SYTYCD Live Blog: Boston Auditions

9:58 Well what do I know, he went right on to Vegas. Rock on!
9:54 This guy is clearly not right for the show, but what a fun way to end Boston. He's very entertaining!
9:46 Very, very good Latin tonight, Hot tamale train!
9:36 This Anthony is phenomenal, such pretty technique and soft landings
9:35 I cannot with these nutty people who give up a chance to go to the choreography round, have sex on stage, and dance in bunny earmuffs.
9:14 E-Knock was beautiful. That was so heartfelt-exactly what dance should be about.
9:12 Geez why are all these people getting to work at dance studios and not me?
9:02 I love Shizzy-Shake! Everything is so natural for her, it doesn't look like she is working and that is the best thing you can have in a dancer.
8:58 I like this white boy, he is pretty slick. I like his attitude. His moves aren't anything we haven't seen before, but I like what he his overall performance.
8:46 Siblings are certainly the theme of this episode. Wow this girl is awesome! Those legs go on for days! I would love to see her do Balanchine's rubies!
8:38 I'm so jealous of this kid Tommy. I would give anything to open a dance studio and have my whole family involved. He has a quirky way about him. He has nice individual elements, but as a whole he kind of moves like a Disney witch.
8:33 I love this juxtaposition over contemporary look and sick body with the classic music and style. Lovely technique, I see the ballet in there but her face is so beautifully expressive. Her tat is rad...I bet that hurt like crazy.
8:32 First eating disorder of the season. Unfortunately this is still so common in the dance world. I want this girl to be a baller and dance out her feelings.
8:23 This kid is a very cool little brother, very complicated choreography to learn so quickly. PS that girl needs to cover herself a little more.
8:19 I agree with the judges, that was a pice of art. It was engaging and interesting! I loved that piece.
8:10 Natalie isn't bad, she's just pretty average with a strange gimmick. I'm with the judges, she didn't do enough to show that she should make it to the next round.
8:08 Natalie: "I'm auditioning because it's on my bucket list to do before I'm 30". That is all...
8:05 Phillip is too soft and sloppy, Ashley has the right look. She is obnoxious and he has the personality of a tube sock. Get rid of them both.
8:04 This is so freaking scripted. They talked to Cat about dating and then Nigel asks them about dating? This girl is freaking annoying, I want her gone ASAP!
8:03 I wish I were 19.....Did Ashley and Phillip stop dating because he is gay?
8:01 Great, Mary is wearing neon and Adam Shankman is here with his queer self.
8:00 I hope the Boston dancers are Wicked Awesome!

SYTYCD LIVE BLOG: LA and Austin Auditions

9:55 This little girl is so powerful, this is fantastic. I've never seen anything like that.
9:54 This whole family dancing together. This is gorgeous, so moving.
9:53 I'm excited to see the exorcist again, I kind of forget what he looked like.
9:41 This poor Nick had to stand there and wait while these judges all bitch brunch. Wow...how professional. Wait, this guy is awesome!
9:34 The girl from Venezuela did nothing for me really. She was a nice dancer, just nothing stood out for me.
9:27 Shane was inspirational...that is the purpose of dancing afterall. We dance to say the things we can't say with our voices.
9:19 What do you say about Dannon other than that he is quirky? I bet he goes to choreography. He is rough around the edges. His technique has some problems, but he is so interesting to watch.
9:11 This montage showed such great dancing, why couldn't we see them instead of a 4-year-old?
9:09 This family has a cool vibe. The dad is so hip-hop, but the son is such a cool blend of hip-hop and contemporary
9:05 I love Donovan, he's like a mix of hip hop and contemporary, I love how he's kind of rough around the edges
8:56 I loved that jump out of the coupe turn, really cool combination move. This chick has great feet!
8:55 I'm glad they sent him to Disney World, that was precious
8:52 Sorry, I'm not amused by this kid, spend the time on real dancers who work their asses off to be here
8:49 Mary, your hair, I cannot
8:44 Minnie fricking Driver? What on earth is she doing on a dance show?
8:43 Go away Sasha! Nobody even liked you on your own season
8:42 Mackenzie was the best dancer we've seen so far
8:40 I like Mackenzie...this dance is actual contemporary, not just lyrical like what most dancers call contemporary. There is something so captivating about her.
8:39 Isn't it funny how Nigel "knows" when to ask if the dancer's parents are in the business?
8:37 That girl in the gold lame number looked like the Sheila in our production of A Chorus Line
8:31 I want Nigel to come up with something other that "cue music" but Millie is pretty good. His moves aren't anything we haven't seen, but he has a special kind of personality.
8:27 Dude on Pointe and a chicken dance....where on earth do the find these crazies?
8:20 Mary will love these Latin dancers, she always does
8:09 This girl has great technique and we get that she can coupe turn, but she's not doing much for me
8:08 Oh lord we have a sob story and a daughter of a dance teacher.
8:05 What on earth was that guy doing? Why did he even go on to the choreography? That's just silly. 

SYTYCD Live Blog: Season 10 Premiere!

8:58 Oh geez, I never thought I'd have to see Sasha's crazy face again :(
8:56 Okay, these guys are actually pretty good. Not show good....but they have a cool story and decent moves to back it up.
8:54 Not sure what to expect from this last crew.
8:50 I'm over these "guest judges" that know nothing about dance. I want Andy Blankenbuehler, Rob Ashford, Twyla Tharp, Kenny Ortega, Bill T Jones...or really anybody who knows anything about dance. Rant over
8:48 Is this a Russian Rapper? Is that what's happening? Mary is all about him. She has that cougar look in her eye.
8:46 After all these years I will never "get" b-boying. I just don't understand how you learn it??
8:45 I expect big things from "one of the best b-boys in the world"
8:40 Enough already Jessie, if you can't talk about injuries without throwing up, get off of the dance show
8:39 I'm loving Taylor's strong style. Great to see a muscular girl who isn't a twig. There's no way she started in college
8:38 We've all been there girl. I'm pulling for you. I too have loose joints and that is rough rough rough!
8:32 Adding that moaning rendition of "Send In The Clowns" to the torn ACL was excruciating times two
8:31 Wait, did she just start dancing in college? Or did she dance before? I just cannot do these sad stories anymore. However will I get through this summer?
8:29 That freaky girl walking on her hands reminded me of Tori Amos as a b-girl
8:26 Tutu necklace boy...we've got our first nut of the year. He is straight up crazy, but his movements are so original. I bet he goes to the choreo round.
8:20 The Benji of Armenia? Hmmm...that's interesting
8:18 First time we've had a winner from another country. That is interesting..... I always find it awkward when only one of the partners is actually auditioning. Like, should we ignore the other one?
8:12 This blonde girl seems very natural, but with a little crazy behind her eyes. I'm intrigued!
8:09 Geez this girl just said she was partially deaf...dead pan. I like her already! She has spunk and her mom was a dancer. That's so Sheila from A Chorus Line.
8:08 We have our first "feelingsy story of the season" that's how you know we are on reality TV. You don't get on this show without an emotional story. This girl from Utah looks like Tinker Bell.
8:07 Sorry, they let Fiction have too much time, he's just not all that interesting. However, the judges seem to love it so color me baffled.
8:05 Wait, his name is Fiction? Did he really not know they do a week in Vegas? We've seen all these moves before, but he has a quirky personality!
8:03 SYTYCD Season 10 here we go! We're starting in LA!

