Cat's happy that we're getting closer and closer to the top ten for this season, but sad because we have to lose one more guy and one more girl. Poor Cat. These Thursdays really take their toll on her. I guess that explains her decision to fashion a pantsuit out of an old art deco couch. THIS Is So You Think You Can Dance (dance.....dance)!
The anemone print used to be very popular for couches and seat cushions
WOWIE GAZOWIE!! This opening number kicks all kinds of ass. Okay, let's see if I can do this any sort of justice. First, I will tell you it's choreographed by Dmitry, Tabitha and Napoleon, and performed to "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" by Pitbull.
We seem to be in a cabaret or juke joint of some sort. There's a lot of touching going on along with a heavy dose of seductive head rolls. And then the music kicks it up, and so do the dancers. The girls are hitting it hard, obviously Dmitry has had a heavy hand in this first part - it feels very ballroom to me. In a good way.
So the ballroomish part goes on for a while, and I am really loving this. And then. Water. All of a sudden some of the girls are soaked in water and dancing on the tables. Very Flashdance-esque.
I'm not sure how the whole water thing happened, but it looked so cool. I think Jeannine and Janette were the only ones that were wet. Oh wait! I see someone else. How'd I miss you?
From there the boys go into more of a hip hop style section, and they kill it too.
They end this number with more of the ballroom feel, and a lot of partnering work. I don't think I can say enough how much I loved this number! What a great way to start the night! And then! Cat enters, popping up from one of the tables. Love it!
Cat goes through her normal spiel and re-introduces us to the judges, but before we move on to the show proper, Nigel has a couple of things he'd like to say. He wants to talk briefly about Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson. Obviously by now you all know they died.
Nigel starts out talking about Ed McMahon, the voice of the Johnny Carson show and promoter of talent via Star Search. I gotta tell you, Gasmi, I loved Star Search as a kid. I watched religiously, loved the dance category the most, but really? I loved all of it, even the stupid spokesmodel category. I always wished they would bring it back, but when they did, it totally sucked. Arsenio Hall is no Ed, and the judges on the new one sucked hairy monkey balls.
Nigel moves on to talk about Farrah Fawcett. He got to meet her this past Christmas where Farrah tried to teach him how to make a pecan pie. He talks about her humor and strength, and how she fought to live.
And then, Michael Jackson. Nigel thinks we will not see his like again, he was a global superstar. He changed the face of music and dance in the world. Nigel talks about how the "Black and White" video was almost inspiration for this show, taking different genres of dance (Indian, Native American, African, and Russian) and bringing them all together in that one video. Nigel also talks about how so many people started dancing because of Michael Jackson.
I'm not going to add a lot here. He was a sad troubled soul, his life was strange and bizarre and rife with scandal. No matter what you think of Michael as a person, there is no denying what he brought to the world of music and dance. J-Mo sent me a link to a blog entry that was written about Michael, that I'd like to share with you here. Thanks again, J-Mo!
Nigel finally wraps it up saying that they're going to show the "Thriller" video. Oh, I love that video! I remember what a big deal it was when it came out and I was right there with everyone else, sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting to see. But Nigel's a liar. They don't show the video. They show a clip from the video; the same clip we've all seen a thousand times in the few hours after his death was announced. Phooey.
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Comments (19)
Thanks for the great recap. My television kept randomly changing to static, seemingly at the worst times (including Jason's solo!)
Sad to see Jonathan go. I really liked his personality and his gymnastics. Too bad he couldn't dance as well as he could tumble. I'm hoping Vitolio gets eliminated next and Karla finds a way to save herself.
1 of 19 | Posted by tv freak | Posted on June 29, 2009 3:41 PM
Another great re-cap -- great (in part) because of the way you manage to work hot pictures of Hugh in when we (or at least I) least expect it. That's a gift, I tell ya!
I was sooo glad to see Asuka gone. And Jonathan. I'm hoping that Vitolio and Karla can bring out a spark in each other, because I'm on the verge of liking them both. I hate agreeing with Nigel, but Vito really needed to bring something more to his solo this week (I thought he was better his first trip to the bottom) and Karla...it's like she has the ingredients to be really good but they don't quite mix together yet...but here's hoping..
Caitlin frustrates me! I so wanted her to be gone so that Jason could get paired with a more dynamic partner, but dammit she pulls out all kinds of excellence in her solos. I'm with you: why can't she do that when she's dancing someone else's choreography with Jason? Can she only connect to her own choreography? Or is it that she's danced those routines many times before and feels more competent in them? Is she just not comfy dancing with a partner? IDK...
