Can I be fierce for a minute?: So You Think You Can Dance

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Monday, September 16, 2019

So You Think You Can Dance S16E14: Top 4 Perform

The Fantastic Four dance one more time before the winner is announced
by Stephen Mosher

Well, this is it, kids. The final four, the final showdown, the time has arrived for everyone to have their last look at these sweet, gifted young people before the winner is announced this week. It’s been a fun, if a bit short, ride. I have to admit I miss the longer seasons of SYTYCD and the bigger cast, but at least the show is still on the air, so I won’t complain.

The show opened with a fun number honoring the upcoming movie CATS, and while it was a fun number, again, with the addition of the all stars, I couldn’t see the contestants - but I guess we will get enough spotlight on them for the next two hours, I thought, so why grouse? I wasn’t sure who all was in that number but I definitely spotted Cyrus, Comfort, Gabby and Melanie. Fun number, nicely created by Mandy Moore, but the truth is that we all just want to get to it! Let’s see our cherubs do they stuff!

Sophie and Gino have the stage first in a Ray Leeper jazz number to “All Nite” and it was so, so sexy that I couldn’t breathe … maybe from the talent, maybe from the choreography, or maybe because it honestly feels dirty to be watching people so young in this manner. I know they are, technically, adults, but they still look like kids to me. And Ray Leeper suggesting a kiss between them was kind of icky, if you ask me. But then, the adults have been sexualizing these youngsters all season, so I guess it’s something the producers of the show want. I’ll wait till they are both over 21 before I consider them as sex symbols, even if this number was smokin’ hot. The judges all loved it, with Dominic saying it was so, so sexy (hello, goodbye), Mary saying they were so together, so raw, Nigel pointing out their primitive chemistry and Laurieann saying she “felt your hunger”. Eww. Children. But then, Jodie Foster was 12 when she played a hooker, so, welcome to Lolita-land, Sophie and Gino! You are officially underage sex symbols, courtesy of So You Think You Can Dance.

Mariah and Bailey had a jazz routine, too (smooth jazz) - Jonathan Redavid staged a number to “16 Tons” and it just reaffirms the idea that they are the couple to beat (with all due respect to Sophie and Gino). These two aren’t just something special on their own, they are unstoppable when they are together - and Bailey is the best. The routine is charming and technically wonderful. Dominic says they always show up and points out that Bailey is special. Laurieanne says they have a god-given gift, and Nigel says Mariah is a joy to watch and that Bailey has had the biggest journey on the show. Mary says Mariah is amazing and Bailey soars every time he steps on the stage. It’s already looking really good for Bailey.

Gino’s solo to “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” was a virtuoso performance that will get him many a job after this show. He left it all on the floor. He is magnificent, and no mistake.

Entering the contestant/all-star segment of the show, we see Sophie get paired up with Marko for a Talia Favia contemporary piece to “90 Days” - her first time working with Talia, who manages to bring something new out of Sophie, who is peaking at just the right time. This Sophie we haven’t seen before. She is now, a contender. Ending the remarkable routine in tears, Sophie is served up a well-deserved standing ovation from the judges, all of whom praise them in their usual prose, Nigel telling her she has shown that women are just as strong as men, Mary calling out passion with true purpose, Laurieann praising how she found he strength as a woman and Dominic saying it was her best performance of the season.

Bailey’s all-star was (big surprise) Comfort, because they gave the B-Boy a Luther Brown hip hop routine, proving that the judges and producers are stacking the deck for Bailey. Now, the truth is that I believe Bailey should and will win the show, but I have no power to position him to do so, the producers and the judges do, and they are. The number, to “Tell Me When to Go”, was as good as Luther Brown has ever been, showing off Bailey in a flawless display of talent and personality. Mary said it was bad to the bone, Nigel loved the light and the shade, Dominic said “you did it correct” and Laurieann gave him “Bragging Rights.” Yes, Bailey is definitely having a well-deserved win orchestrated for him.

Sophie’s solo, to the song “Try a Little Tenderness” can be summed up in one word: Meh.

Gino and Mariah got the dreaded quick step, staged by the wonderful Artem and Sharna to “Bad Boy Good Man” and they were both very good. It was really nice to see them dance together and everyone in the house thought so, as they gave them a standing ovation. Mary called it lighthearted and respectable, Laurieann said they were soulful, honest and authentic. The men used middle of the road verbiage to praise them, again, indicating the set up for Bailey. They are giving heaps of praise to the clear star and front runner and using minimal vocabulary and effort to critique the other dancers. Maybe it is so they can subliminally influence America’s vote, or maybe it is because they recognize the futility in trying to find superlatives for the other three dancers, having used them all up on Bailey. Whatever the case may be, the judges are as transparent as can be.

