SYTYCD Season 6: Week 6 (last voting night)

First, a finale of 6!?! Wow. Did not see that coming. This season has been so weird schedule wise though. Personally I think this is just so Nigel can get away with letting four men into the finale.

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Couples Round 1
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Ryan & Kathryn's Disco -- This was fun but didn't wow me. I mean it wasn't bad; it was good. It just wasn't fantastic. I do love Ryan though. I'm glad this is chance for all four men to get through to finals. I honestly have no idea who I would cut.

Jacob & Mollee's Viennese Waltz -- I was really hoping that Jacob was the one who would be stuck without a partner and forced to sink or swim on his own. I didn't know how this pairing would work out, but they were just perfect. I agree with Shankers -- great costuming, great music, great choreography. The unity, the effortlessness in their movement, really good. Lovely and sweet. I think Mollee really held her own, which was wonderful. Also, her costume was great!

Ellenore & Legacy's Contemporary -- I didn't like this piece, but it wasn't the dancing. The "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" is tired. The props did not help. The choreography was boring. Given what they had to work with, they did a great job. That leg lift of Ellenore's? Legacy's head stand collapse on top of Ellenore on the table? Freaking awesome. I do agree it was fraught with peril; I just thought it was kind of boring.

Ashleigh & Russell's Hiphop -- Ashleigh's out and the assistant is in? Could Russell BE ANY LUCKIER? This meant that he didn't need to hold back; if he overshadowed his partner, who cares? He got to kick ass. He totally killed this routine. I hope people vote for this b/c Russell really danced the crap out of it. This was a really hard routine and the fact that Russell made it look so easy -- and the camera almost never cut away from him b/c he was the only competitor dancing -- needs to be appreciated.

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Couples Round 2
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Ryan & Kathryn's Cha Cha -- That piece was so good. I loved the choreography. I loved the costumes. I did really feel the energy and connection here. Ashleigh is so freaking lucky to have Ryan as a husband, because he is SO FREAKING HOT. Best of the night.

Jacob & Mollee's Broadway -- This music did not help. What the hell was with all the weird scratching? Did not belong in a Broadway number. I did not like the beginning, but after they dropped the coats and were doing the unison movement. That part was so very impressive.

Ellenore & Legacy's Hiphop – That was, indeed, strange. The costuming was weird. And the judges making weird noises at Ellenore? They’re just filling time now. I thought Legacy did a great job with dancing the routine, and I thought he was way better than Ellenore. I agree with Nigel that it was the strange choreography that hurt them in this number tonight.

Ashleigh & Russell's Bollywood – Again, no Ashleigh. Wow, what a difficult routine. I have to say Russell really gave it his all and I’d say it was respectable. I would have loved to have seen Ashleigh do this. I agree that Russell genuinely looked like he was enjoying this piece and that was really fun to watch.

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Solos
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Asleigh solo -- no solo. Hope she makes it through. I'd love to see her in the finals.

Jacob's Solo -- watching Jacob contort does not do anything for me. Sorry. His lines are incredible. His feet are perfect. But I do not feel the earth move.

Mollee's Solo – Who let her dance to Alicia Key's "Heartburn"? "Burning in my soul"? Mollee isn't sexy in hot way. She's too sweet. This was a very bad pick for her.

Legacy’s Solo – The big question about Legacy was, would he learn enough about the flow of dancing over the course of the show to stop doing solos that looked like a series of stunts and add some connectedness, some dancing there. Here I think he was really trying, which was a nice effort. I think he’s going to continue to grow as a choreographer; he’s already a great dancer.

Ellenore’s Solo – I have to admit to being surprised Ellenore made it this far. She did an okay job, I guess. I think all the baby gesturing was weird.

Russell’s Solo – Oh noes! Wardrobe malfunction! This was not impressive, tragically.

Kathryn’s Solo – Better than most in my opinion, but the bar is really low for me in terms of solos.

Ryan’s solo – It is so hard for ballroom dancers to do solos. I liked this mostly because I have loved the song since it was in Breaking 2. And can I just say, I cried when Ryan asked people to remember Ashleigh and vote for her. I thought that was incredibly classy of him.

