So You Think You Can Dance – Season 5 – Top 20 Revealed

By On 06/04/2009 · 81 Comments · In Uncategorized


The Top 32 dancers find out, tonight if they made the Top 20.   The Vegas judges panel: Lil’ C, Mia Michaels, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman, Debbie Allen and Nigel Lythgoe

So You Think You Can Dance Season 5 Top 20! – VIDEO

The contestants are waiting in a room way   stage. They’ll be called, one by one, to take a maze-like walk to center stage where they will learn their fate from the judges.

Video and Live blog after the JUMP…

  • Janette Manrara – Salsa Dancer – TOP 20 – Right before Vegas, she was in a car accident, and broke up with her boyfriend. She’s been needing good news, and she gets it.   She auditioned in Miami.   – VIDEO
  • Diana Varden – CUTÂ   – She has her lucky monkey with her, but it doesn’t do much good. She’s cut. Debbie Allen breaks the news to her. The judges see a lot of potential, but don’t think she’s ready yet. – VIDEO
  • Vitolio Jeune -   TOP 20 – Miami dancer, Vitolio is having a diarrhea moment!   He’s from Haiti, his mom died when he was three, then he ended up in an orphanage and has been on his own since 15.   Lil C he didn’t come to life until he could choreograph his own routine. Vitolio, sobs as he leaves the stage with good news. – VIDEO
  • Henry (and a few others) – CUT – It’s cut city for the next half hour.
  • Kayla Radomski – TOP 20 – She came to the Denver audition with her grandparents. Mia says it’s rare for her to connect to female dancers, but she’s one of those few that has completely moved her. – “I cannot wait for you to tear up this season,” says Mia, delivering good news. – VIDEO
  • Pono Aweau – TOP 20 – Seattle dancer Pono, was impressive, but controversial.   They didn’t like his hair, or his somewhat feminine dancing. But, by the end of Vegas, Adam thought Pono was one of the strongest male dancers there   Pono loves lists–he got to check off “make top 20″.   His Hawaiian name, difficult to pronounce, is shortened to “Pono” -   VIDEO
  • Paris Torres, Jeanine Mason, Ade Obayomi, Karla Garcia, Jonathan Platero – TOP 20 – It’s the parade of the cannon fodder! – VIDEO
  • Brandon   Bryant – TOP 20 – Brandon had Mary in tears when he auditioned in Denver.   But Mia Michaels and Lil’ C were unimpressed with his Vegas performances. “I can’t take you,” says Mia, “I can’t take what you bring to the floor as an artist…it annoys the sh*t out of me…you just rubbed me the wrong way…you aren’t what you’re cracked up to me.”   Debbie Allen has a “real difference of opinion” After Lil’ C tells Brandon he’s unimpressive, Mary Murphy interrupts, “I don’t want to listen to any of this crap.” Hm. This bit feels a little set up. My money is on Mia gradually warming up to him.   Nigel agrees with Mary, Debbie and Adam, so that means Brandon is through to the next round. And he’s ready to take on the haterz! – VIDEO
  • Tony Belissimo – TOP 20 – Tony is so nervous, his entire body is shaking. He says all he can think about is his brother, who’s in Afghanastan. He’s his hero and biggest supportor.   Nigel tells Tony his dance technique isn’t as strong as it could be.   But his charasmatic personality gives him the edge, and he makes it thourgh. “Now you’ve really got to bring it,” says Nigel. It’ll be interesting to see how far his charm will take him in the competition. – VIDEO
  • Maksim Kapitanniko, Caitlin Kinney, Melissa Sandvig,   Jason Glover – TOP 20 – It’s another parade of yeses. Caitlin is as weepy as ever when she hears the news. Melissa twirls in her tutu when she hears the news. Adam’s Vegas prediction for Jason comes true. And, Hello Maksim! Heh. -   VIDEO
  • Ashley Valero -TOP 20 – It’s Ashley’s 4th time auditioning for the show. Mary says “We definitely see a fighter…you have emerged, we see a lot of improvement…and I think this is going to be the final stop.” She’s in the Top 20. – VIDEO
  • Randi Evans -TOP 20 – Denver auditioner, Randi has been training since she was 3. Mary calls her tigress, but says she hasn’t stepped into her glory yet.   Then she mocks her unitards. “We love you, and we think America is going to love you,” says Mia as she invites her into the Top 20 – VIDEO
  • Alex Wong – CUT because he’s still under contract to the Miami Ballet – Only 3 spots remain, and Alex wants one of them.   Unfortunately, the ballet company he’s under contract with, the Miami City Ballet, won’t release him. Alex is devastated.   He didn’t check with his bosses first? He was looking forward to stretching out into different styles of dance. The judges tell him to be proud of the work he’s doing now, and come back when he’s able. -   VIDEO
  • Four more dancers are cut, including Asuka’s partner Ricky. She has yet to learn her fate.
  • Phillip Chbeeb – TOP 20 – Phillip, the popper, still can’t believe he’s in the competition. Vegas was one of the most stressful weeks in his life, but he enjoyed every minute. Adam says he saw–more than in most b-boys and trickers–an overall sense of loving dance. “You’re in the Top 20, buddy,” says Adam. “This is silly, I’m in the Top 20!” says Phillip – VIDEO

