(S04E08) Two down and seventeen more to go until we find "America's Favorite Dancer" for the summer of 2008. Have you found your favorite yet? I'm narrowing it down, but it's a bit early yet to be picking favorites and there are still a ton of dancers left, as the lo-o-o-ong intro sequence showed us. Nigel and Mary were joined this week on the judge's panel by contemporary madwoman Mia Michaels (of the inspired "Tim Burton wedding" piece last week). And her hair was shockingly bleached very blonde.
I think I prefer Michaels choreographing than judging. She focuses almost too much on her own interpretations of the emotions in the pieces rather than what the dancers had to bring. I think she's insane and brilliant in choreography, but maybe a bit too "out there" for really constructive criticism.
THE PERFORMANCES
- Thayne & Chelsea T (Jazz w/ Mandy Moore - "Untouched," The Veronicas) Chelsea has an incredibly toned body and her legs were on fire tonight. The choreography seemed to spotlight this. And while they danced it well, I wasn't blown away by the routine as I thought it lacked a lot in the challenge department and got a little boring.
- Mark & Chelsie H (Argentine Tango w/ Alex Da Silva - "Mi Confesión," Gotan Project) I was very impressed with the footwork throughout this routine by both partners. There was an intensity and command in the way they hit their marks, and the lead partnering by Mark was excellent. A few mistakes, but very good overall.
- Will & Jessica (Hip-Hop w/ Cecily & Olisa - "Whatever U Like," Nicole Scherzinger) The kids learned the choreography but I just didn't buy into the attitude of their collective performance. It was too "professional" and not enough street for me. And I didn't think Will was nearly as all that as the judges did.
- Matt & Kourtni L (Foxtrot w/ Jean-Marc Genereaux - "A Foggy Day (In London Town)," Michael Bublé) Well, they weren't remotely dancing together well enough, with Kourtni taking short movements and choppy arm holds while Matt was all extensions and long motions. They did the drop back to push back up move well, but overall Kourtni let the pairing down this time.
- Gev & Courtney G (Contemporary w/ Mandy Moore - "Lost," Anouk) I'll admit that I like contemporary dances, and especially well-choreographed and performed ones. This was a very powerful and beautiful number with lots of lifts and throws and the pair really came through with emotion, connection and performance.
- Joshua & Katee (Broadway w/ Tice DiOrio - "All for the Best," Godspell) What a big, fun routine that was from beginning to end. The energy was manic and through the wall and for the second week in a row, I think Katee & Joshua really nailed this performance. It just exuded fun, fun, fun!
- Marquis & Susie (Salsa w/ Alex Da Silva - "Agualine," Willie Colón & Hectgor Lavoe) I can see where Alex was coming from as I was expecting a lot more command of the salsa from Susie than she seemed capable of giving. Marquis, unfortunately, wasn't much better and the whole routine was just very amateurish in it's execution.
- Twitch & Kherington (Viennese Waltz w/ Jean-Marc Genereaux - "A New Day Has Come," Celine Dion) The pair looked stunning in white. Kherington was so liquid in her movements she was absolutely stunning gliding across the floor. And I was very impressed with Twitch, who was so clearly out of his element. He wasn't perfect but was where she needed him and strong for her. This is one of the couples, like Joshua & Katee that genuinely excites me.
- Chris & Comfort (Krump w/ Lil'C - "Come and Get Me," Timbaland f/ 50 Cent & Tony Yayo) Lil'C slowed this down a lot, and I think he did it for Chris. What happened, though, was that it hurt both dancers and the enjoyment of the entire number. Comfort hit her moves as you would expect, and Chris went through the motions but didn't so much as hit his movements as he gently slapped them. Overall, I felt it was a disappointment.
BEST OF THE NIGHT
Twitch & Kherington and Joshua & Katee had a run at this, but overall I'm going to have to give the night to Mark & Chelsie H. with their hot Argentine Tango. It was a challenging number with a lot of difficult footwork, and both of them really came through in every way you could possibly want them.