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Final Thoughts
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Is it just me, or as the show goes on, does it seem like they get contestants who are stronger all around dancers but weaker as individual choreographers? I look back at the solos from Seasons 2 and 4 and not a single solo from this entire season could at all touch, say, Twitch’s solo from the next to last show in Season 4 or any of Travis’ solos.

Best of night for me? Ryan & Kathryn's Cha Cha was by far the best in my eyes, with Jacob & Mollee's Viennese Waltz as a close second.

This is a really tough cut. I think I have to think of it in terms of who should probably not make it. To me, I think that has to be Ellenore and…. I just don’t know! Kathryn?

Also Jacob to me is like Will from Season 4. He may be the judges’ favorite, but he’s left me cold all season. I’m glad he’s got a bright future as a professional dancer ahead because he won’t be getting any calls from me tonight.

Now to you, dear readers. For those of you watching in the States, who do you think should make the final six? Inquiring bloggers want to know!

SYTYCD Season 6: Week 5

Ellenore & Ryan's Lindy-hop -- That was one tough routine, very well choreographed. Personally, I've known lots of swing types, and they did not seem happy and free wheeling enough for me. I liked Ryan's slide. Okay, but not stunning.

Kathryn & Legacy's Jazz -- As a choreographer, Sonja is hit and miss with me, but I LOVED this one. It was so acrobatic and she was so lucky to have two dancers who could do all that really difficult strength based movement. Also, I hated Karen's weird one piece with the flesh colored bits. Bad and distracting.

Karen & Victor's Tango -- One of the hottest dances EVER ON SYTYCD. EVER. LOVED IT. Loved the costuming, loved the music, loved the choreography, loved the performance. Can't say enough good things about this one.

Mollee & Nathan's Hiphop - This was a fun routine, and the first half of it was surprisingly hard hitting. Mollee was surprisingly good on her rolls and stuff at the beginning; she was a lot better than a many of the other little white girls who have done this style before. I thought it was fun, but near the end Mollee got tired and it showed a little. Decent. Definitely not bad.

Noelle & Russell's Samba -- Dips not low enough. I have seen a black hiphopper shake his stuff ad sell a Samba (Joshua, Season 4), and Russell, who I love, could not have been less convincing here. Neither one of them seemed into this at all, or into each other. This was the worst of the bunch so far. Shankman said they were "too nice" and I agree. It was not a hot steamy dirty dance, and it needed to be.

Jakob & Ashleigh's Lyrical Jazz -- Sonja again, brings on the good stuff. The dancing? Technically just perfect and beautiful, which for Ashleigh is so impressive for being able to do it because this is no where near her style. She is very talented. Emotionally, it felt empty to me. It just didn't do it for me.

Weakest two of the first round: Noelle & Russell and Ellenore & Ryan (though the hiphop was close).

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Ellenore & Ryan's Broadway -- Holy crap! THAT WAS SO GOOD! What a wonderful piece and the dancing was great! That was possibly one of the very best Broadway performances I've ever seen on this show. One of my favs of the night. Totally redeemed the first half.

Kathryn & Legacy's Viennese Waltz -- Okay. I cried. I did. I cried. So beautiful. So emotional. I just loved it. I cried even before Legacy did. I don't care that it wasn't technically beautiful, because I was moved. Very nice.

Karen & Victor's Tango -- Bad. They weren't together at all, and the entire freaking piece was basically united movement. Weakest of the night, which sucks because the Tango was so good.

Mollee & Nathan's Cancan -- Hmmm. I can definitely see how Mollee hurt her ankle. It's funny because this was exactly as united in movement as there is. It made the previous performance look even worse by comparison.

Noelle & Russell's Contemporary -- I love this song, but did not like this version. It was a nice piece by Tycee and I think this really helps overwrite the really bad showing in the first half.

