I have been very late in posting about So You Think You Can Dance, so I am combining my favorite dancers with my impression of the first performance show in one post.
This year the group is very eclectic, although as usual most of them are contemporary dancers. Just like last year, there will be one male winner and one female winner this season.
My Top 3 Women:
1) Mariah Spears - krump. Mariah is the krumper who looks like the sweet girl next door. I liked her last year and was disappointed when she didn't make it to the top 20, so I was excited when she made it this year. She did not get featured at all during the auditions and Vegas week, and she got saddled with a horrible routine last week (more below), so I hope she will last longer.
2) Jasmine Harper - contemporary. She is also known as Cyrus's ex. Jasmine and Cyrus broke up after he went on the show last season. She didn't bad-mouth him, but it didn't sound like a good breakup. She is very talented and has a compelling presence when she's dancing, and she's very good at connecting emotionally with the dances.
3) Hayley Erbert - contemporary. I was a bit turned off by Hayley during her initial audition when she talked about how her dancing just came across as sexy, but she ends up winning me over with her goofy personality. She also has that "it" factor where you can't take your eyes away from her when she's dancing.
My Top 3 Men:
1) Aaron Turner - tap. Aaron was a last minute addition to the top 20 after hip hop dancer Emilio suffered an injury before the live show. Mr. Y and I thought Aaron should have made it in anyway. He is a great dancer, and actually comes across as a man among the boys.
2) Tucker Knox - contemporary. Tucker's story about how he fought back from a terrible car accident is inspiring without being cloying, and he is an effortless dancer. I wish he had kept the curls, though, instead of the really short hair he's sporting now.
3) Curtis Holland - tap. I like his low-key approach and personality off stage, while coming alive on stage. He may not have the skills to go all the way, but it will be a pleasure to watch him grow week by week.
Last week was the first performance show where viewers get to vote. The night started with one of the amazing group routines I have ever seen - set to "Puttin' on the Ritz"by Herb Alpert feat. Lani Hall. and choreographed by NappyTab. It really looked like it was one long shot, and I like the cameos by Nigel, Mary, Travis Wall, Christopher Scott, and NappyTab. I think Tabitha made a much better animator than Nigel. Their son London made an appearance in the audience at the live show with his parents, and he is so adorable!
Favorite routines:
1) Amy and Fik-Shun's contemporary from Sonya Tayeh. This dance had everything - great music ("Elsa" by The Valerie Project", great choreography, great characters, and amazing dancing. Fik-Shun lived up to the hype he was getting during the auditions/Vegas rounds and actually looked like a contemporary dancer. Amy's dancing was so precise that every movement mattered, even the pauses.
2) Jasmine Harper and Aaron's jazz from Sonya Tayeh. Sonya really hit it out of the park with her two numbers. Both were very different, but very compelling in their own way. Jasmine is the star here - her legs seemed to go on forever. Aaron had unfortunate pants on, but he overcame that and was a true partner who kept up with Jasmine.
3) Hayley and Curtis's hip hop from Christopher Scott. I was surprised at the great chemistry between these two, especially so early in the season. They were also hitting the moves hard and really getting into the story. Definitely a couple to watch.
Least favorite routines:
1) Alexis and Nico's hip hop from Christopher Scott. I did not like this dance at all. The two of them did not click and they looked out of place. The sunglasses didn't help because we couldn't connect with them just with the movements.
2) Mariah and Carlos's jive from Jason Gilkison. I feel so bad for Mariah and Carlos. Not only were they stuck with this dud, they also went first. I pray that the viewers or the judges will give them another dance. They just looked lost and frantic among the fast movements.
3) Makenzie and Paul's viennese waltz by Jason Gilkison. Jason really struck out with his two pieces tonight. This one was just boring. The most interesting thing on stage was that umbrella. Plus they made Makenzie look dowdy and awful in that dress, hairstyle, and makeup, which I did not think was possible.
Predictions on who will be in trouble tonight:
Boys: Paul, Carlos, Nico
Girls: Makenzie, Mariah, Alexis
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