WORST OF THE NIGHT
Marquis & Susie really disappointed me tonight. Marquis gave about as good as can be expected for a dancer out of his element, but for Susie to look as sloppy and stilted in her movements was just stunning. I really hoped Susie could find herself, but if this is what she brings to her preferred style, I'm really worried for her. Da Silva is an amazing choreographer of Latin dance, and this should have been one of the highlights of the night.
OUTFIT OF THE NIGHT
I'm going to give this one this week to both Twitch & Kherington who were just gorgeous in white. The outfits perfectly accented the beauty in their lines and partnering. In fact, I think Kherington's dress actually made them look better, it draped and moved so beautifully across her frame. Honorable mention goes to Chelsea T for the absolutely horrible outfit somebody stuffed her into. Other than accenting how great her legs look, it did absolutely nothing for her.
LINE OF THE NIGHT, or some guys are getting distracted
Well, the dancers were supposed to say the best and worst qualities of their partner and while most went with characteristics, Matt took a different approach. "My favorite feature about Kourtni," he said, "is probably her eyes. She has like the best eyes. Sometimes I get lost in them." She likes that he compliments her. Awkward!
Then Gev came out and said the best thing about his Courtney was that she was pretty and the worst was that she's not available. And then they danced an intimate routine which had to just make his day.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS
- The ruffles around the bottom of Cat's dress didn't work. It looked like a little girl's flower girl dress, and with three and a half foot long legs, breaking them up like that just looked goofy.
- Last week we had pants dropping and this week we had Jessica pushing on her breasts. The show's taking a weird stance on expression this year.
- Last week Jessica & Will performed with one chair and this week it was with two. Three next week, then?
- Gev spent way too much time lamenting the dance belt (LOL). Do the other dancers who are new to this accessory have such issues?
- Cat probably actually could put the diminutive pair Courtney G & Gev into her pocket; she looked positively enormous next to them.
- Kherington is right. Twitch's empty frame glasses are ridiculous. And not in the good way that he himself is.
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Have any questions for Vik Sahay of Chuck? Ask them here!
Mike Henry and Daryl Hall on a Cleveland Show Thanksgiving
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
6-19-2008 @ 7:49AM
David said...
Third time watching this show for me, but thr first time I enjoyed it. The quality of dancing is quite good, in my opinion. In no particular order:
- I still can't watch Mary. Must. Fast. Forward. Quickly.
- Joshua and Katee were my favorite tonight, with the two munchkins, Gev and Courtney, a close 2nd. Both couples benefitted from superb choreography, cpstumes, lighting, and music, but they made the most of it.
- I thought overall the men were better than the women tonight.
- I dont remember the couple's name, but I felt bad for Nigel when he inadvertently called the female big as he praised the male's strength. I knew what he was trying to say, but boy did he put his foot in his mouth. :)
- I'm not sold on Cat Deeley as a host (I think she lacks polish in a significant way; she's no Tom Bergeron, Jeff Probst, or even Ryan Seacrest), but like the men I just listed, she seems like someone you'd want to be friends with in real life because she's probably really kind and genuine. The shoe emergency was classy.
Reply
6-19-2008 @ 2:56PM
L Dubs said...
Yeah, I think last night Mary needed to use her "hot mess" line on herself.
6-19-2008 @ 9:04AM
Ryan said...
Gev/Courtney was my favorite. With Mark/Chelsea H. coming second, Twitchington coming third, and finally Katee/Joshua as fourth.
Marquis/Susie was the worst and probably the only "bad" performance in the lot. I hope they leave, because it'll be an upset if they don't.
Reply
6-19-2008 @ 9:08AM
Philip said...
We're only two weeks in and already I'm sick of the jidges trying to cram Will down our throats. Yeah, he's good, but there's nothing remotely interesting about him. I hope the votes put him in the bottom three repeatedly and the jidges have no choice but to bow to the will of the population and kick him out. (At least this week they didn't go on about how he is Debi Allan's "protégé.")
