SYTYCD6 - Heap Loads of Praise

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 14 Results Night - The Cut From 14 to 12 - Ep. 616
Judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman

Top 14 Group Dance
Style: Contemporary
Song: "Aha!" - Imogen Heap
Choreographed by: Wade and Amanda Robson

Doesn't Imogen Heap always make things better? I LOVED THAT. That was a GREAT Group routine. I could watch that again and again. Wade does it again!

I can't even pin point a specific dancer because I thought they were all great in that and I was just mesmerized by it all.


So over at SYTYCD Social (where I re-post my recaps most of the time), they're running a Fantasy Pool. My predictions are as follows.

Girls
1. Ellenore
2. Kathryn
3. Ashleigh
4. Noelle
5. Mollee
6. Karen
7. Channing

Boys
1. Jakob
2. Russell
3. Legacy
4. Ryan
5. Nathan
6. Victor
7. Kevin

Final Four
1. Jakob
2. Ellenore
3. Russell
4. Kathryn

Any thoughts? This isn't how I want it to be (although it's mighty close), but how I think it's gonna go down overall. Thoughts?

Anyways, onto this week's results:

My Predictions from the Top 14 Performances:
Should Be Bottom 3 Couples: Mollee and Nathan, Karen and Kevin, Channing and Victor
Will Be Bottom 3 Couples: Karen and Kevin, Channing and Victor, Noelle and Russell

Should be Eliminated: Kevin and Channing
Will be Eliminated: Kevin and Karen

The actual results were:

Actual Bottom 3 Couples
Karen and Kevin
Channing and Victor
Mollee and Nathan

I'm actually shocked that the deserved bottom 3 are actually there. I'm shocked Mollee and Nathan are there. They deserved to be, but thought they would be saved. Guess I overestimated the tween vote.

Dance For Their Lives:

Karen Hauer
Song: "Break On Through (To the Other Side)" - The Doors
Grade: B

Kevin Hunte
Song: "Freeze" - T-Pain featuring Chris Brown
Grade: D

Channing Cooke
Song: "The Face" - RyanDan
Grade: D

Victor Smalley
Song: "Baby's Romance" - Chris Garneau
Grade: A

Mollee Gray
Song: "Let Me Think About It (Radio Edit)" - Ida Corr vs. Fedde le Grand
Grade: A-

Nathan Trasoras
Song: "So Insane" - Discovery
Grade: B+



Well that sure made it obvious who they had to keep and let go. While I think Mollee and Nathan have done a terrible job in the past two weeks, I'll give them kudos for pulling some great solos. And while Victor might have relied on his turns too much, why wouldn't he when they're so good? Okay, if he does that week after week, then it may get tiresome, but so far so good. I wished I loved Karen's more, but it had power and spark, just needed better choreography.

Kevin's however had NOTHING in it, while Channing's had power but absolutely no control. It was like she was having a fit on stage. And was that a fall/trip up?

So in the end, it's goodbye to Channing Cooke

and Kevin Hunte, both who have gotten free passes for a few weeks now. So for once, I think the judges finally got it completely right.

Hey, this means Victor and Karen pair up next week. I don't know why but I think that might work out to be a better pairing.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
For More So You Think You Can Dance:
Check here for the most Recent current postings and Latest News on SYTYCD

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 6:
Top 14 Performance
Top 16 Performance, Top 16 Results
Top 18 Performance and Results
Top 20 Performance and Results
Introducing the Top 20, The Top 20 Showcase

So You Think You Can Dance Canada - Season 2 with So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Auditions:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results & US Vegas Week Auditions Continued
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results & US Salt Lake City and Vegas Week 1 Auditions
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results & US New Orleans and Atlanta Auditions
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results & US Boston Auditions
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results & US Phoenix Auditions
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results & US Los Angeles Auditions
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and SYTYCD Top 15 Dances of all time
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results
Top 20 Announced
Auditions - Toronto, Vancouver, Saint John
Montréal, Edmonton

My Top 25 Routines from SYTYCD Season 1-5

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 5:
Finale
Top 4 Performance
Top 6 Performance, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performance, Top 8 Results and Panel Chat
Top 10 Performance, Top 10 Results and Panel Chat
Top 12 Performance, Top 12 Results and Panel Chat
Top 14 Performance, Top 14 Results, Top 14 Panel Chat
Top 16 Performance, Top 16 Results and Panel Chat
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and Panel Chat
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results and Panel Chat
Auditions - Vegas Week Part 2 - Top 20 Announcement, Top 20 Pictures/Panel Chat
Vegas Week Part 1
New York City, Denver, Miami, Memphis, LA, Seattle

So You Think You Can Dance Canada:
Finale
Top 8 and 6 Performances and Results, Top 4 Performances
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances and Results
Introducing Canada's Top 20
Auditions:
Toronto Week - The Cut to the Top 20
Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Montreal - West, East, Middle and Quebec
Toronto - Toronto's Best Foot Forward
The Judges, The Host, The Teaser, All Photos from CTV

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 4:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances and Results 6 to 4
Top 8 Performances, Results 8 to 6
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 16, 14 and 12 Weeks Recaps by Vance again
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances, Results 20 to 18
Introducing the Top 20
Auditions:
Callbacks in Las Vegas - The Top 20 Revealed - What Happens In Vegas
Milwaukee, WI - How The Midwest Was Won
Charleston, South Carolina and Washington D.C. - S.C.D.C. The New Electric (Boogaloo) Term!
Salt Lake City and Dallas - Yeehaw Utah!
Los Angeles - It's Time To Put On Those Dancing Shoes Again Kids!

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 3:
Live Tour - Toronto, Pasha's Solo Video, Neil's Solo Video
Finale - Winner Result
Top 4 Performances - Finals
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results
Top 18 Performances, Top 18 Results
Top 20 Performances, Top 20 Results

For So You Think You Can Dance Season 2:
Favorite Video Clips
Song List Live Tour 2006 - Toronto
Live Tour 2006 - Buffalo, Pics, More Pics
Thanks again to Rickey for the vids
Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

SYTYCD6 - Elle Est Tres Gentil

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 14 Performance Night - Ep. 615
Judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman

So while I was in LA over the weekend, Mary apparently flew all the way up to Toronto, sat as guest judge in SYTYCD Canada's Season 3 Toronto auditions, and then flew back in time to judge this on Sunday (when they tape these things). Wow. (On the other hand, I guess I flew all the way to LA for the weekend just to see Parade (AMAZING and hopefully will transfer to Broadway)!!!)

Did I mention I met Ryan and Ashleigh Di Lello this past weekend? And that they were SUPER SUPER nice? I probably mentioned it about a dozen times on twitter. I'll definitely mention it about a dozen more times in this post!


Ashleigh Di Lello
&
Jakob Karr
Style: Hip-Hop
Choreographed by: Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo
Song: "Whatcha Say" - Jason DeRulo
Grade: A

Okay, so after having bumped into Ryan and Ashleigh on Hollywood Blvd. this past weekend, and that they stopped, took pictures and were SUPER nice, I feel bad for being so harsh on Ashleigh in the past. So maybe it's because I like her a lot more after seeing her being SOOOO nice to us, but while I still thought there were a couple of minor connection problems between her and Jakob (there was one moment where their arms didn't seem to interlink as smooth as it was supposed to be), I thought Ashleigh did a great job and hit it hard this week. Not as hard as Jakob, who looked like he was about to bust a wall, but really hard considering how small Ashleigh is. And man, she is tiny. I felt like a bloated whale next to her and Ryan.

As for Jakob, I want to have his babies.

Here's the video of Ashleigh and Jakob's Hip-Hop:



Karen Hauer
&
Kevin Hunte
Style: Broadway
Choreographed by: Spencer Liff (who just needs to take his shirt off to show off his abs. Hello!)
Song: "If My Friends Could See Me Now" - Sweet Charity (2005 Broadway Revival Cast Recording)
Grade: B

Spencer Liff! HELLO! Show us your abs! (I'm throwing dollar bills right now by the way).

Okay, so the choreo was cute. Not the best but a good start for a young upstart, though I'd rather just see Spencer dance it himself. Those legs go so high up in the air. And he can kick pretty high while dancing too!

So I thought Karen did a great playful job while Kevin tried and gawd, love him, but he seriously kept losing pace and looked more and more awkward and dragged Karen along.

The judges were way harsh on Karen but then tried to nicely criticize Kevin. What's with the discrepancy?

Here's the video of Karen and Kevin's Broadway:



Noelle Marsh
&
Russell Ferguson
Style: Foxtrot
Choreographed by: Edward Simon
Song: "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" - Michael Bublé and Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Grade: B+

Okay, so Russell basically gets double time to practice this since he's already learned the Foxtrot a few weeks ago, and technically, Noelle did too, so that already gives these two an advantage over others.

But it helped and I thought Russell looked great here and actually seemed smoother than Noelle. Which isn't to say Noelle was bad (although was it me or did she look chunky in that red dress?), I think she did the steps nicely, but I think I was more wowed my Russell who just looked so smooth and comfortable doing the always trippy Foxtrot.

Here's the video of Noelle and Russell's Foxtrot:
Coming soon


Channing Cooke
&
Victor Smalley
Style: Jazz
Choreographed by: Tyce DiOrio
Song: "Blackbird" - Bobby McFerrin
Grade: B+

Victor is just Justin Suarez grown up right? The more I see Victor's pre-dance videos, the more I love him. VEEKTOR. VEEK -TOR.

The more I see Tyce DiOrio. The more I want to punch him in the face. And I'm not a violent man. I actually think twice when I kill a fly. And i actually go out of my way to move a spider outdoors and avoid killing it. But I want to punch Tyce in the face. HARD. Maybe if he was a creative genius, he might be able to get away with it, but he's not, and really inconsistent with his choreo. But to give him credit, this week's choreography is the first one of his in a while that I didn't totally hate. Though using props always seems to help.

I enjoyed Victor and Channing but I felt both still were at 90% as opposed to the 110% that Jakob always shows.

Nigel mentions that other boys have grown but Victor isn't growing as fast, and I kind of agree, even though I think he's fantastic.

Still not crazy about Channing as a whole, but she did a good job here and I just love watching Victor move, I just think maybe their connection still needs work which may be the thing holding both back. But they did look like they were having more fun tonight than normal.

Here's the video of Channing and Victor's Jazz:



Kathryn McCormick
&
Legacy Perez
Style: Paso Doble
Choreographed by: Tony Meredith
Song: "Pursuit" - Kâ (Cirque du Soleil soundtrack)
Grade: A-

Where's Melanie LaPatin?

I love that they zoomed in on Legacy's split crotch and stayed there. I also won't complain about Legacy's lack of a costume on top.

For the Paso Doble, which after Quickstep and Foxtrot, us usually the one people can mess up the most with (ballroom speaking), I thought that was pretty great and Kathryn was just sensational. I think Legacy was good, but I was just kinda looking at his pecs and abs the whole time.

Here's the video of Kathryn and Legacy's Paso Doble:



Ellenore Scott
&
Ryan Di Lello
Style: Contemporary
Choreographed by: Travis (my future husband) Wall and assistant Jaimie Goodwin (S3!)
Song: "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead" - Stars
Grade: A

Travis Wall. Ryan shirtless. Ellenore dancing. What else could be more perfect?

Love Travis the dancer. Love Travis the choreographer. And I think he's getting better and better.

Ryan was fabulous. Ryan is fabulous. Ryan's abs are fabulous. Ryan is also SUPER SUPER sweet and nice and couldn't be more gracious when we stopped him on the street this past weekend.

Although, when I stopped him on the street, I didn't get to roll around the ground with him. And he didn't have his shirt open. NO FAIR!

Ellenore's a lucky bitch! But a bitch I ADORE!!! I love her personality and I LOVE her dancing and this was spot on.

I'd go on but I'm drooling too much right now and need to get a something to wipe up this mess.

Here's the video of Ellenore and Ryan's Contemporary:



Mollee Gray
&
Nathan Trasoras
Style: Pop-Jazz
Choreographed by: Laurie Ann Gibson
Song: "Bad Romance" - Lady Gaga
Grade: C+

Mollee: "When I was a little girl...". What do you mean WHEN?

"BAD ROMANCE"!!! I still don't get that video but I love the song. I know. I succombed. But it's just so damn catchy!

Mollee and Nathan were lucky they had Laurie Ann and this song, because I think the combo covered the fact that they still seemed a bit weak. Mollee looked like she was trying hard but just didn't have that extra snap that she needed to really sell it, while Nathan looked like he wanted to stop all the ridiculousness halfway through and be like, uh, no.

