So You Think You Can Dance – Season 5 – Top 10 Performance – VIDEO

Evan is so likeable but he’s just not ‘sharp’ enough at this stage. He looked more like he was acting as a dancer than being one. Make sense?

The Bollywood was awesome – I could not tell them apart except when Kayla was up front.

Make sense?

Yes. It does to me.

I love that Debbie said Kayla was a “big woman”! :lol_tb:

I thought Janette and Jeanine really stood out in the Bollywood, and I honestly loved the waltz. This is the first time I’ve liked Kayla, to be perfectly honest. But then I hear Mary pimping Kayla out the wazoo, and I start to not like Kayla again. I’ll take Debbie Allen’s comments, instead. Evan is not my favorite, but I think the judges have really been slamming him for no reason. And then I start to root for him just to spite Nigel and the company line.

I’m not loving Brandon’s solo as much as I expected to. Kind of… Low to the ground and flailing, rather than purposeful or interesting to my eye.

Well that Waltz could have been a train wreck but I actually think it was very good. I do agree (and it pains me) that Evan was heavy footed. But his lifts were amazing. Surprised me how well he supported her on each of them. My opinion all dancing is Acting on some level. I agree that on some parts of the dance Evan looked too mechanical but other parts he was fantastic. Kayla did really well. All in all not great but not bad either and they did have chemistry together. (which actually was the biggest surprise) I think Evan brought out the best in
Kayla.

I agree Brandon’s solo was empty, missing something. I mean he had the moves but not exciting.

I thought Evan did a wonderful job with the Waltz. Great lifts and spins. He’s my underdog because it is obvious that Nigel and Mary want him gone because of his size.

Brandon has never impressed me so no surprise I didn’t care for his solo.

I really loved that Ade n Jeanette routine. so much fun.

Ade can make a woman look good, can’t he?!! So glad to finally see him dance, but I really loved Janette for the first time. It’s just all about the girls for me this year. And yeah, Brandon was Ok – just Ok.

Just saw Randi’s solo and wanted to like it better than I did ’cause she’s one of my favorites – what was that little dead cockroach roll she did???

So far tonight not blown away. I love it when they blow me away….

Ade and Jeanette routine i did not like too much. First I did not like the choreography and I thought Jeanette was better then Ade. He did the moves but to me was kind of a background dancer. There were times they were not in sync and I did not really get hip hop from the routine. More like dancers trying to act hip hop. (there goes that acting thing again.

Randi’s solo was not bad. Better then what the spoilers led me to believe.

Kupono….What the hell was that?

I loved Randi’s solo. She has more in her than I would’ve guessed.

Oh. my. gosh. Jason and Jeanine. I love her. Really really love her. She made Jason great. They were great. That was beautiful and hot and lovely and blowing me away great.

ETA: and were they really making out there at the end? Cause they should have! Whew.

I think that Travis did a really good job choreographing the routine that he gave Jason and Jeanine, and I think that Jason and Jeanine did a really good job dancing it.

There were some really cool moves in the Janette/Ade thing, but overall I only sort of liked it. I think I’d give it a solid B.

Randi’s solo left me totally cold. (Sorry, Randi. She’s cute, but… But.) I actually kind of floved Kapono’s solo, which surprised me. But I thought it captured his sort of quirky personality.

Jason and Jeanine killed Travis’s contemp. Lovedlovedloved the work with the necklace, and Jeanine just knocked it out of the park from start to finish. SO nice to see her without the anchor that was Phillip. I love Jason, anyway, and I’m glad he got a chance to shine. I may just watch that again right away. Plus I adore Travis, so it feels great to see him back choreographing.

I was impressed with Bollywood. Like many have been saying the girls are pretty close in ability. None stood out as being so far above the others (contrary to the judges’ tongue baths for a chosen few).

Walz – Parts were good, other parts lacking for me.

Brandon’s solo seemed….IDK…desperate, maybe? He tried too hard? It didn’t flow like his audition when he had Mary in tears. It was still better than most of the male solos we’ve seen in previous DFYLs.

Cute Hip Hop. But I’m getting bored with NappyTabs. Give me some Shane Sparks or Dan Karaty. Ade and Janette did well with what they were given I guess.

Randi – I liked her solo.

Kupono -I like quirky! :thumbup_tb: But will it be enough?

Jason and Jeanine – Yeah Travis!!!! :clap_tb: Jason stepped it up IMO. Jeanine was like… Holey Sheet! Awesome!! Good for them!! Save Jason!

Melissa – Yawn….

Evan – Very cute and personable. Love him doing his own thing.

Kayla -It was better than her other DFYL but I’m still waiting to be blown away by her solo.

I watched Jasonine again. Sigh. Even better this time. That one’s on tour for sure.

Okay, Evan wins the solo sweepstakes. Melissa’s stunk and Kayla’s looks super clunky. You ain’t rocking my soul, chickie. She’s lucky Randi is lower on the totem pole.

Jason and Jeanine-first of all the choreography was Brilliant!!!!!!! with that said I think they both danced it well but I would have loved to see this done by better dancers. Though both are good I think the choreography made them look better then they really are. That same routine with a Blake and a Melody would have been off the charts.

Melissa solo. Ok.

Evan’s solo-Spectacular-Evan at his best. It was different then everyone else so far (all the dances so far to me all had basically the same movements) and danced flawlessly.

Kayla-Brandon syndrome. All the moves were there but lacking something.

WOW……Jason and Jeannine were incredible tonight! They brought tears to my eyes because the performance was so beautiful. Yeah!!! :wub_tb:

…and Travis…….BRAVO!

