Who'll go?

The guys: Kupono or Evan
The gals: Randi or Caitlin

I am hoping Caitlin finally gets sent home. It drives me crazy that she dances behind the beat. Even in that jazz piece, which is close to her own style. She is still behind the beat. And she isn't very precise in her movements.

I don't really know which other girl would go. Janette is great, she isn't leaving. Jeanine is also great. The judges love Kayla, even if I don't. Melissa is good. Randi is good, too.

As for the guys... Brandon is great. Ade and Evan seem safe. I think Jason is good, but weighted down by Caitlin. Phillip is a fabulous popper. I think he did good in both dances last night. Even the Russian one. Kupono is okay, but not great. The judges seem to like him.

I'd say Phillip, Jason or Kupono are the ones who might be going tonight. I personally would rather lose Kupono. Jason is a better dancer and Phillip has more opportunity for growth.

PS. That was totally ridiculous that the producers assigned Phillip and Jeanine that Russian dance and then the judges spent the critique complaining about it rather than saying anything about Phillip and Jeanine. Hello Nigel? It is your show. Of course it wasn't the same as Joshua and Twitch last year. It was a different style of dance! (Plus, Joshua and Twitch didn't really do much dancing last year anyway. All they did were tricks.) I can't believe all they did was complain about the choreography and then essentially treat that as if Phillip and Jeanine did something wrong. Ridiculous. I actually called in a few times to vote for them because it was so unfair.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: LadyHathor25,

I think it should be Evan and Randi going but believe it will be Evan and Caitlin. Since the judges have complained many times about Evan in the past without him ending up in the bottom 3 I think they are chomping at the bit to kick him off. Randi got a lot of praise, which surprised me, so if the line-up ends up being Kayla, Caitlin and Randi as I believe than I see Caitlin going home.

Just as Ladyhathor complained about the choreography on the Russian folk number I think the Broadway choreography number was weak and handicapped some excellent dancers. The choreographer created a rather sappy love number and then set it to music from the intense dance hall confrontation scene in "West Side Story". Her dance did not go with the iconic music. The judges need to not worry about offending the choreographers, hey- they're paid employees not folks doing it for charity, and place the blame on them when they deserve it.

I am not worried about Philip leaving since his second number went so well. I also think that if he does end up in the bottom three his solo will save him. On a more commercial note I am sure that the show's producer's will want him on tour showing off his hip-hop skills so almost no matter what I do not see him leaving.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: pacinofan,

Ok, I love this show and blog about it on facebook...
Here's my post from last night...

"So You think You Can Dance" quick wrap 7/9/09 ~ Pipe Down you English Muffin!

"Pipe Down You English Muffin"! Those were the best words out of Mary Murphy's mouth since she admitted she can't move her face anymore cuz of botox. How much do I love this woman??? I love that she told the incredibly irritating, smug, lame and baffoonish Nigel to shut it. I've been wanting to do that for years! (and get him a haircut)... Anywho, as you saw it was another night of screaming and pretty darn good dancing as we get to the final cut before the top 10, and everybody who's left kinda deserves a spot there...

Oh, side note: how amazing did Cat look? Love her! (she best be getting a Best Host Emmy nomination come next Thursday!)... And is it me or was Tyce slightly less annoying than usual even though he was playin' up his "Brooklynese"? (if you want to see this very talented dancer with a rather inflated ego make a fool of himself see the wonderful documentary "Every Little Step" in theatres now)

Ok, on to the rankings...

