S15.E12: Top Six Perform

[vdw84]

14 minutes ago, bourbon said:

If I want to watch highly-skilled dancers excel in styles they're trained in, there are other shows I can watch. That's not why I watch this show. I want to see dancers grow, try new things, and exceed their and our expectations. Darius and Jay Jay (and countless other contempo dancers who've been eliminated before you might expect on this show) were technically brilliant but left me somewhat cold. Would I pay to see them in a production somewhere? Sure. Would I pay to see Slavic do Prokofiev? Probably not. But that's not why I watch this show.

Rooting for Slavic. I was sorry Darius and Jay Jay had to go on the same night. This show has always embraced people of color, but the optics of two AA men getting the boot on the same night was not good. 

Especially, when those two men were gay too, it looked even more suspect and bad because it was saying we cant root fo you because of the color of your skin or maybe its because of the person u choose to sleep with or maybe its bit of both. It just sends the wrong message even if that wasnt the message at all.

[bourbon]

Quote

Especially, when those two men were gay too, it looked even more suspect and bad because it was saying we cant root fo you because of the color of your skin or maybe its because of the person u choose to sleep with or maybe its bit of both. It just sends the wrong message even if that wasnt the message at all.

I just don't know. The show has embraced gay or non-traditionally masculine male dancers before  (Jakob Karr, Nick Lazzarini, Benji Schwimer, Travis, Ricky Ubeda)-- even when they are AA or male dancers of color (Brandon Bryant, Kupono) The problem is that this show has always been so ridiculously silent on sexuality (unless it's a het showmance), and Nigel has been so clearly squicked by any suggestion of homosexuality in the male dancers. It didn't sit right that Nigel was gushing about how proud he was of Travis, Darius, and the show itself for Travis' routine when Nigel has clearly tamped down any whiff of anything other than strapping heterosexuality in the male dancers in this show. 

[Suzysite]

14 hours ago, Dancelove said:

I am glad I don't live in America.  It's just too racist.  

Oh please.   The top 6 had 2 black guys, a Dominican girl, and and Asian girl.   And the only white guy isn't even American.   If anything it was the most diverse top 6 ever.   I hate the race card being dragged out, especially when it obviously isn't true.   Somebody had to go and it was their turn.

[Tikichick]

1 hour ago, vdw84 said:

Especially, when those two men were gay too, it looked even more suspect and bad because it was saying we cant root fo you because of the color of your skin or maybe its because of the person u choose to sleep with or maybe its bit of both. It just sends the wrong message even if that wasnt the message at all.

So should producers have monkeyed with the results if that result was in fact solely based upon the audience vote?  Should the audience have been overruled or the judges constrained in their decision because the show decided some people might have a problem with the optics?  

[cinsbythesea]

wow - how many levels of wrong was last night?   I was absolutely floored when they said Gennesee was safe - I think she was probably as surprised as anyone.   To have Jay Jay and Darius go home and Slavic stay?  So wrong.   Darius is a beautiful dancer and I hope he finds a company that appreciates him - he's the total package.    I'm rooting for Hanaleigh to win but with all the atta girl the judges have been constantly giving her, I think Jensen is probably going to be the last dancer standing...

[crossover]

3 hours ago, Tikichick said:

Racist against African Americans unless they are male hip hop dancers?  Wonder if Sabra Johnson, Joshua Allen feel that way?  Maybe Jasmine Harper, Will Wingfield or Danny Tidwell might weigh in?

I honestly found myself watching through tears through a large portion of last night's show.  It seemed there was such writing on the wall that the feeling is the show will not be back. 

I can also name quite a few AAs who made the T10, especially the early seasons.  I was talking about AAs who are non hip hop and won. I think the only one was Sabra?  That was the season that Nigel pushed for the Sabra win.  But, hip hop dancers, regardless of race, normally do well.  Voters just like'em.  Maybe the teen girls see them as the "bad boys"?   

Really wasn't talking about the show preferring a certain race.  And, really didn't mean to talk about the voters.  I don't think the voters purposely decide not to vote for a person because of race.  It's human nature to be drawn to those more like you.  I would guess the majority of the voters are white teenage girls?  So I agree racist is too harsh.  It's more like racial bias. 

