Billy Bell will be able to dance next week, but that does not answer the question–why are so many dancers injuring themselves this season? Is dancing with an all-star putting added pressure on their routines? Are the dancers pushing themselves, or being pushed by the choreographers too hard? All I know, is that it’s a drag to have a dancer out every week.
Not sure what Kenny Ortega added to the panel tonight, but he did fill up some of Billy Bell’s extra time! Lauren Froderman is just busting out of her shell, and I expect she’ll make it to the top 3 with probably Robert and Kent.
Adechike impressed me tonight with his ability to connect to his routine and be there for his partner. Kent and Robert are the golden boys, and as such are maybe a tad overpraised? Still another good show tonight. Missed Billy Bell, though. It would have been interesting to see him perform the step routine with Kent.
Live blog and Videos after the JUMP…
Bad news! According to SYTYCDism, Billy Bell will NOT be dancing tonight, due to a knee injury. Eep!
The show opens with the Top 6 speaking on how their friends and family support them. The kids solo video packages will feature interviews with the people closest to the contestants.
Tonight’s show is the 150th show of So You Think You Can Dance. Cat introduces your….JUDGES!
Michael Jackson choreographer Kenny Ortega is a guest judge tonight.
Nigel announces that Billy Bell is out due to a knee injury. “There’s something going wrong this season, and we don’t know what it is, ” says Nigel, who promises to investigate. The show needs to find a way to keep their dancers reasonably safe.
The doctors told Billy he could perform if he felt it was right, but “Billy knows his body” and decided to sit this week out. GOOD NEWS! Billy will be able to dance next week.
Nigel says he’s going to team up with Mark Burnett next season and produce “Survivor the Dance-Off”
Each contestant will dance 3 times–a solo, with each other and with an All-Star.
Lauren and Twitch – Napoleon and Tabitha – Hip Hop – “My Chick Bad” – Lauren and twitch are hard-hitting cowboys! Really impressed with Lauren. She keeps up with Twitch and hits it pretty hard. Adam is first! “Who are you!” gasps Adam, “YOu are not the girl who auditioned in Vegas…you just tore it up…that was hot hot hot…you listen to the music beautifully…you are on fire.” Mia says, “I think you went so hard…I love that you are so aggressive, but you kept your sexy girl in there too. You are completely letting girl at this point, and you should…only diva left standing at this point.” After Kenny thanks Nigel and gives props all around, he says, “Save a horse, ride a cowboy! You have enough energy to power Los Angeles. Courage, conviction, funky sexy.” Nigel says, “Everything that you’ve been asked to do, you do. You were nasty buc!” 1-888-623-7801 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-623-7801 end_of_the_skype_highlighting – VIDEO
Jose & Allison – Contemporary – Sonya Tayeh – “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” Theme – The dance is about a couple who meet, but for reasons, can’t stay together. Allison says she might have a crush on Jose. I really love Sonya’s work. She choreographs the dance like the two are rag dolls. They’re mechanical, reflecting a relationship where two people cannot connect. Adam says Jose’s character and partner work was stellar, but he didn’t do much dancing. Makes it hard to critique. Mia loved the piece, but says Sonya gave Jose “pedestrian” dance moves. He’s dancing well, but it’s not very technical, she didn’t see much growth. But she loves the performance. Kenny calls Allison a “breathtaking” dancer and a trusting partner, He loves the all stars. Jose earned Allison’s trust, says Kenny. Nigel says it was joyous to see Jose’s commitment, but agrees that Sonya choreographed down to Jose’s limited abilities. – 1-888-623-7802 – VIDEO
Robert and Lauren – Tyce Diorio – Jazz – “Wasted Time” – Tyce says the routine is all about seduction. I thought that routine was just a’ight, but the judges loved it. Adam says, “You guys were smokin’! Rob you are so good, it is every week…you command the stage, you’re such a great partner.” Adam tells him to watch his hands. Mia says, “It’s a breath of fresh air to have a strong, clean dance piece. It really showed that you are a solid dancer. I can’t wait to see how you mature as a dancer.” Kenny compliments Tyce on his choreo, and he loved Robert’s dancing. Nigel loved the “smooth jazz” movement. There was “never a jerk” anywhere, says Nigel. 1-888-623-7803 – VIDEO
Adechicke’s Solo – “This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell – Video package features Adechike’s family.- VIDEO