There’s one spot left for the guys, and one for the girls. Oh look, the last spot is between brothers Evan and Ryan Kasprzak. I didn’t see that coming! *eyesroll*

  • Asuka Kondoh – TOP 20
  • Deana – CUT   – It’s down to contemporary dancer Deana, who auditioned in Miami, and Ballroom dancer, Asuka, who auditioned in Los Angeles with her partner Ricky, who’s already been cut. Debbie tells Deana that she didn’t take risks and didn’t go the distance they wanted to see. She’s cut, Akuka moves on.   – VIDEO
  • Evan Kasprzak -Â   TOP 20
  • Ryan Kasprzak – CUT – (They were the last two) – The old-school broadway dancers, the Kasprzak brothers are last. Ryan pledges that “I am with him, every step that he dances,” if his brother Evan makes it through. They’re both crying. Evan says it would be amazing if Ryan got through, “God knows your due for some good news.” Evan says the pinnacle has been sharing the Vegas experience with “My best friend.”   Ryan says he let the negative voices in his head keep him on the couch for 4 years. “What I realized this week,” says Ryan, “Is that my own fear was standing in the way of my dreams.” Nigel tells Ryan, “Be very proud, because it was probably your choreography that’s got your brother through to the Top 20…Evan congratulations.”   Nigel says, “You don’t always have to wear a hat…you really don’t.”   I dunno, Evan’s youth and better looks probably gave him the edge over Ryan, who I thought was the better dancer. – VIDEO (longer vid)

 
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  • butte009

    Whooohooo! Let’s find out!!

  • silverwings

    Lol, I agree with Nigel. That first girl’s boyfriend is crazy!

  • Jx223

    I am happy for Antonio. He seems like a really nice guy.

  • kanab

    I still can’t get into chat. My user name which was confirmed is ‘kanab’ but when I try to log in I get this message: The user name does not exist!

    I give up.

  • butte009

    Did we ever even know the name of the first guy that got cut? That sucks. Top 32 but still nameless?

  • silverwings

    kanab – I gave up on chat, too. I’ve even logged in and out of the blog (which works), so color me confused.

    I didn’t recognize anyone in that cut montage. Have we lost the guy from Mark’s dance school yet? I wish they would flash names on the screen for everyone.

  • butte009

    Pono hasn’t gone yet.

    ETA: Speak of the devil…. Yeah!!!

  • chrgi

    What crawled up Mia’s butt and died? Seriously, what’s wrong with her? I don’t know if this a game the producers are playing to create a story arc, but seriously to me that was the definition of unprofessional.

  • reeboks1

    mia has always been a bitch.

  • butte009

    I’m glad Mary told Mia and Lil’ C to STFU.

  • butte009

    Paris made Top 20.

    ETA: Wow. There certainly are a lot of people we never saw.

  • reeboks1

    i’m happy for kayla.

  • Jx223

    What crawled up Miaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s butt and died. Seriously, whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s wrong with her? I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know if this a game the producers are playing to create a story arc, but seriously that was messed up of her.

    I think that she has a tendency to act like that with some of the contestants, for whatever reasons. I think that she’s even harder on Brandon than she has been on some other contestants in the past.

  • Dr. Tracey

    Ughh I despise Mia. Why the hell does she need to be so fucking spiteful?

  • reeboks1

    i always feel like mia isn’t interesting in helping anyone to become a better dancer, but rather is interested in just being better than everyone else herself.

  • Jx223

    mia has always been a bitch.

    I definitely think that she has always been much harder on the contestants than any of the other judges, and has at times been downright mean to some of them.

    I think that in the past a lot of the times the contestants have kind of walked on eggshells around her.

    And have tried to please her, not so much because they like her, but because they know that she can be very difficult.

  • phildog716

    Mia likes to see herself as superior. Someone needs to inform her that her shit, does indeed stink.

  • butte009

    Usually I agree with Mia so that’s why I’m so floored by her reaction to Brandon.
    And I really don’t understand where Lil’ C is coming from.

  • reeboks1

    were a lot of these finalists never shown on tv? i don’t know who thehell they are! i feel like everyone who was given air time was cut last night!

  • terps

    Kelly Clarkson!!!!

  • chrgi

    WHAT?!

    I’m in shock. Alex was seriously the best dancer that I’ve seen this season. Dang, at least he has a job to worry about, many dancers don’t even have that, but I was looking forward to watching him.

    I’m so disappointed.

  • butte009

    Ohhh… I’m bummed. They cut Ricky. :glurps_tb:

  • Jx223

    I am glad that Philip made it through. I think that he is very likeable and is the type of contestant that would try his hardest at every style of dance that was thrown at him.