Recently, it seems like every year we feel the show won't be back.  If it doesn't come back, they still beat the odds.  But we can't go by Mia.  She's been coming back for group routines for the last few seasons. 

[LoveDance]

12 hours ago, BeeBop88 said:

Two of the 4 dancers left are minorities, so how is that racist?  Slavic should be the guy going home, not Darius or JJ. Genessy should have been the girl dancer to go. In a perfect world, the four remaining should be Hannahlei, Jensen, Darius and JJ.

Racist because of the manipulation of superior black dancers just to appease voting blocks - those voting blocks are not representative of the dance audience and yet they want to shove those votes down our throats.     

[crossover]

51 minutes ago, cinsbythesea said:

I'm rooting for Hanaleigh to win but with all the atta girl the judges have been constantly giving her, I think Jensen is probably going to be the last dancer standing...

They've liked her all season.  Didn't the judges really push for her last night; "heavy weight" or something like that?  It may be too late.  They did the same thing with Kione.  But there's no Lex left this season when it comes to versatility.  One thing is the vote splitting between Jensen and her leaving Slavic with the win.  I really don't have a preference out of this group.  I just hope they have a safe and enjoyable week ending with a strong performance night. 

Edited August 28, 2018 by crossover

[crowceilidh]

I think ithe girl girl girl boy top 4 from s12 is not as memorable because by that time, the contestants were dancing with allstars and not as couples.  It's super noticeable at this point because they are all still locked into couples.

Edited August 28, 2018 by crowceilidh

[Tikichick]

9 minutes ago, crossover said:

I can also name quite a few AAs who made the T10, especially the early seasons.  I was talking about AAs who are non hip hop and won. I think the only one was Sabra?  That was the season that Nigel pushed for the Sabra win.  But, hip hop dancers, regardless of race, normally do well.  Voters just like'em.  Maybe the teen girls see them as the "bad boys"?   

Really wasn't talking about the show preferring a certain race.  And, really didn't mean to talk about the voters.  I don't think the voters purposely decide not to vote for a person because of race.  It's human nature to be drawn to those more like you.  I would guess the majority of the voters are white teenage girls?  So I agree racist is too harsh.  It's more like racial bias. 

Recently, it seems like every year we feel the show won't be back.  If it doesn't come back, they still beat the odds.  But we can't go by Mia.  She's been coming back for group routines for the last few seasons. 

It seems you're overlooking Joshua Allen  was in fact a past champion.  I actually specifically truncated my lists specifically to denote 2 winners, versus several notable AA competitors over the seasons who did not compete as hip hip specialists.  Ade was top ten as an AA, non hip hop specialist.

Russell Ferguson won it as a hip hop specialist.  Fikshun won as a hip hop specialist.  Twitch, Comfort and Cyrus all went top ten, some to finale as hip hop specialists.

The show, and its audience, has a history of liking a very ethnically and racially diverse bunch of dancers.  Hopefully Nigel's attitude about sexuality and gender roles in dance has progressed over the years as well.  In fact one of the biggest traps I wish this show would smash is the idea that female dancers need to dance sexy.  I absolutely adored that about last week's all girls number with the masks -- costumes weren't sexy, moves were powerful choreography that could have incorporated males alongside doing THE VERY SAME MOVEMENTS.  I love me some Brian Friedman, but frankly the oversexed looks and numbers he's brought for female groups in recent years made my blood boil.   Give me females doing choreography that shows their skill, athleticism and power for a change.    

[LoveDance]

1 hour ago, Tikichick said:

So should producers have monkeyed with the results if that result was in fact solely based upon the audience vote?  Should the audience have been overruled or the judges constrained in their decision because the show decided some people might have a problem with the optics?  

We don't know if the results were based on anything but Nigel's thoughts about who he thinks is a viable commercial dancer.  Everything else is speculation, including the votes. 

