Favorite Duets/Solos/Group Routines/Auditions by season!

[HerkyJerky]

Chelsie Hightower?  OMG!  That brings me back!

[White Dog]

Chelsie was my favourite season 4. Loved her partnership with Mark. She was assigned 2 Alex DaSilva AT’s and she crushed them for what they were.  Also loved her duet in the Mia Michaels piece as well as her Nappy Tabs lyrical hip hop. Chelsie is a ten dancer so I loved her arms on the contemporary pieces, not quite as overtly angular like a Latin dancer but she also had great legs for Latin. 

[Melonie77]

On 8/11/2022 at 4:24 PM, HerkyJerky said:

Chelsie Hightower?  OMG!  That brings me back!

@HerkyJerky - Wow. I appreciate this video - thank you! I was not watching the show during the earlier seasons and missed Mark and Chelsie as contestants.
I got to know C on DWTS and love Mark's lip-sofa dance with Jenna but I need to track down more older SYTYCD videos.😁

I appreciate how much more time was given to the choreography segment in this blast from the past, and I always loved how Nappy Tabs often explored the use of non hip hop songs for their dances.
I wasn't watching the show when Adam Shankman was a judge but I have a feeling that this trio of judges along with Mary and Nigel was the perfect mix. Add Twitch as a fourth judge to represent the street dances and that would be my dream team.😊

[realdancemom]

15 minutes ago, Melonie77 said:

@HerkyJerky - Wow. I appreciate this video - thank you! I was not watching the show during the earlier seasons and missed Mark and Chelsie as contestants.
I got to know C on DWTS and love Mark's lip-sofa dance with Jenna but I need to track down more older SYTYCD videos.😁

I appreciate how much more time was given to the choreography segment in this blast from the past, and I always loved how Nappy Tabs often explored the use of non hip hop songs for their dances.
I wasn't watching the show when Adam Shankman was a judge but I have a feeling that this trio of judges along with Mary and Nigel was the perfect mix. Add Twitch as a fourth judge to represent the street dances and that would be my dream team.😊

Season 4 was magical.  Try to find videos on YouTube.  Comfort and Twitch were from that season.  There were other amazing contestants.

[displayname]

Jessica and Will Contemporary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7IAvlt16e4

Gev and Courtney Rumba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW4-k5SOjuw

Comfort and tWitch Hip hop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRkiCKXdB-U

Edited August 15, 2022 by displayname

[rlc]

Google anything with Danny Tidwell, my favorite dancer ever from this show. RIP Danny. What a profound loss.

[White Dog]

Oh yes Season 3 Danny was great -another favourite. I was hoping he would win. Back then tho’ the show was hell bent on getting a street performer to win. Danny was considered arrogant by a Nigel because he was classically trained. They have since had a re-think.

[P2C2E]

9 hours ago, realdancemom said:

Season 4 was magical.  Try to find videos on YouTube.  Comfort and Twitch were from that season.  There were other amazing contestants.

You can find playlists on YouTube that include almost all the performances, judges comments, and results. I've recently watched seasons 2-4, and I'm in the middle of season 5 now. 

[HerkyJerky]

10 hours ago, Melonie77 said:

I need to track down more older SYTYCD videos.😁

Wish granted! Here are two of my favorites:

[P2C2E]

Do we have a favorite performances topic? Maybe we should start one.

[Melonie77]

On 8/15/2022 at 1:20 PM, realdancemom said:

Season 4 was magical.  Try to find videos on YouTube.  Comfort and Twitch were from that season.  There were other amazing contestants.

Yes I will look for season 4 - I have heard this was a great season and do love both C and T. Thanks for the suggestion.😊

On 8/15/2022 at 1:23 PM, displayname said:

Jessica and Will Contemporary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7IAvlt16e4

Gev and Courtney Rumba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW4-k5SOjuw

Comfort and tWitch Hip hop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRkiCKXdB-U

Thanks for sharing these links - will watch them tonight!😁

On 8/15/2022 at 1:32 PM, rlc said:

Google anything with Danny Tidwell, my favorite dancer ever from this show. RIP Danny. What a profound loss.