Cute Hip Hop. But I’m getting bored with NappyTabs.

At least it was different than their usual lyrical hip hop, though I love that too.

Oh man! Jason and Jeanine KILLED it in a good way! That was brilliant! I bet not many expected them to get those kinds of compliments and gushing either. I really believe that the pairings were random draw and not manipulated by the producers like some thought. But either way, this pairing blew the expectations off probably what anyone thought would happen with them tonight.

with that said I think they both danced it well but I would have loved to see this done by better dancers. Though both are good I think the choreography made them look better then they really are. That same routine with a Blake and a Melody would have been off the charts.

Really? I don’t see that at all. I think Jeanine has been one of, if not, THE strongest female all season long. And Jason really stepped it up big time!

Jeanine is awesome. She’s getting my votes tonight. Plus, she has a great sense of humor and is self-deprecating (in the video package she says “the Russian Folk dance stole the show.”) How can anyone not love this girl?

The spoilers lead me to believe that the dance would be much more sexually explicit. I was worried about letting my kids watch, but while it had a few moments that required a motherly comment, I thought it was very sensual and in the context of dance (as art), very well done.

Melissa’s solo was just boring (I know, she’s technically good, but it was boring nonetheless).

Loved Evan’s solo. I just adore the Gene Kelly feel.

Kayla was okay. She needs a choreographer.

Dayum Evan! Now why ain’t he dancing like that with a partner? He just saved himself with that solo!

Did Melissa and Kayla solo yet???

Okay, Evan wins the solo sweepstakes.

THIS :clap_tb:

Melissa-I love you but that was just OK.

EVAN! great solo. So much personality and told a real story.

Kayla- wonderful job with real feeling.

MJ – you have Brandon’s name instead of Evan’s!

Brandon’s Solo – ‘Zing went the Strings of my Heart’  by Rufus Wainwright – awesome solo! – 1-888-836-7605

MJ I think you mean to have Evan’s Name here.

Kupono was just lost in that paso doble. Randi was strong but not passionate. No chemistry at all.

I agree, Rayni. I thought Randi was doing a decent job with the attitude of the dance, but Kupono was completely lacking in the proper disposition. I always find him a bit effeminate (though he was superb in the addiction dance).

I still think Evan has the best solo thus far. Ade was good, but he seemed a bit desperate to me. His solo last week was pure magic.

Randi and Kupono- I thought Randi was strong but he was very weak and drug them down. I think even Evan could have done it better. Sorry.

Paso – Not good. Not anywhere near strong enough from Kupono. I think Randi has gone as far as she can too. She’s not quite as versatile as the other 4 girls.

Ade – His previous solo was better, IMO.

Jeanine – She was good. But The girls in general need help with solo choreography.

Jason – Nice thematic touch this week. I’d save him.

Kupono just sucked in that routine. Randi I thought gave it all she could but had a terrible partner so it just did not go anywhere. Just like in a relationship both people got to give it there all in order for it to work. I feel bad for Randi. I think these two are gone tonight.

Ade Solo- good, but to me he was trying to hard in parts. It was too much. But he is awesome.

Jeanine solo very good

Jason solo very good too. Had me interested.

So far Evan has had the best solo because he took his time, danced it flawlessly, and told a story.

My Fox station was stuck on a McDonald’s ad for eight minutes, and all I missed was Kupono and Randi’s taped package. Kinda wish I’d missed their dance instead. Ouch.

Ade’s solo didn’t really thrill me, either. The flips were nice, but his arms looked really weird and not powerful or strong. What did he do that Cat was on about? Flip too close to the stairs?

(And then we got commercials for Fame (Kherington!) and Glee (Matthew Morrison!) so that was nice.)

I liked Jeanine’s solo, too. I hope she and Evan get a chance to do Broadway together. Yes, I know they’ve both already had it, but I think they could be really awesome.

I’m not sure Jason’s solo is anything people will really get attached to, but it was cute. Cat told him he took a risk and well, doing something so character based low-key and kinda goofy may not have been smart.

Interesting that Brandon gets the first solo and the last pairs dance, and Janette gets the last solo. Brandon, Ade, Melissa and Janette are my guesses as to who they’d like going on for sure. Or, you know, The Chosen Ones.

Jeanine’s solo ROCKED the house! It was very intentional and just flowed really well. No moves of desperation, just dancing for the love of dancing but with purpose. This girl NEEDS to win it all this season! Janette who?

jeanine all the way!!!!!!!

Brandon, Ade, Melissa and Janette are my guesses as to who they’d like going on for sure. Or, you know, The Chosen Ones.

LOL so true. I am just hoping that Evan and Jeanine put a fly in that ointment.

I really liked Melissa and Brandon! They looked great together, but it’s still Jason and Jeanine for the night,

Oh my, the “Hair” dance was boring. It got a little better at the end, but I don’t know how well it will be received by people who don’t really know about this period.

Mary says it’s “UNBELIEVABLE?” I’m not feeling it. Boy they are really pushing hard for Melissa and Brandon.

Janette’s solo? Meh. I think she is a much better partner dancer.

Brandon and Melissa-That was a great routine and dance extremely well but….That was not Broadway. that was more contemporary or modern but not what I would consider Broadway at all. All it did was take both their strengths and create a routine around it, Smoke and all. Pimping to the max.

Jennette’s solo ok did not blow me away.

Top 3 dances for me tonight Duet:

Jason and Jeanine
Brandon and Melissa-Even though it was not Broadway
Evan and Kayla-Surprised they did so well.

