sugarplum

I think you are thinking about it in the wrong terms. They aren't setting out to criticize, they are trying to correct. I know that sounds like a bunch of semantics, but there is a big difference. Kitty, Kelli, Judy, and dance Teacher's (coaches, etc) all across the world aren't just nit picking, criticizing and yelling at them in front of their peers because they can, they are either trying to help them improve, or they are working on a performance and someone is doing something wrong and they need it quickly fixed so the entire group can move on. 1 person making mistakes slows EVERYONE down. So a coach/teacher/choreographer will often give a harsher "fix it now" when time is of the essence. My teaching style on a normal basis is very different from kitty's, but my girls do not compete regularly. They do several very big performances a year. I'm much tougher on them during rehearsal practices than I am during technique classes (not that I don't push them then as well). I do do not know why training camp is what it is. I have zero inside knowledge of training camp. I can only speak of my general knowledge of the dance world as a whole.

I don't think the tears are a result of criticism and dance feedback in every case though. In many cases I think tears are a result of a lot of other emotions coming to the surface and tears are the only escape. These girls might be chasing grown up dreams, but they are all still fairly young. They are exhausted. Many of them are on their own for the first time in their life, and many in a new city away from home, away from everything they have ever known. They have LONG days. They have cameras in their faces, usually waiting for them to stumble...because reality tv would be boring if everyone was perfect. These girls can handle the criticism. But don't forget, it's also an extended job interview. So each critique they receive, it's a blow to their ego and they now question...will this be it for me, will this be what takes me out of this game? But back to my original statement...in the dance world, Kitty is tame. If they can't handle her, they probably won't do well in auditions beyond DCC/dance teams.

I completely agree. I've danced since I could walk and danced professionally for several years. Now I teach dance. Kitty is actually pretty tame. These girls have thick skin if they are used to dancing competitively.

Same here. Vivian was the last one for me as well. Tasha has never bothered me. I'd love to know why they kept her, but not the others this year when they all got similar comments. I have no issue with her staying, I'm just curious what kept her and wish CMT had included that. I'm not a Kalyssa fan at all yet. Maybe she will win me over as training camp goes on, but, I gotta say, she's got her work cut out for her because so far when I see her, I'm wanting to fast forward. ?

Kalyssa has a long way to go to make a fan out of me after the first 3 episodes. I don't think I've found a TCC so irritating in a long time. I was also really surprised by the lack of real technique in her solo (well, in the little bit of her solo that was shown) since she bragged about winning competitions almost as soon as she started taking classes. Technique wise, she's poorly trained. She's charismatic and has sex appeal. And is WAY too into herself. Haha. And there's no way "Who is the First Lady?" confused her, or she is dumb as a rock and Kelli should be concerned about sending her on appearances!

I wish they would have mentioned why they kept Tasha, but not the other 3 since the comments seemed to be similar for them all (weight gain, didn't bring their a-game, no improvement from last year, interview, etc). What was it that saved her but not the others? I felt really sorry for Dayton. It is obvious that she is a very talented dancer/performer. It is also obvious that she was insanely nervous, and considering the circumstances, that's completely understandable. I think she knew a song, just totally blanked on the name due to nerves. She probably could have sang it to them on the spot but couldn't spit out the name that quickly under that pressure. I also give her a pass for not voting. She's 19. At 19, I couldn't have cared less about politics. That being said, I've voted in every election since I turned 18, but this past November was the first time I genuinely considered NOT voting, giving the options we had to choose from. Yeah, I totally give her a pass for not voting. Briana is a nervous wreck as well, but I was not impressed at all with her solo. Combined with her bad kicks, I don't understand how she made it to training camp. She seems very sweet and very polite.

Now that the show has aired, can someone repost the list of TCCs again?

Thanks!

Sorry if it's been answered...are the meatballs, cheese, crackers, and veggies the actual menu, or was that just a speculation? If it was their actual menu, it's definitely a step up from Jill and Jessas, and pretty standard fare for fundy weddings. Add in some peanuts and mints, cake and punch, sand you've got a fundy Baptist wedding reception. No dancing, no booze.

Jessica also didn't go (also 5 yr vet), I don't think Jinelle was on the list of 8 (4 yr vet)... Erica didn't go (3 yr vet). Those are just off the top of my head as I can't remember the 8 that DID go. I'm just not seeing the big conspiracy theory here. Jenna had a pretty valid reason for not going that was known well in advance of the USO trip.

Actually, LaurenBrook - you are one of the few that I do tend to believe when it comes to inside info. ;) Totally not saying your info isn't true, I'm just not convinced it was the reason for her not going. She would have had to have made the decision to go/stay a while ago (or had it made for her) since we know for certain she is in Sydney's wedding (which is 11/11). Even the "new" wedding date has been set for several months. So I really think that is the reason for her not going. That being said, if she's been caught, K&J very well could have told her we would have pulled you from USO for this if you were going. And instead are punishing in other ways.