SYTYCD Live Blog: Top 20 Selection

9:59 Meanwhile, Mia herself is looking rough as usual!
9:58 Mia's movement was fantastic tonight...very simple but powerful on the whole group
9:56 OMG the return of Mia! Very cool dance thus far
9:47 I'm loving Cole, he really stands out to me. What a unique dancer
9:46 I love Sonya's broad view of partnering
9:46 Sonya working with dudes has to be amazing!
9:38 Not a Travis fan, but I do like this unison movement
9:36 Eww Travis...real choreographers don't just "put in tricks because dancers can do them"
9:28 These guys are freaking awesome!
9:25 A baseball routine...bangin!! This is so freaking cool!
9:24 Yay hip-hoppers/b-boys finally
9:19 I love this Asian Martial Arts Fusion guy.....he is so versatile
9:13 Where are the breakers and b-boy/b-girls?
9:11 This piece isn't doing much for me
9:10 Stacey Tookey is unecessary
9:09 One girl spot left....big surprise they are looking for "star quality"
9:06 Mary, that little turn the doorknob thing was beyond tacky
9:05 Aww Blake was so cute!
8:59 Why so androgynous Melanie dear?
8:56 Thank you Sonya for showing that girls actually can lift girls
8:55 Oh poor dear Janelle. Luckily she'll be fine. These two jazz girls could be twins BTW
8:54 Nevermind...rejection central right here
8:53 Geez have they rejected anybody yet???
8:52 That little curly brunette is presh!
8:46 I love all the ballet! Desmond & Dwight.....I should've known
8:43 This space-aged ballet is beautiful beyond words!
8:40 Blue Suede shoes...that's cute
8:38 I love this mop-haired girl...what is her name again?
8:33 Zooey.....just stop
8:30 I love Jason's routines....this piece is fierce!
8:29 How cute...the blonde besties are together!
8:29 Yay Whitney #TeamWhitney
8:28 Drama alert...2 Bffs going into the decision room together!
8:27 Oh boy, we have sadgirl.com here, but he's in the Top 20 anyway
8:19 Zip it Zooey, you know nothing about dance. Obviously FOX is just trying to promote it's other shows
8:18 Alexa wins the hairography award
8:17 Nigel just LOVES kissing up to Tyce
8:15 I feel like I'm going to like Alexa, but for her hair and not her dancing
8:15 I love that bench and this is actually pretty cool movement.
8:14 TYCE....gag me please and thank you
8:14 Amber looks like an odd egg to me, but I loved her genuine reaction
8:13 Did this Amber chick think if she colored her hair like Rihanna she'd make the show?
8:13 Poor Megan...first reject from the top 20
8:12 Thank God for Debbie Reynolds...she makes this whole judging mess bearable
8:12 For College Hoops fans....George looks a little like Anthony "unibrow" Davis to me
8:11 Alexa is an odd choice for "featured TV dancer" because she doesn't have the magnetic personality that Melanie had when they put her in that role last season
8:10 Seeing Adam Shankman + Tyce Diorio in the same video clip just turned my stomach.
8:09 Alexa is all about that red lip! Why are they trying so hard to get us to like her? If we want to like her then we will on our own.
8:08 Choosing one top boy and one top girl is so smart because it's too hard to compare them
8:05 Man are they talking up this chick Alexa...they want us to love her. She is this year's Ryan Ramirez. She'll flame out under top 20 pressure.
8:03 Big format change this season....no results show and TWO winners (America's fave girl and boy dancer)
8:03 What on EARTH does Zooey Deschanel know about dance???
8:02 Ooooo look at fancy Cat!
8:01 Ready for a cheesy recap?
8:00 Here we go, who is ready for the slow, painful, prolonged top 20 process?

SYTYCD Live Blog: Vegas Week

• And we have the crazy smooth hip hopper and a belly dancer
• We LOVE Vegas week
• Twitch! He has become an SYTYCD legend
• Lots of interesting hairstyles this season, yes?
• This girl in the peach tank and the flannel is killing it!
• Why does this dude have devil horns?
• Wait, dancers actually eat?
• Ballroomers are killing it tonight
• Poor Alexa..but .the final person cut from the previous year is always a favorite
• Alexa, my sweet, please gimme some face gurrrl
• Oh goodie, Tyce AND Adam....the prickiest people around
• These people kill me, this is the chance of their life and it's like they don't even want it
• 1/2 of the contestants were already cut....pish posh
• So I don't know if these choreographers are aware, but girls can partner girls and boys can partner boys....but this is shocking, I know
• So why isn't Chyna Lee Smith back yet?
• These people are horrendous at partnering in this little Sonya number....girlfriend is not pleased
• Obbbbbvs Lil' C wants to see Rachel dance for her life....Adam on the other hand is just kind of unnecessary 
• Did this chick just lose her top?
• This black-and-white movie girl is so cool, I really like her vibe
• I LOVE Lindsay Arnold, she has such a cool look and style
• I feel bad for the dancers who get really weak partners in these rounds because that can definitely throw them off
• Oh no, don't tell me Danielle has a concussion.....see what I mean about putting great dancers with hot messes?
• Yeah group round is coming up....my fave!
• Okay this girl Rachel is doing a glorified strip routine, I'm sorry but to be "dance" there has to be some actual codified movement
• This Amealia is really a star, I can see it. She is so special!
• Well Adam is crying now, that sad old Queen!
• Who wouldn't prefer a silent film star to a porn star? This "dance for your life" round was a no brainer.
• Sonya and Amelia are kindred spirits...done and done!
• I think picking your own group is a bad idea. It's like gym class. However, it is an interesting social experiment
• This boy did NOT just say D-O-N Done.....no he did not
• Poor Danielle, but I'm glad she is back
• This group routine doesn't really prove anything, I don't understand its purpose
• P.S. this purple-black-and white group is heinous, no unison whatsoever
• Did Adam really call that an "epic fail"? Why not try to be a little professional?
• I like the idea of 1 girl and 4 guys, this is beautiful and she is a total star
• Alexa is dancing for her life everytime she is up there
• Who else likes these 90s-tastic jean vests?
• "Alexa, the lights are on and nobody is home" -Tyce
• Tyce you are a bitch!
• We aren't all hot-mess lunatics like you Mary!
• That was a little mini break-thru for our girl Alexa, I love her big messy hair!
• They should not be swimming...my dance teacher never let us do that at competitions
• Cyrus' earrings scare me!
• Cyrus wasn't half bad...at least he was there for his partner
• They let him dance for his life....I think that's fair for Cyrus
• Oh no, Aubrey is having a Chorus Line Cassie moment!
• Now our girl Alexa is finally giving us some face!
• Alexa is coming into her own, she is this season's Ryan Ramirez
• Wow Cyrus is really growing on me. He has so much emotion and style in his performance
• Contemporary round is always the killer, and there's my "favorite" kid Travis Wall
• So that white chick can krump...wow!
• Alexa is finding that fire in her belly, and Debbie just said "this child could win"
• So we are through episode 1 of Vegas Week, but what will next week bring?
• Next week we get our Top 20!!! I'll see you then!

So You Think You Can Dance: The Finale!

We've been waiting a whole season and the night is here! Who will be crowned America's Favorite Dancer?

10:00 Well that's a wrap for me & this season of SYTYCD. It's been a great season and I've enjoyed throwing out my feedback. Thanks for reading!
9:59 Girlfriend deserved this win in a big way....get it Melanie!
9:58 The winner won by 15%....and that is Melanie!
9:55 Here we go....the final fluff packages
9:51 Each lady will have a phenomenal dance career if she has the guts to go after it....regardless of which one wins
9:41 Marko is a beautiful person inside and out....and the last man standing nonetheless
9:40 And our 3rd place dancer is.....Marko. As they said in the beginning, a girl will win this season
9:37 Get it Mary for picking my favorite routine of the season, the statue piece by Travis Wall from the first night on the big stage. This was the piece that set them up as the front runners and they never dropped from that pedestal
9:32 That piece was soooo not live btw
9:30 Oh hey Pasha, I'll take a little of you to go! I loved that Jesse referred to Caitlynn as the girl with the bangin' bangs
9:26 Sonya picked the top 10 guys routine...great to see all of them back...this is also the 2nd Chris Scott routine tonight
9:21 Nobody could've done this routine like Sasha & Twitch did it
9:19 Yay the Twitch & Sasha routine...that was pretty great, and by great I mean phenomenal
9:17 Obviously Fox had to make a shameless plug for Glee & the 3D movie
9:14 Oh lord why do we need a Spencer Liff routine in the finale?
9:06 And the dancing winning the Courtney Galiano award...aka 4th place...is Tadd, which was pretty obvious, but we still love him! He came so far!
9:03 How many job offers has Melanie gotten this season?
8:58 Tyce picked Sonya's Geisha routine, which was pretty bangin'. 2 routines each for Sonya, Tyce, and Mandy
8:55 Jesse is picking an all star routine....please be Allison Holker!! Marko & Allison doing a Sonya piece....I  DIE!
8:50 People just lost their minds when Melanie took that huge leap!! Girl is phenom!
8:48 And now for Total Eclipse of the Heart....didn't Mary already pick a routine? This is Mandy Moore's 2nd piece tonight
8:45 UK winner tapping with Jess & Nick....obsessed. Now why couldn't America fall in love with tap too?
8:38 Oh yay Cat is picking a routine! This Circus routine from the top 8 was really quite fantastic.Two pieces from Tyce so far. This piece reminds me of the Broadway musical Side Show
8:36 Lil C just chose "Break Ya Neck" aka the Woodpecker routine by NappyTabs for Robert & Miranda.....that was truly Buck
8:35 That Vulture routine was bangin'
8:33 And we're back!
8:27 OMG Robin you dumb hooker....of all the great pieces this season you pick this one? There were much better Mandy Moore routines and many better routines in general
8:24 This piece is cute and I get what Nigel is saying about it solidifying their relationship, but they did many duets that were much better than this
8:23 Nigel is talking Melanie & Marko....I Got You by Nappytabbs.....I was expecting the statue piece
8:22 This Mary-Nigel montage  is so tacky fabulous
8:17 OMG is Sonya wearing a tutu?
8:16 I just can't get over what great shape Sasha is in physically, she has such power!
8:15 Mary picks Tyce's routine for Sasha & Kent.....a routine I'm happy to see again
8:13 Tyce had the quote of the season when he said "we are going to celebrate DANCE this summer", and we did indeed do that
8:12 Like ever season, this one had its share of freaks
8:10 I reamed Nigel for dismissing the boys last night and he just apologized....he is CLEARLY reading my blog
8:08 Sonya is so right in saying that these dancers are all true artists....something we couldn't say about all finalists in other seasons
8:06 Pretty sure Melanie got the most applause of all, but Sasha was close....we'll see if that's reflected
8:05 Amazing panel tonight: Lil C, Robin Anton (not so fab), Tyce, Sonya, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and obviously Mary & Nigel
8:04 The finale is great because it is a true celebration of dance
8:03 Sasha looks like freaking Xena & Cat is looking stunning in red
8:00 Wow I totally forgot about a lot of these top 20 dancers...this is a pretty bomb routine! It's not teh best choreography but it's certainly a great display of tricks and athletic ability

So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 4 Perform!