Top 3 Solo’s:

Evan-by a mile
Jeanine
Jason

going home Kupono and Randi

Brandon, Ade, Melissa and Janette are my guesses as to who they’d like going on for sure. Or, you know, The Chosen Ones.

Well by the way they gushed on and on about Jeanine and Jason tonight, I am hoping against hope that Jeanine can pull an upset to the Chosen Ones just like Kris did on AI. I love when that happens. It’s a big F U to the pre-ordained outcomes.

Loved the African dance. Wow. I think Kupono and Jason were the most in danger of going home coming into tonight, and they were both so SO good in this dance. Another one that is a sure thing for the tour.

It’s so hard to judge who deserves to go home. Evan and Jeanine had the best solos, and to me, Kayla and Ade had the worst. Jason and Jeanine had the best partner dance, while Randi and Kupono had the worst. I would give Kupono and Jason (but really all of the boys) extra credit points for the African dance, and maybe Jeanine and Janette for the Bollywood. Which means… Randi out for the girls, since she didn’t stand out (in a good way) in any of the three categories. But who can leave among the boys? Jason had the best partner dance and an interesting solo, Evan had far and away the best solo and a credible partner dance, and they were both good in the boys group piece, so neither of them.

Ade was okay in the group dance (B) and the partner dance (C), but didn’t really knock my socks off in either, and I hated his solo C-). Brandon had an okay solo (C), an okay partner dance (B-), and an okay role in the Africa piece (B). Kupono had a terrible partner dance (D), a really interesting solo (B ), and was very good in the Africa dance (A).

I guess I think Ade should go home, given my grades. And that shocks me, since he’s so very good. But tonight he was kind of ho hum, and I guess I think he should go.

But it will probably be Kupono on the basis of the partner dance and his fanbase coming in.

Janette was great. And the boys group dance was so much fun – that little shot of Evan’s belly! LOL – so funny. Ade was the total warrior in that piece – but I also really noticed Jason and Evan. Kupono looked limp somehow.

So annoyed with the guys’ group dance. I think I would have loved the dance if I’d been able to watch it and pay attention. The strobe lighting behind them was so distracting and was making my head/eyes hurt trying to watch them. Thought some of the camera work was crap too.

I sure hope others were able to fully enjoy it, because what I could see of it looked pretty good.

WOW that African dance was awesome!!!!

My guess for home are Brandi (though I wouldn’t be upset if Melissa left, she bugs the heck out of me!) and Kupono. Jason REALLY upped his game tonight so I don’t think he’s going anywhere!

I’d have to say that this is the first week I’ve found the TWOP spoilers to be moderately misleading. I’m glad to see that Evan basically held his own and his solo was fantastic.

I know that Nigel said not one of the boys stood out on their group dance and that they were all equally good, but I could not take my eyes off of Jason. He just killed it! I think the fact that he nailed Bollywood earlier in the season with Caitlin really shows how versatile he can be and how well he can dance cultural dances; and tonight was no different. I know some had written Jason off, but I think with everything he did tonight, from the STUNNING partner dance with Jeanine, his quirky and wonderful solo, and how he rose to the occasion on the African dance should cement him at the very least another week. I wanna see more of him and Jeanine as a partnership.

I’d have to say that this is the first week I’ve found the TWOP spoilers to be moderately misleading. I’m glad to see that Evan basically held his own and his solo was fantastic.

I agree 100%. The spoilers were a bit off as far as I am concerned. and thank God they were.

I loved the Jeanine/Jason, Janette/Ade, and Melissa/Brandon couple dances (in that order.) Jeanine and Jason’s number was incredible.

I’m not a huge Evan fan, but his solo was probably the best, along with Jeanine’s. I also really liked Ade’s….there is just something about his solos that makes me smile throughout, even though this week’s wasn’t as jaw-dropping as last week’s.

Loved both group numbers, and thought it was fantastic to see African dance on the show! My faves are Janette, Ade, and Melissa so that is who I am voting for….I really enjoy watching Janette and Ade in particular because they bring a certain joy to their movement. The bottom 2 for me were undoubtedly Randi and Kupono.

Jeanine’s solo ROCKED the house! It was very intentional and just flowed really well. No moves of desperation, just dancing for the love of dancing but with purpose. This girl NEEDS to win it all this season! Janette who?

Exactly! All the other contemporary girls just frantically leap, kick, and roll around .. but Jeanine actually dances. Jeanine has just become my favorite girl — by a long shot!

And I still love Ade and Brandon. Those 2 can do anything put in front of them.

Evan’s solo was great and Jason’s was pretty good – a surprise.

Does anyone remember if they keep the pairs they had tonight? Or do they switch up again next week?

Dial Idol already has predicted Jason as being the one to be voted off. I hope that is not true. Even though I am a Evan fan Jason does not deserve to go tonight.

And now they have predicted Randi as being the only one so far as being totally safe. Wow.

Loved watching Cat and Ade dancing as the show closed…. Go Cat!

Evan had the best solo tonight hands down. He definitely belongs on Broadway.

I didn’t really like any of the pair dance routines, and I’m sick of non hip hop routines being labeled as hip hop…….. Seriously……

If it was up to me Randi would go home for the girls, and either Jason or Kupono would go home for the guys.

Broadway – Really not a Broadway piece IMO. What they did was good though. I really was hoping to get Melissa farther away from her comfort zone.

Janette – Ballroom solos rarely impress me – unless it’s Artem, Dmitry or Pasha!

