Nathan’s age over and over again. They ARE young, we know that – they know that – do you need to keep telling them that? “You’re so young … we want you to grow … you need to grow …”I mean seriously, they all three kept bringing up last weeks routine and hardly spoke about this routine. I mean, it’s obvious to me that they took their (rude and quite crappy advice if you ask me) and really worked on this routine.You could see the anger and determination in Nathan’s face for sure when they were dancing.I can’t wait to watch that over again! This dance wasn’t near as sexual as the last time – I thought it was formatted pretty well for them and I thought they both did amazing job.
As for who might be in the bottom this week?Oh, that’s a hard one.
1.)Karen and Kevin for sure and will probably go home.
2.)Channing and Victor?I don’t know. I liked it but it was “way out there” and some people may not have really “clicked” with it? I thought they performed it awesome though so this is a shot in the dark. Doubt they will be sent home.
3.)I don’t know on the third … possibly Russell and Noele just b/c of the dance itself. A lot of people don’t always care for the foxtrot? If they are in the bottom, it is only b/c of America's lack of love regarding the Foxtrot - as these two did amazing! I bet they are safe too! Judges like them too much!!
What better way to start off the weekend than with some awesome news about next week’s show!
Kevin & Karen – Broadway – Spencer Liff I’m totally excited for this. Karen and Kevin both did well during Broadway in Vegas, and Spencer is a fabulous new voice as a choreographer.
Ryan & Ellenore – Contemporary – Travis Wall I see why Travis was so excited, I feel like these two are going to rebound from last week, this will be fun.
Nathan & Mollee – Pop Jazz – Laurieann Gibson oooo i like this, if mostly for the fact that Laurieann doesn’t take anything from anybody. This is a great time for Nathan and Mollee to grow up as dancers.
Russell & Noelle – Fox Trot – Eddie Simon Again? Please tell me I’m not the only one confused. They’re the first couple to repeat a dance style. Their choreographer did a smooth waltz for Comfort and Thane during S4.
Legacy & Kathryn – Paso – Tony Meredith uh oh…this might be a trip-up for Legacy and Kathryn. I’m definitely keeping my fingers crossed though, these two are in my top 3 couples.
Victor & Channing – Jazz – Tyce Diorio technique will be there, but will there be chemistry? that’s the million dollar question. Tyce is pretty consistent with his jazz routines, it should be a good one.
Jakob & Ashleigh – Hip Hop – NappyTabs ah, I was wondering when this would happen. I picked them out in Dave Scott’s routine on Wed night because I had a feeling they would get hip hop this week. They looked good, we’ll see what happens.
Following a colorful night of performances, So You Think You Can Dance finally had a live results show (now that baseball season is over!) with America picking the bottom three couples rather than the judges — lucky for some; bad for others.
While Pauline Mata, 18, the jazz dancer out of West Covina, Calif., and the last of the tappers, Peter Sabasino, 21, from Philadelphia, were unanimously given their walking papers, a frustrated Nigel Lythgoe told the rest of season 6’s dancers that they better start living up to expectations.
“I’m angry!” Nigel told PEOPLE backstage after the show. “When you spend the amount of time I do talking to the press and trying to be honest, and say, ‘These are the best, the most diverse top 20 we’ve ever had,’ and then I felt totally let down by the solos tonight.”
He then added: “I was totally disappointed. If I compare six of those solos against anyone from last season, they were terrible!”
He’s referring to the bottom three couples: Pauline and Peter, Ellenore and Ryan, and Karen and Kevin, who danced solos to stay in the competition Wednesday night.
Lythgoe also told Nathan and Mollee how lucky they were to have a fan base that kept them out of the bottom after an off routine and some “immature” behavior (on his part). “Nathan I don’t think is fully aware of what’s going on, because he’s blindly accepting all this love coming at him,” Lythgoe said. “And I know [the title is] America’s Favorite Dancer, but it does say ‘dancer.’ They deserved to be in the bottom three.”
The decision to cut the dancers this week “wasn’t as tough as I thought it was going to be,” Nigel continued, explaining that the two lacked a little bit of that “star quality.”
