Geez Louise, thank goodness for DVRs or I would’ve totally missed last night’s So You Think You Can Dance Atlanta auditions episode. Lil C joined Nigel and Mary on the panel. *sigh* So far, Season 6 hasn’t really knocked my socks off - to be honest, I’m ready for these audition episodes to be over with! Quickie recaps below (vids from MJ):

Billy Bell (Contemporary, Ballet) – He started dancing just 5 years ago and has a cute baby face. Nigel was quick to point out his rough technique (”swayed back” and “banana bunch fingers”), but they still want to send him straight to Vegas. VIDEO

Amber Jackson (Contemporary) – She’s a good dancer, but I wasn’t connecting - apparently I wasn’t alone! The judges really rail on her for not engaging with them, staring at no one as she performed. Nigel says her performance was “sh!t” to try and shake some emotion into her. They give her a second chance with choreography. Amber hits the steps, but is still too empty in the eyes for me. The judges also tell her to really keep working on being more “there” in her performances to captivate the audience, but give her a ticket to Vegas. VIDEO

Victor Smalley (Modern) – He’s got potential *shrug* Makes it to Vegas. VIDEO

Anthony and Antwain Hart (Hip Hop) – These twins auditioned in Season 4 and are back for more. They’re pretty fun to watch, although I find myself watching the gray-vested brother more (Antwain). Unfortunately for me, he bombs at choreography and doesn’t get through to Vegas, while his bro (Anthony) does. Awwwwwkwaaaaard! VIDEO

Jessica Jensen (Contemporary) – Jessica had to amputate her left hand after cancer took it over about a year ago, but she has an upbeat attitude and continues her passion: dancing. She’s gives a strong, emotional audition, but unfortunately chokes during the choreography and is cut.  VIDEO

Thomas Hamilton (Contemporary) – As usual, they end the episode with a meant-to-tear-jerk dancer. Thomas grew up as a crack baby and was raised by his aunt. He’s worked really hard to overcome and get away from his impoverished town, which he sees as a dead-end. Dance is what saved him - thanks in part to Mia Michaels for inspiring him to pursue Contemporary. Thomas does a very nice audition, but it becomes too spiritual/worshiping for Nigel toward the end. Still, the judges know he is a very beautiful dancer with a lot to offer. He passes choreography and gets a ticket to ride. VIDEO

Don’t forget: tonight is another So You Think You Can Dance audition episode: New Orleans, baby! Nigel looks to be missing from the panel, so it will be Lil C, Mary and Adam Shankman callin’ the shots.

Get yer cah from the pahkin laht and let’s get a beeyah at the bahh cuz tonight we finally saw some gems from So You Think You Can Dance’s Season 6 audition episode in Boston, Mass!

Too bad my least favorite guest judge, Tyce “Dr. Evil” Diorio, joined Nigel and Mary on the panel. Recap and videos ahead (by Rickey and mrduckbears3).

Teddy Tedholm (Contemporary) - I recall seeing this “whimsical” guy in a teaser last season. I remember him as “the meth face guy” because I saw this traumatic Faces of Meth site that shows how addicts pick at their faces til they get all scabby and *shudder* - just DON’T do meth, kids! Teddy was flail-y, like a ragdoll clown, but he has control over his movements too. *I* prefer to associate his audition song (Jason Mraz’s “If It Kills Me”) with the gorgeous “Best Friends Who Finally Do It” routine from Jeanine Mason & Jason Glover last season instead, but whatevs - he makes it to Vegas. He’ll probably win over a fanbase that’s into spastic guys who try really hard to stand out and call themselves “whimsical”. Meh, worse things have happened. VIDEO

Jean Lloret (B-boy) - Whoa. Jean was starting to bore the judges in his audition opening steps that went on a hair too long, but then BOOM BOOM POW - he jumped into this INSANE 360 degree spin suspended arm press thing that I can’t even properly describe. It was so mindboggling and extraordinary that Mary *and* Nigel just look at each other wide-eyed and start SCREEEEEAAAAMING IN SHOCK while Tyce keeps making propellar gestures with his arms in disbelief. Immediately after Jean finished, all three judges were already standing up with Vegas tix. Jean didn’t even know where he was going, but I already love him way more than Legacy from last week. Can he do ballroom though? I hope so. VIDEO

Kimara Wood (Modern) - We get a short clip of Kimara who is shirtless and doing explosive leaps with his long hair swinging all over the place (and you know I’m into that). Vegas straight away. VIDEO

Channing Cooke (Contemporary) - Once the cameras follow attention-loving Channing to her ice cream parlor job, you can bet she’ll make it through to Vegas. Soo much backstory footage, c’mon producers - keep me guessing. Channing’s got a lot of personality, meaning she’s mouthy and really hams it up to the camera. That can work for her or against her. Her audition is fluid, although she may be just another cute blonde dancing to an acoustic Jason Mraz song. The judges like her but want more from her performance (ok, so Tyce said that and I agree - that makes me wanna throw up). She passes the choreography and gets a Vegas ticket. VIDEO

Russell Ferguson (Krump) - Russell’s auditioned before but never made it to Vegas. He krumps like his life depends on it which is really nice to see after all of the Contemporary auditions. He’s fierce and hard-hitting and solid. The judges put him through to choreography and he makes it to Vegas! Hooray! Could Russell be the first Krumper to ever make Top 20?  VIDEO

Karen & Matthew Hauer (Latin Ballroom) - A sexy ballroom dancing husband and wife who know they’re sexy. The judges agree that they’re hot, hot, HOT and they’re the first married team who make it through to Vegas. VIDEO

Gene Bersten (Latin Ballroom) - Gene is a pretty boy ballroom dancer who’s in love with himself. He’s cute, but makes a lot of distracting, wide-eyed eyebrow facial tweaks during his audition. He is technically strong and has the ballroom machismo though. The judges agree with me about his wonky eyebrow ticks, but Gene passes choreography (piece of cake since it’s ballroom) and he’s off to Vegas. VIDEO

Kevin “K’Bez” Hunte (Hip Hop) - K’Bez auditioned Season 3 and is back after training in Contemporary, among other things. His audition is Hip Hop though, and is okay, but I know we’ve seen stronger in the past and the judges agree. Tyce, for some unknown reason, gets really confrontational with cool as a cucumber K’Bez, saying he wasn’t thinking intelligently for his audition and didn’t show off his Contemporary skills, delayed his back flip, yada yada blah blah. I swear, Tyce just likes hearing the sound of his shrill voice going yapyapyippityyap and I want to slap him in the pie-hole. Urgh. Luckily, K’Bez does great in choreography testing and has a chance to prove himself again in Vegas. VIDEO

Next week on So You Think You Can Dance, we go to Atlanta where some dancer is soooo good that Mary is brought to tears. Til then - PAYCE OUT.

