Well, folks, another season is over, and it sure feels like that happened fast. Maybe because it did. But I digress, as we all know how I feel about Fox's format for SYTYCD Fall Edition. Anyhoodle, apparently I failed to address some important issues in my previous rant (according to my sister) most importantly where has Mia Michaels been??! Well thanks to Google, I found out. Apparently she left the show. For good. The thing that shocks me about this is how Fox and Nigel kept this so quiet. I mean, he managed to discuss repeatedly his efforts trying to court Paula Abdul to be a 4th judge, a choreographer, a guest performer, or the most heavily medicated audience member. Anything! Just come to our show Paula!!! He even went so far as to have an empty chair next to him with her name on it (literally, her name was on it in stickers), but no mention of how Emmy winning choreographer and panelist Mia Michaels has taken a permanent vacay, possibly even to get her own show. Now who will make our dancers cry? Who will display uninhibited hatred for them and choreograph routines about benches or asses? It's all so unsettling.
But the biggest question of the evening was what was up with Russell's injury? Or as I call it A Krumptastic Konspiracy Theory. But we'll get to that later. The evening started off with a kick-ass group routine, featuring the entire Top 20. I'd forgotten all about some of them. That one girl who was voted off first looks waaayy different than I remember. Like, so much so that I'm suspicious they got a body double. And can someone please tell me how Bianca (tap dancing female) made it to the Top 20 again??! I mean really. She's not good; very awkward looking and horrible arm positioning. Maybe that's why Mia left. She'd never let that slide. The Top 6 appear, and what is with Jakob's ubercreepy double jointed shoulder move?? It's disgusting. He did this when they were on Ellen and I was hoping it was a mistake, like he didn't know what to do with himself and it just happened, but no, I fear after doing something like that more than once, it's intentional. And wow, he's really bringing guyliner to a whole 'nother level tonight. Oh! Ashleigh throws out a pose that my dance teacher used to make us do, and I always thought it was so lame. That was 1993 and Madonna's Vogue was at the height of dance sophistication. Dear Ashleigh, it's almost 2010. Let's outgrow these things. Anyway, I like to play a little game with myself during the group routines called Guess the Choreographer. It is exactly as it sounds. This one seems very Wade Robson-y to me...(love him by the way) and... I'm wrong, it's some chick I've never heard of. Oh well, we can't be right all the time.
One of my grievances last night was that the hostess and judges were wearing attire unbefitting a special occasion like the "fin-aahh-le" of a competitive dance show. However, it seems they saved their fancy dress for tonight, and I'd say I wasn't let down but we all know it would be no fun if I didn't have something snarky and bitchy to say. First off I am 99.9% sure that Cat Deeley wore this dress on another episode. And her necklace does not go with her outfit. But her hair looks pretty (see I can be nice!). Nigel is wearing a tuxedo with no tie, which is fine but, he's wearing a pleated tuxedo shirt that just looks bare without one. But kudos on trying to be hip with the times; going sans tie is very hot right now. Mary Murphy looks surprisingly understated for someone who wears ball gowns and drips with diamonds on a regular basis. Don't even get me started on "Li'l C"; his outfit makes my head hurt. Debbie Allen is wearing a dress she stole from the TV set of Fame, Tyce looks great, but that's to be expected, and Adam Shankman still manages to look hopelessly geeky in a tuxedo.
I was concerned that with the rushed season, they wouldn't bring back the judges favorite dances, but they did, and they did me one better. This season had one bonus episode that was the Top 20 dancing in their styles, and the best thing to come of this was watching Legacy, Kevin, and Russell do hip hop together. This routine kicked off the show, and it was as good as I remembered. Ba-nanas. Between the other repeat routines and a slightly excessive 4 musical and 1 dance guest, we had the whole point of the evening: Eliminations.
This brings me back to my Krumptastic Konspiracy Theory. I'm sorry, but Russell's "injury" was all very suspect to me. They called the dancers out for the first elimination, and half of them didn't show up on stage. At this point, Cat's having technical difficulties, but we can hear her asking where the rest were, yet none of the people onstage offered the information that Russell had injured himself. He comes hobbling out onstage with the help of Ryan and says "I hurt my knee--I mean leg." Well which is it? They're saying he broke his ankle during the hip hop routine at the beginning of the show. If so, how was he able to do the whole routine with no problem? And why is it that Cat wasn't informed during one of the commercial breaks or otherwise? I know it's a live show, but still, it was weird that no one knew. Then, with each subsequent elimination, we was either using one of the other dancers as a crutch, or sitting on a stool, and I'm pretty sure the length of his right pant leg was directly proportional to how dramatic he wanted to be. When he was leaning on the stool all hangdog, it was nearly up to his knee. When it was the final elimination, and he pretty much walked out normally, it was only rolled up a little bit, like an 80's cuff.
