SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Season 5 Top 16 Performance Recap
Posted by: Ducky in Cat Deeley, Ducky Does TV, So You Think You Can Dance, So You Think You Can Dance Season 5
It’s been two weeks since I last did a post on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Season 5 and that’s crazy talk! I was out of town last week and to this day I still have not seen the performances that sent Ashley and Maxim home but oh well, moving on…
This week I hate to burst your bubble but I’m only going to give some quick thoughts on each of the Top 8 couples as I’m moving in the morning. Ducky needs some beauty sleep.
*Don’t forget you can download all of the songs you’ve heard tonight over at our So You Think You Can Dance Season 5 Music Guide!
The Guest Judge this week is Toni Basil and I used to be excited to see her but now I feel like she’s turned into a cold uninterested yet unable to criticize bore. I thought hands down this was the weakest set of dances we’ve seen on this show in a while. Most of the couples were forgettable and still the Judges praised almost all of them as if they were blind. It pissed me off. Am I the only one that thought the dances kinda sucked this week? Please, correct me if I’m wrong.
First up were Karla and Jonathan doing a Dave Scott choreographed Hip-Hop routine. I was kind of excited to see little Jonathan try and be gangsta but it fell so damn flat. I thought both kids were off mark and kinda terrible this week. The choreography was also pretty weak but what are ya gonna do?
Asuka and Vitolio danced a Jazz routine by Mandy Moore and I hate to admit it (because you know I love my girl Mandy Moore) but that routine sucked big donkey balls. Asuka & Vitolio were so poorly matched for this style of dance that at times I thought they were in slow motion. They were too quiet and fluid to match the hard edge the song required and I don’t know if it was Mandy’s choreography or their actual technique that was killing me but something stunk to high heaven.
Continue reading my recap of tonight’s episode…
Skinny-mini Melissa and Ade (seriously, I’m over the hair pick) had the first good dance of the night. They worked it out to a sexy Rumba from Tony Meredith (still sans Melanie Lapitin). Her outfit was smokin’ hot and so were their moves. I absoadored this routine. She had amazing lines and follow through and his partnering was superb! They also did some crazy flip through that I died for. Finally, this show did something right tonight!
Janette and Brandon killed it with a really fun Dave Scott Hip-Hop/Rocker routine! Brandon was hard as hell and I never knew he could be so good at poppin’ – I looooved it! Nigel was dead on with his Cher comment for Janette’s outfit. WTFug?
Kayla and Ku’pono did a Viennese Waltz to some Jewel song (choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux and France). I was not a huge fan. While I really adore Ku’pono, neither he nor Kayla were ready for this Waltz. I know their a new couple and all but she looked like she was shrinking throughout the entire number. It bugged me how small she looked. And he was just sloppy. Bore.
The power couple, Randi and Evan, once again killed it! They had the luck of the draw this week and scored a Mia Michael’s contemporary number that prominently featured Randi’s ASSets. It was cute, playful and quirky… just how I like my favorite couple in the competition.
Caitlin and Jason could have done wonders with “O’Fortuna” but their outfits, skill level and routine could not live up to the fierce attitude the song demands. I know its horrible to judge all Paso Doble’s to the one performed in Season 2 by My BF Travis Wall and Cousin Heidi but that’s the standard these kids should try to attain. Sadly, they failed. As Jon said, the best part was its ending.
Last on stage were Jeanine and Phillip. They performed a Broadway routine that was a little more “Pajama Game” than “Singing in the Rain” and it wasn’t half bad. Sure Phillip was out of his element and didn’t have the footwork needed for the piece but it was hella fun to watch! I couldn’t believe they made him jump over that couch! It was awesome and probably the only thing that saved his performance. They were cute too, that counts for something doesn’t it? Not like we need to worry, the Phillip Chbeeb following is loud and proud and this kid isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
Overall, I was completely underwhelmed by the performances tonight and that sucks seeing how we’re already down to the Top 16 dancers. I expected much more – but maybe that’s my hangup.
My Top 3 Couples: Randi & Evan, Janette & Brandon, Melissa & Ade
My Bottom 3 Couples: Karla & Jonathan, Asuka & Vitolio, Caitlin & Jason
What about you? Who were your favorite couples this week and who do you think is going home?
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June 25th, 2009 at 12:02 am
I was right there with you for the most part. But it seems I liked Kayla and Kupono a bit more than you did. Our bottom three were the same. My top three had K&K in there rather than J&B, although it was a tough choice.
June 25th, 2009 at 12:49 am
yeah. I agree. The only point at which the entire show was fun was during Randi & Evan’s routine. Thank god for Mia Michaels for having a sense of humor and a couple of good dancers in her hands.
