SYTYCD 11- Top 8 Dance, 2 Go Home – Live Blog

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The Top 8 Opening Group Number-
Is there a group routine that doesn’t feature Ricky? I get it, they want Ricky to win. He’s practically already an All-Star. I think if he had been eliminated in a shock vote early on, he would have been immediately brought back as an All-Star. While we’re at it, could Philip Chbeeb come back at some point as an all-star? Maybe if another Popper ever makes the Top 10? As far as this routine goes, it’s sick, futuristic, and awesome. Great way to start the show.

Tonight, the dancers dance to the music of Michael Jackson. I expect Nigel to congratulate Allison at some point too, though I don’t remember him ever congratulating Witney… who is also a Dancing With The Stars pro.

Jenna Dewan-Tatum has returned to the judging panel. Too bad she didn’t return to the Step Up franchise. Witches Of East End is fun, if you guys haven’t seen anything of it.

Everyone gets a solo tonight. My prediction, as a reminder, is that we are saying goodbye to Jacque and Casey this week.

Casey is joining Mackenzie, and Jacque is joining Will next week.

Join me again next week.

1) Tanisha’s Solo- Warrior
She’s fierce. I wonder if she has a future as a SYTYCD All Star or as a Dancing With The Stars pro. She’s definitely grown on me.

2) Ricky and Jaimie- Contemporary by Travis Wall- Smile by Michael Jackson
Ricky’s inspiration is Victor Smalley, a former SYTYCDer. He was from Season 6. He’s Ricky’s teacher. Travis says that Ricky is the person to beat in the competition. Jaimie is taller than Ricky, which makes this a little interesting. It’s not a dark piece, which is a nice change for Travis. It’s beautiful to watch, but I’m not sure this will be the performance that will be remembered from this season. Cute. Fluff. Ricky, as usual, danced it beautifully. Jenna tells Ricky that he’s incredible, and blows her away, as does Travis. Mary says there are no clouds for Ricky.

Is Ricky Safe? Yes. He’s made the Top 3 Boys. He’s also dancing with Anya next week.

3) Zack’s Solo- Gotta Get Through This
Zack’s solo is really fun to watch. It’s easier for him to show his talent and uniqueness in a few seconds than some of the other dancers in other styles.

4) Valerie and Ryan- Samba by Jean Marc- Wanna Be Starting Something
Kathy Simpson is Valerie’s teacher. Valerie’s Dress is hot. She looks uncomfortable, like a Dancing With The Stars contestant would in one of the earlier weeks. Of course, she’s outdancing the Stars. But, if I’m being honest, she’s underwhelming. She’s very still in her movements, and lacks the body roll ability that you usually see in these routines. Her hips failed her, her shoulders failed her. A good attempt, but we’re at Top 4 week. Mary says Valerie attacked it, but had some minor criticisms. Nigel says she looks vivacious. Jenna says she was sexy, and on fire.

Is Valerie safe? Yes. She’s made the Top 3 girls. She’s dancing with Twitch next week.

5) Casey’s Solo- Outro
I’ve seen Casey spin a lot before, and this routine was a lot of spinning again.

6) Rudy’s Solo- Warrior
He’s the second soloist to dance to a song called Warrior tonight. It was an interesting solo. His family has Rudy Abreu T-Shirts to support him.

7) Casey and Comfort- Hip Hop by FarSide and Phoenix-
Tandy and Mandy are his dance teachers. The routine is called 8 Legged Love. Comfort is a spider trying to give Casey the kiss of death. Casey’s on a huge web at the top of the number. I’ll remember this number. Slick choreography, cool concept, and a very fierce Comfort. If Casey goes home this week, he finishes on a very strong note. If he stays, he’s made a case for him being in the Final 4. Best routine of the night so far. Nigel reminds us that Casey grows every week. Nigel wants him to keep growing, no matter what the results are. Even Nigel thinks Casey is gone. Jenna says Casey has incredible stage presence. Mary says it’s hard not to watch Comfort, and Casey got his jam on and was committed.

Results. Is Casey safe? No. He’s in the bottom two. We don’t find out if he has a partner next week.

8) Jacque- nocturne in C Sharp Minor
That was a pretty ballet solo.

9) Tanisha and Nick- Contemporary with Stacey Tookey- She’s Out Of My Life by Michael Jackson
Tanisha’s dance teacher tells us she’s excited to come to work, and loves seeing her work on the show. Tanisha plays the one who got away. Nick says Tanisha has a strong core. Another pretty contemporary routine. It had more purpose than Ricky’s routine, and was less fluff. It was just a beautiful routine. I liked it. Jenna wanted more angst in Tanisha’s face, but called her freaking amazing. Mary thought Nick was spectacular, and Tanisha stepped up to the plate. Mary calls her solid and consistent. Nigel says her core is tremendous, but she needs to show her vulnerability.

