SYTYCD Tour

So I must say I was duly impressed with my friend Kara's ability to get the best seats I've ever had for a SYTYCD Tour. Out of five seasons with four tours, I've been privileged to attend three. And this past Tuesday's Season 5 Tour was incredibly entertaining, if not completely predictable. Predictability being a Fox standard.

The show featured the top 10 dancers, as well as the two dancers who were kicked off immediately prior to the top 10 announcement Philip and Caitlin. With many fun group numbers including Episode 19's "One" an entertaining glitter-filled homage to "A Chorus Line" one of THE most seminal musicals in dance history.

Each genre was represented, from Broadway routines to disco, latin ballroom to contemporary. Some of the crowd favorites had to be Sonya Tayeh's "Eyes on Fire" routine performed by Kapuono and Kayla as well as Mia Michaels' "Gravity" also performed by the K-duo. And of course, the timeless and emotional "This Woman's Work" piece choreographed by Tyce Diorio and performed by "

Each of the top 10 performed a solo, along with Philip (which really was a crying shame for poor Caitlin who performed in many group pieces and a Bollywood piece with dreamy cuter-than-a-puppy Jason). Philip's solo received a standing ovation and his sense of humor and sweet demeanor added so much to the show.

An alarming aspect of the show was the poor writing involved in the skits when two or three dancers came out to introduce the various dances. These people are dancers, physical beings who are incredibly talented. Not actors and comedians at an awards show who are capable of bringing an audience to tears or side-splitting laughter. Regardless of this tiny fact which took up time that could have been utilized to perform more group pieces and more duets such as Brandon and Kayla's "All I Want," it was mildly entertaining.

Kapuono stole the show when he hammed it up for the crowd with a blatantly self-indulgent and self-aware plug for SYTYCD Fitness DVDs. He was fun and funny and made light of the topic of self-endorsement in an endearing way.

A nagging moment for me that just won't let up in my mind was Jeanine's solo. I had been waiting for this moment, anticipating her turns which effortlessly and in a heavenly way slow to standing. However, Miss Mason hopped the last few turns which was a disappointment. But to let me know that she still had it, she did perform that same turn sequence PERFECTLY during the final group number "Age of Aquarius."

Overall, it was incredible to see these performers exercise their skill live. For some reason it makes it more believable when you see a dancer performing exquisitely and flawlessly live on a stage.