(S03E18) Holy smokes. Episode 18 already? Our summer, and the SYTYCD competition, is flying by. As Cat pointed out in the intro, we're only two weeks away from crowning the season three champ. The everybody dances the same solo format from last week was out the window, which I think was for the best. You can have too much of a good thing. There was also a welcome absence of political commentary, as I think that really took away from what the show is about last week. That doesn't mean that there wasn't controversy though, but we'll get to that later. More about all of the performances, after the jump.
Adam Shenkman, from Hairspray, was back at the judges table, for the second time this season. Nigel commented on how much the luck of the draw plays into the competition at this point. So much rides on which partner they draw, which style, and which choreographer. I think he left out the x-factor of a personality that appeals to fans.
Sara & Danny
Our first couple of the night started things off with the Argentine tango, choreographed by Alex da Silva. I thought it was a great way to start the show. It was a fun dance and featured really good performances from both of them. It seems to me like Danny has relaxed over the past couple weeks and is really fitting into the different styles much more smoothly than he was early in the competition. His pirouettes, as pointed out by the judges, were amazing. And, for lack of a better term, Sara's pretzel thing was very cool. Adam called it "un-beepin-real" and praised Sara for being the most transformed dancer on the show. He also said that Danny is the best male dancer ever on the show. Mary thought it was phenomenal, but did question the flip Danny did at the end. Nigel said it was very sexy and loved the unraveling pretzel.
Song - "Whatever Lola Wants" by Sarah Vaughan and Gotan Project
They followed that up later with a Shane Sparks hip hop number. I thought this was good, but not up to their tango. I actually didn't mind the wardrobe, because I can remember back to when Salt-n-Peppa had a hit with this song, and that wardrobe wouldn't have looked out of place in one of those videos. It fit in with a routine that had a very early 90s feel to it. Shane even threw in some M.C. Hammer, for good measure. The number as a whole just never came together as a great moment. Good, but not the best we have seen from either of them. Adam was so preoccupied with how much he hated the wardrobe that he didn't really get much else out. Mary said it didn't work for her, that it wasn't hard hitting enough. Nigel said that now that we are in the finals you have to do it brilliantly each week, and they didn't achieve it.
Song - "Push It" by Salt-n-Peppa
Lauren & Dominic
This seemed like a good pairing when it was announced, and when they headed off to see Lil' C for a krumping routine I was looking forward to it. Unfortunately, it just didn't work out for them. Part of the blame goes on Lauren & Dominic because I was never completely sold on their krumping. But they were also hurt by the choreography that I thought spent too much time with the two of them in synchronized steps, rather than working together as a duo. Adam didn't think it showed either of them at their best, but for what they were doing it was great. Mary thought they lost energy toward the end of the number. Nigel thought the line was blurred between krumping and hip hop. He also didn't like the song selection, calling it tuneless.
Song - "I Get Money" by 50 Cent
The pair redeemed themselves somewhat with their second performance, a Tony Meredith rumba. It wasn't a home-run kind of performance, and it did lack a big wow moment. Ok, the kiss at the end was a bit of a shocker, but it lacked a wow dance moment. Still, the two of them looked great together and they made up for some of what they lacked in technique with a very good performance. Adam praised the two of them for having great chemistry, but thought that it didn't look like a rumba. Mary said the beginning was beautiful but thought their latin technique was lacking. Nigel congratulated Dominic for staying in character, but also questioned his technique.
Song - "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers
Lacey & Neil
It was off to see Maria Torres for some latin jazz to get the night started for Lacey and Neil. This was an interesting routine, with a lot of potential, but I thought it fell short a bit on the execution of the performance. It's like Lacey has a sixth sense that allows her to always know where the camera is, and she likes to prove it by looking right at it at the oddest moments. I'm left thinking, "Neil's a good looking guy, why is she not looking at him?" Apart from the strangeness between the two of them, there was some good stuff there. Maria's choreography suited Lacey particularly well. Adam had great news and 'hmmm' news. He said the two of them danced well, but he called Lacey out for ignoring her partner. He thought Neil was a little over the top. Mary said the chemistry wasn't there for her. Nigel loved the music and the choreography, but not their performance. It needed to be much more passionate.
Song - "Acid" by Ray Barretto
Their second performance is where I suspect some of the controversy might come in. They had contemporary with Mia Michaels, which is almost always a good thing. Now, I'm a big fan of Mia Michaels and what she has brought to the show, but this wasn't one of my favorite Mia choreographed performances. I had to go back and rewatch it after the judges comments to see if I just nodded off for a second or something, because they couldn't say enough good things about it. After another look, I still don't agree. That's not to say that it was bad. It was a well put together piece and I thought she got very good performances out of both Lacey and Neil, but "one of the great dance performances on television ever?" That was Adam's reaction. Maybe I'm just a heartless jackass, but I tend to think that if we hadn't been set up with the intro from Mia talking about her father, this performance would have been viewed much differently. I do agree that Mia's story was very touching, and she should be commended for putting so much of herself into the dances that she creates. That being said, the judges need to be mindful of just what the competition is. Did what Lacey and Neil brought to the stage live up to those comments they made? Or were they just swept up in Mia's moment?