Is Tanisha safe? No. She’s in the bottom two.

10) Jessica’s Solo- Taking Chances
One of her stronger solos. I loved that she seemed to put some thought into making sure the dance matched the song.

11) Rudy and Allison- Contemporary by Ray- Dirty Diana
Rudy’s inspiration is Tokyo. It’s a dark routine. Allison is killing it. she’s destroying Rudy emotionally. She knows how to commit 200%. He was good, but she was great. Standing O from all three judges. I understand the standing O, but it’s honestly for Allison, who SLAYED that. Mary says Allison went all in, and Rudy went in with her. She says Rudy lifts her up. Nigel reminds him to stay in character. No mention of Allison’s new job. Hmmmm. Jenna says Allison isn’t normal, and Rudy is phenomenal. Apparently Rudy messed it up in dress rehearsal.


Rudy & Allison – Contemporary – SYTYCD Season… by IdolxMuzic

Is Rudy safe? No. He’s in the bottom two. I think this is his first time in the bottom.

11) Valerie’s Solo- Dance With Me Tonight
Zack is more of a showman than Valerie, who stays put a lot, when Zack covered most of the stage in his routine. She played it safe.

12) Zack and Makenzie- Broadway by Spencer Liff- The Way You Make Me Feel
Zack’s mentor Mark Goodman says he’s his all time favorite student. Zack is a showman, and dances so well you forget he’s a taper. That being said, this isn’t my favorite routine, even if Zack has stage presence for days. Makenzie is barely an all star. The good thing is that she’s not showing Zack up at all. She could be competing again, and no one would notice. Sorry Makenzie fans. I think this routine sets Rudy up to be in the final four in the finale. Nigel says he’s proud of Zack. Jenna says he nailed it and grows every week. Mary says Makenzie knocks her off her feet. She says Zack keeps growing, and does everything wholeheartedly.


Zack & Mackenzie – Broadway – SYTYCD Season 11… by IdolxMuzic

Zack is safe, and is dancing with Fik-Shun next week.

13) Ricky’s Solo- Haegt Kemur Ljosio
Better than Casey’s solo, but not the best solo of the night.

14) Jacque and Twitch- Hip Hop by Dave Scott- Slave To The Rhythm
Jacque’s inspiration is her older cousin Christianne. Twitch says she has to be street Jacque. There’s assorted garbage on the floor to help her go street. Her hairstyle this week is different… I like it. It’s hard not to be stood up by Twitch in Hip Hop. I think she’s actually one of the best girls at hip hop this season. She’s more believable in the style than some of the other girls were. Jenna says Jacque did it, and loved her neck and body rolls. Mary says Jacque was mesmerizing. Mary says she conquered it. Nigel says they were an incredible couple, and Twitch should do ballet next week. Nigel says Jacque has swag. Nigel drops bitch, but it gets edited out. lol.

Is Jacque safe? No. She’s in the bottom two.

Jacque, Tanisha, Rudy, and Casey are in danger. Obviously, this means Jessica is now safe.

The Michael Jackson exclusive is a new music video for a new Michael Jackson song. A Place Without No Name.

15) Jessica and Will- Contemporary with Mandy Moore- Earth Song
Jessica’s mentor is Talia, who scared her at first. Will represents the beauty and nature of earth, and Jessica represents someone who lives the fast life. Jessica is a beautiful dancer, who lacks the emotional connection to her work. Will gives 1000 percent. He’s fantastic. I’m glad they brought him back. He’s bringing out a better dancer in Jessica, but she still doesn’t connect emotionally. Standing O from the judges. Nigel bows to Will. Mary predicts Jessica will be in the finale. She is proud of Jessica. Nigel says Will is one of his favorite all stars, and says Jessica stole his heart with her dance for her life.

Jessica will dance with Ade next week.

Control Freaks, one of the dance crews, dances. They have tables and chairs on the stage. They’re all poppers. It looks like a super cool routine.

I still think Casey and Jacque are leaving us tonight.

WOW. Tanisha and Rudy are leaving. I totally got that wrong. Rudy’s dad looks devastated. Rudy is sobbing. Jacque doesn’t seem to care. I wonder if they broke up. Tanisha is composed, and gives a very poised response. Rudy is SOBBING.

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Contributor to mjsbigblog.com. EIC of macthemovieguy.com, Contributor at houseofgeekery.com. Holds a BA in Film from the University of Central Florida.