When it comes to the Top 6, I had some pretty strong opinions this season. I ultimately felt like Legacy and Mollee should have made it over Ryan and Ashleigh. And I was hoping Ellenore would get eliminated weeks ago, so I was pleased when they were the first 3 to go. I wanted Kathryn to win, but I would've been happy if she, Jakob, or Russell had won, and I thought it was going to be either Jakob or Russell. Normally I am not a fan of the hip hop dancers who make the finals, because they are not usually as good at any of the other styles. But Russell was so incredibly talented that he could do it all, and do it well. He was the only one from auditions that I really cared if he made it to the show. Until this episode, I loved him, but for someone who "broke his ankle" he sure was able to jump up and down like a healthy person when he was announced the winner. Ripping his shirt off wasn't the classiest thing he could have done either. I wasn't surprised that he won, because you could tell the audience loved him, and I wasn't disappointed because I liked him. But I was confused by his injury and the way he seemed fine by the end of the show was just plain bizarre.
But let's not leave out the ever fabulous J.Lo singing her new song Louboutins about, what else, Louboutins. The lyrics say something about "throwing on my Louboutins," and can I just state for the record that I have tried Louboutins on (only at the Neiman Marcus outlet, I'm too afraid if I ever asked a salesperson to try on a pair they'd just laugh at me, knowing I could never afford them) and one does not "throw" Louboutins on. Uggs maybe. But when it comes to Louboutins, one must gingerly shimmy their foot into one. And then admire them endlessly. Just saying. Anyway, J.Lo's outfit was bananas. I die for her tights and glittery Louboutins. And I loved how she had former contestants as her backup dancers! That was so Jenny From the Block of her. All in all it was a great season, and I'm just bummed that it's already over. I could've watched this cast dance forever!
"Ba-da da da! Soyouthinkyoucan...DANCE" (that's me singing the theme song, in case you were wondering)
18 December, 2009
16 December, 2009
SYTYCD Finale Recap, Part 1
I am more than a fan of this season's So You Think You Can Dance. I am obsessed. I have watched previous seasons, but I haven't felt this way about the show since season 2 when Heidi (my all time favorite contestant), Travis, and Benji were competing. First of all, am I the only one who hopes that Kathryn and Legacy are dating? They were so cute together as partners, I'd just love it if they were a couple. I realize this is none of my business, but I have made it my business, and I won't rest until I get to the bottom of it! And I am ashamed to say that I really almost cried when Ryan pleaded for everyone to vote for his wife, not him, the week she was injured, and then when he dropped to his knees, head in hands, when she made it to the finale. It was so sweet. I suspect that's the only reason he made it to the finale over Legacy. Because really. I even love Cat Deeley and her lame quips that only she laughs at, and her maniacal smile after no one laughs. She pretends to make eye contact with someone in the audience and smiles bigger and bigger until her eyes roll back. It's fan-bloody-tastic. Her makeup has been especially atrocious this season as well and I love it. I do take issue with the way some things have gone this season though, and I'd like to take a minute to address my grievances with Fox.
When it was announced that there would be an extra season this year immediately following the last, I was overjoyed. More Wade Robson, more Tyce Diorio, more Mia Michaels, more Mary Murphy and her hot tamale train? Yes please. Clear my Tuesday and Wednesday nights because it's freaking on. But they messed with perfection and it really began to annoy me. During the World Series they only had one show a week so there was no voting. I repeat NO VOTING. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of the entire show? Granted the judges eliminated my least favorite contestants, but still. Now the season finale has a final 6 instead of final 4 because of Christmas. So they took away an extra week of dancing. I'd rather they just postpone the top 4 episode than do away with it. What were they thinking?? Note to Fox: next year, let's stick with one season. We got arguably the best mix of dancers ever in season 6 and we got to see less of them. Lame.
Now, let's get on with the finale recap. First off, we see our beloved Cat Deeley, and her makeup is so minimal I'd hardly realize this was the, as Cat says, "fin-ahh-le". Her hair is messily pinned up, her dress has not a trace of sequins, the only thing she has managed to do is over-accessorize with about 900 gold bracelets. I have to say I'm disappointed. Where are the drag queens that usually dress her? Now we see Nigel and it appears he has stolen Rachel Zoe's sunglasses and deemed it appropriate to wear them for the show. Nigel, incidentally, is also quite underdressed for the occasion, when only last week he was wearing a shiny leather jacket befitting James Dean. James Dean if he was going to hit up the Abbey in West Hollywood after the show. I ask you who is styling these people this week? WHERE HAVE THE GAYS GONE??!!!! They'd never let this happen.
