Would you believe it? The first episode after last week’s sad goodbye to Alex was marred with another injury. Ashley has suffered from some sort of rib issue, and is sitting tonight’s routines. Even though two of the cast’s brightest stars weren’t with us, it was actually kind of an entertaining night, no?
Lauren and All Star Mark, Tahitian – I thought this was fun and interesting, and also impossible to do again. The thing about most cultural dances (Bollywood being the only exception so far) is that repeat performances would look too similar to the untrained eye. This was cool for a one off, like last season’s Can Can. Predictably, the judges all gushed over the routine and Lauren, but my only comment was that Mark looked yummy.
Adechike and All Star Anya, Salsa – When even Anya balks at a routine, you know it must be ridiculously difficult. And this Salsa was no joke. I agreed with Mia that if they had just a little bit more time to practice they would have really nailed it. Still, I thought Adechike deserved more praise considering it had to be the most difficult Salsa ever on the show. Had Jose or even Billy pulled off the routine with as much aplomb as Adechike, you know the judges would have been weeping with joy.
Jose and All Star Courtney, Broadway – This was painful to watch. Painful. Stripped of his B-boy tricks and goofy smile, Jose was left with some really poor dancing. Joey Dowling (whose choreography usually has the impact of a one-two punch) was forced to hold back just to get Jose through the routine. The judges criticized Jose’s work, but not without some oohing and ahhing over his puppy dog face. I know the judges like him, but why are they kinder to him than they were to Cedric, Phillip, Ivan, Dominic, etc…? I don’t get it. This is a dancing show and you just told him to get dance lessons. He’s not going to be this season’s Most Improved. Let him go.
Robert and All Star Allison, Contemporary – Here’s the thing about the emotional concept pieces on SYTYCD: It’s impossible to critique them with impartiality. The concept suddenly becomes bigger than the dancers, and the judges weep through their praise for the choreographer. I thought the concept was beautiful, but the choreography and song choice (“Fix You” playing while Robert physically supported Allison’s body) were too literal. Good work by the dancers, but overall not quite amazing. I’m glad that Robert finally got an “it” routine that gets voters to latch on to him.
Billy and All Star Anya, Jive – I love the Jive, I love Louis Van Amstel, and I love Anya. This should be perfect, right? But alas, no. Billy’s extensions didn’t work for me in this routine. He didn’t look like Jive dancer, he looked like Contemporary trying on Jive. It was good and I like Billy, but it wasn’t all that.
Kent and All Star Neil, Broadway – This. Was. Awesome. I can finally agree with a Mia-ism: “I love boys!” This routine was full of giddy boy fun, masculinity, and power. Neil and Kent looked like two over-enthused brothers, and I liked every minute of it.
Billy and Lauren, Jazz – Loved this concept. So fun! And it was danced was very, very well. But again, Billy’s training sort of got in the way. He spent the entire routine with his feet turned out! Lauren was technically perfect, as usual, but she dances without a soul to me. Empty, almost robotic. Or as Mia would put it, like a donut hole.
Jose and All Star Dominic, B-Boy – Okay, so let’s ignore the absurdity of having every contestant dance with another, but giving Jose the special pass to dance with an All Star again. And let’s forget the tiny coincidence of the first B-Boy routine ever going to a B-Boy. I liked this performance. Dominic completely definitely outdanced him (I’m pretty sure every breaker in the history of this show could do that) but it was fun to watch. I’m glad we got to see it.
Adechike and Kent, Contemporary – I was floored by this routine. Completely awed. It was different and unique without being hokey. Kent and especially Adechike really blew me away. Dee Caspary’s work is goooood, he’s two for two. Bring him back every week! I didn’t know how so many all male routines would work, but I’m pleasantly surprised.
Robert and Ashley All Star Kathryn – Disco doesn’t do it for me on a good day, and this one looked rushed and sloppy. It’s not surprising considering that Kathryn was a last minute replacement and they probably didn’t have much time to get it together. I agreed with Mia (again!) that he didn’t look masculine enough. Robert rarely does, and those pants certainly didn’t help. That being said, I hope this routine wasn’t enough to drag him to the bottom again.
It’ll be interesting to see how the votes shake out, especially since most of the dancers had really good nights. The only one noticeably bad was Jose, but that hasn’t stopped him yet.
Bottom 3 Predictions
- Jose. SERIOUSLY, AMERICA.
- Billy. I didn’t think it was a stunning night for him, and he’s been in the bottom before.
- Poor injured Ashley.
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