'SYTYCD' – 7/25/2012- Second Live Performance/Elimination
This week opened with the top 16 dancing a silent film type routine to “The Here and After” by Jun Miyake. This was choreographed by Tyce Diorio. Everything was black and white, except for the one prop they used, which was a purple umbrella. I’m not a big fan of the silent movie era, but I did enjoy this routine.
Cat Deeley then announced that the show will go on a two week break due to the Olympics (or ‘some sporting event,’ as she put it). I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say the show will be greatly missed these next two weeks, but I hope everyone enjoys the Olympics!
This week, before each couple danced, we got to know them even better. Everyone revealed a secret about their partner that nobody knew. Tiffany and George started us out. Tiffany revealed that George peed himself at the sound of the starting gun at his first-ever track meet; and George revealed that Tiffany is very smart and was salutatorian in high school. They then performed a hip-hop routine choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon. They danced to “Out of my Mind” by B.o.B feat. Nicki Minaj. This was a really good way to start the show. They portrayed babysitters going insane. While I enjoyed it, the performance caused a bit of disagreement among the judges. Mary also enjoyed it, but Nigel and guest judge Christina Applegate didn’t like it so much. Nigel said he would like to see the hip-hop routines get a little more ‘grungier.’
Next, because of last week’s results, we got a brand new couple: Amber and Brandon. Before they danced, we learned that Amber is a hairstylist and Brandon is part of the main crew in “Step Up Revolution.” They performed a jazz routine choreographed by Ray Leeper, to the song “Dr. Feelgood” by Aretha Franklin. This was an absolutely wonderful and beautiful routine. Although they have been partners such a short amount of time, they already have great chemistry. Nigel commented with “this was baby-making choreography.”
Next we saw more videos of people preparing for Dance Day, which just so happens to be today! I hope you all find some way to celebrate, whether you go to one of the huge celebrations taking place in LA or NYC, or just get a group of friends together for a dance party. Whatever you choose, happy Dance Day!
Janelle and Dareian were up next. Janelle revealed to us that Dareian is a huge daredevil, and we learned that Janelle likes to write raps. Their routine this week was a Cha-Cha number choreographed by Pasha Kovalev, to the hit song “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepson. As much as I am beyond tired of hearing this song (at least this version, I like the covers of it) played on the radio ALL the time, I REALLY liked this routine! It was a very fun and cute performance. The judges didn’t feel the same, however. They thought both Janelle and Brandon could have done better (which is true, but it was still a cute routine), and there wasn’t any chemistry between the two.
Next up were Lindsay and Cole! They are quickly turning into another favorite couple for me, especially after last week’s performance. Before their performance this week; we learned that Cole takes his acting very seriously (in case you didn’t get that from him being a nerd last week), and Lindsay has a foot phobia. They danced a contemporary routine this week, choreographed by Mandy Moore. The song they danced to was Charlotte Martin’s “Wild Horses.” First, I have to say that I LOVED Lindsay’s dress! It was definitely one of my favorite costumes so far this season. The whole routine was just unbelievably incredible. Lindsay received a ton of praise, and Nigel also complimented the lighting – “lighting was fantastic, gave us these giant shadows on the back scenery. I totally understand why lighting has an Emmy nomination this year.”
Next up were Matt and Audrey. We learned that Matt started dancing when he was 16. Before that he was a golfer. We learned that Audrey is a completely different person at night. They danced a Salsa routine choreographed by Liz Lira. They danced to “Cinco Salsa” by Sverre Indris Joner. While they may have struggled a lot to learn the tricks during rehearsals, they did a great job during their performance. It definitely was not their best performance though. Mary told them they are one of her favorite couples, but the chemistry wasn’t there. The other two judges agreed, saying there wasn’t enough going on for them, but the choreography was great.
Up next were Whitney and Chehon. We learned that Chehon puts orange juice in his cereal instead of milk and plays violin, and Whitney speaks German. They performed a contemporary routine choreographed by Stacey Tookey. They played two lovers who need to be together but circumstances won’t let them. Their hands said no, but everything else said yes. They danced to “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. This was definitely another favorite. It left me almost speechless. I highly recommend looking this performance up if you missed the show this week. Christina was almost speechless too, but managed to say “I’m out of breath because I think I’m going to cry! You weren’t just the muses you were the painters. Most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” I completely agree with her.
Eliana and Cyrus were the final couple to dance this week. We learned that Eliana used to have a bird, but she accidentally slept on it one night and killed it. Eliana revealed that Cyrus’ belly button looks like a power button, so maybe he really is a robot? They performed a hip-hop routine choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon to the song “Toxic” by District 78. I have to start by saying that I liked this cover much better than the original by Britney Spears. It was a darker version of the song, and it fit perfectly with the choreography and couple. This routine was another one of my favorites. I realize I say that about a lot of performances and dancers/couples this season, but I can’t help it. There’s just so much talent this year!
The six dancers in danger of leaving us this week were Amber, Lindsay, Eliana, George, Brandon, and Dareien. The judges decided to have Amber, Eliana, Brandon and Dareian dance again. Amber was up first, dancing to “This Is What Makes Us Girls” by Lana Del Ray. Next was Brandon, with “I Want It All Back” by Tye Tribbett and GA. Eliana was next, dancing to Olafur’s “Near Light.” Dareian ended the solos by dancing to “Ordinary People” by John Legend.
While the judges discussed who they would save, we got a special performance by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, dancing to “Jungle Jazz” by Les Tambours du Bronx. They have “thrilled audiences all over the world with sold-out shows, straight from Paris,” said Cat. I wasn’t a fan of their costumes (they looked like high-waisted long skirts), but they are some pretty incredibly talented dancers.
Finally, Nigel revealed who they had decided to save. For the girls, they saved Lindsay and Eliana. And for the boys – George and Dareian. So unfortunately, we said goodbye to Amber and Brandon. They will be definitely be missed!
So that’s it for SYTYCD for the next two weeks. Everyone enjoy Dance Day today, and the Olympics these next couple weeks, and make sure to watch the next show in three weeks!