Jakob & Ashleigh's Cha-cha -- I did not look at Jakob once. Usually I think all of XX's salacious comments as just the weird ramblings of a very dirty old man, but DAMN! She was so freaking hot. I mean just could not be hotter. I'd vote for them just so she could keep going. She was just so wonderful. Wow.

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Favs of the night: Karen & Victor's Tango, Ellenore & Ryan's Broadway, Kathryn & Legacy's Viennese Waltz

Bottom 2: It's really hard for me to cut anyone, but honestly, I'd cut Karen and Victor. I just don't find either of them to be very consistent. The other couple I night put at the bottom is Nathan and Mollee. They aren't bad at all. They just haven't overwhelmed or wowed me at any point. As I look back over my notes from the previous weeks, I just feel sort of eh toward them. I really hope it isn't Ellenore and Ryan, who I'd like to see for another week.


And because this is the week of Thanksgiving, I will say this: I am thankful for not serious prop routines this week! Hallelujah! Even when the dances had props, they weren't the focus. Amen, hallelujah!

SYTYCD Season 6: Week 4

Ashleigh & Jacob's Lyrical Hiphop -- I wait all season for these routines. And this -- was terrible. These two could not be worse at hiphop. I can't believe Nigel was so complimentary because this was so rough. It was NOT HARD HITTING AT ALL, and while yes it was passionate, that did not save the fact that they weren't even really TOGETHER when they were supposed to be.

Karen & Kevin's Broadway -- Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeak. They were both too small with all their movement and obviously really uncomfortable. Also, this song is supposed to be full of joy, because Charity is supposed to be overwhelmed with glee at her good fortune. And this wasn't. This was just flat and nervous. Bottom 3.

Noelle & Russell Foxtrot -- I loved this. Here was a couple doing something very unfamiliar to them and they not only looked comfortable, but they looked happy! They looked like they were having fun very genuinely. This was the first good number of the night for me.That the dance was so hard and one that usually screws people makes it all that much more impressive. A favorite of the evening for me, which is saying something.

Channing & Victor's Jazz -- Despite the use of an overwhelming props at the beginning, this was a great piece once they got out the stupid cage. What wonderful choreography! Tycee is really probably the most talented and creative choreographer left now that Mia Michaels is gone.

Legacy & Kathryn's Paso Doble -- Legacy's lack of training finally was showing through here but I still feel like all in all this was a very good routine. They really committed to their parts and worked their asses off. I enjoyed it way more than the hiphop piece at the top. This is a another number that can really kill a couple,so good on them. Also, I really like Legacy, so I am happy to see him doing so well.

Ellenore & Ryan's Contemporary -- Travis Wall is, without a doubt, a young choreographer to watch. What an amazing and powerful piece. Well made and well executed. I think he gets to that emotional place repeatedly that the show used to go with Mia Michaels.

Nathan & Molly's Pop-Jazz -- I really loved this piece. The unity of movement and the fun of it all was wonderful. Choreographically, one of my favorites of the night.

My Bottom Three: Ashleigh & Jacob, Karen & Kevin, and I DON'T KNOW! I honestly don't. Everyone else was very good this week. Kevin should go home this week, and I really don't know which girl. I'd hate to see Karen go, but kind of think she should. While I thought Nathan and Molly were good this week, I really don't think they are as good as some of the other couples.

BTW I write these before the judges weigh in or results are in. If there was some sort of SYTYCD pool, I'd be kicking butt.

SYTYCD: Season 6 Week 3

I am an avid SYTYCD fan and have decided to start posting my impressions here. For more thoughts from season 6 and videos, please click the sytycd tag.

Karen & Kevin's Hustle -- Karen was so, so good. She was so good in fact, that I almost missed watching how totally uncomfortable Kevin was. But, too bad for Kevin, I noticed. I thought he looked awkward and hulky where Karen was all smooth and sexy movement. Karen is definitely top 10 material. It will make me sad if she carries Kevin all the way in with her.