1. Kayla & Kupono- Contemporary (Mia Michaels does it again with a wonderful and haunting piece about addiction. And Kayla is sick she's so good, totally wiped the floor with Kupono who was very good here too)
2. Brandon & Jeanette- Argentine Tango (the power couple kicked super ass with this number and the end was aweseome)
3. Brandon & Jeanette- Jazz (another crazy Wade routine and another hit. These two can do no wrong!)
4. Melissa & Ade- Disco (so good and way better than I thought it was gonna be. Melissa's body is redonkulous!)
5. Jason & Caitlin- Lyrical Jazz (I may be in the minority, but I really liked this Mandy Moore piece. Maybe it helped that Jason was running around shirtless? Glad they got to excel in their own style)
6. Jason & Caitlin- Fox Trot (very solid and lovely performance. I thought this couple who has been on shaky ground had a good night. However, I still expect them in the bottom 3 couples)
7. Melissa & Ade- Waltz (just lovely)
8. Randi & Evan- Hip Hop (wow the shortys had an off night and this was the better of their two efforts. Very cute, but a bit forgettable)
9. Phillip & Jeanine- Jive (this would've been lower except for the fact that Jeanine is frakkin fantastic. She owned this number while Phillip flailed around terribly)
10. Randi & Evan- Samba (ok, Evan, what the? You were even worse here than in hip hop! This frontrunner better hope his fanbase got dialing last night. And I think they might cuz Randi was pretty great in the number at least)
11. Kayla & Kupono -Broadway (from the best number of the night to the second worst! And I blame Kupono. He sucked hard in this one. Also, there was no connection between the two of them and I didnt believe their characters. Kayla's technique was flawless though)
12. Phillip & Jeanine- Russian Mess (ok, that was terrrrrrrrible. Jeanine did the best with what she could, but it was bad music, choreography and laughable. Phillip looked like a comedian making fun of the dance. That one sealed their fate in the bottom this week)

Fave Dancers: Brandon & Melissa

Predictions~
Bottom 3 couples:
Jason & Caitlin (they dont have the fan base and get overshadowed)
Phillip & Jeanine (hello that Russian catastrophe)
Kayla & Kupono (I think they're in trouble as Randi & Evan's fans will rally)

Going Home?
Caitlin & Kupono

Ok, there ya have it. Sorry for the delay but my damn facebook and computer have serious issues with each other. They wouldnt let me type anything last night. It kept freezing. Oh the drams!
So, do you agree? Who do you think is makin' the top 10? Lemme know.

I'm pleased that they sent Catlin & Philip as those were my picks as well. I'm a little suprised that Evan & Randy keep avoiding the bottom 3...looks like Evan has a fan base that consistantly votes.

quote:

Originally posted by jss0058:
I'm pleased that they sent Catlin & Philip as those were my picks as well. I'm a little suprised that Evan & Randy keep avoiding the bottom 3...looks like Evan has a fan base that consistantly votes.

Evan and Randi's fan base makes me sick, sick, sick.

Anyways, I was surprised with kicking off Philip. I thought now that the contestants do a solo every week the judges would want him to show off his hip-hop skills. Since this week's dismissed dancers at least make the tour as alternates they might as well have kicked off Ryan in my opinion... even if Philip is undoubtedly more limited.

I think Kupono should have went. At least Phillip is unique and great at what she does. Kupono is cheesy and mediocre in every style. He shouldn't have been in the top twenty to begin with.

I would've liked to have seen Kupono go home too, but considering the bottom 3 couples, I think the judges made the right decision....
Here's how I'd rank the top 10 now..

10. Kupono (he must go next week!)
9. Evan (what the heck happened? he needs that spark back!)
8. Randi (cute and talented but overshadowed by the other great ladies)
7. Jeanette (she's very good, but I'm not in love with her like everyone else. What am I missing?)
6. Jason (my fave guy is due for a breakout and I think with a new partner he may just get it)
5. Jeanine (she has been tearing it up lately and could become a real contender)
4. Ade (very solid and an incredible solo last night)
3. Melissa (how much do I love her?? I'd love for the "old" contestant to win too)
2. Kayla (simply brilliant, now she needs to connect to the audience more)
1. Brandon (simply on another level he's so good)

Wow, extremely smart kickoffs by the judges. Very impressed. I didn't think they'd have the balls to get rid of Phillip, but they did. As they should have. He's got personality, but it was blatantly obvious this week how much he lacked next to the other male dancers.

I agree, jbboy...I think Jason has huge breakout potential with new partners. That's why I really wanted to see him make the top 10.