  • phildog716

    I’m disappointed to lose Ricky, I can’t believe they would lose Asuka also. That would be a tragedy.

  • Dr. Tracey

    That sucks for Alex, he was so awesome to watch I hope he comes back when his contract is up.

  • phildog716

    First time I’ve heard Max’s name. sheesh.

  • butte009

    First time Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve heard Maxà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s name. sheesh.

    They showed his audition (I think NY). He was with Faina.

  • Dr. Tracey

    I am really loving the guys they have picked this season, I can’t wait for the competition to start.

  • silverwings

    Not excited for any of the girls this season. I do have my eyes on a few guys though. Next week should be fun. :)

    Also, whatever happened to the african dancer? I don’t remember him being cut before…

  • butte009

    The African dancer was Geo Smith. I don’t recall them saying he was cut before the Top 32 either.

    There were two others I was watching for but apparently got cut prior to the Top 32 without my noticing as well:
    Peter – NY tapper who Mary thought looked silly in his outfit (looked like a boxer) and
    Igor – NY ballroom guy who’s partner could have spun dried clothes.

  • KrazeeK120

    EVAN!!!!

    He goes to the incredibly small college I graduated from and by accounts of people that go there, is a nice guy. Plus he’s a great dancer. I think I shall vote for him.

  • Dr. Tracey

    whatever happened to the african dancer?

    Geo Smith? I don’t remember seeing him after the first round.

  • silverwings

    Peter – NY tapper who Mary thought looked silly in his outfit (looked like a boxer) and
    Igor – NY ballroom guy whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s partner could have spun dried clothes.

    Oh right, I forgot about them. Guess they got cut in some montage and SYTYCD didn’t feel worthy of showing them on screen?

  • Grammie Kari

    It seems Mia’s Emmy has gone to her head. If you’re one of her favorites, great. If not…I think she makes them nervous. She is creative, but has a difficult personality.

    I was also sad to see Ricky cut. He is so supportive of his partners. Also, disappointed that Diana Vaden did not make it through. When you look at the TOP 32, it is probably the most talented group they have ever shown.

    Now, comes the interesting part… I am curious to see who Tony Belissimo is paired with. He is taller than Cat, I hope they don’t give him a shortie. Remember the year they paired a very tall girl with a much shorter guy. They were immediately eliminated.

    I hope TPTB will be fair in the match-ups.

  • Jocelin

    I have my eye on Kayla-she is an amazing dancer.

    I cheered when Mary stopped the Brandon bashing, especially with her comments that she was one of the three judges who was present for his excellent audition.

    I only felt a teensy bit bad for Alex…. but really?…he works with Villella, one of the greatest American male dancers-a true legend and icon of ballet…not too shabby.

  • lilbrusc102

    I so so disappointed about Alex Wong (please come back when your contract is up!!! He is such a beautiful, strong, and precise dancer…) and Ryan (I’ll admit I cried during his and Evan’s moments before and in the judge’s room). Also sad about Ricky.

    I am super excited about Philip, Evan, Pono, and Janette (I agree that her ex-bf must be crazy!). I could also see myself really liking Jason Glover, Asuka, Brandon, Maksim and Vitolio, and am intrigued by several of the unknowns in the top 20. (Seriously, there are so many, especially on the girl’s side…I feel like I only know who 3 or 4 of the ten females are!!!)

    I’m wondering if some of these girls are really amazing and they are waiting to surprise us once the show starts. I thought they’d really push for a female winner since only one girl has won the show, but it seems like they are really stacking the show with some pretty amazing and charming male talent.

    ANyway, I’m excited about the season! For some reason, although I don’t become as obsessed with/invested in it as I do with Idol, I always seem to find more joy in watching SYTYCD…

  • butte009

    I wonder if the ballerina, Melissa, can pull it off? A ballerina, Talia, won the second season of the Aussie version. She’ll be performing during the US finale as part of her winner’s package.

  • lili

    I am so sad about Ryan. I was hoping he’d be put through. Maybe they will bring him back as a choreographer….

  • SpenserJ

    I only felt a teensy bit bad for Alexà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦. but really?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦he works with Villella, one of the greatest American male dancers-a true legend and icon of balletà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦not too shabby.

    Alex has a job that thousands of other dancers would kill for. I cannot even imagine why he would try out for this show while under that contract. Unless of course, it was merely to set up his triumphant quest for the Top 20 next season when his contract is conveniently up. Hmm, does that sound like something Nigel would do? LOL

    I like Evan a lot too KK (and I look forward to “watching” him with you in chat!) Hopefully, next week will be less busy for me – and I can actually watch the show in real time. Argh – the last week of school is filled with madness for us parents of small children.

    There are quite a few really impressive dancers in this group. Should be fun.

    I think Brandon is a fabulous dancer. Unfortunately, there’s a huge hunk of America that thinks Mia is almost as brilliant as she thinks she is. So, he’ll be a little tainted because of that. He’s going to need to really bring it to get America to vote for him.