But I think between the song and the choreo (which to be honest, was kind of simple but made to look flashy), it covered a lot of Nathan and Mollee's weaknesses.

Here's the video of Mollee and Nathan's Pop-Jazz:



- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Final Roundup:

Best of the Night: Ellenore and Ryan's Contemporary
Second Best of the Night: Ashleigh and Jakob's Hip-Hop
Third Best of the Night: Kathryn and Legacy's Paso Doble

(That makes it the 4th time Kathryn and Legacy are in my Top 3 now!)

Best Male of the Night: Jakob Karr
Second Best Male of the Night: Ryan Di Lello

Best Female of the Night: Kathryn McCormick
Second Best Female of the Night: Ellenore Scott

Worst of the Night - Couple: Mollee and Nathan's Pop-Jazz
Worst of the Night - Single: Kevin Hunte


My Predictions:
Should Be Bottom 3 Couples: Mollee and Nathan, Karen and Kevin, Channing and Victor
Will Be Bottom 3 Couples: Karen and Kevin, Channing and Victor, Noelle and Russell

Should be Eliminated: Kevin and Channing
Will be Eliminated: Kevin and Karen

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
For More So You Think You Can Dance:
Check here for the most Recent current postings and Latest News on SYTYCD

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 6:
Top 16 Performance, Top 16 Results
Top 18 Performance and Results
Top 20 Performance and Results
Introducing the Top 20, The Top 20 Showcase

So You Think You Can Dance Canada - Season 2 with So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Auditions:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results & US Vegas Week Auditions Continued
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results & US Salt Lake City and Vegas Week 1 Auditions
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results & US New Orleans and Atlanta Auditions
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results & US Boston Auditions
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results & US Phoenix Auditions
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results & US Los Angeles Auditions
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and SYTYCD Top 15 Dances of all time
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results
Top 20 Announced
Auditions - Toronto, Vancouver, Saint John
Montréal, Edmonton

My Top 25 Routines from SYTYCD Season 1-5

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 5:
Finale
Top 4 Performance
Top 6 Performance, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performance, Top 8 Results and Panel Chat
Top 10 Performance, Top 10 Results and Panel Chat
Top 12 Performance, Top 12 Results and Panel Chat
Top 14 Performance, Top 14 Results, Top 14 Panel Chat
Top 16 Performance, Top 16 Results and Panel Chat
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and Panel Chat
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results and Panel Chat
Auditions - Vegas Week Part 2 - Top 20 Announcement, Top 20 Pictures/Panel Chat
Vegas Week Part 1
New York City, Denver, Miami, Memphis, LA, Seattle

So You Think You Can Dance Canada:
Finale
Top 8 and 6 Performances and Results, Top 4 Performances
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances and Results
Introducing Canada's Top 20
Auditions:
Toronto Week - The Cut to the Top 20
Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Montreal - West, East, Middle and Quebec
Toronto - Toronto's Best Foot Forward
The Judges, The Host, The Teaser, All Photos from CTV

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 4:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances and Results 6 to 4
Top 8 Performances, Results 8 to 6
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 16, 14 and 12 Weeks Recaps by Vance again
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances, Results 20 to 18
Introducing the Top 20
Auditions:
Callbacks in Las Vegas - The Top 20 Revealed - What Happens In Vegas
Milwaukee, WI - How The Midwest Was Won
Charleston, South Carolina and Washington D.C. - S.C.D.C. The New Electric (Boogaloo) Term!
Salt Lake City and Dallas - Yeehaw Utah!
Los Angeles - It's Time To Put On Those Dancing Shoes Again Kids!

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 3:
Live Tour - Toronto, Pasha's Solo Video, Neil's Solo Video
Finale - Winner Result
Top 4 Performances - Finals
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results
Top 18 Performances, Top 18 Results
Top 20 Performances, Top 20 Results

For So You Think You Can Dance Season 2:
Favorite Video Clips
Song List Live Tour 2006 - Toronto
Live Tour 2006 - Buffalo, Pics, More Pics
Thanks again to Rickey for the vids
Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

Thrilling Times - Ragtime - Musical Review

Ragtime - Eisenhower Theater - The Kennedy Center - Washington, D.C. - ***** (out of 5 stars)
Premiered Apr 18 - Closed May 17, 2009. Transferred to Broadway:

Ragtime - Neil Simon Theatre - Broadway- New York, NY - ***** (out of 5 stars)
Music by Stephen Flaherty, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Book by Terrence McNally, Based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow, Directed and Choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge
Previews began on Broadway on October 23rd 2009, Opened November 15th 2009

The story may be about the collision of Blacks, Whites and immigrant Jews at the turn of the LAST century, just as the Henry Ford's Model T was coming into production, Evelyn Nesbit was the celebrity-du-jour, and Harry Houdini was mastering his tricks of illusion, but the timeless themes of love, peace and the problems of the industrial revolution on the lives of the actual people are just as relevant today (especially as our economy tries to adjust itself from years of greed) as they ever were.

Based on E.L. Doctorow's novel from the 70's looking back at the start of the 1900's, Ragtime is an epic story that intertwines the lives of a white family (simply named Father, Mother, Little Boy, Younger Brother, Grandfather) living in New Rochelle, a young black single mother Sarah and her ragtime singing musician suitor Coalhouse Walker Jr., and an immigrant Jew Tateh and his daughter (Little Girl) who has just arrived into New York in 1906. Real life characters like Harry Houdini, Booker T. Washington, J.P. Morgan, Henry Ford, Evelyn Nesbit, and unionist leader Emma Goldman figure into the lives of our Whites, Blacks and Jews.

It also makes for an epic musical, with one of the most beautiful scores by Stephen Flaherty and one of the best opening numbers (if not the best) in musical theatre where in a 10 minute opener, all the stories and characters are given a terrific introduction and all the themes are set in motion. The original Broadway production (that world premiered in Toronto) featured Broadway stars Brian Stoke Mitchell, Audra McDonald, Marin Mazzie, Peter Friedman and a young Lea Michelle and was a truly epic production with full scale sets of everything imaginable, a working Model T, fireworks and everything else you can think of.

It was one of my favorite musicals of all time, and I'm lucky I got to see it a couple of times during it's Toronto pre-Broadway run. It's also one of the more "old-fashioned" musicals that top my list which usually consists of more modern musicals, but Ragtime is a wonderfully modern piece (written in the 90's) disguised as an old musical and probably why I think it works so well and feels so relevant still.

This new revival of Ragtime strips down the epic musical into a simpler production, but it reveals the deeper emotional core and makes the luscious musical even stronger. Director and choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge has taken away all the opulent set changes and with a new single three-tiered set by Derek McLane and lighting by Donald Holder, using a minimalist manner of storytelling, the entire production becomes even more theatrical yet more realistic at its core. By using the magic of our imagination, Dodge has forced us to deal with the emotional gravity at the centre of this show.

So while a red frame now represents the Model T, and a pipe staircase is used in various fashions, may look as a cheap alternative to building full out sets, it takes away all the superfluous decor so that we can concentrate on the characters at the centre of the play. It also gives it a more universal appeal by stripping away any specificities.

Since the Kennedy Centre production (my original review from DC), a few cast changes have been made (due to actors prior commitments) to the Broadway cast.

However, anchoring both cities, is Christiane Noll (ACE) as Mother, and who brings a warmth and delicacy to the role that really centers this production. Noll becomes a quiet powerhouse in a show that gives the flashier moments to the other characters, and Noll's performance is astounding in its soul searching arc (and hopefully will be rewarded come award season).

As Mother's Younger Brother, Bobby Steggert (above, 110 in the Shade) provides an emotional spark of anger and dismay that enhances Younger Brother's story. His disillusionment with his white status, and his growing concern and efforts to help others is powerfully affecting with Steggert's passionate portrayal and soaring voice.

While the original Broadway cast had the esteemed Brian Stokes Mitchell as the volatile Coalhouse Walker Jr., this time around, they found a very different actor, a big and burly Quentin Earl Darrington who thunders in as Coalhouse and creates a smooth but less princely character that works better with the story in the second act. Darrington is a powerhouse who is both charming and suave in that football playa' kind of way, and it gives the role a bit more grit and menace than Mitchell's sophisticated take.

Audra McDonald probably stole the show in the original Broadway cast, so whoever takes the role of Sarah, has huge shoes to fill. But Jennlee Shallow more than eased the fear that Sarah could not be filled, and created a sharp and strong willed Sarah as a response to her scared situation. Shallow's voice was full and strong and beautifully suited for the role. Unfortunately, Shallow was already signed on to the new Cirque Du Soleil Elvis show Viva Elvis and couldn't make the transfer to Broadway.

Filling the Sarah role on Broadway is newcomer Stephanie Umoh (above with Darrington) who does a nice job, but should ease into it better with some more heft into the performances (I saw it on the 3rd day of previews on Broadway) as she gets acquainted with her co-stars who have already been together for longer. Her performance is slightly more hesitant but she uses it to her advantage to create a frightened frail Sarah.

Manoel Felciano (above) played an exuberant Tateh in DC and his chemistry with Noll was palpable.

Robert Petkoff plays a more lovable cuddly Tateh on Broadway which I learned to appreciate and love as the show went on.

Leigh Ann Larkin (Gypsy, soon to be in the A Little Night Music revival) was a wonderfully tart Evelyn Nesbit in D.C.. Savannah Wise (above, Rock of Ages) takes over the role on Broadway and becomes a more cutesy Evelyn.

Ron Bohmer played Father both in DC and currently on Broadway and really finds a humanizing way to soften Father's arc from racist "upstanding" citizen to a sympathetic ally.

The rest of the HUGE cast (even though this is the paired down version) works well with Dodge's swift direction that moves the multiple stories along in a lean direction. It cuts the excess to the emotional core and makes Ragtime more thrilling and more relevant than ever before. The gorgeous orchestrations, the simple but grandiose tiered set are perfect to set in emotion a musical with so many winning songs, that I would pretty much have to name almost all the songs on the list.

Ragtime is getting a second chance on Broadway, and if the reception it got from the curtain rising on the night I saw it is any indication, this time, America might be ready to accept the hefty themes that form this epic musical about the turn of the last century that may hit a chord with our hearts at the turn of this current century.

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

SYTYCD6 - Nigel and His Pissy Pee Pee Mood

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 16 Results Night - The Cut From 16 to 14 - Ep. 614
Judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman

Top 16 Group Dance
Style: Afro Jazz Hip-Hop?
Song: "Warrior, Pt. 2" - Lloyd Banks
Choreographed by: Dave Scott

Finally. A results show which not only means the public got to vote, but we finally get a group dance number to finally take advantage of the massive stage (and probably the sole good thing about the stage). And yet, as wonderful as the choreography was (and it was kinda awesome), it again felt dwarfed by the huge stage. At this point, does ANYBODY like the stage?

Anyways, it was interesting to note who stood out and not in that piece. Obviously, Legacy and Jakob looked spectacular with their given spotlights, and Ellenore looked great as the head of the group, while Nathan looked a bit sloppy and out of sync.




Meanwhile, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre performed a piece to "Episodes" - Robert Ruggeri and it was AWESOME. I really need to get myself to see them live. On a side note, I'm so happy the new season of the National Ballet of Canada starts up again on Friday in Toronto. I fell in love after giving it a try (because I figured I should try to get cultured after becoming addicted to SYTYCD) so give it a try! (I swear I don't work for them. That's how much I love them. Free publicity!)

Anyways, back to the results:

My Predictions from the Top 16 Performance Night:
Should Be Bottom 3 Couples: Mollee and Nathan, Ellenore and Ryan, Karen and Kevin
Should also be in the Bottom: Ashleigh
Will Be Bottom 3 Couples: Karen and Kevin, Channing and Victor, Pauline and Peter

Should be Eliminated: Kevin and Ashleigh
Will be Eliminated: Channing and Victor

The actual results were:

Actual Bottom 3 Couples
Ellenore and Ryan
Pauline and Peter
Karen and Kevin

Well, I was sort of correct. Except with the ultimate decision, since that was totally wrong.

Wait. I like ALL the girls. What the? There are a few girls I don't really care for and none of them are in the bottom 3. What the? Even if you were to base it on solely the performances for this week, the worst dancers aren't here. Ugh.

So, the dancers must Dance For Their Lives:

Ellenore Scott
Song: "Eleanor" - Alexa Woodward
Grade: A-
I love her quirky style and energy.