On 8/15/2022 at 5:33 PM, White Dog said:

Oh yes Season 3 Danny was great -another favourite. I was hoping he would win. Back then tho’ the show was hell bent on getting a street performer to win. Danny was considered arrogant by a Nigel because he was classically trained. They have since had a re-think.

I came across the samba Danny did with Lacey a couple of weeks ago and thought it was fabulous!

On 8/15/2022 at 11:25 PM, HerkyJerky said:

Wish granted! Here are two of my favorites:

Just watched both of these and I can see why they are favorites of yours - thank you for sharing. Katee is terrific. Especially loved the fighting couple dance. I see I definitely need to watch season 4!
LOL! I also watched a surprising Russian dance that rolled on up after these two performances - Twitch and another hip hop guy did a fantastic job on that too!

On 8/15/2022 at 10:33 PM, P2C2E said:

You can find playlists on YouTube that include almost all the performances, judges comments, and results. I've recently watched seasons 2-4, and I'm in the middle of season 5 now. 

I was disappointed to see full seasons from the past are not offered on Hulu - guess it has something to do with the music licenses. I'll have to do the YouTube route.
My sister and niece have watched from the first season and they have been to some of the top dancer shows but I only started in Season 8.

On 8/16/2022 at 12:12 AM, P2C2E said:

Do we have a favorite performances topic? Maybe we should start one.

A "favorites" topic sounds like a great idea! Maybe we could discuss favorites all around - favorite dancers, performances, choreographers, and judges!😁

[realdancemom]

10 hours ago, Melonie77 said:

I came across the samba Danny did with Lacey a couple of weeks ago and thought it was fabulous!

Just watched both of these and I can see why they are favorites of yours - thank you for sharing. Katee is terrific. Especially loved the fighting couple dance. I see I definitely need to watch season 4!
LOL! I also watched a surprising Russian dance that rolled on up after these two performances - Twitch and another hip hop guy did a fantastic job on that too!
 

Danny and Lacey's samba is one of my favorites.  Season 3 was amazing too.  Danny was my favorite that season.

Katee was so good.  Season 4 had so many good contestants.  But LOL on mentioning the Russian dance.  The other hip hop guy must have been Gev.  But when you mentioned Russian dance, I thought you meant the awful one on Season 5 that poor Jeanine and Phillip had to do.  Glad Jeanine was able to recover from that and win that season.  Season 5 is another good season.

[displayname]

1 hour ago, realdancemom said:

But LOL on mentioning the Russian dance. The other hip hop guy must have been Gev. 

No it's tWitch and Joshua's Trepak. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo4tyxXymgc

I think the most forgettable season in terms of choreography and contestants is season 8 for me. Well, and also seasons 1 and 13, but I don't think those really count. Seasons 9 and 15 weren't anything special either (although I can name more contestants and routines from season 9 than season 15). Season 14 had super strong soloists and group routines, even if not always the best duets. Season 16 had a power couple in Bailey/Mariah which helped a lot (Bailey in general was the bright spot of that season, for me).

Edited August 17, 2022 by displayname

[realdancemom]

3 hours ago, displayname said:

No it's tWitch and Joshua's Trepak. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo4tyxXymgc

I think the most forgettable season in terms of choreography and contestants is season 8 for me. Well, and also seasons 1 and 13, but I don't think those really count. Seasons 9 and 15 weren't anything special either (although I can name more contestants and routines from season 9 than season 15). Season 14 had super strong soloists and group routines, even if not always the best duets. Season 16 had a power couple in Bailey/Mariah which helped a lot (Bailey in general was the bright spot of that season, for me).

That's what I get for guessing.  That and I don't immediately think of Joshua as a street dancer even though he is.  He was well rounded.