Song - "Time" by Billy Porter
Sabra & Pasha
The last pair of the night got started with a Broadway number from Tyce Dioirio. This one ended up just about where I thought it would. It was big and loud and hectic. Through all of the craziness, Sabra and Pasha worked together very well. I'm not sure how the voting numbers are going, but with each week I get a little more convinced that Sabra could win this whole thing. Adam said he was really psyched by it and praised the two of them for their character and overall performance. He said Pasha was great, but Sabra was a revelation, his favorite of the night. Mary thought they were great together and loved all of it. Nigel praised Tyce's choreography and thanked Sabra and Pasha for a wonderful performance.
Song - "A Wild Wild Party" by the Wild Wild Party Off-Broadway Cast
They then closed the show with what was my favorite performance of the night. Oddly enough, it was a quickstep by Tony Meredith. I thought this one had it all. The costumes were great, the two of them worked together very well, and they flew around the stage. It was all great fun to watch. Adam was excited, saying it was awesome, with great choreography. He also praised their use of the stage and the attitude of the dance. Of Sabra he said she freaks him out because she is so good. Mary also praised the choreography and said that the two of them tore it up. Nigel agreed with the other judges, saying it was tremendous. He added that when combined with their Broadway routine, they were the best couple of the night.
Song - "Mr. Pinstripe Suit" by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
And this week, I actually agree with Nigel. Looking at both dances together, I thought Sabra and Pasha had the best night out of the bunch. I do suspect that there are many people that disagree with me on Lacey and Neil's second performance though, so that could garner both of them a hefty number of votes.
Who's going home? It's getting tougher to call each week, but my best guess this week is Dominic for the guys, and Lauren for the girls. I think we have reached the point where the other three guys are just more polished than Dominic. And Lauren just had the weakest combined performance of the ladies.
Sesame Street's 40th: Five funniest characters
Sesame Street's 40th: Five biggest controversies
Press Kits Unwrapped: The Prisoner
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
8-02-2007 @ 7:44AM
Georgia said...
I, too, did not see the "spectacularness" of the Mia dance.
I think Danny should win this year. He is a phenomenal dancer. You've got choreographers saying he is the most amazing they've seen. He does not need to win, but he should.
Does it seem to anyone else like Lacey has pulled in a bit and stopped the over the top promotion of herself?
My fav of the night was Pasha and Sabra's last dance.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 9:29AM
Erin said...
I agree with you also. I was touched by Mia's story more than the dance. I'm sure they'll be safe, but people are going to be voting for the choreography rather than for Neil/Lacey.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 9:41AM
Tori said...
I have to agree about Mia's piece although I thought it was beautiful in many ways. I know dance is often about emotion but the routine was a little too simple for me. I would have liked to see both technique and art more balanced. Taking into consideration that I'm not the hugest fan of either Neil or Lacey (both of whom I think are very competent dancers), they just didn't take me to another place with the routine and I didn't quite believe it. I'm not sure who's fault that is but I think the judges comments from the latin jazz played into this a little--they're a little too disconnected from each other to make it work for me and even the judges admitted that the technique wasn't the best in the world.
But all around, it was a solid week of dance. I was underwhelmed by some (Danny/Sara's hip hop, Neil/Lacey's latin jazz) but I liked most of what I saw. I would have liked to have seen more from Lauren/Dominic's rumba and their krump but they were ok. Danny and Sara's argentine tango was lovely. I thought Pasha and Sabra were solidly the best of the night with 2 great routines that were technically difficult, expertly executed and entertaining--and those weren't accessible dances either.
I think Dominic's in some trouble as are Lauren and Sara (who is solid but still hasn't shined to me). I'd love to see Lauren go if for nothing else than to get her cleavage off my screen.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 10:42AM
Bas said...
I totally agree about Mia's routine - it didn't move me at all, not like other routines of hers have done. When I heard the judges reactions, I thought that maybe it was much better in person, because the camera work was off and didn't show their faces as much.
GO Sabra! I hope she takes the whole thing! Danny should be the last boy standing because he's usually such a beautiful dancer, but I thought he looked really uncomfortable in the hip-hop routine. I hope Dominic stays - he really seems to take what is said to him and apply it to get better. Hope Neal & Lauren go home.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 10:57AM
Pat in AZ said...
