In tonight's SYTYCD week finale episode, the finalists were announced, Jeannine, Brandon, Kayla and surprise of all surprises, Evan. So Melissa and Ade headed home, two extremely strong and talented dancers, were let go to make way for next week's final four episodes, and subsequent naming of America's favorite dancer.
I was not shocked to see Melissa be voted off since despite her strengths and gracefulness, I felt it was her time to leave the show. As for Ade, he was robbed. By Evan. America, what are you thinking!? Ade is tremendously more talented and technically trained than Evan, and is an overall better performer and dancer in all aspects.
This night leaves me with disappointment because of this fact. There is no doubt in my mind that Jeannine and Kayla and Brandon truly deserve to be part of the top four and in the finals of being voted America's favorite dancer.
As for the rest of the episode, three pieces that are Emmy-nominated from last season were performed: Mia Michael's "Mercy" piece, Tabitha and Napoleon's (or Nappy Tab's as they are affectionately called) "Bleeding Love" a searing hip hop routine performed by Chelsea and Mark, and Tyce's Adam and Eve piece.
Other than that, the episode was fairly boring. I'm ready for some high-energy, highly emotional choreography next week.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
All I know is "All I Want" is to watch this dance on repeat!
During what Kayla dubbed tonight's SYTYCD "semi-finals" the one piece that stands out in my mind is Stacey Tookey's contemporary ode to adultery to the song "All I Want" by Ahn Trio. This haunting, melodic and beautiful piece of music is by the group of three Korean American sisters and the message, choreography and emotion brought out by performers Kayla and Brandon exuded sensuality and the confusion of cheating.
The premise of the piece is the story of the mistress of a married man and what happens when she decides, hmmm maybe she doesn't want to stay. This song reminds me of all the gorgeous music that debuts on shows like "Grey's Anatomy," in other words the type of music that speaks directly to my kind, the overemotional dancer who takes each word of a song, each violin strum, each silence to heart (and personally).
Judge Lil C said the dance was "really, really, really intense and beyond intense, it was beyond amazing." (By the way all my readers should know I am currently watching the piece on repeat thanks to my glorious DVR). It was intense, magnified so by this gorgeous, delicate yet powerful all at the same time choreography. Additionally, Brandon's powerhouse movement, not to mention his muscle definition and strength and body flow keep the piece from just being flowy lyrical. Kayla's impeccable lines and technique don't hurt either, not to mention a close up on her face that simply wreaks of the emotion of this piece right before the line "but I'm gonna lose myself this way."
The lifts are gorgeous and inventive, there is definitely movement in this piece that I feel I haven't seen before which is always refreshing. And hello Stacey Tookey, originally of Canada! I mean yes I adored the piece she choreographed to "Falling Slowly" which saved Karla and Jonathan from impending removal from the show (although neither one made it very much further past that piece), but this piece solidified her as a force to be reckoned with capable of Mia Michael's quality choreography and the emotion we all know and love in contemporary dance. This piece, for me, is the ultimate, the epitome, all I strive to as a choreographer, dancer, lover and audience member of dance. I mean yes, sure Kayla's facials could have been more pronounced and varied, I feel that is one of her weaknesses she hides facials and emotions with her hair and movement, but other than that, what can I say. I'm in loved.
As I close out this post, I am procrastinating hoping someone puts up this video on YouTube tonight, but alas I may have to go to bed before that happens. But I'll be sure to post it tomorrow!
The premise of the piece is the story of the mistress of a married man and what happens when she decides, hmmm maybe she doesn't want to stay. This song reminds me of all the gorgeous music that debuts on shows like "Grey's Anatomy," in other words the type of music that speaks directly to my kind, the overemotional dancer who takes each word of a song, each violin strum, each silence to heart (and personally).
Judge Lil C said the dance was "really, really, really intense and beyond intense, it was beyond amazing." (By the way all my readers should know I am currently watching the piece on repeat thanks to my glorious DVR). It was intense, magnified so by this gorgeous, delicate yet powerful all at the same time choreography. Additionally, Brandon's powerhouse movement, not to mention his muscle definition and strength and body flow keep the piece from just being flowy lyrical. Kayla's impeccable lines and technique don't hurt either, not to mention a close up on her face that simply wreaks of the emotion of this piece right before the line "but I'm gonna lose myself this way."