African dance – Evan really needed a spray tan! He stood out too much…. but… he did a respectable job. He was definitely the best non-sweater of the guys. I think Jason and Brandon were the next driest. Kupono and Ade… way too much! It’s like they just got out of a pool. Eeewww…

Randi is the weakest female dancer for me (just barely), but my least favorite is probably Kayla or Melissa. I wouldn’t be disappointed if any of those three went home. Jeanine moved up to my Top 2 girls tonight with Janette (even though Miami girl had a weak solo).

For guys…. That’s actually harder for me… versatility wise I’d have to put Evan, Kupono, and Jason at the bottom. But…I guess…..IDK… I guess Evan to go home . I honestly don’t recall being wowed by one of his performances (other than the solo tonight). If I can’t remember them then that’s not good. Jason has Bollywood and tonight’s. Kupono excelled in Dummies & Addiction. Actually, I don’t think it matters which of the 3. I can’t imagine any of them beating out Brandon or Ade at this point. Something would really have to change for me.

Oh well… just my opinion.

Right now on Dial Idol, they have Randi as the top girl vote getter. She’s in green. Dial Idol has Jason as definitely going home in red. This is the first time this season that they have actually made a prediction. Usually they keep everyone in yellow.

Does anyone remember if they keep the pairs they had tonight? Or do they switch up again next week?

They switch

Jason and Jeanine were excellent and so was Travis’ choreography. It’ll be criminal if Jason goes home.

Dial Idol has Jason as definitely going home in red. This is the first time this season that they have actually made a prediction

That sucks. It’s early yet, though isn’t it?

It’ll be criminal if Jason goes home.

I judge by the entire season and not just one week. Plus, I don’t think jason’s solo was all that, and I put more weight on their solo’s than cheogrophy they are given. It was nice to see Travis again though.

DialIdol has Jason and Jeanine with the most raw votes, but no busy signals. Randi has very few votes, but the only busies, so their formula makes her safe and Jason (tons of votes/no busies) in danger. I think they don’t get enough votes for SYTYCD for their formulae to work at all.

I voted tonight for the first time and threw all my votes to Jason and Jeanine. But if DialIdol making people nervous means Jason gets more votes, I won’t quibble.

I think Randi and Kapuno should go home tonight. Wow, Ade has become the star of this year. He was better than Brandon tonight. My fav was Ade and Janette tonight. I love Jeanine too.

Where are the videos?

If you look at the raw numbers DialIdol has Randi as the bottom girl and Jason as the top guy though. I don’t know how much busy signals matter in this show. There isn’t the volume of calls like AI.

It’s fun looking at the geopredictions though…

“Debbie babbles on about evangelizing dance and calls them a magical pairing.”

I think its really interesting that you blog about this show and then on the same token would dismiss a very keen and astute insight into the power of the show by the legendary Debbie Allen.. Do you really feel that she was “babbling” I found her comments to be very adept and on the mark. It’s true that this show is EVANGELIZING dance and showing to young children the world over I CAN BE A DANCER TOO!

I mean dang.
I just feel your characterizing her comment as “babbling” to be very dismissive.

I just feel your characterizing her comment as ‘babbling’  to be very dismissive.

Naw… I kind of felt the same as MJ. Love Debbie Allen, but let’s just critique the dancers, not go on about what a wonderful opportunity this show is for the world of dance. Save that for the introductions and results show, IMHO.

Dear SYTYCD: Please don’t have Evan shirtless again. Thank you.

Dear SYTYCD: Please don’t have Evan shirtless again. Thank you.

lol Amen to that!

Janette and Jason have been my favorite since the beginning of the season. Jeanine and Ade have crept up there. The only ones I really don’t care for are Princess Kayla of Lythgoe-land and Grandma, the Naughty Ballerina. I’m meh on Randi and Kupono, and I like Brandon and Evan, but they’re not my favorites.

That said, Evan’s solo was great. The waltz, eh, I was bored. Waltzes and Foxtrots always bore me. Jason really hit everything he did tonight. Maybe he got some confidence back after being “spared” last week, but something clicked in him, because he really brought it and was EASILY the best of the night.

Janette’s solo was not bad – it was certainly far better than anything Lacey or Anya ever did, but I think most of Chelsie’s were better. Ballroom solos are hard to do and she made the best of it, IMO. And I thought she more than held her own in the hip hop and really stood out in the Bollywood too. I heart her. She’s fierce and fabulous and fun.

So yeah. Good stuff tonight. Now, back to saving Jason.

I still love the shows but the judges are so tiresome and Debbie Allen is the worst of the bunch. Mary and Nigel’s act is also getting very old. I kind of see why AGT is beating this show in the ratings.

Also why I love almost all the dancers, I can’t say any of them match the star power of some past contestants.

I think they need to tweet the show before September or it could be a huge flop. First improvement: limit the judge’s comments to 30 secs. and never have Debbie Allen on again.

Dear SYTYCD: Please don’t have Evan shirtless again. Thank you.

Jason, on the other hand…

tonight really allowed me to figure out who my faves are. Ade is an outstanding dancer. he masters everything they throw at him, he’s got a contagious smile and as of right now he is my fave. Right along with him in my dream finale are Jeanine & Janette. and completing my ideal top 4 is Brandon.
the quality of their dancing, theyr personalities, their smiles.. everything, just fantastic. They are really making this season for me.

Travis’ choreography tonight was probably one of the best of the season. I’m hoping for a repeat on finale night and again on tour. really great work.

both group numbers were intense and energetic and fun.

Despite aallll the different reasons to pick on Evan and laugh at him, I just can’t bring myself to imagine him going home. He is the cutest thing ever.