Bailey and Sophie’s Bollywood number by Nakul Dev Mahajan was entertaining enough, but the truth is that all it did was leave Sophie choking on Bailey’s dust. You can’t look at anyone else. He has no competition on the show, even though the other dancers referred to him as their “biggest competition on the show.” Um ... no.

Mariah’s solo to “If You Let Me” was wonderful. And in her interview package she referred to one of her past dances as “the best time I ever did that solo”, which would indicate that she has a choreographer who creates her solos, or if she made them herself, she was prepared. This is a problem with Sophie’s solos - they all look like uninspired freestyling. Now, I don’t want to be misunderstood: I like Sophie a lot. But her solos don’t stack up against Mariah’s and it’s because of two things: Mariah has her solos prepared, and Mariah has her eye FIRMLY on the prize.

Gino had the benefit of having both Jaci Royal as his contemporary choreographer and Melanie Moore as his all-star - he just can’t go wrong with this twosome. The number, to “Someone You Loved”, was so intimate and personal, so moving and breathtaking. The man is so incredible that Melanie is the only all-star with whom he should be dancing. She can do anything. There was some concern over his inability to be emotionally open - Gino himself owned it, but when it came time to do the number, he brought his A-Game, leaving the judges offering comments like “What’s in front of you is limitless” (Laurieann) and “You have broken through” (Nigel) - though Dominc and Mary were vague and colorless in their comments -- because they are trying to soften the blow for him. Still, it was a stunning routine.

Bailey did an interview segment before the show in which he cried over the thought of being the first B-Boy to win … and Cat ended up in tears, as the audience chanted his name. With that interview and his astonishing solo to “Don’t Touch Me”, The Tiny Titan secured his win.

Mariah’s all-star was Robert Roldan, dancing a Mandy Moore contemporary piece to “Grey” that seemed aerodynamically impossible. The lifts were unbelievable. It was one of the great numbers, and unforgettable, as was evidenced by Mary being in tears and unable (almost) to speak. Nigel and Dominc had some nice, albeit benign comments but Laurieann told her, “I see you. I see your fight. I see your victory. Own your victory,” again softening a blow.

It’s time for the same-sex pas de deux! Gino and Bailey landed Al Blackstone for a Broadway routine to “The Girl From Ipanema” and the boys have genuine chemistry, like brothers. They are both magnificent in the delightful number but it is clear that Gino is the man with the technique, while Bailey is all heart - and it’s a heart that gives him permission to connect to the material. He lives in it. They are both poetry in motion and a joy to behold. Nigel says this is the best top four across the seasons (Yes), Mary says THIS is the new couple to beat (Sounds good to me) and then she made them the first boy duo to land on the Hot Tamale Train. Laurieann compared them to the film White Nights. It was a great number.

As good as the boys were, the girls brought it, too. Their hip hop number by Luther Brown to “Sally Walker” was AWESOME, with Sophie emerging from the shadows with hidden talents that nobody knew she had in her. Her hip hop was fan-freaking-tastic. Laurieann had the quote of the night:

“So much shadiness,

OMG,

So much ratchetness,

And it’s all right with me”

Then she told Sophie, “You SERVED that”.

Sophie deserved that praise because she really is wonderful. But then, all these kids are wonderful. It’s impossible to not love them and appreciate their gifts and wish the best for them. But at the end of the day Bailey checks off all the boxes and I believe, firmly, that his talent, his story, his personality have put him ahead of the curve, as well as the fact that it is time for a B-Boy to win this show.

Bailey, dude, tonight I will be pulling for you. You’ve earned it and you deserve it.

What did you think of this episode? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

So You Think You Can Dance S16E13: Top 6 Perform

Saying goodbye to two favorites
by Stephen Mosher

This season really has been one of the most entertaining to watch. They say that every year, but there was something special about the dancers this year, each and every one of them, and now that we are at the point where the big, tough, painful goodbyes hit, everybody just has to suck up and suffer.

Fortunately Cat Deely is the best live show host in the business and she can turn even the saddest moment into a celebration. And, oh, so stylish is she! This night she looked every bit of the glamour queen in her red beaded Liza Minnelli suit (oh come on, you thought it, too), so much that every time the camera was on her, I sighed.

I also sighed over the opening number “Down” choreographed by Farside and Phoenix, but not in a good way. The dancing was nice but the lighting, the costumes, the hair, the makeup and the addition of all those all-stars made it impossible to tell which of the dancers were our competitors. It was like "Where’s Waldo" with a Twyla Tharp twist. While I can almost always find something positive to say, I was not loving this number.