The lifts are gorgeous and inventive, there is definitely movement in this piece that I feel I haven't seen before which is always refreshing. And hello Stacey Tookey, originally of Canada! I mean yes I adored the piece she choreographed to "Falling Slowly" which saved Karla and Jonathan from impending removal from the show (although neither one made it very much further past that piece), but this piece solidified her as a force to be reckoned with capable of Mia Michael's quality choreography and the emotion we all know and love in contemporary dance. This piece, for me, is the ultimate, the epitome, all I strive to as a choreographer, dancer, lover and audience member of dance. I mean yes, sure Kayla's facials could have been more pronounced and varied, I feel that is one of her weaknesses she hides facials and emotions with her hair and movement, but other than that, what can I say. I'm in loved.
As I close out this post, I am procrastinating hoping someone puts up this video on YouTube tonight, but alas I may have to go to bed before that happens. But I'll be sure to post it tomorrow!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Have fun with your dance life!
So this summer I've discovered something truly amazing, Life in Synergy. Owner Helena Collins is a fitness expert and has been on the Boston scene for many, many years and is running a successful, fun and unique studio right on Boylston Street next to Whiskey's.
They offer all types of classes from Pilates Dance, Yoga Harmony, Zumba dance, SFM Classes(Synergistics Fitness Method a trademark of Collins' which are the best workout I've ever experienced to Martial Arts and Cheer Fit. They also do one-time dance classes such as next Friday nights "Bollywood Dance Party" taught by Lauren Hefez the energetic ball of energy who teaches Tuesday's 7pm Zumba class that ALWAYS sells out.
The first class is free and the studio is extremely environmentally-friendly, you register online eliminating ALL paper work. So come on down and begin your Life in Synergy.
http://www.lifeinsynergy.com
They offer all types of classes from Pilates Dance, Yoga Harmony, Zumba dance, SFM Classes(Synergistics Fitness Method a trademark of Collins' which are the best workout I've ever experienced to Martial Arts and Cheer Fit. They also do one-time dance classes such as next Friday nights "Bollywood Dance Party" taught by Lauren Hefez the energetic ball of energy who teaches Tuesday's 7pm Zumba class that ALWAYS sells out.
The first class is free and the studio is extremely environmentally-friendly, you register online eliminating ALL paper work. So come on down and begin your Life in Synergy.
http://www.lifeinsynergy.com
Free dance classes this summer
The Northeastern University Dance Company is offering free classes in the brand new dance studio at Northeastern University's Curry Student Center on Mondays and Wednesdays. Classes are open to anyone and everyone of all levels.
For a full schedule check out their Web site:
http://www.freewebs.com/nudanco/classesrehearsals.htm
For a full schedule check out their Web site:
http://www.freewebs.com/nudanco/classesrehearsals.htm
Monday, July 27, 2009
A major source of irritation
Apparently, Mary Murphy thinks Judy Garland is giving Katie Holmes a standing ovation from heaven. I'm pretty sure Judy Garland is cowering in a corner embarrassed at the spectacle tribute to her. And regardless of whether or not Katie Holmes looked good, that honestly has nothing to do with dancing and the judges on So You Think You Can Dance need to remember that because this season especially so, judging critics from Mary and others such as Mia Michaels and Tyce Diorio and Adam Shankman have started with exclamations of beauty, costuming and makeup. Let us not forget none of these factors have anything to do with the actual dancing being done on stage.
Friday, July 24, 2009
SYTYCD's 100th Episode!!
This episode, despite the travesty that was Katie Holmes' number, was entertaining and heart-wrenching. It was great to see Emmy-awarded numbers such as Wade Robson's the Hummingbird routine and the bench routine by Mia Michaels performed exquisitely by Travis Wall and Heidi Groskreutz from Season 2. Not to mention the group piece to Roisin Murphy's "Rama Lama Bang Bang" choreographed and this time PERFORMED by Wade Robson. He is a force of nature, with his detailed, precise and innovative choreography in many different styles from Jazz to Contemporary to Pop.
The show was a great marker of almost 5 complete seasons and 100 episodes brimming with dance, magic, love and wonderment. The talent that has come across that stage is truly amazing. And while now the voting is up to America, it seems that no one should be let go because all the finalists are extremely talented. It is at this point during the SYTYCD season that the voting comes down to who has more backing and who is more popular with the American public.
I was sad to see Jeannette go home, whom Mia Michaels and Nigel Lythgoe blatantly stated they thought she would win this season, but it seems that Kayla and Jeannine have more sway with voters. As for Melissa, despite a tepid Cha Cha with Ade, Tyce's "This Woman's Work" ensured that both of them would be remaining in the competition for next week's Top 6. I was just as disappointed to see Jason go home who is not only adorable and flexible and incredibly talented, but dances with such emotion, such conviction and drive, it is hard to turn away when he takes the stage. But again, I must reiterate that all of the Top 8 dancers are essentially on the same level when it comes to technique and talent, and now America just picks off who they like the least.
