Last night was the first elimination show, and I really hate this new format of eliminating the dancers first before they had to dance with their partners. It sucked the joy right out of the show. It didn't help that Cat actually looked very odd for once - I did not like the outfit.
The group routine was disjointed and overly fussy, so of course it was a Tyce number. Both Mr. Y and I called it about 5 seconds into the routine.
Eliminations
The bottom three guys were Carlos, Jade, and Alan. The bottom three girls were Mariah (no!!!), Brittany, and Makenzie. The judges immediately saved Makenzie and Alan, which meant Mariah, Brittany, Jade, and Carlos had to dance for their lives. I was right about two of the girls, and only one of the guys.
The solos were OK - Jade had the best one. I didn't like Nigel chastising them for not dancing hard enough. I didn't think the problem was that they weren't dancing hard enough, but that their emotions were all over the place. As much as the judges like to talk about these dancers being professionals, they are still young and being throw into a national stage like this must be tough. Plus they had to do this in the beginning of the show! No wonder they looked scared to death.
After the solos the judges didn't even deliberate before Nigel announced that Brittany and Carlos were leaving. I am happy Mariah is staying.
Most favorite routines
1) Jasmine Mason and Alan's tango from Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo. Alan was an amazing partner in this routine. His looks and posture really fit the dance. Jasmine started off a bit tentative, but once the music picked up she really got into it.
2) Jasmine Harper and Aaron's lyrical hip hop from NappyTab. This couple again proved they were one of the ones to beat. Their chemistry was off the charts, and the routine was so athletic. Probably the only couple in the competition who could have pulled off such a sexually-charged, mature piece.
3) Mariah and Carlos's contemporary from Stacey Tookey. Mariah and Carlos really stepped it up emotionally in this dance, most likely because Carlos was already eliminated. It worked in Mariah's favor that she looked like she was on the verge of tears the entire time, which was her actual emotion. Much better than the jive last week. We'll see if Mariah can do better with BluPrint next week.
Least favorite routines
1) Brittany and BluPrint's Broadway from Spencer Liff. I love the song ("It's Oh So Quiet" by Bjork from the Ice Princess Original Soundtrack), but the routine was a mess. Brittany looked like she was trying too hard, and Blu Print looked like he wasn't trying hard enough. It didn't help that Brittany was already eliminated, so I couldn't help feeling sorry for her throughout the entire dance.
2) Hayley and Curtis's jazz from Ray Leeper. Hayley looked super hot in the outfit, but the whole thing felt very cheesy and blah. I didn't feel their chemistry as much as I did last week.
3) Malece and Jade's Bollywood from Nakul Dev Mahajan. Jade was behind from the beginning and was not hitting his moves. Malece was OK, but was nothing special in this dance.
Predictions on who will be in trouble next week:
Boys: BluPrint, Jade, Curtis
Girls: Hayley, Malece, Alexis
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
So You Think You Can Dance - Season 10
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
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
Monday, July 1, 2013
Anthony Brodeur Drafted by the New Jersey Devils
This is a great story. Martin Brodeur's son, Anthony Brodeur, was drafted in the seventh round of the NHL draft by the New Jersey Devils. The proud dad and Devils legend got to announce the pick, and the big grin on his face was awesome, as well as the proud look he had when his son came to the table and put on the Devils jersey and hat.
Anthony is 18 years old and is also a goalie like his dad. He just finished his senior year at Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep in Minnesota, and will be playing for the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League next season.
When asked about the moment, Anthony stated, "This is so surreal. There's no other way to explain it. I've grown up watching the Devils, cheering on the Devils, cheering on my dad. So being in this jersey right now, in this arena, is awesome."
The seventh round is a far cry from the first round where Martin Brodeur was drafted by the Devils in 1990, but with pedigree like that, here's hoping another Brodeur will be a star in the NHL.
Anthony is 18 years old and is also a goalie like his dad. He just finished his senior year at Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep in Minnesota, and will be playing for the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League next season.
When asked about the moment, Anthony stated, "This is so surreal. There's no other way to explain it. I've grown up watching the Devils, cheering on the Devils, cheering on my dad. So being in this jersey right now, in this arena, is awesome."
The seventh round is a far cry from the first round where Martin Brodeur was drafted by the Devils in 1990, but with pedigree like that, here's hoping another Brodeur will be a star in the NHL.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Princess Madeleine of Sweden Married American Financier Chris O'Neill
Princess Madeleine of Sweden, the third child of King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia, married American financier Chris O'Neill in a lavish royal wedding this past Saturday, June 8th.
