Yikes this is a long post! I know it will shrink as *sniff* dancers get eliminated :(
This week the top 20 performed again, but this time they
were matched up as partners and competing.
This year, for the first time, there will be two winners—one boy & one girl, but
FOUR contestants will be eliminated next week. That is going to be a
rough cut next week.
They opened with a “mad men” styled dance number. There
wasn’t a lot of dancing done, but I think that was mostly due to lack of space
on the stage. It was still a very fun and intriguing performance.
I KNOW they pick their dance style “at random,” but what are
the chances that ALL THREE ballroom
dancers picked ballroom? After all the controversy last year with Melanie, I
would anticipate there would be something in place to prevent such discussion. Apparently
they aren’t concerned. (I also know the judges ardently argue that nothing of
the sort happened to “help” Melanie—whom I love btw—but still…)
Pairing #1: Whitney (ballroom) & Chehon (ballet)
Dance Style Chosen: Latin
Ballroom
Judges thoughts:
They loved it—especially Whitney. Mary claims she’s “a star.” All three were
quick to point out Chehon’s struggle with the choreography.
My opinion: I
wasn’t overly impressed. I agree Whitney was flawless, but she had her style.
Chehon was struggling but he was doing the best he could in something so
different from his style.
Paring # 2: Tiffany (jazz) & George (contemporary)
Dance Style Chosen: Contemporary
Judges thoughts: They
loved it and felt that the dancers surrendered to the choreography. They also
described them as “breathtaking & exquisite.”
My thoughts: eh,
I wasn’t overwhelmed. They are both beautiful dancers but I didn’t feel that
they were really connecting as partners but were instead dancing on stage at
the same time. So, not my favorite.
Paring #3: Janaya (contemporary) + Brandon (stepping)
Dance Style Chosen: Hip
Hop
Judges thoughts: They
enjoyed the storytelling aspect of it but felt it wasn’t 100% hip hop
technique.
My thoughts: I
really liked this one! I understand the technique may not have been there, but
I loved the story. I think they both got into the character and portrayed the frustration
and struggle of the relationship well.
Paring #4 : Alexa (contemporary) + Daniel (ballet)
Dance Style Chosen: Jazz
Judges thoughts: They
all acknowledged that the routine was very technically demanding but that it also
took away from their depth of connection as partners.
My thoughts:
There was this huge structure that they were climbing on for half of the dance.
I’m not a huge fan of props unless they serve a really strong purpose. I don’t
feel that this particular prop served a necessary purpose. It was well executed
but I wasn’t overly impressed with it. There wasn’t any connection between the
partners and I just couldn’t get into it.
Paring #5 : Amber (contemporary) + Nick (ballroom)
Dance Style Chosen: Viennese
Waltz
Judges thoughts: They
called it “dreamy,” “breathtaking,” and “fluid.” They all greatly enjoyed it.
My thoughts: This
was a very beautiful piece. I love the fact that even though Nick was in his
genre, he was still putting pressure on himself to be “flawless.” My favorite momement
was when Amber was twirling around and her skirt was floating with her. I’m
sure there is a technical term for the move, but it was so pretty to me. It
reminded me of a little girl I used to babysit. She loved twirling and I could
often get her to smile by turning on music and twirling around with her.
Paring #6 : Amelia (contemporary) + Will (contemporary)
Dance Style Chosen: Hip
Hop
Judges thoughts: The
loved it and marked it as “memorable” and “purrfect.” The commented that this
is a great partnership. They also noted that it was a more character/jazz piece
than hip hop.
My thoughts: They
are both early faves for me so I was biased to begin, but I still loved it! They
were great performers. It was a very sexy number and I loved their dumpster
dive at the end!
Paring # 7: Janelle (bellydancing) + Dareian (contemporary)
Dance Style Chosen: African
Jazz
Judges thoughts: They
loved it—found it very exciting.
My thoughts: Wow!
I’m so impressed by their movements. I think this may have been the first performance
I stopped taking notes and just watched it. They were very committed to the
moves and built a strong connection between them.
Paring # 8: Eliana (ballet)
+ Cyrus (animator)
Dance Style Chosen: Broadway
Judges thoughts: Routine
was full of joy. Eliana was brilliant Cyrus immersed himself in the dance.
Nygel is looking forward to his (Cyrus’) journey on the show.
My thoughts: This was another great one and very fun to
watch. Eliana was very strong and Cyrus worked his butt off. Mary said that he
has his “heart on the stage” and I agree!
Paring # 9 : Audrey (jazz) + Matthew (contemporary)
Dance Style Chosen: Contemporary
Judges thoughts: Well
they gave them a standing ovation so I guess it’s safe to say that they loved
it. They called it “exquisite and breathtaking.”
My thoughts: Travis
Wall may be my favorite choreographer so I was already onboard. And I’m totally
in love with Matthew—he’s adorable. Here are my notes from the night: LOVE.
That is all. I LOVED the routine. They had complete and utter trust in one
another and I just loved it.
Paring # 10: Lindsay (ballroom) + Cole (martial
arts fusion)
Dance Style Chosen: Paso
Doble
Judges thoughts: They
loved it—very memorizing and claimed it to be the best pasa doble performed on
the show.
My thoughts: Even though Linday was in her style, this was
a very strong routine and I was really impressed with it.
Overall thoughts:
Great opening episode! The top 20 did a fantastic job but I
now realize that I love over half of them. Which means I have no idea who to
vote for. As luck would have it, I forgot they close the voting after a certain
time period so I didn’t get to vote this week. Just as well. I wouldn’t have known
what to do! Hopefully all my fav’s make it through!!
**Also, I didn’t give credit to all of the AMAZING choreographers.
This is due to laziness on my part and the fact that they show only says the
names but doesn’t display them and I am not going to trust my scribbled note taking
to have an accurate translation. If you really want to know, fox.com/dance has
them listed for every performance.
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