Jonathan does seem like a sweetie, but he was definitely out of his depth. I agree, it bugs me when the judges put people through when they're not yet ready just so they can have someone to criticize (I assume). The do that on AI too. It's annoying!
2 of 19 | Posted by Lizbot | Posted on June 29, 2009 4:17 PM
Couple things- I will not miss Asuka at all. I HATED their dance from the performance show. Jonathan seemed nice, but I don't really have any feelings on him either way.
Pottymouth- are you serious?? You didn't think the Veronicas were that bad??? I thought the singing was absolutely atrocious. And sharp. Good Lord, those girls are terrible.
3 of 19 | Posted by Rock Star | Posted on June 30, 2009 5:06 AM
tv freak: I think Vitolio will be gone for sure if he doesn't bust out something amazing this week. Karla's in the same boat.
Lizbot: I'm glad you're enjoying the pix. I don't ever want it to feel forced, which is why I said at the beginning of the season that he might only be making guest appearances. Luckily (or unluckily if you don't like Hugh) he seems to pop into my mind at good moments to incorporate.
I totally agree about Caitlin. It's incredibly frustrating.
Rock Star: LOL, I think comparing them in my mind to Kingston and DeBarge, they didn't seem all that bad. This show is making me lower my standards!! Or benadryl makes everyone sound better. :P
SWAK, PottyMouth
4 of 19 | Posted by PottyMouth | Posted on June 30, 2009 7:08 AM
`PottyMouth - please, oh please, keep Hugh as a featured player. Those pix are the cherry on the sundae of an already delightful recap!
I always laugh at the clever way you incorporate him, and then spend a few minutes admiring...
5 of 19 | Posted by rjfrankel | Posted on June 30, 2009 8:46 AM
i love love love these recaps...more hugh, more dances from previous seasons!
lol i did exactly the same thing as your screencap when toni was making her judging comments, turned to my friend and said "street street street y street street"...she is pretty useless. other useless judges include debbie allen and dan karaty (what a douche)
6 of 19 | Posted by buttersstotch | Posted on June 30, 2009 10:55 AM
buttersstotch: Isn't Dan Karaty (hopefully this doesn't offend someone) the white hip-hop choreographer? I remember him choreographing some routines (not sure if they were good or not)? Where is he though? I haven't seen him this season.
7 of 19 | Posted by hm21 | Posted on June 30, 2009 3:09 PM
Pottymouth, I love that you take the time to read and respond to comments (not that you should feel that you always have to, but it's nice)
Also, I love that you're so knowledgeable about SYTYCD stats. So I have a question: what were Dan's stats while he was on the show. It's my perception that he was the KOD (Kiss Of Death) choreographer, but I'm not sure. I don't think his dancers always got the boot, but how often did they wind up in the bottom 3? If you know that I'll heart you forever :) Ah wait, maybe I already do....
hm21, I can't stand Dan as a choreographer but I actually liked him as a judge. I also heart Debbie Allen, but we all have our tastes I guess...
8 of 19 | Posted by Lizbot | Posted on June 30, 2009 4:15 PM
I always liked Dan Karaty as a judge as well...he only had about 2 routines he choreographed in the first year of the show that I enjoyed but I always thought he was a good judge...and kinda cute too :)
9 of 19 | Posted by shibaby | Posted on June 30, 2009 5:58 PM
The only thing I remember Dan choreographing was Cameron and Lacey's hip hop number, which was OK. I agree that he is a great judge, though; he's insightful, gives good feedback, and isn't afraid to disagree with Nigel. They need to replace Mary with him!
PM, I just love your recaps! You obviously love the show as much as we do, which makes them fun to read.
10 of 19 | Posted by here4beer | Posted on June 30, 2009 6:23 PM
This comment is obviously really late, but oh well.
I liked Dan as a judge, he was NORMAL. His choreography was bad though.
I figure if a few of the dancers get show-ending injuries they'll bring Ashley back as a substitue... I haven't given up hope yet!
PottyMouth, I too think it's great that you take the time to respond to every post. I was thinking of leaving fifty posts just to see how far I could push you, but didn't want to get run out of town :P
11 of 19 | Posted by ohhhyeah | Posted on June 30, 2009 8:28 PM
rjfrankel: As long as Hugh keeps calling to me, he will keep being a part of the recaps.
buttersstotch: I’m so glad you’re enjoying them. I love re-watching old routines, so I’m glad you guys are enjoying it too. You’re so street.
hm21: I think Dan is working on SYTYCD Canada. I haven’t seen it, so I don’t know that for sure, but that is what I had heard.