Jason sure does get a lot of lip action on this show, doesnt he? hmm..

great episode

I still love the shows but the judges are so tiresome and Debbie Allen is the worst of the bunch.

I agree, but almost all the guest judges are terrible. Except maybe Mia and one or two others. Most don’t actually say anything constructive at all, or are so esoteric they make no sense to me.

holy cow…the travis piece was fantastic. crime indeed if jason does go home.

and ade, ummm…i think i fell in love tonite! LOL

Someone really needs to choreograph to Evan’s strengths. The only one to do that thus far has been Mia with her ‘Poodle’ dance. His solo was the best of the night, hands down (I peg both Jeanine and Janette as tops for the girls). I’d like to see both in the semi-final’s. Actually ‘“ there’s not one of the top ten I dislike. Nigel’s right ‘“ they’re all fabulous dancers. I have my preferences ‘“ but I’d be hard put to make a case for anyone going home. It will be interesting to see who gets the votes. I’m shocked as all hell that Dialidol has Melissa listed as last along with Jason. Jason and Jeanine were heart-stoppingly fabulous. Travis has just cemented his cred as a choreographer. That ranks as one of the best couples routines period.

And if they ever do a bio pic on Gene Kelly ‘“ Evan’s your man. He even has an older brother who dances very well too ‘“ just as Kelly did. Talk about custom made!

The judges/producers were very smart to put Evan on this show because how many contemporary dancers do we need? I enjoy contemporary sometimes, but Evan is like a breath of fresh air. He is so talented that he makes what he does seem effortless, but we know it is anything but. And I love his sense of humor, like while rehearsing the mens’ group number he said, “You may have noticed…I’m not African.” LOL

Gene Kelly Jr. FTW!

oh Evan, Evan, Evan: your skin’s so white you glow in the dark, honey.

But I threw you all my votes because you are my favorite dancer. Your
solo was wonderful, and as Debbie said: you handled your big woman! Now for the love of all that is holy, leave your shirt on and DANCE my boy.

I agree: Gene Kelly Jr. FTW!

ETA: I don’t man to pile on, but I really thought Randi and Pono’s Paso Doble was terrible. I saw all kinds of mistakes – and they need to be pretty big (mistakes) for me to pick them out. And Randi fell out of her spins in her solo too. Yikes.

I swear to god if Jason goes home tomorrow I very well may cry. Just as their routine tonight made me wanat to cry, it was so beautiful. I don’t know about (or care about) anyone else’s opinion, but it was so moving. I want to give Travis a big ol’ hug and a congradulations.

I need to stay away from spoilers because I didn’t love the Travis piece as much as I expected. I just really don’t care for Jason’s partner dances. The dance had a sort of built in chemistry just due to the moves, but I don’t think he really connects with his partners. I always like his solos better than anything else he does.

for the first time this season, i’ll be voting my azz off for……. jason.

he just deserves to be there after that travis piece, more so than Pono…..by a freakin mile.

(ade, the female Js, melissa, jason so far are my tops….loved evan’s solo but he is not a well rounded dancer, imo)

Oh, Lord, I hope that’s not true about Jason. I wasn’t able to vote tonight, but I floved that boy. He so deserves to stay. Send Kupono home. I love him, too, but it’s definitely his time to go. Jason was awesome tonight.

Well, I like Jeanine, so she is destined to go home at Top 6 if my track record stays.

They seem to be doing a lot less dancing this season. Well, compared to last, since it’s about the same as the other seasons. They just worked them in S4! I still haven’t gotten into this season like I have previous. le sigh.

I love Evan. I think he and Melissa have beautiful control. Always finishing what they start. Many of the others, particularly in their solo’s don’t follow thru and give a sense of flailing about to me. I believe it is nerves. The choreography on Travis’ piece was outstanding–agree with the poster who thought other dancers may have taken it to an even higher level. This was the first week I thought Jason did well in a pair dance, however. I don’t want Jason or Kupono to go but one of them must. And I think Randi is really the only possibility for the girls to leave but I must say I hated all the girls solo’s except Melissa’s.

OMGoodness! KAYLA is improving on her solo! Gosh she just looks stunning and very much graceful dancing. She may lack personality but damn! she could dance her butt BEST! This is her best solo so far. I hope this could save her from elimination. There routine with Evan was just ok.

Thanks as always, MJ, for the videos and recaps… didn’t get a chance to watch tonight, watching them now. Travis’ choreography was amazing… that was beautiful. I love this show

Evan and Jeanine’s solos were in a totally different category than the others. Just so…composed. No flailing, very deliberate but still so fluid. I love them both. Jason’s finally impressed me after tonight and I’m still a Jeanette fan too. I detest the over pimping of Kayla and Brandon, ruins any chance that I would root for them. And I’m not seeing the big deal with Ade either. He had one great moment (his solo last week) when I perked up and said, aha, THAT’S what the commotion is all about. But it’s quickly gone again this week. Who did I forget? Randi, Melissa and Kupono, right? Uh oh, that doesn’t bode well.

I like Kayla and Ade. Sorry to not agree with everyone about Evan, but I felt he hurt Kayla in the couples dance. Everytime he got her in a hold, he ruined her. Waltz is just not his style and it showed. Too bad his partner has to pay the price. OTOH, I did enjoy his solo, but if Philip had to go home because he can’t dance out of his genre, why not Evan next.

Yes, he’s short and loveable, but I wouldn’t vote for my poodle with the same qualities. I thought the idea was for the best rounded dancer, not the best imitation of Donald O’Connor who Evan reminds me more of than Gene Kelly.