But I WAS loving Al Blackstone and Koine Iwasaki helping Mariah and Bailey to advance in the competition with a bang-up Broadway routine to “Mambo Italiano”! Koine was so sweet, focusing on helping Bailey work on his acting, and honestly, her help must have been just what he needed because he was awesome in this number. But then, this entire competition he has been picking up styles he has never done before and dancing them as though he had been doing them all his life. Dominic said he believed it, Nigel said they were outstanding, Laurieann told Bailey to stay focused and Mary said he was the “Entertainer of the show” - and them’s big words, no mistake. Special shout out to Bailey’s Granny for being such a cool, supportive and fun lady, always looking after her personal favorite dancer.

Mariah had a solo to the song “Loved By You” and it’s pretty clear her technique is wonderful - it’s always been clear that she is simply wonderful. This performance made it clear that she needs a choreographer. Seriously, though, every dancer who gets on SYTYCD should have had the foresight to hire a choreographer to create routines for them. Winging it is never a good idea, and here, she was winging it.

Gino is up next, doing a hip hop routine by Luther Brown. And what do you need when a boy is dancing Luther Brown? You need Comfort Fedoke, yeah you do! OMG does everyone love Comfort as much as I do? Well then everyone must have loved this nasty, dirty, enjoyable, sexy number to “Get Up” - and as gorgeous and flawless as Comfort is, you just can’t get your eyes off of Gino, whose biggest supporter, his brother, was probably in tears the entire time. WHAT a masterpiece. Nigel said his strength and technique were impeccable, Mary said he came out fighting, Dominic told him he is a star and Laurieann said the elevation of hip hop freed him to get out of his head. Whatever anyone said, we all knew it was a spectacular performance.

Paired with all-star Lex Ishimoto, Madison landed a jazz routine by Mandy Moore to “Can’t Rely on You”, and it was really sharp and in sync, a pleasure to watch. You could just feel the judges getting ready to praise her, which they did, all except for Laurieann, who advised her to “let go a little more”, while Nigel said she has the best feet he’s seen this year AND that she let her emotions go. Mary liked the chemistry, and Dominic declared it to be her best performance since the beginning of the season. Her strongest supporter, Jarrod (duh!), was visibly moved and incredibly proud.

Ezra was up with a solo, again in a strangely fitting vest and trousers, but it didn’t matter because the performance to “Runaway Baby” was precise, hot, electric and a joy to watch, but joy seems to be what Ezra specializes in.

There was a lethal dose of ballroom hotness next when Pasha Kovalev arrived to choreograph all-star Kiki Nyemchek into a routine with Sophie to “Shape of You". Sophie’s dad is her big-time support system and he was welled up with pride after a whole new Sophie brought her A-game, causing Mary to say she was just like a professional ballroom dancer. Nigel said she relaxed into it, Laurieanne told her she had poise and timing texture, but Dominic said it best: “You’re blowing up right now.” Truthfully, up until this moment, I did not think Sophie would make the top four. This was a real turning point for her in my book.

Mariah, whose greatest support comes from her mom, landed a Misha Gabriel hip hop number with Fik-Shun to “We Gonna Win”. I love both of these dancers but I didn’t like this number. I felt it was incohesive and confusing, but I did appreciate Fik-shun taking charge of a prop/wardrobe malfunction. The judges ran the gamut, with Nigel saying he flat out did not feel it, Laurieann saying it was super, Dominic saying she is one of his favorite hip hop dancers and Mary giving out with a vague, “You will always bring in the magic.”

Bailey’s solo to “Writing’s on the Wall” did the same thing it always does - it proved that he is a born star, and that winning this competition or not will make no difference in his future. It’s written in stone. There is work that awaits him.

A contemporary piece by Robert Roldan is what awaited Ezra, paired up with Gabby Diaz to “Ne Me Quitte Pas”. The entire piece was simply magnificent, prompting the judges to heap praise on him. Mary: “This is your night.” Laurieann: “Something so very special about you.” Nigel: “You have freed yourself.” Dominic: “So absolutely inspiring.”

The All-stars finished for the night, the competitors were reunited with their partners as Sophie and Gino performed a Warren Carlyle Broadway piece to “Down With Love”. When Nigel said, “There is something about you two together,” he wasn’t wrong. This twosome is special. Mary said he reminded her of Gene Kelly and Laurieann said “Boom Jack Honey!” and we all know what that means.

Madison’s solo to “Lost” was typical Madison beauty, and since it was typical, it’s starting to look like she might be going home tonight. She is wonderful in every moment she dances, but predictable does not win.

Ray Leper was back to create a jazz routine for Mariah and Bailey that probably just put them in the top four. I’m not kidding. This number to “Need You Tonight” went beyond everyone else on the chemistry level, even Sophie and Gino, and they gots MAD chemistry. This is the number where these petite powerhouses showed everyone that great things come in small packages because this had ALL the damn things. And, honestly, if these two aren’t a couple, they need to be because it is clear he is into her, and he would treat her right. You can’t fake this sh*t. And all the damn judges agreed with me.