Ryan Di Lello
Song: "Jump With my Baby" - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Grade: A-
HELLO SAILOR! (Or is that a GI? Who cares, cause the uniform will have to eventually come off! But loving the uniformed Ryan at this point. Boy knows how to look good in clothes!) Plus the energy exuded in his ballroom solo was off-the-charts and MAN can he kick!


Pauline Mata
Song: "Took the Night" - Chelley
Grade: A-
I wish her legs were a bit straighter but I thought it was a great energetic solo.


Peter Sabasino
Song: None
Grade: B+
I thought it started as a standard tap but then he threw in some nice smooth moves that still made it enjoyable.


Karen Hauer
Song: "Celia Y Tito" - Celia Cruz & Tito Puente
Grade: B+
I love Karen's spiciness and it was a flirty solo. Could be better with more showy moves but her personality definitely comes through.


Kevin Hunte
Song: "I Question Mark" - Wade Robson
Grade: B+
Pretty good Hip-Hop routine.

So while I thought they were pretty good solo's, Nigel and the judges apparently hated them, and thought they were all poor examples of Solo's, then citing Season 5 solos like Ade's and Jeanine's. Um, need I remind him that Jeanine didn't really get good at the solo's until the around the Top 8 or 6?

And Ade had a couple of good ones, but then didn't really divert from that.

Anyways, mean Nigel, who already sprouted harsh criticism to Nathan (yet not Mollee who deserved it just as much), announced that the two P's are out. So long Pauline Mata


So long Peter Sabasino. Which now leaves no more tappers left at this point. Which is kind of a joke, after having so proudly announcing having 3 tappers in the Top 20 finally. Did they just want to announce that and then kick them all off for the "real" competition?


- - - - - - - - - - - - -
For More So You Think You Can Dance:
Check here for the most Recent current postings and Latest News on SYTYCD

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 6:
Top 16 Performance
Top 18 Performance and Results
Top 20 Performance and Results
Introducing the Top 20, The Top 20 Showcase

So You Think You Can Dance Canada - Season 2 with So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Auditions:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results & US Vegas Week Auditions Continued
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results & US Salt Lake City and Vegas Week 1 Auditions
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results & US New Orleans and Atlanta Auditions
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results & US Boston Auditions
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results & US Phoenix Auditions
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results & US Los Angeles Auditions
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and SYTYCD Top 15 Dances of all time
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results
Top 20 Announced
Auditions - Toronto, Vancouver, Saint John
Montréal, Edmonton

My Top 25 Routines from SYTYCD Season 1-5

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 5:
Finale
Top 4 Performance
Top 6 Performance, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performance, Top 8 Results and Panel Chat
Top 10 Performance, Top 10 Results and Panel Chat
Top 12 Performance, Top 12 Results and Panel Chat
Top 14 Performance, Top 14 Results, Top 14 Panel Chat
Top 16 Performance, Top 16 Results and Panel Chat
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and Panel Chat
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results and Panel Chat
Auditions - Vegas Week Part 2 - Top 20 Announcement, Top 20 Pictures/Panel Chat
Vegas Week Part 1
New York City, Denver, Miami, Memphis, LA, Seattle

So You Think You Can Dance Canada:
Finale
Top 8 and 6 Performances and Results, Top 4 Performances
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances and Results
Introducing Canada's Top 20
Auditions:
Toronto Week - The Cut to the Top 20
Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Montreal - West, East, Middle and Quebec
Toronto - Toronto's Best Foot Forward
The Judges, The Host, The Teaser, All Photos from CTV

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 4:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances and Results 6 to 4
Top 8 Performances, Results 8 to 6
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 16, 14 and 12 Weeks Recaps by Vance again
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances, Results 20 to 18
Introducing the Top 20
Auditions:
Callbacks in Las Vegas - The Top 20 Revealed - What Happens In Vegas
Milwaukee, WI - How The Midwest Was Won
Charleston, South Carolina and Washington D.C. - S.C.D.C. The New Electric (Boogaloo) Term!
Salt Lake City and Dallas - Yeehaw Utah!
Los Angeles - It's Time To Put On Those Dancing Shoes Again Kids!

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 3:
Live Tour - Toronto, Pasha's Solo Video, Neil's Solo Video
Finale - Winner Result
Top 4 Performances - Finals
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results
Top 18 Performances, Top 18 Results
Top 20 Performances, Top 20 Results

For So You Think You Can Dance Season 2:
Favorite Video Clips
Song List Live Tour 2006 - Toronto
Live Tour 2006 - Buffalo, Pics, More Pics
Thanks again to Rickey for the vids
Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

SYTYCD6 - Not So Sweet Sixteen

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 16 Performance Night - Ep. 613
Judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman

Considering we in Canada just finished the season 2 weeks ago, I'm sort of expecting a super high standard since we basically just left off with the Top dancers, so sometimes it's a let down to go back to the Top 20 when dancers are still getting used to each other. But things got really great last week during the Top 18 and my worries disappeared.

Well, apparently, the dancers still need to keep on their toes because as even Nigel pointed out, the performances tonight were generally not as great as they should be, and at some point, we can no longer use the dancers original style as an excuse not to be great in an opposing style.

Things weren't always as bad as the judges made them out to be, but I think a lot of that was due to some pretty good choreography this week. And if it's another sign, there were 4 choreographers from SYTYCD Canada tonight. Maria Torres (an American but was on the Canada show), Stacey Tookey, and newcomers Gustavo Vargas and Sean Cheesman, who have done some amazing stuff for the Canadian show.

Plus, they added a couple of new styles to the US format that we've had! Hustle and Afro Jazz!!! Yay!

Karen Hauer
&
Kevin Hunte
Style: Hustle
Choreographed by: Maria Torres
Song: "Come To Me" - France Joli
Grade: B

While Hustle has its roots in Disco, it's a bit more ballroom but still has that showy pizzazz and I've really enjoyed Maria Torres' choreo (which is generally WAY better than Doriana Sanchez' stuff) and I thought this was another fun routine.


I really love Kevin. I really do, but I thought he looked nervous and uncertain about things sometimes and his partnering wasn't great, yet the judges mostly seemed to love it. Karen was Karen. Which just means HOT. She (AGAIN) saved the dance and was solid throughout and held their team together.

Kevin wasn't bad, but he should be better at this point than he was. The judges are giving him a free ride but I'm not.

Here's the video of Karen and Kevin's Hustle:



Ashleigh Di Lello
&
Jakob Karr
Style: Jazz
Choreographed by: Mandy Moore
Song: "Relax" - Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Grade: B

Like the flipside of Karen and Kevin. This time, I think Jakob totally holds together this group and saves the partnership, while I keep feeling let down by Ashleigh. And yet, the judges seem to love her.

Again, Ashleigh isn't bad but something's missing and especially dancing next to Jakob, who has this natural flair, she seems lumpy by comparison.

To Ashleigh's benefit, I actually didn't love this Mandy Moore routine, even though Nigel said it was her best since the Table Dance routine. WHA? That Sabra and Neil dance was AMAZING. This one was a poor derivative.

Here's the video of Ashleigh and Jakob's Jazz:



Pauline Mata
&
Peter Sabasino
Style: Quickstep
Choreographed by: JT & Tomas
Song: "Hey Baby! (Shake Those Hula Hips)" - Big Kahuna & The Copa Cat Pack
Grade: B+

Pauline's so cute. Peter's kinda hunky awkward. What was with that comment about her eating too much before dancing? Uh, okay. I get it, but it came off sounding creepy. On the other hand, have you seen his abs? Check his twitter photo.

Anyways, Quickstep. Kiss of death dance. And Pauline knew it too. And their steps were not clean and Peter's upper body wasn't calm, and he looked shaky. Pauline seemed a bit better but not perfect.

But I LOVED the concept story with the costumes and the American GI and Hawaiian girl and it was like South Pacific all over again. And Pauline and Peter totally sold the story and despite the clumsy footwork, I found myself really enjoying it. And so did the judges! Wow. I totally thought they were going to rip them apart but they too found it fun!

Here's the video of Pauline and Peter's Quickstep:



Kathryn McCormick
&
Legacy Perez
Style: Broadway
Choreographed by: Andy Blankenbuehler
Song: "2 Steps AwayI Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)" - Swingin' Fireballs
Grade: A-

I may be a little bias here because I LOVE LOVE LOVE Andy Blankenbuehler's choreography for his Broadway shows In The Heights and 9 to 5, and thought his choreo was one of the few saving graces in this summer's Encores' The Wiz.

So I thought this was a really fun dance with the TV and couch and Legacy and Kathryn were SOOOO great!

I could have used a bit more of an emotional connection between the two, but I can't believe how much the judges pounded on Kathryn's lack of "character" while totally praising Legacy. I thought BOTH were equally great here, it's just a bigger surprise here cause Legacy comes from the Hip-Hop/B-Boy world.

Here's the video of Kathryn and Legacy's Broadway:



Channing Cooke
&
Victor Smalley
Style: Contemporary
Choreographed by: Stacey Tookey
Song: "Be Be Your Love (Live at KRCW)" - Rachael Yamagata
Grade: B+

I get that the judges expected more from these two contemporary dancers that get paired together, AND get their own style, but I still thought it was lovely, although I will admit my eye drew more to Victor but that may be a crush thing. I'm not sure.

I've been vocal about not really getting Channing but I thought she was lovely here, while Victor just stretches and flips and flops so naturally. Love him. Sure, there could have been more ooompth overall but I'm gonna blame a new pairing and the lack of time to build that connection that is needed for this kind of piece.

Here's the video of Channing and Victor's Contemporary:



Ellenore Scott
&
Ryan Di Lello
Style: Hip-Hop
Choreographed by: Lil C
Song: "Lost BoiZ Anthem" - Tha J-Squad
Grade: B-

Adam thought it was decent but Mary and Nigel pretty much hated it and I sort of fall in between. I didn't think it was THAT bad but it definitely could have been harder and needed more practice.

I thought Ellenore did a better job but her smaller frame might have helped visually, while Ryan's huge muscles seemed to get in the way.

Here's the video of Ellenore and Ryan's Hip-Hop:



Mollee Gray
&
Nathan Trasoras
Style: Salsa
Choreographed by: Gustavo Vargas
Song: "Quimbara" - Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco
Grade: D

Knowing how great Vargas' stuff looks on the Canadian edition, this was a huge disappointment and just looked childish and sloppy, despite the fact that Mollee looked more grown up than Nathan this week.


I love Nathan but this was not a good week for him. Mollee who has proven me wrong and overcome her annoying personality to show me that she can dance, is failing to sustain her proof. I doubt they will be in trouble just based on fans but considering I didn't think their first week was that great either, they really need to step it up like they did last week in Bollywood to stay into the Top 10.

Here's the video of Mollee and Nathan's Salsa:
Coming soon


Noelle Marsh
&
Russell Ferguson
Style: African Jazz
Choreographed by: Sean Cheesman
Song: "Frog Dance" - Mickey Hart and Planet Drum
Grade: A

I wanted Noelle out but WHOA, what a way to prove me wrong. All thanks to Sean Cheesman! (Who is always good on the Canadian edition so it's nice to see him get to show his stuff to a wider audience! Even though this routine seemed to cram all his tricks into one, as if he only had one chance).

Noelle REALLY stepped up her game and made a good match for Russell. While it still may be a little premature to say Russell is the definition of this season (as Nigel basically said), he certainly is proving himself and not using being a Hip-Hopper as an excuse.

Here's the video of Noelle and Russell's African Jazz:



- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Final Roundup:

Best of the Night: Noelle and Russell's African Jazz
Second Best of the Night: Kathryn and Legacy's Broadway
Third Best of the Night: Pauline and Peter's Quickstep

(That makes it the 3rd time Kathryn and Legacy are in my Top 3 now!)