Even seasons that are not as strong have good moments.  A lot of people don't think this season was good but we got some excellent contemporary even if it's just one of the contestants in the duet  and that great samba.  I also like good soloists like Jim, the ballet dancer, and a lot of the hip hop specialists.

[Mason]

1 hour ago, realdancemom said:

Even seasons that are not as strong have good moments.  

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

[displayname]

Anything goes!

Season 2:

Heidi/Benji Mambo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAVDRaMkwB4

Season 3:

Danny Tidwell Solos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJjoku8j7-E

Danny/Lacey Samba: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUxHrMgg8V0

Danny/Lacey Viennese Waltz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmXWhaSYpYU

Neil/Lauren Jazz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7JMnlnj_-0

Season 4:

Jessica and Will Contemporary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7IAvlt16e4

Gev and Courtney Rumba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW4-k5SOjuw

Comfort and tWitch Hip hop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRkiCKXdB-U

Joshua/Katee Contemporary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSeUkYipoPA

Season 5:

Jeanine Mason Solos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30ebOk78duk

Brandon/Janette Argentine Tango: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WorTQaDQAI

Brandon/Janette Jazz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5pnRgH65wk

Kayla/Kupono Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ-1cq8ibwg

Melissa/Ade Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfmdDeCcatY

Jeanine/Philip Lyrical Hip Hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ2d8RS8h-s

Season 6:

Ellenore/Ryan Broadway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijdO_B2NRT0

Kathryn/Ryan Samba: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5oGak0urBw

Jakob/Ashleigh Lyrical Jazz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcx6tndnHTE

Ellenore Scott solos (doesn't have a compilation, but all of them, especially Beatbox Harmonica and Hajnal). Legacy's solos as well.

Russell/Noelle Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snGnz5VCo6U

Russell/Lil C Krump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjbJ9yzDrEc

Season 7:

Comfort/Adechike Lyrical Hip Hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DPjrh2wSIM

Lauren/Kent Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1t7VJ1jX4

Lauren/Billy Jazz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1t7VJ1jX4

Lauren/tWitch Hip Hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AFSaNZq7h8

Multiple solos from Lauren, Alex, Billy, and Adechike, and this Vegas solo from Lauren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=241fpIgySbs

Alice in Mia Land: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HaDe6rOxJw

Lauren/Pasha Cha Cha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXzYipr1SME

 

Edited August 17, 2022 by displayname

[displayname]

Season 8:

Clarice/Jess Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzZDheXkBz0

Lauren/Marko Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMX_12q_BDA

Sasha/tWitch Lyrical Hip Hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyG8Ex7aAng

Melanie Moore solos

Season 9: (Liked more than I remembered! And a great season for just plain hip hop)

Eliana/Ryan Quickstep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff11H-XUAuc

Cole/Allison Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz0TByNGB2Q

Comfort/Cyrus Animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5kAN-V85xc

Cyrus/tWitch Hip Hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcD8mBv16jQ

Eliana/Alex Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YwvRFdXMoY

Eliana/Cole Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpe-QU867xE

Witney/tWitch Hip Hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y8R8HBkHuo

Eliana/Alex Contemporary #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACVbp339CZk

Animation Group Routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag2sfN4g7Ns

Amber/Brandon Jazz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkzd4TyJb04

Huh. And also solos from Eliana and Cyrus. y'know, I'd have been fine with Cyrus winning, and I'm happy with Eliana winning now, lol.

Season 10:

Jenna/Mark Kpop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA_pLECBQ6k

Paul/Makenzie Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnn9L7XVTSc

Jasmine/Marko Jazz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9tEbjFWvxQ

Jasmine/Comfort Hip Hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvSEtQY1qpE

Aaron/Jasmine Hip Hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6gzxHYoYMo

Fik-Shun/tWitch Hip Hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCb_UOakEQI

Fik-Shun is probably my favorite soloist ever from the show, look up his Busta Rhymes one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z5aUUfcrfY

Hayley/Malece/Carlos Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HLDrOBML2E

Top 20 Group Routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdwjm8hzRmA

Season 11:

Ricky/Jessica Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCMFzIbTmfU

Tanisha/Rudy Hip Hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpqkUJ5lef0

Jessica/Casey Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSXsxdWifTU

Serge/Carly Hip Hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18JkeDBSgek

Zak/Aaron Tap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXpQ12xKHzM

Zak/Fikshun Hip Hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srYZrzojxI8

Can't find some routines, but there are compilations on a channel. Zak and Ricky solos.

