Episode 11, June 29
So You Think You Can Dance 2, June 29: Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid by Sting7 -- 06/30/2006 The last sixteen are about to become fourteen, as we journey on through season two of So You Think You Can Dance. Wednesday night, we saw all of the couples bringing their best. Now, one dancer’s mouth proves less talented than his feet. And the judges have not been so impressed with beautiful “Corpse Bride” Aleksandra (right) of late. Will she survive? Wednesday night was an excellent night of dancing with my picks for the bottom three: Ashlee and Ben Natalie and Musa Jessica and Jaymz In hindsight, I don’t think I should have listed Jessica and Jaymz, but I do think Ben is meat. On further reflection, I don’t think Aleksandra should make any long term plans in L.A., either. But my batting average this season has been miserable! Who knows what is likely to happen? Well, Cat Deeley will clue us in for tonight. First, though, the remaining 16 give us a hot bit of old-school hip hop the unmistakable beat of Bell Biv Devoe’s “Poison.” The dancers, dressed in black Adidas warm-ups for the guys and red ones from the girls, really sink their teeth into this one, with solo bits from Ivan and Travis. Allison does walking on her hands that surprises even me, her number one fan, and Natalie remains just adorable. And, once again, ballroom deity Dmitry (shall we just call him God?) is buried in the back. Cat says they look like the American Olympic Hip-Hop Team. Cat is making jokes. Save us all. By the way, she’s wearing an oh-so-tight taupe and black number that Stinger must admit he appreciates. If she had a burger for lunch, that dress would have been kaput. Like, she’s a lusty sneeze away from a front row catastrophe! That tight. We get a recap of Wednesday night, that you can read all about here. It’s already decision time. Cat notes that Cecily and Olisa will make their first cut. The ladies agree it will be tough, but somebody has to go. Mary once again commends Ivan on his Argentine Tango. She thought he was a one-trick pony, but she thinks he’s Sea Biscuit now. Nigel makes Ivan admit that, for the first time, Ivan’s father was actually supportive after watching him last night. Wow! Time for results, first the pairs I put at 1 and 2 for the night: Allison and Ivan – are safe! Heidi and Ryan – are safe! Last week, they were bottom three, no way they would be there tonight! Next: Ashlee and Ben – are not safe. They’ll be doing solos tonight. Martha and Travis – are safe! (No surprise. No one gets the kind of screams Travis does.) Next: Jessica and Jaymz – are not safe! (Ooh! I was accidentally right!) Donyelle and Benji – are safe! (Again, no surprise. To me its still Martha/Travis vs. Donyelle/Benji as top pair!) Finally: Natalie and Musa – are safe! Aleksandra and Dmitry – are obviously in the bottom three. That means Ashlee, Ben, Jessica, Jaymz, Aleksandra, and Dmitry. Nigel says America got it right again. Mary says she is surprised that Jessica and Jaymz are in the bottom three (honestly, I am too). Nigel asks who she would have put there in Jessica and Jaymz’s place. Mary (who looks thinner this season, I just noticed) snarls that she’s being put on the spot, and says she would have put in Musa. (And Natalie. You can’t just put him there, Mar!) Cecily and Olisa note that the bottom couples made small mistakes, but America voted and “it is what it is.” (Have they been watching Canadian Idol? How Zack Werner of them!) Time for the solos. First, Ashlee, with the boller hat again, does a dazzling bit of popping to Carl Carlton’s “She’s A Bad Mamma Jamma” and she is. Ben is a toe-pointing spinning dervish to Lifehouse’s “Everything.” He’s definitely fighting to stay alive – if he does go home, he can say he went down swinging! I’m truly impressed. Cat asks Ben if he knew what he was going to do before he hit the stage. “No,” he says with disturbing nonchalance. He doesn't really say why, its almost like, "I didn't because I didn't and I didn't." Jessica does some modern-balletish dancing to Michael Buble’s version of “Fever.” She seems like she is getting warmed up as her 20 seconds ends. Uh-oh. She’s far more winning when she campaigns for America’s support, but she has to get past the judges’ decision tonight for that to matter. She’s in trouble if Aleksandra can find a soul. Next, we have Jaymz, who does a lot of twirling and flopping to Yellowcard’s “Only One.” I really wanted more from him. He gives an emotional thank you for the experience he’s had, and it sounds like a goodbye because Ben was impressive, and Dmitry kills in solos. Uh oh. Aleksandra is far more impressive than last week to Mandalay’s “Insensitive.” I actually feel her in her movements this week! She says she hopes she stays because she has been working on being more expressive in her dancing. I think it’s showing! Then