It is unanimous so far - the judges went way over the top in praise of Mia's routine. Way too simple and without the back story, boring. Loved Danny's tango and Pasha's quickstep. Now that's dancing - not just running and leaping and throwing flowers here and there.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 11:24AM
Deveraux said...
I also agree that the praise for Mia's number was undeserved. Yes, it was a nice number, but I also had to rewind to see if maybe I missed something, and I don't think I did. She's my favorite choreographer, and she's done some amazing work on the show, but I couldn't help but think last year's "park bench" number still had this beat.
As for the dancers, Danny is easily the best dancer on the show, in my opinion. If viewers are basing their decisions on dancing and not on personality (although it isn't like he's a huge jerk or anything), then he should easily win. He may be gay (I don't know if that's confirmed or not), but you'd never be able to tell when he's dancing, as he dances very masculinely and is a great partner. Stallion of dance indeed *fans self*. SO hot.
Sabra has also surprised me. I didn't notice her for the first half of the episodes, but she has managed to outshine all the other girls by downplaying and by being the most honest dancer on the show with the way she moves. She's a real chameleon and seems to handle all styles very well.
Going home tonight should be Dominic and Lauren, who seem to be a substantial step down from the six others, except maybe Sara who should go next week.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 12:20PM
Noel said...
I am glad to hear others were not as excited about the Mia Michaels piece as the judges were...I thought maybe I had missed something. I also believe that Pasha and Sabrina stole the show last night. I think the horse race is between Danny and Sabrina, and the viewers are in a win win situations either way.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 1:06PM
judgy said...
Without the backstory, isn't Mia Michael's piece just two blitheringly happy idiots frolicking in field of flowers?
With the backstory isn't it creepy that her "dad" is the same age as her and they are in love?
Just bad choregraphy.
My favorite is probably the one going home: Lauren. She fell on the hip hop and lost fotting on the Rhumba. She's just so perky and fun to watch and listen to. Sabra's lazy nasal speech and her flighty empty headedness bore me.
For the boys, I'm sorry to say, there is not one of them who can win. This is between Sabra, Sarah and Lacey. And I think Lacey will have to do something to really pick it up. Sabra sounds like the fans who are voting for her: 14.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 12:42PM
David said...
Danny won't win because he's not "manly" enough, the judges in the beginning were getting rid of the less manly guys.
I think it will be Parsha who wins, everyone loves him, the next guy I think will be Danny, almost for sure Dominic will be leaving tonight... well hopefully.
I also love how they got rid of the solos! Last week was so bad they must have realize to just ditch them.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 12:45PM
Rob said...
Unfortunately I agree with most everyone about who should go home. Lauren and Dominic are actually my favorites on this show, but they are getting outshined by the likes of Sabra and Pasha. It's too bad,.. I really like both of their personalities. They seem like so much fun.
(Unlike Danny. I mean, the guy can dance, although he's not too versatile, but he has the personality of a brick)
But damn,.. that dress that Lauren was wearing was HOT. And the kiss,.. I'm wondering if Lauren wasn't too happy about that. If you notice at the end of the show, they seemed to be the only couple that separated to do their own thing.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 12:57PM
Deveraux said...
" Danny won't win because he's not "manly" enough, the judges in the beginning were getting rid of the less manly guys."
I disagree with this on two levels. First, the judges aren't in control of who goes at this point, so even if they didn't think he was manly enough it wouldn't matter. Second, as I said above, even though he comes off as possibly gay in the interview segments, nothing about the way he dances could be described as un-manly. To me, he's easily the most masculine dancer on the show right now in terms of the way he moves. You don't get called the "Stallion of Dance" for being less-than-manly.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 12:58PM
Ryan said...
Wow, everyone liking Pasha. That makes me so happy. I've been voting for him for weeks now thinking he was in danger every week. I'm glad other people (other than men and the judges) thought that Pasha and Sabra did great last night. At this point of the competition it is SO VERY difficult to be OBJECTIVE with these routines because the past 18 weeks, we've certainly connected with these dancers.
Having said that, I agree about the Mia piece. It had all the makings of an amazing number, but I felt they needed to DANCE more. Props to Mia though, because I'm sure it was difficult doing it at all. No matter what though, Lacey and Neil are the most popular dancers (if you used the cheers and clapping at the beginning of the episode as a gauge) and with them having the most "talked about" performance of the night, they're the only couple that is definitely safe.
Lauren and Dominic should go.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 1:24PM
debi said...
I agree that Mia's routine just wasn't special at all. Compare it to Wade's Hummingbird/flower from this season or to Mia's parkbench from last. There was nothing in it to make it memorable. Dominic and Lauren may be going home tonight. Sabra will win it all!
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 1:45PM
kenm said...