Season 12 (lol what a strange season):

Jaja/Ricky Broadway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAq9Zt6g3hY

Edson/Megz Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u4Tu7sFeaU

Edson/Jaime Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_Gq2cNgZQY

Jaja/Cyrus Animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GWSinH-QmE

Jaja Solos.

Season 13:

Kida/Fikshun hip hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG35-3S1pNA

Season 14:

Lex/Koine Broadway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiHSHby6_V4

Koine/Marko Contemporary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Udg3W9r_kC4

Mark/Comfort Jazz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLtQUX4dU5o

Kaylee/Cyrus Contemporary (DKLA) and Mark/Comfort Hip Hop (REDMERCEDES) (no individual video found)

My memory's fading, but I compiled all of them here! https://forums.primetimer.com/topic/61559-s14e15-the-finale/?do=findComment&comment=3673739

Think Mark just wasn't to my taste, but appreciate the routines I've linked, and Comfort's always amazing.

Season 15:

Have no memory of anything except that Lauren from season 7 came back and did a jazz with someone.

Season 16:

Bailey/Mariah routines together.

Bailey/Koine Broadway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCKUor_CjbI

Bailey/Comfort hip hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpBCpc19I-A

Bailey/Gino Broadway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftdi9TaqTVQ

Season 17: Alexis/Keaton Contemporary, Alexis/Carter Samba

Edited August 18, 2022 by displayname

[Mason]

SYTYCD Canada: House Style!!

Season 1: Lise & Vincent

Season 2 Tara Jean & Everett

And the "costumes" were both cheap and absolutely on.

[Mason]

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)

Edited August 19, 2022 by Mason

[hula-la]

Thanks for the walk down memory lane! One of my favourites was Allison and Ivan’s contemporary. 

And this one from Donyelle and Benji, because it’s fun and I wish her health. 

[Melonie77]

15 hours ago, realdancemom said:

Katee was so good.  Season 4 had so many good contestants.  But LOL on mentioning the Russian dance.  The other hip hop guy must have been Gev.  But when you mentioned Russian dance, I thought you meant the awful one on Season 5 that poor Jeanine and Phillip had to do.  Glad Jeanine was able to recover from that and win that season.  Season 5 is another good season.

14 hours ago, displayname said:

No it's tWitch and Joshua's Trepak. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo4tyxXymgc

Yes it was Twitch and Joshua's Trepak that I was referring to. What a dance! I was surprised to see this type of routine as it hasn't been done since I've been watching live. I noted the judges and dancers discussed how difficult it was and was amazed at the heights they leapt to. I also enjoyed how they staged it as a 'fight' between the two men and enjoyed getting a much longer look at their preparation for the routine.

Edited August 18, 2022 by Melonie77

[Melonie77]

@displayname
Thanks so much for setting this up - it's a great place to discuss the series and share our favorites! I'll be back to explore and add to this thread over the next couple of days.😁

[displayname]

18 hours ago, hula-la said:

Thanks for the walk down memory lane! One of my favourites was Allison and Ivan’s contemporary. 

Tyce always did this random, gorgeous Contemporary every season, lol. That turning split leap into the attitude turn from Allison is still amazing.

Edited August 18, 2022 by displayname

[HerkyJerky]

On 8/17/2022 at 5:41 PM, Mason said:

SYTYCD Canada: House Style!!

Mason, I've never seen this before!  Thanks so much for posting.  Does anybody know where we can watch more SYTYCD Canada?

[displayname]

I love Gev Manoukian's solos!

[realdancemom]

Trying to pick routines that haven't been mentioned yet. 