Kathryn and Ryan are up first with a samba, and I rather enjoyed it, but their ballroom routine last week was much better. I suppose there's no topping perfection, though, and they do a great job. Jason Gilkison's ballroom routines this season are really fantastic. Makes me want to run out and see his hit Broadway show Burn the Floor. Adam Shankman says this show should be called "The Rise of Kathryn" and I have to say I agree. I didn't think I'd like her when she was all tearful and high-pitched at the auditions, but she has become my favorite contestant.
Next we have Jakob and Ellenore (it pains me to type their hideously misspelled names), and Ellenore head-tossed her way through their entire Tyce Diorio routine. The few glimpses we get of her face, it appears she is constipated. I guess this is her "quirky style" the judges are alway fawning over? Adam tells her she has never looked so beautiful and she smiles so big I think her teeth might actually explode out of her gums this time. Mary says Ellenore was smoldering, and sexy as can be. Really? The clip they subsequently show of her, she just looks confused. I, too, am confused. Confused by the judges' love for her, and confused by her making it this far. Jakob was spectacular as usual.
Russell, who I love, and Ashleigh have a beautiful lyrical routine. I also like Ashleigh a lot more than I thought I was going to at first. During the auditions she kind of annoyed me and I didn't think she'd make it. But she's really turned out to be great on this show. Nigel tells Russell he is "bloody incredible" and you know what? He IS!
Is Ellenore back already? Ugh. She and Ryan are doing a strange routine...I don't even know what style this is supposed to be. I thought Cat said it was jazz, however it is not like any jazz I ever did at Sierra Dance Academy. But then, nothing is. I'm sure the judges will say something about the choreographer being inspired by Ellenore's quirkiness and this being "right up her alley." Whatevs. I'll just distract myself with Ryan's muscles for a minute. They really are big. Whoa, I'm quickly jolted back with close up shot on Ellenore's wide, vacant, scary eyes which reveal she is trying to hypnotize me into voting for her. I will not be swayed!!! On to the judges. Adam literally just said "Ellenore, you were like Gary's muse in that one." Ha. I know my judges.
Ashleigh and Jakob do a fantastic fox trot. They dance really well together. Incidentally, I also figured out where the gays in the costume department have been hiding: they've been busy bedazzling Jakob's vest. Obviously Cat's glitter budget got used up there too, and it looks like they borrowed Nigel's best purple cravat and gave it to Jakob. Well now I know why Nigel looks so shabby and Cat looks so lackluster. It all makes sense! And is it just me or are the routines really short this episode? Hmm.
Commercial break and...Ellenore again? Seriously? Aren't we done with her yet? At least she's partnered with my #2 favorite, Russell. Their Paso Doble is good, but by the look on her face it appears she's trying to divide 1392 by 427. Give the girl a calculator and turn the camera back to Russell already!! Nigel calls her passionate and firey. Really? Really? Mmkay...I'll choose to ignore that. However, I do enjoy Adam's imitation of what Russell's friends back home must be thinking. I guess we can all assume Russell is a gangster from this?
Kathryn and Jakob doing contemporary together is absolute bliss. The only thing that would make it better would be panning to the audience and seeing Legacy wiping away a tear as he watches Kathryn. Ha! What? It could happen. He's cried a lot this season. Anyway, the judges loved it as much as I did...except after saying how much he loved it, Adam said it made him mad, but I think he meant it in the British way...? I hope they go back to switching the third judge around next season because I've had more than my fill of Adam and the cleverness he thinks he exudes.
Our resident married couple, Ashleigh and Ryan dance beautifully together. Nigel says they proved they deserved to be in the finale with this routine. I think they proved that I would've liked Ryan more all along if he hadn't have had the misfortune of being paired with Ellenore from the beginning.
The show concludes with Kathryn and Russell doing a Tabitha and Napoleon hip hop, and I could not think of a better way to end it. Loved it: love her outfit, love the dancing, love them. I will now wear out my phone voting for Kathryn and sit in anticipation of tomorrow's conclusion.
When it was announced that there would be an extra season this year immediately following the last, I was overjoyed. More Wade Robson, more Tyce Diorio, more Mia Michaels, more Mary Murphy and her hot tamale train? Yes please. Clear my Tuesday and Wednesday nights because it's freaking on. But they messed with perfection and it really began to annoy me. During the World Series they only had one show a week so there was no voting. I repeat NO VOTING. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of the entire show? Granted the judges eliminated my least favorite contestants, but still. Now the season finale has a final 6 instead of final 4 because of Christmas. So they took away an extra week of dancing. I'd rather they just postpone the top 4 episode than do away with it. What were they thinking?? Note to Fox: next year, let's stick with one season. We got arguably the best mix of dancers ever in season 6 and we got to see less of them. Lame.