Best Male of the Night: Legacy Perez
Second Best Male of the Night: Jakob Karr

Best Female of the Night: Noelle Marsh
Second Best Female of the Night: Kathryn McCormick

Worst of the Night - Couple: Mollee and Nathan's Salsa
Worst of the Night - Single: Nathan Trasoras


My Predictions:
Should Be Bottom 3 Couples: Mollee and Nathan, Ellenore and Ryan, Karen and Kevin
Should also be in the Bottom: Ashleigh
Will Be Bottom 3 Couples: Karen and Kevin, Channing and Victor, Pauline and Peter

Should be Eliminated: Kevin and Ashleigh
Will be Eliminated: Channing and Victor


- - - - - - - - - - - - -
For More So You Think You Can Dance:
Check here for the most Recent current postings and Latest News on SYTYCD

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 6:
Top 18 Performance and Results
Top 20 Performance and Results
Introducing the Top 20, The Top 20 Showcase

So You Think You Can Dance Canada - Season 2 with So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Auditions:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results & US Vegas Week Auditions Continued
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results & US Salt Lake City and Vegas Week 1 Auditions
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results & US New Orleans and Atlanta Auditions
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results & US Boston Auditions
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results & US Phoenix Auditions
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results & US Los Angeles Auditions
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and SYTYCD Top 15 Dances of all time
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results
Top 20 Announced
Auditions - Toronto, Vancouver, Saint John
Montréal, Edmonton

My Top 25 Routines from SYTYCD Season 1-5

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 5:
Finale
Top 4 Performance
Top 6 Performance, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performance, Top 8 Results and Panel Chat
Top 10 Performance, Top 10 Results and Panel Chat
Top 12 Performance, Top 12 Results and Panel Chat
Top 14 Performance, Top 14 Results, Top 14 Panel Chat
Top 16 Performance, Top 16 Results and Panel Chat
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and Panel Chat
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results and Panel Chat
Auditions - Vegas Week Part 2 - Top 20 Announcement, Top 20 Pictures/Panel Chat
Vegas Week Part 1
New York City, Denver, Miami, Memphis, LA, Seattle

So You Think You Can Dance Canada:
Finale
Top 8 and 6 Performances and Results, Top 4 Performances
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances and Results
Introducing Canada's Top 20
Auditions:
Toronto Week - The Cut to the Top 20
Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Montreal - West, East, Middle and Quebec
Toronto - Toronto's Best Foot Forward
The Judges, The Host, The Teaser, All Photos from CTV

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 4:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances and Results 6 to 4
Top 8 Performances, Results 8 to 6
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 16, 14 and 12 Weeks Recaps by Vance again
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances, Results 20 to 18
Introducing the Top 20
Auditions:
Callbacks in Las Vegas - The Top 20 Revealed - What Happens In Vegas
Milwaukee, WI - How The Midwest Was Won
Charleston, South Carolina and Washington D.C. - S.C.D.C. The New Electric (Boogaloo) Term!
Salt Lake City and Dallas - Yeehaw Utah!
Los Angeles - It's Time To Put On Those Dancing Shoes Again Kids!

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 3:
Live Tour - Toronto, Pasha's Solo Video, Neil's Solo Video
Finale - Winner Result
Top 4 Performances - Finals
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results
Top 18 Performances, Top 18 Results
Top 20 Performances, Top 20 Results

For So You Think You Can Dance Season 2:
Favorite Video Clips
Song List Live Tour 2006 - Toronto
Live Tour 2006 - Buffalo, Pics, More Pics
Thanks again to Rickey for the vids
Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

And Let Awards Season Begin... Maybe - Movie Reviews

Precious: Based On The Novel "Push" By Sapphire = A-

The Blind Side = B+

Gentlemen Broncos = D

Amelia = C

Michael Jackson's This Is It = B

I still haven't seen An Education or The Hurt Locker yet, but with Precious opening this weekend, this year, this is when the real movie award season begins. So far, I would hope Up, (500) Days of Summer and District 9 will be Oscar Best Picture contenders but we know each of those three (an animated movie, a romantic comedy, a sci-fi action flick) still have a lot to overcome, even now with 10 slots open in the Best Picture race.

Precious: Based On The Novel "Push" By Sapphire = A-
Written by Geoffrey Fletcher, Based on the novel by Sapphire, Directed by Lee Daniels
Opens Nov. 6th 2009 in limited release

You can read my original review from TIFF for my full thoughts about this harrowing film but as I said before, while it's a flawed and imperfect movie, and despite having the backing of Oprah and Tyler Perry, this difficult movie is going to be a hard sell, but it's a great film.

The cast is simply superb with Gabourey Sidibe (below) and Mo'Nique giving unrelenting performances, and Mariah Carey, Paula Patton amongst a supporting cast that is flawless.

Lee Daniels' direction is haunting, but his mixture of fantasy sequences amongst the most horrific acts of domestic violence in urban low income life gives the film a cinematic blend that only enhances the themes that at some points, do beat down upon the viewers.

As with last year's Slumdog Millionaire, Precious is being compared as the underdog Oscar contender that will slowly sweep all the awards, but unlike Slumdog, there's little hope in the movie (there is, but nowhere near as much as last years Oscar winner) and people just might find the movie too depressing, and inevitably, there will be a backlash, and there will be critics that do not get it (as Michael outlines, sometimes becoming just plain racist).



The Blind Side = B+
Written and Directed by John Lee Hancock, Based on the book by Michael Lewis
Opens Nov. 20th 2009

If Precious is the dark indie movie looking at a poor young black in the hood, then The Blind Side is the glossy Hollywood inspirational feelgood sclocky version and if you've seen the tearjerking trailer, you may feel that the whole film is already condensed into those well edited 2 and a half minutes.

And in theory, I should hate this movie that relies on white guilt, blunting the edges, and highlighting and praising a world full of conservative and "Christian" beliefs. In theory.

But while The Blind Side is like (my favorite show) Friday Night Lights made as a Lifetime TV movie, it's made as a really GOOD Lifetime TV movie with a solid cast and some solid direction that maneuvers around what could have been a cheesy "true life" story.

Sandra Bullock headlines as a wealthy Memphis lady who lunches and manages her two kids with her stoic husband (country star Tim McGraw) and who end up taking in a young black boy after seeing him walking cold in the street. Again, the trailer tells the whole story, but surprisingly, and unexpectedly (since I thought the trailer would be the best parts), the film effectively fills in the gaps with a mix of humour and realism (or at least as much realism one can get from a Hollywood inspirational movie) and manages to smartly milk every tear jerking moment in the real life story of Michael Oher, who in real life, gets drafter for the NFL (this year in fact, so it's a very recent story).

Quinton Aaron (above with Bullock) automatically elicits empathy as Michael Oher without even saying a word. Knowing what kind of movie this was trying to be, let myself be taken with this whole NICE story, and really, what's wrong with that? And yes, I cried a little at the end (during the closing credits no less).

The movie runs slightly longer than expected, as the story stretches out a few more turns than the cliched plotline would lead you to believe, but I enjoyed that it sidetracked to deal with all of the issues the hipsters may have with this film (albeit sometimes brief acknowledgments to the "white guilt").

While the movie will never win any awards just simply due to the type of film this is, Sandra Bullock gives one of her best performances that somehow manages to go beyond the caricature the trailer alludes to. It's probably my favorite performance of hers since Speed (though did enjoy her in Miss Congeniality and The Proposal).


Gentlemen Broncos = D
Written by Jared Hess & Jarusha Hess, Directed by Jared Hess
Opened Oct. 30th 2009 in LA and NY. Opens wide Nov. 6th 2009

I thought Jared Hess' Napoleon Dynamite was an overrated piece of crock so I'm glad EW's Lisa Schwarzbaum called him out for his "emperor's-new-clothes moment" because seriously, Gentlemen Broncos was one of the most self-geek-indulgent where the joke is on us for sitting through this "comedy".

Michael Angarano (Snow Angels, Will & Grace) plays a geeky teen who writes sci-fi and gets his story stolen by his hero, a well established writer of cult status (Jemaine Clement, Flight of the Concords), meanwhile, Angarano's mom is a flighty mopey Jennifer Coolidge (who can usually save a film but even she can only do so much) and his "friends" take advantage of him in the most cruel ways. This is interlaced with scenes of the stolen sci-fi story come to life (with Sam Rockwell playing the lead) and it's just all to weird and unfunny to bear.

In fact, I don't ever believe in walking out of films, but if I wasn't the ride for the group of friends with me, I would have walked out for the first time here. I'm glad I didn't, only because the movie redeems itself (and the characters) in the last 15 minutes of the painfully torturous movie with the only tolerable thing about the film was its casting of Clement as the creepy sci-fi idol and Angarano in the lead role (another actor who automatically exudes empathy just by being there).

Apparently FoxSearchlight agreed because apparently its release has been pulled with no further notice of its future.


Amelia = C
Written by Ronald Bass & Anna Hamilton Phelan, Directed by Mira Nair
Opened Oct. 23rd 2009

Okay, so there were predictions that this might make it Hilary Swank, 3 times Oscar winner, but then the movie came out and as I had feared, the old-time-Hollywood-bland script was even more bland than I feared, and Mira Nair was unable to breathe any life into the film.

The script by Ron Bass (Rain Man) (and doctored by Anna Hamilton Phelan) takes a glossy, almost angelic look at Amelia Earhart's life, but there is little actual drama to a very dramatic life, one of a female pioneer in aviation, in fame and publicity, and with a somewhat messy lovelife. But the production is so afraid to put any blemishes on Amelia, that like Ray and Walking the Line which sanitizes gritty stories, Amelia ends up being one well shot bore of a history lesson. But damn, doesn't it look great? (*)

Okay, now that the movie is definitely out of the running for Best Picture, let's get back to it's best chance for an Oscar, current two-timer Oscar winning actress Hilary Swank. She gets the speech and cadence right, and her performance seems mannered and reserved for that time period, but it lacks any showy emotional scenes. While her relationship to Richard Gere's George Putnam seems almost convenient even in real life, the lack of chemistry between them (even if on purpose), doesn't sell well, and her scenes with Ewan McGregor's Gene Vidal are too few and far between. There's a great scene with Cherry Jones' Eleanor Roosevelt but it too is only a moment within a film that unfolds with little spark, and... ahem... it never takes off.


Michael Jackson's This Is It = B
Directed by Kenny Ortega
Opened Oct. 28th 2009

Seeing MJ sing and dance and still be in great form was nice to see, but the most fascinating parts of the films were the revealing moments behind-the-scenes while watching MJ work and seeing how he creates and operates. However, the film is still a concert film and there are far too behind-the-scenes moments (and I've heard a lot of it is being saved for the DVD). While the choreography and watching the dancers be in awe with working with MJ, the performance footage are still simply rehearsals, without the full shebang of the staging he so meticulously created.

While I wouldn't say I'm a HUGE MJ fan, I do like his stuff and grew up with MJ as a staple in my pop world life, so I found myself sometimes bored in his performances of the songs I liked less, but then wonderfully awoken in the more iconic songs, particularly "Thriller" and its truly iconic dance sequence.

There's talk about a Best Picture nomination but I'd feel it was more in honour of MJ's death and not the movie itself, and that would be diminish MJ's integrity (I won't even get into the child molestation stuff at this point, but I'll quickly say that I actually don't think he did it based on the info I know but that's a whole other discussion). The film is fascinating and Ortega edited and pulled together what he could (and was expected to deliver) but one can only do so much from rehearsal footage from two cameras that only gives a glimpse of the dazzling concert that was never-to-be.

*Shameless Promotion for a Best Art Direction Oscar nomination please!
Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

SYTYCD6 - The Legal Minimum

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 18 Performance and Results Night - Ep. 612
Judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman

Okay, so last week I was a bit miffed at what transpired in the final moments of a so-so Top 20 night. Tonight, things got a lot better, no thanks to Tyce DiOrio, who continued his choreography of suckage.

Now that the Top 18 dancers are generally so evenly strong, any advantage they have can help, including dancing in their styles, their partners, and the choreography they're given and in essence, the choreographer they must work with. As seasons past has taught us, great choreography by some of the best can make certain routines stand out amongst the rest, bringing along the dancers to infamy with them. Now, it still requires great dancers to pull it off, but now that everyone is great, a BAD choreographer can ruin a dancers chance.

So then, WHY IS TYCE STILL ALLOWED TO CHOREOGRAPH? Why is he not outlawed yet? (It's like a bad joke that Mia is gone yet Tyce is here to stay AND an Emmy winner). Anyways, I'll continue the rant after I comment on the Top 18 routines.


Noelle Marsh
&
Russell Ferguson
Style: Hip-Hop
Choreographed by: Jamal Sims
Song: "Move Shake Drop Remix" - DJ Laz, Flo Rida and Casley
Grade: B+

It was a really fun routine that sort of storylined a Hip-Hop routine with its tennis vignette. I kinda dug it, and though Russell was fantastic and put the power into his swing.

Noelle, who sat out last week due to health reasons, finally gets to show her stuff (despite a huge backlash that she should have automatically been eliminated last week, especially in the wake of the little slack Brandon was given by the judges) and she's... not bad. I mean, I didn't really think she could pull off Hip-Hop well, especially beside Russell, but while she's no Russell, she did a fine job lobbying her swagger and I thought she was imperfect, but enthused.

