S14.E11: Top 8 Perform

[Electruck]

5 hours ago, WhineandCheez said:

She looked great in those pants--she has a muscular build--her butt looked great-- and in a cha cha dress she might not fare well, as she did not fare well in the long velvet dress (made from curtains?) I hope she loses the blue hair--for me seeing that unnatural color takes me out of the dance.

I'm pretty sure my recent uptick in glute work in the gym was inspired by Kaylee's butt. Hers is my butt goal.

I *loved* Kaylee's audition. If she goes out next week, I hope she gets to go out after a great, memorable routine. Then after the tour, she can go on the road with Pink.

[helpmerhonda]

I feel like I am just going to copy and paste this here every week until it happens - Stop trying to make Kiki happen, Show. Yuck.

[Jobiska]

The fingerprints all over the plexiglass were I suppose inevitable, but ruined it for me every time the light caught them.  It also reminded me of a finale number I once saw (Pilobolus?) where in addition to showing the fingerprints, every now and then the sheets would be moved in a way that caught the spotlights and reflected them right into my eyes unpredictably.  

I have always thought Fik-Shun seems like the sweetest person, and after Dassy was cut, the way he was consoling her just looked so authentic and her-centered instead of self-centered.  I guess she was never going to win but both their personalities shone for me so I'm sad to lose her.

The Liechtenstein-made-3D-and-flesh makeup just looked horrible and wrong and creepy to me.  

[Nessie]

Every time I read these boards I feel like I must be one of the very few who like Kiki.  It's certainly not because of Jenna, because I'm pretty meh on her.  But of course, there must be many voting for him since he hasn't hit the bottom 3 yet (and it isn't me, since I haven't voted since they switched to texting).  I actually don't dislike any of the contestants.  Koine is my favorite...my heart hurt when she was in the bottom 3 last night.

On 8/29/2017 at 7:09 AM, ElectricBoogaloo said:

Mark K's opening number was so fun. I would love to see more choreographers brought in who have very stylized choreography. To me, that routine was so specific, similar to the way that Fosse had a very specific style. Right now the show has different dance categories but they tend to look similar. I mean, how often have you seen a jazz or lyrical hip hop routine that could have passed for a contemporary routine? I know that there's some overlap in certain styles but there have definitely been times over the years when I watched a dance and thought it was one thing (like Broadway, for example) and it turned out that the show was calling it something else (like jazz). I'm already so tired of how similar all the contemporary dances look, but when you add in the jazz and lyrical hip hop dances that look similar (especially if you take away the costumes/props and mute the music so that all you focus on is the actual choreography), a lot of the routines blend together. At this point, Bollywood, disco, and tap are three of the only styles that you would never mistake for something else.

This reminds me of something my mom and I were talking about last week.  I wish the show would teach us what to look for in the different dance styles.  Like, what are the main differences between contemporary and jazz (sometimes, the only difference I see on this show is that in jazz, they wear shoes).  What makes a rumba different from a tango?  What should I be looking for in krump, beyond it being "buck"?  For someone with no dance background like me, this would be incredibly helpful, but I know this will never happen, because then they couldn't rave over a wonderful hip hop that actually had very little hip hop content, according to you knowledgeable folk on here. (rereading this, I realize it could come off as sarcasm towards ya'll.  It is not meant that way at all.  Although I just started posting, I have been reading this board for years and know that many of you are dancers and have much more knowledge than I have and give it generously, and for that I thank you.)

(I actually feel like they did this in an early season, but I could be thinking about another dance show, or I could be making this up entirely.  I am on nighttime sinus meds right now, and about ready to pass out.)

On 8/29/2017 at 10:27 AM, Keekski said:

I knew that opening routine was Mark's and I was so damn excited about it! Vanessa Hudgens is the worst ever. Ugh. When Nigel mentioned loving seeing the contestants preform with each other like is past seasons, I wanted to throw my shoe at the TV! DUH! Why did they change the format?!

All of this.  I also agree with the poster (sorry, I don't remember who) who said that Nigel was throwing shade at Fox when he made that comment.

On 8/28/2017 at 11:21 PM, Andie1 said:

 I agree she won't win, but she's definitely what this is supposed to be about. .

Can I ask what you mean by this?  I'm not trying to be argumentative, but this show has always been about finding America's favorite dancer.  By that definition, whoever wins is "what this is supposed to be about."

