So You Think You Can Dance: A Very Good Place To Start

♫♪ Tonight's the night we'll make hiiiiistoooorrrrryyy, Gasmi, you and I. And we'll watch every dance, and listen to Adam taaaalk. We'll sway and we'll swoon and gawk.   

I'm so excited for the first performance show of the season! Let's see what these dancers have got. THIS.   Is So You Think You Can Dance (dance.......dance)!

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I see the wardrobe people still hate Cat. 

Cat wants us to welcome the top twenty dancers. We get the snippet intros of them busting a little move. As usual there are a lot of leaps and turns, and the girls are all trying to be sexy. Also of note, Maksim has changed his name to Max. And then......

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These are the girls 

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And here are your guys 

I think I might have just piddled in my pants. Just a wee bit. The dancers all line up to pay homage to the awesomeness that is Cat before exiting to get changed and ready to dance. Holy Crap. It looked bad from afar, but up close WHOA! What the fuck have they dressed Cat in tonight? Flipit, did one of your designers escape from The Fashion Show? That is one of the most hideous things I think I've ever seen. Why do they hate you Cat?

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Fuck if I know. 

Let's meet the judges! Oh YAY!!! Adam Shankman is joining Mary and Nigel tonight. I love him.

Cat asks Nigel if he has any advice for the top twenty this year. He says they should grab hold of the energy from the audience. He thinks they're going to be nervous, but no more nervous than the judges themselves. I think he should have just said they should try not to suck. Cat says Mary's been here since the dawn of time, does it get any easier?

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Watching dancing is easy. Making fire, now THAT was hard. 

Time for Adam to plug what he's been doing. Aside from going on the audition trail with Nigel and Mary, Adam is living in airports because he's producing three movies simultaneously. The only one he mentions by name is Step Up 3D. A 3D dance movie? Talk about being kicked in the face! Oh, and he's cast dancers from past seasons in it including Katee, Joshua, Ivan and Twitch has a huge role in it. I'm sure I'll go see it. The acting may suck, but the dancing is sure to be good.

So the show has paired up the dancers and they have picked a style out of the hat. You all know how this works, right? Okay, for those of you who don't, here goes.... each couple will dance. There will be phone numbers. You will vote (hopefully not for the people that suck). The bottom three vote getting couples will be put into, well, the bottom three. Those six dancers will each go in front of the dance Gestapo to dance for their lives. Then the judges will decide which guy and which girl will be cut. Sometimes it will make sense; sometimes they will piss you off. Any questions? No? Okay then! Are you ready for some dancing?

Well you're going to have to wait. First we all get to see a retrospective on how the top twenty got to BE the top twenty. Were we not all here for the past three weeks? I'm pretty sure I remember what happened. GOD. They've set their little montage to The Fray's "You Found Me". Is anyone else as sick of that song as I am? So we get to relive some great moments from the auditions and one not so great moment.

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Alright. Finally time for some dancing. Sort of. First we get to find out a little more about the first couple and sneak a peek at their first rehearsal. I predict someone will have trouble. But we'll have to wait and see the performance to find out if they've overcome said trouble.

First up are Phillip and Jeanine. Ooooooo, I love him! Don't know her,but I hope she's good. Jeanine tells us she doesn't have amazing legs or an incredible turnout, but she has passion, and she loves what's she's doing.

They recycle Phillip saying his ability was born and bred in his bedroom practicing in front of a window reflection. They just ran that last week! Come on! If we're going to be subjected to the fluff I at least want some NEW fluff.

They're doing hip hop. Wow. That's pretty lucky for Phillip. They're with Tabitha and Napoleon who have choreographed a number about a couple (of course) that can't fall asleep without resolving their issues. Sounds like it could be a bit autobiographical.

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We haven't slept in days.  

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Comments (31)

wornsey:

Ha!! I'm right there with you on Michael Buble . . . I always call him Michael Booby, ticks off my daughter when I do it.

alex_w:

No matter that I disagree with you about Kayla, thank you for always getting the recaps out so soon. I'm used to waiting like, a week after the show aired. It's nice to have them so early.

cattyfan:

Your definition of "cute" verses "hot? PERFECT!!!!

Wade Robson is the most brilliant choreographer currently living. I'm so glad he's back again this year. I was also glad to see Louis Van Amstel (from DWTS) and the return of Shane Sparks to the fold (for the opening number on Results Night.) It's great to see such a wide range of talent. But I have to admit, I always think of Mandy Moore as a poor man's Mia. (Not exactly a compliment...)

Now...could we get Melissa some eyebrows?

cattyfan:

One last thing...I'll agree with you on Kayla and Max, to a point. If this same number had been performed in four or five weeks, it would not have been met with those gushing reviews...but for an opening week number with two people who haven't before met until they were paired up, and one of 'em hasn't worked with a partner before, it was impressive.

