So You Think You Can Dance Elimination: Can I Get One Last Whooo!

Photo provided by BuzzSugar

So as we all know tonight was the elimination round of So You Think You Can Dance and two contestants where sent home.

The contestants began the show dancing one last time together as a group of 16. The piece reminded me of something in an I-spy movie, especially with the soundtrack and the fact that the dancers had on all black.

Eventually, the dancing ended and it was time for the disappointing news.  The bottom three couples were Ashley, Chris, Miranda, Robert, Caitlynn, and Mitchell. Unfortunately the “Whoo man” Robert and his partner Miranda were sent. This is quite surprising especially since the two got such great reviews on their performances; Miranda was even told that she was the most improved dancer of the group. I guess it shows that no matter what the judges say or think there is always a slight chance that you can be sent home.

Photo provided by Google

It was a pretty sad good-bye with the contestant’s speeches, but Robert told everyone to keep smiling and keep their head held high, he even had one last request… and that was for everyone to give him one final Whooooo, which everyone was delighted to do.

On to other things, there were two guest dance performances throughout the elimination round and they both were phenomenal. First to take the stage was Axis Integrated Dance Company, which is a dance company in Oakland for dancers with handicaps. A guy dancer danced in a wheelchair with his female partner at his side every way. I think it was a great idea for executive producer, Nigel to have the dancers on the show, since it lets people see that you don’t always have to physically walk to be a dancer.

Second to perform were ballroom champions Eric and Georgia, and I must say that this was one of the most amazing guest performances that I’ve seen on the show. The routine reminded me of something from a cirque de soleil performance. Both the male and female were strong when it came to lifting, and it seemed as though Georgia was a hula-hoop in the air, since Eric was able to lift her so easily. The couple also did an awesome trick in which Eric lift Georgia by her arms, making it seem as though she was walking on air. All hands go out to that performance because it was definitely breathe taking.

Well that’s all I have for you tonight, hope everyone enjoyed the show and looking forward to next weeks performance.

Until next time, see ya later dancing fans!

 

So You Think You Can Dance: Who Kissed the JUDGE?

 

Photo provided by AOL TV

Last night ten couples performed and many of the performances where extraordinary. Most dances had props ranging from a piano, a table and chair, and a nice comfortable bed. But that’s not all that stirred up the crowd.

Lets start off by talking about the fourth couple Marko and Melanie. They performed a Tabitha and Napoleon hip-hop piece, in which Marko played a guy left at the alter, but soon realized that his best friend was the one that was by his side all along. Anyway, it wasn’t just the dynamic dancing of the duo that had the crowd roaring, it was the sensual kiss at the end, that look like the two enjoyed it a bit much.

Marko and Melanie weren’t the only two who locked lips with each other, but out of nowhere executive producer Nigel Lythgoe leans over and kisses judge Mary Murphy for wayyyyy more than 5 seconds if you ask me. Host Cat Deeley said it reminded her of her parents kissing, either way it was pretty exciting and unexpected. But it turned into a kissing frenzy when Broadway star and judge Kristin Chenoweth leaned over and kissed hip-hop guru and guest judge Lil C…and no these were not grandma kisses on the cheek, there definitely was some lip action. Now Nigel must did not get enough, because after kissing Mary he hopped over and kiss Lil C…now that one was on the cheek…thankfully.

Well after the judges got all their kissing out the way, the dancing resume with Ashley and Chris performing a Sonya Tayeh dance piece, unfortunately it didn’t win any kisses from the judges.

Now one thing worth mentioning is the costumes…and Clarice’s costume was out of this world. She and partner Jess dance a fox trout and Clarice looked like an amazing spiral staircase of bling.

Another performance worth mentioning was another piece by Sonya Tayeh, danced by Ryan and Ricky. This piece involved a long ribbon that was attached to Ryan that symbolized a relationship that must end for reasons unknown. Anyway this piece received grave compliments and definitely showed Ricky’s strength.

Finally Tadd and Jordan performed another piece by “NappTab” or Napoleon and Tabitha, as we know them, and this hip-hop choreorgraphy also broke barriers. Not just because it included two college kids who were a little hung over and ended up in bed together, but it was the way break dancing star, Tadd slip on his jeans in literally 2 seconds.