Season 3 Two Princes

Season 5 Jeanine and Brandon Pop Jazz - just thought this was a fun routine

Season 6 Jakob and Kathryn Contemporary

Season 7 Alex and Twitch hip hop - love this since Alex came in as a ballet dancer

Season 8 Tadd and Lauren with a fun jazz

Season 9 Cole and Lindsay Paso Doble - admit that I was rooting for Cole as the guy winner

Season 11 Tanisha and Rudy jazz

Season 12 Jim and Alex

Jim and Jaja's solos

Season 14 - I remember that I was rooting for Koine and there was a closet dance with hangers.  Can't find a link

Lex and Travis

Edited August 22, 2022 by realdancemom

[displayname]

20 minutes ago, realdancemom said:

Season 14 - I remember that I was rooting for Koine and there was a closet dance with hangers.  Can't find a link

No I linked! Koine/Marko Contemporary:

[displayname]

Also just leaving this here so we can all be confused together once again about why they didn't just make a top 12 in season 7, since they already did a top 11.

[realdancemom]

Season 3 Hok and Jaimie Hummingbird.  I meant to mention this earlier.

Edited August 22, 2022 by realdancemom

[White Dog]

Season 3 SYTYCD Canada my all time fave Luther Brown Hip hop this had all the best movement and swag. Just incredible 

Edited August 20, 2022 by White Dog

[White Dog]

Billy Bell the guy Nigel loved to hate. This was a performance of importance and Mia said it all. Season 7

[White Dog]

Season 6  Sonya Tayeh is one of those choreographers who brings a very modern sensibility to her pieces. When she gets great dancers magic happens. Ellenore and Jakob were the class of that season and this was for me the choreographer’s best work ever on the show. It still leaves a mark as to the affects of  toxic relationships

[HerkyJerky]

16 hours ago, realdancemom said:

Season 5 Jeanine and Brandon Pop Jazz

LOVE THIS!  And as an aside, we can't ever complain about Leah Remini's judging again after listening to Ellen DeGeneres' "commentary".  UGH!

[White Dog]

Season 11. Wave - boys Routine - I always looked forward to Travis WallS choreography. He always brought the unexpected. Wave was a haunting piece that utilized all of the dancer’s strengths and then some. And Becks music was perfect to depict lost souls at sea. 
 

[realdancemom]

On 8/20/2022 at 6:54 AM, White Dog said:

Season 6  Sonya Tayeh is one of those choreographers who brings a very modern sensibility to her pieces. When she gets great dancers magic happens. Ellenore and Jakob were the class of that season and this was for me the choreographer’s best work ever on the show. It still leaves a mark as to the affects of  toxic relationships

Love Sonya and miss her choreography on this show.  Here's Season 4 with Mark and Courtney.  

I already linked Rudy/Tanisha above and displayname linked Allison/Cole's routine which I loved.

[White Dog]

The same night of Travis’ Wave we got a very sweet contemporary from Jessica Richens and Casey Askew It was a good night for Casey he was saved from certain elimination -not only was he in the Boys group routine he and Jessica got a standing ovation for the duet.  I just absolutely loved the lighter touch of this from Travis -the Romance  rather than raw lust or the grime of dark obsession. it’s more a puppy love that can be just as beautiful, especially when the music  informs the movement so well. I think this also really appealed to the youth in the audience who might be waiting to get that thunderbolt of a first kiss. Could these two be a more perfect Romeo and Juliet? They were straight out of central casting for this

[realdancemom]

25 minutes ago, White Dog said:

The same night of Travis’ Wave we got a very sweet contemporary from Jessica Richens and Casey Askew It was a good night for Casey he was saved from certain elimination -not only was he in the Boys group routine he and Jessica got a standing ovation for the duet.  I just absolutely loved the lighter touch of this from Travis -the Romance  rather than raw lust or the grime of dark obsession. it’s more a puppy love that can be just as beautiful, especially when the music  informs the movement so well. I think this also really appealed to the youth in the audience who might be waiting to get that thunderbolt of a first kiss. Could these two be a more perfect Romeo and Juliet? They were straight out of central casting for this

I think Jessica would have been eliminated if it wasn't for this routine.  She was known for being a black widow since her two previous partners were eliminated when she and they landed at the bottom.  I admit I was a little bitter since she landed in the bottom a few times but was always saved by Nigel and co.  I didn't think she should have lasted longer than either Carly or Tanisha.  Carly was eliminated when it was only the first time she landed at the bottom.