Here we are, we have our top 4 so get ready to see some amazing performances!!

9:55 I HATE when Nigel tries to make predictions, i.e. saying a girl will still win, because it heavily influences the voting
9:55 I'm disappointed in the producers for doing such a horrible job choosing styles & choreographers for this evening's finale
9:51 Marko isn't quite as low as Tadd.....he could get much lower into the knees
9:46 Finally a Stacey Tookey piece that I can appreciate...it was interesting and not trite
9:42 Wait so Stacey Tookey can do a piece that isn't a love story....congrats! This is really interesting actually. In this case the props work because they provide a barrier that they can't surmount
9:34 Sasha always talks about the hard journey she has had that has allowed her to dance such dark pieces. I'm not being nosy, but I'm curious as to what has lead her to feel such pain
9:31 I'm going to quote my friend @Kyle_louise and say "this piece was too much narrative and not enough dancing"
9:28 Something about this reminds me of the "Way You Make Me Feel" segment from Center Stage
9:27 I freaking love Ray Leeper....he is straight out of the dance competition/convention circuit where I grew up
9:22 I'm def voting Marko tonight.....it will be my first time voting of the season
9:20 I feel like Tadd needs the win the most...everyone else will have a career regardless
9:15 Wow Marko & Lauren just kind of slobbered all over one another
9:13 Marko looks like a star right here...I'm not even watching Lauren at all right now
9:06 That piece was not the level needed for the final episode
9:06 Sasha & Tadd's Cha Cha was sassy in performance, but a little clunky in terms of execution
9:02 Marko is so incredibly genuine! He, like Melanie, makes magic in the subtleties in his solos
8:54 Melanie gives a master class when she performs her solos...the slightest movement is gripping without all the flashy leaps and turns
8:52 Now we get to the feelings....Melanie's favorite memory was launching herself into Neil's arms. Her favorite person was Ricky and you can tell that she misses him genuinely. Obviously she is besties with Marko  from the first half of the season.
8:49 Marko is precious & Sasha is fierce....but for me they didn't work together
8:47 The choreography is fine, but the scenery and props are unnecessary, as was that tumbling pass
8:45 Why God Why do we have to have a Spencer Liff routine in the finale?? I never thought I'd miss Tyce
8:38 Kenny Ortega just said he wanted to work with Melanie and Cat "got her a job" in the remake of Dirty Dancing. Great Cat moment of the night...."nobody puts me in a corner"
8:34 Stacey Tookey is up and we are obviously going to see a piece about love....unrequited love that is
8:32 The judges loved Tadd doing LIL C's work....obviously. These dancers should be good enough to not have to struggle through any style in the finale
8:24 This is certain to be awesome....Tadd & Joshua, I mean really?? And is this the first time choreographing for Lil C this year?
8:18 Kenny Ortega is absolutely correct in labeling her Sasha: Warrior Princess
8:13 Sasha & Sonyah have clearly connected this season, obviously, but this piece choreographed as an ode to her is phenomenal. Mark is a perfect partner for her in this piece. That wheelbarrow move was fantastic. Her body is in such amazing shape and she is so strong to be able to do all these interesting movements
8:11 Stupid Blogger is currently "read only" but I'll continue to write and I'll post live as soon as blogger goes live!
8:06 Kenny & Katie were all sunshine and roses......boring, but Mary is giving it to them straight about the lift issues
8:05 Marko is bound to be phenomenal at Disco! That over the head rotational lift could have been a little cleaner. They are so not in sync. These lifts don't have the speed and flow that we've seen in other routines
8:00 Kenny Ortega is legit in the dance world.....he'll be great tonight! But what the hell does Katie Holmes know about dance other than watching hubby Tom in Risky Business?

So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 6 Results!

According to Nigel's twitter, we aren't going to see a bottom two tonight. We will simply lose the male and female that received the least votes as to not reveal the top two. Tonight we'll know who is dancing in the finale....can't wait!!

8:57 And now Tadd is through.....I'm cool with all of the voting tonight, though I did love Ricky so much
8:55 Now I know why Pia got voted off of Idol...great voice but boring overall
8:48 Sasha goes through! America got it right!!
8:48 Caitlyn dances from her head, Melanie dances from her heart, and Sasha dances from her soul.....well spoken Nigel
8:40 Duh, it was obviously going to be Marko because the drama is between Tadd & Ricky
8:40 I'm just going to say it.....that waacking routine was stupid
8:38 I hate to be precious, but they all deserve to be in the finale!!
8:35 OMG the boys are doing a conga line....that's so precious! I bet Marko will be the first guy in the finale since he's pretty much a given
8:30 And the first girl in the finale is.........Melanie! Duh, like we didnt' know that was happening. OMG her Grandma was just so precious when that was announced!
8:22 Why do we have to see "Collide" again?" I didnt' even like it last season. Don't get me wrong they are great dancers but Travis has done much better work since then
8:17 Ricky always has the best solos, his body does things i've never seen and "Requiem For A Dream" is perfect for a dance for your life piece
8:16 Marko has such joy for dance, so ahmaazing
8:16 Tadd is pure entertainment...such a charismatic guy
8:12 National Dance Day is my favorite holiday....obviously
8:07 Melanie manages to tell a complete story in 30 seconds, she is a true gem!
8:06 Caitlynn never learned that you can do a solo without turns and leaps. Her center leap and her jump into a fall onto the shin has been in every one of her solos
8:05 Sasha makes such great use of levels in this solo. I love string music so I'm currently obsessed with this piece and her musical interpretation of it
8:03 The rose was unnecessary, but a lovely piece nonetheless, from Justin Giles
8:02 Sasha keeps catching my attention, she is killing this! This piece is so gentle and easy to watch, I just love it!
8:00 This opening number centers around a huge red rose. Beauty & The Beast anyone? And surprise surprise they are wearing white!

So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 6 Perform!

Here we are....down to the top 6! I hear we have some more exciting All-Stars, namely Jamie from S3 & Kent from S7!