I know all SYTYCD fans are excited for what promises to be exciting choreography and the voting of the FINAL 4 dancers in next weeks episodes. As for me, I'm pretty happy since I already have tickets to see the SYTYCD tour when it comes to Boston on September 22, 2009 at the Agannis Arena. Presale tickets are on Ticketmaster right now, and are open to the general public tomorrow morning at 10 am.
The show was a great marker of almost 5 complete seasons and 100 episodes brimming with dance, magic, love and wonderment. The talent that has come across that stage is truly amazing. And while now the voting is up to America, it seems that no one should be let go because all the finalists are extremely talented. It is at this point during the SYTYCD season that the voting comes down to who has more backing and who is more popular with the American public.
I was sad to see Jeannette go home, whom Mia Michaels and Nigel Lythgoe blatantly stated they thought she would win this season, but it seems that Kayla and Jeannine have more sway with voters. As for Melissa, despite a tepid Cha Cha with Ade, Tyce's "This Woman's Work" ensured that both of them would be remaining in the competition for next week's Top 6. I was just as disappointed to see Jason go home who is not only adorable and flexible and incredibly talented, but dances with such emotion, such conviction and drive, it is hard to turn away when he takes the stage. But again, I must reiterate that all of the Top 8 dancers are essentially on the same level when it comes to technique and talent, and now America just picks off who they like the least.
I know all SYTYCD fans are excited for what promises to be exciting choreography and the voting of the FINAL 4 dancers in next weeks episodes. As for me, I'm pretty happy since I already have tickets to see the SYTYCD tour when it comes to Boston on September 22, 2009 at the Agannis Arena. Presale tickets are on Ticketmaster right now, and are open to the general public tomorrow morning at 10 am.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Dear Katie Holmes: That wasn't dancing
So I knew not to get my hopes up, I knew not to expect too much of Katie Holmes' "homage" to Judy Garland and classic Broadway musicals on tonight's SYTYCD, but I didn't expect Tyce to dumb down a Broadway piece for Katie Holmes to sing and dance to "Come on Get Happy."
But seriously, seriously. I mean, SERIOUSLY.
Well, just goes to show that the hype of celebrity is usually disappointing. The fact is, the show essentially tried to play it off as if Holmes was actually dancing, live, in the studio which clearly was not the case. It just saddens me that Holmes is allegedly completely committed to the Dizzy Feet Foundation, an organization founded by judge Nigel Lythgoe, Adam Shankman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Katie Holmes to support, improve and increase access to dance education in the United States. Firstly, the first three people I mentioned are icons and movers and shakers in the dance world, Katie Holmes seems like a rich, and ridiculous afterthought.
Regardless of that fact, the organization (http://www.dizzyfeetfoundation.org/) has already started and I'm sure will continue to do great things for dance education in this country.
But the fact that Katie Holmes wouldn't DEIGN to appear on stage live, but was forgoing her performance fee and donating it to the foundation, is laughable. I wouldn't pay to watch her sing, oh I'm sorry LIP SYNC, and dance, I mean prance around on stage while a bunch of worthy male dancers carry her around, in a million years. Literally.
It's just sad when someone like Holmes allows celebrity ego to interfere with a good cause and a wonderful show that bring dance into the living rooms of Americans who otherwise wouldn't know about the history and learn about new developments and styles of dance. I was really devastated and half-laughing, half-fuming while watching the "performance" by Katie Holmes. And, half-expecting Mr. Tom Cruise to pop in and start busting a move.
But seriously, seriously. I mean, SERIOUSLY.
Well, just goes to show that the hype of celebrity is usually disappointing. The fact is, the show essentially tried to play it off as if Holmes was actually dancing, live, in the studio which clearly was not the case. It just saddens me that Holmes is allegedly completely committed to the Dizzy Feet Foundation, an organization founded by judge Nigel Lythgoe, Adam Shankman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Katie Holmes to support, improve and increase access to dance education in the United States. Firstly, the first three people I mentioned are icons and movers and shakers in the dance world, Katie Holmes seems like a rich, and ridiculous afterthought.
Regardless of that fact, the organization (http://www.dizzyfeetfoundation.org/) has already started and I'm sure will continue to do great things for dance education in this country.