Ashley & Jacob's Jazz -- O.M.G. Why are they so prop obsessed this season!?! Really? I, in my brief life as a dancer, did more than my fair share of prop work, and no matter what you do, no matter how good the dancing is, it's still all about the props. I would have loved this pseudo-Boardroom BDSM piece if it hadn't been for the stupid cane. They did a great job with what they had to work with, which in this case was only mediocre in my opinion. Good job on the dancers, though. Bottom 3.

Peter & Pauline's Quickstep -- The choreographers quickly realized these two could not actually quickstep and decided to give them a lot of character work and almost no actual dancing. Smart on the choreographer's parts. Given what they had to work with, which was easier on them, they did a wonderful job with their characters. I'd love to see Peter do a Broadway piece, because I think he'd also do Broadway really well.

Kathryn & Legacy's Broadway -- Wow, say they word "Broadway," and Broadway doth appear. I thought Legacy did a better job than Kathryn, which again is so impressive given his hiphop background. I'll definitely be calling in for these two because I feel like they have consistently been one of the best couples on the show, at least for me. Definitely in my top 10.

Channing & Victor's Contemporary -- New pairing this week. I thought the choreography was really nice on this one, and that Channing was **SO GOOD.** She really danced her rear off this week and I think she should be safe if you base it only on this week. Channing did touch me with her movement, and that impressed me. Victor was at his best thus far, but I still don't think he belongs in the top 10, which is going to suck for Channing, b/c I think she's going to end up switching partners again unless they get really lucky from here on out.

Ellenore & Ryan's Hiphop -- Little C is a tough choreographer b/c, unlike say Nappytabs, he doesn't flex his choreography to the dancers as much as some others do. Consequently, if you don't do hiphop, you've got to be terrified when you walk in and see him. Consequently Ryan had all my sympathy going into this one because I love Little C's style when it's danced well, but it is really hard to do well. I thought, given all of this, they did a respectable job. Am I going to pick up the phone for this? No. But do I think they should get to stay -- yes, absolutely. Bottom 3 this week.

Molly & Nathan's Salsa -- Oh Nathan, that was so awkward. You were not sexy. You were painfully awkward to watch. It reminds of the opposite of when Gev and Courtney pulled that amazing Rumba out of nowhere two seasons ago and Gev, this sweet little b-boy, was suddenly sexy and hot. Molly could not move her hips enough to be comfortable here. This was just so bad. I agree with Mary, the feeling was just so off. Nathan was not at all suave; he didn't take his suaveness seriously, and that was so painfully over the top it was hard to watch. I wish I could have seen some real salsa dancers do this number. I really do. I think it might have been awesome if another couple had pulled it. Bottom 3 this week.

Noelle & Russell's Afro-Jazz -- This concept clearly stolen from Disney, which was frankly cheap on the choreographer's part and that sucks because you're introducing an entirely new ethic style here. That said, I loved the actual movement in the piece and was happy to see some of the classic moves from African movement incorporated. I loved the rolling flips. My fav of the week. I thought they did a good job, good enough that I'll call in a bit for this one.

For me, all things taken into consideration, Kevin and Pauline should be going home.

SYTYCD: Season 6 week 2

I am an avid SYTYCD fan and have decided to start posting my impressions here.

Noelle & Russell's Tennis Prop Hiphop -- This was fun. I think it would have been a much better routine without the weird prop part. I wanted a hard hitting hiphop and it was too bad they did not get that b/c they focused on the props.

Ashleigh & Jacob's Vienesse Waltz -- I so did not feel the chemistry. It just felt very fake. I don't think she feels any attraction to him at all and, especially given the wedding theme, it showed to me. He though, of course, is freaking amazing. He is just one of the most talented things I've seen and will definitely hit the top 10.

Victor & Bianca's Jazz -- I have never liked Tyce as much as Mia Michaels, but I am very glad the show has gotten a lot more Tyce to make up for Mia's absence. Personally, I *LOVED* *LOVED* *LOVED* this piece. I think Bianca seemed so natural in this piece. She could have been a little bigger, but at the same time, she was just beautiful in this.

Victor, on the other hand, really was out of his element and it felt that way. I think if Russell and Bianca could have done this it would have been AWESOME.