Last night’s show was full of amazing pieces and surprises; it only leaves me to think who the heke will be sent home tonight.

No matter what, you know I will keep you posted with the judges decisions.

Well until next time, see ya later dancing fans!

 

The Perfect Shoe for the Perfect Venue

A couple of weeks ago I gave a quick tutorial on the right type of costume to wear for the different types of dance styles.  This week I am going to give another quick tutorial on the right type of footwear you should use when dancing in different venues.

Ballet Slippers 

Photo by Asia Hinton

Ballet slippers are great shoes for when dancers have to dance on concrete or on carpet. They are not slippery and they also protect dancers feet from getting cuts and rug burn. I realized ballet shoes were a great accompaniment when I was ask to dance at the Artscape festival which was held outside, and when I danced at a church which had only carpet.

Photo by Asia Hinton

 

  Pointe Shoes

Dancers have to be very careful when dealing with pointe shoes. In my opinion I don’t think it’s a great idea for pointe shoes to be used on carpet or on concrete. Carpet is very thick and prohibits the shoe and foot from turning easily. Concrete can damage a dancers foot and may cause “hammer toe”, which happens when too much pressure is forced on the feet.  As always a dance platform is best.

 

Jazz Slippers/ Jazz Tennis  

Photo by Asia Hinton

Jazz slippers or jazz tennis works just like ballet slippers. They are great for concrete or rug performances. They also keep feet protected and still look stylish with any costume.

Photo by Asia Hinton

 

Tap Shoes

Well of course everyone should know that tap shoes are not great on carpet, not for health reasons, but simple because you cannot hear the tap sound. Tap shoes are ok on concrete because of the sound it produces, but concrete can damage the metal tap under the shoe, causing scratching and holes from rocks that come from concrete. Tap shoes are best however on a tap floor.

 

Barefoot  

Photo by Asia Hinton

I only recommend dancing barefoot when dancing on a dance platform or on a stage.  Platforms and stages are smooth and mildly slippery. Slippery is sort of a good thing though when you have to slide quickly or do multiple turns.

Also, a helpful note for when dancing barefoot, never use lotion, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly at the bottom of your feet, it becomes very slippery and dangerous. Trust me I’ve tried it before!

 

While stages and dance platforms are best when dancing barefoot and when dancing with different types of dance shoes, many places do not have the proper equipment for dancing, so hopefully this quick tutorial will help dancers perform their best when dancing at any venue.

Hope this helps you out as much as it helped me!!

Until next time, see ya later dancing fans.

 

So You Think You Can Dance: Blood Shed one day, Tear shed the next!

Photo provided by So You Think You Can Dance Blog

So last night was the first time in So You Think You Can Dance history where 4 dancers were sent home…and boy was it a sad one,

Of the 20 dancers, Missy, Wadi, Iveta, Nick, Ryan, and Ricky were all placed in the “Bottom 3”, leaving the gang of 6 to dance for their lives.

I know I can definitely say that Ricky danced for his life, judge Nigel Lythgoe even commented on how his solo dance was the best that he’s seen from him all season.

Fortunately for Ricky, that solo helped him out tremendously, because he was chosen to stay. Along with Ricky was his partner Ryan, who was equally happy to be joining the other contestants who were on the “safe” side.

But the night grew a little sad when Missy, Wadi, Iveta, and Nick were told they would no longer be dancing on the stage. Tears shed and booing from the crown could be heard all over, but in Nigel’s words, “it had to be done.”

Well on to other things that aren’t soo sad, Rage Crew performed and they were awesome with a capital “A”. The dance group had performers of all ages dancing a hip-hop piece, but one young dancer definitely stood out in the crowd. It was completely obvious since throughout the dance, the camera continuously panned back to her. I only wish I knew her name to tell her how awesome she was.

 

 

Photo provided by MixMasters

LMFAOand the dancing group Quest Crew also performed, singing their song Party Rock Anthem. Their performance was equally good, filled with dancing, confetti, and a fire extinguisher for some odd reason. Now it could be me, but I think LMAO with singer Lauren Bennett reminds me a lot of the pop singing group the Black Eyed Peas. They even look and sound a lot like them. Umm I wonder what the Black Eyed Peas would have to say about that.