comes Dmitry, to Sergio Mendes’ “Magelenha” and, for a soloing ballroom dancer, he knows exactly how to turn it on! Quietly, he’s becoming a star! By the time those lightning quick feet and undulating hips are done, the female segment of the judging panel are visibly fanning themselves. Oh, he ain’t leaving. Looks bad for Jessica and Jaymz at this point! I wonder if they felt they were safe and didn’t bother preparing a solo? Natasha Bedingfield is here to tell us she’s “Single” and she likes it that way. She’s also brave to wear a midriff-baring outfit after seeing Ashlee’s astonishing abdominals. It wasn’t exactly muffin-top, but she’s just a couple of McNuggets away. Oddly, Cat greets her like they are at a sorority reunion. Guess they know each other? The judges are back, and someone is about to executed… er, eliminated. Ladies first, of course. Ashlee, step forward. Nigel says Ashlee becomes a different person when she puts the boller hat on. Sadly, all that she has to offer does not come out when the hat is not on. But it’s about the journey, and the judges believe she is still growing, and they want to see where she ends up. She’s staying. Jessica, step forward (for some reason Ben steps forward too, and it takes a moment for him to realize he’s not Jessica; Jessica gives a comical “what the hell?” face). Nigel reminds Ben he is not Jessica, and notes that for all her talk about what a great person she is, talking about it is not enough. America has to see it, and not just in her dancing. Pretty much anytime a camera is on, she needs to present herself. (That is some dang huge advice he’s giving!) Talking about it is not enough. Step back. Aleksandra, step forward. Nigel first says that there is a fine line between delivering a blunt critique and being rude. He felt his comparison of her and the Corpse Bride crossed the line and he sincerely apologizes. Aleksandra looks like she has no clue what to do with that. Then, he says he is thrilled that she clearly put so much work into her solo tonight, and it may be a tough pill for some other people who are going to be cut for weak solos, because though hers was not, she is cut for her lack of performance in these last few weeks. You are out. Sorry. Heidi Klum moment. We see Aleksandra’s funeral video, chock-full of moments we haven’t seen because we hadn’t met her before Top 20. Surely, next year, the producers will have a way to balance this. Now, the men. Dmitry, step forward. Nigel admits feeling some anxiety about Dmitry, considering he’s lost (consumed) two partners. But the girls seem to like him (they haven’t stopped hooting since he stepped forward) and Cecily and Olisa hath dubbed him “da bomb baby!” However, he is being kept because he is an excellent performer. Dmitry is staying. Ashlee, step forward. (Wha--? The audience and Stinger gasp.) Nigel asks how hard Ben worked on his routine. Ashlee answers that he is a great partner, and if she were given a contemporary routine, she knows Ben would be right at her side, but seriously, he’s a great partner. (Interesting…) Ben, step forward. Nigel asks Ben how much preparation went into his solo. “Zero. But.” Nigel cuts him off, “that what I wanted to know. Step back.” Uh-oh. The audience “aww”s in sympathy, but Nigel will hear none of that. “Is it ‘aww’ that he is dancing for his life, and he puts zero preparation into it?” Nigel scolds. No, sir, it is not. Jaymz, step forward. Jaymz does, like he took the car without asking. Sorry, Dad. Nigel asks how much preparation he did, because his solo was not very good. Jaymz says he did prepare, but nerves got the best of him. Nigel tells all of the dancers that they had better take this seriously and when they are given solos, they had better be prepared. With that, Ben is cut. Now, before you feel too sorry for Ben, let’s remember this is the same Ben who whined about being sick and Nigel scolded him for it. The next day, Nigel asked how Ben was feeling and Ben whined again. D.U.M.B. Does Ben not yet realize that sometimes, when someone asks how you are, they just want to hear “fine.” They don’t want you to hand them a medical chart! Here’s another example. Your teacher asks you casually, “did you study for the final?” of course, you say yes. Even if you pulled an all-nighter in Vegas, you say Yes. Do NOT say no. Ben, Ben, baby, please, how could you say that you put NO preparation into your solo? I know there was a “but,” but so what? You didn’t even say none, or not much, you said ZERO, which translates to, “I really don’t care.” I kinda figured Ben would be cut, but I didn’t think he’d go down in a blaze of stupid. Oy. Frigging. Vay. That was something. What else is in store for us? How will the new pair of Ashlee and Dmitry fare? Can Ashlee measure up to the Ballroom Deity Dmitry? Can Jessica and Jaymz dance their way off the bubble?Source: http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article6223.art&page=1