Gene was the leading man, Donald was the *good friend* of the leading man and that’s how I see Evan. I think the *friend* has lasted long enough, but watching most of the reality shows, I’ve come to the conclusion that people love ugly and hate beautiful. Thus the huge support for Evan and the dislike for Kayla. JMO.

MJ, I agree that fanbases are important, but just like on AI, I think swing voters can be the difference makers. If there are voters that voted last night based on performance and not a favorite dancer, they most likely voted for Jason and Jeanine. Some of the other routines were good, but it wasn’t a case of there being a couple of really fantastic partners dancers. The others ranged from competent to great (to an awful, terrible paso).

So all that to say that the dance itself could have saved Jason. Much like Danny Tidwell in season 3, who ended up in the bottom 3 three times in a row going into the top 10, then got a sizzling Samba with a favorite female dancer in top 10 and went on to 2nd place. I’m NOT saying that’s gonna happen for Jason and I’m not even saying that Jason’s routines his first 5 weeks were anywhere as good as Danny’s. I’m just saying that by dancing as he did in a standout piece, it could have saved him – and maybe garnered some new fans. Or got exisiting fans off their asses and voting. Like me. I didn’t vote at all last week and votes halfheartedly in previous weeks. But last night, I voted for Jason 300 times, and Janette 100. Heh.

Alright. I have to vent a little bit here. Sure…Jason and Jeanine’s dance was AH-MAZING. However, if you aren’t fantastic in your own style, you probably don’t belong on the show. They are both the same style, and they got that style to perform this week. Duh, they’re going to be the best. Now, the other contemporary pair got a paso doble. I’m just not sure that it’s fair to compare a pair of contemporary dancers’ paso with a pair of contemporary dancers’ contemporary. Also, I noticed that Brandon is the new Ade…very little dancing, lots of twirling Melissa around in the air. UGH!!

That said, I loved Janette and Ade’s hip hop. It was nice to see Ade actually get to dance. And I think the pick is super annoying but I thought it was fun how they incorporated it into the dance. Bravo to NappyTabs for once, they really choreographed around the dancers they had.

Also, I enjoyed seeing what they were able to do in their solo dances, Evan in particular. He was great and it was fun to finally see him get to do something in his own real style. A lot of the others bored me. I liked Janette and Kayla and that’s about it.

Also…GROUP DANCES FTW!

Debbie Allen is the worst of the bunch.

Need I remind you of Toni Basil earlier this season? At least Debbie has a much more credible dancing background for me.

I loved last night’s show.
I like Debbie Allen as a judge, I missed her last season.
Evan/Kayla – Kayla was beautiful and Evan did better than I expected.
Janette/Ade – Not so hip hop but I liked it. I hope we see someone other than NappyTabs choreograph hip hop this season.
Jason/Jeanine – WOW! I’m biased because I love Travis and both these dancers but this was my favorite routine of the season so far and THIS is why Jason made the top 10.
Randitard/Kupono – Liked Kupono more than Randi. Anyone else think she looked like Jennifer Aniston in that wig?
Brandon/Melissa – Wasn’t very broadway, I hated it. Brandon danced well but Melissa is just meh to me, I don’t get the gushing over her.

solo’s
Brandon – Loved it.
Randi – Thank God for no unitard.
Kupono – I thought he had the most creative solo of all the guys except maybe Jason. I really liked it.
Evan – Evan will also be back as a choreographer, just wait.
Kayla – Liked it.
Jeanine – Loved it. Has that music been used before this season? It sounded familiar.
Jason – His best solo so far.
Melissa – Meh. She has no Wow factor, she’s bland and her solo’s show it.
Janette – Hot! but her solo was what you would expect from a salsa dancer, nothing more, nothing less.

That Jeanine and Jason routine by Travis is just awesome. Certainly stood out for me (and not just because I’m a big mraztard). I just love, love Jeanine, and Jason is one of my top faves among the guys (the others being Ade and Evan).

I also loved Jeanine’s solo. Also Evan’s. I confess those two and Janette’s are the only ones I’ve seen so far, though.

Both group numbers were fantastic. I literally LOLed when a close up of Evan, with his tummy sticking out, was shown.

Poor Randi…that paso doble just wasn’t good at all. Kupono was too soft and I didn’t buy the long-haired Randi, either. Time to go home for the two.

Travis’s piece damn near made me cry. OMG! Isn’t he the most amazing thing? This is why he’s my favorite dancer to emerge from this show in all seasons. Can he just win this season? No? Aw hell, Travis wins at life, anyway. And Jason might have just leapfrogged Ade and Pono (that poor kid is just lost and not living up to potential, too bad) and Evan for me. LOVE. Sarah, did you hear that? I’m jumping on your bandwagon, baby. Sorry I couldn’t vote last night though…we had hail and mofo tornadoes, y’all. And power outages. Sux. I hope he’s safe!

Anyway, those dancers lived that piece, not just danced it, and that’s when the magic happens for me. It was a moment between two people, not a “routine.” Yes, they are both contemporary dancers and have the technical skills, but you can’t teach a dancer to live on stage, not with all of the outstanding technique and classes and instructors and amazing choreo in the world. Jeanine is da bomb and I wish these two had been paired originally. Plus, lulz to Debbie Allen telling Jeanine to sew her skirt back up and let Jason rip it again. I have idolized her her since I was like five and became enraptured with the tv show FAME. She’s the reason I started dance classes and I love to hear her wax poetic about dance and life and blah blah blah. Also, TRAVIS! Ick, I’m so lame and gushy and Mary Murphy right now. Sorry y’all.

