So You Think You Can Dance – Recap

MJ, you are awesome. I am now NOT going to be completely bored during the summer. And hell, I don’t know crap about dance, either, but oh well.

OMG I’m excited you’re doing this MJ!! I’ve only followed the show casually before, but all the SYTYCD pimping during AI this season has made me want to follow it more closely this summer. Plus, I love Cat Deeley.

(We could do another pool! )

I say YAY!! It’s such a fun show, I am excited!!

Thanks MJ! You RAWK

MJ!!! THANK YOU!!!!! I love So You Think You Can Dance and it will be fun to come here to get the scoop!

MJ! I am so excited. I love Idol but I LOVE SYTYCD. It’s really fun, the folks are crazy-talented, and it’s not as meanspirited sometimes (after the tryouts, of course). Also, as a bonus, they dance to contemporary, new, fun cool songs, and put the name and the artist on the screen — I can’t tell you how many new songs I downloaded last summer thanks to this show. HOORAY!!!!

Oh, thank you MJ!! I geek out over SYTYCD, must confess. The sheer talent of the kids on this show with top choreographers…mmm, entertaining teevee.

This is EXCELLENT news!

I love SYTYCD soooooo much, and at times, I think I love it even more than Idol. It’s almost shocking that Nigel Lythgoe is in charage of both shows because they really do a lot so differently. A lot of the things that Idol gets wrong, they get totally right on SYTYCD.

Each season, so far, has been better than the previous. I just don’t know how they can top S3 because it was so good, but we shall see.

And I agree with ericalina above. I’ve been exposed to a lot of music because of the stuff they choose on SYTYCD. That is where I first heard OneRepublic’s Apologize, before it ever became a hit on the radio.

Im in ! practicing the box step ~

The only really annoying thing on this show is the mosh pit they’ve always surrounded the stage with. Screaming girls does not aid my enjoyment of a dance performance, sorry. Guess that’s where Nigel got the idea for the now infamous AI swaybots.

There is no better place to study the Grassy Knoll than under the tutelage of the dark lord Nigel Lythgoe. I’m in…

Dusts AI confetti off the front lawn and sets out lawn chair next to the big screen…

OH NO – I just watched the reruns last weekend of that show and fell in love with Danny and Neil and Lauren and Sabre and Lacy. I could NOT believe how talented they all were . Thank you – MJ – again!!

This is EXCELLENT news!

Ditto! I love SYTYCD and I love this blog–perfect!

Me too! I am writing about it for the first time too! Exciting!

I sense enough of an interest, so Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve decided to follow So You Think You Can Dance this year.

Oh Yeah! You just made my summer. You truly are the gift that keeps on giving MJ. And – the up side of this show…. we get to make fun of Nigel EVERY WEEK!

I’m just going to tell you guys up front – I’ve never seen a human being on tv more talented than Danny Tidwell. So, if during the season, I keep going on and on about “yeah, he’s good, but he aint no Danny”, you have my permission to tell me to shut up.

MJ, you are awesome. I am now NOT going to be completely bored during the summer. And hell, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know crap about dance, either, but oh well.

Oh, and about this. It really doesn’t matter if you have a dance background or not. It’s the same as I am with Idol – I can’t sing AT ALL – but I know what I like to hear, so that’s how I vote.

Dance is equally as subjective, don’t let all of the fancy names of the turns and positions fool you. It’s a visual medium. If they’re doing it well, you will feel moved, transfixed, and you will not be able to take your eyes of the screen. If they bore you, well then even if they’re technique is good, they still sucked. It is a dancer’s job to pull you into their story.

So, MJ – no worries – trust me – you’ll know good when you see it.

I do have to admit this (even thought I hate him) Nigel’s knowledge of dance technique is extensive. If you can force yourself to listen to him, you can actually get better at picking out the little things. But, he often skews his comments to serve his own agenda too. So, the rest of us will tell you when he’s full of shit.

Oh very cool! Reality Talent Show whore that I am, I have watched this show from the beginning. It is REALLY entertaining. Last year’s talent was simply stunning in the level of their performances.

It is amazing to watch Nigel on this, because he is level-headed and gives very good advice and judging commentary. (And he can be genuinely funny) Surprising that such a butt-head connected with Idol could do such an upright, competent job on this show. But there you have it.

Mary can get on my last nerves, but she is a competent choreographer.

Thanks for putting it on your blog mj. Should be fun to follow this summer.

I say Yay too! I love this show — can’t dance a gig — but know what looks good.

Thanks MJ!