I also agree that the choreography of the Mia routine was nothing extraordinary but the back story did make it something special. Even though the dancing by Neil and Lacey was passable and average I have to give them a lot of credit because the degree of difficulty was very high for 2 reasons:
1. All those flowers on the stage must have made the footing a little less assured than normal. Once I think I saw Neil do a little side step away from a flower before attempting a spin.
2. More importantly, the pressure on the two dancers to not screw up a routine that had such enormous personal meaning to Mia must have been incredible.
That said, I think the night went to Sabra. Danny is great but he always manages to imbue a slight ballet styling into many of his movements. I've been waiting all season for that to go away but it hasn't.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 3:37PM
Liz D said...
I definitely agree with Brett about Mia's number! I did the same thing- I had to go back and see what was so great about it! And even after the second time watching it still decided it just wasn't that good- decent, but not great. I also thought Lacey was over-acting a bit (she seemed very kiddish, like she was trying to hard. Anyway, that's just my opinion...
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 3:18PM
Tammy said...
I agree that Sabra and Pasha were the couple of the night. I thought Mia's number was beautiful and how lucky for Lacey to get two Mia numbers this season. I know the park bench was much better and even the number Lacey and Kameron did the first week was better but this number did bring out alot of emotion. It's obvious Mia and Wade are the shows bread and butter.... so they are going to praise them to keep them on the show. For Top 8 numbers, I thought the choreographers were bad last night other than Pasha and Sabra's numbers. Maybe the strength of the dancers were stronger last year but I remember much more difficult numbers at this point in the show.
I adore Lauren and I know she shouldn't win but I would like her to last one more week. I just haven't bought into the Sarah love. She's good but I didn't even think she was that great of a B Dancer.
I love Lacey too but she hasn't been as good without Kameron. Maybe it's the trust factor involved and she isn't as laid back with Neil or Danny but she shined much more before the Top 10. I agree with Adam's comments about Neil goes on 11 all the time... he over jumps things and pushes it too far. It works on some numbers but not all of them. The fact he toned it down for Mia's number was a surprise.
The top two are Sabra and Danny..... if the female voters identify with Sabra she might win but I have a feeling a guy might win again this year. I am tired of the judges really pushing their opinions now that they don't have any control.... the praise for Sabra and Danny might work against them with some voters.
Anyway I hope the choreography is better next week.... I want to see the tight, difficult numbers like the quick step was last night.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 4:26PM
Erica said...
This is my first time looking at your site, and I love it! Your posts are really thoughtful and specific, and the comments are intelligent and interesting to read. I agree with many that Danny has so much technique that he will probably make it to the finals, and Sabra is a no-brainer. I think Lacey will be the third because she is such a seasoned performer, and she can do a bit of everything. But Sabra is my hunch for the overall winner.
I would like to disagree with everyone on Mia's piece, though. It was very subtle and I picked up on many details watching a second time. It was remarkable in being about a totally unusual relationship for this show: father and daughter. ("Hot tamale" cannot be applied!) I am older than many of your readers (and the show's viewers) but I found Lacey's innocence in the initial wave, and Neil's look of total pride as he gazed at her across the stage totally moving. The magic wasn't sexual---it was something else far harder to convey through dance. And did you pick up where he tried to tickle her and she backed away, just like a kid and parent? Good stuff. It was not a maudlin piece but still had genuine sentimentality---the good kind.
I know I'll get some boo-hisses, but this one wasn't about technique, it was about the small gestures that define a relationship quite tellingly, and that's what the greatest choreography offers viewers.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 4:29PM
Margot said...
I think Lacey is becoming too full of herself. She is always looking for the camera! She is good, but I am getting tired of her. Pasha and Sabra were just an absolute joy last night. And I think without the background to Mia's dance - I certainly wouldn't have understood it....
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 5:26PM
Brett said...
Erica, I wouldn't boo-hiss you for that reasoning. The points you make are why I said that Mia got good performances out of Lacey and Neil. My problem stemmed much more from the over the top reaction out of the judges. To me, it seemed that their comments were more about Mia and her story than what the dancers actually did. It was good, but to call it one of the greatest dance performances on tv ever leans to hyperbole in my book.
In a years time, when it's being shown on the web as a stand alone performance, without the touching intro, I don't think it is going to measure up to the park bench, the umbrella, or a number of other performances we have seen.
Reply
8-02-2007 @ 6:17PM
Erica said...
Brett, I totally agree that the judges' reactions were over-the-top. But those were live, and of the moment. For me, it was a moving performance. Your analysis was excellent, but the website comments seem to overlook the fact that the performance was about something larger than technique and show. I actually might write a column about his for the Examiner, where I write on Mondays about "education." I think everyone would agree that "sytycd" is educational! Thanks, btw, for your fabulous site. It's nice to read serious thoughts about a show that is not taken seriously enough by media pundits.
Reply