Here's the video of Noelle and Russell's Hip-Hop:



Ashleigh Di Lello
&
Jakob Karr
Style: Viennese Waltz
Choreographed by: Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Song: "At Last" - Etta James
Grade: B

There's just something about Jakob isn't there? He floats across the stage like those old time dancers from the Fred Astaire ages. I still think his connection to Ashleigh isn't perfect yet and there were a couple of moments that looked fumbly and he looked slightly awkward whenever he was next to Ashleigh. But since we don't really like Ashleigh, lets blame her!

The judges LOVED Ashleigh and bitch can dance, but I think she almost forceably pulls the attention from her partner because she tries to make it all about herself (and again, we hate her because she's married to Ryan and is partnered with Jakob!).

Adam called Tony and Melanie out for the routine which showed too much of Jakob's strong non-Waltz skills. While I LOVE watching Jakob's skills, I love that Adam finally called out a choreographer and not automatically given them the rehearsed shout-out that the judges usually do. I would like to say though that it wasn't a horrible routine and that while Tony and Mel don't always create amazing routines (again, also hard with their styles because it has less TV-wow factor than others), they never really do a terrible job either (don't worry Tyce, I'm coming for ya).

Here's the video of Ashleigh and Jakob's Viennese Waltz:



Bianca Revels
&
Victor Smalley
Style: Broadway
Choreographed by: Tyce DiOrio
Song: "Maybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Something" - The Color Purple Broadway Cast Recording
Grade: B

OMG, after that pre-dance interview, I think I love Victor and his laugh and his flo-colours even more! And love that Bianca seems so fun and crazy because so far she actually seems really poised and one of the more mature ones of the group.

Adam said they were supposed to go crazy, instead of just dancing. Mary said it lost it for her. Nigel said they didn't take the characters far enough and it should have been somewhere else.

I thought they did a pretty good job but considering I hate Tyce and his choreography, I thought Victor and Bianca, two great dancers, did what they could with a sh!t routine. It really was a sh!t routine wasn't it? Who can act inspired with that crap? There was little flow and a lot of church rousing. And that's about it. Poor Bianca and Victor, they deserve far better than that, and last week's routine (my fave of the Top 20) showed that they've got what it takes.

Here's Bianca and Victor's Broadway:



Mollee Gray
&
Nathan Trasoras
Style: Bollywood
Choreographed by: Nakul Dev Mahajan
Song: "Azeem O Shann Shahenshah" - Jodhaa Akbar Soundtrack
Grade: A

Was it me or did the cute pubescent couple actually seemed like they were slightly annoyed at each other in the pre-dance video? But in that teenage way? Where if they don't get together, they will hate each other until they realize they love each other and then become a permanent PDA? Nathan truly looked annoyed at Mollee's constant disappearance to the washroom and Mollee had thinly veiled jibes lobbed at Nathan.

Now two weeks in a row and the peppy couple get another fun style (Disco now Bollywood?) but this week, I think they finally danced it right.

THAT'S what Nathan is supposed to look like! He seemed so sure and confident, while Mollee was terrific and as Mary mentioned, both danced so maturely this week. I loved the choreo and I thought the youngest couple danced it amazingly.

Here's the video of Mollee and Nathan's Bollywood:



Channing Cooke
&
Phillip Attmore
Style: Samba
Choreographed by: Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Song: "Maracatu Funk" - The Samba Squad
Grade: D

Wow, that was really messy wasn't it? I'd say hot mess but it wasn't even luke warm. It should have sizzled like a hot plate. Meanwhile, Adam loved Channing, but I just thought she got away with shaking her blond tresses and wiggling her thin frame, especially compared to other Samba's in other seasons (or in Canada). I felt like Channing seemed slow. She was however slightly better than Phillip.

Mary at least tore Phillip apart, and deservedly, but yet again, Mary too loved Channing. That blond hair really is like that shiny distraction to the judges isn't it? Look! Shiny! Preeeeeety. Must be good. (Groan)

Here's the video of Channing and Phillip's Samba:



Karen Hauer
&
Kevin Hunte
Style: Hip-Hop
Choreographed by: Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo
Song: "Ice Cream Paint Job" - Dorrough
Grade: B+

I really like Kevin and it's so cute that he knows Karen shines and takes over the stage.

Which makes me almost feel bad for him because Karen, yet again, shined here, and in Kevin's style too! Was it me or did she almost outdance him here?

Not my favorite NappyTabs routine but Karen used all her womanly features to control the piece while Kevin was great but almost like that resounded husband who knows that its his place to let the girl go first.

Here's the video of Karen and Kevin's Hip-Hop:



Kathryn McCormick
&
Legacy Perez
Style: Contemporary
Choreographed by: Stacey Tookey
Song: "2 Steps Away" - Patti LaBelle
Grade: A

Well, looks like Mia Michaels is readying for worldwide SYTYCD's including Canada's season 3, but the US version is smart enough to steal Stacey Tookey from Canada for the time being.

That was WICKED! A melding of amazing choreo and two dancers that could pull it off and make it look so easy. When Legacy lowers himself, kicks back to match Kathryn's kick back, I had to gasp for a moment.

Legacy is REALLY proving himself. While I'm not sure what to expect from him, I thought he would be most likely to start annoying me and most likely to disappoint, but 2 weeks in, and he's proven how wrong I was.

And Kathryn, who was a blip on the radar, has been solid yet again.

I'm glad the judges noted that Legacy is growing SO Fast, and that Kathryn is coming from nowhere and commanding our attention.

Here's the video of Kathryn and Legacy's Contemporary:



Pauline Mata
&
Peter Sabasino
Style: Jazz
Choreographed by: Wade Robson
Song: "Little Green Bag" - George Baker Selection
Grade: A-

I love Wade's twisted style.

Adam said it right, Wade requires the dancers to be 100% involved and Pauline and Peter SOLD IT. I thought Peter was in great character and as Nigel noted, Pauline danced it finishing everything off and making her small frame look larger than life.

On a side note, is Wade looking yummier than ever? He always looked pretty good in a roughneck boyband way but now he looks mature and handsome.

Here's the video of Pauline and Peter's Jazz:



Ellenore Scott
&
Ryan Di Lello
Style: Argentine Tango
Choreographed by: Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo
Song: "Violentango" - Astor Piazolla
Grade: A

I love that Ellenore is so freakishly weird AND called out Ryan's awesome muscles which is apparently bigger than her head! I LOVE HER SO MUCH NOW!

I didn't even realize her dress was caught in her shoe until the judges mentioned it, because I was just mesmerized by Ellenore's dancing. She was controlled and sizzling without flaunting it (Ashleigh? Are you hearing this?). (Hmm, the judges totally agree and mention similar things)

Ryan just had to be strong and good partner and he and his muscles definitely were!

Here is the video of Ellenore and Ryan's Argentine Tango:



- - - - - - - - - - - - -
So even though the audience doesn't get to vote and the judges are just going to vote someone off right away, here's my Final Roundup:

Best of the Night: Kathryn and Legacy's Contemporary
Second Best of the Night: Mollee and Nathan's Bollywood
Third Best of the Night: Ellenore and Ryan's Argentine Tango

(That's Kathryn and Legacy and Ellenore and Ryan's second time in my Top 3)

Best Male of the Night: Legacy Perez
Second Best Male of the Night: Nathan Trasoras

Best Female of the Night: Ellenore Scott (her 2nd week running)
Second Best Female of the Night: Pauline Mata

Worst of the Night - Couple: Channing and Phillip's Samba
Worst of the Night - Single: Phillip Attmore

Should Be Bottom 4: Channing, Ashleigh, Phillip, and uh... Peter? Kevin?
Should be Eliminated: Channing, Phillip

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dance For their Lives Solos
Bottom 4 determined by the judges:
Bianca Revels
Victor Smalley
Noelle Marsh
Phillip Attmore

Seriously? They really do love Channing don't they? Notice that Tyce's routine landed his two dancers in the bottom? But Stacey Tookey and Wade's are safe? Just saying!

Noelle Marsh
Song: "For a Reason" - Zhané
Grade: A-

Victor Smalley
Song: "Narvas" - The Matrix: Revolutions Soundtrack
Grade: A-

Bianca Revels
Song: "Tootsee Roll" - 69 Boyz
Grade: B

Phillip Attmore
Song: "Almost Like Being in Love" - Nat King Cole
Grade: B

It's hard to really showcase Tap in a dazzling light on such a big stage and on television (the sound mix seemed like they were struggling to play the song while capture the actual tapping noise on the stage) while Noelle and Victor really pulled out all the stops (and Victor's THIGHS? HELLO!).

So in the end, the judges cut BOTH Tappers, with Bianca Revels leaving the competition (too soon if you ask me)


and Phillip Attmore (who really should have been in the bottom 2 last week anyways, so I'm less sad about this).
And notice it is now 4 coloured people gone? Last week someone retweeted me that they don't look at colour and the dancing. Yah, me too, and if so, then Brandon and Bianca should have been safe and Channing and hmm... someone else should have been cut. If Channing didn't have her golden locks, I'm not sure the judges would love her as much. I'm just saying.

(Am I being totally crazy here? Or is the competition so strong this year that the smallest mistake will get you eliminated?)

Also, who would have guessed that Peter was going to be the last tapper standing?

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Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

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Play, Repeat, ReGlee, Shuffle

As The Music of Glee Season 1 Volume 1 gets released officially today (and the tracks for Volume 2 (out Dec. 8th) are announced), here's my Top 5 7 10 picks from the disc with the songs up to the Nov. 11th episode. (There are 17 listed on the disc, 18 on iTunes)

In no particular order here's my Top 10 songs (uh, from the 18 listed, though Mercy isn't on the soundtrack):

Cause I "Don't Stop Believin'" in Glee!:


Cory Monteith (Finn) doesn't have the strongest voice but you can hear his spirit when he sings! It's adorable! "Can't Fight This Feeling":


"Somebody to Love":


Because Lea Michelle (Rachel) can sing everything, she knocks "Take A Bow" out of the park!:


Guest star Kristin Chenoweth (who will be back for more later in the season!) is already a huge Broadway star, but she gets to be "Alone" on Glee (with fellow Broadway alum Matthew Morrison):


Sweet Mark Salling (Puck) singing "Sweet Caroline":


Lea Michelle (Rachel) and Chris Colfer (Kurt) "Defying Gravity", just like the show has done:


Because even Glee can remake Avril Lavigne into a must listen! "Keep Holding On":


Knowing Finn was high helps understand Cory Monteith's enthusiasm on "It's My Life/ Confessions Part II":


Never heard this song before the show but Amber Riley (Mercedes) sure shatters the song "Bust Your Windows"!:

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

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Crazy Bright - Finian's Rainbow - Musical Review

Finian's Rainbow - St. James Theatre - Broadway, New York, NY - **** (out of 5)
Music by Burton Lane, Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, Book by E.Y. Harburg & Fred Saidy, Adapted by Arthur Perlman, Directed and Choreographed by Warren Carlyle
Opened Oct. 29th 2009
Note: Review based on preview performance

Finian's Rainbow is back on Broadway!

What Rainbow you say? Yah, I've never heard of it either, and only knew about it when City Center's Encore series presented the 1947 musical in their special concert staging earlier this year. And from those reviews, I had heard that the music was gorgeous but the book and story were creaky and crazy.

And crazy it is! The story follows Finian and his daughter Sharon as they move from Ireland to the made up land of Missitucky, USA to bury a stolen pot of gold near Fort Knox, where it will apparently replicate itself into riches galore. Meanwhile, Finian and Sharon manage to save the small town they've landed in from a corrupt white racist Senator who by a magic spell, turns into a black man. Og, the leprechaun, chases after his stolen pot of gold to avoid turning human. There's a mute dancer, a man named Woody who Sharon automatically falls in love with (yah she does!) and songs about living on credit.

Yes, I didn't make any of that up. It's a nutbar story and almost fun in its ridiculousness, but yet with its story about living on credit and banking on gold to replicate from the ground, it's almost timely in our economic recession.

The musical is so spirited, light and funny, (even in the "racism is bad" plotline), it's hard not to get a kick out of the slight moral lesson within the fantastically loopy book. You know those old, dated, light, silly and frothy musicals The Drowsy Chaperone made fun of? This is one of those musicals.

But to see one of those musicals in full Broadway presentation with a full orchestra playing its gorgeous luscious score is quite a treat. And the new Broadway revival fills the cast with terrific delights that makes this creaky silly musical seem like a wonder.

As a fan of Kate Baldwin (White Christmas, She Loves Me), I was excited that she finally gets a leading lady role on the great white way and fills Sharon's shoes with an exquisite voice and a soothing demeanor, and her red hair and white skin seems to glow on the St. James stage.