[crossover]

6 minutes ago, Tikichick said:

It seems you're overlooking Joshua Allen  was in fact a past champion.  I actually specifically truncated my lists specifically to denote 2 winners, versus several notable AA competitors over the seasons who did not compete as hip hip specialists.  Ade was top ten as an AA, non hip hop specialist.

Russell Ferguson won it as a hip hop specialist.  Fikshun won as a hip hop specialist.  Twitch, Comfort and Cyrus all went top ten, some to finale as hip hop specialists.

The show, and its audience, has a history of liking a very ethnically and racially diverse bunch of dancers.  Hopefully Nigel's attitude about sexuality and gender roles in dance has progressed over the years as well.  In fact one of the biggest traps I wish this show would smash is the idea that female dancers need to dance sexy.  I absolutely adored that about last week's all girls number with the masks -- costumes weren't sexy, moves were powerful choreography that could have incorporated males alongside doing THE VERY SAME MOVEMENTS.  I love me some Brian Friedman, but frankly the oversexed looks and numbers he's brought for female groups in recent years made my blood boil.   Give me females doing choreography that shows their skill, athleticism and power for a change.    

You are missing my point.  I was talking about ONLY winners who WEREN'T hip hop.  But there's nothing wrong with agreeing to disagree.

Maybe the "MeToo" movement will rub off.

ETA:  Comfort didn't make T10.  They brought her back when Jessica got hurt.

Edited August 28, 2018 by crossover

[LoveDance]

35 minutes ago, crossover said:

Racist against African Americans unless they are male hip hop dancers?  Wonder if Sabra Johnson, Joshua Allen feel that way?  Maybe Jasmine Harper, Will Wingfield or Danny Tidwell might weigh in?

Oh I think there's a lot of racism on this show.  Joshua Allen was a hip hop dancer,  Sabra was the only one not part of the hip hop winners according to Nigel.   And it might be informative to check out the old New York Times piece about Danny Tidwell.  I suppose Nigel has evolved somewhat since 2007, because back then he would never have allowed the amazing piece Darius dance last evening.  However,  Nigel hated Tidwell because he was a trained dancer and not a "street" dancer.  How does that happen to anyone unless their skin colour tells Nigel he should be an "urban" dancer instead of a classical one?  Ironically Darius is actually more versatile in that he could attack hip hop in the way that Danny did not.  But the simple truth of a black dancer doing well in classical dance seems to be a thorn in this show's side. 

  https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/11/arts/dance/11tidw.html

[crossover]

1 hour ago, Tikichick said:

So should producers have monkeyed with the results if that result was in fact solely based upon the audience vote?  Should the audience have been overruled or the judges constrained in their decision because the show decided some people might have a problem with the optics?  

I'm with Tikichick.  I hate to see good AA dancers get sent home but the show shouldn't tinker with the votes.  I don't even like the OTT manipulation. 

[Tikichick]

32 minutes ago, LoveDance said:

Racist because of the manipulation of superior black dancers just to appease voting blocks - those voting blocks are not representative of the dance audience and yet they want to shove those votes down our throats.     

 

25 minutes ago, LoveDance said:

We don't know if the results were based on anything but Nigel's thoughts about who he thinks is a viable commercial dancer.  Everything else is speculation, including the votes. 

Does your speculation carry more weight because it agrees with your opinion?

If I remember correctly last night is the first night they made no comment with the results being the end product of a judges' decision.  Traditionally on the show audience vote has been the sole decision maker going into finale, generally even before that point.  Frankly if Slavik were running away with the audience vote at this point it might explain Twitch's seeming frustration when he sees someone who has psychologically checked out and may be handed the win anyway.  

I personally don't find Slavik worthy of the win, despite liking him and respecting his efforts and willingness to try.  Of course I wouldn't have given the win to Lex last year either, despite finding him immensely talented.  I can't hate on Slavik for still being in it when more talented dancers left.  I frankly found Russell Ferguson's win unearned as far as dance skills went.  For my money Philip Chbeeb was a far better dancer than both, and was voted out earlier than either one.

[vdw84]

1 hour ago, Tikichick said:

So should producers have monkeyed with the results if that result was in fact solely based upon the audience vote?  Should the audience have been overruled or the judges constrained in their decision because the show decided some people might have a problem with the optics?  