[displayname]

1 hour ago, realdancemom said:

I think Jessica would have been eliminated if it wasn't for this routine.  She was known for being a black widow since her two previous partners were eliminated when she and they landed at the bottom.  I admit I was a little bitter since she landed in the bottom a few times but was always saved by Nigel and co.  I didn't think she should have lasted longer than either Carly or Tanisha.  Carly was eliminated when it was only the first time she landed at the bottom.

I think they'd have kept Jessica based on potential. She really was a brilliant dancer. Carly was also amazing, though, I wish Valerie had landed in the bottom, or that woman who'd been paired with Emilio (Bridget?).

I actually don't care for Casey's performance in that duet, he's just kind of there, even if a very supportive partner. But I do love the routine's choreography, and Jessica was amazing in it.

[realdancemom]

2 hours ago, displayname said:

I think they'd have kept Jessica based on potential. She really was a brilliant dancer. Carly was also amazing, though, I wish Valerie had landed in the bottom, or that woman who'd been paired with Emilio (Bridget?).

I actually don't care for Casey's performance in that duet, he's just kind of there, even if a very supportive partner. But I do love the routine's choreography, and Jessica was amazing in it.

Even if you're a brilliant dancer though, they usually eliminate you if you've been in the bottom three times especially with three different partners.  That means that the audience doesn't relate to you.  I do agree about Valerie and Bridget.  Valerie was only top female and 2nd place because she was paired with Ricky.  And I really only remember Jessica being great in contemporary but not other styles.  Maybe, she was good in jazz but not in hip hop or ballroom.

Edited August 22, 2022 by realdancemom

[White Dog]

To each their own. I thought Jessica was a brilliant contemporary and a thrilling Jazz dancer. I still remember how she could stop her turns on a dime of course right on the beat for emphasis. Her solos were riveting. She  had issues with some other styles but I really didn’t care because I  watch this show for Contemporary and Jazz not so much Ballroom because unless you are a ballroom specialist everyone cheats the style. Most past winners were terrible at ballroom like Ricky, who also sucked at hip hop in season 11 but he was brilliant at contemporary. Or Joshua and Katie did a horrible  Samba in season 4 but was praised because I guess they were top girl and boy. Similarly FikShin and Amy sucked hard on a Viennese Waltz but nobody cared. Lex had a craptastic Samba with Gaby but they tired to hide it with some African jazz movement. Danny Tidwell went to the bottom 3 times having to dance for his life after ballroom specialist partner Anya went home after a ballroom dance His hip hop was so bad it was mocked. And yet he is remembered for being brilliant when he infused Samba with ballet. It was entertaining and sexual but it was thin on Samba. The original Max and Yulias Hip Hip Chin Chin was Latin ballroom  Danny and Lacey did cute choreography. I still love him for his solos and his contemporary dance. Absolutely beautiful.
 

So yeah, I’m not a fan of fans of this show who just roll over ballroom, but that’s what most of the winners have done on this show. Until this season. It’s been a long time coming. For those who hated this season I feel that they just don’t appreciate ballroom enough to enjoy the winner like they have loved contemporary or hip hop winners in the past.
 

Casey I agree wasn’t much on the show, he was like Robert Roldan just sort of there and way over rated until he got older and more experienced in front of the camera.