Edited August 31, 2017 by Nessie
clarification of a point

[Andie1]

52 minutes ago, Nessie said:

Can I ask what you man by this?  I'm not trying to be argumentative, but this show has always been about finding America's favorite dancer.

For me, I guess for the final tally for the contest part of it, the "fave" is important,  but if it was only about a "favorite dancer" then it might as well be Dancing with the Stars because that show is only about how well a minor celebrity can work a fan base regardless of dance training or lack thereof. But this show is trying to promote dance on a professional level where these folks will actually end up working in dance, so while a fan base is important to get yourself promoted, just as important is the industry watching the dancers and looking for potential hires.  So the question is, why have the dancers do different styles out of their comfort zone? Besides the fact that it's a real test of ability to dance credibly at a pro level in another style, at a minimum this show is celebrating one that can at least handle a few styles out of their genre, so they can be versatile enough to work on Broadway, in commercials, in movies, in videos, and of course as pros on DWTS.

4 hours ago, luvthepros said:

On 2017-08-28 at 11:21 PM, Andie1 said:

  A ballroom boy and a contemporary girl...

 

The ballroom boy is Denys Drozdyuk. He won.

.

 

Indeed. I voted for him.  I loved that season because it showcased a guy who was great in ballroom and fairly credible in other styles.  Too bad he had such a poor showing on World of Dance - he must have been out of "lift" practice, since he and wife have been on the pro circuit.

[hula-la]

1 hour ago, Nessie said:

 

This reminds me of something my mom and I were talking about last week.  I wish the show would teach us what to look for in the different dance styles.  Like, what are the main differences between contemporary and jazz (sometimes, the only difference I see on this show is that in jazz, they wear shoes).  What makes a rumba different from a tango?  What should I be looking for in krump, beyond it being "buck"?  For someone with no dance background like me, this would be incredibly helpful, but I know this will never happen, because then they couldn't rave over a wonderful hip hop that actually had very little hip hop content, according to you knowledgeable folk on here. (rereading this, I realize it could come off as sarcasm towards ya'll.  It is not meant that way at all.  Although I just started posting, I have been reading this board for years and know that many of you are dancers and have much more knowledge than I have and give it generously, and for that I thank you.)

(I actually feel like they did this in an early season, but I could be thinking about another dance show, or I could be making this up entirely.  I am on nighttime sinus meds right now, and about ready to pass out.)

 

I agree with you (and you didn't come off sarcastic). In the early, early seasons, they had on judges who would actually give critiques, and I felt like I was learning about dance. I know my style of dance, but want to learn about others, so that I can better appreciate dance in all its forms. That's what was hoping would happen on WOD, and it sorely didn't. 

[Andie1]

10 hours ago, Tikichick said:

That blame is Kaylee's, not Travis'.

Well it seems that if the show wants to highlight a dancer the choreographer plays to the strengths of the individual. On the one hand I agree that Kaylee doesn't belong in the world of alien extensions, but on the other, Kaylee has other strengths that Travis chose not to highlight. My point is Kiki would never be cast as the shadow to Logan because his lack of technique would be even more evident and that's not something they can afford to do with a favorite. Kaylee has a wonderfully expressive face that was deliberately hidden. Choreographers want to put her in hideous outfits to further remove any semblance of femininity.  She may not have a great line, but she was dressed like a frump, not in at least a tight fitting leotard least she look too sexy...and she has strength and conviction that was just removed completely because if he did choreograph to her strength it would overshadow Logan. Moreover, she handled a Cha Cha remarkably well, but again, she's dressed in androgynous attire, and she has Cyrus who gives her nothing to work with so she invents cheeky and sassy all on her own with no framing from her partner, or a sexy exposed leg movement  to reveal strong hip action, or flirty sequins and fringe that assist the movement, and that is all on the choreographer.  She got a great song to dance to, and that's about it. Women should not have to dress like men to command R-E-S-P-E-C-T.   Fans may need to save her next week since the show doesn't love her.

Edited August 30, 2017 by Andie1

[Percysowner]

10 hours ago, helpmerhonda said:

I feel like I am just going to copy and paste this here every week until it happens - Stop trying to make Kiki happen, Show. Yuck.

