Episode 10, June 28
So You Think You Can Dance 2, June 28: Hearts, Triples, and Corpse Brides – Oh My! by Sting7 -- 06/29/2006 There are just sixteen dancers remaining. Eight couples hoping to dance their way to the top ten, when all partner bets are off! This race is suddenly becoming too close to call, as everyone seems to have raised their game. And away we go! There are 16 dancers left. We get a new intro, and it looks like someone unleashed the hair and makeup on our contestants. Lots of up do’s. New dancing intro for everyone. Jessica probably wants hers back. Now comes Cat. Tonight’s outfit is a lightly layered midnight blue number, with a ginormous yellow belt. She’s European. Tonight’s judges, Mary Murphy, Cicely and Olisa (wha-?), and Nigel Lythgoe. Favorite moments from judges that we’ve already seen (keep those bad auditions alive, why don’t ya?). Then a recap of last week’s elimination show. We learn that, much like Idol, there is a dinner for the eliminated to share one last time with those moving on. Not much new information in the Week In the Life segment. Next, we are treated to a performance from multi-time world Lindy Hop champions, Hop, Skip and a Jump. Picture three Gilligans dancing with three Mary Anns. I’ll give you a minute… there you go. Now, for the contestants! Up first, Ben and Ashlee, and they have drawn Hip Hop. Choreographer Todd Sams says he is not a boom-kak-kak choreographer (we get enough of that on Making The Band 3!) and Ben is much relieved. Ashlee says it is hard for a technical dancer to grasp hip hop because hip hop is “all feel.” Ben says when he asks questions, the only answer he gets is “just be pimp.” Yeah, that is helpful, huh? Can Ben find his inner-pimp? Doesn’t look promising. Ben and Ashlee, Hip Hop Dancing to Usher’s “Caught Up,” the first thing I think is Ashlee looks as comfortable as old slippers. Second thing, Ben is dancing hip hop. Third thing, Ben is not… all…. that bad! He’s a bit short on attitude, but he clearly has the steps. Some tiny synchronicity problems between them, but I’m entertained. Yet, I’m easy. Judges? Nigel compliments Ashlee’s style, but thinks Ben’s street was “Rodeo Drive.” Mary thinks Ben did a respectable job (me too), but Ashlee was outstanding tonight. Olisa thinks together they were good, singly, Ashlee was great, but Ben’s contemporariness came out in his turns. Overall, they were happy. Next, Heidi and Ryan learn they are taking on Cuban Ramba. Heidi is feeling pretty confident, since, she says, the Cuban Ramba is like the American Ramba with the cha-cha-cha and the boxstep and all. Totally wrong, says Alex DiSilva. Night and day. Swell, says Heidi. The Cuban Ramba encapsulates African and Cuban rhythms, and its all about communicating your virility with your body. Alex says he figured Ryan would catch on immediately and Heidi would struggle, when the opposite happened. Ryan admits the dawning was slow for him, but feels confident. Should he? Heidi and Ryan, Cuban Ramba Heidi does a lot of skirt swishing, and Ryan is leaping around, definitely showing the Cuban/African side of things, but this dance actually looks like fun! Heidi is impressing me, she seems like a pro at everything with a little practice. Ryan has a chance to show a lot of his personality. Not a lot of synchronized dancing, yet they are relating to each other! Very cool! Judges will be happy, I bet. Nigel says he loved it. He never thought Heidi had that in her. Mary says it was hot-hot-hot. There was obvious chemistry between them, terrific! Olisa and Cecily say it was excellent-excellent-excellent. Now, the couple-by-necessity, Aleksandra and Dmitry (who lost Jason and Joy, respectively), tell us they are happy by their accidental pairing, but somehow, it sounds a bit wishful. Aleksandra loudly hopes for ballroom, and that is exactly what they draw. A waltz, specifically. Choreographer Heather Smith talks a lot about connection… she talks a lot in general. Aleksandra looks ready, Dmitry was made for this, let’s see what happens. Aleksandra and Dmitry, Waltz Dancing to a Kenny Rogers song called “If I Were A Painting,” Aleksandra and Dmitry cast a spell immediately as their bodies seem to sway in an effortless unison. They are captivating, romantic, sexy, with a nice dose of tragedy to boot. With a couple more dances under their belt, they could be devastating – just in time to dance as individuals. I love it. Judges? Nigel says Dmitry is a very special dancer, so much passion. He asks Aleksandra if she’s ever seen The Corpse Bride. It didn’t work for him. Mary says off-and-on, Aleksandra had great moments, but she wanted more. She adds that Dmitry did a commendable job, as a latin dancer, he was amazing doing ballroom. Cecily thinks Aleksandra stood up this week, and Dmitry has such “masculine elegance.” Well done, they say. On to My Allison and Ivan. They draw Argentine Tango, and Ivan gulps loudly. “Not what we wanted,” he admits in good humor. Alex DiSilva takes another crack at this duo; the last time they did one his routines, they were in the bottom three. Alex is not worried; he feels he knows them better now. Allison is surprised the rehearsals went so well. Ivan thinks they will do spectacularly well or be a complete disaster. No middle ground possible, he thinks. Which will it be? Allison and Ivan, Argentine Tango Dancing to Libertango by Bond (the hot violin-playing women), Ivan is immediately noticeable with his sleek and sharp movement. The rest of the dance belongs to My Allison, who is a red fantasy in an almost dress! Together, the deftly maneuver through DiSilva’s trademark tricks, managing to be sly, sexy, and youthful somehow. The move where Allison runs her shoe up and down the length of Ivan’s body will be with me and long, long time. “Little Ivan is all grown up!” squeals Cat at the end. I agree. Judges? Nigel says the temperature went up again, in regards to Allison. He calls her sensational. And Ivan is having a “great journey!” Allison, he says, gave one of the best performances he’s ever seen on the show! Mary admits she didn’t want Ivan in the top twenty, but he delivered tonight! And gets a WOOOOO! Allison, she says, is one hot tamale, and one of the best dancers on the show! Olisa calls Ivan a tall dark drink of water, Allison a ball of fire! Cicely says she wanted more passion from Ivan, but still, she was pleased. Now, show co-favorites, Donyelle and Benji, draw pop jazz. What is that? They want to know, as well. Brian Friedman, choreographer today, says it is very music video, very Britney. ‘Kay. Brian envisions a supermodel encountering a deejay who’s not intimidated. Donyelle and Brian express mild concern over Benji’s natural goofiness. Benji is more worried by the sexier parts of the dance. Not his usual style, but “it’s easy with Donyelle.” I can imagine! Donyelle and Benji, Pop Jazz Donyelle and Benji dance to Danii Minogue’s “Put A Needle On It” (sounds like, what if Prince wrote a song for Britney?). These two together are just magic. Their ability to relate to each other is the best on the show. The only complaint I have is the spins… the lead in to them was so predictable, but that’s little stuff. D&B, be prepared to be adorned. Nigel says they never know how the partnering would work, but they are real partners. They go together like champagne and caviar. Mary says the dancing was fantastic. She believes they have real chemistry. Olisa loves them, as a couple, powerful, wonderful. Cicely calls Donyelle “Transformer.” No matter what the choreographers throw at her, she just nails it. Next, lovely Natalie and Musa are hoping for some old-school hip hop, but they get… Quick Step? Natalie wails in horror. But, gamely, they show up at Heather Smith’s studio, where she quickly wipes those smiles off their faces. Musa’s battle is Herculean this time. “I will find whatever talent Musa has and bring it out!” is Heather’s pledge. Yikes. She breaks out the ballroom bar, which forces the neck to stay straight and the shoulders to be square, and lo and behold, Musa starts to get it! Does he get enough? Natalie and Musa, Quick Step To Cherry Poppin’ Daddies “Zoot Suit Riot,” Natalie and Musa literally take a running start, and things unravel almost immediately. There is a lot of masking in the choreography, a lot of almost contemporary moves, and finally, some of the Quick Step elements, which never really look together. Natalie really sells her half with her face and body, Musa is doing the best he can, which is better than most, but clearly not good enough. Will the judges reward his effort or just decimate him? Nigel says he understands Musa is out of his elements, but beams that Musa committed so strongly to the dance. He is proud of that. Mary says it just wasn’t good at all, but Musa definitely has heart. Cecily and Olisa agree, but exclaim Musa is sexy anyway! Jessica and Jaymz draw Contemporary and they are thrilled. Choreographer Brian Friedman openly admits he is not, at least not with this couple. Emotional connection, he says over and over. This is a love story, he begins. They groan. He has walls, she tries to break them down, in the end, he lets her in. (I feel like I just read Brian’s diary, somehow.) Brian insists that if the audience doesn’t feel the emotion, the dance won’t work. Can J&J connect? Jessica and Jaymz, Contemporary Dancing to “Let Go” by Frou Frou (it sounds even stranger from Cat’s lips), Jaymz and Jessica are free-flowing gorgeousness. Jaymz is particularly impressive in this dance, which requires more work from him, but Jessica is a pleasant surprise. If she’s not