Now, let's get on with the finale recap. First off, we see our beloved Cat Deeley, and her makeup is so minimal I'd hardly realize this was the, as Cat says, "fin-ahh-le". Her hair is messily pinned up, her dress has not a trace of sequins, the only thing she has managed to do is over-accessorize with about 900 gold bracelets. I have to say I'm disappointed. Where are the drag queens that usually dress her? Now we see Nigel and it appears he has stolen Rachel Zoe's sunglasses and deemed it appropriate to wear them for the show. Nigel, incidentally, is also quite underdressed for the occasion, when only last week he was wearing a shiny leather jacket befitting James Dean. James Dean if he was going to hit up the Abbey in West Hollywood after the show. I ask you who is styling these people this week? WHERE HAVE THE GAYS GONE??!!!! They'd never let this happen.
Kathryn and Ryan are up first with a samba, and I rather enjoyed it, but their ballroom routine last week was much better. I suppose there's no topping perfection, though, and they do a great job. Jason Gilkison's ballroom routines this season are really fantastic. Makes me want to run out and see his hit Broadway show Burn the Floor. Adam Shankman says this show should be called "The Rise of Kathryn" and I have to say I agree. I didn't think I'd like her when she was all tearful and high-pitched at the auditions, but she has become my favorite contestant.
Next we have Jakob and Ellenore (it pains me to type their hideously misspelled names), and Ellenore head-tossed her way through their entire Tyce Diorio routine. The few glimpses we get of her face, it appears she is constipated. I guess this is her "quirky style" the judges are alway fawning over? Adam tells her she has never looked so beautiful and she smiles so big I think her teeth might actually explode out of her gums this time. Mary says Ellenore was smoldering, and sexy as can be. Really? The clip they subsequently show of her, she just looks confused. I, too, am confused. Confused by the judges' love for her, and confused by her making it this far. Jakob was spectacular as usual.
Russell, who I love, and Ashleigh have a beautiful lyrical routine. I also like Ashleigh a lot more than I thought I was going to at first. During the auditions she kind of annoyed me and I didn't think she'd make it. But she's really turned out to be great on this show. Nigel tells Russell he is "bloody incredible" and you know what? He IS!
Is Ellenore back already? Ugh. She and Ryan are doing a strange routine...I don't even know what style this is supposed to be. I thought Cat said it was jazz, however it is not like any jazz I ever did at Sierra Dance Academy. But then, nothing is. I'm sure the judges will say something about the choreographer being inspired by Ellenore's quirkiness and this being "right up her alley." Whatevs. I'll just distract myself with Ryan's muscles for a minute. They really are big. Whoa, I'm quickly jolted back with close up shot on Ellenore's wide, vacant, scary eyes which reveal she is trying to hypnotize me into voting for her. I will not be swayed!!! On to the judges. Adam literally just said "Ellenore, you were like Gary's muse in that one." Ha. I know my judges.
Ashleigh and Jakob do a fantastic fox trot. They dance really well together. Incidentally, I also figured out where the gays in the costume department have been hiding: they've been busy bedazzling Jakob's vest. Obviously Cat's glitter budget got used up there too, and it looks like they borrowed Nigel's best purple cravat and gave it to Jakob. Well now I know why Nigel looks so shabby and Cat looks so lackluster. It all makes sense! And is it just me or are the routines really short this episode? Hmm.
Commercial break and...Ellenore again? Seriously? Aren't we done with her yet? At least she's partnered with my #2 favorite, Russell. Their Paso Doble is good, but by the look on her face it appears she's trying to divide 1392 by 427. Give the girl a calculator and turn the camera back to Russell already!! Nigel calls her passionate and firey. Really? Really? Mmkay...I'll choose to ignore that. However, I do enjoy Adam's imitation of what Russell's friends back home must be thinking. I guess we can all assume Russell is a gangster from this?
Kathryn and Jakob doing contemporary together is absolute bliss. The only thing that would make it better would be panning to the audience and seeing Legacy wiping away a tear as he watches Kathryn. Ha! What? It could happen. He's cried a lot this season. Anyway, the judges loved it as much as I did...except after saying how much he loved it, Adam said it made him mad, but I think he meant it in the British way...? I hope they go back to switching the third judge around next season because I've had more than my fill of Adam and the cleverness he thinks he exudes.
Our resident married couple, Ashleigh and Ryan dance beautifully together. Nigel says they proved they deserved to be in the finale with this routine. I think they proved that I would've liked Ryan more all along if he hadn't have had the misfortune of being paired with Ellenore from the beginning.
The show concludes with Kathryn and Russell doing a Tabitha and Napoleon hip hop, and I could not think of a better way to end it. Loved it: love her outfit, love the dancing, love them. I will now wear out my phone voting for Kathryn and sit in anticipation of tomorrow's conclusion.
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