So … Alexie Agdeppa was eliminated from So You Think You Can Dance last week.
The fact this is the only time I will mention this shows I’m completely underwhelmed by this result. And that’s all I have to say about that.
Now we can get down to the business of the new format as it was originally intended. (I just can’t let this thing go, can I? That’s okay; deep down, I don’t think you can either….)
This episode, the dancers “draw straws” to see what kind of routine they will be committing to and with which all-star performer. Sure enough, it stretches the fabric of who they are.
Cristina Santana is paired with all-star Pasha in a Jean-Marc Genereux and France Paso Doble routine. Cristina put out a strong effort, both dancers infusing a lot of fearless ‘umph’ into the performance. But it looked a tad awkward to me. Regardless, for being in the Bottom Three the week before, Cristina pulled it out and rose to the occasion.
AdéChiké Torbert is paired with Allison in a Mandy Moore contemporary routine. AdéChiké performed head and shoulders above what he did the previous week. The little guy is awful precise and strong and he seems to be coming along very well in the competition.
For someone who didn’t know much about Bob Fosse and Broadway, Alex Wong certainly did his best to shine. Putting in an effort choreographed by Tyce DiOrio with all-star Lauren, Alex was technically accurate. “It’s not about your ability … it’s about your versatility and your growth,” Adam Shankman offered post-performance. And, flipping ’round to different dance styles week to week, one can see how this would be good advice.
At the beginning of Ashley Galvan’s turn on stage, I had to scratch my head: What kind of routine was this again? Jazz? Really? Because I didn’t see but a hint of jazz elements within it. Overall, the entire effort was one big lower case *meh* for me. Especially surprising when it’s noted the performance was set to Annie Lennox’ “Wonderful”. Being a huge Lennox fan myself, I was hopeful it would launch itself into something ‘wonderful’, but it didn’t live up to the tune.
Billy Bell paired with Comfort, crumped his transformed ‘bad’ self all over the stage as “Billy B Buck.” At least that’s what this piece was supposed to convince us of. But Billy’s transformation, while starting out fairly well, lost steam and ended up rather wishy-washy. This kid couldn’t fight his way out of a paper bag as a streetwise character. None of us were convinced. An ‘A’ for effort, but that’s where it stops … no fault of his own. It’s just the card he drew this time ’round.
Argentine tango seems to fit well in the playbook of Robert Roldan while with all-star Anya. Talk about being put in an element outside your purview! And Robert did just that. The judges were torn on whether he was good or overshadowed by Anya, but I was impressed by the effort he put out. He did well. Very well.
Tapper Melinda Sullivan gave me one of the most surprising lifts of the evening. Her contemporary routine with Ade was nothing less than ‘wowish’. I related to the piece, something I found a bit interesting. There was a tale in the routine that translated spiffily on stage and , many a time, I don’t see the story. At least not the way it’s supposed to be presented. But this time … with this routine … it translated effortlessly for me and was extraordinary in my humble opinion. And from a hoofer, even! I was more than satisfied with Melinda’s offering. (Wish the video was available. *sigh*)
Jose Ruiz and BollyWood. Another contestant, completely out of his element. His enthusiasm was without question; the routine, however, suffered from not translating properly within the piece. His willingness is without question, but the fact Jose was in foreign territory was clearly evident. Still, I’m curious to see how far that enthusiasm gets him.
Lauren Froderman turn was another routine evoking high emotion. The performance told about an abusive relationship, the vulnerabilities and vehemence of the characters displayed nicely within the dance. Lauren put tons of effort into the occasion and the result was admirable. (But, again, no video for you to view. *sigh* Stupid copyright claims.)
Kent Boyd tries jazz. Wait: Does fiesty little Kent do jazz? Apparently … and eye-openingly so, too. The dude can channel some character whether he’s familiar with it or not. And I’m a big fan of Kent’s, but his bright-eyed and bushy-tailed post-performance interviews – while smile worthy – are becoming a bit tedious. One can only take so much happy-happy joy-joy. Still, the kid can hoof it. (*raises fist and shakes it violently at the quashing quashers who quash our video viewing options*)
Who’s in the Bottom Three? Cristina Santana and Ashley Galvan will be there, I believe. I’ven’t a clue as to who else. Who’s headed off the stage? I’ll consult my Magic 8 Ball.