But the fact that Katie Holmes wouldn't DEIGN to appear on stage live, but was forgoing her performance fee and donating it to the foundation, is laughable. I wouldn't pay to watch her sing, oh I'm sorry LIP SYNC, and dance, I mean prance around on stage while a bunch of worthy male dancers carry her around, in a million years. Literally.
It's just sad when someone like Holmes allows celebrity ego to interfere with a good cause and a wonderful show that bring dance into the living rooms of Americans who otherwise wouldn't know about the history and learn about new developments and styles of dance. I was really devastated and half-laughing, half-fuming while watching the "performance" by Katie Holmes. And, half-expecting Mr. Tom Cruise to pop in and start busting a move.
Dancing Craze ...
So, I received this video and was nudged to watch by several different parties today, and it was definitely worth it because HILARITY and ENTERTAINMENT ensued ...
Who says a wedding in a church has to be traditional?! This was quite enjoyable and helps to exemplify how dance brings people together in fun new ways, and there are endless possibilities to new dance movement, and places to get down and boogie!
Who says a wedding in a church has to be traditional?! This was quite enjoyable and helps to exemplify how dance brings people together in fun new ways, and there are endless possibilities to new dance movement, and places to get down and boogie!
The original "This Woman's Work"
The original song is by Kate Bush and is from the movie "She's Having a Baby" with Kevin Bacon.
Try not to cry ...
Try not to cry ...
The meaning of dance ...
For anyone who watched So You Think You Can Dance last night, you know the true effect that dance can have on the human sentiment. Dance is a means of expression that can so directly pinpoint an emotion, as manifested perfectly by Tyce Diorio's contemporary piece to Maxwell's cover of "This Woman's Work," performed by Ade and Melissa.
The piece is about a woman with breast cancer and her friend coping with it. Melissa and Ade were truly breathtaking as they smoothly flowed through Tyce's choreography simply oozing radiance and emotion and were 1,000 percent dedicated to each emotion, each facial expression, each and every movement.
Nigel said "this is why I love dance so much, because you can express so many emotions without the use of words." With Nigel himself, Mary and Mia Michaels along with Tyce, Melissa and the majority of the audience sobbing (not to mention me in my living room) it was apparent the true depth and magnitude of this piece. It was truly touching, to anyone, whether you are a lover of dance, or a grown man who hates dance.
The beauty and majesty of simplicity of this dance resonated with the audience and the dancers, and just everyone.
With that said, as I try to stop re-watching the video on YouTube and crying, the rest of the pieces, while good, faded in the background to this moment in television history. For any skeptics of reality shows, of dance as an art form, for those you don't believe in the importance of dance and the power of this performance art, please watch the video and then tell me that you were not completely moved by this.
And last, but probably most importantly, to raise social awareness about a serious disease, breast cancer, in the way that this show did, in the way that Tyce's raw and emotional choreography did, is a blessing to us all who have the privilege to watch this, because the awful fact is every single person's life has been affected, in some way by this terrible disease.
OK, and now I am emotionally unable to discuss any other pieces. However, I will post more after tonight's results show (and after I catch up with the first hour of last night's which I sadly missed).
The piece is about a woman with breast cancer and her friend coping with it. Melissa and Ade were truly breathtaking as they smoothly flowed through Tyce's choreography simply oozing radiance and emotion and were 1,000 percent dedicated to each emotion, each facial expression, each and every movement.
Nigel said "this is why I love dance so much, because you can express so many emotions without the use of words." With Nigel himself, Mary and Mia Michaels along with Tyce, Melissa and the majority of the audience sobbing (not to mention me in my living room) it was apparent the true depth and magnitude of this piece. It was truly touching, to anyone, whether you are a lover of dance, or a grown man who hates dance.
The beauty and majesty of simplicity of this dance resonated with the audience and the dancers, and just everyone.
With that said, as I try to stop re-watching the video on YouTube and crying, the rest of the pieces, while good, faded in the background to this moment in television history. For any skeptics of reality shows, of dance as an art form, for those you don't believe in the importance of dance and the power of this performance art, please watch the video and then tell me that you were not completely moved by this.
And last, but probably most importantly, to raise social awareness about a serious disease, breast cancer, in the way that this show did, in the way that Tyce's raw and emotional choreography did, is a blessing to us all who have the privilege to watch this, because the awful fact is every single person's life has been affected, in some way by this terrible disease.
OK, and now I am emotionally unable to discuss any other pieces. However, I will post more after tonight's results show (and after I catch up with the first hour of last night's which I sadly missed).
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