  • Ladybug

    This is a GOOD group! I am thrilled after what was, to me, a meh season last time. It followed the best season (IMO), though, so comparisons were unfair.

    This is a very attractive diverse group and it has Evan in it!!! Woot!

    I felt bad for Alex Wong, though. What an exquisite dancer! I was really hoping to watch him perform this time.

    I am ready for the dancing!!! And Cat as hostess. She so rocks.

  • butte009

    And Cat as hostess. She so rocks.

    I hate how she has trouble saying “judges”, but otherwise she’s better than the original hostess, Lauren S.
    The hostesses for Canada and Australia are also very good (and they can both say “judges”) :smile1_tb:.

    ETA: Almost forgot… Cat also talks from the right side of her mouth, which annoys me. But… I will agree that she is very personable and seems to genuinely care about the dancers.

  • erinnthered

    i always feel like mia isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t interesting in helping anyone to become a better dancer, but rather is interested in just being better than everyone else herself.

    Mia really is a “mean girl.” I don’t care how talented she is, I want her off my screen. If you’re going to be hard on a dancer then let it be to improve them, not your own ego.

    Alex has a job that thousands of other dancers would kill for. I cannot even imagine why he would try out for this show while under that contract. Unless of course, it was merely to set up his triumphant quest for the Top 20 next season when his contract is conveniently up. Hmm, does that sound like something Nigel would do? LOL

    Honestly, I question a dancer like him who doesn’t understand what he has. It makes me not like him. I feel for the MCB that they gave him a valuable spot as a principal and he would shit on them like this. Nice to know he’ll be loyal…not.

    ETA: Cutting Ryan sucked, but I get what they were saying. Maybe he can still choreograph for them? They don’t really have anyone of his style – I never did like Tyce. Or maybe he’d even be under the limit for S6 since they didn’t wait a year?

  • catdog

    It seems that Phillip is well liked on here but I think he’s not much of a dancer. You can’t tell me that he is better than Ricky or Ryan. Every year we see excellent dancers eliminated in favor of some off the wall performer. That stinks.

  • SpenserJ

    I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care how talented she is, I want her off my screen.

    You and me both. I don’t care about her alleged “brilliance”. Half the time, her choreography bores the hell out of me. It’s certainly not good enough to justify that shitty attitude.

    I feel for the MCB that they gave him a valuable spot as a principal and he would shit on them like this.

    That’s why I think it’s a total set-up for tv purposes. No dancer who wants a sustainable career shits on a company like the MCB.

  • erinnthered

    Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s why I think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a total set-up for tv purposes. No dancer who wants a sustainable career shits on a company like the MCB.

    Yeah, but I’m saying that he really shouldn’t do the show when his contract comes up. He needs to stick to his current path. He’s a guy who’s good enough to do it the “old fashioned way.” He doesn’t need the show, but MCB, or another stellar company, would certainly need him. I don’t think him doing this is good for dance.

    ETA: I should specify that I’m not sure what he thinks he’ll be able to do in other forms of dance once the show is over. If he wants to work in Hollywood or Vegas, he could get principal jobs without the show. He’s that good.

  • dbt

    Mia ia a total bitch. Geez…what is the matter with her? She’s been vicious and nasty to Brandon and never gives him any constructive criticism. I think she’s annoyed because he got such rave reviews..she’s keeps mentioning how she heard he was so great. Jealousy??? She always seems to dislike one of the most talented (usually male) dancers and gives them grief. Someone needs to take that woman down a few pegs. Go Mary!!!

  • silverwings

    I’m not going to be too hard on Alex. He reminds me of the broadway singers who try out for Idol because while they are great at broadway, they want something more. I can’t hate a guy who probably is very talented but might be frustrated by the limits of classical ballet.

  • ericalina

    I think this is a great top 20! I like that there are new faces to look forward to and the music has already been fantastic.

    Did anyone else wonder like me what Evan meant he said Ryan could really use some good news?they both seemed very emotional when he said that, it got me wondering…

    Anyhow can’t wait for next week!!

  • SpenserJ

    I should specify that Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure what he thinks heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be able to do in other forms of dance once the show is over. If he wants to work in Hollywood or Vegas, he could get principal jobs without the show. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s that good.

    I’m with you on that point. I cannot for the life of me figure out why he thinks he needs this show either.

  • lilbrusc102

    I’m not going to be too hard on Alex. He reminds me of the broadway singers who try out for Idol because while they are great at broadway, they want something more. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t hate a guy who probably is very talented but might be frustrated by the limits of classical ballet.

    Yeah, I agree that Alex seems to just want an opportunity to get outside his box, which is a very human emotion I think.

    Do I feel sorry for him for not making the show? No, he dances for an amazing company under a legend’s tutelage. I feel sorry for myself because I wanted to watch him dance, but he probably should have known better than to audition if he didn’t think he could get out of his contract.