Dancing a solo to Shoshana Bean’s “Ain’t No Way” the wonderful Sophie proved once more that the dancers need to get choreographers to make up their solos for them.

Now, this is where we all found out who was going home. Madison and Ezra were given a Doriana Sanchez disco number to “You Make Me Feel”, and it was good - but it wasn’t great, and it was even remarked upon that Ezra held up his end of the deal when he held up Madison, but that his facial expressions showed that he was working. The judges didn’t criticize them, they praised them. They praised them in as few vague, benign words as possible. It was like when you know you’re dying because your doctor has stopped asking about your health and started asking about the weather. We all love Ezra and Madison, especially the judges, but when the judges are vague and polite with their critiques, you’re going home. And since it was stated at the top of the show that the judges knew the voting results and who was going home (something I don’t remember hearing very often in past seasons), even the contestants knew, if they were listening, who was staying and who was going.

Judges. Bad play. We just read you like a book. Not a best seller. Next time, play it a little closer to the vest so’s you can keep up the dramatic suspense. K?

If it weren’t clear before, Gino’s solo to “Missing You” made it clear: he’s staying. Rarely has there been a boy dancer of such flawless precision. Do it again, Gino, do it again.

Rounding out the evening were group numbers, girls vs boys. The girls got Ray Leper and Tina Turner’s recording of “I Can’t Stand the Rain” and even though Mary said they are all deserving (vague, but true) and Laurieann said “Pow Pow Pow!” (vague but true), the only thing this writer was thinking was “Madison needs to steal that hat” and “Meh”.

MEANWHILE. Talia Favia and “Amen (LCV Choir)" will be on the list of great SYTYCD performances. It was so good that I wanted to throw up. The praise from the judges was considerable and the men must have felt very proud of themselves, indeed, because it was, in a word, perfection.

And that’s it. Next up will be the finals, and the four moving into the finals, the judges made very clear, was based on votes, which is a nice way for the judges to get out of any responsibility when it comes to cutting any of these dancers who have insane abilities and legions of fans. In the end, though, whether it be based on votes or not, the two dancers sent home were Madison and Ezra. It was an impossible choice to make, and these two lovelies cried a little but they were most grateful, which they made clear. Cat kept it upbeat and loving as all said goodbye to the twosome, making way for The Final Four, who will compete next week: Bailey, Gino, Mariah and Sophie. All four are wonderful, all four are delightful, and it’s going to be hard to pick but I am going to go out on a limb and say what I said when the top ten were chosen: Gino is the best dancer, but Bailey has the benefit of being a brilliant dancer AND the most adorable human being on the face of the planet.

I’m calling it for Bailey.

Let’s watch and see.

Two hours, Monday night, September 9th at 8 pm.

What did you think of this episode? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

So You Think You Can Dance S16E12: Top 8 Perform

And Then There Were Six
by Stephen Mosher

The Top Eight Dancers took to the So You Think You Can Dance stage for the first two-hour episode and what a night it was. Just watching, I was exhausted! Three group dances, two duos for each team, and one solo for each dancer. It’s a good thing these competitors are all young people! The thing is, they are also really talented, so sending two of them home at the end of the night will be difficult. Last week’s elimination of Eddie was to be expected, but I did feel that Stephanie was sent home prematurely. Still, water under the bridge, as the saying goes. I would not venture a guess on the boy that will go home tonight, but unless something changes, this week will probably be Anna.

This week’s show started with a big group number by The Plateros to the song “Himno del Carnaval”. It must be said that, while the number was wild and lively, I thought it was also a little haphazard and that I thought the women all looked like they were moving a bit slowly. I don’t guess it really mattered because the fact is that you don’t see anyone else when Gino is on the stage. He is absolutely magnificent.

During the intro, Cat mentioned that two people would be going home and someone up in the back of the auditorium whooped, to which she replied, “Do you know who’s going home? Is it me? I hope not!” which shows why Cat Deeley is the best live show host on TV. It was a fabulous save!

First up we had Anna and Benjamin dancing a Polynesian Dance by Tiana Liufau to “Maua Taki”. Let’s get this out of the way: I hate this sh*t. I know that dance is a universal, an international thing, and that everyone, everywhere does it. But this is a dance competition, and unless you are an expert on Polynesian dance, what frame of reference do you have upon which to base your opinion? Are any of these judges experts on this type of dance? Mmmmmm I don’t think so. What's more - they CAN’T do it. Over the years some dancers have been lucky and put up good performances of this stuff, but usually they just look STUPID in their native costumes, trying to do moves that they CAN’T DO. I hate this and this dance, effectively, spelled what would probably be Anna’s downfall. I’m just sayin’. It looked like the judges weren’t crazy about it either, since Nigel said he didn’t like it, Dominic erred on the side of diplomacy, and Laurieann told them to “push through the pain.” Mary, on the other hand, thought it was amazing. The one real note was Laurieann telling them to “constantly remember your ‘why’.”