Photo provided by OK!

Last night may have been filled with a lot of tears, but at least for the remaining contestants it was a good day, especially when Nigel announced what the season winner would be getting. If you were wondering, the winner would get a quarter million dollars and a contract with Gatorade Series Fit as their ad campaign dancer. That’s a pretty sweet deal in my opinion.

While it was a sad night, we must encourage the others who will be performing in next weeks show, so Good-bye to a wonderful top 20 and Hello to our new top 16.

Until next time see ya later dancing fans.

 

So You Think You Can Dance: Blood shed, Bollywood & Going home with Debbie

Ever heard of the saying “blood, sweat, and tears”?

Well some of the dancers on Fox’s hits show So You Think You Can Dance kind of took the LITERALLY.

Wednesday night 20 dancers performed again, since the judges could not think of who to send home last week.

Now no one may have been sent home, but someone definitely could have been sent to the doctor.

Photo Provided by These Moving Pictures

Photo Provided by These Moving Pictures

The entire top 20 dancers performed their best and were intensely immerse in their character roles, but Caitlynn and Mitchell took their performing a step further.  The couple danced a Stacey Tookey contemporary piece where Caitlynn acted as an insecure girl wanting to leave her man. Mitchell may have just given her a reason to leave, after he mistakenly hit Caitlynn in the face during their fake performance fight.  The side of Caitlynn’s face was bleeding quit a bit, and a worker on the show had to even pass Caitlynn a napkin to dab the blood. But luckily for Mitchell, Caitlynn forgave him and the two was just happy to know that their dancing brought judge Mary Murphy to tears.

Well besides the whole blood incident another… I guess freaky-ish sort of thing that happened, was long time dancer and this weeks guest judge Debbie Reynolds, saying she wanted to bring all the dancers home with her, since she could use more kids. Ummm, I am a little unsure of that, but I can say she was a great self-confidence booster for a lot of the dancers who didn’t do well, considering she gave everyone equally good feedback on their performance.

On to other things, I only have one word to say and that’s “Bollywood is back baby”. Well that may have been more than one word, but you get the point. Anyway I think Bollywood was one dance style Iveta and Nick wished they’d never picked out of the hat. Especially since Nigel Lythgoe told the duo that it was an ok performance, but nothing compared to Season 4 dancers Joshua and Katee who also performed the dance style but with greater technique and precision.

So I guess you could say last nights show was a day filled with events, but luckily for all the dancers they were invited to Debbie Reynolds pad to be her children…not sure if that’s good or bad thing yet…:)

One more thing and I promise I am finished. If you love Cat Deeley, the shows host, watch her new online show “In the Dressing Room with Cat Deeley,” where she’ll give you all the behind the scenes action behind her awesome wardrobe, hair, and make-up.  Cat will also be giving away 2 items of clothing from her wardrobe each week. All you have to do to win is just go to “upload your look” to www.facebook.com/catdeeley to win. Good luck.

Anyway, most importantly don’t forget about tonight’s show were we will see for the first time, 4 contestants being sent home. I wonder who they’ll be. Don’t worry though because you know I’ll definitely keep you posted with all my up to the minute tweets.

But until next time, see you later dancing fans!!

 

The Right Costume for the Right Dance Style

Photo taken by Lifetouch

Dressing the part is one of the most important things when it comes to performing. Simply because as well all know, the first thing you see when a performer appears on stage is their costumes. So in lieu of my favorite show So You Think You Can Dance, I have decided to give you all quick tutorials on how to dress the part for a dance performance and what costumes go best with certain dance styles.

First let’s tackle modern and contemporary dancing. This two-toned pink pant ensemble is light and easy to move in, it’s great for doing Shenae turns and sliding easily across the floor. Most modern or cotemporary dancing is slow in movement; therefore, a costume like this can definitely bring out a dream-like feel in your audience.

Photo taken by Asia S. Hinton (Towson University Student)

This costume is great for liturgical dancing. It’s all white with purple and blue dusting at the bottom; it kind of reminds me of waves in an ocean for some reason. This costume has a long length as well as long sleeves, great for not showing too much body parts. This also can move swiftly when turning.