Compare Travis’s piece to Tyce’s pedestrian Age of Aquarius piece that was so very, very technically impressive, but also didn’t move me one bit. The way it was danced and choreographed it said to me oh, look at all of the neat things these two can pull off. That’s nice. Take away the hippy dippy costuming and you could have put that choreo to any ol music.

Ade is without a doubt one of the better soloists the show has ever seen. Evan’s solo was really enjoyable as well, and Jason’s was really pretty freakin awesome. He’s really coming out of his shell now.

I thought the three J’s were the best of the night, so each of them got some votes from me.

Oh, I wanted to add that I actually liked Pono’s solo quite a bit, probably his best and really creative, but fear it’s not the type of thing that will appeal to the mass audience. And he did nail the African dance. But that paso… Did NOT enjoy Brandon’s solo. Ade was pretty freakin funktastic in that hip hop, but what the hell did they dress him in, huh? Looked like rejects from Twitch’s closet or something. (Not a compliment.)

She’s fierce and fabulous and fun.

Amen sister. For me, Janette has been the clear winner in mastering everything they throw at her.

Last night, I thought Ade was fabulous in everything. He was surely the standout (for me) in the group dance. In the ladies group dance, I thought Janette and Jeanine were far superior to the rest of them.

I think Melissa has amazing technical skills. Every inch of her body shows the years of hard work she’s put into dance. I am continually impressed by what she can do. Her problem is though, that girl’s got no rhythm. She’s a master technician, but she’s sure as heck not winning this thing.

Randi is the weakest of the girls to me, by a mile. I think she should go home tonight. But, who knows.

I find it too bad that Kupono sucked so hard in his partner dance (really, that was the worst Paso I’ve ever seen on this show), because I thought he was fabulous in the guy’s group dance.

I don’t have the Evan love. Gene Kelly could actually Waltz, which Evan clearly can’t. That’s my major problem with Evan – that he’s so ineffective in the other styles, moreso to me than the others. Last night, he completely left out the rise and fall element of the waltz, last week he did a Samba devoid of hip action, and well everything was wrong about that hip hop (including the shitty choreography). He’s got a fun personality and his solos are quite good. But, he doesn’t have the versatility to win this thing.

I too loved Jason & Jeanine’s partner dance. Travis’s choreography was wonderful. I still think Jason’s fanbase is small – but hopefully, like Sarah mentioned, the casual voter took note of his great performances last night and voted.

I voted for Janette & Ade last night, and I’ll probably continue to do so. I don’t want to watch a final that doesn’t have those two in it.

For the guys, I’m all about Ade & Brandon. Jason, Kupono and Evan can go in any order, and I won’t care all that much.

Debbie Allen has been a gift to the dance world for a very, very long time. I have a ton of respect for her. But, MJ’s right. She does babble like a loon on this show. And that hair. Who the fuck did that to her?

I’ve been watching the show all along but hadn’t really been drawn in until Jeanine and Jason so beautifully showcased Travis’s choreography. That piece was gorgeous. All three deserved all the praise they received last night.

That being said, I really like many of the dancers this year, but just hadn’t been wowed yet.

But, MJ’s right. She does babble like a loon on this show. And that hair. Who the fuck did that to her?

I’ll give you the hair, cuz damn girl, but she didn’t babble like a loon IMO. I dunno, I love her soundbytes. Maybe I just speak Lydia Grant. “You don’t just get up and DO this.” re: the African dance. Perfect and true. They made it look easy, but that shit is not for Tony Bravo who goes clubbing on the weekends and thinks he’s got mad skills.

But, MJ’s right. She does babble like a loon on this show.

I’m assuming you and MJ are talking about Mary here because Debbie Allen doesn’t babble like a loon at all. I love me some Debbie Allen!!

I mean dang.
I just feel your characterizing her comment as ‘babbling’  to be very dismissive.

Did you happen to see Debbie A on the tv contest series called Fame that she did a few years ago? Or see her much on SYTYCD?

I have a lot of respect for many things Ms A has done over the years, but when she’s on television watching her dancer-babies (or other people’s dancer-babies) dance (or even sing), seems to me she pretty much totally turns into a blithering, dithering, completely non-objective nonsensical blitherer. She loves loves loves the kids so much and she so so so so wants dance evangelized, that every ounce of her professionalism pretty much goes out the window, if you ask me.

I enjoyed watching the Fame show, thought it was very interesting and enjoyed seeing a lot of those kids and the things she taught them and asked them to do, but I got to the point of having to turn the sound off whenever Debbie A started talking. She never even tried to make any sense. It usually sounded as if she was sweet-baby-talking a kid in a stroller — when she spoke either to the contestants or the judges. I was embarrassed for her, actually. And she’s performed similarly on SYTYCD, if you ask me.

This is no reflection on her major abilities and accomplishments, but she acts too much like a distracted mama hen on tv performance contests — blither, she does, a lot of the time. (When she reins herself in or isn’t so emotionally involved, she gives good critiques. I’ll give you that.) I wish she’d use her stellar abilities in a less emotional way, but I guess it all just gets her too excited.

Plus, lulz to Debbie Allen telling Jeanine to sew her skirt back up and let Jason rip it again. I have idolized her her since I was like five and became enraptured with the tv show FAME. She’s the reason I started dance classes and I love to hear her wax poetic about dance and life and blah blah blah. Also, TRAVIS! Ick, I’m so lame and gushy and Mary Murphy right now. Sorry y’all.

Oh, sunchick, my love for you is now confirmed. I adore Debbie Allen, too, and the DH (who is “art challenged” LOL) thought she was great too. Is she a tad OTT? Oh, sure, but at least she’s waxing poetic ABOUT THE CONTESTANTS AND THE ART and not herself like those boob judges on American Idol.