Although Lythgoe lamented losing the last of the tappers with Peter’s exit, he never “showed his charisma,” he said. –Jed Dreben
What up world! It’s your boy tWitch taking some time off on the set of Stomp The Yard 2, to share my thoughts about last night’s performance episode of SYTYCD with the masses.
I am so happy to hear that Dizzy Feet is moving forward with such force! Sounds like a wonderful event on Nov. 29! Not only happening for a good cause, it’s a wonderful night of dance. Quest, Alvin Ailey, SYTYCD, Dancing with the Stars and America’s Best Dance Crew all under one roof? Wow!
For this being the first “voter show,” all of the performers were definitely connecting with each other and with us, the audience, whether in studio or at home.
In the first piece, there were tons of dope lift sequences. I agree with Adam Shankman when he said that he finally saw Kevin tonight. The couple worked so well together and both had great moments. Karen got to play into that hotness by being the temptress and working the lines of the lifts and character of the old school grooves. Kevin stepped up to the plate by stepping out of his comfort zone with the double pirouette, split leap and pink costume.
YEAH, Mandy Moore! Her choreography was captivating and highlighted each dancers strengths! Mandy’s music selection is always amazing. Those factors, paired with incredible dancers like Ashley and Jakob, the artful use of a prop and some great camera shots and lighting made this a highlight routine of the show. A complete package! It requires a much more intense focus and concentration to make your prop a part of your dance and not just a prop. It was an amazing partnership on so many levels. They are a FORCE in this competition. And by the way, Mandy gets the Beast Award of the night. Congrats!
Pauline and Peter had a tough one with the quickstep. The quickstep is known as the “kiss of death” because the dancers have to focus on so much at the same time and sometimes it comes across like they aren’t. Imagine moving your feet 300 miles per hour, holding your line and frame, skimming across the floor while having a light and delightful bounce. Now, imagine that it’s completely out of the style you are used to dancing. Big ups to this duo for giving us a show amidst what Mary and Nigel saw as technical chaos.
I loved Legacy and Kathryn’s Broadway routine. I do agree with the judges about Kathryn’s character, but it would be difficult for me not to smile on stage with Legacy. He has enough charisma to circle the stage! In order to give the complete package of the performance, dancers have to know the motivation of the dance, the gestures and the history between each character. It’s their job to make it as easy for the audience to understand the story, and that takes more than adding a grin to the moves.
Yes for more Tookie-ography! Channing and Victor had a great connection and performed well for being a new couple. The only thing that counted against them is what I just mentioned. This performance, about a toxic relationship, calls for a notion of being familiar with the fights and arguments. That brings about a different kind of frustration and angst. We needed to see how many times these two have gone down this path of agony.
Eleanor and Ryan, two dancers that are completely out of their comfort zone, gave a good attempt. Trying to pick up Lil C’s swag in a couple of hours is a true test of will. That said, whenever a hip-hop routine is up, the thing to concentrate most on, besides the choreography, is where your grooves lie. You have to learn how your body adjusts to different grooves at various speeds and body positions. Without this knowledge, one tends to look a little stiff. In hip-hop, you have to know where home is.
Gustavo, or as Mary called him “Gu-suave-o,” gave a hot routine! Big ups to the Mollee and Nathan for getting through it, but it lacked the “meat and potatoes!” The theme I keep coming back to is motivation and knowing where you’re operating from and why.
Welcome, Sean! He gave Russell and Noelle an uplifting and very fast Afro-jazz routine with a great story concept behind it. They both showed growth, which is a great thing to witness. I loved how Russell still threw some of his krump movement into it, and Noelle’s energy sky-rocketed through the roof. But I was looking for a lot more freedom in the movement.
It was a great third show! I love the video packages. That’s one of the greatest things about SYTYCD — we get to know the dancers on and off the floor. From a former contestant of SYTYCD, I say this: As the weeks go on, you (as dancers) will pick your faves and not-so-faves. You will have great weeks, alright weeks and not-so-good weeks. But one of the things that makes this show so easy to connect with is that we (as viewers), know you (as dancers) might not know how to do every single style you pull. What we love is how you apply the knowledge that you gain and how much fun you are having.