Before getting started on tonight’s So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 audition episode set in Phoenix, Arizona - did you hear that choreographer and director Adam Shankman will be joining Nigel and Mary as a permanent third judge this season??? I wonder if they’ll keep having guest judges… I do admit that Adam is probably my fave guest judge on the show - he’s always psyched about good dancing - but not in an obnoxious way - and he has a “thick as thieves” rapport with Nigel and Mary.

ANYWAY, tonight’s guest judge was Mia Michaels. I was not WOWed overall, but here are videos of the better dancers (from MJ):

Sasha Mallory - Sasha’s from Bakersfield, CA (no comment despite my Cali snobbery) and has a funky haircut and sense of style. You’d think she was a badarse, but then she can’t quit crying over how much she loves/needs her family. It’s sweet - almost too sweet - cut the cord, girl, sheesh! j/p. Sasha auditions with a lovely white dress that matches her lovely white prop chair and does very Mia Michaels and Sonya-esque choreography. You know the kind: a little ragdoll-y action here… some twitchy-jerky moves there… some flowy extensions… and character to boot. It’s interesting to watch and you best believe she cried her way to Vegas with her lovin’ family. VIDEO

Allison Becker - In a tale not unlike Marlee Matlin’s press when she joined Dancing With the Stars a few seasons ago, Allison has defied the odds and become a persevering, graceful dancer - despite losing her hearing to Spinal Meningitis. She’s good, considering she can’t hear-hear the music (she feels the beat), though she’s admittedly not the best evahs. Still, her dancing has Mary sobbing as she’s reminded of a deaf cousin who gave up on her dream (to dance?) before passing away. The judges put Allison through to choreography and she makes it to Vegas. But will she survive that high-pressured week of rapid-fire choreography and a format that probably won’t slow down and cater to her disability? *dum dum DUM* We’ll see! VIDEO

Willem de Vris & Jacob Jason - These fellas are the #1 US same-sex ballroom couple and they’re trying to earn back street cred after last season’s disappointing same-sex couple debut. Willem & Jason are definitely strong in technique although the routine is too understated for me - where are the lifts, the eye-popping tricks? But Mia Michaels could care less about tricks and she’s just so moved by them that she’s boohooing a storm. The judges are way more positive this time around (also probably more sensitive after the backlash Nigel got last season for his homophobic comments) and the gay duo are sent to choreography (a cinch since it’s their genre: ballroom!). Both Willem & Jacob get tickets to Vegas. I’m sure both can nail the lines and emotion for Contemporary, but are they well-rounded enough to pull off Krumping or Hip hop? VIDEO

Jonathan “Legacy” Perez - This alleged “best b-boy ever”(?) does his thing well. In b-boy/dance lingo, I imagine they’d call his moves “spinny” and “flippy”. He has a lot of swagger/cockiness when he dances and seems to go about 100 mph. I bet Toni Basil would say he’s pretty “STREET.” He’s fun to watch and strong - the only drawback for me is that his voice is surprisingly high-pitched - just me? No matter, Legacy makes it to Vegas. VIDEO

Next week So You Think You Can Dance auditions head to old Beantown: Boston and Tyce DiOrio guest judges *frown*. The clips hint at some amazing dancers, but then again they always show SO MANY clips of rad dancing from random peeps in line during at these auditions and then we never see any of them again…

Welcome… to So You Think You Can Dance! Season 6 is alive and well just one teeny month after Season 5’s finale. Oh you don’t scare me, Nigel Lythgoe. I’ll take on your excessive love of dance, I’ll take it like a champ.

We open with auditions in LA and Adam Shankman is the third judge, joining Nigel and Mary Murphy. Videos of just the impressive folks (thanks to MJ) and recap-o-rama ahead:

Ick. Crazy Cole Clemens, a guy with two hairstyles on his head (crew cut on the left, sideways mohawk on the right), is our first audition. He just does some, er, a capella performance art: twitchy, overly dramatic movements (but not dancing) more suited for a drama class audition. He even does a monologue but all I remember is, “Shatter. Shatter. Shatter-shatter! SHATTER.” What a joke. Lame.

Next! Remember Mollee Gray from Utah? They showed her audition last season as a teaser and here’s what I said then, “Some girl named Mollee from Utah moved her whole family to Cali just so she could have more dance opportunities. Her audition is scrambled and flawed, imo. But she’s bubbly like Kellie Pickler so I assume they let her through to Vegas.” Well, I was right. We also learn that she was a principal dancer in High School Musical 1, 2 and 3. Through her very long backstory footage, the producers implore us, “How can you not love this girl? She’s blonde and smiley and cute! She says things like, ‘Alls we have is each other’ and has a mom who’s a MILF named Thursday (no lie)! Love her, America. LOVE MOLLEE GRAY.”

Sorry, but my original impression didn’t change. Mollee made great leaps, but to me it was a generic contemporary audition and lacked polish and hard-hitting moves. But the judges love her looks, bubbliness and think she can grow. She gets a ticket to Vegas. VIDEO

Then we see a trio of contemporary dancers who make it through: David Hovhannisyan who, despite wearing yellow, junk-highlighting short shorts, has sinewy moves that win over the judges. Amanda Kerby, who’s back after getting cut during last season’s Vegas week. (Remember? Her dad has MS…). And Brandon Dumlao, who is a contemporary dancer from the Bay Area, so holla at that! VIDEO

Next it’s the return of the tappa, tappa, tap dancers: Ryan Kasprzak (a.k.a. big bro to last season’s Broadway and “why are you still here?” guy Evan) and Bianca Revels. We open with Ryan’s audition: it’s like poetry reading+tap dancing love child. He taps as he narrates, saying things like, “I hear music *tippity tappity tippity*” He manages to sell it - the judges adore him and think it was a brilliant audition. They’re really talking him up even though they totally should’ve picked him last season over his brother. Vegas, naturally. VIDEO.