a contemporary dancer (I think she’s jazz), it’s hard to tell! Nigel loved the freedom of movement, and thought it was beautiful tonight. He also thinks America has a tough job. Mary says they put the W in wonderful. Olisa and Cecily just applaud and say they brought it! And, finally, the other co-favorites, Martha and Travis. They draw hip hop. Martha falls to the floor. Todd Sams is at work with this duo, and despite how he said he wasn’t a boom-kak-kak choreographer, he’s boom-kak-kakking. Travis feels doomed, but says he started to speak Todd’s language and it came together. We’ll see. Martha and Travis, Hip Hop Dancing to Chris Brown’s “Just Fine” (which is not a hip hop song, the significance of which will become apparent in a moment), Martha and Travis show they are among the best dancers in the competition. But. Somehow, some way, it does not quite come together. Travis is somehow swallowing Martha up. I don’t think this is what Todd had in mind. Judges? Nigel says they don’t seem to have decided what style they would be dancing. Travis was hitting hard, Martha was smooth, they looked like individuals. (Fair statement.) He adds the competition is catching up them… some may be passing them! Mary agrees, and says they have hit home runs all season long, this week, just a triple. Cecily and Olisa agree that Travis was hitting too hard on an R&B song, when he should have been smooth. (That’s what was off! Good point, ladies!) Travis kind of whines that he’s a contemporary dancer (knock that off!), but the girls insist he has hip hop in him (clearly!). Olisa says that picket fence is now bricks! Heh! Cat asks the judges who they think may be in trouble. Nigel says America has a tough job, and doesn’t even want to influence anything. Mary thinks Musa and Natalie could be in trouble. Cecily and Olisa worry for Aleksandra and Dmitry. A good night of dancing! If I were ranking the couples (and I guess I am) this is how I would rank them: Allison and Ivan Heidi and Ryan Donyelle and Benji Martha and Travis Aleksandra and Dmitry And my bottom three would be: Ashlee and Ben Natalie and Musa Jessica and Jaymz The dancers I think will be going home are Jessica and Ben. Which would make Ashlee and Jaymz a pair… a pair that could work! Ashlee would have a partner who looks like he actually wants her! Did I say that? Am I right? Let’s see Thursday!Source: http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article6222.art&page=1
So You Think You Can Dance 2, June 28: Hearts, Triples, and Corpse Brides – Oh My! by Sting7 -- 06/29/2006 There are just sixteen dancers remaining. Eight couples hoping to dance their way to the top ten, when all partner bets are off! This race is suddenly becoming too close to call, as everyone seems to have raised their game. And away we go! There are 16 dancers left. We get a new intro, and it looks like someone unleashed the hair and makeup on our contestants. Lots of up do’s. New dancing intro for everyone. Jessica probably wants hers back. Now comes Cat. Tonight’s outfit is a lightly layered midnight blue number, with a ginormous yellow belt. She’s European. Tonight’s judges, Mary Murphy, Cicely and Olisa (wha-?), and Nigel Lythgoe. Favorite moments from judges that we’ve already seen (keep those bad auditions alive, why don’t ya?). Then a recap of last week’s elimination show. We learn that, much like Idol, there is a dinner for the eliminated to share one last time with those moving on. Not much new information in the Week In the Life segment. Next, we are treated to a performance from multi-time world Lindy Hop champions, Hop, Skip and a Jump. Picture three Gilligans dancing with three Mary Anns. I’ll give you a minute… there you go. Now, for the contestants! Up first, Ben and Ashlee, and they have drawn Hip Hop. Choreographer Todd Sams says he is not a boom-kak-kak choreographer (we get enough of that on Making The Band 3!) and Ben is much relieved. Ashlee says it is hard for a technical dancer to grasp hip hop because hip hop is “all feel.” Ben says when he asks questions, the only answer he gets is “just be pimp.” Yeah, that is helpful, huh? Can Ben find his inner-pimp? Doesn’t look promising. Ben and Ashlee, Hip Hop Dancing to Usher’s “Caught Up,” the first thing I think is Ashlee looks as comfortable as old slippers. Second thing, Ben is dancing hip hop. Third thing, Ben is not… all…. that bad! He’s a bit short on attitude, but he clearly has the steps. Some tiny synchronicity problems between them, but I’m entertained. Yet, I’m easy. Judges? Nigel compliments Ashlee’s style, but thinks Ben’s street was “Rodeo Drive.” Mary thinks Ben did a respectable job (me too), but Ashlee was outstanding tonight. Olisa thinks together they were good, singly, Ashlee was great, but Ben’s contemporariness came out in his