Isn't Sydneys wedding in the next week or so? Jenna is her maid of honor. I'm more inclined to think that is the reason she isn't going instead of jumping on the rumor/hearsay bandwagon.

While I think it's true that Melissa's success is a result of the DCC, I think it was just a launching pad. It wasn't what made her famous (outside of DCC fans). The Bachelor put her out there, but DWTS is what really gave her a "career" and where she made a name for herself. That's why Kelli brings it up. She's trying to bring those fans of DWTS of Melissa's to MTT.

Re: Emily and her ballet training. First let me say I don't know her at all and have no clue as to what her actual training is, so I'm not speaking to Emily's actual training. But when taking dance, there are many types of studios, including pre-professional studios and recreational studios, the latter of which often lacks technique and is more for "fun" where students learn the basics and perform in recitals for family and friends. Some students are thrilled with this option - they feel like ballerinas, have their moments to shine on stage, and parents are equally thrilled with the once or twice a week classes, and once or twice a year performances - a win all the way around. Pre-professional studios are totally different. Students are in class multiple days a week for several hours a day, having technique drilled into them, have to take exams, may or may not have performances or competitions. These students usually compete for summer intensives at ballet schools across the country to learn from world renowned instructors and improve their technique. I grew up in a pre-professional school and now live in a very small town that only has a recreational studio. I'm one of 2 teachers there. I know the ins and outs of both types. A girl dancing from the age of 3 at a recreational studio is NOT going to be the same dancer as the girl dancing from the age of three from the pre-professional studio. A non-dancer will be able to tell the difference in the lack of technique. While I don't know Emily's dance background, my guess is that she danced in a more recreational type studio setting. A pre-professional studio would have fixed the pigeon toes and lack of turn out, lack of technique, and the lyrical piece would have come a little more naturally to her. That's it to say she wouldn't have struggled at all, but she looked like she had never done anything like it before at all. And that was odd to me. Girl is gorgeous and seems really sweet!

I need to rewatch the episode, but I thought it looked like Jinelle may have had a PICC line in. Wasn't paying enough attention the first time I watched to say for sure though, can just remember thinking when I glanced up that it looked like a PICC.

Ericas looks similar, her weight just isn't as far back. Looks uncomfortable, but maybe they are designed that way in order to be more flexible? Couldn't see anyone else in that position to know if they are all doing it.

I've danced since I was 2 and currently am a dance teacher. I've never worn underwear in dance attire. Strictly just tights then Leo/costume. Of course, I don't have professional photographers taking pics of me, I'm sure with a little hope that something shows. But underwear and tights/dance wear just don't really go together. You don't want eyes drawn to that area - it's distracting. None of my non-dance friends have ever noticed. I definitely wouldn't wear them with that tiny uniform, unless it was necessary to wear a thong. Maybe it's because its second nature to me, but I've just always assumed they always go commando in uniform.

Isn't Sam going to Texas A&M?

Looks like Jordan to me.

When Emily was going through the boxes for goodwill, was anyone else expecting her to pull out that yellow tank top? Haha! Missed opportunity there!

Tasha's dancing in that video was...not good. I didn't see her fan vote video, but unless she has improved dramatically, I'm surprised she made it to camp. She didn't finish her motions and lacked "power" for Kelli. (I ignored the proposal because I hate attention grabby stuff, and turned it off as soon as she started speaking to him in octaves too high for normal ears.) I don't really find her attractive either based on the few pics I've seen and that video, but will reserve judgement there until I see more of her on the show. I predict she won't last.

In several pictures I've seen from auditions, Shelbi looks like Jenelle from Teen Mom. Not sure if is her hair, expressions...or just me being weird. haha

I think Alex mentioned recently that she is moving...it sounded like out of Dallas. I doubt she would try out again, even if she stayed, though.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I don't dislike her. I just don't quite get all the appeal everyone has for her. But everyone has different tastes, which is good - it keeps the world from being boring. I agree that Erica is my favorite, with Lacey being a close second, as well as Jenna. A few others that seem to be "popular" barely seem to scratch my radar, but obviously people love them. Different people love different things. Doesn't mean any of us are right or wrong. :)

I don't really get the Holly love. I mean, she can dance, sure, but she's no better than a lot of others in her field. Megan C., Melissa, Erica, and Lacey can dance circles around her. Personally, I wish she would post just 1 picture without her back unnaturally arched and her boobs stuck out, but maybe it's just me. :D To each their own. ;)