9:59 If I could wrap up the episode in one word...... CHRISTINA!!
9:58 So I'm back on the Melanie bandwagon again....Melanie in Marko all the way
9:56 So now Sonya is back on Nigel's good list....I don't think she needs your approval dear
9:55 Caitlynn may have come of age...but I'm afraid she may be going home tomorrow anyway.
9:52 Wow Lil C just called this routine #buck #buck because it was reckless & convicted. Lil C is always obsessed with Sonya's routines...as am I!
9:51 The lighting of this piece may look great in the theatre but its so hard to see on TV...Marko is on fire in this piece!!! Caitlynn seems to not be quite at his level though
9:49 Marko & Caitlynn doing Sonya jazz....I think a character piece will help her a lot
9:45 I feel bad for Tadd that the judges basically ignored him while going gaga over Melanie's solo. Then Christina compared her to Donna McKechnie which is just not okay with me. I looooove that Christina referenced the greatest musical theatre dancer of all time, but Melanie simply isn't quite at that level yet
9:42 This piece could've easily been The Music And The Mirror.....thanks for stealing 2 concepts Spencer
9:41 Thanks Cat for confirming that this was "Black Swan"
9:39 Spencer's concept is "Black Swan"
9:38 Oh lord I hate Spencer Liff
9:27 Okay I don't really get what whacking is. Maybe flailing? It actually looks just like a syncopated jazz routine to me. Ricky & Sasha are giving it their all, but the choreography just wasn't great. There was much too much unison movement.
9:22 It seems as if Melanie improvised her solo.....that is why it looked so natural
9:20 Cat is a phenomenal host
9:19 Marko fell out of a pirouette and I don't even care
9:18 From an emotional perspective, it seems the producers want the audience to connect to Sasha & Marko because they had the most sappy intro packages
9:11 Caitlynn tried her best to be sexy, but the whole thing was a little clunky for me
9:08 OMG I'm so jealous of Caitlynn for being in the same room with Pasha & Dmitri at the same time
9:07 I think the judges want Sasha to win. Isn't she a contemporary dancers? Because her jazz is hot
9:02 Did Tadd just hop on one hand for like an hour?
9:01 The family vids are all about pulling at the voters' heartstrings and it is soooo working
8:59 I agree with Mary about how Ricky seemed to bounce off the piano keys
8:58 Lil C is commending them on using the props.....but then again was the prop totally necessary?
8:56 What is it with all the white costumes this season? Jamie is phenomenal and I love that she works the hair and the legs simultaneously. Is it just me or does Ricky look like he is marking? Or maybe it is just him preparing for the lifts
8:51 I'm obsessed with Jamie Goodwin...she's one of my favorites from the whole series
8:50 I like Caitlynn's song choice and the fact that she has some movements in between her tricks...its progress
8:47 Can FOX just make Lil C a permanent judge already? His critiques are so great and so specific
8:47 Sonya is PISSED at Nigel for saying her piece needed more dancing
8:44 This piece reminds me of The Tudors....pristine yet dirty
8:43 Sonya is just so freaking interesting! Leave it to her to come up with something off the wall
8:38 Ricky has great leaps & turns, but he actually dances......in that the tricks are not the focal point which I love, he knows how to dance for his life!
8:34 I agree with Nigel....this piece left me a little cold, though I think that was more the choreography than the execution by Marko
8:33 Side note.....Mary continues the trend of neck or shoulder adornments on her dress
8:32 I don't remember Jeanette but homegirl has a fun accent. This is a very theatrical Paso Doble & Marko did  fine job for all I know about Paso Doble
8:30 The power for the man in the Paso Doble comes from the crotch.....good to know
8:25 Sasha is truly connecting with the judges and audience.....girl has come on strong the past few weeks and just might win it all!
8:19 I swear Sasha may actually be the same size as Kent. She is in CRAZY good shape. Something about them looked great together oddly enough
8:17 I love Kent and I'm so happy to see him back!! I hope this Tyce piece is not so fake
8:11 Lil C doesn't think Melanie gets it because she didn't grow up in the ghetto.....like that's her fault?? She is no Shirley Temple girlfriend
8:06 Melanie + Twitch + NappyTabs = Lil Red in da Hood. This is actually a real cool concept! Melanie is getting down too! This is showing a totally different side of her and I love it!
8:04 The Cat-Nigel banter gets better each episode
8:02 Oh Christina Applegate, how precious. At least she knows Fosse choreography. And thank god for Lil C
8:00 The stage looks so lonely with 6! Each dancer will do two routines and a solo tonight

So You Think You Can Dance Recap: The Top 8 Perform!

Here we go, we are down to 8 dancers and we have some really exciting all-stars joining them this week for their duets. Exciting stuff!

10:00 That's a wrap, see you all tomorrow!!
9:49 I guessed it, Sonya modeled these dancers after herself. Holy crap Sasha, she is making Melanie look like a total amateur right now.
9:45 Omg Sasha and Melanie that hair! I'm going to guess that they're doing a Sonya routine??
9:41 Jordan & Jess are an interesting duo...two mini-me spitfires. The cut of that dress is doing her no favors, it makes her look very hippy and twice the size of Jess. That rotational lift was lovely but the piece as a whole did nothing for me
9:31 Tabitha & Napoleon don't look incredibly pleased about that piece....I wouldn't be either.
9:29 Marko & Ricky doing a Nappytabs routine about Waste Management workers. This is so necessary. Ricky needs to get much lower, he looks like he isn't doing this routine full-out next to Marko
9:21 This old Hollywood look is so fetch on Tadd & Caitlynn. She is gorgeous and we already know he was born for the ballroom
9:14 Marko just kicked sweet little Melanie's ass!
9:13 OMG we just had a precious mother-son moment with Marko and his mom. This is just too much for me and live TV
9:10 I want Allison Holker on every episode please. This is a pretty god routine. Is it just me or does the music (sans lyrics) sound like Hallelujah? These two are truly dancing as one. This movement is perfection
9:03 Okay Gags I'm done with you doll face....pick up your trail of accessories and hit the road
9:01 You'll get this with Mandy Moore...a really great routine followed by something out of Starquest Nationals
9:00 Mandy Moore & I have the same musical taste....all 80s all the time. This routine is cute but I don't think its showing off what Tadd does well other than a few b-boy tricks.
8:59 The more I think about it, They definitely looked like a brother/sister duo, not a romantic couple
8:56 Mary is correct in saying that Jess was particularly strong in his isolations
8:55 Lauren is so versatile & Jess is proving that he is as well. They are perfectly in sync here with one another, its a thing of beauty
8:54 I love Lauren Gottlieb and she and Jess actually look like they could be brother & sister, which actually makes them really well matched to dance together
8:44 Omg I love a Celine moment!! Best song ever! Ahmaaazing footwork! Such performance quality
8:43 Ricky is going to win this competition
8:39 Cat is a great host because she goes with the flow. She just spontaneously had Melanie & Neil do the big jump again lol
8:37 OMG Ellen in the house...I die. Obviously Ellen is wearing flannel and Portia is looking glam
8:36 These judges act like she is the best thing since Isadora Duncan but I'm not quite convinced yet for some reason
8:34 Standing ovation from the judges, but it was started by Madame Gaga! Can Neil marry me? Thanks
8:32 Mandy Moore loves a good 80s throwback....its her favorite musical genre. I'm a little bit over Melanie but you can't deny that she is a phenomenal dancer. Those white costumes are gorgeous and just so ethereal. That running catch lift was pretty great, but also, we totally saw it coming
8:31 Melanie & Neil doing a Mandy Moore contemporary routine about....surprise....a love story. Get it together Mandy!
8:28 "Is there anything that little body can't do?" -Nigel to Jordan. And Gaga just gave Jordan a shout out to the short girls. Rob just commented that Jordan dances with abandon (which is oddly enough what he suggested Caitlynn work on)
8:26 This routine was made for Jordan and her legs and her ability to hit sharp accents. I LOVE this routine. Its a true jazz routine....not lyrical...not contemporary...not Broadway...just jazz. You know Jordan is fierce when I didn't even watch Ade
8:25 So we have a Tyce routine for Jordan & Ade which should be fierce as all get out
8:18 Nigel also said that Caitlynn no longer looks like a competition kid....amen sister! And Gaga called her sexy like 3 times.
8:18 Nigel just told Caitlynn to "open her legs a little" and Gaga laughed. Cat said "Gaga don't". So priceless!
8:16 Caitlynn has grown on me more than anyone in the top 20 this season from a little smiley girl to a very mature and versatile dancer
8:15 Why do girls always wear boys clothing in hip-hop routines? Its unnecessary. Caitlynn actually looks better than I expected. She has nice quiet attack on this material and pretty strong chemistry with Ivan. Nothing like what he had with Allison Holker, but granted that was built over many weeks
8:14 So now we have our little Caitlyn doing hip.-hop with Ivan. I swooned over him circa season 2 but now he just looks like a geeky white boy
8:09 I'm going to agree with Nigel that Sasha is too stiff. Gaga disagrees with us and thinks the stiffness was "a character choice"
8:08 PS Cat looks DIVINE in that white dress and the simple waves in her hair
8:07 Rob & Mary are eating up this routine but it really did nothing for me
8:03 Yay a Jonathan Roberts routine.....he has always been my Dancing With The Stars crush! Sasha & Pasha, now what a cute/awkward pairing. I get that this is supposed to be a "funky quickstep" but Pasha still looks refined and Sasha looks like a spastic robot. And those head movements are just too much
8:02 Yes indeed it is Gaga and what....she's in Nigel's seat on the panel?? I'm guessing Gaga refused to sit next to Mary or something. And of course we love Rob Marshall, director of the film Chicago
8:01 12 routines tonight, I hope we don't have any injuries.....
8:00 Here we go kids! 2 guest judges, could one perhaps be GAGA??

So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 10 Perform!

9:56 Thats it for me and until tomorrow night, keep dancing!
9:55 Its amazing how authentic Clarice looks in this Indian dres...at least to my eyes
9:54 I simply cannot listen to one more comment from NPH.
9:51 Its funny how they have no all-stars that specialize in Bollywood so they use Robert lol. He s so versatile and Clarice doesn't even look like herself. I loved this piece...its so high energy!
9:50 Great solo by Marko....he is such an enigma

9:41 OMG I die! Tori Amos, Ricky, and Allison Holker are too fabulous for words. I missed seeing Tyce do contemporary. Its so great to see a piece that isn't about a love story.