I think Kupono, Evan, Randi and maybe even Kayla will suffer in the coming weeks, but I think people like Brandon, Jeanette, Jeanine will sail right through.

quote:

Originally posted by pacinofan:
Evan and Randi's fan base makes me sick, sick, sick.

I know! The fact that Melissa and Ade can be amazing and somehow still fall into the bottom three is ridiculous! Evan and Randi were just not every good this week and yet America keeps voting them through. I'm worried they'll outlast more talented dancers in the top 10...

On the bright side, blight #3 on this year's finals (after Tony and Asuka of course), is finally gone. See ya, Phillip!

Well, I think the show definitely booted the worst dancers. I kind of wish Kupono had hit the bottom. I would probably have eliminated him instead of Phillip if so. I liked watching Phillip's joy and love of dancing. These are qualities I am finding lacking in most of the contestants this season. However, I think Jason and Ade are stronger contestants. So, I think the judges were right.

And I am so glad to finally have Caitlin gone. I would have sent her home week 2, so this was an elimination long coming for me.

As for the top 10, my rankings go:

10: Kupono- He seems to do great with some of the weird, dark pieces. However, he was awful in the hip hop. And he seems a bit lacking in versatility.

9. Kayla- Great technique, but blank on emotion. I never feel anything from her dancing. I see her making the facial expressions, but it all seems very shallow to me. Her behind-the scenes stuff makes her seem a bit shallow too. Could just be immaturity.

8. Evan- Been a disappointment. He seems a bit too tentative. Doesn't seem to bring a lot of passion. Isn't as versatile as I had hoped.

7. Randi- Cute, good dancer. Has a lot of fun dancing. Just not quite up to the level of the rest.

6. Jason- Has been pretty good so far. Seems like he has a lot of untapped potential. I look forward to seeing what he can do with a better partner.

5. Melissa- Beautiful dancer. Not sure she is very versatile. She hasn't had much variety of dance styles yet, mostly slow lyrical stuff. She hasn't looked good in the hip hop group dances.

4. Ade- Has been very strong all competition. Like Melissa hasn't gotten much of a chance at a variety of styles. Solo was great. Shows a lot more talent than the partner routines are showing. Has been great in the group routines.

3. Jeanine- Has been great at every style thrown at her. Brings life and fun to her dancing. Seems pretty versatile.

1b. Brandon- Fantastic dancer. Very versatile. Excelled at everything. Shows a love of dance.

1a. Janette- Great in absolutely everything thrown at her. Shows a bit more depth and emotion than Brandon, which is why I have her ranked above. But, basically they are both tied for me right now.

I would love to see Brandon and Janette in the final 4.
Episode 100th is going to be a blast! Katie holmes and trivallie are going to be there. Check it aout at my blog!! Scream Maty! So you think you can dance blog

Hi everyone. New to this site.....go easy on me!

I LOVE this show. I agree and disagree with some opinions here. That is what is great about art tho. All the different opinions and ideas.

I worked with a very talented director/choreographer who once told me this....he would rather cast and work with a less talented dancer that he can make look good if they have more personality and showmanship than the dancer with better technique.
This idea can be used when thinking about the voters. Many of the voters are just your "average Joe" with no dance experience. Someone with more personality who can really sell a piece is likely to get more votes than the great dancer with a lack of personality on stage.

Can't wait for next Wednesday!

Of course, I am of the opinion that showing a lot of "personality" (which is code for expression) is a part of technique. I don't believe one truly has superb technique without an ability to express the emotion of the piece. I would never call someone a great singer without an ability to express emotion. Likewise with dancers.

As for further show news, Season 2's Travis Wall has Twittered that he has been asked to choreograph this week on SYTYCD. He will be joining a list of former cast members who have returned to choreograph, like Benji Schwimmer, Dmitry Chaplin, Pasha Kovalev, and Anya Garnis.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: LadyHathor25,

quote:

Originally posted by LadyHathor25:
Of course, I am of the opinion that showing a lot of "personality" (which is code for expression) is a part of technique. I don't believe one truly has superb technique without an ability to express the emotion of the piece. I would never call someone a great singer without an ability to express emotion. Likewise with dancers.