Bianca Revels - The touted female tap dancer is back AGAIN. We see clips of her getting cut last season, “I’m not coming back! This was my last time!” and this season, “I’m not a quitter. I’m gonna keep coming back!” Hm. She’s got spunk though. Bianca doesn’t get a proper solo audition because she takes on Nigel’s challenge to have a “tap battle” (known in their world as a “tap trade”) with Ryan. But thank god she did because, I admit - whether I think they’re Top 20 material is beside the point - their tap trading is totally lighthearted and fun to watch. It’s really impressive to watch the two of them improv together and mesh. The audience and judges are rolling in ecstasy over the dance geekiness of it all. Vegas, for Bianca also. Good luck, B! I hope they don’t crush your dreams again. VIDEO.

Another time-wasting bad dancer, Christopher Aguilar. He’s actually an articulate guy and has passion, but the heavy-handed editing makes him look like a damned fool. There’ve definitely be odder folks, was he really necessary to pick on? He dances to “All That Jazz” and it’s not very good, but does have Nigel, Mary and Adam singing and dancing along which is fun to watch.

Amber Williams - Like Mollee, they give her a long backstory treatment. She helps care for her paralyzed mom. Producers: “Get it, America? Cry now. CRY FOR AMBER WILLIAMS! Did you hear her wheelchair-bound mother say she feels so free when she sees her daughter dance? Weep, b!tches!” No really, Amber and her sweet mother are truly genuine and wonderful to see. But you know I hate being beaten over the head with manipulating editing/favoritism. And to be fair, like Mollee, Amber is not the most fluid of dancers and has difficulty emoting as she performs. Nigel agrees while also trying to bring up her sob story. C’est la vie. Side note: I dunno if the judges choreograph their reactions but these three have a great rapport - I thought their synchronized whisper that she made it to “Vegasssss” was hilar. VIDEO.

Alexie Agdeppa and Paula Van Oppen, both contemporary lady dancers, make it. I think we saw Paula last season. The short pixie haircut… she looks familiar, right? VIDEO

Christina Santana - This latin lady is performing a routine of salsa-hip hop-pop lock. Hip-Salslock-Hop? Christina and her partner have the fire, although I started laughing when they stopped to do the pop locking (a.k.a. the Robot) in the middle of their ballroom. C’monnnnnnn. But there was a really cool move where she drops and he catches her by the neck. And pot stirs a-go-go. Hey, her partner (Pepe) is really hot, can he audition too (Nigel agrees he’s “Bloody good”)? Nigel’s thrilled, Mary loves her sharpness and fellas, Christina belly dances too! Vegas for her. VIDEO.

We end with Phillip Attmore - ANOTHER tap dancer! I’m guessing we’ll definitely have one of tonight’s three tappers in the Top 20. Phillip was Ryan’s roommate in a production of Fosse. He’s a really natural, confident tap dancer. His personality also shines on stage, like Ryan. Tough call but I get the vibe that Phillip may be too old/mature to be in the Top 20. I just don’t know if he’d get the teeny boppers interested. Still, Shankman calls his dancing “effortless” - exactly. Vegas! VIDEO

Next week, So You Think You Can Dance auditions hit Phoenix, AZ and Mia Michaels is the third judge. I hope it’s more interesting than tonight, which was kinda lackluster. And where were all the hip hop and breakdancers?? Maybe it’s just me being a touch critic - were you impressed by the LA auditions?

Hey Dance fans! Seems I just stopped the late-night So You Think You Can Dance recaps and yet here we are, a month later, about to do it all over again for the new Fall season of SYTYCD (Season 6, y’all)! It all starts next Wednesday, September 9th, on FOX!

To whhhhet our appetites for next week’s premiere, Nigel Lythgoe hosted a delightful filler episode of his Best 16 Routines from all 5 seasons (rerun-style, no one returned to re-perform them). Check the vids below (by MJ) and enjoy!

SEASON 1 ROUTINES

Destini Rogers & Jamile McGee - Hip Hop by Shane Sparks (“Shake” by Ying Yang Twins feat. Pitbull) – VIDEO
Melody Lacayanga & Nick Lazzarini - Chicago - Jazz by Tyce DiOrio (“All That Jazz” by Ute Lemper) – VIDEO

SEASON 2 ROUTINES

Heidi Groskreutz & Benji Schwimmer - Mambo by Alex Da Silva (“Black Mambo” by Angel & The Mambokats) – VIDEO
Allison Holker & Ivan Koumaev - Contemporary by Tyce DiOrio (”Why” by Annie Lennox) – VIDEO
Heidi & Travis Wall - Bench Routine - Contemporary by Mia Michaels (“Calling You” by Celine Dion) – VIDEO

SEASON 3 ROUTINES

Jaimie Goodwin & Hok Konishi - The Hummingbird and the Flower - Jazz by Wade Robson (“The Chairman’s Waltz” from Memoirs of a Geisha soundtrack) – VIDEO
Sabra Johnson & Neil Haskell - The Boardroom Battle - Contemporary by Mandy Moore (“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by The Eurythmics) – VIDEO
Lacey Schwimmer & Danny Tidwell - Samba by Dmitry Chaplin (“Hip Hip Chin Chin” by Club Des Blugas) – VIDEO
Lauren Gottlieb & Pasha Kovalev - Transformers - Hip Hop by Shane Sparks (“Fuego” by Pitbull) – VIDEO

SEASON 4 ROUTINES

Courtney Galiano & Mark Kanemura - Jazz by Sonya Tayeh (“The Garden” by Mirah) – VIDEO
Chelsie Hightower & Mark - Hip Hop by Tabitha and Napoleon (“Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis) – VIDEO
Katee Shean & Joshua Allen - Contemporary by Mia Michaels (“Hometown Glory” by Adele) – VIDEO

SEASON 5 ROUTINES

Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant - Disco by Doriana Sanchez (“Loving is Really My Game” by Brainstorm) – VIDEO
Kayla Radomski & Kupono Aweau - Addiction - Contemporary by Mia Michaels (“Gravity” by Sara Bareilles) – VIDEO
Jeanine Manrara & Jason Glover - Contemporary by Travis Wall (“If It Kills Me (The Casa Nova Sessions)” by Jason Mraz) – VIDEO
Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi - Breast Cancer Routine - Contemporary by Tyce DiOrio (“This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell) – VIDEO

Wahooo! I’m ready to recap if you’re all ready to gather ’round your tellies and watch with me. Who needs sleep when there’s dance, dance, DANCE to be had? Do you care that they’re moving one of the best Summer shows to dreary ol’ Fall? Guess we’ll see how it plays out next week on the new So You Think You Can Dance season!