The thing is, Kiki's performances are among the most watched on Youtube. This week both of his performances did well. His performance with Koine got 15,000 more views than her routine with Marco.  Kiki is happening whether we like it or not. Now this week, Lex dancing in his own style had his video shoot to the top of the pile, so I do think talent will overcome whatever charisma Kiki has, but he does have a following. To be fair, unlike other years where certain "street" dancers had choreography that let them not move much while their partner danced around them (Hi Twitch and the bed dance and the door dance and Cyrus for many dances. I love you both you had charisma out the wazoo) Kiki is putting in the work to learn the steps and dance. He may not be technically great, but he's not bad, IMHO. He's working his behind off and people like him.

[WhineandCheez]

Quote

Nigel said something awful about Taylor being sweet and then being "dirty." Nigel's Madonna/Whore complex strikes again. Ick. He's so...leery.

Ewww.  Isn't she like 19?  At least he hasn't done any of the disparaging of a gay guy's masculinity this season (yet).

[Tikichick]

8 hours ago, Andie1 said:

Well it seems that if the show wants to highlight a dancer the choreographer plays to the strengths of the individual. On the one hand I agree that Kaylee doesn't belong in the world of alien extensions, but on the other, Kaylee has other strengths that Travis chose not to highlight. My point is Kiki would never be cast as the shadow to Logan because his lack of technique would be even more evident and that's not something they can afford to do with a favorite. Kaylee has a wonderfully expressive face that was deliberately hidden. Choreographers want to put her in hideous outfits to further remove any semblance of femininity.  She may not have a great line, but she was dressed like a frump, not in at least a tight fitting leotard least she look too sexy...and she has strength and conviction that was just removed completely because if he did choreograph to her strength it would overshadow Logan. Moreover, she handled a Cha Cha remarkably well, but again, she's dressed in androgynous attire, and she has Cyrus who gives her nothing to work with so she invents cheeky and sassy all on her own with no framing from her partner, or a sexy exposed leg movement  to reveal strong hip action, or flirty sequins and fringe that assist the movement, and that is all on the choreographer.  She got a great song to dance to, and that's about it. Women should not have to dress like men to command R-E-S-P-E-C-T.   Fans may need to save her next week since the show doesn't love her.

I agree.  But the part I am laying at Kaylee's feet is her failure to extend her lines properly.  That is not something a choreographer should have to adjust to fit a dancer, especially when they entered under the banner of contemporary specialist.  That is not only what will hold her back on the show, it will hold her back from working professionally, period.

While I agree that women should not have to dress like men to command respect, I think that costume was in fact intended to do her a favor by recognizing that she doesn't conform to a girlie girl style -- and may have in fact camouflaged some of her technical flaws as well.  I think that dance was designed very much to show her off to her best advantage -- it even managed not to make me want to cover my eyes at the  sight of Cyrus doing ballroom, cha cha, which is supposed to have light, quick feet.

[displayname]

11 minutes ago, Tikichick said:

That is not only what will hold her back on the show, it will hold her back from working professionally, period

This is the one part I don't really agree with. Kaylee probably will never market herself as a "Contemporary" specialist outside of this show -- or at least she shouldn't. Her fusion style is unique and she should definitely work on perfecting it, and marketing herself as a commercial/fusion dancer.

I do agree that she's the weakest "Contemporary" dancer in terms of classical technique, though.

Edited August 30, 2017 by fan94

[Tikichick]

24 minutes ago, fan94 said:

This is the one part I don't really agree with. Kaylee probably will never market herself as a "Contemporary" specialist outside of this show -- or at least she shouldn't. Her fusion style is unique and she should definitely work on perfecting it, and marketing herself as a commercial/fusion dancer.

I do agree that she's the weakest "Contemporary" dancer in terms of classical technique, though.

You may be right.  I simply think it's better to be a more versatile all around dancer and be able to cast a wider net, because dancing jobs aren't numerous, or notoriously well paid. 

Why it bugs me so much is the fact that she is trained, so she knows to extend her lines -- and has probably been given the correction numerous times.  To me it points to a dancer who is stubborn, thinking things should bend to them -- rather than the dancer striving to achieve what is called for.  Her fusion style to me isn't so incredibly unique where she should have the attitude she knows more than the choreographers or those making the artistic decisions.  But of course that's why I had issues with animation being thrown into pieces Cyrus was assigned as a competitor, and many others over the years as well.  Kiki is vulnerable to this as well, as he tends to perform in contemporary pieces as a ballroom partner, which is stylistically incorrect and should be called out.