Edited August 23, 2022 by White Dog

[displayname]

10 hours ago, realdancemom said:

Even if you're a brilliant dancer though, they usually eliminate you if you've been in the bottom three times especially with three different partners.  That means that the audience doesn't relate to you.  I do agree about Valerie and Bridget.  Valerie was only top female and 2nd place because she was paired with Ricky.  And I really only remember Jessica being great in contemporary but not other styles.  Maybe, she was good in jazz but not in hip hop or ballroom.

Jessica wasn't in the bottom three times, season 11 was one of the seasons where you could vote for partners in a pairing separately. She was in the bottom during top 14, where (I do agree) she was saved shockingly over Carly, but she did have the better duet that night. I actually linked Carly/Serge's Luther Brown Hip Hop upthread.

I think Jessica was good at jazz and contemporary, I remember her being better than Ricky in their jazz duet together. But yes, she wasn't good at hip hop and ballroom (although I enjoyed her performance in the west coast swing, to the point that it became a guilty pleasure lol).

Speaking of Season 11, I liked a few more Tanisha, Rudy, Ricky, and Zak performances. I indulged myself with a few seasons, but not the others (season 9 was the one I forced myself to look closely at since I found all the videos, unlike seasons 11-16). I'll probably add more later.

Edited August 23, 2022 by displayname

[realdancemom]

4 hours ago, displayname said:

Jessica wasn't in the bottom three times, season 11 was one of the seasons where you could vote for partners in a pairing separately. She was in the bottom during top 14, where (I do agree) she was saved shockingly over Carly, but she did have the better duet that night. I actually linked Carly/Serge's Luther Brown Hip Hop upthread.

I think Jessica was good at jazz and contemporary, I remember her being better than Ricky in their jazz duet together. But yes, she wasn't good at hip hop and ballroom (although I enjoyed her performance in the west coast swing, to the point that it became a guilty pleasure lol).

Speaking of Season 11, I liked a few more Tanisha, Rudy, Ricky, and Zak performances. I indulged myself with a few seasons, but not the others (season 9 was the one I forced myself to look closely at since I found all the videos, unlike seasons 11-16). I'll probably add more later.

Sorry, I just remember Jessica's partners leaving and she was known as the black widow.  I remembered wrong that she was at the bottom that many times.  I do remember that her routines with her previous partners were not good/memorable which is probably why her partners were in the bottom.  She had a beautiful contemporary with Ricky and then she had this contemporary with Casey.  While like you mentioned, Carly had a good hip hop with Serge and had previously good routines with him.  I do agree that Jessica had the better routine than Carly that night.  And after I wrote what I did last night, I remembered that I liked her jazz solos especially since we sometimes get a lot of contemporary girls where their solos tend to look the same.

White Dog, I thought Lex was great at contemporary and a great soloist.  Also good at hip hop, tap, and jazz (although honestly I don't remember any of his jazz routines).  He was not good at ballroom or even a good partner.  I was rooting for Koine that year.  I thought she was more versatile and elevated her partnerships. 

[displayname]

11 minutes ago, realdancemom said:

White Dog, I thought Lex was great at contemporary and a great soloist.  Also good at hip hop, tap, and jazz (although honestly I don't remember any of his jazz routines).  He was not good at ballroom or even a good partner.  I was rooting for Koine that year.  I thought she was more versatile and elevated her partnerships. 

I agree with this. While I was rooting for Lex because I liked his solos more, Koine in retrospect would have been the better "SYTYCD" winner. She was a beautiful performer. She even had beautiful musicality in her solos, even if they tended to be choreographed in a rather forgettable manner. And she did well in all genres (I don't remember her doing hip hop though).

Lex had this jazz piece with Taylor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMSbCnwrbjY

(can't find the original version during the competition, so it's the finale version)

I quite liked the way his body moves in that piece. He also did a broadway piece with Gaby https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1YYchORTs8 where I think he completely outdanced her technically.

One thing I remember is that he used to slip around when he wore shoes on stage. Strange.