I am at peace, readers. Ommm (nom, nom, nom)…

Yes, all is right in my little world of So You Think You Can Dance. It’s amazing, really. Apparently I’ve wanted sarcastic, dedicated, chunkily-proportioned underdog: JEANINE MASON to win this deflated season for some time and now that she has? I’m satisfied.

Sure, runner-up Brandon Bryant “deserved” it - he’s an absolute powerhouse, but I haven’t connected with him in the heart parts, and it seems that counts for a lot among us viewers.

Tonight we revisited this season’s “memorable dances” whilst whittling the Top 4 down to the sole possessor of the “America’s Favorite Dancer” title and the $250,000 smackeroon prize.

Miss the finale or want to re-watch the dances? Video’s below, y’all (by MJ)!

TOP 20 GROUP NUMBER (Reprise): “A Brand New Day” from The Wiz - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio. VIDEO

On the judging panel tonight? Uh, basically every single SYTYCD judge evs: Lil C, Mia Michaels, Tyce DiOrio, Debbie Allen, Adam Shankman, Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe himself.

ADAM SHANKMAN’S PICK: Couple Resolves Fight Before Beddy Bye - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Mad” by Ne-Yo - featuring Jeanine Mason & Phillip  Chbeeb. VIDEO

NIGEL LYTHGOE’S PICK: Hot, Kicky Argentine Tango by Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo - “Libertango” from Forever Tango - featuring Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant. VIDEO

DEBBIE ALLEN’S PICK: Vitolio’s Sad, Flowy Waltz by Louis Van Amstel - “Dreams are More Precious” by Enya - featuring Asuka Kondoh & Vitolio Jeune. VIDEO

MARY MURPHY’S PICK: Childhood Friends Get It On/Necklace Contemporary by Travis Wall - “If It Kills Me” by Jason Mraz - featuring Jeanine & Jason Glover. VIDEO

MIA MICHAELS’ PICK: Kayla’s Pink Fringe Samba by Louis Van Amstel - “Jum Bah Day” by House of Gypsies - featuring Kayla Radomski & Max Kapitanniko. VIDEO

KHERINGTON PAYNE in Fame: Season 4’s blonde sweetheart, Kherington, gives the Top 4 a sneak peek at her new film: a revamp of the classic Fame. Plug, plug. VIDEO

DEBBIE’S 2ND PICK: Top 16 Group Ballroom and Hip Hop by Dmitry Chaplin and Tabitha & Napoleon - “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” by Pit Bull. VIDEO

TALIA FOWLER JAZZ: Choreographed by Sonya Tayeh - “Shot You Down” by Audio Bullies - featuring Talia Fowler, a ballerina and winner of the second season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia. VIDEO

LIL C’s PICK: Bollywood by Nakul Dev Mahajan - “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire - featuring Caitlin Kinney & Jason. VIDEO

FIRST ELIMINATION: Kayla Radomski gets cut. She is undoubtedly a gorgeous dancer. Especially loved her in the “Addiction” dance (coming up below), and she was almost consistently amazing as a performer in each number. I will miss her sweet, sobbing grandpa most of all. VIDEO

ADAM’S 2nd PICK: The Butt Dance - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - “Koop Island Blues” by Koop ft. Ane Brun - featuring Randi Strong-Evans & Evan Kasprzak. VIDEO

MARY’S 2nd PICK: Matrix Paso Doble by Louis Van Amstel - “Tetsujin” from The Matrix Revolutions - featuring Jeanine & Brandon. VIDEO

SECOND ELIMINATION: Evan Kasprzak gets the cut. Thank you, jeebus. VIDEO

NIGEL’S 2nd PICK: Addiction dance - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - “Gravity” by Sara Bareilles - featuring Kayla & Kupono Aweau. (Side note: I effin’ love Kupono’s performance in this number). VIDEO

RAGE BOYZ CREW: Cute lil boys do Hip Hop by Tiffany Burton - “Feel It” by Colby O’Donis & Mauli - . VIDEO

TYCE DIORIO’S PICK: Fastest Disco Number Ever by Doriana Sanchez - “Loving Is Really My Game” by Brainstorm - featuring Janette & Brandon. VIDEO

MIA’S 2nd PICK: Breast Cancer dance - Contemporary by Tyce DiOrio - “This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell - featuring Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi. VIDEO

TOP 8 GROUP DANCE (Reprise): Broadway by Mia Michaels - “One” from A Chorus Line - SURPRISE!!! All of the judges (except Lil C) come out from behind the mirrors at the end in tuxes and do a few jazzy steps. Adorable! VIDEO

WINNER RESULTS: It’s down to Jeanine and Brandon…who has been voted as the winner by America? Iiiiiiiit’s… JEANINE MASON!! VIDEO

My final thoughts:

1) I’m fine - even happy - with the outcome. How about you? Do you agree that Jeanine should win?
2) Is this terrible encouragement to stage mothers across the world to force their children to take up things like dance, even when they’re miserable like Mama Mason did to Jeanine? Something to think about.
3) Why wasn’t Janette in the Top 4 again? She’s a HOT TAMALE, YES SHE IS!
4) Congratulations, Jeanine, for sneaking by and swiping that crown!

Wondering where you’ll get your next dance fix from? Never fear! Season 3 of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew premieres this Sunday, and in just one month, So You Think You Can Dance will be back with its 6th Season (September 9th on FOX)!