turns. Overall, they were happy. Next, Heidi and Ryan learn they are taking on Cuban Ramba. Heidi is feeling pretty confident, since, she says, the Cuban Ramba is like the American Ramba with the cha-cha-cha and the boxstep and all. Totally wrong, says Alex DiSilva. Night and day. Swell, says Heidi. The Cuban Ramba encapsulates African and Cuban rhythms, and its all about communicating your virility with your body. Alex says he figured Ryan would catch on immediately and Heidi would struggle, when the opposite happened. Ryan admits the dawning was slow for him, but feels confident. Should he? Heidi and Ryan, Cuban Ramba Heidi does a lot of skirt swishing, and Ryan is leaping around, definitely showing the Cuban/African side of things, but this dance actually looks like fun! Heidi is impressing me, she seems like a pro at everything with a little practice. Ryan has a chance to show a lot of his personality. Not a lot of synchronized dancing, yet they are relating to each other! Very cool! Judges will be happy, I bet. Nigel says he loved it. He never thought Heidi had that in her. Mary says it was hot-hot-hot. There was obvious chemistry between them, terrific! Olisa and Cecily say it was excellent-excellent-excellent. Now, the couple-by-necessity, Aleksandra and Dmitry (who lost Jason and Joy, respectively), tell us they are happy by their accidental pairing, but somehow, it sounds a bit wishful. Aleksandra loudly hopes for ballroom, and that is exactly what they draw. A waltz, specifically. Choreographer Heather Smith talks a lot about connection… she talks a lot in general. Aleksandra looks ready, Dmitry was made for this, let’s see what happens. Aleksandra and Dmitry, Waltz Dancing to a Kenny Rogers song called “If I Were A Painting,” Aleksandra and Dmitry cast a spell immediately as their bodies seem to sway in an effortless unison. They are captivating, romantic, sexy, with a nice dose of tragedy to boot. With a couple more dances under their belt, they could be devastating – just in time to dance as individuals. I love it. Judges? Nigel says Dmitry is a very special dancer, so much passion. He asks Aleksandra if she’s ever seen The Corpse Bride. It didn’t work for him. Mary says off-and-on, Aleksandra had great moments, but she wanted more. She adds that Dmitry did a commendable job, as a latin dancer, he was amazing doing ballroom. Cecily thinks Aleksandra stood up this week, and Dmitry has such “masculine elegance.” Well done, they say. On to My Allison and Ivan. They draw Argentine Tango, and Ivan gulps loudly. “Not what we wanted,” he admits in good humor. Alex DiSilva takes another crack at this duo; the last time they did one his routines, they were in the bottom three. Alex is not worried; he feels he knows them better now. Allison is surprised the rehearsals went so well. Ivan thinks they will do spectacularly well or be a complete disaster. No middle ground possible, he thinks. Which will it be? Allison and Ivan, Argentine Tango Dancing to Libertango by Bond (the hot violin-playing women), Ivan is immediately noticeable with his sleek and sharp movement. The rest of the dance belongs to My Allison, who is a red fantasy in an almost dress! Together, the deftly maneuver through DiSilva’s trademark tricks, managing to be sly, sexy, and youthful somehow. The move where Allison runs her shoe up and down the length of Ivan’s body will be with me and long, long time. “Little Ivan is all grown up!” squeals Cat at the end. I agree. Judges? Nigel says the temperature went up again, in regards to Allison. He calls her sensational. And Ivan is having a “great journey!” Allison, he says, gave one of the best performances he’s ever seen on the show! Mary admits she didn’t want Ivan in the top twenty, but he delivered tonight! And gets a WOOOOO! Allison, she says, is one hot tamale, and one of the best dancers on the show! Olisa calls Ivan a tall dark drink of water, Allison a ball of fire! Cicely says she wanted more passion from Ivan, but still, she was pleased. Now, show co-favorites, Donyelle and Benji, draw pop jazz. What is that? They want to know, as well. Brian Friedman, choreographer today, says it is very music video, very Britney. ‘Kay. Brian envisions a supermodel encountering a deejay who’s not intimidated. Donyelle and Brian express mild concern over Benji’s natural goofiness. Benji is more worried by the sexier parts of the dance. Not his usual style, but “it’s easy with Donyelle.” I can imagine! Donyelle and Benji, Pop Jazz Donyelle and Benji dance to Danii Minogue’s “Put A Needle On It” (sounds like, what if Prince wrote a song for Britney?). These two together are just magic. Their ability to relate to each other is the best on the show. The only complaint I have is the spins… the lead in to them was so predictable, but that’s