No, I don't think the producers need to do anything with the votes. Just because it looked wrong doesnt mean I want them to stay out of manipulations. Im just saying it looks bad but doesnt mean the producers need to manipulates the votes.

[Tikichick]

15 minutes ago, LoveDance said:

Oh I think there's a lot of racism on this show.  Joshua Allen was a hip hop dancer,  Sabra was the only one not part of the hip hop winners according to Nigel.   And it might be informative to check out the old New York Times piece about Danny Tidwell.  I suppose Nigel has evolved somewhat since 2007, because back then he would never have allowed the amazing piece Darius dance last evening.  However,  Nigel hated Tidwell because he was a trained dancer and not a "street" dancer.  How does that happen to anyone unless their skin colour tells Nigel he should be an "urban" dancer instead of a classical one?  Ironically Darius is actually more versatile in that he could attack hip hop in the way that Danny did not.  But the simple truth of a black dancer doing well in classical dance seems to be a thorn in this show's side. 

  https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/11/arts/dance/11tidw.html

Nigel back in season 3 would absolutely not have allowed Travis' piece, no question.  It was on last night, and enthusiastically praised.

"Nigel hated Tidwell"?    Danny Tidwell is well known for having difficulty getting along with many people, across many ballet companies, etc. over the years.  I've met many SYTYCD dancers over the years, some closer than others.  Danny happens to be in a group I got to see for an extended period of time under very close conditions at the studio my daughters danced at while he taught masterclasses with several of the other dancers.  He was THE ONE my daughter was absolutely dying to work with.  Of all the egos amongst all of them I have witnessed over the years, his was the only one that was not dropped in the midst of instructing dancers.   It was the only genuinely negative learning experience over the years in masterclass or convention settings.  Hopefully Danny has matured over the years and interacts better with others.  IDK if "Nigel hated Tidwell" or not.  If so I wouldn't be so ready to assign a racist root to the disagreement.    

[crossover]

27 minutes ago, LoveDance said:

Oh I think there's a lot of racism on this show.  Joshua Allen was a hip hop dancer,  Sabra was the only one not part of the hip hop winners according to Nigel.   And it might be informative to check out the old New York Times piece about Danny Tidwell.  I suppose Nigel has evolved somewhat since 2007, because back then he would never have allowed the amazing piece Darius dance last evening.  However,  Nigel hated Tidwell because he was a trained dancer and not a "street" dancer.  How does that happen to anyone unless their skin colour tells Nigel he should be an "urban" dancer instead of a classical one?  Ironically Darius is actually more versatile in that he could attack hip hop in the way that Danny did not.  But the simple truth of a black dancer doing well in classical dance seems to be a thorn in this show's side. 

  https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/11/arts/dance/11tidw.html

LOVEDANCE, you responded to this quote to me.  It was really Tikichick. Just in case you're expecting  a response. 

"  5 hours ago, Tikichick said:  Racist against African Americans unless they are male hip hop dancers?  Wonder if Sabra Johnson, Joshua Allen feel that way?  Maybe Jasmine Harper, Will Wingfield or Danny Tidwell might weigh in?"

[Tikichick]

2 hours ago, bourbon said:

I just don't know. The show has embraced gay or non-traditionally masculine male dancers before  (Jakob Karr, Nick Lazzarini, Benji Schwimer, Travis, Ricky Ubeda)-- even when they are AA or male dancers of color (Brandon Bryant, Kupono) The problem is that this show has always been so ridiculously silent on sexuality (unless it's a het showmance), and Nigel has been so clearly squicked by any suggestion of homosexuality in the male dancers. It didn't sit right that Nigel was gushing about how proud he was of Travis, Darius, and the show itself for Travis' routine when Nigel has clearly tamped down any whiff of anything other than strapping heterosexuality in the male dancers in this show. 

Don't forget Kent and Neil's baseball costumed male number.  I believe we had one with Billy Bell as competitor or possibly All Star as well.  The show actually hasn't been ridiculously silent.

