Mason

I've finally figured out who JoJo reminds me of: Andy Hardy!! (Movie series from the 40s.) Tonight, I saw the best series of solos I've ever seen on this show. Those kids truly danced for their lives and, I suspect, were releasing a lot of pent-up frustration at not being able to showcase their skills and personality. Always part of a group, no opportunity to truly shine. (I see you!!)

Roman suffered from the absence of pair dancing. He's not built (by height, if nothing else) to be part of a line-up. I hope Maks sees that he gets a spot on DWTS. Alex, as always, continues to prove there's no style of dance he can't master.

Avery and Olivia, we hardly knew ye. But since we're in a race against time, I guess the idea is to assume everyone is cannon fodder and not get overly invested. For the dancers themselves, at least the current (and future) choreographers get a closer look at practice sessions and final product and hopefully approach the losers off-stage with a bit of work. I appreciate hearing the judges' comments; WofD didn't do that, right? Scripted or not, they flowed better than during the auditions, likely because they didn't have to redo anything due to Nigel's absence. I also learned something about how music videos are put together, so there's that. As long as the kids' dancing is genuine, I won't abandon the show.

Ah, so it's discount ABDC 🙂

I'm reminded of Fikshun's face on World of Dance, when he realized the decision had already been made and he'd barely performed. I'm sure the producers justify the change by saying "hey, in real life, there's no rhyme or reason why one dancer is chosen over another." Producers who don't dance, I suspect, and are oversimplifying things.

I've been trying to remember what the auditions remind me of... and it's The Next Step. I like the choreographer. Finally saw something recognizable as jazz. EDIT: Does anyone else think Olivia looks like Sporty Spice?

Shout out to the fact that there's at least one 30-year-old in the mix.

Men in skirts and heels? Nigel has left the building 🙂 There must be a reason why the producers want to go in the direction of "commercial ready." One thing it may do is attract older contestants, as they would be more seasoned. But to quote Maks, this is the time of TikTok, where audiences likely aren't looking for full-on routines. And, to be fair, it will give the kids a chance to see what options are out there and how difficult it can be, even with a leg up.

I believe this panel of judges is trying really hard to give the producers what they want, while staying true to the dancers. I just wish Comfort was staying on... As always, the kids are doing their best. I suspect they too realize what a tense time this is for the future of the show.

I understand depression all too well. While there is never one simple reason for how it affects our actions, I do know that (however rewarding), constantly trying to mentor other people and, in the case of judging on SYTYCD, be the professional in the room can be wearing. And tWitch gave so much of himself to so many... I have no doubt he kept the demons away when he danced; and that his family's love buoyed him through many a rough patch (I also pray they know this). From the sounds of it, the black dog has been in close pursuit for a long time...

I think Fik-Shun is in Elton John/Britney Spears' new video: https://youtu.be/qExVlz3zb0k

Canada was the first in the franchise to showcase House style. It's called House because, IIRC, it was developed at the house party level. Toronto has a strong and lively black population from the Caribbean and Jamaicans in particular gravitated towards it. Luther Brown (also Canadian, as is Sean Cheeseman of Afro Jazz choreo fame) for instance remembers the house party scene. ADDENDUM: I need to make it clear that I'm talking about what Canada calls House style. I believe there is something similar called House style that developed in NYC and Chicago clubs. I hope someone who knows more than I chimes in and corrects/corroborates what I'm saying.

A couple of fun dances: Season 4: Evan & Randi (The Butt Dance, chor by Mia Michaels) Season 7: Lauren & Billy (Boogie Shoes, chor by Mandy Moore)

SYTYCD Canada: House Style!! Season 1: Lise & Vincent Season 2 Tara Jean & Everett And the "costumes" were both cheap and absolutely on.

I think we'll feel better about this season if we continue talking about the dance(r)s we like.

A samba! A samba!! I don't believe we've seen one on the show since Danny & Lacey in Season 3.

In season 5, Jeanine peaked right at the end... and won. Alexis is definitely peaking. Maybe it will be enough.

Should I explain myself? I didn't mean "camera presence" while dancing. I mean that Essence has a captivating smile and an overall ease on stage when she's not dancing. I also said she should follow Comfort's trajectory in terms of developing her craft; I'm not pretending she's anywhere near as good. But Comfort, especially during her season, has always been reticent when, e.g., she's been at the mic. Also, let's remember that this season's contestants have had less time to grow than those in previous seasons. Essence isn't my favourite, but then neither was Comfort. However, I can see her capitalizing on her charisma--go back to her audition--if she's also willing to keep training.

Well, they know each other now. Essence would do well to follow her example. Not to take away from Comfort, but Essence has stronger camera presence.

I wonder if she'll evolve into another Comfort.

I'm reminded of the difference between a connoisseur and a critic. A connoisseur knows what's good and bad. A critic knows how to explain to someone else what's good and bad. tWitch is a critic. JoJo is, at best, a connoisseur. Leah knows what she likes.

I've done a bit of research since my earlier message. I think a lot of the lacklustrousness is due to the taping schedule. It's not just a shortened season, the taping is done weeks out in some cases. So how much time does that leave for the dancers to work on their routines? Never mind that leaves absolutely no room for organic growth, for them as dancers or us as the viewing audience. I'm still not certain how the studio audience is picked. The booking website gave the impression it was first-come-first-served, but seemed to be only for the original auditions. As for the choreographers... this is pure speculation... the budget (as well as allotted time with the dancers) has very likely been slashed, so how many are going to want to showcase what could all too easily become substandard work through no fault of their own.

I both admire and do not envy tWitch. He's trying to be supportive of all the contestants, yet hold the show to some sort of standard. He needs to come back, if there's another season, but may feel he's had to compromise more than he's comfortable with. Hopefully the contestants are as loyal to one another as they appear to be (and has been the case in past seasons.) Since everything's been such a rush, one can't assume... Who exactly is in the studio audience, besides family? People who paid for the privilege? who won some sort of contest? Has anything been leaked? Very neat final three: ballroom, hip hop and contemporary. One wonders if final voting will be for the contestant or the style. Something I would never have questioned in the past. But most of all, I wonder, now that Beau is off the show, whether JoJo will put her money where her mouth is and advance his career. Put him in one of her videos, or choreograph something for him to post, or actually dance with him.

Melanie Moore. Your point still stands.

Beau the Human Forklift! How many seasons has it been since we had a forklift contestant?! though never before one who literally was. I predicted that the All Stars would do their best to humanize the contestants, given the horrible season they've been given. And I was right, with one exception: Lex. Wonder why?