9:40 I love Allison Holker!!!
9:39 Caitlynn.....girl is killing this solo! Yeah she fell out of the turn  a bit but at least she went after it. I'd rather see somebody go after it than play it safe
9:33 There is something about Melanie that seems kind of fake to me.....anyone else feel that way? I'm just not sure what it is
9:29 Perfect song for the concept.........Everybody Hurts. Simply gorgeous....so elegant

9:27 Tadd is so versatile that I always forget he is a b-boy and hot a hip-hopper, contemporary, or even ballroom dancer! That routine, however didnt show much
9:22 NPH needs to be done now. He gave Jess criticism on his facial expression when he was directed by the choreographer not to look at his partner. Why Neil why?
9:19 When Kathryn is onstage you can't watch anyonen else. Will that help or hurt Jess? Also, Kathryn looks like Tony-winner Laura Benanti
9:17 The surprise of the night is that Stacey Tookey is doing a love story?
9:16 I keep saying Jordan sn't a star because even though she has some amazing skills, she just isn't captiving, but she still has soooo much room to grow in this competition

9:09 Nigel has no words for this and I'm pretty sure Neil Patrick Harris has no clue what he's talkng about. He acts like it is a surprise that these choreographers choose the music, movement, and costumes. Ummmm Neil dear, in world world does that NOT happen?

9:05 Sasha is such a dynamo and we've always loved twitch! Nice nip-ups! What is with the back to front grinding in the hip-hop numbers tonight? That was so perfect emotionally and they were so committed to the "characters"...it was almost a little too realstic
8:59 Mitchell is such a strong and emotional dancer. He does so much with so little in terms of technical difficulty
8:58 I love NPH but not as a judge on this show. He is having a difficult time separating the "performance" and "execution" from the "choreography"
8:56 Mary is obsessing over Caitlynn in a big way
8:55 I like that this routine was slow enough that we could appreciate the beauty of it rather than getting lost in the crazy fast footwork

8:54 This routine is hot! Smily little Caitlynn is such an elegant Diva!

8:52 This looks like the same costume my friend wore in her senior college dance recital to Rama Lama Bang Bang. Did she actually do any dancing in that solo? Or maybe she just smiled a lot?
8:48 Wait why is Clarice still on this show?
8:46 I'm obsessed with Ricky and the abilities he has as a dancer, but moreso his performance quality
8:44 NPH is not all about this routine and while I don't agree with him, I respect that he is voicing his opinion
8:41 I love "Take Off With Us" from Fosse  and since Tyce was in the show, he knows the style so well. I love this routine and its so great to see Melody back all the way from season 1. I love that Tyce has made Mitchell the focal pointe of the routine rather than the  all-star

8:39 Not that I wanted to see her n the bottom 3, but I missed watching Melane's solos.....just exquisite. She is so well trained that she makes it looke easy
8:38 You know Tadd is good when he made his all-star look bad
8:34 Does many have to wear some obnoxious shoulder ornamentation every week?

8:31 This routine is not doing anything for me. They don't look like they are in synch at all and the routine just is not entertaning
8:29 Tadd & Comfort....this should be good since they are both hip-hoppers but I absolutely hated comfort on her season, especially when she came back after sombody suffered an injury
8:28 I don't think anyone could suit Jess's personality better than Harry Connick Jr. He showed such amazing control at the end of the pirouette sequence
8:26 Adding a solo round to the competition scares me a bit.....this is the point last year where dancers started to suffer overuse injuries

8:21 I don't think Jordan is necessarily a star, but she does indeed do everything that is asked of her and at a very high level
8:19 Jordan's legs are just nuts. Her leg tricks are unlike any I've ever seen
8:18 Desmond Richardsons routines requre such a high level of technicial training its crazy. I'm so happy to see Brandon back this season, though I wish he were dancing for Alvin Ailey
8:17 Sasha is so fluid in her solos, I love that her movements are so natural and not just tricks

8:11 We loved Marko & Chellsie in that Samba routine. He shows such genuine emotion and is so incredibly humble. I loved Chellsie on her season and on DWTS. She is such a versatile dancer and I love that she isn't built like a stick

So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 14 Perform!

I can't believe we are already onto week four of the live shows......this is So You Think You Can Dance!

9:57 Well that's it for tonight; look for my recap tomorrow and until then...keep dancing!
9:56 If they were a dance crew they'd be called "The Black Widow Brigade"
9:54 OMG I love Eartha Kitt; that opening image of the funeral was great! I love the unison and the quiet intricacy. Ok so we've had enough ripples for one routine, try another compositional structure Ray.
9:53 Its so great to see girls dancing in character heels!
9:49 Up until this week Caitlynn & Mitchell were blandsville but their stock just went waaaaaay up!
9:48 Go away Carmen! Come back Krazy Aunt Kristin
9:47 Nigel & Travis both had their breath taken away but Caitlynn & Mitchell
9:45 Mary is crying and she's on the verge of becoming hysterical....I love the crazy!
9:42 Another love story...this is starting to feel like pairs skating. OMG CELINE!!!!! I love a good Celine Dion moment, especially this song. That moment where Caitlynn's leg fluttered down out of her extension was gorgeous. This routine has really good speed and flow to it. I loved that pendulum lift, normally seen in swing dancing, and how Mandy Moore translated it to contemporary. That cartwheel entry lift was great! Mandy Moore could make bank by teaching these lifts to ice dancers.
9:40 Caitlynn is a skier/snowboarder.....my teacher never let me do those things because I'm super accident prone
9:35 I totally forgot that Caitlynn & Mitchell existed....but they're up next in a contemporary piece.
9:32 That was was so very zombie prom. The judges all love it and it even kept Travis Wall's attention! He sees them well past the top 10
9:30 I am loving this routine already...its like 80s zombie diva chic! It wasn't a meaningful piece of anything, but it was entertaining and so fun to watch.
9:29 This jazz teacher is like crazy and I LOVE HIM!!! A piece about getting hit by a car.....now that is original!
9:28 Its cool that everyone on the show seems so family oriented. I love that Ricky was a cheerleader...I cheered like forever and I love everything about it!
9:25 Ryan is such a sentimental favorite for me! Its cool that Mia really took Ryan under her wing...Mia is great at spotty quirky talent like that.
9:20 OMG Nigel just agreed with me and said that Ashley worked her skirt like West Side Story...zinger!
9:18 I refuse to acknowledge that Carmen is still there because she can't put together a cohesive statement
9:17 Travis is doing job of being nice yet critical with these dancers while also giving constructive notes that they can apply to their future routines
9:16 I hate to say it but Jordan & Tadd would have look hot in that routine! Ashley & Chris...not so much...
9:15 Ashley is moving that skirt like Anita in West Side Story but she is way to jerky for me and that hip action is not in sync between the two of them. Chris is trying so hard and I really wish he didn't look awkward.
9:14 I'm genuinely scared for this Salsa routine, but I hope they prove me wrong.
9:13 What is it with breakers coming from Salt Lake auditions? Tadd, Chris, Gev from season 4...
9:12 Ashley grew up assisting her mom in dance...I grew up assisting my mom coaching cheerleading
9:06 This partner is truly growing, they're steadily improved each week
9:04 Travis is correct in saying this is a really believable piece and the choreography had a very nice arc.
9:02 This is a gorgeous piece of music and I love the lighting. They are really slamming those accents. I like Clarice more in these first 30 seconds than I have on anything all season long. She looked simply exquisite in that last moment.
9:01 Another Justin Gilles routine...a "hard hitting contemporary."
9:00 Haha Jess wouldn't come to meet anyone in his house unless he was introduced....love him!
8:58 Clarice is talking about all the sacrifices her family made for her to dance. I know all about what it's like to be a part of a dance family.
8:57 I'm just obsessed with Travis tonight...I love that he is giving little nit-picky notes to the dancers about technique rather than just a broad sweep of the routine.
8:50 Mary just gave us the history of the waltz...it was considered a scandalous in the 1800s. She complemented Tadd on the softness of his movement and Jordan on her floor sweep. Nigel is so right in saying that Tadd has fantastic port de bras. Carmen...please just leave since you are not doing or saying anything important.
8:48 I've missed Toni Redpath. This is a very cool piece conceptually, about a man trying to avoid a Siren's song. Jordan looks exquisite in that draped fabric and the hair extensions. She is exhibiting some gorgeous fluidity and Tadd has exceptional body carriage.
8:44 Jordan was a serious athlete....which explains why she has such a solid build. I mean that in a good way! She's a super strong, and muscular girl. Hahahaha Tadd thought he was caucasian...love it!
8:40 Jordan & Tadd are up next with a waltz....this is the second time they've pulled ballroom this season.
8:39 That was the kind of routine that was mediocre enough to be a bottom 3 dance, but the judges panned it so America will probably feel bad and vote them through.
8:37 Umm Carmen why don't you try putting together a coherent set of comments? Mary didn't see the swag but then again I didn't either. Nigel felt it was like "hip hop 101" which is pretty much true, it was a simple routine. I am surprised but I'm actually loving everything Travis is saying tonight.
8:35 Alex is a lovely dancer but he looks a little too feminine when he dances to be believable as a guy who just wants a kiss from a girl. What on earth is that tree doing on stage? I like this movement a lot...this routine is very easy to watch...just very pleasant. Sasha hit everything as always, but I don't know if she had the fire we're used to seeing from her.
8:34 Sean Evaristo...is he a new choreographer? Also...what on earth is Sasha wearing? And now Alex is in swag camp....lol
8:32 I guess the intro to each routine this week is all about feelings? Sasha & Natalia had some cool moments in Vegas Week. Its also insane that Alexander has only been dancing since age 17. He is quite obviously a natural.
8:23 OMG I'm actually loving Travis' hand gestures. His outfit looks very much like Kurt from GLEE. Mary is very into big sleeves this season. I like Carmen's comment that "they came out like a bull" because." Mary is correct....Melanie & Marko are masters of inhabiting a character. Nigel is exactly right in saying that these two have matching technical and performance levels.
8:21 Melanie may be a shorter girl, but she knows just how to use those legs. This is a very steamy routine and its interesting but it looks clunky to me. They are usually so fluid and smooth so I have to assume that is the choreography and not the execution. I hate these costumes, its like a cheap looking production of Nine.
8:20 I love Ray Leeper! So Melanie & Marko have had contemporary, musical theatre, hip hop, and jazz....when are they ever going to get something out of their comfort zone?
8:17 Marko was in a drag queen show...how very Paul in A Chorus Line
8:12 Tadd is a standout in this piece for me, as is Ricky...Marko too
8:11 The unison movement is beautiful, very strong and masculine, nice lines and shapes
8:10 So according to whom are there 7 stages of grief? I am only aware of 5, according to Elisabeth Kubler Ross
8:09 The boys routine...welcome to the gun show! And the ab show.
8:08 Fourth of July party at Cat's house....woot woot!
8:05 The guys perform after the break....
8:02 Travis Wall....really? I hope he doesn't fawn over every routine like I think he will. Maybe he'll prove me wrong.
8:00 What on earth does Carmen Electra know about anything but being married to Dennis Rodman?