However I'm not ready to crown them king and queen yet.

brattygrl:

I do agree with you about Kayla! While I do think she's a great dancer, I just don't see her steaming ahead of the pack like they seem to. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Wade Robson routine!! But, my fave was definitely Melissa & Ade! Never would have guessed that either because I wasn't too crazy about Melissa throughout auditions & Vegas!

slumrville:

Oh, PottyMouth, I

I thought this was a great opening to the season... my favorites were Philip/Jeanine, Evan/Randi, and Kupono/Ashley, and Max/Kayla. I agreed with most of your accessments, including CUTE vs. HOT!!! Thank you for that!!!

Lizbot:

yay! the recaps here!

I agree with you on pretty much everything except...

For some reason I liked Tony and Paris's hiphop routine better upon rewatching than I did when I first watched (I thought the choreography and the dancers were bleh the first time around). I actually think (in hindsight) Jonathan and Karla deserved to go home based on the quality of the routine and their solos (not that Tony and Paris had great solos -- Tony basically did nothing in his!) But that said, out of the talented field that makes up this year's top 20, neither of them stood a chance either way. I hate to say it, but I don't think I'm going to miss them....

I also liked Kayla and Max's dance a lot. Not my fave of the night (I think Kupono's and Ashley's was first for me, followed by Randi and Evan.

For some reason (and don't get me wrong, I think he's awesome at what he does) Philip is not doing it for me. I just don't think he and Jeanine had any chemistry and I think he's going to flop once he has to branch out into other genres. Hopefully he proves me wrong.

I missed Jason and Caitlin's routine performance night but just watched on youtube. They actually did quite well with a complicated dance, but I think Jason definitely out-danced Caitlin. He just seemed more definite and specific in his movements for me. But then, I might be biased cause I think Caitlin's sister should have been picked over her. Something about her just doesn't do it for me -- and I wish she'd get rid of those darn bangs! (I know, has nothing to do with dance, but for some reason they annoy me *sigh*)

Lizbot:

Oh, and I can't imagine any pair on this show topping the Danny/Lacey samba. That was near perfection!

NatPatBen:

Why when I press tab after typing my email address am I directed to the top of the page instead of to the comments box? That always happens at this site & it's weird to me.


Anyway, THANK YOU so much for the video of Danny and Lacey. It sparked a 30 minute detour to watch more videos of Danny. Fell in love with his dancing all over again. I wish I could get a video of Danny doing a zillion dances. Talent personified.

blazergirl:

Thank you so much for the Kaitlin/Meredith Baxter Birney comparison! I have been going crazy trying to figure out who I thought Kaitlin looked like; you nailed it.

And I definitely think Mary was drinking something spiked during the show, yes I do.

ohhhyeah:

Random thoughts:

On the reason solos are called "dance for your life." It seems funny that they are so overly dramatic with this phrase, but "dance for your right to stay in the competition" just doesn't have the same ring to it. I've tried to come up with something better but couldn't, so I have to give them a pass on this one.

Why is it that after every performance the guy is sweating buckets and the girl is dry as desert air? I'd say this happens about 80 percent of the time. I notice it every season and it still amazes me. Are the girls wearing water sealer or something?

The audience stopped doing the 5 second countdown thing last season or even possibly the season before. It should have remained a thing of the past. I have to wonder if the producers encourage the audience to do that.

Mary is annoying and an embarrasment, and I'm so over her. If they would get rid of her the show would be so much better. In my opinion, So You Think You Can Dance Australia has the best judges. They're all sane and give good critique, except that the woman judge (can't remember her name) always asks the dancers, "how did that make you FEEL," "how did you FEEL about that?" Ugh! Drives me batty. No host compares to Cat though.

Speaking of Cat, I think she's becoming Americanized, because she said "judges" at least five times during the results show and pronounced it correctly every time (as opposed to her usual pronunciation, "jidges").

"I bet Mia's at home throwing shit at her TV right now." HaHaHa. I thought all of your observations about the routines were spot on, even about Kayla and Max. In general the judges seemed overly generous in their critiques. Maybe it's just the excitement of the first performance show.

One last note, I'm FEELING good about the top 17 (minus Jonathan, who won't be around after next week anyway).

PS. What the hell does TCO stand for?

chibby:

Oh how I miss Danny... His samba with Lacey was my favorite still. I still can't find that version of that song though. The one on iTunes is a bit different.
My favorite of the night was Melissa/Ade, and Evan/Randi. Kupono/Ashley was cute too but just didn't grab me the way Wade Robson's previous work did. And I agree, not really feeling that samba. Just meh. I guess considering she's never done it before.. maybe. But I don't see them going far.

princesspeapod:

I didn't get the crash test dummy dance at all. It didn't "speak to me"; I just thought it was weird. But then again, I admittedly know nothing about dancing; I just like watching the show.