So You Think You Can Dance 2, June 29: Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid by Sting7 -- 06/30/2006 The last sixteen are about to become fourteen, as we journey on through season two of So You Think You Can Dance. Wednesday night, we saw all of the couples bringing their best. Now, one dancer’s mouth proves less talented than his feet. And the judges have not been so impressed with beautiful “Corpse Bride” Aleksandra (right) of late. Will she survive? Wednesday night was an excellent night of dancing with my picks for the bottom three: Ashlee and Ben Natalie and Musa Jessica and Jaymz In hindsight, I don’t think I should have listed Jessica and Jaymz, but I do think Ben is meat. On further reflection, I don’t think Aleksandra should make any long term plans in L.A., either. But my batting average this season has been miserable! Who knows what is likely to happen? Well, Cat Deeley will clue us in for tonight. First, though, the remaining 16 give us a hot bit of old-school hip hop the unmistakable beat of Bell Biv Devoe’s “Poison.” The dancers, dressed in black Adidas warm-ups for the guys and red ones from the girls, really sink their teeth into this one, with solo bits from Ivan and Travis. Allison does walking on her hands that surprises even me, her number one fan, and Natalie remains just adorable. And, once again, ballroom deity Dmitry (shall we just call him God?) is buried in the back. Cat says they look like the American Olympic Hip-Hop Team. Cat is making jokes. Save us all. By the way, she’s wearing an oh-so-tight taupe and black number that Stinger must admit he appreciates. If she had a burger for lunch, that dress would have been kaput. Like, she’s a lusty sneeze away from a front row catastrophe! That tight. We get a recap of Wednesday night, that you can read all about here. It’s already decision time. Cat notes that Cecily and Olisa will make their first cut. The ladies agree it will be tough, but somebody has to go. Mary once again commends Ivan on his Argentine Tango. She thought he was a one-trick pony, but she thinks he’s Sea Biscuit now. Nigel makes Ivan admit that, for the first time, Ivan’s father was actually supportive after watching him last night. Wow! Time for results, first the pairs I put at 1 and 2 for the night: Allison and Ivan – are safe! Heidi and Ryan – are safe! Last week, they were bottom three, no way they would be there tonight! Next: Ashlee and Ben – are not safe. They’ll be doing solos tonight. Martha and Travis – are safe! (No surprise. No one gets the kind of screams Travis does.) Next: Jessica and Jaymz – are not safe! (Ooh! I was accidentally right!) Donyelle and Benji – are safe! (Again, no surprise. To me its still Martha/Travis vs. Donyelle/Benji as top pair!) Finally: Natalie and Musa – are safe! Aleksandra and Dmitry – are obviously in the bottom three. That means Ashlee, Ben, Jessica, Jaymz, Aleksandra, and Dmitry. Nigel says America got it right again. Mary says she is surprised that Jessica and Jaymz are in the bottom three (honestly, I am too). Nigel asks who she would have put there in Jessica and Jaymz’s place. Mary (who looks thinner this season, I just noticed) snarls that she’s being put on the spot, and says she would have put in Musa. (And Natalie. You can’t just put him there, Mar!) Cecily and Olisa note that the bottom couples made small mistakes, but America voted and “it is what it is.” (Have they been watching Canadian Idol? How Zack Werner of them!) Time for the solos. First, Ashlee, with the boller hat again, does a dazzling bit of popping to Carl Carlton’s “She’s A Bad Mamma Jamma” and she is. Ben is a toe-pointing spinning dervish to Lifehouse’s “Everything.” He’s definitely fighting to stay alive – if he does go home, he can say he went down swinging! I’m truly impressed. Cat asks Ben if he knew what he was going to do before he hit the stage. “No,” he says with disturbing nonchalance. He doesn't really say why, its almost like, "I didn't because I didn't and I didn't." Jessica does some modern-balletish dancing to Michael Buble’s version of “Fever.” She seems like she is getting warmed up as her 20 seconds ends. Uh-oh. She’s far more winning when she campaigns for America’s support, but she has to get past the judges’ decision tonight for that to matter. She’s in trouble if Aleksandra can find a soul. Next, we have Jaymz, who does a lot of twirling and flopping to Yellowcard’s “Only One.” I really wanted more from him. He gives an emotional thank you for the experience he’s had, and it sounds like a goodbye because Ben was impressive, and Dmitry kills in solos. Uh oh. Aleksandra is far more impressive than last week to Mandalay’s “Insensitive.” I actually feel her in her movements this week! She says she hopes she stays because she has been working on being more expressive in her