Edited August 23, 2022 by displayname

[realdancemom]

2 hours ago, displayname said:

I agree with this. While I was rooting for Lex because I liked his solos more, Koine in retrospect would have been the better "SYTYCD" winner. She was a beautiful performer. She even had beautiful musicality in her solos, even if they tended to be choreographed in a rather forgettable manner. And she did well in all genres (I don't remember her doing hip hop though).

One thing I remember is that he used to slip around when he wore shoes on stage. Strange.

Koine was good at hip hop even though she and Marko never did a hip hop duet (or I forgot that they did).  Don't know why since they would have killed it.  Since the All Stars were heavily involved in Season 14, it had really great group routines.  Some of them were hip hop and you can see Koine do well in those.

Don't remember that about Lex but LOL on the memory.  Even though I was rooting for Koine, I can see why Lex won.  He really is/was brilliant in contemporary and he did have better solos. 

Edited August 23, 2022 by realdancemom

[White Dog]

I agree ! Koine was the most versatile female, and for me she should have won, hands down. But again the viewing audience is more into daring leaps and tricks instead of solid technique. Lex is an original and beautiful in contemporary and amazing in tap which took him outside of the norm. Koine has since become an amazing Latin ballroom dancer, has been on the DWTS tour and keeps house with Kiki Nemchuck. It was cute to read how sexy she thought her paramour was with Alexis on that Argentine Tango when some on this forum think Kiki has no sex appeal whatsoever. Koine begs to differ!  Anyway she can go hard in hip hop and that was never shown on the show. But she is also magnificent in contemporary and the piece she did with Marco was just everything. It leaves a lump in my throat every time I see it. Whether it’s a break up or maybe a death that causes her to disappear, it just depicts possibly the loneliness and profoundly saddest time in our life.  Yep, it’s probably my favourite routine of season 14 

Edited August 23, 2022 by White Dog

[White Dog]

And speaking of solos yes Lex did mind blowing performances, but this solo from Koine in the top 10 made me take notice because it was so creative and not the usual contemporary girl

Edited August 23, 2022 by White Dog

[displayname]

5 hours ago, realdancemom said:

He really is/was brilliant in contemporary and he did have better solos. 

And it's not even just he who had amazing solos that season.

I think all these dancers were special soloists in their own way. For me, it'll always be amazing how Logan could effortlessly build moves out of nowhere (like that leap out of the toe rise at 4:24, or the switch leap out of the turns he does later in the same solo). Or how he and Lex both used bboying in their solos, going perfectly with the music. The sheer range of movement and control Lex showed in any solo. Or Kiki and Mark's showmanship. Great season for solos.

Dassy's Soundclash and Kaylee's hip hop infused solos also deserve a mention.

[Melonie77]

I'm finally getting back here to this thread to watch some great dances!
I'm glad to see our other prior posts were included in this section to keep the previous season/favorites discussions all together.

💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻

I'm not a dancer so please excuse my lack of knowledge on dance technique in my commentaries. I do have an art background and see dance as art in motion. 

[Melonie77]

On 8/15/2022 at 1:23 PM, displayname said:

Jessica and Will Contemporary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7IAvlt16e4

Gev and Courtney Rumba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW4-k5SOjuw

Comfort and tWitch Hip hop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRkiCKXdB-U

@Displayname, I can see why these are some of your favorites!
That first contemp by Tyce Diorio was amazing. I loved how Jessica and Will appeared to merge into one dancer by remaining so physically connected. It was a very sensual dance and I almost felt like I was intruding by watching!

That Rumba gave me goosebumps. Courtney's gorgeous fluid rhythm and lines were fabulous and her dress emphasized this. I also loved the song choice and enjoy when the choreographers use older songs.

Love the Comfort and Twitch dance. I'll wait until I see all the earlier hip hop dancers from the seasons I have not watched before declaring a favorite but these two are at the top for me now. In this dance I love the moves that make them look like they are puppeteering each other. 

[Melonie77]

On 8/19/2022 at 2:26 PM, displayname said:

I love Gev Manoukian's solos!

WOW!! He's terrific!!!! What a ball of energy!

What season was he on?