I was also trying to figure out who Caitlin reminded me of. For anyone who remembers the show Felicity, I decided it's the girl who played Noel's girlfriend Ruby. Caitlin looks just exactly like her, especially when she doesn't have bangs.

yentapatrol:

Darling Pottymouth,
You are a recapping superwoman!!! Seriously, 3 a week on an ongoing basis...I hope Flipit's going to foot the bill for the inevitable carpel tunnel/cirrhosis problems.

Awesome recap. Since I know absolutely nothing about dance, it's really nice to read your explanations. Of course, my husband's a little now that you've got me hooked on this show : )
Hugs,
Yenta

tv freak:

Nice observations, especially the "slip under the net" by Nigel. When he sdaid that, I said out loud "and who's fault is that Nigel?"

Janette and Brandon may have been good for all I know, but I was too distracted by the fact that the song was by Michael Buble. Ever since his appearance on American Idol, I haven't been able to stand him. Am I the only one who thinks he is overrated?

Loved the botox comment

I can't believe there was no comment on the ending of Wade's routine. That had me LMAO.

I understand that you like Ade, but seriously? No comment on the ridiculous hair pick? for shame...

I think I am in the minority here, but as far as favorite routines go, nothing came close to Phillip and Jeanine. I loved the parts with the sharp quick movements (to the drum beat possibly? IDK) The popping at the end was great too.

NatPatBen:

tv freak, I agree with you on the best routine of the night. None other were nearly as entertaining and precise as that first one, IMO


ohhhyeah, maybe the men sweat more because they wear way more clothes than the women.

georgiababe:

I agree with you 100% about almost everything.

I too thought that the Bollywood dance was somewhat sloppy and I was very surprised that the judges loved it as much as they did.

Also, Paris' sickled feet was something that I noticed in her audition and it DROVE ME CRAZY! I couldn't figure out why nobody said anything to her.

I agree with you about Evan and Randi - they were awesome! Also, I also agree that Karla and Jonathan had no chemistry - I thought their dance was pretty boring, actually. And the samba, too. I don't like Kayla - I don't know why, but something about her just bugs me. But I also thought that the samba wasn't that great.

The only thing I disagree about was Ashley/Kupono's dance. Ashley also rubs me the wrong way, for whatever reason. I like Kupono and I LOVE Wade Robson, but I found it to be too weird. I didn't get into it like I have his past dances.

Thanks for a great recap, it's like you read my mind!

georgiababe:

Also - I think Caitlin looks like Amy Smart. That is who I first thought of when I saw her.

razzbeth:

I pretty much like everyone this season and have no clear favorite to win. Of course it is early yet, so time will tell.

Reading the recap and some of the comments makes me want to not vote since I obviously don't know anything about dance. I don't think Wade's number was pure genius, just annoying, although I think they danced it well.

I re-watched Lacey and Danny's samba and much prefer what Kayla and Max did.

I don't even know what a "serious of lifts" are that Janette and Brandon did.

Does this make me ineligible to vote since I obviously have no idea what I am looking at?

I did love at the beginning when Cat said she had new babies. I think they really are to her.

leslie_pcc:

I, too, LOVED the crash test dummies routine! The fluidity of their movements was insane. I thought Kupono stayed in character the whole time too. I also loved seeing the Danny/Lacey samba again. Hands down the best routine ever on this show (well...maybe a tie with the Wade Robson zombie number).

PottyMouth:

Holy Shit!! You guys are on fire this week!

wornsey: Glad to know I’m not the only one that thinks he’s a boob!

alex_w: Aww, you’re welcome. Even if you’re a Kayla kool-aid drinker :P

cattyfan: I’ll give you that on Max and Kayla. Like I said, I thought they were good, I just didn’t think they deserved all the gushing and ooooing and aaahing.

brattygrl: I loved that number too! But I can’t pick a favorite. I have loves, likes and Tony and Paris.

slumrville: You’re so welcome. It seems I can’t help myself when it comes to that man.

Lizbot: I wasn’t crazy about it even after re-watching it, but I think they were way out of their league in this season’s group.

NatPatBen: I have NO idea. And…..Danny was always my favorite from that season. I thought he should have won hands down and never agreed with the judges that he was arrogant. Just because he wouldn’t pander to the audience when it came time for voting didn’t make him arrogant AT ALL. It was the one and only time I got really mad at Adam.

blazergirl: That stuff always drives me batty until I figure it out!

ohhhyeah: I’ve never seen SYTYCD Australia. I’ve only watched the US version. Uhhh, I have no idea what the hell TCO stands for “Total Crack Out” maybe?

chibby: Me too.

princesspeapod: That’s the beauty of dance – it’s so subjective. I’m glad you’re watching the show!