[luvthepros]

On 8/29/2017 at 10:27 AM, Keekski said:

.....When Nigel mentioned loving seeing the contestants preform with each other like is past seasons, I wanted to throw my shoe at the TV! DUH! Why did they change the format?!

From what I have read, I think FOX insisted on this season's format. I believe Nigel wanted to start with a Top 20 but he didn't get what he wanted due to the network brass. Nigel agreed to the current format to keep this show on our TV screens.

[displayname]

20 hours ago, Tikichick said:

Why it bugs me so much is the fact that she is trained, so she knows to extend her lines -- and has probably been given the correction numerous times.  To me it points to a dancer who is stubborn, thinking things should bend to them -- rather than the dancer striving to achieve what is called for.  Her fusion style to me isn't so incredibly unique where she should have the attitude she knows more than the choreographers or those making the artistic decisions.  But of course that's why I had issues with animation being thrown into pieces Cyrus was assigned as a competitor, and many others over the years as well.  Kiki is vulnerable to this as well, as he tends to perform in contemporary pieces as a ballroom partner, which is stylistically incorrect and should be called out.

I'm not sure if she doesn't... or can't. I agree that she shouldn't have an attitude, but that's not what I get from what I see of her on TV. 

With SYTYCD, I think we should consider that the choreographers make dances suited specifically to the dancers, with the dancers in mind. That's what makes them so enjoyable to me. Cyrus doing animation and Kiki having ballroom posturing add something to the routine, just as much as they take away.

Edited August 31, 2017 by fan94

[Andie1]

3 hours ago, Percysowner said:

Kiki has, but he does have a following.

That following is cross over fans who are in love with the idea of Val and Jenna, and Val and Jenna are doing the utmost to accommodate the shippers.  And, since Kiki is FAM then it doesn't matter if danced like crap from here on in, he will have a following.  This guy was on DWTS but was forgettable, now his buddy Val along with his partner are trying to resurrect that career with fan girls.  It is a shame because there are others far more deserving.

Edited August 30, 2017 by Andie1

[luvthepros]

23 hours ago, LadyMustang65 said:

I was glad to hear Mary reference Hok and the hummingbird dance. 

It was Nigel who made reference to Hok. Lex blew me away with his dance with Taylor. NO ONE this season moves like Lex. He is a stunning dancer. I watched that dance three times in a row right after I saw it the first time. Just gorgeous!

[MissSunshine]

does anyone know why some of the contestants and their all star (mostly the all star) look so, so serious when the judges are giving their comments and praise? Sometimes they look even sad, but they're getting good remarks

[Andie1]

2 hours ago, Tikichick said:

I think that costume was in fact intended to do her a favor by recognizing that she doesn't conform to a girlie girl style -- and may have in fact camouflaged some of her technical flaws as well.

Maybe Kaylee is more comfortable in pants, but plain dark pants does little to cover her flaws, if anything it will play it up, wearing any pants in a cha cha other than fringe pants will make the movement static, it does less to accentuate hip action than fringe. She's got that hip action going by her technique alone, and Mary was duly impressed, but because it was rather a drab outfit compared to what they put Koine in it's doubtful she'll be recognized for having fairly good technique.  Ballroom dancers most always wear shiny objects and fringe in latin dances and  pros on DWTS will dress their contestants in fringe to appear as if they have great hips, when actually it's more the dress than the hips.

[Nessie]

12 hours ago, Andie1 said:

For me, I guess for the final tally for the contest part of it, the "fave" is important,  but if it was only about a "favorite dancer" then it might as well be Dancing with the Stars because that show is only about how well a minor celebrity can work a fan base regardless of dance training or lack thereof. But this show is trying to promote dance on a professional level where these folks will actually end up working in dance, so while a fan base is important to get yourself promoted, just as important is the industry watching the dancers and looking for potential hires.  So the question is, why have the dancers do different styles out of their comfort zone? Besides the fact that it's a real test of ability to dance credibly at a pro level in another style, at a minimum this show is celebrating one that can at least handle a few styles out of their genre, so they can be versatile enough to work on Broadway, in commercials, in movies, in videos, and of course as pros on DWTS.

Thanks for your answer.  The "favorite" dancer v/s "best" dancer debate every year makes me a little crazy.  When put like this, though, I see your point.  Knowing that you were referencing Koine, my favorite this season, in your original post, makes me agree with you. :-)

[displayname]

I think, a lot of the times, the favourite dancer has been the best dancer. Benji, Jeanine, LoFro, Ricky all come to mind. Gaby and Jaja both made it to the Top 2, as well. Rusell was really good, too, suffering only in comparison to Kathryn.