So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 16 Perform!

Here we are again, its Wednesday at 8 and that could only mean one thing....this is So You Think You Can Dance. Tonight the top 16 perform and Kristin Chenoweth (my favorite) is guest judging.

9:56 Well that was it for me. I'm going to do some thinking and post my recap and my predictions tomorrow. Until then, happy dancing!
9:54 I expected this to be a crazy aggressive song but I think the softness actually suits it well. Maida Withers would say that it is was way too symmetrical
9:53 Battle of the Sexes, part....how many? PS this is a very cool piece, Dee's stock just went up in my mind!
9:52 First I thought this piece was about snap cups; Dee why couldn't you have done this for a duet instead of that damn piano man piece
9:50 I wanted to give a special shout-out to my follower from the UK who has hit my blog so many times tonight! Come back again and see us soon!
9:47 I feel like Kristin is putting on a little bit of a "tv personality" tonight....I don't think she is being completely "real Kristin"
9:45 Sometimes when a choreographer comes up with a "concept" it can be dangerous...just ask Baayork Lee
9:44 They are really killing this routine; I like the play on "jumping on the bed" because we all did that when we were kids
9:43 The movement is actually pretty good, and the changes of clothes are a really cool idea
9:42 Okay so we are doing a hip-hop version of "the morning after?" hmmmm.....its inventive I'll give you that
9:35 Thank the lord they kept those 2 last week, they have so much growing to do and tonight was a huge step in the right direction
9:34 Lil C is clearly president of the Sonya fan club
9:33 Is Ryan not wearing any makeup? She needs a little something more on the face
9:32 I like how understated this piece was, not a lot of tricks, just some nice quiet dancing
9:31 This piece is very quiet, I get the message they are communicating and it is great to see Ryan expressing something other than a smile
9:31 Sonya has used that same 2-rotation lift in both pieces tonight, just in different body positions
9:30 It brings an interesting angle that the two have never been in love before but they're creating a piece about losing else they've loved in their lives
9:29 Ryan was like me....her mom put her into dance to bring her out of her shell
9:28 Ryan & Ricky are like my goofy favorites; I feel like they are the slow ones of the bunch and always out to lunch but I want to be their best friends
9:24 Sinatra can make anyone look good
9:22 The Foxtrot was Kristin's favorite dance of the night; she just labeled them Fred & Ginger
9:21 That was a spot on Foxtrot according to Mary, did she just call her "Clarence"
9:21 Jess is not the strongest partner and the lifts still look heavy and clunky; part of me thinks that it is his diva attitude not wanting to let her be the center of attention
9:20 Nice lines and nice fluidity. I love the little West Side Story side kick moment
9:19 This is so classic but Jess looks so short next to Clarice in heels, especially when he is lifting her
9:18 Going back to the Sonya piece....the reason I praised the competition was because I couldn't praise the choreography
9:14 By the way, if you hate what i'm saying or love what i'm saying, please feel free to let me know in the comments section below and we can get a dialogue going! Or tweet me @barbiebackstage
9:11 Kristin's comment was convoluted for me, she couldn't comment on it because she didn't understand the style? I'm confused
9:09 I'll agree with Nigel that the performance was 100% committed but I disagree that the music was a wrong choice because A) That is not under the dancers' control and B) this is the kind of material Sonya does so that's what you get when you commission a routine from her
9:08 Sonya is a master of composition. This duet is very well fomatted with side-by-side movement, individual movement, and partnering
9:07 In the side-by-side unison movement, Chris is slightly behind Ashley and isn't quite punching the movements as hard as she is. This music has really cool undertones. I like the whole use Ashley as a puppet thing
9:07 Sonya pieces must be so fun to perform once you finally get the choreography down pat
9:06 Is Ashley wearing a onezie?
9:05 Sonya is craxy as all get out and I just love it, she is truly original
9:00 And Krazy Aunt Kristin just laid a bit smooch on Lil C....like we didn't see that coming
8:59 Thank god Kristin just hit a signature high note and gave us her signature phrase "we sing because we can't speak anymore, and dance is an extension of that"
8:58 Oh hell no Nigel just macked on Mary! Krazy Aunt Kristin doesn't know what just happened
8:57 Nigel just labeled Melanie & Marko "the couple to beat" #duh
8:56 Tabitha's doppleganger is most definitely Stacey London
8:55 It most definitely was "buck"  -Lil C
8:54 These two are on of those partnerships that only happens maybe once in a season and they are both such bright lights for dance!
8:53 These two have some amazing chemistry and that is so the key to making it far in the competiion
8:52 Lyrical hip-hop by Nappytabs...a piece about 2 friends...now that's a new concept. Basically "Man of Honor"
8:51 Melanie & Marko were both little divas when they started dancing
8:44 Nigel gives us a shout out to Vincent Minelli #work
8:44 Lil C: "Miranda, with legs like that, who needs arms?"
8:42 So here is my thing Tyce, why choose music with built in tap sounds and not have them tap? And do ladies of the night always do aerials?
8:41 Oh yay we love Sophisticated Ladies! Right off the bat,  Miranda is not committing enough to the character. Robert is lighting ig up in his role but Miranda looks like she is out to lunch
8:40 Hello there Tyce: so Miranda is playing a hooker and Robert is a groovy cat
8:39 I think I had almost the exact costume that Miranda wore in her first show.
8:33 Nigel just called Mitchell "the Chris Rock of dance"....is that a compliment?
8:32 I love Aunt Kristin "you shut it down, you shut your legs, you opened your legs"
8:31 So Mary had a stroke? She forgot Caitlynn's name and is forgetting how to speak English
8:29 This routine is so clunky. The music isn't helping, but everything looks awkward and forced, nothing is smooth.
8:28 Caitlynn has nice straight legs and pointed feet in that opening helicopter lift; is it just me or is this piece moving really slowly? So Caitlynn is whipping her hair and her skirt a lot while Mitchell is actually dancing. Is that the name of the game?
8:27 Caitlynn & Mitchell Samba with Jean-Marc; this best be hot
8:27 Holy crap Mitchell didn't start dancing until he was 16
8:26 I can relate to Caitlynn on the horrible costume front
8:24 To quote my friend @Kyle_Louise "where was the dancing there? if you blinked you missed it"
8:20 Lil C just called Sasha "8 notches above perfection"; so the judges loved Sasha and Alex was invisible? Did I hear that correctly?
8:19 Aunt Kristin always has the best stories: "I played a flower and a frog peed on me"
8:18 That piece was a collection of lovely images and photo opportunities, but choreography? Not so much...
8:15 I kind of love the opening image with Alex at the piano. Sasha is just so present in her own body. Wow he is throwing her all over that piano! I'm not cool with disrespecting my favorite instrument, but for the sake of art I'll allow it. That last image with her hands coming through the back of the piano was haunting!
8:14 I'm so happy to see Dee Caspary back, he's working with Sasha & Alex. Surprise, surprise, it is a love story, but it looks like a unique twist so we'll see.
8:12 And some more tacky introductions, but at least "the first performance" is poignant. Sasha was a frog in Thumbelina, aka wearing a green unitard. Alex did a tribute to The Lion King at his 6th birthday party.
8:07 Every time I want to "hit the road" I always do a back handspring series. Tyce the genius
8:06 The lighting is so dark that i can barely tell what is going on in the routine...but now that I can see the movement, it's not doing much for me
8:06 I so thought that this was going to be Cell Block Tango because Tyce is trite like that
8:05 Tyce is such a jerk-wad....if you want a better explanation just watch Every Little Step, a documentary about the revival of A Chorus Line
8:04 OMG Kristin & Lil C are going to be best friends...its so going to happen...watch out twitter!
8:03 Get it Kristin Chenoweth! That's my girl right there....my idol...the person I aspire to become!
8:02 Our dancers are doing their intro dances as couples tonight instead of solos, very sassafrass
8:01 It's going to feel weird going from 10 routines to 8
8:00 Cat Deeley is looking so glam tonight......very Roxie Hart!