YAY mj!! Thank you!!!! I love this show and I can’t wait for the season to really get in full swing.

Each season, so far, has been better than the previous. I just donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know how they can top S3 because it was so good, but we shall see.

I know exactly what you mean! I didn’t watch season 1 at all, and season 2 only here and there. But I watched season 3 from the beginning and LOVED it. They were all so incredibly talented.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m just going to tell you guys up front – Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve never seen a human being on tv more talented than Danny Tidwell. So, if during the season, I keep going on and on about à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“yeah, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s good, but he aint no Dannyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , you have my permission to tell me to shut up.

I’m so with you on this. *sigh* I know I’m gonna miss Danny this season. I will try not to be one of *those* people.

Carrington and Dom! How cute was that?

The last guy was just about the most incredible thing I have seen!

Spense — I’ve watched the show before, so yes, I know what I like and don’t like, what stiff is, what bad is, when someone is trying too hard, all of that. But generally, I really don’t know squat about dancing whereas I come from a musical family and am much more generally knowledgeable when it comes to singing. But don’t worry, I’m not THAT ignorant to become one of those delusional people who’ll say the obviously bad is good, lol.

Ugh, I missed Carrington’s audition!! I was too busy cracking up over the Guillermo videos.

That last guy = WIN.

I just saw the end, because I forgot it started tonight. Luckily, it’s just the audition phase. Anyone know how long this phase lasts? MJ, I second that we should have another poll!

I love Dom! He has personality extraordinaire!

MJ, this is great news! I know just a little bit about dance and have watched the show SYTYCD right from the beginning. It is a GOOD show. There should be a schedule on line. The auditioning process goes by much more quickly and you actually do see all sorts of talent.

I do have to admit this (even thought I hate him) Nigelà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s knowledge of dance technique is extensive.

As much as I dislike Nigel, I will say he is a good judge. Mary is crazy but lovable. Mia is the perfectionist who is respected immensely. The rest of the crew varies from year to year. There are some scripted moments but nothing like AI.

You will immediately notice a difference in the way these judges treat the contestants. The show makes an attempt to educate you on the various moves and dances. Once you get into the TOP 20, it does become a bit addicting! LOL!

I feel we all will learn over the course of the season, and funny thing is it helps you to understand the dances often shown on Dancing With the Stars. Yes, Danny Tidwell is as talented as everyone says!

Hisaki, it seems Carrington will have a good chance to be in the TOP 20. She has talent and personality, IMO. I am so excited but hope I don’t get drawn in like I did over the AI contestants. This should be fun!

I feel we all will learn over the course of the season, and funny thing is it helps you to understand the dances often shown on Dancing With the Stars.

Yeah – as much of a crazy person Mary is – I learn more from her about ballroom dance than all of those other three on that other show put together.

I agree with you guys too – these judges – even when they have the revolving guest judges give much more substantial criticism than on AI. Usually, you can even understand the point they’re trying to make!

I agree with you guys too – these judges – even when they have the revolving guest judges give much more substantial criticism than on AI. Usually, you can even understand the point theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re trying to make!

And they ACTUALLY give constructive criticism (sometimes, but all the same, it’s constructive). Plus, they don’t all work out of the same list of phrases and seem a lot more sane than AI’s panel…

MJ you are the BEST!

Last season was so phenominal. The dancers were crazy talented (Sabre and Danny), entertaining (Dominic and Hok), and heartwarming (Jesus and Cedric). It even had controversy (Jesse). After watching tonight’s show I was glad to see Nigel using his stable of talent to assist this year’s crop. I’m jazzed to be able to come here and share in the experience.

You are awesome MJ! Just when I thought I was going to wean myself off your BLOG and you go and announce this! I really like SYTYCD!!! Big Benjie fan here!

…and I love me some Mia Michaels…she is an incredible choreographer. Love Shane Sparks and Brian too.

What great news to wake up to this morning! I started watching this show during its first season just as a summer time filler and now am as addicted to it as I am to Idol. I also know nothing about dance, but I’ve learned a lot just by watching and it is great fun. Haven’t seen last night’s yet, but will catch up!

Thank you so much for adding to the fun, MJ!

Very, very happy to hear that this blog will continue with SYTYCD. I enjoy Idol, I absolutely adore this show. It’s so refreshing to watch a show with extremely talented kids, with such varied backgrounds, working their asses off, AND there is no agenda, no preconcieved idea as to who should win.