dancing. I think it’s showing! Then comes Dmitry, to Sergio Mendes’ “Magelenha” and, for a soloing ballroom dancer, he knows exactly how to turn it on! Quietly, he’s becoming a star! By the time those lightning quick feet and undulating hips are done, the female segment of the judging panel are visibly fanning themselves. Oh, he ain’t leaving. Looks bad for Jessica and Jaymz at this point! I wonder if they felt they were safe and didn’t bother preparing a solo? Natasha Bedingfield is here to tell us she’s “Single” and she likes it that way. She’s also brave to wear a midriff-baring outfit after seeing Ashlee’s astonishing abdominals. It wasn’t exactly muffin-top, but she’s just a couple of McNuggets away. Oddly, Cat greets her like they are at a sorority reunion. Guess they know each other? The judges are back, and someone is about to executed… er, eliminated. Ladies first, of course. Ashlee, step forward. Nigel says Ashlee becomes a different person when she puts the boller hat on. Sadly, all that she has to offer does not come out when the hat is not on. But it’s about the journey, and the judges believe she is still growing, and they want to see where she ends up. She’s staying. Jessica, step forward (for some reason Ben steps forward too, and it takes a moment for him to realize he’s not Jessica; Jessica gives a comical “what the hell?” face). Nigel reminds Ben he is not Jessica, and notes that for all her talk about what a great person she is, talking about it is not enough. America has to see it, and not just in her dancing. Pretty much anytime a camera is on, she needs to present herself. (That is some dang huge advice he’s giving!) Talking about it is not enough. Step back. Aleksandra, step forward. Nigel first says that there is a fine line between delivering a blunt critique and being rude. He felt his comparison of her and the Corpse Bride crossed the line and he sincerely apologizes. Aleksandra looks like she has no clue what to do with that. Then, he says he is thrilled that she clearly put so much work into her solo tonight, and it may be a tough pill for some other people who are going to be cut for weak solos, because though hers was not, she is cut for her lack of performance in these last few weeks. You are out. Sorry. Heidi Klum moment. We see Aleksandra’s funeral video, chock-full of moments we haven’t seen because we hadn’t met her before Top 20. Surely, next year, the producers will have a way to balance this. Now, the men. Dmitry, step forward. Nigel admits feeling some anxiety about Dmitry, considering he’s lost (consumed) two partners. But the girls seem to like him (they haven’t stopped hooting since he stepped forward) and Cecily and Olisa hath dubbed him “da bomb baby!” However, he is being kept because he is an excellent performer. Dmitry is staying. Ashlee, step forward. (Wha--? The audience and Stinger gasp.) Nigel asks how hard Ben worked on his routine. Ashlee answers that he is a great partner, and if she were given a contemporary routine, she knows Ben would be right at her side, but seriously, he’s a great partner. (Interesting…) Ben, step forward. Nigel asks Ben how much preparation went into his solo. “Zero. But.” Nigel cuts him off, “that what I wanted to know. Step back.” Uh-oh. The audience “aww”s in sympathy, but Nigel will hear none of that. “Is it ‘aww’ that he is dancing for his life, and he puts zero preparation into it?” Nigel scolds. No, sir, it is not. Jaymz, step forward. Jaymz does, like he took the car without asking. Sorry, Dad. Nigel asks how much preparation he did, because his solo was not very good. Jaymz says he did prepare, but nerves got the best of him. Nigel tells all of the dancers that they had better take this seriously and when they are given solos, they had better be prepared. With that, Ben is cut. Now, before you feel too sorry for Ben, let’s remember this is the same Ben who whined about being sick and Nigel scolded him for it. The next day, Nigel asked how Ben was feeling and Ben whined again. D.U.M.B. Does Ben not yet realize that sometimes, when someone asks how you are, they just want to hear “fine.” They don’t want you to hand them a medical chart! Here’s another example. Your teacher asks you casually, “did you study for the final?” of course, you say yes. Even if you pulled an all-nighter in Vegas, you say Yes. Do NOT say no. Ben, Ben, baby, please, how could you say that you put NO preparation into your solo? I know there was a “but,” but so what? You didn’t even say none, or not much, you said ZERO, which translates to, “I really don’t care.” I kinda figured Ben would be cut, but I didn’t think he’d go down in a blaze of stupid. Oy. Frigging. Vay. That was something. What else is in store for us? How will the new pair of Ashlee and Dmitry fare? Can Ashlee measure up to the Ballroom Deity Dmitry? Can Jessica and Jaymz dance their way off the bubble?