Buy a ticket for the Hot Tamale Train and join me then, won’t you? Until that time comes though, I’m gonna enjoy the month of extra sleep on Wednesday and Thursday nights when I won’t be recapping! This is me, *jazz handsing* off-stage. Erin out!

Tonight our Top 4 dancers performed for the last time (for viewer votes) on So You Think You Can Dance! Wow, are we really at the end of this road?

Yep! It’s Night One of the finale so I hope YOU’RE AS STOKED AS CAT DEELEY IS TO BE IN THE KODAK THEATER!!! (Sers, she was so giddy). The place is packed, the judges and audience are cracked out and our guest panelist is one of my faves: Mr. Adam Shankman.

Our 4 dancers will be swingin’ this evening. No, I don’t mean in the “big band swing dancing” way, I mean the “doing it with multiple partners” swinging - he-llooo! Each dancer will get a chance to perform together. Dance routine videos (from MJ) and recaps ahead!

MY TOP GUY & GAL: Brandon Bryant & Jeanine Mason (the best balance of technique and personality)

TOP 4 GROUP NUMBER: Pop Jazz by Wade & Amanda Robson - “Boys Boys Boys” by Lady Gaga (VIDEO): The dudes are football players (snicker) and the girls are cheerleaders. It’s easily classified as a “fun” dance, but I expect so much more from Wade’s choreography. I got hypnotized by the stage lighting and background screen instead - very 1987 Star Search in decor.

In case you’re already feeling SYTYCD withdrawal, we’re reminded that Season 6 is just one month away(!!!) by an overly intense preview with blaring music and Sin City-style fast-fast-sloooow-fast cuts of the audition footage. It’s impressive and I’m ready for it (and I’m not just saying it because my eyes, ears and brain are bleeding from that sensory overload). I’m excited about “meeting” new dancers who’ll actually win my heart over (no pressure, Nathan Trasoras - VIDEO).

Jeanine Mason & Evan Kasprzak - Jazz by Sonya Tayeh - “Heartbreaker” by MSTRKRFT ft. John Legend (VIDEO): Once again, Ms. Jeanine shows more adorable, sarcastic personality in her interview package (Kayla, you’s got work to do in that department - oh, er, too late). My real problem with this dance was they were lacking some energy or something because the massive stage really swallowed Jeanine & Evan up. The dance was ok, the dancers were fine - though it’s clear that Jeanine is the stronger one and all eyes invariably end up fixed on her over ol’ heavy-lidded Ev-dawg.

Brandon Bryant’s solo - “Dies Irae” by Karl Jenkins (VIDEO): He’s so strong and can moooove, but put in a lot of flips and it came off smidge frantic (Adam agrees with me - twinsies in the making!). I am not into his McDonald’s Hamburglar black and white striped shorts. It’s weird, Brandon says he isn’t confident but he did have a very noticeable, haughty, “Take THAT, biaaatch!” sneer afterward. The judges make it no secret that they have a full blown crush on him.

Kayla Radomski & Brandon Bryant - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio - “Bye Bye Life” from All That Jazz (VIDEO): Boo, the two most technically skilled dancers get saddled with the choreographer who annoys the bajeebus out of me. We open immediately with serious *JAZZ HANDS* movements. Kayla is looking good in a black bondage-y, gothic-y leotard thing. Brandon is stuck wearing a jacket of disco ball skin. The music is stupid, in my opinion - it doesn’t fit the vibe and movements on-stage and the piece isn’t cohesive… a waste of two of the best dancers. The thing that DID rock pretty hard was the simultaneous pirouettes they pulled off. Nigel makes a good point that, unlike Jeanine & Evan’s dance, these two actually possessed the energy and charisma to fill the humongous Kodak stage.

Jeanine Mason’s solo - “Por Una Cabeza” by The Tango Project (VIDEO): It’s troubling to learn in that Jeanine has a serious stage mom who (repeatedly) shoved her into dance. But more disturbing was that her makeout with Jason after their Travis Wall Contemporary piece wasn’t planned. He’s a lil creep, that Jason (yeah, I’m not really a Jeanine+Jason ’shipper). She does a Tango-styled solo with these waaay slow, controlled pirouettes (it’s the night of pirouettes!). The audience are on their feet afterward and give her a lot of love even though she had a fake flower in her mouth the whole time - muy dorky, senorita!

Brandon & Evan - Pop Jazz by Laurieann Gibson - “Nasty” by Janet Jackson (VIDEO): Laurieann is back with her crazy pink headphones around her neck. She’s interviewed for the rehearsal footage, but all I can recall her saying is something like, “Boom boom hah! Cah! Cah! boom… Boom hah! Hah! Cah boom!”  Brandon really owned this number because Evan doesn’t seem to really “go for it” like Brandon. It’s not just me: Evan isn’t nasssstay or gritty enough for the judges either (maybe it’s a compliment for his personality off-stage, but we wanted you to make us feel grrrr and dirrrtay, Evan!).

Jeanine & Kayla - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - “The Four Sections IV: Full Orchestra” by Steve Reich (VIDEO): The ladies make birdie-like movements in this dance about their journey on the show. Throughout the piece, they shed layer upon layer of skirts. Ohhh, symbolism. That’s deep. It’s a serious number but I’m wondering where the frat boys are to chant, “Take it off! Take it off!” I’m mature. Overall, there are times when it feels like Jeanine is giving more, and others when Kayla seems to hit harder. It’s a neck-in-neck race to the finish for these two women! Lovely to watch, although I don’t know if I agree with Mary that these two are the strongest Top 2 ladies ever on the show…

Evan Kasprzek’s solo - “The Best is Yet to Come” by Michael Buble (VIDEO): Same old, same old Broadway charm. Evan (a.k.a. Pit Stains McGee) doesn’t totally win over all of the judges because this was very similar to his audition routine. Some may say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” - that Evan knows what his fans like from him, but I wonder… why not bring something riskier (or at least new) to the finale to show you’re not just gonna phone it in? Nigel verbally poops on Evan. Truth hurts, so they say.