I agree with the others, you’ll know good and bad when it presents itself. Whats really cool, is you WILL see brilliance every week. I can still see the Mia choreographed Bench Dance featuring Heidi and Travis… I’m a layman and I was moved by the eloquence…Wow…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZQu7qO5Otg

I’m soooo excited !!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fWV0fVYZhs

I thought I’d share my personal favorite from last season. It tugs at me even to this day. Keep in mind, Hok is a breaker, dancing against type. Jamie is just breathtaking! The choreographer, Wade Robson, can do no wrong IMO. Enjoy!

This is soooo cool, I can see the dances I loved. Hok was the coolest. I never saw the park bench, that was awesome. Can anyone load the flower dance with Neil by Mia??? That was one of my favorites or the business deal with the table!!! Just when I thought my time on this blog was over and done with for awhile – LOVE it

Great! I read this blog everyday and have posted once or twice. I enjoy reading everybody’s opinions. I love SYTYCD as much as AI! And I think it is so much better than DWTS because there is no celebrity involved. SYTYCD is all about the dancing. And the coolest thing is the way they take a girl of one style, a guy of another style, and put them to gether to do a third style! I think they are amazing! I’m glad I’ll be able to read about it now on this blog. Maybe I’ll post my opinions now and then. Thanks for all you do, MJ, and thanks for trying SYTYCD!

@sumidol, I tried to find The Flower Dance with Neil and Lacey but the only vids on youtube were from last year’s tour. It doesn’t do it justice. Part of what made that dance so memorable was the sincere and emotional reception it was given by the judges. Odd isn’t it? Three judges who allowed themselves to be touched by an expression of emotion rather than the difficulty of the dance. God, I love this show!

Anyone know where those of us not-in-America can watch SYTYCD online? Thanks…

Ahhh darn it, yes the judges reaction and the audience to that was very touching. I saw bits and pieces last year but got pulled in with the reruns last saturday and was just blown away by the talent, the emotion that these dancers pulled from the judges and everyone week after week. You several wonderful pieces in each and every show that just amazed you.

The choreographer, Wade Robson, can do no wrong IMO. Enjoy!

I love Wade, I really, really do. Most of the time, I think he’s brilliant. But, that mama & baby fox thing he did for last year’s finale with the girls was kind of dumb. I didn’t think the piece was as bad as the judges did in general – but the problem with it was it didn’t give the girl’s enough to work with to show their talents. And, that’s important for the last night of competition.

But, on this show, Wade has given us some really special moments, so I’m willing to forgive and forget, and I look forward to seeing him again this season.

Last night was a fun show. There seemed to be a lot of love from the judges for those 2 pairs of ballroom dancers. While I thought they were good, I didn’t think they were anything compared to Pasha. I’m predicting that we’ll see some better ballroom representatives, and I don’t see any of those 4 making it past Vegas.

The one thing I love about this show, is how it allows those people who even make it to Vegas to come back each year and try again, and show what they’ve worked on over that time. So, needless to say – I’m hoping Twitch makes it to the show!

SpenserJ – I promise you I will not care one little bit if you talk about Danny – anytime and if you could post a video with Danny – I sure as heck would not get mad at you for it. I am trying to remember my favorite one of his – hmmmm – well I like Neil a lot too and I loved the both of them in the finale dancing with each other. Was it Danny that had the brother in the competition before? Travis or was that Neils brother?? Apologize with Danny & Anya – that was a good one

There seemed to be a lot of love from the judges for those 2 pairs of ballroom dancers. While I thought they were good, I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think they were anything compared to Pasha.

Word on that. My guess is they were the only ballroom dancers auditioning in LA. Gotta fill the quota, ya know? Pasha could do almost anything. (Although I’m glad I didn’t have to see him krump.)
None of the comtemporary dancers last night could even be in the same room with Sabre or Allison.

Was it Danny that had the brother in the competition before? Travis or was that Neils brother??

Danny and Travis are brothers. Danny is adopted. Their mother runs a dance studio, I believe. Both are amazing dancers! Both have provided memorable moments on that show, fer sure.

Travis was choreographing the dancers who moved to that round last night.

Hope we see more of him, and past contestants, this year.

Unlike with Idol, these dancers, including the winners, just fade into the woodwork when the season ends.

Thanks Ladybug – I wonder if there is any way to get footage that shows just the dancers that were performing on the Idol finale. They were really good from what I could see of them. I couldnt figure out who they all were, I know I saw Hok and maybe Dom and Anya?

For my pal Sumi: This is fun

Danny and Travis are brothers. Danny is adopted. Their mother runs a dance studio, I believe. Both are amazing dancers! Both have provided memorable moments on that show, fer sure.