Side Note: Anyone else on board my train concerning the judges being extra nitpicky this season? There are times when they seem dead on with their critiques yet overly-snippish in their convictions and wants. Guys: Chill out a bit. The snaggery doesn’t become you and makes you look primadonna-ish.
Clacked by Michael Noble 
on Jun 24, 2010 @ 13:00 EST5EDT
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You know, I think the judges have been pretty fair this season. It’s tough to have to jump right into a Top Ten without the dancers really having a chance to grow and get used to doing different styles, so I think they expect more from this group and judge accordingly. They’re miles more constructive and helpful than the judges on American Idol. I love Mia Michaels (can’t decide yet whether I miss the crazy Mary Murphy brought – but I don’t miss the screaming), but she’s got to stop judging the costumes as well as the dance. I doubt the performers have any input into what they wear, or at least don’t have the confidence yet to say no to a particularly ridiculous outfit. The Mother Earth dress was a distraction, but should not have factored into Mia’s critique. But it’s a strong group and still my favorite competition show on TV.
*POST AUTHOR*
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I’m not quite with you on the ‘fair’ comment, Chuck.
Overall, they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing. But when it comes to the personal stuff – such as commenting on the costumes – they need to get off their high horse and zero in on what the job at hand is: Critiquing the performers.
Yes, the Mother Earth dress was a bit of a distraction … but, by the same token, it was meant to evoke a flavor from the performance. And it did its job there to some degree. Yes, the contestants probably don’t have any say in the costumes they were, unless they are distracting them from performing in some way, shape or form.
I am in agreement with you when you say the judges are miles more constructive and helpful that those on American Idol, much as I love that show. I just find the ‘picky factor’ with Nigel, et al has a tendency to lean to the right a bit too much.
The contestants are tossed into new dance styles to see how they will adapt. Some do swimmingly well … others flounder like fish out of water. Still, it’s promising to see the ones give 110%, even if they can’t hold a candle to the style that’s tossed their way.
Lastly, yes … for the most part, it’s a strong group.
I still don’t think in the past two weeks that there has been any particularly harsh comments (there have hardly been any angry boo’s from the audience thus far). But, yes, they do need to just stick to critiquing the performances and not the extraneous stuff that has no effect on the dance itself. I got what the Mother Earth dress was supposed to be, but even when I first saw it I thought “wow, that’s a really distracting dress.” Of course, Mia’s dust ruffle was no less distracting! I do love this show more than the others because these kids do put their heart and soul into it even when they’re out of their element. I just appreciate this so much more than a televised karaoke contest.
Since I have to watch top chef I missed some dance too bad I want to see the bollywod one. I’ll be surprised if Billy not in bottom he’s terrible it’s obvious he’s out of his element. As far the 10 people goes I disappinted that they loose the girl.
*POST AUTHOR*
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Jose gave it the ‘ole college try, CynicalOrange. It just wasn’t his cup of tea.
Are you saying Billy does better than Jose? I have to see it… I think Bill was so horrible. That style def. not for him.
*POST AUTHOR*
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CRD Film:
Here’s the thing: I’m not a dance guy. So why in the world do I appreciate what these contestants do so much?
It’s fascinating to me to see the effort these guys and gals put into this program. Additionally, for whatever reason, I feel as if I’m growing by watching what they do. Time and again, I watch some spectacular performance by a contestant who has no business even attempting a certain style of dance and s/he does swimmingly. Or leaves my jaw on the floor in amazement.
That’s what this competition is all about for me.
I’m not a dance guy either, although I do enjoy classic musicals. But I am constantly amazed by what these dancers can do each and every week. Sometimes a piece can move me to tears without even understanding why; it’s just the power of the performance. But the show has certainly turned me into a dance guy!
And does Adam Shankman read CliqueClack?!?! I thought it was interesting that he made a comment tonight about the criticism they received for being too harsh.
*POST AUTHOR*
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CRDFilm: I could’ve written your first paragraph … seriously.
Being on the west coast, I’ve not yet seen SYTYCD this evening. With your revelation of the Shankman comment, I definitely have something to look forward to … !!!