Nathan & Molly's Bollywood -- F-ing props. God, stupid props making everyone seem awkward. No more props! Now about the dancing -- I seem to compare every single Bollywood number to the very first one Joshua and Katee did, and this one was okay, I guess. I wish it had been more traditional Bollywood. They seemed very evenly matched and danced it equally, so that was nice.

Channing & Phillip's Samba - Awful. Definitely in bottom 4 for me. Girlfriend has the goods but cannot shake them, but she tried and it was very clear how hard she tried. Part of it were awkward even to watch. They were not even good at faking having fun with it. The samba roll was awful -- not near deep enough. I'd definitely cut Phillip now.

Kevin & Karen's Hiphop -- Yay Nappytabs! The routine was fun, if a little slow. Karen did a really excellent job for someone so clearly struggling in rehearsal. Though, let me say, I really did not love her costume, which I don't think was flattering. Kevin was obviously great, but they did not out dance each other, and the choreographers clearly played to the movement Karen was comfortable with (all that thrusting). The weird thigh stand was awkward, but other than that, loved it. A really good routine this week. Karen's one of my favs of the girls.

Kathryn & Legacy's Contemporary -- O.M.G. I'm not the world's biggest fan of contemporary and I got all Shankman watching it -- I was just tearing up all over the place. This was my FAVORITE FOR THE NIGHT! My favorite of the seasons thus far. Very beautiful, very emotional, very well paired and well partnered. I just loved it. I was just so...moved. And that is why I watch the show. Because sometimes it's not just choreography...it's dancing.



Pauline & Peter's Jazz -- I freaking loved this piece. I thought the choreography was great, the concept was interesting, and the dancing was fabulous. A wonderful art piece -- kudos to Wade. A favorite of the night for me.

Ellenore & Ryan's Argentine Tango -- I was so not feeling the heat between them here. I wanted to be. I really did because the dancing was very good, but the chemistry just feels really fake here, unfortunately.

So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD): Season 6 Week 1

I am an avid SYTYCD fan and have decided to start posting my impressions here.

I missed Monday night so I have no commentary for the solo night.
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Channing & Philip's Jive - Just didn't do it for me. I felt like they were really cold and disconnected. I'd have put these two no the chopping block.

Ashleigh & Jacob's Jazz -- Tycee D did some amazing choreography and Jacob is freaking amazing. Good luck keeping up Ashleigh.

Ariana & Peter's Hiphop -- I loved this number. Could it be tighter, yes? But emotionally I thought it was better than that cold jive at the beginning.

Noelle & Russell Foxtrot - Russell is just one of my absolute favorites of all time for the show. To find a crumper who can actually dance other styles is so amazing. PLUS!!!! He's got some of the greatest presentation on the show. He really performs and uses his body and his personality and sells it. I predict he will be an audience favorite.

Bianca & Victor's Contemporary - Travis Wall did a really nice strength based piece here. I enjoyed the piece more than the dancing.

Karen and Kevin's Cha-Cha -- The use of the Glee cast song was weird. This is a bad pairing. Karen was amazing and great; Kevin sucked. He does not seem that strong to me. I'd like to see Karen with another partner.

Ryan & Ellenore's Contemporary - Oh Sonya -- you're choreography is so hit and miss. This was a total miss for me. I think the dancers tried but this was just too weird. The judges loved this but I really really did not.

Pauline & Brandon's Smooth Waltz - Oh the curse of the waltz and the quickstep. The folks who get these routines are always fucked. I wonder if they spend half their week just practicing their solos.

Kathryn & Legacy's Hip-hop - Interesting piece, fun piece, good chemistry between the couple. One of the better pieces of the week.

Mollee & Nathan's Disco - Nathan looked very uncomfortable all throughout. I did not see the charisma the judges kept going on and on about.

Overall -- wow will this show miss Mia Michaels. I really do feel like the choreography has already gone down. The men are way stronger than the women, except for ballroom in my opinion. That said, not a bad week.

For me, best of week: Ashleigh & Jacob's Jazz & Kathryn & Legacy's Hip-hop.