(S05E02) This week we get four hours of SYTYCD. Four cities over two nights with tons of great auditions and some disastrous ones. In fact, the ratio of good to bad was perfect tonight. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a train wreck as much as the next person, but I enjoy even more seeing something that makes my jaw hit the ground. And we got plenty of that tonight. Already, I'm excited about the season to come.In Miami, Nigel and Mary were joined by Tice DiOrio while it was Lil' C that offered wisdom in Memphis. The show kept moving at a nice clip, quickly burning through two hours. In fact, it wasn't until my recording stopped that I realized the show had gone over. And it's not even a live show!
There isn't really time to break down every performance, but we can certainly pick out some highlights ... and lowlights:
Impressing Me
- Priscilla Merrero showed us a quirky personality and a lot of variety in her movements. Her lines are so graceful; every limb is beautifully extended and in such control. Mia Michaels would love to get her hands on this one.
- Returning from last year, Janette Manrara and Romulo Villaverde were striving to both get through this time. Some very tight partnering propelled Janette for a second time, and Romulo for his first trip to Vegas.
- Joseph Smith came out to "schawham" the judges and he was certainly animated. He was having fun, so I'll give him that. But I didn't feel that passion in it. He was more heart than talent, but he did impress me -- and the judges -- with his quick pick-up of the choreography.
- Tap was my strength when I was dancing, and it's so rare to see it shine on television. So to see "Silky" tapping it up to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was an absolute hoot. He mixed some hip-hop into it and really put on an entertaining show. And if he makes the Top 20, he'll probably be able to score more chicks than his brother.
- Marico Flake had some amazing movement, even if I didn't understand a word of his explanation of what he does. But he was the first fluid locker with a flavor of old school hip-hop in it. Which is apparently what Memphis Jukin' is all about.
- Megan Kinney wowed me with her strength and flexibility in Miami, and then I was surprised to see just as much grace and beauty out of her sister Caitlin in Memphis. Beautiful girls with beautiful movements. I wouldn't mind both of them making it to the Top 20 after seeing how amazing they were.
- The Kasprzak boys brought jazz and tap to the stage. Evan blew me away with his jazz routine, full of high leaps and lots of sass. It was a perfectly choreographed number. Ryan tapped with only a whoopi cushion as accompaniment, and it was bizarre. That said, he is very quick on his feet and had some nice moves.
- The second set of twins of the night (it's best not to think about the first) Lauren & Lydia Guerra actually performed very well together. They were in almost perfect synch throughout their number, earning them a spot in choreography.
Distressing Me
- The night opened with "Tony." He moves like he has no bones ... or skills ... or talent ... or clue just how horrid he is. I was laughing my ass off along with Mary and the panel. And for the grand finale. Best. Cartwheel.
- Wislande Letang performed some steps that reminded me of my mother's five-year-old dance classes. She even completed it with a traditional bow. I don't know why the judges didn't encourage her. Even Nigel recognized that she was dancing like a little girl. Maybe she's only been doing it for a month or two.
- Complete with a sad story and sultry moves, Talia Rickards was a little wobbly on her feet. Plus, it was more about writhing around and waving her arms than doing any real dancing. But apparently, she impressed the judges enough to get through the choreography.
- Being related to a Backstreet Boy may have made Dustin Dorough entertaining to talk to, but that's about all he had going for him. Well, he also had excuses for why he was terrible.
- There aren't excuses enough, however, to justify how much screen time Chris Carrozza had to vomit his bounce style all over my screen. Seriously, I wanted to wash it after he was done being a dick to the judges.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-28-2009 @ 7:01AM
reb said...
I was so thrilled to see Evan back. He was my hands down favorite of last year and I was so sad when he was cut at the end of Las Vegas. One of the things I really like about SYTYCD is how they nurture talent and invite people back and you get to see year over year growth.
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5-28-2009 @ 7:33AM
Georgia said...
I love Tice's choreography, but his participation as a judge was awful. I think his "theatrics" were supposed to be entertaining. To me, they were not.
I vote for Anna from Jackson, MS. Beautiful dancer, beautiful girl.
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5-28-2009 @ 1:21PM
Jeliwobble said...
Georgia, I feel like Tyce has been told to 'camp it up' for the cameras and, by heck, he certainly did! I was entertained!
5-28-2009 @ 11:12AM
ladytex said...
Yay! finally someone else that wasn't overly impressed by Talia. There are so many more talented dancers. I bet if she didn't have that sob story, she wouldn't have made it to Vegas even.
Loved the brothers, they both just made me smile all the way through their routines and Caitlyn was a beautiful dancer. I enjoyed Geo, also, and was glad to see him make it past the choreography stage.
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5-28-2009 @ 12:00PM
Barbara said...
Hard to tell with Talia from what we saw on the show. Her choreography was terrible, but sob story or not, the judges got to see her execute the choreography round. From what little we've seen of that combination it does require technique. I think we'll have to wait until the Vegas shows to make a real judgement on this girl.
I agree with someone here who like Ana - adorable. I also kinda liked the big kid with the football coach Dad. And the Kasprzak brothers are fabulous.
5-28-2009 @ 1:19PM
Jeliwobble said...
Jason, I'm so glad you're critiquing SYTYCD! Thank you.
I totally agree with you on everything. I hope that both Kasprszak brothers go through to the top 40 and would like Evan to make it this year, but I think I'm going to be sadly disappointed. They are so lovely to watch, Evan for his grace and style, Ryan for his comedic timing and effortless choreography (he also choreographs Evan's routines). Ryan is quite a successful teacher and choreographer already, if you look at his website, so I'm not sure how much SYTYCD will add to his portfolio, but Evan probably needs it to get out from under his most excellent brother's wing.
Thank you again, for reviewing, and I hope you continue through the show!
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