Yenta! I wonder what the life expectancy of a recapper’s liver actually is? Tell your husband dance is good for the soul. And then give him a lap dance. Tell him you learned it by watching the show. I bet he won’t complain again!

tv freak: Hahaha! I actually started to say something about the power of the pick but then got side tracked by Melissa’s age and Mandy juggling body parts. Recapper ADD.

georgiababe: Sickled feet always makes me nutso. Ashley acts gets on my nerves too – I get a total bitch vibe from her. But I loved that dance so much she actually didn’t bug me in it. Maybe it was the makeup, but I forgot it was her and just enjoyed the dancing.

razzbeth: Plenty of people think that Wade’s number is annoying and that Kayla and Max rocked it. You vote on what you like. And a series of lifts is when Brandon was picking Janette up, throwing her around and twirling her in the air one after the other.

I’m so excited that you all are excited about this season. The results show recap will be ready soon. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on that! You guys make my day!

SWAK, PottyMouth

PottyMouth:

leslie_pcc: I think we were posting at the same time! I LOVE that zombie number!!

kimberino:

I believe TCO stands for "The Chosen One", as in the one the producers et al have decided they want to win the show and will overhype if necessary. I've seen it used on a couple other forum sites. Most feel that Kayla is the TCO for this season.

ohhhyeah:

Thanks kimberino, that sounds right. I also saw it several times, but couldn't for the life of me come up with anything that made sense.

Rock Star:

Potty Mouth, I believe you and I are going to hell, because I laughed out loud when I read your comment about mentally challenged people having dance-offs.

Also, I don't want to be too much of a hair splitter, but you don't feel nauseous. You feel nauseated.

I thought Philip and....his partner's routine was amazing...I haven't bothered to learn most people's names yet, but Kupono was amazing in the CTD routine. The concept of it annoyed me, but his dancing was unbelievable. I thought Ade and Naughty Ballerina were also excellent. I thought Baby Face boy and his partner were excellent to, as much as I hate Lady Gaga. My best friend likes her, ugh. It seems especially ridiculous because we are both musicians. Like, actually talented at music people. Liking her seems illogical, because she can't sing, or dress, and has built an ENTIRE (singing) CAREER on what her body looks like. Singing careers should be based on SINGING. Sorry, small digression there...
Great recap!

P.S. Why do you hate Paris? I don't even know who the hell she is...should I?

PottyMouth:

Rock Star: Oh yeah, I am definitely going to hell! I don't hate Paris, I just don't thinks she's that good. And her feet drive me crazy.

newcastlefan:

I like Ade and Melissa but I don't he's strong enough to pull Melissa through hip hop. When the Richard Marx started I pictured 12 year old girls downloading it from iTunes thinking it was new. Is it wrong that every routine reminded me of Katie and Joshua- like thinking about No Air during the first hip hop.

Lifesabeach:

If Nigel continues to go on and on about how 'old' Melissa is...gah. It's not like a 29 year old is on death's door.

Although she might be if she sticks her finger in her mouth and bites her nail again. It is a annoying habit she needs to break NOW.

Same goes for you annoying camera man. Is it just me or does the camera work get worse every single season? I don't want to see a close up of so and so's face, I want to see the dance.

tv freak:

Rock Star-Lady Gaga actually is a succesful song writer. Just Dance was intended for The Pussycat Dolls, but she was told that no one could perform it like she could. So, it wasn't just her looks that got her there.

P.S. I'm not a Lady Gaga fan either. I love Just Dance, but she's overrated IMO.

mones:

this show and you are awesome! couple more things: caitlin looks more like a cross between julie (mike's 1st girlfriend) from "growing pains" and the chick who played mozart's wife in "amadeus". anyone?

also, napoleon & tabitha SUCK! their routines were, hands down, the worst of the night. i groan every time i see them on the screen. first of all, they are cheesy as hell. B) they use the SAME damn moves all the time. oh, and do you have to work out every freakin marital problem on screen? jeez.

PottyMouth:

newcastlefan: I think you’re right – Melissa could definitely be in trouble when/if they get a hip hop number.

Lifesabeach: Yeah, the finger biting needs to be retired. Immediately.

tv freak: I love Just Dance also, even though I’m no Gaga fan.

mones: Thanks so much! I think you’re pretty awesome yourself. Please tell me you’re recapping Glee this fall!

I think Napoleon and Tabitha need to be enjoyed in small doses. I don’t mind them when there are other hip hop choreographers (and Bleeding Love remains one of my favorite routines of all time), I just wish they’d bring back Shane.

Can’t wait for tonight!!

SWAK, PottyMouth

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