For our penultimate night of the competition, Christina Applegate and Lil’ C joined the judging panel.
An aside: I discovered that last night someone posted a comment on The Chronicles in reference to my Repeat Top 20 recap in which I had difficulty understanding some of what Lil’ C was saying, in particular the word mellifluous. I totally got it wrong in my post, and this comment, by someone named Jennifer, pointed out the error of my ways. Jennifer, first of all, let me thank you for enlightening me. Second, I don’t know who you are. I don’t know if you are a friend, an enemy, a stranger, or someone in between. Therefore, I shall speak from the heart, meaning without any inhibitions, and say thank you so much for pointing out to the Internet that I am obviously a dumbass because I couldn't find—“it only takes a minute of research”—the spelling of the word mellifluous. Point 1: Do you write these posts at 11 p.m. when you are effin’ tired and have already spent 8-9 hours of your day on a computer reading about things like osteoporosis and constipation? Point 2: Do you understand sarcasm? Or sharing a moment that can be enjoyed by all of humanity, a moment known as WTF Is That Crazy Person Talking About? Point 3: Do you have a sense of humor? Do you understand exaggeration? Like that time I told everyone on the Internet about how I overdosed on laxatives ON PURPOSE, and maybe that actually wasn’t an exaggeration but it is a good example of exaggeration and how to write for the purposes of entertainment.
I expect tonight to receive definitions for the words Magically and Magnificent. Anyway.
Melanie and Twitch started the night with a T&N Little Red Riding Hood-themed hip-hop number. I love these two dancers, but I did not like this choreography. And what was with that face-on-crotch moment? Seriously, there should be a 5-second rule for that. Actually, there should be a 1-second rule for that.
Sasha and last season’s runner-up Kent were given a strong piece of choreography by Tyce DiOrio. These two dancers were literally up against a wall. This was an excellent use of a prop because it presented the emotional tension needed for this dance at which our dancers excelled. I think Christina verbalized well Sasha’s main strength when she said to Sasha: “you put a finger against a wall and it breaks my heart.”
Marko and Jannete were given a paso doble by Dmitry. I remember little about this dance, although Lil’ C gave the following quote: “It’s all about the crotch.” I think he said this on the wrong dance.
Tadd and Ellenore partnered for a Sonya number that started with a chair in the middle of the stage. And then out from nowhere came a chandelier! Another excellent use of props. I didn’t expect it at all, and I loved the ending where Tadd was just swinging lifelessly from the chandelier. However, the judges, particularly Nigel, seemed less impressed with this and felt that it was more prop than dance. But I thought it was unique and, as Mary said, daring choreography that showed Sonya was willing to grow as a choreographer.
Ricky and Jaimie (she of the hummingbird dance) were paired for a Dee Caspary contemporary piece in which Ricky played the conductor (sticks included). This was very beautiful and effortless in movement. And good lord, does Jaimie have great legs or what? She was definitely well matched with Ricky’s long, lean lines.
Caitlynn and Pasha danced a samba choreographed by Dmitry. PASHA IN AN UNBUTTONED SHIRT. Sorry, that’s all I have.
Sasha and Ricky got the first ever waacking routine of the show. This style comes from Los Angeles in the 1970s. Apparently a lady named Princess Lockaroo tried out for the show in this style, but did not make it to the top 20. Anyway, the first thing I must say is that Sasha’s skirt was terrible. It looked like it was made out of a giant condom. Second, the dance seemed like a cheerleading routine to me, and I don’t know if that was the fault of the dancers or the style of dance.
When I saw that Melanie and Tadd would be in a Broadway number by Spencer Liff, my heart sank. Broadway is often so bad on this show. And then there was the premise: a choreographer and his dancer—also known as Center Stage, fools. And if you haven’t seen that movie, put it in the queue because it is Play It Now and it is the best horrifically embarrassing movie ever. And in advance, you’re welcome. Anyway, this was the best Broadway we’ve seen on this show. The movements were not extremely fast, but that allowed the dancers, particularly Melanie, to give the dance the full power and passion that it deserved. And that mirrored section…y’all know I loved that.
Caitlynn and Marko closed the evening with a Sonya jazz routine about a woman getting away from a controlling man. A familiar SYTYCD theme, but masterfully done. The judges gave it a standing ovation. That moment where he dropped her and then flipped over her—that is why I watch this show.
Solo notes:
- Ricky: Fine. His stature reminds me of Danny from Season 3 (but, of course, Danny was better).
- Caitlynn: A lot of hair flailing.
- Tadd: Not his best solo. Ended with a shot of his crotch.
- Sasha: She has a very narrow waist.
- Marko: Average.
- Melanie: Excellent and innovative. Other dancers need to take note.
- Though not technically a solo…Mary Murphy’s pancake cleavage: Seriously woman, mine started heading south in my late 20s and I don’t even have boobs, so please give those girls the support they deserve and my eyes the rest they need.
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