Interesting how last week one of the jidges said that this season promised to be interesting because there were no clear front-runners... and here we are in the second episode, and they've already handed out two spots in the top four.
My fave routines of the night were Joshua and Katee, and Twitchington.
Mia Michaels is a pretentious twit. I hate hearing her start her critique of every routine with a shout-out to how great the choreographers were. And telling Kherington not to smile so much? Worst advice ever.
Reply
6-19-2008 @ 9:56AM
goldie68 said...
Philip...I love how you write "jidges", and hate how she says it. So annoying!
Anyways...my favorite of the night was Gev and Courtney, but I am bias towards great contemporary routines.
I was annoyed by the judges tonight. They seemed to be opposite most of what I was thinking. For Will/Jessica, they were praising Will like he was a God and Mia said Jessica wasn't even on the stage for her. Ouch! I actually felt the exact opposite and felt Jessica did better than Will. I don't have anything against Will, but I will if the judges keep pushing him down my throat like that!
6-19-2008 @ 11:24AM
Ray said...
Can't agree more about the judges cramming Will down our throats. I didn't think he was very good at all - at least not much better than Jessica who they lambasted. They need to stop with the fake praises for Will, or America is going to keep him in the bottom three.
Also, the judges don't need to always praise the choreographer every time - even when the dancing wasn't very good. The judges don't want to hurt the choreographers feelings, but c'mon every time the judges say something like "I loved the choreography, but...."
6-19-2008 @ 11:32AM
Ray said...
One more thing about Will and Jessica. I think the judges are setting it up such that if the pair end up in the bottom three again, they will put all of the blame on Jessica and boot her, but will save Will again.
6-19-2008 @ 11:35AM
Erin said...
Sometimes, like last night, I felt that it was the choreography that wasn't very good, rather than the dancing. That Mandy Moore jazz routine with the king and queen theme was awful. I'm pretty sure they danced it as well as it could have been danced.
I have to disagree with everyone about Will. He is one of my favorites (as was Danny last year.) It seems everyone doesn't like him BECAUSE the judges like him. I don't get it. I absolutely adored Danny last year, but there were so many people that didn't like him...even though he made it into the bottom two.
6-19-2008 @ 9:11PM
gerry said...
Absolutely, absolutely agreed with everything you wrote.
It looks like many people agree with us. Mia Michaels is hateful and ridiculous and hates beautiful women. I don't like her choreography either because it is self-indulgent.
So, two hip hop guys are teaching everyone a lesson in male dancing.
Wow!
6-19-2008 @ 9:43PM
Tori said...
I think Will is a beautiful and versatile dancer. I thought last week too that he kind of does overshadow Jessica in the performance department. He's a lot crisper and neater than she is and she strikes me as a little one-dimensional. I don't want to knock him because the stupid judges don't know how to act.
I'm glad it's not just me that noticed how harsh Mia was on the women and how ridiculously doting she was for the men. I kind of agreed about Kherrington but I thought she was out of control last night. The judges in general were out of their minds I think.
6-19-2008 @ 9:08AM
Sarah said...
i am surprised you didnt talk about Mary Murphy, since you seem really focused on outfits in this show. she looked the worst last night. and, i dont think Cat Deely is pregnant. she is just shaped like a ruler.
also, i really enjoyed Jessica and Will's hip hop piece. i dont know why people associate hip hop dancing with being real "street" and rough. it was entertaining and Jessica brought a nice swagger to her movements.
Reply
6-19-2008 @ 9:59AM
I miss my stars! said...
I loved Twitchinton's dance. Beautiful to watch and they dance well together. The rest of my comments are going to be tacky observations..
Mary needs to step away from the spray-on tan. She looked like she was smuggling pumpkins in that too tight bustier get-up.
Mia's hair color was a surprise and the texture suggests she fried it as well - but it did wonders for her eyes.
Chelsea T looked like she was dancing in a poopy-diaper. It was so distracting that I couldn't really focus on what she was doing.
Mark looked absolutely devine in that black tuxedo outfit.