The first solo of the night was from Sophie and it was pretty neat, but I do often wonder why contemporary dancers spend so much time rolling around on the floor. Song: “Skin”.

Randi and Hef provided a cool Hip Hop routine for Madison and Ezra to a song called “Space”, so space became the theme of the number, with the dancers being flown in wearing space suits. It was a cool enough number with some fun tricks. They really do have a great partnership and it shows. Mary said she got into it near the end, while Nigel thought it was brilliant. Dominic said Madison was amazing and Laurieann told them “the intent was met.” The big reveal came when Cat asked how it felt to fly in and Ezra confessed he is terrified of heights. Atta boy! Way to go.

Gino was the next soloist, performing to “Burn” and, kids, this is it. This is what it’s all about. If he doesn’t win this show, it won’t matter, because he will be one of the most oft-employed dancers in the business. Just. All of this.

SYTYCD alum Dmitry Chaplin created a cha cha for the fun size duo of Mariah and Bailey, and during rehearsals there was much talk about how hard it was for Bailey. So when they hit the stage to “Ce Soir”, even though it was sexy, with a lot of chemistry and talent, there were times when you could see how hard it was for Bailey to lift Mariah. They truly do have each others’ backs, so you know he wouldn’t drop her - but it was clear he had to really work at those lifts, a fact noted by Dominic, who admitted that he had had the same difficulty when he did the show, and that struggle for Bailey made Dominic love him even more. Not Nigel, though -- ever the diplomat, the 5’11” septuagenarian said it made him uncomfortable. Meanwhile Mary loved every second of it, finding it exposing, stronger and stronger and full of joy and happiness, while Laurieann thought to herself, “Oh this is the real one.” Bailey, it was revealed, is such a gentleman that he gives Mariah flowers every time they tape. Yeah, he just won the show. America is in love.

Madison’s solo to “Cellophane” was the kind of solo we have come to expect of her. She simply is the beating human heart personified through dance.

Ezra solo’d next in a sadly ill-fitting vest that didn’t match the color of his pants. If you look past the costume, though, the dance was smokin’ hot, even if a ballroom dancer dancing solo always looks odd to me.

KC Monnie is a new choreographer to SYTYCD and one hopes he will stick around because both the emotional and technical content he gave Sophie and Gino for their powerhouse performance to “You Will Be Found” is the stuff SYTYCD legend is made of. This juggernaut performance will put these two over the top with the judges and the viewers, that is how spectacular it was. Nigel found the chemistry magnificent, Dominic thanked them from the bottom of his heart, and Laurieann declared this pairing to be magical. Mary had the big comment when she told Gino, “You are the change,” to which he replied, “I’m here to be the change.” No, he’s here to take over the world. Watch out.

In an interesting variation on a theme started by Sophie and continued by Madison, Mariah delivered a solo to “Somebody” that made me wonder if maybe these three girls all choreographed their solos together. Now they should do them together, because they’re all doing the same thing.

Beautiful, brilliant Al Blackstone did Benjamin and Anna the favor of their lives by giving them a stellar routine and impeccable direction. Their number to “I’ll Be Seeing You” was as lovely as anything I’ve ever seen. It’s probably the best they’ve had, the best they’ve done and it could save Anna, at some point, because she was totally and completely in the pocket and perfect. All of the judges agreed that it was magical, with Dominic remarking his breath was taken away by the quality of the movement, and Laurieann saying that feeling is everything. “Make me feel something!” - and they did. Cat points out, when BenAnna are onstage together, what good care he takes of her. Lovely.

An Argentine Tango was next up for Madison and Ezra. Dancing a Leonardo and Miriam routine to “Despues Que Te Fuiste”, they captured everyone’s attention. This sh*t’s really hard to do and they did it so well - even if their costumes are clunky and chunky and ugly. No, seriously, they were both so beautiful in this dance, but what was that schmatta he was wearing, and why the headband on her? Leave her beautiful hairless head alone. Ugly ‘stumes or not, the judges all heaped praise on them both, with Dominic singling out Ezra, something that doesn’t always happen.

Benjamin’s solo to “Run Boy Run” was powerful and demanding and thrilling and sexy. But those red samurai pants! Did you see his quads?! Heavens to Betsy.

Anna’s solo to “Bellyache” was par for the Anna course, with nothing new on display. But it was new from the other female solos of the night, all of which looked the same. Not Anna’s!