Baldwin's Sharon falls quickly in love with townsfolk Woody and while it seems to fast in the story, casting Cheyenne Jackson (Xanadu, 30 Rock) makes it all believable. Who wouldn't fall in love with Cheyenne the moment they see the tall strapping dark and handsome man? And if that doesn't get you, his voice will, both smooth and commanding, melt your heart.

Baldwin and Jackson's voices are perfect for the old-fashioned but soaring songs that are so beautiful and romantic that the sparks between the two easily fly (esp. since Jackson has become quite the gay icon, and Baldwin is married to fellow Canadian Broadway actor Graham Rowat) while the voices harmonize to the grand orchestrations that transcends the loopy story.

As Og, the Irish Leprechaun, Christopher Fitzgerald has his work cut out for him, but Fitzgerald, who stole the show in Young Frankenstein and became a terrific unlikely leading man in Minsky's, manages to not just make Og the Leprechaun believable, but totally endearing and hilarious with an actual emotional arc.

Fitzgerald, with his smaller frame and googly eyes is absolutely adorable and totally hilarious as the leprechaun who keeps growing to human size the longer he's missing his pot of gold. His voice is soaring and his comedic timing is always spot on and it's such a treat to see his zany energy as a counterpoint to Baldwin and Jackson's swoonworthy chemistry.

Terri White gets a showstopping number ("Necessity") of her own as one of the black folk living in the town.

Jim Norton is perfectly old, mischievous and bouncy as Finian who fully believes in his own antics. He creates a lovely center that ties all the random plots together and his Irish charms manage to pull them all together as one can with such crazy ideas.

David Schramm and Chuck Cooper both play the racist Senator (before and after the magic spell) in a hilarious cartoon character and they make the stereotype work with their gusto performances. Though I did find the moment Chuck Cooper's black Senator became friendly with the black quartet singing group, it was the one lull in the show, though not for any of the performance fault.

Alina Faye is lovely as the mute dancer, and Christopher Borger is a treat as the young black kid.

The entire cast is terrific and the voices sound glorious in harmony, while the ensemble is made up of some great dancers.

It's great to see such a solid soaring production of such a loopy cartoony musical (enhanced by the cartoony set of green rolling hills) that happens to have some of the most gorgeous music. And it's truly enchanting to hear the likes of Jim Norton, Christopher Fitzgerald, Terri White fill in these cartoon roles with a three dimensional performance, all while surrounding the should-be-huge-Broadway-stars-if-it-were-up-to-me leads Kate Baldwin and Cheyenne Jackson.


Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

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Rock Hard Cheyenne

OMG. The 30 Rock pictures with Cheyenne Jackson are out. I almost jizzed in my pants with this first one of him in full football uniform (it's like my porn fantasy comes true! No thank YOU Tina Fey!).

Cheyenne's having a great day isn't he? He's great in Finian's Rainbow (I'll have my review out soon) and the reviews from last night have been pretty great. And he's moonlighting (or is it daylighting in this case) on 30 Rock in what is apparently a re-occuring role. YAY! His double duty makes me forgive him for forgetting a line in Finian's Rainbow last Saturday. Plus he covered really well (there was a pause, then he looked into co-star Kate Baldwin's eyes and said "Your skin is so beautiful that it's made me forget what I was going to say", then asked for his next line. It was smooth!)

And now he gets to reunite with his Damn Yankees co-star Jane Krakowski on 30 Rock starting on the November 12th episode!

Okay, so while this season hasn't been its best season, even mediocre 30 Rock is still better than most shows.

30 Rock - Season 4, Into the Crevasses, Stone Mountain - Eps. 401-403

So because I know Cheyenne Jackson must be the new actor Liz will eventually hire to fulfill Jack's wishes for a "REAL AMERICAN" to join the show, I've been kinda loving this new shakeup on the show and the reactions Jenna and Tracy have had. It doesn't always work, and isn't quite as sharp as previous seasons, but it's still a lot of fun.

What worked better was the twisted satire on labour unions when Kenneth goes on strike much to Jack's ire, but possibly the most disturbing thing (other than Kenneth's union leader being easily satisfied and bought off) was him in drag playing Meemah (?) when Jack and Liz go to Stone Mountain to find a "regular" American to join the cast. Anyways, after some disturbingly funny images of Jack ripping off a dummy's head off, I'm ready for Cheyenne to join the cast.

I would say it would give Jenna a good counterpart but I'm kinda loving her with Tracy and her and the gays, so it would just be more awesomeness!

Here's some more promo photos from Cheyenne Jackson's first appearance on 30 Rock:
Plus, Padma Lakshmi (Top Chef) guests on the same episode.


Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

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SYTYCD6 - Cha Cha Change for a Twenty?

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 20 Performance and Results Night - Ep. 611
Judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman

There still is a chair for Paula Abdul which already is annoying me.

In the meantime, Billy Bell AND Noelle Marsh have both been sidelined by injuries and illnesses but Billy is out permanently while Noelle is taking a week off for now, with Melanie LaPatin stepping in again. Noelle gets to come back next week if she's better. Meanwhile, Brandon Dumlao takes over Billy's spot. Lucky for all the other dancers, since Billy was probably near the top of the list.

And while I'm at it, I realized what else I don't like about this new huge stage set up, other than the distracting video wall and enormity of it all. The stage is now set up as a proscenium stage and no longer has a in-the-round feel with audience members on 3 sides, giving us even less of an intimate feel, thus distancing the dancers even further. Plus it doesn't give anywhere for Cat to run and hide when the dancers perform.

Oh well, I'll stop my griping for now and let the Season 6 dancing begin!


Channing Cooke
&
Phillip Attmore
Style: Jive
Choreographed by: Jason Gilkison
Song: "Rockin' Robin" - The Jackson 5
Grade: C

At this point, I'm trying to give these two a clean slate, but I was losing favour for these two, so it's strange that they've been paired together.

On top of that, they get the Jive set to "Rockin' Robin"? Seriously? I thought they did an admirable attempt but it lacked the pop and pizzaz needed and their lack of chemistry was palpable. Their connections were fumbly and awkward and as some of the judges mentioned, they looked tired out halfway through the dance.

Not a great start for a couple that really needed to wow me to earn my love, instead I thought it was easily forgettable (with no help from the song choice either).

Here's the video of Channing and Phillip's Jive:



Ashleigh Di Lello
&
Jakob Karr
Style: Broadway
Choreographed by: Tyce DiOrio
Song: "Hit Me With A Hot Note (and Watch Me Bounce)" - Sophisticated Ladies (original soundtrack)
Grade: B

I really didn't want to get into my hatred for Tyce so early but again, I was underwhelmed by the choreo (despite Adam calling it brilliant) and as Joe points out, he's such a douchebag.

On the bright note, Jakob just had the lines and poise to really showcase his skills and just looked great. Ashleigh, who I'm so so for, looked like she kept up, and as the judges said, Jakob carried her to his level.

Here's the video of Ashleigh and Jakob's Broadway:



Ariana Dubose
&
Peter Sabasino
Style: Hip-Hop
Choreographed by: Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo
Song: "Black & Gold" - Sam Sparo
Grade: B

While Jakob and Ashleigh managed to dance a bad choreography really well, here, I'm wondering if good choreography made Peter and Ariana look good? Because I really found myself surprised by Peter and Ariana and liked this routine and thought they were quite good, even though the judges didn't. Maybe it's because I had such low expectations from these two.

I thought Peter did quite a good job, especially since he's a tapper, while Ariana, who seemed kinda bland, got into a Hip-Hop groove that reminded me of Aliyah.

Here's the video of Ariana and Peter's Hip-Hop:



Noelle Marsh Melanie LaPatin
&
Russell Ferguson
Style: Foxtrot
Choreographed by: Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Song: "Vagabond Shoes" - Vic Damone
Grade: B+

I don't know if I'm buying Russell. I don't buy that he didn't take ANY lessons before this, because he was WAY too smooth and amazing in this Foxtrot. I mean, was it me, or did he look like he almost out-Foxtrotted Melanie LaPatin, the teacher/expert. (Then again, she's such the expert to make sure her partner always looks good). His footwork looked great and he held up his own and oozed charm without being schlocky.

Here's the video of Melanie and Russell's Foxtrot:



Bianca Revels
&
Victor Smalley
Style: Contemporary
Choreographed by: Travis Wall
Song: "Wasted Time" - Me'Shell Ndegeocello
Grade: B+

I pretty much agreed with everything Adam said. GREAT choreography from my secret lover (at least in my head) Travis Wall. Bianca did a great job but still needed that little extra (like lowering the shoulders) while Victor held the whole thing together.

There could have been a little more sizzle but considering the piece was about coldness, I guess Victor and Bianca were more in character.

Here's the video of Bianca and Victor's Contemporary:



Karen Hauer
&
Kevin Hunte
Style: Cha Cha
Choreographed by: Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin
Song: "Push It" - Glee Cast version
Grade: B

I really like Kevin but yah, as Adam said, was he even there? I only really noticed Karen who luckily shook it and saved them both, while Kevin did a nice job propping her up. (Also, who knew he had so much hair tucked behind there? Oh wait, I guess it's those braids unleashed. It never clicked in.)

I think the dance could have been slightly jazzier and faster, especially considering the song they had to dance to, but that's partly the choreography too (and just a bad pairing of dance with song). On the other hand, love that they are already using the Glee songs for this. Talk about network synergy!

Here's the video of Karen and Kevin's Cha Cha:



Ellenore Scott
&
Ryan Di Lello
Style: Jazz
Choreographed by: Sonya Tayeh
Song: "Arcadia" - Apparat
Grade: B+

I love Sonya's weird choreo's! And love that they put Ryan shirtless right off the bat. Might as well show off his shoulders and guns right? Hold on, I need to wipe of the drool on the keyboard right now.

I don't really recall Ellenore but she and Ryan were great together, and Ryan, as the judges keep mentioning, was great abandoning his ballroom background to get into weirdness of Sonya's characters.

Here's the video of Ellenore and Ryan's Jazz:



Pauline Mata
&
Brandon Dumlao
Style: Smooth Waltz
Choreographed by: Jason Gilkison
Song: "You Light Up My Life" - Whitney Houston
Grade: B

They had a day and a half together? After Billy Bell had to drop out? That's really hard, especially for the Smooth Waltz, and especially for a hip-hopper like Brandon. Still, I was impressed and thought it was better than the judges critiques.

Pauline was beautiful and Brandon did a good job carrying her through and i thought (maybe with the aid of Pauline's white floaty dress) that they looked quite light and airy, but Nigel and the others totally disagreed.

Here's the video of Pauline and Brandon's Smooth Waltz:



Kathryn McCormick
&
Legacy Perez
Style: Hip-Hop
Choreographed by: Dave Scott
Song: "On & On" - Missy Elliot
Grade: B+

Great routine and Kathryn and Legacy had a nice connection together and dirtied it up just right. Legacy, who I've been on the fence with, won me over here with his dancing and his abs, and while I keep forgetting Kathryn is on this show, she managed to keep up and hit it hard.

Here's the video of Kathryn and Legacy's Hip-Hop:



Mollee Gray
&
Nathan Trasoras
Style: Disco
Choreographed by: Doriana Sanchez
Song: "Turn the Beat Around (Pablo's 12' Remix)" - Gloria Estefan
Grade: B

Love Nathan but I got irritated with Mollee until she proved herself in the showcase. But of course they have to throw these two cute-as-a-button-dancers together and of course they get the Disco.

It was energetic and fast and fun. And it all started all well enough, but was it me or did it get a little messy in the second half, particularly with the footwork?

Here's the video of Mollee and Nathan's Disco:


- - - - - - - - - - - - -
So even though the audience doesn't get to vote and the judges are just going to vote someone off right away, here's my Final Roundup:

Best of the Night: Victor and Bianca's Contemporary
Second Best of the Night: Kathryn and Legacy's Hip-Hop
Third Best of the Night: Ellenore and Ryan's Jazz

Best Male of the Night: Victor Smalley
Second Best Male of the Night: Jakob Karr

Best Female of the Night: Ellenore Scott
Second Best Female of the Night: Karen Hauer

Worst of the Night - Couple: Channing and Phillip's Jive
Worst of the Night - Single: Kevin Hunte

Should Be Bottom 4: Channing, Ariana, Phillip, Kevin
Should be Eliminated: Noelle, Phillip

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dance For their Lives Solos
Bottom 4 determined by the judges:
Ariana
Brandon
Pauline
Russell

THAT IS SUCH A SET UP. Like Russell is ever gonna be cut. Poor Brandon. He never had a chance did he?