    However, because SYTYCD isn’t like Idol in in which a contract awaits the winner, I don’t think it would hurt his ballet career to be on the show. I would think that the exposure and visibility would be a nice bonus for any dancer, as well as for any style of dancing, if the dancer represents it well.

  • butte009

    It seems that Phillip is well liked on here but I think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not much of a dancer. You canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t tell me that he is better than Ricky or Ryan. Every year we see excellent dancers eliminated in favor of some off the wall performer. That stinks.

    This show is very big on watching dancers grow throughout the season. They are also very big on giving unique dancers the stage.

    Nigel was right… Ryan and Evan are essentially the same as are Maksim and Ricky. Phillip OTOH is unique and amazing. So while I’m sad that the Rs didn’t get in, I can’t hold it against Phillip. I’d be more upset if the other 7 guys all turn out to be contemporary dancers. Well… I guess we know that Tony isn’t, so 6 others.

    What do we have for the girls? 2 Ballroom, 1 Ballerina, and 7 Contemporary? Yawn…..

  • erinnthered

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not going to be too hard on Alex. He reminds me of the broadway singers who try out for Idol because while they are great at broadway, they want something more. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t hate a guy who probably is very talented but might be frustrated by the limits of classical ballet.

    I see what you’re saying, but this isn’t like Adam Lambert who was stuck in the chorus and wanted more. This is a bit like Jonathan Groff leaving the original cast of Spring Awakening to try out for Idol. He’s already at the top of his game, and is good enough to have a lot of options even outside his specific field. It just seems like he doesn’t understand what he has, and what he can bring to the dance world. Like it’s a self esteem issue, and the show would enable him.

  • lilbrusc102

    There does seem to be an overload of contemporary dancers this year! This makes me think that unless some of the others tank, the first few voted off will be lyrical dancers since they might end up blending together, especially if they haven’t had much screen time yet…

  • idolfan617

    Damn.

    Tony and Jonathan are going to bring the male eye-candy this year. LOL.

    Yum.

  • reeboks1

    no breakers?

  • clearone

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not going to be too hard on Alex. He reminds me of the broadway singers who try out for Idol because while they are great at broadway, they want something more. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t hate a guy who probably is very talented but might be frustrated by the limits of classical ballet.

    Ditto.

  • phildog716

    not sure why there is any haters on Alex. Perhaps, he just WANTS to do something different. Obviously he enjoys it. Check this link:

    http://www.youtube.com/user/alexdwong

    Also, when was this show taped? He became a principal in early March.

  • soamused

    Alex reminds me of Danny T. Both fantastic at ballet. Both yearning for more creative growth. This show gives them a chance, in a few weeks-months, to explore so many different styles, with very creative choreographers. For both of them, it’s not a career move, it’s an exciting opportunity for artistic growth, with a diverse group of colleagues. I went to the MCB page and they’ve got 4 male principals, a male guest artist, Alex is one of three male principal soloists (recently promoted), and there are four male soloists; I didn’t bother counting the corps. Would it have really made such a huge difference to MCB to let Alex go for a few months? Wouldn’t the experience have made him a better dancer, wouldn’t it have given MCB some broader exposure as well? Yes, I felt sorry for Alex, it was hard to see his heart breaking a bit in disappointment. I hope MCB reconsiders and allows him to participate in the show in a future season.

  • erinnthered

    There does seem to be an overload of contemporary dancers this year! This makes me think that unless some of the others tank, the first few voted off will be lyrical dancers since they might end up blending together, especially if they havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t had much screen time yetà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    ITA

    I was ready to agree with Sarah that they were looking for a ballroom winner, but now I’m not so sure. Maybe they just want a trained winner. The last two have been “untrained” – even though we know better with Joshua – and before that it was Benji. He’s trained, but very much a niche dancer. Maybe they’re just looking for someone more traditional in their background?

  • http://randomizeme.wordpress.com arca

    I’m just wondering why Alex Wong was allowed to audition and sent to Vegas in the first place? Shouldn’t his still “active” contract disqualifed him from the start? I’m not clear on the rules for SYTYCD.

  • snuffles

    dbt Jun 4th, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    Mia ia a total bitch. Geezà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦what is the matter with her? Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s been vicious and nasty to Brandon and never gives him any constructive criticism. I think sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s annoyed because he got such rave reviews..sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s keeps mentioning how she heard he was so great. Jealousy??? She always seems to dislike one of the most talented (usually male) dancers and gives them grief. Someone needs to take that woman down a few pegs. Go Mary!!!

    I’m sure in Mia’s mind you’re only great until SHE says you’re great. Mia is all kinds of crazy but DAYUM is she a BRILLIANT choreographer!!! Her stuff is some of my favorite performances of all the seasons.

  • stelladallas

    OMG…I thought I was done with phone voting nonsense when American Idol was over! But now that EVAN made it into the top 20, I will have to suck it up and start voting like a lunatic again! Evan is an incredible dancer and so, so endearing. Plus, a vote for him will also feel like a vote for his brother, Ryan, as well. ALTHOUGH, the judges have the final say in who goes home during the earlier rounds. This is where their favoritism really shows.