[MV007]

12 hours ago, Andie1 said:

 Choreographers want to put her in hideous outfits to further remove any semblance of femininity.  

Do we know this is the choreographers decision?  I think they have people in charge of costumes who I'm sure work hand in hand with the choreographers.  I also think its worth asking if Kaylee is part of the blame.  She has her own style and its not classically feminine.  I think a lot of it his her own decision making.

[realdancemom]

36 minutes ago, fan94 said:

I think, a lot of the times, the favourite dancer has been the best dancer. Benji, Jeanine, LoFro, Ricky all come to mind. Gaby and Jaja both made it to the Top 2, as well. Rusell was really good, too, suffering only in comparison to Kathryn.

Dance is subjective.  For example, my favorite in Season 6 was Jakob not Russell or Kathryn. 

[displayname]

I was talking more in terms of versatility, which is what the show makes it dancers want to have. (Which is also why I used "best" there. For me, favourite=whoever's chosen by the Audience.)

Edited August 30, 2017 by fan94

[realdancemom]

16 minutes ago, fan94 said:

I was talking more in terms of versatility, which is what the show makes it dancers want to have. (Which is also why I used "best" there. For me, favourite=whoever's chosen by the Audience.)

I did think that Jakob was versatile.  However, I don't remember how he was in ballroom.  I did like Kathryn too.  Ellenore was my favorite quirky contestant that year.

ETA - Kathryn was very versatile.  I think I mostly liked Jakob because I think his technique was far superior to hers.

Edited August 30, 2017 by realdancemom

[Tikichick]

1 hour ago, realdancemom said:

I did think that Jakob was versatile.  However, I don't remember how he was in ballroom.  I did like Kathryn too.  Ellenore was my favorite quirky contestant that year.

ETA - Kathryn was very versatile.  I think I mostly liked Jakob because I think his technique was far superior to hers.

For me Jakob was tops on the technique, but lacked in performance quality.  Kathryn had great technique and much better performance quality. 

Ellenore was simply divine -- and I would love to see her again!

[Tikichick]

3 hours ago, fan94 said:

I'm not sure if she doesn't... or can't. I agree that she shouldn't have an attitude, but that's not what I get from what I see of her on TV. 

With SYTYCD, I think we should consider that the choreographers make dances suited specifically to the dancers, with the dancers in mind. That's what makes them so enjoyable to me. Cyrus doing animation and Kiki having ballroom posturing adds something to the routine, just as much as it takes away.

Actually a lot of the dances are pieces the choreographers have, and sometimes do some tailoring for use on the show with certain dancers.  Some things are choreographed specifically for the show, and still tailored when it comes time to use them on the show. 

I don't know either if she does not or cannot extend her lines.  What I do know is that she should be capable of doing so with the training she had coming into the show, and it's not hard to see that it was called for in that number.  If I had to guess I would say that number happened to be a rather generic, serviceable piece Travis had locked and loaded for use on the show this season.  It didn't really break any new ground, it was simply more in the standard vein of contempo pieces that have often been featured on the show, even pieces by Travis.

Travis' showpiece that he was really invested in this week was the Jenna/Kiki number, and I don't know that for Travis it had anything to do with the dancers, rather his opportunity to show another color crayon he can color with for someone looking to hire a choreographer and have it filmed and lighted with costumes, makeup and props for his dance reel. 

[realdancemom]

12 minutes ago, Tikichick said:

For me Jakob was tops on the technique, but lacked in performance quality.  Kathryn had great technique and much better performance quality. 

Ellenore was simply divine -- and I would love to see her again!

I can agree with this.  Kathryn was a better performer than Jakob.  And I love Ellenore!!  I will say that I was predisposed to not like Kathryn at the beginning.  Her voice was whiney and she cried a lot.  So it's great that I was able to overlook that later.

[Tikichick]

Just now, realdancemom said:

I can agree with this.  Kathryn was a better performer than Jakob.  And I love Ellenore!!  I will say that I was predisposed to not like Kathryn at the beginning.  Her voice was whiney and she cried a lot.  So it's great that I was able to overlook that later.