little stuff. D&B, be prepared to be adorned. Nigel says they never know how the partnering would work, but they are real partners. They go together like champagne and caviar. Mary says the dancing was fantastic. She believes they have real chemistry. Olisa loves them, as a couple, powerful, wonderful. Cicely calls Donyelle “Transformer.” No matter what the choreographers throw at her, she just nails it. Next, lovely Natalie and Musa are hoping for some old-school hip hop, but they get… Quick Step? Natalie wails in horror. But, gamely, they show up at Heather Smith’s studio, where she quickly wipes those smiles off their faces. Musa’s battle is Herculean this time. “I will find whatever talent Musa has and bring it out!” is Heather’s pledge. Yikes. She breaks out the ballroom bar, which forces the neck to stay straight and the shoulders to be square, and lo and behold, Musa starts to get it! Does he get enough? Natalie and Musa, Quick Step To Cherry Poppin’ Daddies “Zoot Suit Riot,” Natalie and Musa literally take a running start, and things unravel almost immediately. There is a lot of masking in the choreography, a lot of almost contemporary moves, and finally, some of the Quick Step elements, which never really look together. Natalie really sells her half with her face and body, Musa is doing the best he can, which is better than most, but clearly not good enough. Will the judges reward his effort or just decimate him? Nigel says he understands Musa is out of his elements, but beams that Musa committed so strongly to the dance. He is proud of that. Mary says it just wasn’t good at all, but Musa definitely has heart. Cecily and Olisa agree, but exclaim Musa is sexy anyway! Jessica and Jaymz draw Contemporary and they are thrilled. Choreographer Brian Friedman openly admits he is not, at least not with this couple. Emotional connection, he says over and over. This is a love story, he begins. They groan. He has walls, she tries to break them down, in the end, he lets her in. (I feel like I just read Brian’s diary, somehow.) Brian insists that if the audience doesn’t feel the emotion, the dance won’t work. Can J&J connect? Jessica and Jaymz, Contemporary Dancing to “Let Go” by Frou Frou (it sounds even stranger from Cat’s lips), Jaymz and Jessica are free-flowing gorgeousness. Jaymz is particularly impressive in this dance, which requires more work from him, but Jessica is a pleasant surprise. If she’s not a contemporary dancer (I think she’s jazz), it’s hard to tell! Nigel loved the freedom of movement, and thought it was beautiful tonight. He also thinks America has a tough job. Mary says they put the W in wonderful. Olisa and Cecily just applaud and say they brought it! And, finally, the other co-favorites, Martha and Travis. They draw hip hop. Martha falls to the floor. Todd Sams is at work with this duo, and despite how he said he wasn’t a boom-kak-kak choreographer, he’s boom-kak-kakking. Travis feels doomed, but says he started to speak Todd’s language and it came together. We’ll see. Martha and Travis, Hip Hop Dancing to Chris Brown’s “Just Fine” (which is not a hip hop song, the significance of which will become apparent in a moment), Martha and Travis show they are among the best dancers in the competition. But. Somehow, some way, it does not quite come together. Travis is somehow swallowing Martha up. I don’t think this is what Todd had in mind. Judges? Nigel says they don’t seem to have decided what style they would be dancing. Travis was hitting hard, Martha was smooth, they looked like individuals. (Fair statement.) He adds the competition is catching up them… some may be passing them! Mary agrees, and says they have hit home runs all season long, this week, just a triple. Cecily and Olisa agree that Travis was hitting too hard on an R&B song, when he should have been smooth. (That’s what was off! Good point, ladies!) Travis kind of whines that he’s a contemporary dancer (knock that off!), but the girls insist he has hip hop in him (clearly!). Olisa says that picket fence is now bricks! Heh! Cat asks the judges who they think may be in trouble. Nigel says America has a tough job, and doesn’t even want to influence anything. Mary thinks Musa and Natalie could be in trouble. Cecily and Olisa worry for Aleksandra and Dmitry. A good night of dancing! If I were ranking the couples (and I guess I am) this is how I would rank them: Allison and Ivan Heidi and Ryan Donyelle and Benji Martha and Travis Aleksandra and Dmitry And my bottom three would be: Ashlee and Ben Natalie and Musa Jessica and Jaymz The dancers I think will be going home are Jessica and Ben. Which would make Ashlee and Jaymz a pair… a pair that could work! Ashlee would have a partner who looks like he actually wants her! Did I say that? Am I right? Let’s see Thursday!