Welcome, To So You Think You Can Dance...
To start with, this group number is THE BEST GROUP ROUTINE IN THE HISTORY OF SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.
Ramalama Bang Bang and Comanche, you just got served!
Let's list the things that were awesome about this dance:
1) It was a backstage tour
2) There were quick changes into tuxedos
3) It was all one long choreographed shot
4) There were cameos by judges and choreographers
5) It was danced to Herb Alpert's Puttin' on the Ritz
6) Herb Alpert HIMSELF made a cameo!
Everything about this was the best thing ever. I can't even handle it, it was so great.
Cat Deeley Outfit Review
A pink shift dress and flat ironed hair. Not exactly noteworthy, Ms. Deeley, but all fine and good.
Mariah and Carlos - Jive
Choreographer: Jason Gilkinson
Song: "Get It Right" by Fantasia
I really liked this routine. Loved the yellow costumes and loved their personality. Great choreography and style. I did notice that their legs didn't seem to be doing the right jive-kind-of-thing, and Mary Murphy articulated that in a much more coherent way. But I agree with the judges, didn't care if the technique was there because they were so fun and energetic.
Jasmine Mason and Alan - Contemporary
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Song: "Can't Help Falling In Love" (Live) by Ingrid Michaelson
So Love Is Blind, or something? They danced with blindfolds on. The judges loved it, but I felt like the whole thing was a gimmick about "trust." To start with, I feel pretty sure that they could see partially through those blindfolds. And while they were good dancers, without their faces, I couldn't really connect to whatever the emotion of the dance was supposed to be. But I do love Ingrid Michaelson, so great song choice.
Malece and Jade -Jazz
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Song: "Silver Screen" by Felix da Housecat
I felt like this was almost Broadway, it was so much about the character and the mood. Some really interesting choreography. Overall, I liked it. Malece was very good in it, and Jade held his own.
Jenna and Tucker - Broadway
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: "That's All" by Kevin Spacey (Beyond the Sea)
So, before I get to the dancers, let's talk about Tyce's choreography. I think Tyce is a decently good jazz choreographer, but his Broadway routines are always so uninspired. He tends to be very "Broadway by Numbers." He picks a old song, puts in a few face pulls and jazz hands and calls it choreography. I never see him do anything new, and I think it sells the genre short. Thank goodness for Spencer Liff!
So this routine was no exception. I think they were an adorable couple and very fun, but the routine really didn't serve them at all. Jenna and Tucker remind me of Will and Amelia from last season - tall, goofy, a little affected but also super lovable.
BluPrint and Brittany - African Jazz
Choreographer: Sean Cheesman
Song: "Drumming Ciricle" by Professor Trance and The Energizers
Who is Brittany again? Oh, the less memorable ballroom girl. On to the dance. I thought this was SO GOOD. Normally I don't like African Jazz. Even when the judges love it, I just don't really connect to the dance style, and the dancers always look like they are struggling. Not so with this number! I loved the choreography and I thought they both danced it incredibly. This was one where BluPrint's face didn't need to be doing anything other than looking serious, so we got a chance to see why they kept him around, dance-wise. But seriously, I feel like those judges are completely ignoring the fact that she is a BALLROOM girl who totally kicked butt at this very broken-down, earthy style of dance. He may be untrained, but she is just as far out of her comfort zone as he is. And they barely even spoke to her.
Meanwhile, Nigel has made some very awkward comment about how even though BluPrint is black, that doesn't mean that he's naturally better at African Jazz, and we all shouldn't think that. Thank you, Nigel, for enlightening us on racism. I'll be sure not to think about how BluPrint is black, now that you've mentioned it.
Alexis and Nico - Hip Hop
Choreographer: Christopher Scott
Song: "Last Time (Knife Party Remix)" by Labrinth
We learn that Alexis loves Bieber and Nico loves Selena Gomez. Incidentally, they ARE Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber. I predict some tween adoration in the near future!
Highlight of the clip reel was seeing Cyrus and Marco assist, and then completely wipe out. Love those glimpses of alumni! The judges completely rag on the routine, but I didn't think it was nearly as bad as they did. Was it amazing? Nope. But I thought it was very cute, and I felt like Alexis definitely did a better job than Nico, and they kind of lumped them in together.
Mackenzie and Paul - Viennese Waltz
Choreographer: Jason Gilkinson
Song: "I'm With You" by Avril Lavigne
It's really difficult to get Viennese Waltz on your first week, because it rarely leaves an impression on voters. For my part, I always enjoy waltzes while they are on, and then forget them as soon as they are over. This one wasn't much of an exception. Only I really did not like that they made her a princess and then put her in this ridiculous poofy pink dress. Mary said the routine was scrumptious, but I think she just mistook Mackenzie's dress for a cupcake!
Also, Avril? The combo of pink, Avril, and princess was just a lot.
Jasmine Harper and Aaron - Jazz
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Song: "Bottom of the River" by Delta Rae
They are super tall and lovable. During the routine, I said, "This dance is starring Jasmine's legs," and Nigel pretty much echoed the same thing. Her legs are ridiculous. That's pretty much all there is to say about this dance.
Hayley and Curtis - Hip Hop
Choreographer: Christopher Scott
Song: "Go" by Delilah
Definitely another adorable couple. So many cuties this season. The lead-in was goofy, but it didn't show in the dance. Hayley was super sexy and definitely didn't have any problems playing that part. I felt like Curtis kept up, but Hayley was the star. I liked the routine and the style and the dancing, but I really felt like there were too many props. They spent way too much of that dance adjusting the light and the other light and the chair and on and on.
Amy and FikShun - Contemporary
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Song: "Elsa" by The Valerie Project
Ah yes, "Not Katie Holmes," as I have taken to calling Amy. I am starting think she reminds me of Kimmi Gibbler from Full House (anyone?). They do a very intense Sonya routine, and Cat Deeley starts talking about chills. This is going to be one for the highlight reel. Very serious routine, reminds me of the Alex and Allison routine from a few seasons ago, where I can appreciate it, but I don't love it as much as I think I should. But FikShun is really amazing! And I finally see why they've been calling Amy a beast during Vegas week. Good stuff.
Parting Shots
I think Alexis and Nico are on the chopping block - they were the only ones to get really bad critiques from the judges. I am pretty meh on Nico, so that would be OK with me, but I love that Alexis is a tap girl. I would probably send home Mackenzie, who I think is the least interesting of the pretty-brunette-contemporary-girl brigade.
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