Mandy and Elizabeth gave Mariah and Bailey a gorgeous, sweet, simple, complex contemporary piece to “Slide” and they even gave them a slide! Dudes, this number was just sublime, absolute perfection, start to finish, showing off both dancers to their most breathtakingly beautiful best. Dominic said it was one of his favorite routines he’s ever seen and Mary told them they must “be partners for the rest of your life.” Laurieann, the poet laureate of the show, said they must “stay focused, stay humble” and Mariah “must not suppress your ability because of Bailey.” Nigel still says they are the couple to beat.

Sophie and Gino JUST started working together. Sh*t doesn’t show. Cause these two are CONNECTED. Damn. Their routine to “Trouble” by Jonathan Redavid was super fun and they are just as perfect as perfect can be, prompting Laurieann to tell Nigel, “THAT’s the new couple to beat, honey!” Nigel did have to own up to it that Mariah and Bailey have some great opponents. Right after Mary put them on the Hot Tamale Train, Dominic did his best Mary Murphy scream (it wasn’t bad either). The entire segment was pricelessness in a bag.

Bailey’s solo to “Let’s Shut Up and Dance” confirmed that the men in the competition are outdancing the women. Each male solo tonight was stunning and original, and this number, with its hankieography, was simply irresistible, just like Bailey.

Rounding out the night were the group numbers, with some results after each round. The first group number was by Talia Favia to “bad guy” and it featured Madison, Mariah, Ben and Gino. It was way cool, even if the story wasn’t clear. Maybe there wasn’t meant to be a story, only hot, hard, hitting, sexy dancing. For the sheer technique of it, the dance was interesting, but the lack of story … all of the judges praised it, with the most serious being Laurieann, who said they were four dancers that she wants to hire, and the silliest being Dominic, who couldn’t get over the abs. I love the way that Dominic, weekly, teases everyone with flirtatious comments about girl dancers and boy dancers. It’s a fluid world and Dominic is using it to his flirty, quirky, sexy advantage.

SAFE: Gino and Mariah. No Surprise

IN DANGER: Ben and Madison. Both Surprises.

“Rebirth” by Sean Cheesman was an African Jazz dance created for Anna, Bailey, Ezra and Sophie. Unlike the Polynesian dance, this was okay because it is based in jazz dance and there were actual recognizable techniques for anyone to spot and evaluate. Do I love the costuming for the number? No. It’s unflattering and distracting. Will I survive having had to see it? Yes, because the dancers are delicious and delightful and therein lies the popularity of the show. Again the judges had heaps of praise, with Nigel remarking on the freedom of movement and Dominic referring to the amount of work they go through (which he, of all people, would understand).

SAFE: Bailey and Sophie. Of course.

IN DANGER: Ezra and Anna. Well, I guess this is it for the two of them. That’s what I thought while I was watching.

It isn’t what happened.

I would not want the job of the judges. I think these young people are all wonderful and I certainly could not pick between them. I pretty much knew Anna would be leaving because she has something, but it isn’t translating through the TV and her technique hasn’t been able to carry her through. But I thought they would send Ezra home, and I was wrong. They opted for Anna’s partner, Benjamin, and in the moments after their decision, I could see why. They were a true partnership. Splitting them up would have caused the remaining dancer to suffer; and Benjamin is special but he’s also very fluid and gentle, kind and laid back. There is something in him that didn’t ignite, and Ezra ignites every week. The judges love to see growth and they love to reward it, and that’s what they just did.

It’s sad to see this sweet twosome go - but we will see them again, make no mistake. Their careers are just beginning and with SYTYCD as a springboard, I expect they will be good ones.

Congratulations Madison and Ezra! See you next week.

So You Think You Can Dance airs Mondays on Fox at 8 pm

What did you think of this episode? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

So You Think You Can Dance S16E11: Top 10 Perform, Round 2

Two of the dancers get cut
by Stephen Mosher

Starting out the second of the Live Shows this week was a Travis Wall group piece to the song 'Sign of the Times' by Harry Styles. Last week I said that Travis Wall’s choreography has a look, that it’s predictable - and this week everyone in my house said “This is a Travis Wall dance!” because it has his stamp, his look, his emotion. And it was stunning. This is a Travis Wall number that shows why he is an Emmy winner. Just beautiful, from him and from all the dancers. It was gorgeous.

And so was Cat! Oh my gosh, what an outfit, what a hairdo, what a raving beauty!

Alright, let’s get to it. Last week I predicted that Eddie and Anna would go home this week and tonight all the dancers perform, in spite of knowing two will depart at the end of the show. The suspense begins now.