If Nigel were so horrifically intolerant do you think they would have latched onto Travis and helped him build the career he has?  Remember Travis worked for the show before All Stars or his choreographing for the show were a thing.  Travis worked leading combos during choreography rounds at auditions.  He even infamously auditioned "blind" for the judges as Danielle Chorizo --which the producers chose to show us in the audience.  Travis' sexuality wasn't a secret to them even a little bit.  If the intolerance ran as deep as everyone makes it, that bit would never have been shown on the program and they would have selected either heterosexual or more cooperatively closeted dancers to hire.     

[Tikichick]

12 minutes ago, crossover said:

LOVEDANCE, you responded to this quote to me.  It was really Tikichick. Just in case you're expecting  a response. 

"  5 hours ago, Tikichick said:  Racist against African Americans unless they are male hip hop dancers?  Wonder if Sabra Johnson, Joshua Allen feel that way?  Maybe Jasmine Harper, Will Wingfield or Danny Tidwell might weigh in?"

Yep, that comes from my post.  I have no idea why it shows up in LOVEDANCE's post as yours, but I didn't do anything to make it look like that.

[crossover]

5 hours ago, displayname said:

Just... what even.

Also, several believe that Jeanine won Season 5 due to her final solo, which was far better than the one Brandon put forward that night. There were SEVERAL who considered Jeanine the (far) better soloist in general. She had a killer final night, and the votes, believe it or not, were based on the final night's performances. Brandon might have had more momentum than Jeanine before that (or not), but Jeanine definitely had the better finals night.

I appreciate that the US still has issues with racism, but this makes absolutely no sense.

 

I think emphasis is placed on voting for your favorite after the last performance and not who you think did best on the final night.  Otherwise, why have all the other weeks?  They could just keep people until the final night and vote on that night. 

Jeanine having the better last night or better solos is subjective.  I, for one, disagree.  I thought Kayla out performed her in their routine and Brandon out performed her in the PD.  I just said people voted for her because of her solos because that was the reason that popped up most times after that season.  I know it seems like a ridiculous reason because the show's premise is versatility and solos are in your specialty.  It even seem like Nigel brought up her solos in his after dance interview?  But you are the first person I've heard say they voted for her based on the one night.  Oh well, people vote for different reasons. 

Edited August 28, 2018 by crossover

[Drogo]

This completes the 'attacking other posters' portion of the evening.  Be civil or be gone.

[crossover]

37 minutes ago, Tikichick said:

Yep, that comes from my post.  I have no idea why it shows up in LOVEDANCE's post as yours, but I didn't do anything to make it look like that.

I believe you didn't.  I just wanted LOVEDANCE to be aware just in case he/she's looking for a response.  It's the "quoting", I'm sure.  But it seems like I saw that you responded?

[Jsage]

Quote

Season 12 had finale of 3 girls, one boy (Gaby, Jaja, Virgil and Hailee). Thanks wikipedia...

Also the final four in season 7 were Lauren, Adechike, Kent and Robert.

[cali1981]

8 hours ago, Haleth said:

 

Darius's Travis Wall dance was breathtaking.  I haven't been that moved by a routine in years.

Totally agree. It will go down, along with Tyce's brilliant "Breast Cancer" number and Mia's tribute to her dad, "Time", as one of the most beautiful and meaningful dance numbers in the SYTYCD's history. Unfortunately Darius was a victim of the show's flawed voting system.  Darius was ripped a bit last week and that was likely the determining factor in his being eliminated (although black/gay may have also played role in the voting).  Last night his dancing was stunning but, alas, the results were already in.  Slavik got beaten like a drum last night so one would assume that this would drive his vote totals going in to next week.  In certain ways, DWTS has a better system.  The combination of viewer votes from the previous week and judges' scores for the current week seems much fairer than what happens on SYTYCD.  When there was a separate SYTYCD results show, the judges did have some say in who got eliminated. What they've got now just doesn't work but if DWTS can do it without a results show, so can SYTYCD.