I absolutely hated the color of Kourtni's dress. It did nothing for her complexion and the cut made her look wide.
Gev and Courtney conjured images of Lacey and Kameron's dance from last year.
Susie and Marquis just looked uncomfortable most of the dance.
Twitchington - just beautiful to watch. Not as good as Danny and Anya last year - but pretty darn close.
If I never see Nigel grab his crotch again it will be too soon.
Reply
6-19-2008 @ 10:22AM
darcy said...
Mia Michaels insecurities were showning last night.... It's ok if other choreographers who do your style of dance are also good....... don't be so obviously threatened, it makes you bad
Reply
6-19-2008 @ 11:27AM
Jessica said...
I love this show!
I find Mia Michaels doesn't really likes girls who have strength and flexibility. She has issues with the girls that can do that crazy leg lift and hold it. What's with the smiling issue?
Mark and Chelsie - they had me hooked two steps into their routine - they were so hot. Wow, I loved it.
I absolutely loved Gev and Courtney - they moved so beautifully. I couldn't keep my eyes off them either.
Twitchington - Wow, the stage was awesomely lit, they both looked awesome. Kherington, damn - she is just gorgeous.
The first number - I didn't like it - I don't particularly like Chelsea's style - the way she moves and looks just doesn't jive with me.
Susie and Marquis - they are so mismatched. He looks 12 and she looks 40. I so wanted to like Susie because she's spicy, but I am seeing her limitations.
I want to love, love, LOVE Kourtni and Matt - but they just don't dance well together. On their own, Kourtni is awesome and Matt is good - together - they are train-wreck like.
Comfort and Chris - another mismatch. She isn't all that great. I think she was picked because Nigel likes her accent. Who gives a damn about her beads - I am not buying her southern what ever you call it. I hope Chris gets a Broadway routine or something to showcase that funny wanting to get out and how good of a dancer he is!
I live Katee and Josh - though not a huge fan of Broadway. They were great! I like Contemporary and Ballroom.
Will and Jessica - Jessica wasn't horrible - she was good - she had a little street in her moves. I like her. Will, yea for being the Debi Allen protege. I don't enjoy having him rammed down my throat either!
Reply
6-19-2008 @ 1:30PM
SImpression said...
I totally disagree with you, i think Chris is the worst of the bunch. He is SO ANNOYING. And what he does isnt even funny it's just... it's like he is trying WAY TOO HARD to show that he isn't "a tree" i honestly hope he is eliminated tonight.
6-19-2008 @ 5:02PM
nattyff said...
I LOOOVE Chris!!! he has the puppy look, and i can't help miself but to like him... he actually is a great dancer, maybe with another partner he would shine more (or when they do his style) though i really don't like very much the "contemporary dance"...
6-19-2008 @ 11:53AM
fowak said...
Courtney and Gev were definitely my favorite last night! With Katee & Joshua/Twitchington rounding out my Top 3.
I, too, really hope Susie is OUTTA THERE tongiht. And right now, Marquis is the only guy I'm willing to part ways with. Oh, I'd also be just fine if Jessica left.
LOVE Chris. He is too cute! I also think Broadway would be a great fit for him. I hope Comfort doesn't bring him down and keep him out of the Top 10.
Reply
6-19-2008 @ 12:16PM
Jason said...
I can't believe all the praise for Joshua and Katee's number. I thought it was a complete mess; just two people doing random movements on the stage. Worst of the night for me. Ok, second worst. Whatever it was Susie did was horrid. I never thought she was a top 20 dancer anyways.
Reply
6-19-2008 @ 1:15PM
deebopalula said...
Why does Fox not have episodes of this show on their site? Or even clips of some or all of the dances? They have some shows - Hell's Kitchen for example - but not SYTYCD. What's up with that? I don't have a tv anymore. Does anyone know of a site where I can catch up with these episodes?
Reply
6-19-2008 @ 5:02PM
Kim said...
surfthechannel.com, they have all of the episodes!
Reply