Dance and Choreography Legend Dies

An icon to this day, died. Merce Cunningham, 90, died in his Manhattan home this past Sunday night. He still choreographed and dance with his company and all over NY into his very late years. To find out many more details of his long life and wondrous career of dance, read the full story at http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2009/07/28/merce_cunningham_at_90_was_transformative_force_in_20th_century_dance/

SYTYCD Results: 18 year old Miami, FL native Jeanine Mason is voted America's favorite dancer

And mine. FINALLY. FINALLY my favorite dancer in the competition, from the very first episode, from the very first dance of the season, has won. 18 year old Jeanine Mason from Miami, FL danced her way into the judge's hearts and apparently the hearts of millions of Americans who voted her as the Season 5 winner for So You Think You Can Dance. Her style is contemporary but she took on Hip Hop, all varieties of Ballroom and various other styles with flair, enthusiasm, poise, confidence and a beauty and womanly grace that is nearly incomparable. She exemplifies maturity and a sweet-humble temperament, and I think many will agree with me that she deserved to win the title.

She performed many memorable pieces including Travis Wall's first piece as a choreographer for the show and not a contestant to Jason Mraz's "If It Kills Me," a sensual and aesthetically-pleasing contemporary number with Jason. Also, every group piece she was in she always shined and stood out in a great way always giving a great deal of herself and her passion in her movement.

Her solo during Wednesday's finale was exquisite and flawless, which may have helped put her over the edge in the eyes of audience members at the Kodak Theatre and in their living rooms.

Congratulations to Jeanine, hopefully she will find herself with an endless number of dance opportunities in her bright future.