The wedding ceremony took place at Stockholm's Royal Chapel, and then the newlyweds took a carriage ride to the harbour where they boarded a boat to take them across the water to Drottningholm Palace, where a dinner and dance reception were held for 350 guests. The guests included many members of the European royal family, such as Prince Edward and Countess of Wessex from Great Britain, Prince Frederik and Princess Mary from Denmark, Princes Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit from Norway, and Princess Charlene from Monaco.
Princess Madeleine wore a beautiful gown custom designed by Valentino Garavani. The gown was "pleated silk organza with appliquéd ivory-hued Chantilly lace. The upper section of the bodice was lace with a deep-cut back. Narrow vertical pleats opened up from the accentuated waist, above the wide skirt, which ends with a four-metre-long train." She also wore a stunning silk organza veil "edged with tulle scatted with point d'esprit dots and small Chantilly lace orange blossom." Her tiara was also decorated with sprigs of orange blossoms.
The groom Chris O'Neill is an American financier and a partner with the hedge fund Noster Capital. He was born in London and is the son of the late investment banker Paul O'Neill and Eva O'Neill. His mother Eva is a German socialite and philanthropist who is friendly with royalty, such as Prince Charles. Chris was educated in a boarding school in Switzerland before coming to the United States to attend Boston University and Columbia Business School. Chris and Madeleine met in New York through mutual friends.
The bride's sister, Crown Princess Victoria, looked beautiful in "a greige rosé dress made from hand-dyed silk organza with layers of tulle in three shades, silk threads, Lurex threads, pearls and Swarovski crystals in amethyst and pale grey opal" designed by Elie Saab. The most adorable guest is Victoria's daughter and Madeleine's niece, Princess Estelle, who wore a cute white dress and even had her own miniature chair at the wedding ceremony. I am just impressed a child that young behaved so well through the whole ceremony.
Hello! Magazine has a great spread of photographs from the best moments of the wedding, as well as the official wedding photographs.
The wedding ceremony took place at Stockholm's Royal Chapel, and then the newlyweds took a carriage ride to the harbour where they boarded a boat to take them across the water to Drottningholm Palace, where a dinner and dance reception were held for 350 guests. The guests included many members of the European royal family, such as Prince Edward and Countess of Wessex from Great Britain, Prince Frederik and Princess Mary from Denmark, Princes Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit from Norway, and Princess Charlene from Monaco.
Princess Madeleine wore a beautiful gown custom designed by Valentino Garavani. The gown was "pleated silk organza with appliquéd ivory-hued Chantilly lace. The upper section of the bodice was lace with a deep-cut back. Narrow vertical pleats opened up from the accentuated waist, above the wide skirt, which ends with a four-metre-long train." She also wore a stunning silk organza veil "edged with tulle scatted with point d'esprit dots and small Chantilly lace orange blossom." Her tiara was also decorated with sprigs of orange blossoms.
The groom Chris O'Neill is an American financier and a partner with the hedge fund Noster Capital. He was born in London and is the son of the late investment banker Paul O'Neill and Eva O'Neill. His mother Eva is a German socialite and philanthropist who is friendly with royalty, such as Prince Charles. Chris was educated in a boarding school in Switzerland before coming to the United States to attend Boston University and Columbia Business School. Chris and Madeleine met in New York through mutual friends.
The bride's sister, Crown Princess Victoria, looked beautiful in "a greige rosé dress made from hand-dyed silk organza with layers of tulle in three shades, silk threads, Lurex threads, pearls and Swarovski crystals in amethyst and pale grey opal" designed by Elie Saab. The most adorable guest is Victoria's daughter and Madeleine's niece, Princess Estelle, who wore a cute white dress and even had her own miniature chair at the wedding ceremony. I am just impressed a child that young behaved so well through the whole ceremony.
Hello! Magazine has a great spread of photographs from the best moments of the wedding, as well as the official wedding photographs.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Bryan Voltaggio on Top Chef Masters
Bryan Voltaggio, who finished second to his brother Michael on Top Chef season 5 in Las Vegas, will be the first former Top Chef contestant to appear on Top Chef Masters. Washington Post has an interesting interview with him about the show, which will premiere on July 24th on Bravo.
Bryan is competing against some pretty big heavyweights in season 5 of Top Chef Masters, and his charity is Share Our Strength.
David Burke (David Burke Townhouse, NYC);
Douglas Keane (formerly of Cyrus, Healdsburg, CA);
Sue Zemanick (Gautreau's, New Orleans);
Richard Sandoval (Richard Sandoval Restaurants);
Bryan Voltaggio (Volt, Frederick, MD);
Franklin Becker (The Little Beet, NYC);
Lynn Crawford (Ruby Watchco, Toronto, Canada);
Odette Fada (formerly of San Domenico, NYC);
Neal Fraser (formerly of Grace, Los Angeles);
Jennifer Jasinski (Bistro Vendôme, Denver, CO);
Jenn Louis (Lincoln Restaurant, Portland, OR);
Herbert Wilson (Sushi Samba, Las Vegas); and
Sang Yoon (Father's Office, Los Angeles).