Kayla & Evan - Jive by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin - “T.R.O.U.B.L.E.” by Travis Tritt (VIDEO): The jive is usually my favorite Latin dance to watch and this doesn’t cut the mustard.  Their kicks don’t snap enough (remember Nigel’s snake tongue retraction demo earlier this season for hm, oh yeah, Evan?). Although, maybe if Kayla took off those big fat cowboy boots it would’ve helped. I did think their “slow motion” lifts were cool, but hated the huge, blinding spotlight in the background that kept blocking out the dancers. The audience chants, “Evan! Evan! Evan!” when he doesn’t win stellar remarks over Kayla and I try to keep my eyes from rolling. Ok, I get that we like an underdog, but how about rooting for Jeanine, who has spent the season fighting her way out of Phillip’s shadow and then Kayla and Janette’s? She’s really clawed her way up the totem pole of DANCE.

Kayla Radomski’s solo - “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics (VIDEO): They re-show Grandpappy Radomski’s crybaby moments and I fall in love with him all over again. Her solo is alright…at least the judges love her. Unofficial POLL: Do you think Kayla or Season 4’s Katee Shean would win a dance off? Both are gorgeous dancers, but both lack some personality. Katee was a little more fun and “girl next door” friendly, but I wonder who would win that cage match? Hmm…

Jeanine & Brandon - Paso Doble by Louis Van Amstel - “Tetsujin” from The Matrix Revolutions (VIDEO): I’m all into the Paso Doble’s fiery, sexy McHotness and these two don’t disappoint. They’re in appropriate scanty, black Matrix outfits and have intense furrowed brows. Kinda odd music choice but there’s some good musicality in Louis’ choreography. They’re passionate and give it their everything. The dance earns them a standing ovation from the audience, eardrum-bursting screams from Mary and perverted comments by Nigel about wanting to “do stuff” to Jeanine. He dares to wager that Jeanine & Brandon are the Top 2 of the night. Will that rally Evan and Kayla voters and jinx them?

I wouldn’t rule anyone out at this point. Certainly Brandon, Kayla and Jeanine have equal pros and cons in terms of technique, passion, personality and growth. Evan is still the odd man out and the weakest for me, but America seems to like- nay- adore him so I can’t ignore that he could still win the whole thing…and that I will throw something at my TV in rage if he does. *sigh* I want justice, but I must remember that the winning title isn’t “America’s Best Dancer,” it’s “America’s Favorite Dancer.”

Soooo… tomorrow night is IT: the season finale of So You Think You Can Dance! Besides finding out who Season 5’s “Favorite Dancer” crown goes to, we’ll also be treated to a reprise of the Mia Michaels’ A Chorus Line mirror routine with the Top 8 and the season’s judges! Also, performances by Talia Fowler (Season 2 winner & of SYTYCD Australia) and The Rage Boyz Crew.

Who deserves to win? Who will take the title? ….hey, is it time for Season 6 yet?? Until tomorrow, friends!

America got half of tonight’s eliminated couple right, but WHY did Ade go home? When will this lackluster season of So You Think You Can Dance end cuz I’m ready for the Fall season (Sept 9th!). It better freaking WOW me. I demand a rain check.

Recap and videos (by MJ) straight ahead, Dance lovers!

GROUP DANCE:

Choreographed by Tyce DiOrio - “Send in the Clowns” by Judy Collins - Oh my god, I’m so tyred of Tyce. Is it just me or are his boring jazz hands involved in every single episode? He has yet to impress me this season - not even after countless couple & group Broadway routines, last week’s Katie Holmes‘ dance, and now mopey, sad clowns shuffling around?  Waaah. PS - Jeanine was creeping me out by resembling the Black Dahlia murder victim *shudder* Enough Broadway numbers, dammit! Why not a group Disco number? Big hair, gold lamé, gyrations, girls being spun like tops - that’d be way more exciting! VIDEO

We get straight down to business with our Top 3 ladies and find out that Jeanine, her booty shorts, and her thighs are safe and in the finale (woooOOOO!). That means Kayla and Melissa will perform solos and DANCE FOR NO REASON before we learn which lady is heading home. VIDEO

Next, we get to watch the first of the four Season 4 Emmy-nominated dances:

Adam and Eve dance - “Silence” from Unfaithful - Contemporary choreographed by (AUUUUGH! Not again!) Tyce DiOrio - Featuring Jessica King & Will Wingfield. Wouldn’t it have been cool if the Season 4 alums got to do their own little “Iiiiit’s Jessiker!” solos to show how much more “X-factor” they have than this season’s cast? Take note, producers! VIDEO

Then, the Top 3 lads await their fate. We learn that *(no) surprise* Brandon is safe and deservedly in the finale. That means Evan and Ade will DANCE FOR NO REASON. I was thinkin’ Evan *best* be going home because Ade is so much more diverse in his skills and strength… VIDEO

The Door dance - “Mercy” by Duffy - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - Featuring Katee Shean & Twitch: I love these two and was a huge Katee fan last year. They danced it stronger than last year, although there were some odd camera angles and the prop door was faulty (wouldn’t shut) which distracted a bit. Still, sooo wonderful to see them dance again (I wish a Katee & Joshua dance had been nominated!). VIDEO

Sexy Sexy Tango dance - “A Los Amigos” from Forever Tango - Argentine Tango by Dmitry Chaplin - Featuring Chelsie Hightower & Joshua Allen: Besides Katee, I also loooved Joshua! He cut his hair, but still has the same buff, stocky bod. How I’ve missed him and his charisma. Great dance w/Chelsie. Omg, I’d love to see a dance-off between Joshua and Brandon. Brandon’d get served - no doubt about it!  VIDEO

Melissa and Ade DANCE FOR NO REASON. Melissa was pretty though a li snoozy, but Ade’s spins? They never fail to amaze me (or the producers, who practically showed a montage of Ade’s SpinsTM for his exit package). VIDEO

*fangirling* Aaah! The JabbaWockeeZ perform to “Freak.a.Zoid” by Midnight Star. Had the typical “What- what- whaaat did I just see?” wow-ability. They’re like watching a lava lamp: I could stare for ages, hypnotized. Their choreography, creativity and musicality (I’m starting to feel like Lil C) are superb. VIDEO