Up first! Stephanie and Gino were given a chance to work with Emma Slater and Sasha Farber on a jive to the Little Richard song 'Long Tall Sally', and this number was nothing but personality! These two kids have each others’ backs, that’s how in tune they are with one another. The number was a joy to watch but the real joy was watching Gino step out of his style and go to live in another style! Kid was AMAZING and all the judges said so. After a standing ovation, they all basically said “yeah, yeah, Stephanie … BUT GINO!” It was overwhelming.

Gino: Safe. Stephanie: In Danger

Moving on we get to Sophie and Eddie, who worked with Travis Wall on a contemporary piece to the Billy Eilish song 'When the Party’s Over'. This number was classic Travis Wall, if a bit simple, one assumes to accommodate Eddie, but it was beautiful in its simplicity and Eddie did a wonderful job, particularly by being a good partner to Sophie. He protected her, he was there for her, he held her up so all could see her brilliance. The judges were complimentary to Eddie, though maybe a bit nonplussed with their comments, seeming to go into detail with their Sophie critiques and favoring vagueness in their Eddie estimations. Mary did call Sophie Liquid Gold and told Eddie she was proud of him.

Eddie: In Danger. Sophie: Safe.

Benanna are up next and Randi & Hef gave the kids a hip hop dance to 'Lottery' by K Camp. Both are actually cute at the acting bits that the choreographers gave them, but it was odd that Benjamin outshone Anna, dancing in her own style. I think it is because he dances with his heart, indeed, he leads with his heart. Everything he does is with his heart, and it affects the vibe between him and the crowd. As dancing goes, they were both good, and the number was cute, but tonight was all about Ben, who Laurieann told “your calling is absolutely to dance” but she was down on Anna. When Cat told the twosome their results, Benjamin almost cried when he was hearing he was safe, and then he did cry when he heard Anna was not. He’s a good boy who cares about his partner.

Benjamin: Safe. Anna: In Danger.

Madison and Ezra scored when they got Ray Leeper to choreograph a jazz routine for them to Joe Cocker’s ''You Can Leave Your Hat On because this was one for the SYTYCD history books. They were both extraordinary but Ezra really stepped into the light with this one, showing nuances and gumption that people possibly did not expect from him. The commitment was incredible and the chemistry was off the charts. Nigel told Madison Bob Fosse would have loved her and Mary told them they lived up to one of the sexiest songs in history. Laurieann said “there’s dancing and then there’s DANCING!” and she was right. This is one of the routines on SYTYCD people will remember for years to come.

Ezra: In Danger. Madison: Safe.

Mariah and Bailey, the couple to beat, pulled a hip hop routine with Luther Brown to the song 'Tempo' by Lizzo ft. Missy Elliot and it turned out to be the best number of the night. These two are simply astonishing, with so much attitude, such skill, and oodles of personality. Everyone had to be wondering who was sexier in this nasty number, and even though Bailey is all the damn things, it’s all Mariah. Who would have EVER thought a classically trained dancer could get this down in the pocket? And down in the pocket is what Mary said they were. The judges gave them a standing ovation and both Mary and Nigel told them they were the couple to beat. That poetess, Laurieann, said “do not make any other choice but believing in the greatness you were born with.”

Both dancers are Safe.

During the eliminations it was made specifically clear that the judges factored in that night’s performances, as well as all that had come before. Then they sent home a tearful Stephanie and a resigned Eddie. He seemed to know it was coming, but she was hurt. And what this writer wants to know is this: if they factored in last week, and this week, and everything else, why did Stephanie go home instead of Anna? Stephanie has been giving solid performances, they praised her work tonight, she is always good. Anna has been hit or miss since Academy and she gets critiques and still they have kept her. Clearly, they just have a thing for Anna, and maybe it’s a thing I don’t see but I am determined to keep an open mind. It’s just difficult to figure them out at times.

In the meantime, though these two young ‘uns are off the show, their careers are started. They will go out on tour with the show and, eventually, land on Broadway or Dancing with the Stars, so it was all worth it. They are on their way.

So You Think You Can Dance airs Mondays at 8 PM on Fox.

What did you think of this episode? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.

So You Think You Can Dance S16E10: Top 10 Perform

The Top Ten have their first live performancesby Stephen Mosher

August 12, 2019 - It feels like it has taken forever to get here but we finally arrive at the live performances and the Top Ten get to take the stage for the first time. This is what we’ve all been waiting for, though there are some predictions, naturally, that will begin to develop for everyone with an investment in the show. Let’s all see how our individual predictions go down!

During the opening number 'This is Me' by Kesha, the cast wore all white and, during their Mandy Moore choreographed routine, there were FX that caused lasers to shoot from their fingers. It was a good enough number but it didn’t need the extra effects. Watching them perform, it becomes clear that there are no grown-ups on the show. There was a time when Ryan DiLello or Iveta Lukosiute could be seen dancing in the competition, but not today. It has come down to the youngest dancers in America, and I do love these kids but I smell a big pile of ageism on So You Think You Can Dance. That being said, together these youngsters represent something new: we’ve had casts of great dancers, though not necessarily casts with style. In this cast, even the lesser of the dancers has a style all their own. These kids all have a look, a signature, a style. It will make it interesting to watch them.