Lizbot: I never do anything that I HAVE to do. :P I enjoy having the “conversations” with you all. Dan’s track record as a choreographer was never good, but he hasn’t really done that much, surprisingly. Season 1 he choreographed two dances. One resulted in an elimination, one was for the final four. Season two, he did two dances, both resulted in eliminations. Season three he did two dances, one (Danny & Anya) put them in the bottom, the other (Lacey & Kameron) were safe.
shibaby: I liked Dan as a judge as well. I thought he gave good critiques, and HE never put anyone on the hot tamale train.
here4beer: I’m so glad it shows that I love the show. I’ve watched from the beginning, and was hooked immediately!
ohhhyeah: It’s never too late! There could be hope – there always seems to be at least one injury – or maybe Mia will give another person a nervous breakdown. Fifty posts?!?! That would be insane.
SWAK, PottyMouth
12 of 19 | Posted by PottyMouth | Posted on June 30, 2009 8:47 PM
Great job potty with Dan's track record.
"I figure if a few of the dancers get show-ending injuries they'll bring Ashley back as a substitue... I haven't given up hope yet!"
Am I missing something? I don't remember any Ashleys from this season...
13 of 19 | Posted by tv freak | Posted on July 1, 2009 9:17 AM
rotflol...that's sad that i already forgot ashley. I had to look up my list of the top 20 to remember her...that kinda says something about her i guess...
14 of 19 | Posted by tv freak | Posted on July 1, 2009 9:18 AM
Thanks for the Dan Karaty breakdown, Pottymouth. You are the SYTYCD Queen! I didn't realize Dan had choreographed so few times -- I just remember some very bad routines so I guess he was more salient to me as a result.
Glad you don't find "conversing" with us to be a chore :)
Oh, and I'm not sure what Dan's role on SYTYCD Canada will be this season, but last year he was a judge at the auditions (can't remember if he put in an appearance at our version of "hell week" in Toronto) and I believe he judged at least one of the shows. He wasn't there often enough to justify his absence from SYTYCD USA, I don't think, so I"m thinking his lack of presence there may have more to do with his reputation of being the KOD choreographer....
Ohhyeah: I found myself missing Ashley this week more than I thought I would. I just really want to have at least one female dancer I can get behind 100% (the more I hear Kayla talk the harder it is to be fully in her corner!)
15 of 19 | Posted by Lizbot | Posted on July 1, 2009 9:29 AM
Oh yeah, and more re: Dan and SYTYCD Canada: Mary made about as many appearances as Dan did on the show I believe and the seasons run at different times of the year, so definitely no excuse. I don't know how it will work this fall when they are running Season 6 of the American version at the same time Season 2 of the Canadian version is supposed to be running
16 of 19 | Posted by Lizbot | Posted on July 1, 2009 9:31 AM
tv freak: You just made me LOL! I think it’s hilarious that you forgot for a minute who Ashley is!
Lizbot: I hadn’t realized it either – I always think of him as having such a presence the first couple of seasons, but that must have been at the judging table (and his little “spat” with Blake).
Nope, you guys are not a chore at all – I could talk about this show all day long. :D Thanks for the info re: SYTYCD Canada – it’s criminal how little I know about the non-US versions!
SWAK, PottyMouth
17 of 19 | Posted by PottyMouth | Posted on July 1, 2009 11:48 AM
I find that this season is good - Cat is smashing as usual. Love Ade/Melissa but he needs to lose the pick! Doesn't Melissa look older than 29? No matter - still love her. Love Brandon - such a sweetie. Why can't they give a towel to those who sweat? (Vitolio)... Love all the comments - best blog around!
18 of 19 | Posted by Tommy Girl | Posted on July 2, 2009 12:02 AM
I can already tell that it will be getting harder to see anyone voted off as the season digresses. I want them all to do as well as their talent and determination will allow them. Too bad that luck and (perhaps) some bias by the judges (or the producers) is part of the formula. Such is life (sigh).
Thanks for the recap! (I missed the show - on the road, moving to a new "hideout" - sounds like that opening number was spectacular!)
19 of 19 | Posted by fire@will | Posted on July 2, 2009 2:12 PM