Kent & Kathryn – Sonya Tayeh – Jazz – “Tightrope” – The dance is about the fact that not everyone is going to like you. Another muscular routine from Sonya. It’s full of beautiful acrobatic moves, that take advantage of Kent’s strengths. The audience screams “We love you Kent!” Adam says Kent makes the show “more special…you are something else” Adam was impressed by the handspring. “You kicked ass, ” he says. Mia says, “you’re a strong dancer..” Mia doesn’t like the faces he pulls, but she loved everything else. Kenny compared the choreo to “gidget moondoggie”. Kenny says Kent is the guy to beat, and compares him to a young Gene Kelly. Nigel says he mixes good technique with a great personality. Nigel admits Kent makes stupid faces sometimes, but not this week. He thinks Kent is superb. 1-888-623-7805 – VIDEO
Robert’s Solo – “Parachutes” – His family weighs in on their beloved son – It’s Robert’s 20th birthday today! – VIDEO
Lauren’s Solo – Lauren’s family and the kids she teaches are featured in the video package. – VIDEO
Adechike and Comfort – Tabitha and Napoleon – Lyrical Hip Hop – “Fallin” by Alicia Keys – It’s about a relationship on the rocks, but they can’t walk away. Comfort packs a suitcase, when Adechike comes up behind her. Ooh, Comfort gives Adechike a big ole slap. The characters are raw, believable. Adechike is crying. Adam says he felt like he was watching a movie. “So my life!” says Adam. Mia says, “that felt more real than any contemporary piece…that was unbelievable, like watching dance film. Adechike, you have so much…you let so much out on that floor. We got a big taste of who you truly are. Comfort…you’re like Mary J. Blige in a dancer.” Kenny says, “If Wesley Snipes could dance, it was dramatic, heartfelt and beautifully connected.” Nigel says, “It moved to another level. Napoleon and Tabitha have the ability to put emotion into hip hop routines. I loathed this song on AI. This was the song that everyone sang really badly. I hope Alicia sees this. Adechike, that was an honest rendition of a beautifully choreographed piece.” – 888-623-7804 – VIDEO
Jose’s Solo – “Give it up or turn it loose” by James Brown – First, a message from Jose’s mom and dad. – VIDEO
Kent’s Solo – “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men – Kent’s mom and dad are so proud of him! – VIDEO
Dancers partner with each other
Robert & Lauren – Dmitry Chaplin – Samba – “Drummer Boy” by Debra Nova – Flirting at at beach party! Masculinity and flirting–very important to the Samba. Lauren is proving to be incredibly versatile. Like last week’s Tahetian dance, she knows how to shake those hips! Robert’s got the hips down too, but he’s having a little trouble with the lifts. Adam says, “Robert, your lines were so crisp and clean great partner connection…footwork unbelievable.” Mia says, “I am so pleased with that performance, you looked like a Samba dancer. However, Lauren, I thought the butt and hips were great, but I find that you are in plie a lot, I want to see you sharper.” Kenny says, “Robert, your partnering was amazing, when you break apart you’re on fire. two out of two.” Nigel says, “Robert, your upper body reminded me of Dmitry, your hips were good, good job. Lauren, be careful you don’t turn out in this. It was really enjoyable. You made contact with us, as well as your partner.” – VIDEO
Jose & Adechike – Dimitry – Paso Doble – Two matadors fight for glory! Season 6’s Legacy assists. This was OK, but both dancers are in over their heads. Choreographing for two matadors is an intriguing idea. Adam says, “I loved how committed you guys were. Technically this was very outside what you guys do, but your strength pushed you through.” He tells Jose to watch his lines, and Adechike to dance with more abandon. Mia says, “They did OK with it, it was beautiful to look at, but the technique was difficult. It was a good attempt.” Kenny says, “A valiant effort, for believing in the piece. This is really difficult stuff.” Nigel says, “If you actually look at how these ballroom guys attack the paso, we have a lot to learn from that. It’s not just about pulling a face, it’s about the carriage, there’s something they put into it that’s outstanding. This was lacking.” – VIDEO
Billy & Kent – Chuck Maldenado – Stepping – “Pro Nails” – Aw. Twitch is taking Billy’s place. I would have liked to see Billy and Kent dance together. “Stepping” has been around since the 50’s and appears to be a pre-cursor to hip hop. Interesting. Adam says, “thank you to the producers for introducing new dance styles and Kent Boyd for KICKING IT’S ASS. You killed it.” Mia says, “I had no idea you had that in you at all. That was disgusting. Your chemistry together is sick.” Mia gets a little ticked that Kent isn’t paying attention but then says, “Kent is the one to beat.” Kenny and Chuck brought stepping to the Olympics. Nigel says, “This isn’t the first time we’ve had stepping on the show.” Nigel’s “5 guys named Mo” was choreographed by Chuck. “I am looking forward to watching you Krump next!” Nigel is impressed with Kent’s abilities. Nigel is sad that Billy couldn’t dance tonight. He thinks they both would have nailed it. – VIDEO