Tonight we will see duets by each pair, and a boys dance, and a girls dance.

The first duo to learn they were dancing together were Mariah and Bailey, who were thrilled to be matched (everyone should be thrilled they were matched). The twosome were given a jazz routine by Mandy Moore to 'Love Shack' that showed them as what they are: the couple to beat. The smoldering, dirty dance routine was full of tricks, hits, chemistry and fun, and even though there were a couple of times when they went off, it didn’t matter to the judges. Dominic was “extremely jealous,” Nigel said they were “enormous in talent,” Laurieann said “BOOM!” and Mary announced she was “hopping on the Love Shack train.” Mary also said that Bailey was the biggest shock. Cat asked “the cutest couple I have ever seen” who was the leader in the pairing and Bailey said Mariah is his Boss.

Stephanie and Gino were matched for a Luther Brown hip hop routine to the songs 'Ice Me Out' by Kash Doll. During rehearsals the contestants remarked that the style was hard on both of them but by the time they got to the performance they were in a good place, and in good costumes and makeup. Stephanie really brought the facial expression to the dance, and between the two of them, he had the hits and she had the swag. It was a nice dance, if a bit drab: Dominic thought it was okay while Nigel said Gino is struggling with the personality vs technique thing. Laurieann and Mary did not agree with the men - Laurieann told Gino he had her, while Mary thought Stephanie was off the charts.

Anna and Benjamin met up with Emma and Sasha (married couple Slater and Farber) to learn a cha cha to 'We Run the Night' by Havana ft. Pitbull. Team “Benanna” (they named themselves) are lovely kids but they had lead feet in this number. It was all too slow and lukewarm, instead of fiery fast. But chemistry! Anna’s feet were flexed much of the time and, try though he might, beautiful Benjamin couldn’t get the lines and feet. They are sweet kids but this wasn’t the one, even if Laurieann thinks they are humble warriors and Nigel thinks they are sensational. A discreet Mary said it looked like they were having the time of their lives and Dominic asked Anna how many times she had danced in heels. One. The judges love these two and are soft pedaling it to keep them on the show.

Stars in training Madison and Ezra landed a contemporary dance by Talia Favia to the song 'Lost' by Dermot Kennedy, and, dressed like Twyla Tharp dancers, they rolled around on the floor, emoting. It was very moving and powerful, and since Madison was dancing her own style, natch, she excelled - but it was Ezra who was the revelation because a ballroom dancer making this work for him is a beautiful thing … and the judges knew it. Mary called him a great partner and told them every single step was glorious. Laurieann said they had “so much power” and Dominic said it was his favorite routine of the night, noting that a mistake was a moment of imperfection, perfected. It was a win for the winsome twosome.

Sophie and Eddie had Brian Friedman choreograph a jazz funk routine for them to the song 'Sushi' by Merk & Kremont, and while Sophie was in it, Eddie was totally out of his element - and he knew it, which made him aware of the audience, so he pushed really hard and tried to make up for his shortcomings with a lot of facial mugging. He was lost in the routine and lost in his costume - the designers did him no favors with this outfit, and he and the ‘stume and the dance all looked like a big mess, with Sophie as the cleaning lady who was trying, desperately, to tidy it up. Not one of the judges had a good thing to say about Eddie and Nigel summed it up by saying he was uncomfortable with Eddie’s performance. Meanwhile they all loved Sophie. Eddie has to know he will probably go home next week.

The group numbers only ranked as OK for me. The women had a Travis Wall piece to 'Saint Honesty' by Sarah Bareilles, and you could tell it was a Travis Wall piece because his style can be so predictable, with dancers rolling around on the floor, flailing about, and his signature move of dancers picking up one dancer and either holding them mid-air while they walk or throwing them across the stage while still holding them. It happens in almost every one of his dances. I love Travis Wall, but facts are facts. Predictable.

The men had a rather boring Luther Brown hip hop dance to the song 'Drop' by Smokepurrp, where it became obvious that Eddie was cast because of his popularity last season and his Instagram followers. He’s a darling boy and a marvelous tap dancer but the producers and the judges opted to put him on the show for his audience, bumping another boy dancer with more talent and a better shot at the show. Shame on them for doing it, but it’s all a ratings game, isn’t it? This number? Snore.

No one would go home this night. The voting would begin and the following week one boy and one girl would get the boot. If I had to choose I would say Anna and Eddie, but it’s up to America - and that’s always a gamble.

The best thing about getting to the live shows?

More Cat Deeley.