Why Don’t You Love Me Like You Love Yer Job, Baby? dance - “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - Featuring Chelsie & Mark Kanemura: One disappointment? That they kept Chelsie in that weird rollerskating leotard over jeans outfit. Other than that, these two did a fab job being ultra angsty. (But psst, I would’ve preferred Katee & Joshua’s “No Air” dance more). VIDEO

Solos from Kayla and Evan. Same ol, same ol solos from last night. Evan’s got a spring in his step, but it bugs me that he’s still here. VIDEO

Sean Paul performs “So Fine”. The number ends with a fizzley blast of fire extinguisher smoke, hissssssing away like my interest during the number. I still like you alright, Sean da Paul, but I’d rather just listen and not have to watch you on TV. VIDEO

ELIMINATED: Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi. VIDEO

Ok, so sadly, I agree that it was Melissa’s time to go even though I love her cobwebby, ancient, 29-year-old ballerinosity (j/k aboot her age, but I really found her to be the most likeable lady). But Evan staying over Ade?? That is some kind of bullshizz! I mean any sane person knows that Brandon v.s. Evan is no contest (let alone Ade v.s. Evan). If Evan does take the title, it’s only because he has an irritatingly huge, rabid fanbase. Argh. Grimace. Furrow brow. Grind teeth. Tense shoulders. Raar. Annnd *sigh* …acceptance. Ade, I will miss your adorabibbleness, upper torso, spins and your hair pik o’ funk. Melissa, you were a delight. Stay fierce in your old age, try to stop burping so loudly and keep in touch.

Who do you want to win? If justice is served, Brandon (or Kayla, or Jeanine) should make it to the end in next week’s So You Think You Can Dance Top 4 FINALE. Whine as I do, you know I’ll be watching, relieved when it’s over and eagerly anticipating the next season in two months. Meet ya there!

Did you catch tonight’s dancing fisticuffs between the Top 6 of So You Think You Can Dance? I did and you know I loved that Nigel echoed my complaint that this season’s contestants have totally boring personalities. I hear ya, Lythgoe!

Anyway, loquacious Lil C was back as the guest judge and our dancers picked new partners. Hey, what are the odds that the ladies all managed to draw the names of guys they haven’t been paired with yet? Huh! Whodathunkit?
*coughRIGGEDcough*

Que sera, no? Links to dance videos (from MJ) and my recaps below!

MY BOTTOM GUY & GIRL: Evan Kasprzak and Melissa Sandvig (they’re just the weakest of the night *shrug*)

GUYS GROUP ROUTINE: Jazz by Sonya Tayeh - “True Romance” by She Wants Revenge (VIDEO): Ah, another weird, stompy jazz number by Sonya that’s supposed to have a Willy Wonka theme. I was pretty captivated (as I usually am with Sonya’s numbers), but I had trouble getting past the dorky golf outfits and yellow day-glo gloves. What’s so “Willy Wonka” about that? Sonya was pleased as punch with the dance, but I think it would’ve have a stronger impact if their costumes were tricked out more. Like why not full-on Wonka tuxedos and hats or canes? Anyone catch the girl who yelled, “Yeaaaah, rock it!!”? I wondered if it was an audience member, or Mary Murphy?

Jeanine Mason & Ade Obayomi - Samba by Louis Van Amstel - “Love Game” by Lady Gaga (VIDEO): This couple had so much potential to sex this shizz right up, but Ade was the weak link. His smile is amazing but became too cheesy for this routine - he should’ve been smoldering and intense instead. He was also a little too wiggly-suave (which he does well), rather than show command and flirtation. The judges agree (and harp about his techinical faults too). Jeanine they loved (as usual). She was shaking it and caused her dress’s @ss plumage to fly everywhere.

Jeanine & Ade - 2nd Dance - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Move (If You Wanna)” by MIMS (VIDEO): Hm, Jeanine may end up having the most likeable personality of everyone if her interviews are anything to go by. I’m starting to root for her despite her over-the-top, barely there outfits. This had all the elements of being a crowd-pleaser: NappyTabs + Props (boxes) + Theme (eviction) + Possibility that Jeanine would fall on her ass = w00t w00t! It was fun to watch, and while she didn’t fall, Jeanine was a little slippity sloppy in her hippity hoppy (hi-yooooo!) over Ade’s leg. Still, the judges loved it and it was one of the better routines of the night. Lil C said it was “buck”, so… there you go.

Melissa Sandvig & Evan Kasprzak - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio - “Get Me to the Church On Time” from My Fair Lady by Matt Dusk (VIDEO): Now I love Melissa but why is her hair always a hot, rat’s nest mess in her rehearsal footage? Poor gal. This number is about a couple who are rushing to the church for their wedding and is built for Evan’s Broadway skills. Quick question: Why are they getting married in their underwear? Moving on. I blame Tyce for these boring Broadway numbers. There’s nothing in the imagery he creates that is really memorable. Also, I agree with Lil C that they should’ve been more exaggerated in their movements and *jazz hands*. It was lacking a bit, although not for Mary, who came up with the corniest line of the night, “‘Get me to the church on time?’ How about ‘Get me to the finale on time!!’” She loved them.

Melissa & Evan - 2nd Dance - Quickstep by Louis Van Amstel - “As Long As I’m Singin’” by The Brian Setzer Orchestra (VIDEO): So, to all you Evan fans who try to tell me that he’s the beeeeest everrrr: did you catch in the rehearsal footage that both Melissa and Louis didn’t fully trust him? If they don’t trust Evan as a performer, why should I? I’m just saying… Anywho, that was a quick, Quickstep (harhar) and you really couldn’t help but notice how Melissa was taller (and stronger) in the number. The judges didn’t completely go over the moon about it and worry for Mel & Ev. Or MelVan.

Kayla Radomski & Brandon Bryant - Contemporary by Stacey Tookey - “All I Want” by Ahn Trio (VIDEO): This should’ve been amazing since it featured the two strongest Contemporary dancers this season. Not really an original theme (she’s a mistress trying to break up with his married man). Brandon is shirtless and hot, but I wish they’d turn on the freaking lights! The stage is so shadowy that I could barely catch their angsty “Stay away! Come back to me.. No! Yes… NO!” facial expressions and that would’ve added more to the drama. Ah well. I’ve seen better Contemporary numbers, but the judges looooooooooooove it - it’s clear which couple they’re all pimping to be in the final 4.

