So You Think You Can Dance: Top 14 Perform, Live Thoughts (Page 3/3)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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Kathryn and Legacy
Style: Paso Doble
Choreographer: Tony Meredith
Song: "Pursuit" by Ka
This
routine has potential disaster written all over it. It is 100% away
from either dancer's comfort zone, so we will have to see how it goes.
I'm one part hopeful, one part fearful.
Hate to sound shallow,
but women will be calling in for shirtless Legacy alone. Heck, I might
be calling in for it. I'm starting to develop an uncomfortable love-hate crush
on this kid. And I'm pretty sure the fellas are feeling the same way about Kathryn, who looks smoldering tonight.
The two are definitely going for it
and the passion and power of the Paso is clear, but it's not perfect.
Kathryn needs to loose a bit of her abandon and stiffness in her back
bends, meanwhile the two look perfectly taut in their hold. The choreography is great and with both Legacy and Kathryn's commitment, it is easy to get lost in the performance and ignore the technical flaws. By no
means the disaster or awkwardness I thought it might be, it was
very dramatic and very decent. The routine certainly won't land the pair
in the bottom two and it might earn them some new fans. Enjoyable, engaging, but
not everything I could ever hope for from a Paso.
Judges Says: Nigel was impressed with the maturity that Kathryn danced with and thought she was magnificent tonight.
Nigel appreciates that he always sees Legacy practicing and he expects
to be very proud indeed when he makes the top 10. Mary was impressed
with Kathryn's Spanish vixen-ness, and she thinks Legacy wasn't perfect but is
impressing every week beyond any and all expectations. Adam thinks that
Legacy is no longer a break dancer, but a dancer and that he could go
all the way.
So far tonight is at least starting to live up to the expectations. Maybe not the hype, but at least the level I expect from So You Think You Can Dance. We've had at least one great routine (Jakob and Ashleigh) and Travis Wall's much beloved, breathtaking, purportedly perfect routine is next.
Alright, I am beyond ready for this routine. Travis' tweets
got me super excited, I still love Ryan and Ellenore, and after last
week I need some massive reassurance about my first favorites.
Ryan and Ellenore
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Song: "Your Ex-Lover's Dead" by Stars
Okay,
first this is one of my favorite songs of ALL TIME. This routine is
inherently perfect no matter what happens thanks to the song, so I
might as well admit my bias right now. But I don't think my love for the routine will just be about the song, if the first few moves are to be any indication HELLO CHILLS. Ellenore is looking lovely, long, and powerful. This is
the graceful, gorgeous, and still goofy star I've waited for to emerge all
season. She is fearless and flawless.Ryan is a powerful partner as ever
and he's really giving it all to the character. He doesn't look
completely at ease, but he doesn't look awkward at all. Ryan is looking
solid, but Ellenore's technique completely outshines him. Still, brilliant
choreography, great story, beautiful dancing. Chills Chills Chills. For me, the best routine of the season thus far.
Judges Say:
Nigel says it was the best routine of the night. He thinks tonight is
the performance that America will recognize Ellenore as the all around
brilliant performer and dancer. Nigel believes based on tonight's
performance that Ryan is the best contemporary ballroom dancer in the
history of SYTYCD. (I am certain Lacey Schwimmer is scratching her head or having a fit over this, or should she be. Forget this routine, Nigel? Because I didn't.) Mary thought that Ellenore has star quality and that
she is outstanding. Mary thought the timing couldn't get any better and
that the routine was magical. Mary thinks that Ryan is an inspiration
to the ballroom community...so much so she's crying about the barriers
he's broken down. Adam says it best: "Travis, Ellenore, and Ryan: So You
Think You Can Dance just kicked in right now." He says this was the
first routine all season that's left him breathless.
And
while I hate to e-scream, I have to: FINALLY FOLKS! SOMETHING THAT'S
LIVED UP TO THE HYPE!! Also, Travis Wall dulls the pain of loosing Mia
Michaels.
Nathan & Mollee
Style: Pop Jazz
Choreographer: LaurieAnn Gibson
Song: "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga
LaurieAnn very well might eat Nathan and Mollee alive. After last week, Nathan at least will be prepared for the abuse.
Great
sharpness, but the synchronicity is just a bit off at the beginning.
This routine obviously looks like it's within Nathan and Molle's
comfort zone. Both look confident in the movements and both have
laudable and lovely technique. Still, there's something off. And I
think it's the fact that Mollee and Nathan dance their age and maturity
level. Sadly, I don't think either live up to the level of talent that
I know are within them, and I'm just not sold on either dancer yet. I
think if they had another year under their belt and were dancing in
Season 7, I might be totally smitten.
Judges Say: Nigel
thinks Mollee will be a great professional, and that Nathan while being
one of the most talented dancer's he's ever met really needs to start
growing. Mary thinks the dream team is back after last week's shocking
salsa. Still, it didn't give her chills and she wants chills. Adam
takes his turn to talk strategy instead of technique, he thinks the two
have lots to improve on but are back in the game.
Well, there
were two great routines tonight -- both involving a Di Lello. There was
one that was decidedly awkward: Karen and Kevin. And the rest were very
good. I have to agree with Nigel, perhaps tonight we got back on track
... or found the track in the first place.
Based on tonight's performances I expect the following couples in the bottom:
Karen and Kevin
Victor and Channing
The
third couple is decidedly more difficult, perhaps Nathan and Mollee or
Noelle and Russell. They've got big names and popular contestants, but
their routines weren't necessarily the most memorable.
The judges are unanimous, they all believe it is Karen and Kevin who'll end up in the bottom this week.
So
there you have it America, your Top 14 dancers have danced. Be sure to
tune in and watch along with me tomorrow when we learn which guy and
which girl will be eliminated.
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--Abbey Simmons, BuddyTV Staff Writer