Contestants : Kevin And Karen Dance : Hustle “Come To Me”
Judges Thoughts : (A) You made it work for you. You turned that whole thing around. That was amazing. Kevin, you just jumped out at me. Karen, you perform with beautiful restraint. (M) The lady was leading from beginning to end. Karen, you are a hustle queen. Kevin, you need to work on leg action but I have to leave you on the train and Karen as well. (N) Beautiful lines Kevin. I am delighted with what you are doing, you are growing week to week. Karen, the routine suits you and you manage week on week to add something to the choreography. You will go a long way.
Amanda’s Thoughts: Okay, this was just okay for me.First of all, I am tired of all the “hype” over Karen. She’s great but good lord … quit commenting on her sexiness and great ass-shaking and comment on their dancing. Poor Kevin … he’s trying so hard and all they do is comment on her! Finally they game him some praise tonight!I like these two – great couple.Just be fair in your comments “jidges”!! SAFE!!
Contestants : Jakob & Ashleigh Dance : Jazz Duet “Frankie Goes To Hollywood”
Judges Thoughts : (A) Ashleigh, you belong on this show, you are so so good up there. It was incredibly elegant. Jakob, you have so much flexibility. You have enormous strength and control. (M) A perfect partnership. You guys were phenomenonal. Ashleigh, you just keep getting better each week. Jakob, strong and passionate and brilliant. Fabulous job. (N) Ashleigh, you do get better every week.
Amanda’s Thoughts:Wow!! I will be the first to admit – I was never an Ashleigh fan but I LOVED tonight’s routine. I jut love Mandy Moore and I thought this routine was great! I though Jakob and Ashleigh did amazing and it was truly one of her best routines.Not quite the ‘table routine’ with Neil and Sabra but a close second. LOVED it!!SAFE!!!
Contestants : Peter & Pauline Dance : Quickstep “Hey Baby”
Judges Thoughts : (A) With the story and character you may have gotten by the technical mistakes. You were appropriately adorable. (M) You pulled it off tonight but it wasn’t great. Some of the leg action and footwork was clunking across the stage. Train wreck avoided. (N) Technically it wasn’t good. Did I care? Absolutely not, it was a fabulous performance.
Amanda’s Thoughts:Hmmmm…I kind of liked this. I like Peter but am not a big Pauline fan – not sure why? I thought the footwork was pretty good actually. The kicks and such were totally together! I just like Peter … I think for a tapper his is just great. Pauline is just “so-so” for me.I did like that there was a “story” to the choreography though – easier to follow.Could possibly be in trouble?
Contestants : Legacy & Kathryn Dance : Broadway “I Wann Be Like You”
Judges Thoughts : (A) Kathryn, I wasn’t sure what your character was. I wanted you to be pissed off. I wanted you to be a tiger but the dancing was adorable. Legacy, another huge step in your growth, you shouldn’t have been able to get through that and you did. Keep it up. (M) It was missing a little chemistry. Legacy is growing leaps and bounds. This could take you into the Top 10. (N) Kathryn, I was a little disappointed this week, it was a bit childish this week. Legacy, you have gone in one end and out the other, you really were terrific.
Amanda’s Thoughts: It’s just amazing how much Legacy has grown.I was honestly not a big fan to start – didn’t think he was that great.But he puts so much into what he is given – so inspiring. And I just love Kathryn. I think they are crazy saying her work was “juvenile” tonight. I thought she did great and I loved the routine. I think they are totally a Top 10 couple and I love them!! SAFE!!
Contestants : Victor & Channing Dance : Contemporary “Be Be Your Love”
Judges Thoughts : (A) I think Victor has brought out a lot of softness in you Channing. Good job. (M) I think this is a great new partnership. It did work for me. I enjoyed the routine. Not quite soul touching. (N) You had to be good tonight and I wasn’t emotional over your performance. Technically it was good but I was expecting so much more being you both pulled your own style.