I only started watching the SYTYCD last season. Do they reprise the old seasons on the Fox Reality channel? I really would love to see Travis dance!

And has Judith Jamison ever been asked to choreograph on the show? She’s a godess.

I agree with Debbie Allen – dance studios everywhere owe a referral fee to this show. They have reinvigorated dance and anything that is fun and cardioaerobic is a good thing!

I feel like taking dance lessons – they actually have Adult Hip Hop at some of the studios – I am a total spaz, I did not take dance lessons as a kid, it would not have occurred to me to ask for dance lessons, but taking hip hop lessons even at my age and with my lack of coordination sounds more fun than a treadmill…I’ve always wanted to learn Latin dancing – need a willing partner though, bwah. That and perfect the Caribbean booty shake. I see Janette has the Latin version down beautifully.

Whoever makes the commercials for the Canadian SYTYCD, has scored again, great ad promoting the start of the new season, got me all excited for the August 11th debut. A Mary like Woo hoo! And I love Mary but actually find Debbie’s input refreshing, someone who uses words. She is like one of the mothers of dance so I can forgive her proud mother tendencies.

I agree Ade was exceptional last night, and definitely the stand out.

Oh and after seeing that Travis piece, now I really have to buy that Mraz album.

Evan and Jeanine’s solos were in a totally different category than the others. Just so’ ¦composed. No flailing, very deliberate but still so fluid.

That’s the PERFECT description! You said it much better than I did It was obvious that they weren’t just up there improving their solos.

Jeanine, on the other hand, is turning into quite the little dark horse. Could she be the Courtney Galiano of Season 5, sneaking into the finals?

I hope so! Except I hope she not only makes the finals, but WINS the whole shebang!

Jeanine is just awesome! Love her! (and Evan too). It would be awesome to see her make it to the finals. I agree totally with the judges last night about Randi’s wig. That made absolutely no sense! I almost didn’t recognizer her during the routine. I won’t be a bit surprised if she goes home tonight. I think Kupono is in trouble as well.

I’ll give you the hair, cuz damn girl, but she didn’t babble like a loon IMO. I dunno, I love her soundbytes. Maybe I just speak Lydia Grant. ‘You don’t just get up and DO this.’  re: the African dance. Perfect and true.

I worshipped at the alter of Lydia Grant for years and years. She is a true inspiration, and one of the finest dancers and choreographers to ever grace the business. I have an immeasurable amount of love for her. I also agree with a lot of what she says. I just find her delivery rather colorful. And of course, I’m still remembering some of her more colorful comments from last year LOL.

So, when I say Babble like a loon, you can keep in mind that A) the bulk of what I say is tongue in cheek and not meant to be taken too seriously. and B) The fact that I sometimes find Debbie’s hyperbole way OTT does not mean that I do not adore her.

It just comes from my experience of watching this show, where sometimes I hear her and think “WTF did she just say?”

So, when I say Babble like a loon, you can keep in mind that A) the bulk of what I say is tongue in cheek and not meant to be taken too seriously. and B) The fact that I sometimes find Debbie’s hyperbole way OTT does not mean that I do not adore her.

True, true. However, Debbie Allen’s remark to Evan and Kayla, “You handled your big woman, ” had me rolling with laughter. It was my second favorite moment of the evening, complete with Evan’s and Kayla’s adorable reactions.

My favorite part of last night was the Bollywood. Girl power!!!!!

I was a little disappointed with the hip hop, expecting something more in choreography for Ade and Janette.

Whoever makes the commercials for the Canadian SYTYCD, has scored again, great ad promoting the start of the new season, got me all excited for the August 11th debut.

Oohhh… I better get that on my download calendar! Thanks! This and Proj Runway 6 finally starts Aug 20th. Awesome. These are the 2 shows of which I always try to grab the US, Canadian, and Australian versions. Keeps me going year round. :thumbup_tb:

i don’t want Jason to go home tonight…i want to see more of the Jeanine and Jason pairing…

It just comes from my experience of watching this show, where sometimes I hear her and think ‘WTF did she just say?’ 

Ah. I get ya. But for me, for you, when someone says babble like a loon, my mind goes to Mary Murphy levels of babble. 10% of the time, Mary talks about dance. Yes she does. The other 90% it’s about schmoopy cuteness or riding the mythical hot tamale train which she takes very seriously. Yes she does. Debbie conversely somehow makes sense to me for all of her Allen-esque hyperbole. And brings the lulz. The best Debbie-ism I think was her reaction to Neil and Sabra’s table dance. “Jazz sometimes can be all putzy and soft (makes little Fosse-esque hand movments). But this is how I like it. (slams hand on desk) This is how I like it honey. Give it to me hard, give it to me hot!” Bwah. I enjoy her when she judges.

So- I love this show and all of the dancers are SO amazing… but I think the choreography this year isn’t as good as it’s been in the past year. The dance Travis choreographed is really the only one that stuck out to me that I’ll remember after the season is done. I feel like many of the pieces lack emotion and passion. Maybe it’s time to get some new choreographers?

Overall I still love the show, but I don’t think I’ll be as into it next year or as excited to watch it if they don’t spice it up a bit. And honestly- I’m tired of hearing the judges toot their own horns. I mean really- we all know how great the show is if we’re watching it, so why is it neccessary for them to ALWAYS say how this show is impacting the dance world and is the greatest dance show ever. It makes me not want to watch it because the judges act like idiots at times.