I know what you mean.  I think the experience was initially very overwhelming for her.  I wondered at the time if she was feeling exceptionally under pressure because she came from the situation of mom owning a dance studio and the expectations weighed incredibly heavy on her, along with adjusting to the immense workload of the show and being on TV, which I don't think came naturally to her.  Ironically she found her way and came back to the show several times, and went on to movies and other prominent gigs.

Ellenore was simply a breath of fresh air and entirely unique.  I miss the days when they called in All Stars as specialists, because she returned I believe one time to the show.  I'm not sure she had the chops back then to be the completely versatile utility all star, but she could crush jazz and other styles as a specialist!

[cali1981]

On 8/29/2017 at 8:16 AM, CleverUserName975 said:

I loved Lex and Taylor in the American in Paris routine. I'm old and that music and the style is totally my jam (do the kids today still say that?). They're both so young but did so well playing characters and telling the story of young love/lust/infatuation. I have to give Taylor props for dancing with those eyelashes--yikes! They looked amazing but I'm thinking her eyelid muscles must have gotten quite the workout every time she blinked.

American in  Paris is such an iconic piece of music, one  of George Gershwin's best and seeing a routine danced to it on the show was a joy.  Nothing will ever compare to the fantastic finale in the movie with Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron but this number really rode the spirit of the music and Lex and Taylor were excellent.  There was of course "The Kiss" which was nice especially since the two kids have, apparently, been a couple for some time.

[Andie1]

6 hours ago, MV007 said:

Do we know this is the choreographers decision?  I think they have people in charge of costumes who I'm sure work hand in hand with the choreographers.  I also think its worth asking if Kaylee is part of the blame.  She has her own style and its not classically feminine.  I think a lot of it his her own decision making.

Well to compare on DWTS the pro is the choreographer and has  a big say in the costuming and set design and music.  I assumed it was a similar situation on SYTYCD but if it's not I stand corrected. 

[Andie1]

5 hours ago, Tikichick said:

For me Jakob was tops on the technique, but lacked in performance quality.  Kathryn had great technique and much better performance quality. 

Ellenore was simply divine -- and I would love to see her again!

Well the reason why I love these boards is that we can disagree!  I concur that Ellenore was a wonderful breath of fresh air. LOVED her!  However, my favorite was Jakob because of his impeccable Gene Kelly like technique, especially on a Viennese Waltz with Mollee and elevated her in the process.  The piece was far more American Smooth than International style because it wasn't in hold but my goodness, it was so beautiful wonderful continous movement.  And his partnering work was impeccable.  Kiki could learn a thing or two about smoothng out the lifts from a fairly small in stature man like Jakob.

 

And Performance Quality was never so incredible as his partnering with Ellenore especially on a Sonja Tayeh piece, he out did a quirky Mark Kannemura style by miles because again, the technique was so good, Mark wishes he could have that. Watching the way he moved his body as he and Ellenore danced with foreheads touching was a thing of beauty.  And LEX could learn a thing or two about control of the technique.  These were the stand out dances for me that season. Nothing else came close. Kathryn who?

Edited August 31, 2017 by Andie1

[realdancemom]

Andie1, thank you for posting those Jakob clips.  How can I forget his dance with Ellenore.  I take back that he wasn't as good of a performer as Kathryn.  I knew there was a reason why he was my favorite that season.  As I previously mentioned, I thought his technique was far superior to Kathryn's.  I did like his contemporary with Kathryn.  Here's a clip:  

 

 Also, as I was trying to previously point out, dance is subjective.  I thought Jakob was the best that season while fan94 thought it was Kathryn.

[MVFrostsMyPie]

Kaylee's outfit/blue paint in the shadow dance made me think of her as the Sadness character in Inside Out. She just needed some large glasses, and a different color sweater. 

Or Tobias from Arrested Development. #Ijustbluemyself

[displayname]

7 hours ago, Andie1 said:

And LEX could learn a thing or two about control of the technique

Where do you think Lex lacks control? 

And Jakob's movement in his solos was pretty contrived to me. Ellenore and Kathryn moved like water.

[Andie1]

1 hour ago, fan94 said:

Where do you think Lex lacks control? 

YMMV but I watched back the bird piece, and the disco, the guy is sliding around in character shoes,  almost losing his balance at points.  I wondered if the floor was particularly slippery and yet no one else seems to have that problem.