Photo taken by Asia S. Hinton (Towson University Student)

This blue razzle-dazzle outfit is definitely great for ballroom dancing. It’s short, sexy, and shows off all the right assets… tastefully.  It can be danced with a fast song or a slow song, but no matter what, you are sure to dazzle the crowd.

Photo taken by Asia S. Hinton (Towson University Student)

This awesome white sheer costume can be great for a classical ballet piece. Its light weighted and you don’t have to worry about the itchy material that’s in a tutu. It has rhinestones on the trunk and a medium size rhinestone pendant that goes around the neck. The sheer sleeves are also a great complement to its classiness.

Photo taken by Asia S. Hinton (Towson University Student)

Last but not least, the purple ensemble is great for a fun jazz piece. Its loose and sheer, and it has countless rhinestones on the legs that’ll shimmer with the stage lights. This piece also has a built in lavender leotard with spaghetti string straps, that way when your dancing your heart out, you don’t have to worry about sweating and being overly hot!!

Photo taken by Asia S. Hinton (Towson University Student)

Well hopefully my quick examples of what to wear for which style of dancing helps you the next time you have to pick out an outfit or the next time you watch a performance.

Well until my next blog, see ya later dancing fans!!

 

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!! No One Goes Home Tonight

Picture Provided by TvJunkiesUnite

The first time in 8 seasons of So You Think You Can Dance, not one contestant was sent home, making dance history.

Robert, Mitchell, Jordan, Tadd, Clarice, Ashley, Miranda, and Jess will all have another chance to show America what they’ve got!

The choice can after the judges had a really hard time choosing from the bottom seven group.  Robert and Mitchell were even asked if they could dance for their lives again.

Honestly, I think the judges had a hard time choosing only because Mitchell, who has shown extraordinary dance skills throughout the audition process, was not able to dance Wednesday due to his injured shoulder. 

Picture Provided by TvJunkiesUnite

Boy am I really glad I am not in the judge’s position because that would have been an extremely hard decision. This season by far has the most technically advanced dancers who have both awesome “dance lines” and personalities.

Well on the flip-side of things, Keri Hilson performed her single “Lose Control”, but if you ask me I think her performance could have been 100 times better if she focused on actually singing instead of lip singing and trying to dance. Why do artist think that because they are featured on a dancing show, the dancing should be better displayed as oppose to what they do best, like….ughh… singing?

Any who, I can honestly say I was a little disappointed in Lady Gaga’s world exclusivevideo “The Edge of Glory”. I am a pretty big fan of the song, but the video, which only included her, and another random guy sitting on the steps is something I could see out my apartment window.

I did hear however that there might be a judging seat on hold for Lady Gaga in one of the upcoming shows. We’ll just have to wait and see how well Gaga will do judging others on their performance.

All in all I’m glad the dancers did a great job, and I am definitely looking forward to next weeks show with all ten dancers.

Ohhhh, I guess one important factor that I forgot to mention is that next week two couples will be sent home since no one was sent home tonight. That kind of sucks, but hey there’s only a limited number of shows you can have per season anyway so I guess it must be done!!

Well until my next blog, see ya later dancing fans!

 

So You Think You Can Dance: Online Voting & Tips

Picture provided by Yahoo

Hey again!!

So just as I promised, I have all the information you need to know about how to vote online for tonight’s show.

Just a heads up, it does involve you being a member of the ever popular Facebook.

So if you’re not a member of Facebook already….I highly doubt it, since it’s like the best thing since slice bread… I thought to give you an early notice so that you’re able to spend more time voting.

But for those of us who are still stuck in the caveman days, lucky for you, the phone lines are still available for you to cast your vote

Remember phone lines and cyber votes open immediately after the show and stay open for two hours. So in order to know that you’re one of the first ones to get your vote in, I have some tips for both phone and online users.

Tips when using the Phone:

1. Make sure you have the correct telephone number.
2. Make sure you have the correct couple number you’re voting for.
3. Grab your cell phone and make sure it’s fully charged…I would hate for your reason of not voting be blamed on your phone dying!
4. Already have the number dialed…that way when Cat Deeley says “The phone lines are open” all you have to do is press send.