  • AZIdolFan

    i’m so happy evan made the top 20 and i teared up when ryan didn’t. i’m also rooting for jason, pono and for eye-candy tony. the girls so far are caitlyn, janette, asuka and Karla (cause she spells her name right like me!) But seriously, i can’t wait for next week to see the pairs and the dancing!!!!!

    oh, and i totally agree with mia. i’m not at all impressed with Brandon. i don’t know i don’t feel it. maybe he will grow on me. danny did in season 3.

  • http://www.fatladysings.us TFLS

    Pity about Alex Wong. I hope he comes back next year. Such an exciting dancer (truly brilliant). And I really wish both Kasprzak brothers could have made it through. I understand wanting to balance dancing styles….but Ryan Kasprzak’s ability is outstanding. Since they harped on his talent as a choreographer – I hope they feature his work this season.

    Ah – Mia, Mia. She reminds me of so many choreographers I’ve worked with through the years. The further they get away from being physically able – the nastier they are to younger dancers. You might think her tirade unprofessional – but let me tell you – it’s actually quite common. And I understand the frustration (though not the execution). I had a couple of nasty accidents that left me physically limited – meaning I couldn’t continue in the theatre any more. It’s a bitch (especially not being able to dance any more) – but you cope. Mia gets nastier and nastier each year. Brilliant choreographer – but a bad teacher. She completely lost me last year with her treatment of Mark Kanemura. The better he was – the more she lit into him. Like her treatment of Brandon tonight.

    But all in all it should be a good season. Some really wonderful dancers. No one stood out to me (excepting Alex Wong, of course). I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have any favorites (yet). Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll just have to see how the season goes.

  • Calliope

    Mia has always been a bitch. Last year she got rather viscious with Jessica. I don’t think Mia’s choreography is all that (she is so hit and miss), but she is very popular. I can understand not liking Brandon, but she seems to have to go for the jugular. Lil C was not impressed, but he was not attacking the dude like Mia.

    I am looking forward to Evan, Pono, Asuka, Tony and Phillip. It’s contemporary-heavy this season, so I expect a few of them to fall away quite early. Unless Asuka bombs, I think she is going to go very, very far (possibly win) since she fits the Nigel Diversity Bill the best: they need a girl ballroom dancer and she happens to be Asian. I could be way off though.

  • erinnthered

    Ah – Mia, Mia. She reminds me of so many choreographers Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve worked with through the years. The further they get away from being physically able – the nastier they are to younger dancers. You might think her tirade unprofessional – but let me tell you – ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s actually quite common. And I understand the frustration (though not the execution). I had a couple of nasty accidents that left me physically limited – meaning I couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t continue in the theatre any more. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a bitch (especially not being able to dance any more) – but you cope. Mia gets nastier and nastier each year. Brilliant choreographer – but a bad teacher. She completely lost me last year with her treatment of Mark Kanemura. The better he was – the more she lit into him. Like her treatment of Brandon tonight.

    Thanks for the perspective, TFLS. I’ve heard horror stories from dancer friends, but I’m having trouble seeing its place on a tv show. It’s funny, I’ve had friends go on tirades too (He/ She’s just jealous they can’t do blah blah any more!), but the way you put it, it all makes more sense.

    Mia lost me with her treatment of Mark last year too. Especially since he really worshiped her. It broke my heart.

    ————————–

    This got me thinking about an email I just got tonight. I don’t want to double post, so I’m going to go ahead and put this here…

    Okay, since this a dance thread I’m going to pimp something. MJ, I will not be offended at all if you delete this!

    I figure, SYTYCD is all about supporting and promoting all kinds of dance, right? So hopefully this is relevant.

    Come to think of it, if SYTYCD wants to incorporate Asian styles of dance, she’d be the perfect choreographer!

    I got an email from a mutual friend that this wonderful woman and incredible dancer I used to know has been asked to do a piece for the NY State Quadricentennial – she’s now an instructor at Tisch. Because of the economy their funding got cut, and they are looking for donations to support the project. They’re really only asking for $10 a person, but no donation is too large!

    If you’re interested, here’s the website for the project and the AD’s personal website for more of her references. Aly is a really cool person and a sweetheart. I haven’t seen her since before she left for China, but I’m so happy she’s gotten the success she has!

    http://www.human-architecture.org/
    http://www.alyrose.org/

    I hope this is okay. If she weren’t an old friend I’d never even think to post it. Sorry this was so late in the evening, mj. I just happened to come back here, and I just got another late text that, along with TFLS’ response, made me think of it.

  • sillypraguer

    Bummer: Ryan, Alex, mega-load of contemps, Mia.

    Brilliant: Evan, Asuka, Kayla, Vitolio’s backstory …

    Bring it on: more dancing!