June 25th, 2009 at 1:38 am
Could Toni Basil sit farther away from Mary? Her body language showed that she was completely annoyed.
June 25th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Ducky, I would read your reviews of ANYTHING simply for your colorful language. You’re the best!
June 25th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Ducky, I agree! Asolio had NO energy and who knew Brandon had the hiphop happening? that’s the routine i’ll watch again and again, like disco last week. The last two routines of the night were FUN (randi/evan get to keep the FUN moniker). And I never saw a Paso Doble performed to opera. And maybe never will again.
June 25th, 2009 at 11:57 am
I am totally there with you. I’m a little unwhelmed – or maybe I’m just ‘whelmed’ by this years crop. There are exceptions though – I love Philip (natch), Vitolio, Evan, Jason (still watching him), Ade and Brandon (awesome!). The girls are still pretty much forgettable. Melissa is good, Jeanine is cute as a bug – I need Asuka to just leave already. As for the dances last night, Brandon’s Hip Hop killed, Ade and Melissa were lovely and Evan and Randi left were interesting – this wasn’t my favorite Mia piece, but it was fine. Phillip and Jeanine I enjoyed much more than Nigel – but he’s a perv so I can discount his opinion. I agree with you on the bottom 3. An interesting side note – I downloaded the 1st season of SYTYCD Canada – frakkin’ amazing dancers and routines. Blake from Season 1 is a judge and choreographer – gotta say he is working it. I’ve also seen Mia, Little C, Mary Murphy, Benji and more SYTYCD alums. Their 1st season was outstanding. The new season starts August 11th and I’ll be there. Don’t know what’s in the water in Canada, but it’s working.
June 25th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Very average night. But I blame some of that on average choreagraphy and rough style choices for the pairs.
Ade is growing on me each week.
I still like the Vitolio story, just wish he was paired with someone other than Asuko.
Chbeeb is a crowd favorite.
The couple to beat though is still clearly Randi & Evan! Adore.
June 25th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Ducky,
I thought last week’s set of dances were weak as well. This is not going to bode well for the fall season b/c they go right into it on 9/18. Karla + Jonathan’s piece last week felt like it was TRYING to be a moment instead of just organically being a dance and the moment emerging from it. I always thought jonathan was one of the 2 weakest guys in the 10 guys and the weakest dancer in the top 20 but he just wasn’t covered like Tony. He really showed it last night he was so “9th grade talent show at lunch period”.
June 25th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I saw it live months ago and NO IT WAS NOT!!……not because of the dancers they were PHENOMENAL (I actually felt sorry for them b/c the experience they got was not what they signed up for) but the judges were so busy patting themselves on the back about the (sucky) job they were doing and how Canada is the best pause for a second while I wave the flag, it was so “emperor’s new clothes” they couldn’t see the improvements that needed to be made immediately most of the choreography was underpar, the critiques sucked, every judge was trying to make a name for themselves and coin their own “hot tamale” phrase, they kicked off the wrong dancers in the early rounds, Blake was as bitchy as ever and the host BLEWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!! You thought the “crocodile rock” number was a “frakkin’ amazing routine”?!?! There were more that is just one of many that come to mind Allie and Myles fighting for the remote routine? really? Allie and[ Natalli’s ( AKA: I stole Cousin Heidi’s Proud Mary solo in the 1st results show therefore my plagarizing ASS should have been kicked off) Go-Go routine. Really?
June 25th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Sorry the above statement was a reply to journay2.
The Canadian dancers (except Izaak) were fantastic but they were stuck with these douche nozzles controlling the Canadian version I felt so bad for them I wish I could give them a raincheck for a US season. If you really want to see an international edition that got and gets it right you have to check out the SYTYCD Australia S1 and S2. They really did it well and there are some things that should be incorporated in the US version. Every group routine S1 was stellar I couldn’t always say that for the US one. The Top 20 Group Routine from S2 that just finished was FIRE!!
June 25th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Saira, I hear what you are saying, however watching the show after 4 years of SYTYCD steady progression in the states, I felt that overall the routines were better as was the choreography. Yes, Blake is still a prima donna, mary still annoys and the other judges are, for the most part, unremarkable. I felt that Arrasay and Vincent and Lisa were robbed. Nico should have been in the finale, but so should the other 3. As a whole, I enjoyed SYTYCDC more than I did the 1st season of the domestic version. I felt they had a much deeper talent pool. That’s not to say SYTYCD hasn’t progressed to showcase amazing dancers. The Canadian version has benefitted from the 4 year head start SYTYCD provided. As a whole, I stand by my statement that I felt it was a great show 1st year out. However, it is just my opinion. For the record, I am American, but I appreciate great dancing regardless of the region. I completely respect your opinion however.