As for season 6 contestants, my all around stand out was Jakob for his quality of movement and his incredible interpretation of choreography.  Kathryn is very pretty and very commercially viable. Kudos to her, and to Ellenore as a successful choreographer and Jakob who is currently on Broadway in Cats.

Edited August 31, 2017 by Andie1

[displayname]

Oh, I've noticed him slipping around, too. He needs to ground himself better, and he lacks the upper body strength of Logan and Kiki, but I also wonder if it's because he's never really danced in shoes. His solo style suggests he moves around in an airier, freer, more fluid manner than other people on the show. He seems to always nail his turns, though, so maybe he just needs to focus more (for example, the slip in the bird piece came in after a long sequence of moves. Maybe he tends to worry about the next move and loses focus?).

Edited August 31, 2017 by fan94

[Andie1]

9 minutes ago, fan94 said:

Maybe he tends to worry about the next move and loses focus?).

If that is happening it is taking him out of the moment, and maybe that is why we are noticing it. It's a bit strange since he's a decent tapper, and has tapped on Shaping Sound tour, but even then on the routine on this show he almost lost it on a split move.   I think Lex is incredibly talented and fluid, he's a joy to watch in his element, and owns group routines,  but on the duets  for me he needs to work on some fundamentals for it to all come together. So partnering for him is a bit tricky, since the lifts aren't at Jakob Karr's level of ease and security. However,  If he nails a routine in character or cuban heels this season then he's done it.

Edited August 31, 2017 by Andie1

[displayname]

47 minutes ago, Andie1 said:

However,  If he nails a routine in character or cuban heels this season then he's done it.

Yes, I hope he can do that. We know he can Hip-Hop and has great lines, so a good ballroom will be great for him. He can definitely do character pieces: 

[WhineandCheez]

I would love for Logan to win.  He can do everything, has a great attitude and personality and is very "bendy," as is said before.  Yeah Lex is a powerhouse with Broadway experience, but Logan can go so far.  I'm not liking him with Allison so much.

[treeofdreams]

I was thinking about the speculation that the final 10 and the pairings were chosen ahead of time by the producers...

Perhaps they were thinking ahead to the tour, that it didn't matter if a pair (like Kaylee and Cyrus) were not that good at other styles, on the tour they would be dancing in their own.  Likewise some of the other pairings.

Just a thought...

[Cuatro1234]

On 8/29/2017 at 0:57 PM, WhineandCheez said:

She looked great in those pants--she has a muscular build--her butt looked great-

I hope she loses the blue hair--for me seeing that unnatural color takes me out of the dance.

100% agree on both counts.  I didn't like her shadow dance outfit but at least her hair looked pretty good.

On 8/29/2017 at 4:28 PM, ElectricBoogaloo said:

Mark V is the contestant

Anybody else read this as "Mark Five" and think about Speed Racer?  No?

 

I love seeing all the different opinions on here.  I loved the AS plexiglass dance, hated the LIchtenstein dance, thought Lex was the only one worth watching in the bird dance, hated the shadow dance, and enjoyed all the other dances.  DIdn't really miss the solos.  

 

I used to listen to the judges to learn something, but now it's not worth listening to 5 minutes of junk for 5 seconds of actual knowlege, so I just FF.

[luvthepros]

7 hours ago, WhineandCheez said:

I would love for Logan to win.  He can do everything, has a great attitude and personality and is very "bendy," as is said before.  Yeah Lex is a powerhouse with Broadway experience, but Logan can go so far.  I'm not liking him with Allison so much.

I'm not sure if Logan can tap; if he can't then he can't do everything. Logan and Lex seem to be compared a lot this season as they are the two contemporary boys. Only thing with Lex is he is a trained ballet dancer and can tap and is also trained in Hip Hop. IMHO, Lex is more versatile than Logan. Maybe Logan will surprise me and prove to be more versatile than Lex but I doubt it.

[displayname]

Logan has shown that he can do Ballroom well; Lex hasn't.

[crossover]

20 minutes ago, luvthepros said:

I'm not sure if Logan can tap;

I don't think tap is one of the styles they expect you to do on sytycd.   Nor do they expect the average contestant to perform ballet.  They like to have contestants who can because that gives them more of a variety for the show.

[realdancemom]

1 hour ago, crossover said:

I don't think tap is one of the styles they expect you to do on sytycd.   Nor do they expect the average contestant to perform ballet.  They like to have contestants who can because that gives them more of a variety for the show.