Amanda’s Thoughts: Honestly, I thought this was great!I thought they fit each other well and I thought they danced it well. I thin the judges are crazy saying they expected more – I thought it was perfect. They had chemistry (which most didn’t expect) and the dance was beautiful. What more could they want? I was surprised but I really loved this!
Contestants : Ryan & Ellenore Dance : Hip Hop “Lost Bois Anthem”
Judges Thoughts : (A) It was not great but good job. Ryan, you are the most transformed dancer of the night. (M) It wasn’t great but it was good. It got a little sluggish halfway through. I want to scream but it was just good. (N) I don’t think that was good at all tonight.
Amanda’s Thoughts – Good try but back pick from the hat . Bottom three (3) for sure.Sorry Ryan. Ellenore did good if you ask me … she could be saved as I think she is amazing but Ryan could be in trouble. I kind of thinks he’s a one-trick pony. I think his wife is really beating him at this game … and I never thought I would say that!
Contestants : Nathan & Mollee Dance : Salsa
udges Thoughts : (A) Bad luck of the draw. That number exposed all of your weaknesses. (M) It was french fried. You are the dream team but it wasn’t your brightest moment tonight. (N) We are now exposing the weaknesses and that’s what happened here. Lot’s of good things in it but it didn’t work for you.
Amanda’s Thoughts – Oh how I love these two but yeah … they were too young for this sexy dance. They did what they could but it was lacking in sex-appeal. I mean, Nathan doesn’t lack in that department in looks, but dancing w/ Molly.Makes me sad to say b/c I love them both … and had they had another dance, things might have been different. They tried so hard too … ugh … I hope they make it but they are in the danger zone for sure.!!
Contestants : Russell & Noelle Dance : Afro Jazz
Judges Thoughts : (A) Enormous amount of joy. It was relentless. You were committed to the characters. (M) That was crazy good. Russell, you are the first one on the hot tamale train tonight. (N) That was terrific.
Amanda’s Thoughts.A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.Wow … what a great routine and fight to the finish by Russell and Noelle. I think this goes to show first, how awesome Russell is (as if we didn’t know already) and how great Noelle really is.I don’t think people really got to know her/see her due to her injury at first but I think she is great.Top 10 material if you ask me.I really enjoyed this and just loved both of them!!SAFE!!!
Hmmmm…I guess there is a bottom three this week, huh?Crap. If I had to pick a bottom three … my guess would be …
Ryan & Ellenore
Peter & Pauline
Nathan & Mollee (boo!)
As for who is going home … I have NO idea.If I had to pick myself, I would send Ryan and Pauline home as I have not got enough out of them yet but that’s just me?
Choreographer, director and producer Adam Shankman joined "So You Think You Can Dance" this season as its third full-time judge. We caught up with him between the top 18 and top 16 performance episodes to talk about his role on the show, the Oscars and those other dance shows.
Where do you fit in between Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe? What do you offer as a judge that they don't?"
So You Think You Can Dance" is not really my day job, and I do have an outsider's perspective. I think that I am a person who hires dancers a lot, and so I bring the perspective of a prospective employer. We all share one thing -- we're all professional dancers, so I happen to be the guy who actually hires them. So I bring that outsider eye.
Will you choreograph this season?I have been staying away from that, but I have now started making inquiries -- I am kind of looking into the possibility of choreographing something for the show that's noncompetitive.
What do you want to see more of this season, especially compared to last season?
Last season it was such an even playing field there was a lot of consistency. This year there's not a lot of consistency: The casting theory was taking great people from multiple genres. I'd like them to shed the notion of "competition," if possible, because that's creating tension. Obviously, it's a competitive show, but if the dancers relax into choreography they'll perform better.
Like how?
This is rough because some of the responsibility falls onto the choreographers. For instance, this is so technical, but last week Jakob [Karr] chaînés into a switch chaînés, and it felt incredibly unwaltz-like. It felt like a competition move and took me out of the dance. It wasn't Jakob's fault -- it was in the piece. And in Jamal Sims' piece, they were just overperforming it, and it took them out of the character. Everything was just too giant. When you do criticize the choreography, do you think it's clear to the voting audience when you're critiquing the choreography as opposed to the dancers?