I really liked Brian when he was on Top Chef, and I still think that was still the best season of Top Chef so far. I hope he does well on Top Chef Masters. The other one I'll be rooting for is Sang Yoon from Father's Office.
Bryan is competing against some pretty big heavyweights in season 5 of Top Chef Masters, and his charity is Share Our Strength.
David Burke (David Burke Townhouse, NYC);
Douglas Keane (formerly of Cyrus, Healdsburg, CA);
Sue Zemanick (Gautreau's, New Orleans);
Richard Sandoval (Richard Sandoval Restaurants);
Bryan Voltaggio (Volt, Frederick, MD);
Franklin Becker (The Little Beet, NYC);
Lynn Crawford (Ruby Watchco, Toronto, Canada);
Odette Fada (formerly of San Domenico, NYC);
Neal Fraser (formerly of Grace, Los Angeles);
Jennifer Jasinski (Bistro Vendôme, Denver, CO);
Jenn Louis (Lincoln Restaurant, Portland, OR);
Herbert Wilson (Sushi Samba, Las Vegas); and
Sang Yoon (Father's Office, Los Angeles).
I really liked Brian when he was on Top Chef, and I still think that was still the best season of Top Chef so far. I hope he does well on Top Chef Masters. The other one I'll be rooting for is Sang Yoon from Father's Office.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Grant Hill and Jason Kidd Retiring from the NBA
Grant Hill and Jason Kidd, who shared Rookie of the Year honors in the 1994-1995 season, both announced their retirement within days of each other after 19 years in the NBA as members of the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks, respectively.
I remember both of them when they first entered the league, Kidd with the Dallas Mavericks and Hill with the Detroit Pistons. Kidd is likely to go into the Hall of Fame as one of the best point guards to play the game. He averaged 12.6 points, 8.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 1,391 regular-season games, and won an NBA championship with the Mavericks. He also won two gold medals in the Olympics.
Hill probably won't make it into the Hall of Fame. Although he was an amazing player when he first entered the league, a series of injuries have derailed his career. He still left with an average of 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals in 33.9 minutes per game, after playing in a total of 1,026 games (972 starts). Hill never won an NBA championship, but he was part of the 1992 championship team at Duke and won a gold medal in the 1996 Olympics. Hill was the one who passed the ball to Christian Laettner, who then turned and made a jump shot that sent Duke to the 1992 Final Four and to every NCAA tournament highlight reel since then. Hill is also known as one of the classiest guys in the league, and it's impressive how much he has fought back from injuries again and again.
I remember both of them when they first entered the league, Kidd with the Dallas Mavericks and Hill with the Detroit Pistons. Kidd is likely to go into the Hall of Fame as one of the best point guards to play the game. He averaged 12.6 points, 8.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 1,391 regular-season games, and won an NBA championship with the Mavericks. He also won two gold medals in the Olympics.
Hill probably won't make it into the Hall of Fame. Although he was an amazing player when he first entered the league, a series of injuries have derailed his career. He still left with an average of 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals in 33.9 minutes per game, after playing in a total of 1,026 games (972 starts). Hill never won an NBA championship, but he was part of the 1992 championship team at Duke and won a gold medal in the 1996 Olympics. Hill was the one who passed the ball to Christian Laettner, who then turned and made a jump shot that sent Duke to the 1992 Final Four and to every NCAA tournament highlight reel since then. Hill is also known as one of the classiest guys in the league, and it's impressive how much he has fought back from injuries again and again.
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" Turns 30
I have a soft spot for Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." My best girlfriends and I sang that song a lot in college, especially during girl-bonding sessions.
The song turns 30 this year, and the Kinky Boots cast surprised Lauper with an awesome music video (Lauper wrote the score for the musical). The video features the Kinky Boots cast as well as some famous guests, such as Kelly Ripa, Whoopi Goldberg, Katie Couric, Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Holland Taylor. Cast members of other Broadway shows also participated, such as Laura Osnes from Cinderella and Lilla Crawford from Annie.
The song turns 30 this year, and the Kinky Boots cast surprised Lauper with an awesome music video (Lauper wrote the score for the musical). The video features the Kinky Boots cast as well as some famous guests, such as Kelly Ripa, Whoopi Goldberg, Katie Couric, Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Holland Taylor. Cast members of other Broadway shows also participated, such as Laura Osnes from Cinderella and Lilla Crawford from Annie.
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