Ariana Dubose
Song: "Darkest Hour" - Charlotte Martin
Grade: B+

Russell Ferguson
Song: "Give the Drummer Sum" - Black Milk
Grade: A

Pauline Mata
Song: "Magalenha" - Sergio Mendes
Grade: B+

Brandon Dumlao
Song: "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" - John Mayer
Grade: A-


Okay, so first off, Russell and Brandon should not be in the bottom 4. Neither should Pauline for that matter. I'm not a dance expert but usually I'm not totally off in my opinions but this seems totally wrong. Why are there only coloured people in the bottom 4?

I think Russell is just there so that he gets to show off his solos to build up for the future, plus since there is NO way he will get eliminated, it sets itself up for Brandon to go. Nice. Bring him into the Top 20 and then cut him out right away, despite the fact that he was pretty decent in his Smooth Waltz that he was given a full day and a half to learn and rehearse. In fact, as much as I like Kevin, I thought Brandon did a better job.

While I thought Ariana did a good job, she does lack star quality so I can understand why she's here, but Pauline was far better than Channing.

Luckily, Pauline is saved and Ariana Dubose is the first girl to be cut.

While Noelle gets a reprieve until next week, Brandon Dumlao got no slack and as little as we knew him (he doesn't even have a proper publicity photo or even a page on the website, and now they don't even need to bother), that's about all we will get, at least for this season, if Nigel has anything to say about it.

Now, the judges generally as a whole are far more critically informative and less annoying than the Canadian judges, but why was Mary screaming all night? She's been so calm and articulate in Canada this past season. But now that the judges choices are so obviously manipulating the obvious this week, I'm kind of annoyed. This season looked so promising but tonight's little hiccup only emphasizes the flaws the show still has.


- - - - - - - - - - - - -
For More So You Think You Can Dance:
Check here for the most Recent current postings and Latest News on SYTYCD

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 6:
Introducing the Top 20, The Top 20 Showcase

So You Think You Can Dance Canada - Season 2 with So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Auditions:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results & US Vegas Week Auditions Continued
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results & US Salt Lake City and Vegas Week 1 Auditions
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results & US New Orleans and Atlanta Auditions
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results & US Boston Auditions
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results & US Phoenix Auditions
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results & US Los Angeles Auditions
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and SYTYCD Top 15 Dances of all time
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results
Top 20 Announced
Auditions - Toronto, Vancouver, Saint John
Montréal, Edmonton

My Top 25 Routines from SYTYCD Season 1-5

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 5:
Finale
Top 4 Performance
Top 6 Performance, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performance, Top 8 Results and Panel Chat
Top 10 Performance, Top 10 Results and Panel Chat
Top 12 Performance, Top 12 Results and Panel Chat
Top 14 Performance, Top 14 Results, Top 14 Panel Chat
Top 16 Performance, Top 16 Results and Panel Chat
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and Panel Chat
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results and Panel Chat
Auditions - Vegas Week Part 2 - Top 20 Announcement, Top 20 Pictures/Panel Chat
Vegas Week Part 1
New York City, Denver, Miami, Memphis, LA, Seattle

So You Think You Can Dance Canada:
Finale
Top 8 and 6 Performances and Results, Top 4 Performances
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances and Results
Introducing Canada's Top 20
Auditions:
Toronto Week - The Cut to the Top 20
Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Montreal - West, East, Middle and Quebec
Toronto - Toronto's Best Foot Forward
The Judges, The Host, The Teaser, All Photos from CTV

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 4:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances and Results 6 to 4
Top 8 Performances, Results 8 to 6
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 16, 14 and 12 Weeks Recaps by Vance again
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances, Results 20 to 18
Introducing the Top 20
Auditions:
Callbacks in Las Vegas - The Top 20 Revealed - What Happens In Vegas
Milwaukee, WI - How The Midwest Was Won
Charleston, South Carolina and Washington D.C. - S.C.D.C. The New Electric (Boogaloo) Term!
Salt Lake City and Dallas - Yeehaw Utah!
Los Angeles - It's Time To Put On Those Dancing Shoes Again Kids!

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 3:
Live Tour - Toronto, Pasha's Solo Video, Neil's Solo Video
Finale - Winner Result
Top 4 Performances - Finals
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results
Top 18 Performances, Top 18 Results
Top 20 Performances, Top 20 Results

For So You Think You Can Dance Season 2:
Favorite Video Clips
Song List Live Tour 2006 - Toronto
Live Tour 2006 - Buffalo, Pics, More Pics
Thanks again to Rickey for the vids
Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

SYTYCD Canada & SYTYCD - From 1 to 20

So You Think You Can Dance Canada - Final Results Night - The Final Cut from 4 to 1 - Ep. 223
Judges: Jean-Marc Généreux, Tré Armstrong, Blake McGrath, Luther Brown, Rex Harrington, Kenny Ortega

So You Think You Can Dance - The Top 20 Showcase - Ep. 610
Judges: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman, and an empty chair for Paula Abdul (groan)

Just as SYTYCD Canada wraps up with it's finale on Sunday, SYTYCD starts up again with a new episode to showcase the Top 20 in their own styles before they go into the Top 20 Performance voting episodes. And Canada may have gotten to see one of Mia's last choreography for the show.

So let's first start with Canada:

So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 2's Top 20:


Man, it's good seeing Austin, Nicolas, Danny, even Taylor looks great! And Natalie and even Mel B and all!

Top 20 Group Dance
Style: African-Jazz
Choreographed by: Sean Cheesman



And with that, I'm reminded how great the Season 2 Canadian Top 20 was (and how great Sean Cheesman is), so the Season 6 Top 20 will have a lot to live up to, but so far, it seems like this new group may be one of the best (though sadly, there is news that Billy Bell (one of, if not THE early fave of mine) has had to drop out due to illness and that Brandon Dumlao will replace Billy)

The Canadian judges get to pick their faves from the season (although you know it's more a general pick that gets spread around so each of the Top 10 dancers get to be featured at least once)

Kenny's pick:
Tara-Jean and Everett's Theatre (Sean Cheesman) from Top 12 Week

JM's pick:
Amy and Vincent's Jive (Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin) from Top 12 Week

Rex's pick:
Jayme Rae and Everett's Mambo (Gustavo Vargas) from Top 8 Week

Blake's pick:
Kim and Cody's Hip-Hop (Luther Brown) from Top 8 Week

Jean-Marc's pick #2:
Tara-Jean and Vincent's Rumba (Eric Caty) from Top 8 Week



Tre's pick
Kim and Emanuel's Jazz Funk (Blake McGrath) from Top 14 Week

Tre's pick #2
Jayme Rae and Vincent's Contemporary (Stacey Tookey) from Top 4 Week

Luther's choice
Tara-Jean and Everett's House (Sho-Tyme) from Top 14 Week

Kenny's pick #2
Melanie M and Vincent's Paso Doble (Natalli Reznik & Francis Lafrenière) from Top 10 Week

Jean Marc's pick #3:
Corynne and Austin's Contemporary (Stacey Tookey) from Top 16 Week



Leah's (or producers) pick:
Melanie M and Cody's Krump (Lil' C) from Top 18 Week

Blake's pick #2:
Kim and Everett's Jazz Fusion (Sean Cheesman) from Top 10 Week

Rex's pick #2:
Tara-Jean and Vincent's Contemporary (Stacey Tookey) from Top 6 Week

Luther's pick #2:
Jayme Rae and Daniel's Dance Hall (Jaeblaze) from Top 18 Week

Leah's (or producers) pick #2
Tara-Jean and Vincent's Salsa (Gustavo Vargas) from Top 6 Week

Leah's (or producers) pick #3
Jayme Rae and Everett's Jazz Funk (Nico Archambault & Wynn Holmes) from Top 8 Week




Top 10 Group Dance
Style: Contemporary
Choreographed by: Mia Michaels
Song: "This Moment" - Nic Chagall ft. Jonathan Mendelsohn

Oh man. this is Mia's piece in response to her quitting the US show. OMG.




So that may have been the last choreography we see from Mia for some time, though it seems like she only quit the US version and she gets to vent it out in Canada, so hopefully she will be back in Canada for more next season!

So before we get to the winner, in case people still don't want to be spoiled (is that even possible these days?), I'll continue on at the bottom of the post and get to the special episode of So You Think You Can Dance and their showcase of the Top 20 on their new stage (which I am NOT digging. It's too big and makes the dancers look small and lost on the stage and the video graphics in the back competes with the dancers).

Plus, that chair for Paula is almost like a FU to Idol for stealing the Ellen idea (apparently Nigel has been pissed) and to Mia who didn't get a permanent judges chair like Adam did.


Top 20 Group Dance
Style: Wade Style
Choreographed by: Wade and Amanda Robson
Song: "Comanche" - The Revels

Well, Nathan sure got showcase. And my eye led towards Billy Bell right away... sigh... I also noticed Jakob and Russell. What a great first group routine! But I will admit freely, I watched the boys more than the girls at this point. I'm not sure if they are better dancers or just a hot bunch of boys this season. That said, what a great Wade routine!


Legacy Perez, Russell Ferguson, Kevin Hunte
Style: Hip-Hop
Choreographed by: Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo
Song: "Beggin' (District 78 Remix)" - Madcon

Very very awesome and the first Krumper on the US show! (But ha! Canada beat you by a few months when Natalie became the first Krumper on the Canada show (plus a girl! From HALIFAX)). That said, Russell is awesome and one of my faves. Him and Kevin seem to have a great rapport. I'm still unsure about Legacy in general but he mixed well here and looked great.
Here's the video of the Hip-Hoppers:



Nathan Trasoras, Ariana Debose, Jakob Karr, Channing Cooke
Style: Contemporary
Choreographed by: Tyce DiOrio
Song: "Crying)" - K.D. Lang

The dancers were lovely. Already love Jakob and Nathan but Ariana was quite impressive and expressive. But wasn't loving the choreo and yet again, I think Tyce is so overrated. There was barely any cohesion between the 4 dancers and they basically just danced separately for most of it.
Here's the video of my new SYTYCD boyfriends and Ariana and Channing:



Peter Sabasino, Bianca Revels, Phillip Attmore
Style: Tap
Choreographed by: Derrick K. Grant
Song: "Take The "A" Train" - Ella Fitzgerald

Peter really doesn't look like a tapper so watching him on his fancy feet is kinda funny and nice to see. It's great to see 3 tappers finally in the Top 20 (though again, Canada got in Everett already and who made it to Top 4!)
Here's the video of the Tappers:



Pauline Mata, Mollee Gray, Ellenore Scott
Style: Jazz
Choreographed by: Sonya Tayeh
Song: "On ACloud" - PPP

I'm not sure I could take Mollee's cuteness but was it me or did she seem all grown up here? I have to admit, my eye ended up drawn to her and maybe the straight hair helped, but Mollee was fantastic. I liked Pauline as well and Ellenore's spunk but I think I was most surprised by Mollee so far (prob. because I was ready to hate her).
Here's the video of the Jazz girls:



Victor Smalley, Noelle Marsh, Kathryn McCormic, Billy Bell
Style: Contemporary
Choreographed by: Mandy Moore
Song: "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay

Now that's how you choreograph a contemporary piece that still shocases the individual dancers and lets them interact with each other. Boy girl, boy boy. girl girl. THAT'S PROGRESS.

On a sad note, that's the last we will see of Billy Bell this season. Sigh...


Ryan Di Lello, Karen Hauer, Ashley Di Lello
Style: Samba
Choreographed by: Jason Gilikson
Song: "Everything I Can't Have" - Robin Thicke

A husband, a wife, and Karen. I give props to Karen for openly moving on Ashley's man, especially since said man is Ryan and his guns.

So before the actual competition for So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 begins with the Top 20 Performances on Tuesday, let's get back to So You Think You Can Dance Canada which finally narrowed it down from the Top 20 to one of the best Top 4 I've seen.

While I predicted:
Should Be: (#position from Top 6 week in parenthesis):
Fourth: Everett (4)
Third: Tara-Jean (2)
Second: Jayme Rae (3)
First: Vincent (1)

Will Be:
Fourth: Everett
Third: Jayme Rae
Second: Vincent
First: Tara-Jean

And alas, Everett Smith and Jayme Rae Dailey were not in the Top 2 (with Everett being told first, so make of that what you may). And with Vincent Desjardins and Tara-Jean Popowich in the Top 2, both win a car, but alas, Vincent comes in second as I predicted.

Which means the Season 2 winner is Tara-Jean Popowich!!! Who looked so happy and shocked! Very cute! And still totally deserving even though I voted for Vincent and Jayme Rae.