It's complicated because this isn't a choreography competition, but every once in a while choreographer will latch onto an idea that is very presentational but doesn't showcase the dancing. It's very hard to communicate that to the audience without saying, "Well, the dancing was good, but the choreography was weird." It's a complicated thing, and honestly, as it's happening, there's a writer in my head trying to choose my words very carefully because I don't want to affect the outcome by what I say.
What was "controversial" about Pauline Mata and Peter Sabasino's "Starry Night"-inspired dance by Wade Robson?
See above: I couldn't critique the dancing based on the concept and the choreography. There were sections where they literally weren't doing anything where I could judge their dancing from a competitive standpoint because it was so, to my mind, overconceived. I had no idea what to say about the dancing. I didn't want to critique Wade, but I didn't know what to say about Pauline and Peter because to my mind they weren't competing. They were executing.
What have been the biggest surprises so far this season?
Legacy [Perez] last week. He sprung from nowhere, and before I'd never seen him dance in any kind of way that links thought and step and character and story. Stacey Tookey winked at some of the stuff he could do, but she didn't exploit it. The ship just kept on its natural course. I also think that the choreographers and Kevin are going to have to [Hunte] do something very special to deal with Karen [Hauer]. She has the same energy as Jennifer Lopez. She has a confidence and an ownership -- if she sat on stage and forgot every step I don't know if I'd notice. She just owns everything she does on that stage.
I wonder how she'll handle a dance where she'll have to muffle her sex appeal.
It'll be some soft contemporary piece or a slow waltz, something where you'd have to withhold. Everything else is about explosion and showmanship. I have a feeling that she's going to tackle it fine. It's very interesting because technically and physically she's not capable of doing what Jakob can do, but she has a crazy amount of It Factor. She's a star. She has something that moves far past this show.
Do you watch other dance shows? What's special about "SYTYCD"?
Yes, I do. I think what we have a greater intrapersonal experience. We really go into the emotional and personal challenges of our contestants, whereas the other big dance show is celebrities who are dancing for charities. These kids come from nothing and are dancing for their lives. For some of the kids, dance is what got them off the streets and out of harm's way in terms of gunplay, or people who are sleeping in their dance studios because they're so poor they're doing janitorial work to pay for their dance lessons. This is a celebration of ultra-talent; the other one is an against-the-odds curiosity.
What music have you been dancing to lately?
This is an embarrassing question because I'm such a 15-year-old girl! I am listening to two totally disparate weird things. Two days ago I just downloaded B Angie B's cover of "I Don't Want to Lose Your Love" and the other one is Britney Spears' "3."
What else are you working on?
I'm producing three movies, and I do an enormous amount of charitable work, and I'm producing the Oscars.
That should be fun, with Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin signed on to host.
That is a great source of pride: They're great friends of mine, and talking them into it was not the easiest thing in the world. The greatest thing for me is that this year is the 20th anniversary of the year that I danced on the Oscars, and that was the last time I was there, just as a chorus boy. It just shows what you can get from dance with a little ambition and without dropping the ball.
About me ... hmmm ... I'm a tv junkie. I love chips and salsa. I'm obsessed with celebrity gossip. I love my husband. I have the two greatest puppies in the world. My family rocks, especially my sister! I hate exercising but have got to start doing it. I can't keep my room/closet clean. I like wine and am in LOVE with Lolita wine/martini glasses. I love pasta, and not the wheat kind. I hate snow. I hate getting older and I hate gray hair. Thirty is not the new twenty! I am obsessed with serial killers and the Titanic (the actual ship, not just the movie). I love to read. My favorite authors are Patricia Cornwell and Emily Giffin. I also absolutely love the Twilight Saga - the books and the movies. Christina Aguilera is my favorite singer and I am in LOVE with the movie Burlesque. My celebrity crushes are Ryan Reynolds, Cam Gigandet and Johnny Depp. I love scrapbooking and photobooking too!