Obviously, your statement about being a great dancer is true, but technique and emotion are separate things. Watching someone do a quadruple pirouette with or without emotion doesn't change the amount of skill that is required to pull that off. That is the downfall of many dancers (not just on this show), who have brilliant technique but end up being uninteresting to watch (perhaps because they caught up in what they do so well?).

quote:

Originally posted by booyahboy:
Obviously, your statement about being a great dancer is true, but technique and emotion are separate things. Watching someone do a quadruple pirouette with or without emotion doesn't change the amount of skill that is required to pull that off. That is the downfall of many dancers (not just on this show), who have brilliant technique but end up being uninteresting to watch (perhaps because they caught up in what they do so well?).

Perhaps. I just consider physical technique and expressive technique two parts of overall dance technique. A pirouette is just one piece of a performance.

Of course, I also believe that great physical technique is a major component of great expression. I believe having a great foundation of physical technique makes is much easier to express emotion.

of course, I speak as a singer. But, I imagine the process isn't entirely different for dancers.

quote:

Originally posted by GH:

I agree, jbboy...I think Jason has huge breakout potential with new partners. That's why I really wanted to see him make the top 10.

I love it when I'm right. Jason was with Janine (I had actually been saying that they would be great together)...and they freakin rocked it. Blew everyone else out of the water. It was one of the best dances this show has ever seen. It was a joy to watch.

And actually, come to think of it. I didn't think any of the other dances were great. Janette was great, but I didn't think her dance with Ade was strong. I was shocked that none of the judges commented on how out of sync they seemed with each other.
I thought Evan was terribly stiff, and Kupono was just awful. Randi wasn't good either, which was surprising.

I think Kupono is gone by a long shot. Girls-wise, I would have said Melissa or Kayla were gone before the show even started...but Randi's dance was really bad...but then her solos was one of the strongest. I'm putting my money on Kayla going home.

Can Debbie Allen judge every week? Not only was she absolutely entertaining and often hilarious, but she gave some of the most intelligent critiques and comments of any guest judge. Love her.

I agree with GH, the Janine and Jason dance blew everything else out of the water. I saw something in Janine very early on and I'm glad she had that moment.

Mary was right though when she said the gloves were coming off, because I thought she was overly harsh on the Randi and Kupono. I thought their Paso Doble was far better than Caitlin and Jason's, and Randi especially was good in it.

I am glad, however, that she finally called out Evan on being technically subpar. He really brought Kayla down, and not just because of his height. She outdanced the hell out of him.

I thought Melissa and Ade's Broadway was just average. Didn't get all the hype. I have to disagree with GH and say that Brandon and Janette were hot hot hot in their hip hop. NappyTabs can do no wrong, and I thought the duo were sharp, fun, and very sexy in this dance.

The boys and girls group dances were equally mesmerizing. I felt like I needed to chug water just from watching the boys dance that African routine. And the girls were gorgeous and fantastic in Bollywood, which never fails to put a smile on my face.

1. Janine/Jason
2. Boys Group Number
3. Girls Group Number
4. Janette/Brandon
5. Melissa/Ade
6. Randi/Kupono
7. Kayla/Evan

And as far as solos go, Ade's "Unchained Melody" rivals Danny's "We Are the Champions" as the best solo ever performed on this show.

Randi and Evan redeemed their respective performances with surprisingly good solos. Kupono was quirky...not sure if in a good or bad way. Everyone else was unsurprising.

Solos:
1. Ade
2. Brandon
3. Randi
4. Janine
5. Kayla
6. Evan
7. Melissa
8. Kupono
9. Janette
10. Jason
9

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sirkevin,

It's time for Kupono to go, and I think he earned his dismissal tonight. He kind of took Randi down with him, but honestly, I just don't think she can stand up to the other girls, so that's okay.

It's funny. The solos are such a personal preference. I thought Brandon's was terrible. And I love Brandon, but he was so psychophrenic.