And there you have it! The end of Season 2. Auditions for Season 3 start in November. And Season 6 of the US edition now really begins. It's non-stop dance!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
For More So You Think You Can Dance:
Check here for the most Recent current postings and Latest News on SYTYCD

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 6:
Introducing the Top 20

So You Think You Can Dance Canada - Season 2 with So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Auditions:
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results & US Vegas Week Auditions Continued
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results & US Salt Lake City and Vegas Week 1 Auditions
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results & US New Orleans and Atlanta Auditions
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results & US Boston Auditions
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results & US Phoenix Auditions
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results & US Los Angeles Auditions
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and SYTYCD Top 15 Dances of all time
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results
Top 20 Announced
Auditions - Toronto, Vancouver, Saint John
Montréal, Edmonton

My Top 25 Routines from SYTYCD Season 1-5

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 5:
Finale
Top 4 Performance
Top 6 Performance, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performance, Top 8 Results and Panel Chat
Top 10 Performance, Top 10 Results and Panel Chat
Top 12 Performance, Top 12 Results and Panel Chat
Top 14 Performance, Top 14 Results, Top 14 Panel Chat
Top 16 Performance, Top 16 Results and Panel Chat
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and Panel Chat
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results and Panel Chat
Auditions - Vegas Week Part 2 - Top 20 Announcement, Top 20 Pictures/Panel Chat
Vegas Week Part 1
New York City, Denver, Miami, Memphis, LA, Seattle

So You Think You Can Dance Canada:
Finale
Top 8 and 6 Performances and Results, Top 4 Performances
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances and Results
Introducing Canada's Top 20
Auditions:
Toronto Week - The Cut to the Top 20
Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Montreal - West, East, Middle and Quebec
Toronto - Toronto's Best Foot Forward
The Judges, The Host, The Teaser, All Photos from CTV

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 4:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances and Results 6 to 4
Top 8 Performances, Results 8 to 6
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 16, 14 and 12 Weeks Recaps by Vance again
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances, Results 20 to 18
Introducing the Top 20
Auditions:
Callbacks in Las Vegas - The Top 20 Revealed - What Happens In Vegas
Milwaukee, WI - How The Midwest Was Won
Charleston, South Carolina and Washington D.C. - S.C.D.C. The New Electric (Boogaloo) Term!
Salt Lake City and Dallas - Yeehaw Utah!
Los Angeles - It's Time To Put On Those Dancing Shoes Again Kids!

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 3:
Live Tour - Toronto, Pasha's Solo Video, Neil's Solo Video
Finale - Winner Result
Top 4 Performances - Finals
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results
Top 18 Performances, Top 18 Results
Top 20 Performances, Top 20 Results

For So You Think You Can Dance Season 2:
Favorite Video Clips
Song List Live Tour 2006 - Toronto
Live Tour 2006 - Buffalo, Pics, More Pics
Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

Ol' Blue Eyes - White Collar - Pilot Review

I'm sure New Yorkers (and other cities that have been plastered with USA's ad campaign) have noticed the piercing blue eyes on the posters for the new show White Collar which premieres on USA this Friday, Oct. 23rd at 10pm (BravoCanada starts airing it a week later starting Fri. Oct. 30th).

Well, that's Matthew Bomer (Chuck, Traveller) and he stars as a white collared criminal con artist who escapes prison 3 months prior to release to chase after his girlfriend, only to be caught by Fed Tim DeKay. Some deal is cut and Bomer is out under DeKay's watch and working to help solve con crimes. It's a fun concept that lets Bomer play a smooth criminal who not only wins the trust of a rich lady (the regal Diahann Carroll in a re-occuring role), but manages to help DeKay catch some criminals.

USA seems to be doing well with these male oriented breezy-feel shows (Burn Notice, Royal Pains) and White Collar, while not as zippy or humourous as Burn Notice, follows in the same crime fighting vein with an overarching story and what looks like a case of the week to solve.

In addition to the excellent Tim DeKay, the ensemble is filled out with Tiffany Thiessen (forever Kelly Kapowsky to me, but does a nice subtle job here) as DeKay's wife, and Willie Garson (Stanford from Sex and the City) as one of Bomer's connections.

While I didn't love the pilot, I enjoyed it enough to keep with it for now, and it's fun to see Bomer smooth talk his way around his con games, with DeKay sadly keeping watch. It's a nice start for the show to build upon so it can still go either way, but so far the cast and the relaxed feel for the show seems like perfect USA fare. They sort of seem to be making well made shows that once would have been syndicated, only now are made with more intelligence and charm.

White Collar gets *** stars for now, though it has potential to easily go up or down. And if Royal Pains is any indication, it go easily go up. RP had a shaky pilot but got better very fast, and turned out to be an enjoyable summer show.

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

SYTYCD - So You Think You're In The Season 6 Top 20?

So You Think You Can Dance - Vegas Auditions - Revealing the Top 20 - Ep. 609
Judges in Vegas Week: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman, Debbie Allen, Tyce DiOrio, Mia Michaels

It's a great looking group this year, though I'm starting to feel old after noting that this seems to be the youngest group they may ever have had. There seems to be quite a few 18 and 19 year olds. And so many are crushworthy. Seriously, I feel slightly dirty.

Here they are! The So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Top 20:



Ariana Debose
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Newbern, NC
Currently Resides: Wake Forest, NC
Age: 18
First Impressions: Seems nice enough if maybe a little bland. Let's hope more airtime will help.


Ashleigh Di Lello
Dance Specialty: Latin Ballroom
Hometown: Orem, UT
Currently Resides: Orem, UT
Age: 26
First Impressions: I don't hate her like everyone else on the boards right now, but bitch did marry a hottie and she really needs to control her showface. It will get irritating really fast. Plus, she's basically the replacement for the girl that turned the Top 20 down. So was she really not originally going to make the cut? (Or was it just the way they made it for her husbands dramatic purposes?)


Bianca Revels
Dance Specialty: Tap
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 20
First Impressions: I loved her in previous seasons so I'm glad she's FINALLY in the Top 20! Plus, She seemed just as, if not even MORE excited when her fellow tappers made it through. That is sweet!


Billy Bell UPDATE: Sadly, apparently Billy had to drop out for health reasons. So Brandon Dumlao is in instead.
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Currently Resides: New York, NY
Age: 19
First Impressions: He's a bit young but I think I may ask him to marry me. Or at least dance that last solo he did again and again in front of me. That was seriously breathtaking.


Channing Cooke
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Haverhill, MA
Currently Resides: Haverhill, MA
Age: 18
First Impressions: In theory I should like her but I feel sort of indifferent to her, even though I remember liking her auditions.


Ellenore Scott
Dance Specialty: Contemporary/Jazz
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Currently Resides: Brooklyn, NY
Age: 19
First Impressions: I like her face, but that's all I got so far.


Jakob Karr
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Windermere, FL
Currently Resides: New York, NY
Age: 19
First Impressions: Loved his audition, loved that he's bff with Jeanine.


Karen Hauer
Dance Specialty: Latin Ballroom
Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela
Currently Resides: Queens, NY
Age: 27
First Impressions: Seems nice enough but I got nothing.



Kathryn McCormick
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Augusta, GA
Currently Resides: Burbank, CA
Age: 19
First Impressions: Same as above, seems nice but don't really have any impression at this point.


Kevin Hunte
Dance Specialty: Hip Hop
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Currently Resides: Brooklyn, NY
Age: 23
First Impressions: I like this dude! For a Hip-Hopper, doesn't seem to have that cocky swagger that I hate.


Legacy Perez
Dance Specialty: Hip Hop/B-Boy
Hometown: Miami, FL
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 28
First Impressions: Legacy sometimes has that cocky swagger, and then sometime he cries. So I'm still split on him. Helps that he's totally hot.


Mollee Gray
Dance Specialty: Jazz
Hometown: Orem, UT
Currently Resides: Upland, CA
Age: 18
First Impressions: Seems irritatingly sweet.


Nathan Trasoras
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Downey, CA
Currently Resides: Downey, CA
Age: 18
First Impressions: Sweet and tasty. Oh lord he's only 18. I feel dirty now. At least he's an AMAZING dancer so that my crush isn't totally shallow.


Noelle Marsh
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Sanford, NC
Currently Resides: Sanford, NC
Age: 18
First Impressions: I think I liked her? Can't remember now, which may be the problem.


Pauline Mata
Dance Specialty: Jazz
Hometown: West Covina, CA
Currently Resides: West Covina, CA
Age: 19
First Impressions: Despite her injury in the final rounds of the auditions, I'm kinda rooting for her.


Peter Sabasino
Dance Specialty: Tap
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Currently Resides: Philadelphia, PA
Age: 22
First Impressions: The rugged tapper seems charming, although I'm not sure how far he will actually go, and the judges already warned him that he needs to pull up his other styles to keep up.


Phillip Attmore
Dance Specialty: Tap
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 25
First Impressions: Of everybody, Phillip seems like the cockiest guy, on the other hand, I can understand his outburst during the group routine so I'm willing to overlook that and give him a blank slate.


Russell Ferguson
Dance Specialty: Hip Hop/Krump
Hometown: Boston, MA
Currently Resides: Boston, MA
Age: 20
First Impressions: Seems so genuine and hard working without an ounce of attitude. The humility and the fact that he's rocked all the styles, especially for a Krumper, is winning me over BIG time!


Ryan Di Lello
Dance Specialty: Ballroom
Hometown: Springville, UT
Currently Resides: Orem, UT
Age: 28
First Impressions: Hello biceps!


Victor Smalley
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Miami, FL
Currently Resides: Miami, FL
Age: 21
First Impressions: He's apparently not Puck. At least he changed his hair, now I can maybe think of him as his own self.



- - - - - - - - - - - - -
For More So You Think You Can Dance:
Check here for the most Recent current postings and Latest News on SYTYCD

So You Think You Can Dance Canada - Season 2 with So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Auditions:
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results & US Vegas Week Auditions Continued
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results & US Salt Lake City and Vegas Week 1 Auditions
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results & US New Orleans and Atlanta Auditions
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results & US Boston Auditions
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results & US Phoenix Auditions
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results & US Los Angeles Auditions
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and SYTYCD Top 15 Dances of all time
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results
Top 20 Announced
Auditions - Toronto, Vancouver, Saint John
Montréal, Edmonton

My Top 25 Routines from SYTYCD Season 1-5

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 5:
Finale
Top 4 Performance
Top 6 Performance, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performance, Top 8 Results and Panel Chat
Top 10 Performance, Top 10 Results and Panel Chat
Top 12 Performance, Top 12 Results and Panel Chat
Top 14 Performance, Top 14 Results, Top 14 Panel Chat
Top 16 Performance, Top 16 Results and Panel Chat
Top 18 Performance, Top 18 Results and Panel Chat
Top 20 Performance, Top 20 Results and Panel Chat
Auditions - Vegas Week Part 2 - Top 20 Announcement, Top 20 Pictures/Panel Chat
Vegas Week Part 1
New York City, Denver, Miami, Memphis, LA, Seattle

So You Think You Can Dance Canada:
Finale
Top 8 and 6 Performances and Results, Top 4 Performances
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances and Results
Introducing Canada's Top 20
Auditions:
Toronto Week - The Cut to the Top 20
Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Montreal - West, East, Middle and Quebec
Toronto - Toronto's Best Foot Forward
The Judges, The Host, The Teaser, All Photos from CTV

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 4:
Finale
Top 4 Performances
Top 6 Performances and Results 6 to 4
Top 8 Performances, Results 8 to 6
Top 10 Performances, Results 10 to 8
Top 16, 14 and 12 Weeks Recaps by Vance again
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances, Results 20 to 18
Introducing the Top 20
Auditions:
Callbacks in Las Vegas - The Top 20 Revealed - What Happens In Vegas
Milwaukee, WI - How The Midwest Was Won
Charleston, South Carolina and Washington D.C. - S.C.D.C. The New Electric (Boogaloo) Term!
Salt Lake City and Dallas - Yeehaw Utah!
Los Angeles - It's Time To Put On Those Dancing Shoes Again Kids!

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 3:
Live Tour - Toronto, Pasha's Solo Video, Neil's Solo Video
Finale - Winner Result
Top 4 Performances - Finals
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results
Top 18 Performances, Top 18 Results
Top 20 Performances, Top 20 Results

For So You Think You Can Dance Season 2:
Favorite Video Clips
Song List Live Tour 2006 - Toronto
Live Tour 2006 - Buffalo, Pics, More Pics
Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...