This.  I don't expect contestants to tap or females to do pointe.  A lot of studio dancers can do ballet but ability levels will vary.  I also don't expect them to break dance or do animation either.  It's nice if they can do these things but they are not things that you can fake or dumb down.

[Kira53]

7 hours ago, treeofdreams said:

I was thinking about the speculation that the final 10 and the pairings were chosen ahead of time by the producers...

Perhaps they were thinking ahead to the tour, that it didn't matter if a pair (like Kaylee and Cyrus) were not that good at other styles, on the tour they would be dancing in their own.  Likewise some of the other pairings.

Just a thought...

Nailed it!  The tv show is a long trailer for the tour.   These pairs and the choreographers tailoring be so cool styles to these particular dancers make for some very entertaining live dancing on tour. For instance, Dassy has been eliminated but the Bollywood with Fik-shun ( I don't know how to spell it) as well as their first dance were memorable enough for me to be looking forward to seeing them on tour.  In my opinion the make up and the costuming and the hair is much better this year and will be more of a standout live.

 Besides, do you really think the producers would leave the casting up to the all stars when so much is on the line for ratings for this year and attendance for the live shows/tours?   There is big money on the line.  Reality shows are all about the casting.  Not only do you want a mix of types of dancers to keep the interest of most of the audience but you'd like the dancers to either have a story or some particular type of personality to create a narrative.

[luvthepros]

6 hours ago, fan94 said:

Logan has shown that he can do Ballroom well; Lex hasn't.

Logan did perform a convincing Jive. Lex's Argentine Tango, OTOH, wasn't so great. Having said that, I still think Lex is the more versatile of the two.

5 hours ago, crossover said:

I don't think tap is one of the styles they expect you to do on sytycd.   Nor do they expect the average contestant to perform ballet.  They like to have contestants who can because that gives them more of a variety for the show.

Tap is not done on this show because it is a very difficult style to master in such a short time. In other words, it is impossible to "fake" tap and make it look like any semblance of the style in one week. Ballet is another style that can not be "faked". Lex can do both of those styles and do them well. I don't think any other contestant this season has both of those styles on their resume.

[luvthepros]

4 hours ago, realdancemom said:

This.  I don't expect contestants to tap or females to do pointe.  A lot of studio dancers can do ballet but ability levels will vary.  I also don't expect them to break dance or do animation either.  It's nice if they can do these things but they are not things that you can fake or dumb down.

Funny you should mention brake dancing. I've seen video of Lex doing break dancing moves and he does them really well. The guy is a force to be reckoned with.

[crossover]

18 minutes ago, luvthepros said:

Funny you should mention brake dancing. I've seen video of Lex doing break dancing moves and he does them really well. The guy is a force to be reckoned with.

I guess where I'm coming from is it is nice that Lex has all the various skills (breakdance, tap, ballet, etc) but they shouldn't be used to determine who is the most versatile on sytycd, the reality show.  You even admitted that Logan performed ballroom better than Lex did.  That is a style everyone should do on sytycd.

[sweetcookieface]

Finally getting around to watching this. My three favorites (not necessarily based on this week, but cumulatively) are probably Lex, Logan, and Koine:

-       Lex was my frontrunner from the beginning based on his incredible solos during the auditions, but I still feel like he hasn’t had a chance to fully show us what he can do (even with this week’s contempo routine) – I really hope he gets a routine worthy of him at some point.

-       Logan wasn’t on my radar, but has steadily grown on me. I think with both Lex and Logan, what really appeals to me is their quality of movement – there’s something so light about the way they move. He’s the only one at this point I can see surpassing Lex as my #1 favorite.

-       By contrast, Koine has a more grounded, powerful way of dancing (to me) – lots of strong, sharp movements, but without that sort of airiness and bendiness that I enjoy in Lex and Logan (e.g., she doesn’t look like she gets as high off the ground). Her style didn’t appeal to me as much in the beginning, but she’s blown me away with how versatile and technically accomplished she is. I realize it even more after comparing Taylor’s hip hop (which I thought was pretty laughable) to Koine’s (which was very believable, at least to me!). And I’m far from a ballroom expert, but she looked like a natural doing salsa!

That said, I also enjoy Mark and Kaylee quite a bit, so I’m not wedded to my Top 3. I even like Taylor (just not in hip hop) and don’t hate Kiki, although he’s far and away my least favorite of the bunch.