Tips when using Online voting:

1. Make sure your computer is powered on.
2. Make sure your computers battery is fully charged… Again I would hate for your reason of not voting be blamed on your computer dying!
3. Already have the online voting page open. fox.com/dance 
4. Have your mouse cursor on the word VOTE…that way when Cat Deeley says “The online voting starts now,” all you have to do is click.

Well good luck to all my anticipated voters. Don’t hesitate to let me know how it went.

You can also message me on Twitter since I’ll be tweeting about the shows events.

Until tomorrow see ya next time dancing fans!!

 

So You Think You Can Get Into Shape

For a while now I’ve been thinking of getting back into the groove of dancing. I’ve danced for 12 years, but at about 17, I decided that I wanted to give it a break.

Well it’s been four years since I’ve step foot in a dance studio, and I think we all agree that that’s well over do. So in spirit of my favorite show So You Think You Can Dance, I’ve decided that it’s about time I begin dancing again. The funny thing is that I am no longer in “dancer shape”. It’s gotten so bad that I even grow tired walking up the steps in school.

So in an effort to not pass out at my first practice, I figured I should do a little exercising to get the bones moving again.

So this afternoon I decided to exercise outdoors at a school in my area.

I exercised for about 90 minutes, didn’t want to over exert myself too much, but boy am I tired!! I never thought that my body could carry so much sweat.

Getting back into dancer shape is not as easy as I thought. Maybe I’ll keep up with this for about a week so that I am able to endure my welcome back class!!

On the flip side of things, don’t forget the top 20 of So You Think You Can Dance dancers performs, and tonight starts the first voting show. I’ll also have your updates on how to vote Online.

Well, I think I am going to lie down for a while my bones are killing me!!

Until tomorrow see ya next time dancing fans!!

 

And Our Top 20 Are… So You Think You Can Dance Results

Ok so I hope you all followed my up to the minute tweets, but if not its ok…. I forgive you.

Do know however, that if you didn’t watch the show, you really missed out. But luckily for you, you can easily catch up because I definitely have the scoop on everything that happened last night.

Picture provided by Chicago Tribune.com

So I am very excited to say that we have our TOP 20. While it was a hard job for the judges to pick a top 20 out of 31 wonderful dancers they mange to do it with 19-year-old contemporary dancer Rickey being their first choice.  Miranda, Melanie, Sasha, Tadd, Chris, Iveta, Clarice, Jordan, Marko, Missy, Robert, Jess, Nick, Wadi, Caitlynn, Ashley, Mitchell, Alexander, and Ryan shortly joined Ricky.

This week’s choreography was nothing short of amazing. There were 9 wonderful performances that blew my socks off!! But I must say that my 3 most memorable pieces was the top 10 guys, who performed what I called a modern day “Matrix” piece choreographed by Chris Scott. The performance combined dance styles including hip-hop, contemporary, break dancing, and more. Second on my list was a hip-hop piece choreographed by Dave Scott, that included our oldest contestant yet, Robert as well as Chris, Tadd, and Wadi. And finally who ever said that girls don’t rule, because last night we definitely did. Our top 10 girls performed a Sonya Tayeh piece reflective of Japanese culture, with a somewhat Hello Kitty sound track and modern day dancer style kimonos.

On the other side of things, in order to keep things spicy this season, the judges decided that the top 20 will dance with each other as usual, but the top 10 will dance with some of our previous So You Think You Can Dance All-star members. The judges did not tell us whom those all-stars will be, but I’ll always keep you posted as soon as I find out.

Breaking Dance News!!!!!!!!!

This season for the first time ever, fans will be able to vote for their favorite contestants online. Yes I said online, but according to Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer of the show, there well be a limit of 50 times a fan can vote. That does suck, but hey it is a step up from always getting a busy signal on the phone.

The judges did a good thing in adding another way to vote, because this season fans may have a hard time picking their favorite since season 8 may by far be the best season yet!!

Well that’s all I have for you this week, but keep visiting my blog for new information on the show and on the world of dancing.

Until my next blog, see ya later dancing fans!!