So You Think You Can Dance Recap: The Top 20 Results Show (again)!

I loved the opening number, it was very unique and I loved the simplicity of it. This is weird but I love when they truly dance as one and you can't pick out who is who. Dave Scott is great and I really want to see his work on the show more this season. Debbie Reynolds has loved the experience even though she "is used to being on the stage and has never been off the stage".

First 3 couples are: Missy/Wadi, Caitlynn/Mitchell, and Sasha/Alexander. Could Caitlynn be wearing any less clothes? Come on now let's keep it clean. Missy/Wadi are in the bottom 3 (we knew that) after that heinous Cha Cha. Caitlynn/Mitchell are safe (we knew that too) after that Stacey Tookey dullsville contemporary routine that was sure to be a crowd pleaser. Sasha/Alexander did the best routine of the night and if they are in the bottom 3 I'm not watching this show anymore. And they are safe too...which means I can keep blogging for y'all!

Gatorade is helping the dancers work on a nutrition programs which is a phenomenal idea. After the injuries last season, we need to keep these dancers as safe and healthy as possible.

Next 2 couples: Melanie/Marko and Miranda/Robert. Both sets are safe which was pretty much expected.

Next 2 couples: Jordan/Tadd and Iveta/Nick. Jordan/Tadd are safe so thank goodness America got it right and voted for a strong couple even though it wasn't necessarily a crowd-pleasing routine. Iveta/Nick are in the bottom 3 and Cat says she can't wait to see their solos. How weird is it that Iveta is nearly as tall as Cat?

Final 3 couples: Ashley/Chris, Ryan/Robert, and Clarice/Jess. This was the big surprise of the night because I really expected Clarice/Jess to be in the bottom after that mediocre contemporary number, but hey, whatcha gonna do. Ryan & Ricky will kill it in  the solos.

I always fast forward through the fluff on the results show...aka the dance crews and the musical "artists" that nobody has ever heard of.

Wadi didn't dance for his life like he meant it. He did what I've seen anybody do in the clubs, plus a lot of flares. Missy looked incredibly spastic and and whip her hair. Nick looked and sounded great just as expected. Goodness I hope they keep him! He's so cute and so good! It is so hard to do solos when you are a ballroom dancer. Iveta tried  but it looked like all she was really doing was shaking her ass. Ricky started out with a huge turn sequence and into a lot of other tricks, but he had some really interesting connecting movements and showed off some really spectacular ways of moving his body. He was truly dancing for his life. Ryan showed a ton of emotion in her solo but she was a little wild in her movements and lacked control.

I always hate how the judges bring each dancer forward and tell them how wonderful they are, blah, blah, blah. And the judges kept Ryan. She was so genuinely emotional. I think they picked her because she is such a diamond in the rough  and she hash so much potential for the rest of the season. Ricky's reaction was just as emotional and genuine as Ryan's! I'm genuinely sad to see Nick go, and even Wadi too! I'm pissed at Iveta for sucking in that Bollywood routine and putting Nick in the bottom 3.

Well that's it for me guys. Next week's guest judge is my girl Kristin Chenoweth! Until next Wednesday's live-blog, Peace Out!

So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 20 Perform (again)!

Here we are again on a Wednesday evening around 8pm EST watching the top 20 perform on FOX's So You Think You Can Dance. Deja vu much? Nigel, being the softie that he is, decided to keep all the dancers last week, which means that we'll see 2 couples go tomorrow night. That's 4, count 'em 4 dancers! This is a big week for the performers as there is such little margin for error. Last week nearly every dancer or couple drew their own style so expect to see some switch-ups tonight. Hip-hoppers doing ballroom anyone? Either way, get ready for some good choreography, some great technique, and some even better Mary Murphy outbursts because this.....is So You Think You Can Dance...according to Barbie of course.

10:10 Well all thats it for me tonight. I'm going to analyze my thoughts and write a recap tomorrow where I'll also try to predict the bottom three. Until then, happy dancing!
10:08 Mary nobody cares about your Hot Tamale train dear. I really hope that Debbie took out her hearing aide before that signature Mary squeal
10:06 Obviously a side tilt is necessary when we are doing a piece about prison. Anytime I visit someone in prison, I always do a side-tilt.
10:04 Spencer dear I get that bars have never been used on the show, but that doesn't necessarily mean that its a good idea
9:57 The judges love it and I agree. Tabitha & Napoleon are fantastic storytellers!
9:56 Get it together Mary, big girls don't cry!
9:53 This is a perfect song for this story. That moment of connection was just phenomenal. That was certainly the WOW dance of the night.
9:52 I can tell from rehearsal that this is going to be a memorable piece.
9:46 I want some of whatever Debbie Reynolds is on, pretty please!
9:43 "Sing Sing Sing" I'd say that is an oldie but a goodie. I love the intricacy and musicality of the piece and Melanie has great leg lines for a short girl. I kind of hate this remix. Melanie has a great layout. The split catch lift was good, but I hate how we totally knew when it was coming.
9:42 Let's hope this Mandy Moore choreography is better than the last one
9:41 I love that all dancers are so immature and silly...not just me.
9:35 Mary I wouldn't go announcing "the surprise of the season" yet in week 2. Also, that dress is not flattering on Jordan. It gives her love handles that she probably doesn't have.
9:34 I don't agree that Jordan is so beautiful and elegant, but Tadd was really phenomenal.
9:32 Very nice penchay from Jordan and some pretty nice upper body carriage from Tadd. Okay so I scoffed at this but Tadd is actually pretty good. The woman is supposed to be the picture while the man is the frame, but I'm only watching Tadd.
9:31 Is Jordan wearing a curtain as a skirt?
9:30 Wow so Jordan really is our slow friend. Tadd is OCD.
9:23 Okay I get it, Stacey Tookey is jonesing for some media attention from the royal couple. I agree with Nigel that the separate movement was nice but the partnering lacked fluidity
9:21 If she wanted this to be really unique, she should have gone with a Disney song or something and made it into a parody. Other than the costuming, nothing in this piece tells me that he is a prince and she is a princess.The side by side movement is nice, it has some really great bounce to it. Was it just my viewpoint or did Jess botch that turn?
9:20 What the what Stacey Tookey? You did another love story on the same show? This is so un-called for. Like I get that the "prince-princess" thing is different but really?
9:19 Is Clarice's secret that she can do a leg catch turn?
9:13 Nigel has about the worst set of dentures that I've ever seen
9:12 So Debbie Reynolds just did a Woody the Woodpecker impression, #Idie
9:10 Robert looks really good, and he uses those long limbs in such an interesting way, but Miranda doesn't seem completely committed to the movement. She seems to be marking the routine. Newsflash girlfriend, you are on the BIG stage. The ending with the dive offstage was precious
9:09 Now this is an interesting concept that is not, I repeat NOT a love story
9:08 Miranda has a crush on Tadd, which is so precious (and juicy)
9:02 I'm 98% sure that Debbie Reynolds is either drunk or on some REALLY good meds
9:01 Mary, I get that you have a girl crush on Iveta, but she did NOT shine on that stage. She couldn't have been less interested if she had been giving waltz lessons at a nursing home.
9:00 Nigel, Joshua & Katie were 4 seasons ago, so like why bring them up?
8:58 The lighting is very nice in this piece. I feel like Nick is killing it but Iveta is lagging behind and is not straightening her arms and/or fully hitting all of the movements. Good energy overall from Nick but Iveta was lacking
8:57 Dancers always give the same response when then find out the have bollywood, always a dazed and confused look
8:56 Iveta talks to herself in mirrors & Nick always wears shorts; this whole "get to know your partner" segment makes for such bad TV
8:50 Mary is praising Missy as the "cha cha Queen".....okay whatever Mary. And Debbie "cougar" Reynolds just offered to take Wadi home and cha-cha with him anytime
8:49 Nigel just said, imma keep it real. And he basically told Wadi he had a lot of work to do and that was very true. Nigel praised Missy, but like if you are an expert jazz dancer, cha-cha isn't so so far away
8:48 Those poor dears, good try but that was heinous
8:47 Wow this is just horrible from the technique and the execution to the song and the "come get me faces."
8:46 Why would Jean Marc do his most difficult routine ever in week 2? Why, God Why?
8:38 "Dance is the language of the soul" -Nigel Lythgoe. Who wants to knit that on a sampler? Needlepoint anyone?
8:37 Thank GOD Debbie started singing! I just love that broad!
8:36 The judges are so nice this season. What is this, American Idol?
8:35 It was a very visually appealing piece (minus the lamp) but we've seen all of that movement and all of that emotion before.
8:34 I love an Adele moment, but can we say 'overused'? I like how we don't see Caitlynn's face for that opening section. Also, why do we need this lamp? That is just so unnecessary. This is not a Broadway set.
8:33 Get it Stacey Tookey in your booty shorts and oversized V-neck! I hate that ever partner dance is a "love story" or a "love story gone wrong". There is soooo much more to dance about!
8:32 This whole "partner secret" thing is so tacky. And why is Caitlynn giggling like a 12-year old at a middle school dance?
8:30 Wait so why was I so nice about that routine? Mandy is doing the same choreo she did circa 1997 and Ryan dear, why couldn't you stick that double pirouette?
8:26 And what does the dame thing? Debbie "never saw anyone dance sexier". She fell out of her top and he fell out of his bottom, and they gave her their all. Hahahaha Debbie I love it!
8:25 What on earth is Mary wearing? Something resembling an epaulette? She loves Ryan's strength and Ricky's character
8:25 Nigel is acting as if jazz is a huge step away from contemporary, which it isn't in my mind, ps he called them raunchy
8:24 I love the dancers and the choreography, but this routine isn't really going anywhere conceptually. But I think that is ok, it was a good dance just for dance's sake
8:23 I love when Mandy goes to an 80s-tacular place; Ricky looks sexy but Ryan looks a little awkward and clunky. She is one of those dancers who has such long limbs but hasn't completely mastered how to use them
8:23 Ryan and Ricky are such goofballs and Mandy Moore clearly is not having any of that; they need to kick up the performance level
8:22 Oh wow I didn't realize that they were keeping the same partners all season
8:20 Doesn't that old clip just take you back!
8:19 Debbie Reynolds is such a grand Dame! I just love that gal!
8:16 Its so cute that we saw the dancers enter in their pairs from last year
8:15 And after the Presidential address, we are FINALLY starting (thanks to FOX for showing the entire episode)