Kayla & Brandon - 2nd Dance - Disco by Doriana Sanchez - “Dance (Disco Heat)” by Sylvester (VIDEO): Doriana has been kicking sweet tail this season. It’s unbelieveable that I look forward to her dances almost as much as Mia Michaels’ or Sonya’s numbers. Kayla already has Boogie Nights-era hair and looks the part. These two put a bunsload of pop and zing into it: beads and sequins are flying everywhere and Brandon tosses Kayla like a ragdoll with some shocking lifts. These two are brave. Now, I liked the Disco numbers from Janette & Brandon and Melissa & Ade more, but this is undeniably impressive. It’s clear to me that someone’s definitely on the Hot Tamale Train and that’s Ms. Doriana Sanchez, YES IT IS! Catch the judging section when Lil C rambles about “pockets of music,” Mary has a psychotic, squealy-shrieky episode over Brandon’s confession that he has low self esteem and Nigel does the finest fake-out with a stern review-turned-screaming and dancing celebration over their talent. According to the judges, these two need to survive this week.

GALS GROUP ROUTINE: Jazz by Sonya Tayeh - “Kick It” by Nina Martine (VIDEO): Another fun theme (lady  Superheroes!). I was pretty amused by the rehearsal footage, including Jeanine accidentally punching Kayla in the face (where was Grandpappy Radomski with his shotgun?). Sadly, this dance lacked energy for some reason. It was caught between a dark tone and a very kitchsy, campy theme. And then it started looking like an aerobic workout. Did these girls rehearse enough? I prefered the guys’ group dance much more. Lil C articulates what I’m thinking and feels the ladies were holding back to be “courteous” to the one another. Okay, I forgive you for the “pockets of music” speech now, Lil C (or as Mary called him “Lil Buck”). I totally agree.

SOLOS

Kayla Radomski’s solo - “You Found Me” by The Fray (VIDEO): The beginning felt sloppy, but she picked up momentum at the end. Wouldn’t it be great if the dancers stop being predictable and bopping “sassy-like” to the final beats of the “So you think you can… dance… dance… dance…” music? Ick.

Ade Obayomi’s solo - “18th Floor Balcony” by Blue October (VIDEO): I’m still into that baby smooth Ade chest. HAWT, but is it enough to win more votes? I hope so! Did you see those millions of spins he did? I lurve it!

Melissa Sandvig’s solo - “I Put a Spell On You” by Nina Simone (VIDEO): Omg, I just figured out that Melissa looks like Julia Stiles! Anyway, she busts out the “naughty ballerina” ‘tude that got her on the show in the first place, but let’s be honest, ballet is kinda boring and so is her solo.

Brandon Bryant’s solo - “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana (VIDEO): Practically naked, Brandon repeats his SYTYCD audition number that originally made me love him. For me, this was not AS strong as it was then, and I thought Ade brought something really special to his own solo tonight, but Brandon was gorgeous - like a Greek statue - and the audience and judges ATE. THAT. UP. (Standing O from all three judges).

Jeanine Mason’s solo - “Feedback” by Janet Jackson (VIDEO): She showed a lot more character than the other ladies, so this was the strongest female solo of the night.

Evan Kasprzak’s solo - “Lady is a Tramp” by Sammy Davis Jr. (VIDEO): More “aw shucks, ain’t I cute?” personality and Broadway energy. I must begrudgingly admit, it was one of his best solos (which he needed, since his two pairs dances tongiht were not that great).

So you know what I thought - do you agree that Melissa & Evan should go home? Be sure to tune in to So You Think You Can Dance tomorrow night at 9pm for the results AND because there will be some GREAT guest dancers!

Who’s ready for some So You Think You Can Dance Top 6 SPOILERS?  Read forth for the inside scoop on this week’s new couples (ahem, I called it last week), new dances and *squee!*-worthy guests for Thursday’s results show (from MJ):

NEW COUPLE PAIRINGS

Melissa Sandvig & Evan Kasprzak - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio AND Quickstep by Louis Van Amstel - All signs point to this couple leaving this week (and I haven’t even seen them dance yet!). But if we’re basing the contestants on the strength of their dancing, then these two likeable kids need to shoo shoo! Who knows though, America might keep annoying me and keep Evan around.

Kayla Radomski & Brandon Bryant - Contemporary by Stacy Tookey AND Disco by Doriana Sanchez - Two of the strongest dancers this season and the judges’ favorites. Contemporary and Disco should be a piece of cake for them, and I’m troubled by the fact that I’m excited to see the Disco routine. They’ve been pretty awesome this season.

Jeanine Mason & Ade Obayomi - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon AND Rumba by Louis Van Amstel - Jeanine & Ade have a lot of potential. Both have gained a lot of (Hot Tamale train) steam the past weeks. They’ll be the couple I’m rooting for, but a Rumba? Bleccccch and *yawn*!

RESULTS SHOW SPOILERS

On Thursday night, we’re in for a treat or two, or six. First of all, the musical guest is the always energetic Sean (da) Paul. THEN, I hope to have my dance socks rocked off by an appearance from MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew Season 1 winners: the JabbaWockeeZ!

But that’s not all! We’ll FINALLY see SYTYCD Season 4’s alumni perform the four Emmy-nominated routines (they should’ve been allowed to last week):

“Mercy” - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - featuring Katee Shean & Twitch
“Adam & Eve” - Contemporary by Tyce Diorio - featuring Jessica King & Will Wingfield
“Bleeding Love” - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - featuring Chelsie Hightower & Mark Kanemura
“A Los Amigos” - Tango by Dmitry Chaplain - featuring Chelsie & Joshua Allen

Hurrah! I love any excuse to see Katee & Joshua again (too bad, none of their amaaaazing dances together were nominated). Prepare to be reminded of how vanilla this season’s contestants have been. Tune in to SYTYCD tomorrow and Thursday night - the finale is almost upon us!