I’m not 100% clear on the details – but here’s what I know. Denise Wall owns a very prestigious dance studio. Her sons are fabulous dancers (as evidenced by Travis’s second place finish on Season 2). She adopted Danny when he was about tween age. He was a student of hers who was a severely neglected child who managed to get himself the many miles to her dance studio every day. Danny has an extensive ballet background as well – he’s truly gifted. Danny finished in second on Season 3 (robbed!!).

Also Sumi – I think I saw Sara too. And yes – Dom was rocking some serious moves on Wednesday night – he was wearing a bandana so he was hard to recognize.

For all of you Elliott fans, Danny did one of his solos to A Song For You.

Okay – to make my post somewhat relevant & timely – about last night….. That “sex” guy comes back every year to torture us. And, the host Cat is adorable – she has such huge love for the contestants and is so encouraging of them, that she can pronouce any words weirdly that she wants to and I will always love her.

Thank you SpenserJ – Cat Deeley IS wonderful (I think that the way she says “judges” is cute. The guy in his underwear was pretty weird and funny and I loved how Nigel put that cocky guy right in his place, he was very good at that without being nasty. I do like the way the judges critique on this show, it is never too nasty or embarrassing – they all give real and heartfelt advice once you get to the show and none of the judges really just say nice things like Paula.

Sarah got me hooked on SYTYCD last year and I even went to one of the tour shows. This will be so much fun – thanks mj!!!!!!!!!!!!

That à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“sexà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  guy comes back every year to torture us.

I have to groan every year when I remember about him and the almost 100% chance that he will audition once more. Ugh.

I am keeping my eyes out for Kherington. She seems a bit like Lauren in that she’s always smiling (not necessarily a bad thing), but she brings a lot of energy to the dance floor. I don’t know if she necessarily has the best technique out of the auditioners we’ve seen so far, but she has a radiance that really draws me in. Plus, it’s nice to see someone who’s just really enjoying themselves and having fun.

/rant

Oops, spelling error. It is Kherington Payne. My reaction was the same as yours, Hisaki.

While I thought they were good, I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think they were anything compared to Pasha.

Oh yes, Pasha. The ultimate Prince Charming. There is a certain elegance about his dance and his personality.

Favorite weekly event: What will Cat Deeley wear?

And what hair style will Cat have? She is just gorgeous and so nice with the contestants.

What I noticied with this set of judges is that they even gave the “underwear guy” constructive critizism. After they controlled their laughter they didnt say “that was utterly ridiculous” they instead asked why did you feel the need to do that and when he told them Mia said she understood his concept but she and Mary explained to him that he needed to go another way. You could see how earnest he was and they saw that and didnt want to humiliate him. So, I liked that about them.

Ah yes – I almost forgot about underwear guy. That was just uncomfortable to watch!

Okay, so everytime someone types “Kherington Payne” I literally crack up knowing that it is someone’s actual name and not a character on a nightime soap.

I’m not a huge fan of the contemporary dance style. It’s so weird and choppy to me, and seems to lack flow. That’s why Mia is a genius to me – because she can choreograph that style to look smooth.

I actually thought the first blond contemporary girl – the one who tried out last year and came back – was better than Kherington.

Either way, I know this, Nigel loves him some blond contemporary dancers, so one or both of those girls will be in the top 20. Problem is, America seems to hate them. So, whichever of them makes it will most likely be out in the first 10.

I know exactly what you mean! I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t watch season 1 at all, and season 2 only here and there. But I watched season 3 from the beginning

Hey that’s the same thing I did. My mother and friends kept telling me about the show, so I finally caved, and watched the last few weeks of season 2. Loved Travis. Thought Sabra was great last year.

I don’t know if anyone knows about this, but the so called “live” results show last night was not all “live”. My daughter was actually at a Jonas Bros. concert in Mansfield, MA last night at the same time they were supposedly performing live on SYTYCD. I wonder how much of the show was actually pre-recorded…

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know if anyone knows about this, but the so called à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“liveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  results show last night was not all à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“liveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . My daughter was actually at a Jonas Bros. concert in Mansfield, MA last night at the same time they were supposedly performing live on SYTYCD. I wonder how much of the show was actually pre-recordedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

It’s all documented in my spoilers from Tuesday:

http://mjsbigblog.com/so-you-think-you-can-dance-finale-spoilers.htm

All of the special guest performances were pre-recorded, including Mary and Nigel’s dance routines.