Has So You Think You Can Dance Gone Too Far?

Television shows like FOX's So You Think You Can Dance have done wonders for an art form that seemed lost with the days of Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers. Dancers who were once limited to performing in the chorus of Broadway shows or dancing behind pop and hip-hop stars in music videos are now receiving national exposure based on their own merit. However, in an attempt to wow television audiences and prove their technical abilities to critical panels of judges, dancers and choreographers have begun to push the boundaries of the human body in an extreme way. From gravity defying jumps to intricate partnering and often dangerous tumbling passes, performers push their physical limits every day, but has it gone too far? Many critics, and even some diehard fans of So You Think You Can Dance will answer this question with an affirmative 'yes'.

For the past three weeks of the show's seventh season, at least one dancer has injured themselves in rehearsals. On the July 7th show it was announced that Alex Wong, whom many thought to be a front-runner to win the competition, had injured his achilles tendon performing a taxing series of Russian split jumps in a Bollywood routine. He was unable to perform in the show and was automatically placed in the bottom 3 and was ultimately voted out because surgery was required to repair his severed tendon. In the same week, All-Star Allison Holker was sent to the emergency room during rehearsals due to a rib injury.

On July 14th, it was revealed at the beginning of the show that dancer Ashley Galvan would not be performing due to a rib injury. She too was voted out during the results show when her doctors prescribed at least 5-6 weeks of rest.

When we finally thought the string of injuries had ended, the July 21st show began without Billy Bell, who had hurt his knee in rehearsal. This injury appeared to be minor however, and he was not sent home during this week's results show, in fact no one was.

The show has seen some minor injuries to dancers in previous seasons, but nothing even remotely close to the bloodbath of these past three weeks. So what is going on this season that hasn't happened before? This question can be answered in a multitude of ways, but one noticeable difference between previous seasons and the current one is the All-Star format. The idea is simple: pair contestants with finalists from previous seasons to push the younger dancers to the level of those who have already been working in the industry for a few years. This format is not to blame, but the sheer number of routines for each dancer may in fact be the cause. The season started out normally with each dancer performing one duet, but oddly enough, the week that each contestant was asked to perform two duet routines and a solo in addition to the group number, was the same week the first injury to Alex Wong occurred. The amount of time spent rehearsing for multiple routines also means that dancers have little time, if any at all, to spend warming-up and taking technique classes to keep their bodies conditioned and to prevent injury.

It seems that the network and producers are trying to cram as many numbers into the show as possible to encourage viewers to keep watching and voting. But the fatal flaw in this thought process is that these dancers, though disciplined and impeccably trained, are humans, not machines. And not only has the number of routines per show increased, but so has the difficulty and risk of each piece. It is very rare to see a work of choreography on this show that does not include dangerous tumbling, jumps that could snap an ankle if the landing is the slightest bit off, or lifts that could leave the female paralyzed if she is dropped. I have always thought the show would have more artistic merit and less potential for injury if the choreographers would cut the "tricks" and actually allowed the performers to dance. But as terrifying as all of this sounds, these dancers are at the peak of their training and should not have a problem with this choreography, that is if they weren't exhausted from the other three routines they were rehearsing that same week.

Here are the opinions of some dancers and fans of the show who feel that the recent injuries are not accidents, as well as their theories on improving the show and the safety of its dancers.

"The show has had injuries in the past, but three weeks in a row is actually quite alarming. If we were talking about Dancing with the Stars where you are dealing with untrained dancers who don't know how to stretch or warm up their bodies properly, then it is quite plausible. However, these are talented and smart dancers who know their bodies and how to prevent injury. There's a huge difference between challenging the dancers to help them grow and challenging the dancers to their breaking points. It's dangerous, and these injuries could affect them for many years to come. Entertaining America is not worth risking the dancers' future careers. One or two pieces is more than enough for one night."

Komal Thakkar, dancing for 16 years

"I think that Nigel [Lythgoe, producer of So You Think You Can Dance] subconsciously mentioned something at the heart of this matter. He said something to the effect of, 'We're bringing people in to take a look at the show and what we're doing. Maybe we need to do warm-ups.' These dancers are being pushed to learn highly technical routines with minimal time with their choreographers. Then, they're rehearsing up a storm and wearing themselves out. If you aren't holding warm-ups for your dancers, you're at a major liability, no matter how may tricks they're performing."

Rick Westerkamp, dancing for 18 years

"I think its unfortunate when the producers make jokes about the seriousness of the situation [ie calling it Survivor]. Injuries are not uncommon in dance but some of the situations they have put the dancers in encourage injury. The jumps that severed Alex's achilles were very difficult and unnatural. After he suffered an injury performing the jumps, they then asked another contestant to do the same jumps in performance.

I think another part of the problem is that the dancers are being asked to do styles they are not trained in which puts them at greater risk for injury. While this has been true across all seasons, the dancers are now being asked to change partners each week instead of having the same partner for five weeks. They now have three-four days to learn a new style and get comfortable with a new partner.

I'm also think there is some blame to lay on the choreographers. Allison [Holker] had a rib injury and was asked to do a lift that required her to leap into her partner's arms and land with her rib on his shoulder. If choreographers know about specific injuries they should alter their choreography for the safety of the dancer."

Amber Lewis, dancing for 19 years

So it seems that what lies at the hear of the matter is this: the well-being of dancers is being sacrificed for ratings and audience appeal. FOX and the producers of So You Think You Can Dance must realize that they are dealing with human beings who have careers riding on the ability of their bodies to function and move properly. This conflict between innovative, entertaining choreography and the dancers' safety seems like an impossible problem to resolve, but in actuality, we have known the answer since we were three years old in our first ballet classes. We were taught by our teachers to always warm-up and stretch before class or rehearsal, take technique class regularly, and most importantly, allow ourselves to rest and recover. So shame on you Nigel Lythgoe and the other producers, you are not giving your dancers a chance to do any of these things, and their childhood ballet teachers must be very disappointed in you.