June 25th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Ducky, I was having withdrawal symptoms last week. What the! That’s okay, all is forgiven now.
LOVE the boo-tay dance with Evan & Randi.
LOVE Ade…he really surprised me this week!
LOVE Brandon & Jeanine…they are a couple who I didn’t want to root for, but they are consistently good, and I’m now a fan.
Still LOVE Jeanine & Philip. I know Philip is struggling but you can tell he wants this, and I admire that.
I like Vitolio, Pono, Melissa and Karla. But I’m definitely over Asuka, Caitlin, and (sniff)…Jonathan.
June 25th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I respect what you had to say but really check out SYTYCD Australia S1 or/and S2 and then compare. If you want to see someone really dance for their life check out Timomatic’s top 8 solo in Season 2 that just finished. Talia Fowler is coming to dance on the finale of S5 finale in August. BTW, I’m American too, I just get it off the internet like the australian version.
A promo for S2 (I wish they would promo the US seasons like this):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJeP-vsrD6Q
Timomatic solo S2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGnk1nCqJ4c
An audition, one of the best in any edition S1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DZV0OISDcY
Some routines S1:
Afro Samba: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iWWtJQXgaA
Hip-hop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcNcHKtWPOc
Waltz: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgGWUWB1f_c
Final 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2imEh8_3Ay0
Top 2 guys (last performance show): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7QSpIdFi0
All of Top 20 with the Judges and choreographers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu7ABEfKFo0
Some of the group routines S1:
Top 20:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xO4GCe56xo
Top 18:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HNH-3d0dZ8
Top 14: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luw8a5QGFFc
Top 12: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omljmip2Gh4
S2:
Top 20 group:
http://www.videosift.com/video/Best-Group-Dance-Routine-You-ll-Ever-See-on-SYTYCD-AU
Finale (all top 20 and some standouts from audition round) group routine S2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzupzA2TdbE
June 25th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I respect what you had to say but really check out SYTYCD Australia S1 or/and S2 and then compare. If you want to see someone really dance for their life check out Timomatic’s top 8 solo in Season 2 that just finished. Talia Fowler is coming to dance on the finale of S5 finale in August. BTW, I’m American too, I just get it off the internet like the australian version.
A promo for S2 (I wish they would promo the US seasons like this):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJeP-vsrD6Q
Timomatic solo S2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGnk1nCqJ4c
An audition, one of the best in any edition S1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DZV0OISDcY
Some routines S1:
Afro Samba: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iWWtJQXgaA
Hip-hop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcNcHKtWPOc
Waltz: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgGWUWB1f_c
Final 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2imEh8_3Ay0
Top 2 guys (last performance show):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7QSpIdFi0
All of Top 20 with the Judges and choreographers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu7ABEfKFo0
Some of the group routines S1:
Top 20: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xO4GCe56xo
Top 18: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HNH-3d0dZ8
Top 14: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luw8a5QGFFc
Top 12: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omljmip2Gh4
S2:
Top 20 group:
http://www.videosift.com/video/Best-Group-Dance-Routine-You-ll-Ever-See-on-SYTYCD-AU
Finale (all top 20 and some standouts from audition round) group routine S2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzupzA2TdbE
June 25th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I keep hearing around all this sympathy for Asuka and this and that, I have none for her. Not when you had someone like Pasha also a Latin ballroom dancer. He had to contend with a language barrier, NO training in other styles (Asuka had jazz and ballet in the beginning of her dance ed.), an AWOL partner right before a performance night. I’m like WAH! WAH!
Week one she got a B’way routine with Tyce Diorio and a contemporary dancer as her partner. Someone else had similar circumstances and killed it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijNXmS3Zwp8
This week she got a jazz routine with Mandy Moore, so did someone else:
starts at 4:40
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIi_wb0rneE
No excuses, there’s precedent. She’d better go TONIGHT!!!!
June 26th, 2009 at 12:33 am
journay2,
I forgot to include 2 killer routines from S1 (which aired in AUS from Feb.- May 2008):
A Contemporary : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nzrzgpd4QY
A Foxtrot : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7tOg39fJnQ
One of the few setbacks is that Nigel’s soon-to-be-ex wife Bonnie who did the auditions in S1 US version is in the Australian version and to listen to her critiques it’s like a symphony of inarticulation of dance flowing out of her mouth. It’s painful and you feel embarrassed for her.