    This messes up my concise post, but I’m wondering which dancers are short enough to partner with Evan? Maybe Asuka, but I don’t have a good feel for most of their heights. Also, Tony is crazy tall, so maybe one of the tall girls for him? He has a great rapport with Cat, so cute.

  • daisy

    Very promising top 20- Loved randi’s reaction tonight (she reminded me so much of a teammate of mine in gymnastics who switched to dance) and am looking forward to Kayla as well.

    SO sad for Ryan, what a sweetheart, and will be rooting for Evan this season, I love to see brothers who are close and Evan is a doll as well. Hoping to see Ryan doing some choreo -
    I usually only tolerate Mary and her screaming, but kudos girl for speaking up against Mia’s nastiness, she is becoming a bore and wtf is up with her hair, it is like a bird nest. The woman has a dream job and looks like she rolled out of bed.

  • http://stores.ebay.com/BookWomanBlues-Book-Nook Bobbi

    Sorry we don’t get to see Alex this season, but seems to me he should have cleared up the contract situation before he ever auditioned. Amazed me that Nigel went so far as to call and ask if they would let him out of his contract for the period of the show. Hope he comes back when he can.

    I was really sorry about Ryan. Nigel tweeted that a lot of people were suggesting Ryan be a choreographer. But, he said if he did that, he would be a FOX employee and ineligible to compete next season. So maybe they really are hoping he’ll come back? I hope so. That guy is talented!

    Looking forward to the show!

  • unique28v

    “I usually only tolerate Mary and her screaming, but kudos girl for speaking up against Miaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s nastiness”

    I know!! What is her problem with Brandon?? What cockiness is she talking about?? And his artistry is off the hook!! He’s definitely one of my favorites. I hope she’s not one of the standing judges because she might turn voters against him.

  • kansasfemale

    So, since Janette Manrara already won a dancing competition, do you think she feels she has this one in the bag?

  • BootStar

    Last season was the first one I ever watched, so I’m still getting used to all the “characters” and producer manipulations, but I don’t get the Mia thing. Is this her m.o.? I can see not being overly impressed with Brandon. I certainly didn’t get the OTT hype for Natalie and Gabi, but why so vicious? I didn’t see any diva attitude coming from him. I loved Mia’s choreography last year, but what a horrible, horrible bitch she is. I don’t see breaking somebody’s spirit as the way to make a better dancer.

    And I’m officially a huge fan of Mary now. Her scream doesn’t even bother me anymore. Thank God she stood up to Mia.

    Very bummed about Alex! He was the real standout for me. And I totally get why he might be desperate for a chance to expand artistically. I’m sure he appreciates what he has in Miami, but classical ballet is a very rigid art form, no? I do think he’ll be back next season.

    And I knew they’d take Evan over Ryan, based on youth and looks, but I do hope Ryan gets another chance. What a sweetheart.

  • sunchick

    Mia gets nastier and nastier each year. Brilliant choreographer – but a bad teacher. She completely lost me last year with her treatment of Mark Kanemura. The better he was – the more she lit into him.

    Oh, the Mia and Mark saga. Sigh. She was intrigued by his quirkiness at first, and then did a 180. It rubbed me the wrong way when she did not have kind words to say about his training knowing Mark was mentored by Marcelo Pacleb in Hawaii. Be afraid, Kupono, be very afraid. I think a lot of Mia’s attitude towards Mark (and Jessica, too) last season had to do with her extreme attachment to Will. Anyway, the thing with Mia is that she is super mercurial and can not be objective. It makes her both a good and bad teacher at times. Sometimes she’ll fall in love with and embrace the potential she sees in a dancer and be instrumental in their growth (like Ivan season 2) and other times she just beats someone down and refuses to see their potential (like Mark last season.) Sometimes she’s too hard on those she thinks have the greatest potential but aren’t realizing it (like Danny Tidwell.) And then other times she’ll gush and gush over and campaign for a favorite to the detriment of other dancers (like with Will last season.) I’m not sure what’s going on with Mia and Brandon yet…but that whole exchange was awkward. Wasn’t she around when he auditioned last season? She acts like she never saw him before and only heard great things from the other judges. Had to laugh at the hint of Mia and Debbie Allen throwing down, though, because damn. Seriously don’t know who I’d put my money on, but I’m leaning towards Debbie. You don’t f*ck with Lydia Grant.

    You know, the more I think about it, the more I think they did the Kasprzak brothers a favor by not casting them in the same season. They’d likely split votes if they were on the show together, whereas this way Ryan has a ready made fanbase waiting for him if he comes back next season. I hope that Evan doesn’t end up having a “his brother’s choreography got him where he is” anvil hanging over his head now.

  • sillypraguer

    You know, the more I think about it, the more I think they did the Kasprzak brothers a favor by not casting them in the same season. Theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d likely split votes if they were on the show together, whereas this way Ryan has a ready made fanbase waiting for him if he comes back next season. I hope that Evan doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t end up having a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“his brotherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s choreography got him where he isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  anvil hanging over his head now.

    This. If Evan does well (as I’m convinced he will), it’ll be even better for Ryan if he can be on next season. I know we got a ton of “come back and see us” comments, but Ryan’s seemed pretty explicit, like, we just can’t have you both this time, but we definitely want you next time. But it is a shame that the setup of a show like this doesn’t allow you to have them on together. So cute.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Am I the only one who remembers Jason Glover from last season? He got a lot of airtime in Vegas, mainly because the panel absolutely tortured him and made him dance for his life at least twice – once after the group routine, I know. I didn’t even really love him, but I felt for him because he was emotional about the whole thing, but very talented. I’m kinda surprised they didn’t reference that at all. So, I’m curious to see a) who they partner him with and b) what their comments are like next week. I kinda hope he’s with Janette. I like her, I think.

    I say Chbeeb gets the Shane Sparks (omg SO. GLAD. he’s back choreographing this season) number and whoever TCO is will get the Wade number. The foil for TCO will get the Mia number. Yes, I like conspiracy theories. :D

  • Calliope

    I’m a huge Mark fan, but Mia going hot and cold him didn’t bother me as much as the meme it caused (lots of people started saying Mark lacks technique after she did, funny that). I think Mark really isn’t Mia’s typical dancer and she tends to judge based on her expectations, not the reality of it. She initially liked Mark’s quirkiness and star quality, but he didn’t move in a contemporary way she was used to. It’s all good though. Mark is still awesome and the judges loved him overall.

    I think she tends to be harsher on female contemporary dancers (which she admits) and I find it frustrating at times. Her fave girls tend to be ballroom or hip hop, strangely.

    Sunchick, you are right about her faves coloring her views of the other dancers though. She really liked Will and Thayne, so when Will didn’t connect or a piece didn’t work she would light into Jessica (which I found frustrating since Jessica and him had great chemistry, but neither had their strength in partner dancing and it showed). After the Quickstep last season I remember my jaw dropping from the comments she made to Jessica.

    That was also the night that she told Comfort she was through with her. I always figured it was because she felt Comfort was dragging Thayne down with her. Maybe she was cold with Mark that night because she felt like he was the threat to Thayne and Will’s chance at Top 10? Who knows. Still, I think she got even nastier than ever with Brandon last night.

    Like TFLS said, it’s not uncommon in the dance world. It can be quite catty. Dancers tend to either be very nice or totally not. That is one aspect I don’t miss about it.

  • http://www.fatladysings.us TFLS

    You know, the more I think about it, the more I think they did the Kasprzak brothers a favor by not casting them in the same season. Theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d likely split votes if they were on the show together, whereas this way Ryan has a ready made fanbase waiting for him if he comes back next season. I hope that Evan doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t end up having a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“his brotherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s choreography got him where he isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  anvil hanging over his head now.

    Problem is Sunchick – Ryan can’t come back again next year. He’s already 29. At the age limit. And I don’t see them making an exception for him. That’s why I hope they feature his choreography. It will at least give him the career he’s so desperately wanted (and so richly deserves).

  • erinnthered

    Problem is Sunchick – Ryan canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t come back again next year. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s already 29. At the age limit. And I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see them making an exception for him. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s why I hope they feature his choreography. It will at least give him the career heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s so desperately wanted (and so richly deserves).

    Someone upthread pointed out that the age limit is 30, not 29. Plus, with S6 already underway, and Nigel’s recent tweet, I’m getting the impression we are going to get two seasons of Kasprzak brothers!

    Whatever happens with Ryan, I agree that he should have his choreography featured!

  • Grammie Kari

    I look forward to the interaction with a partner. There are a lot of talented dancers and the greatest challenge will be the hip hop routines.

  • sunchick

    There are a lot of talented dancers and the greatest challenge will be the hip hop routines.

    Hip hop? Really? Only if it’s a Dan Karaty routine, because he sux. Mwuah. If I remember correctly, statisically, knollishly, the Quickstep is the dance of death. And IMO, the Lindy Hop is eeeveeel…evil I say. Nobody ever looks good doing Lindy Hop except Lindy Hop pros. OMG and the two step, I hope that was a one and done dilio. Lawd please don’t bring the two step back.

    I think now that Wade’s back his stuff will be more challenging than hip hop because he usually fuses more than one element into his choreo (some elements of hip hop, jazz, contemporary) and asks for more than technique. You have to crawl into his head and bring that shizz to life.

  • Sunshinegirl

    I only started watching this show after the Top 20 last season, so I’m not all that familiar with it. This year I skipped the auditions because the Idol auditions make me crazy. But I started watching with Vegas week. Needless to say, I have no vested interested in any of them since I haven’t been following the backstories much. But I find it interesting that Caitlin girl ended up making it over her sister who was cut before the Top 32. Because Caitlin was the one who didn’t do so great on Mia’s choreography while her sister sailed through. Then I don’t recall them showing either girl during the West Side Story choreography. It will be interesting to see how she does.