[ramble]

That opening number stunk a skunky, unky  stink. I enjoyed the girls group number much like last week’s yellow trench coat number. With reluctance and slight resentment I will give Jenna credit for choreographing a piece without a story for a change. The rest was simple nice dancing to me. Maybe I’m hard-hearted. I think Hannahlei is my pick, which is probably bad luck for her. She was the first dancer who’s name I learned because she stood out to me. 

[bourbon]

3 hours ago, Tikichick said:

Don't forget Kent and Neil's baseball costumed male number.  I believe we had one with Billy Bell as competitor or possibly All Star as well.  The show actually hasn't been ridiculously silent.

You're confusing two numbers. Kent and Neil did two duets -- one was an athletic baseball number to "Shoeless Joe from Hannibal Mo." There wasn't anything homoerotic about it unless I'm missing something or two men dancing together is gay subtext. They also did a duet to "This is How it Ends" about the disintegration of a relationship. Travis was coy about it and said it was about a friendship, and that is how it was sold, but it was clearly about a romantic relationship. The choreography said it; the emotion said it. Yet, it was sold as a friendship. To the show's credit, I don't think they would have to be quite so coy about it anymore, and the routine could be sold as a routine about the end of a same-sex relationship. 

I didn't say Nigel was "horrifically intolerant." He might privately be quite accepting of gay folks. He just hasn't been as open about and accepting about it on the show as I personally believe he should have been. Yes, they've had gay contestants. Yes, they've had male-male routines, but even with the gay (open or not) contestants, there's been a lot of ridiculous showmancing (Kent/Lauren) or denial of the subtext of the dance. It took them how many seasons? 12? To do a routine that was definitely about a same sex relationship. 

[Zuleikha]

Quote

However,  Nigel hated Tidwell because he was a trained dancer and not a "street" dancer

Nigel loved Danny. He flat out said they wouldn't let him get voted of the show, and they didn't.

 Darius had bad choreography for showing his skills. It's unfortunate, but  I don't think it's anymore of  a travesty than Cole and  Magda getting voted off. JayJay, for whatever reason, didn't stick in my memory even though his dancing was good.  Maybe other people had that issue, too.

 

Quote

To do a routine that was definitely about a same sex relationship. 

Didn't  a female duet have  a 50s costumed duet about same sex love?

[mojoween]

Of all the ways I could be spoiled about the results, I definitely did not think it would be by a former Super Bowl MVP.

I generally watch the show the next day, but don’t stay off Twitter (what can I say, I like danger).  For the past few weeks I’ve been able to avoid posts about SYTYCD and stay unspoiled until I watched.  But yesterday, from out of nowhere, Ottis Anderson, who was a running back for the NY Giants in the 80’s and 90’s, tweeted how proud he was of his nephew Darius even though he was cut.

But even though I knew about Darius, color me shocked about Jay Jay.  From Slavik giving Hannahlei the cold shoulder to Gennessy melting into a puddle on stage, I thought for sure Genessy was gone.  I would have been ok with that.

Honestly I put my conspiracy hat on and thought that Jensen was the one who was in danger and that’s why we ended up with three girls.

I mean, Kiki, Jenna AND Jensen?  Glad that was over first.

Jay Jay’s routine with Lauren was just adorable.  I could watch it over and over.

Slavik’s hip hop was bad bad bad.  Jaja completely outstaged him.  And it made me laugh that Lex was choreographed down, if that makes sense, in order to keep him from totally outshining Genessy.

[allypenguin]

17 hours ago, crossover said:

AAs should enter the contest to win but they need to be realistic.  I mean Brandon, S5, checked all the boxes.  But in the end, the viewers voted for Jeanine because of solos?  Brandon solos were just as good or better.  I think the voters expected Brandon to be good but were surprised by Jeanine.  For the tour, she had to have her routines with Brandon and get other routines reworked.  That's how unmemorable her performances were, except for Travis' first contemporary (which I really didn't prefer) and her hip hop that she performed with a hip hop specialist.  BTW, she was a minority (Hispanic).  But the voters couldn't bring themselves to reward Brandon, an AA male non-hip hop dancer, for his stellar performances.

I knew the show was pushing Jensen but I didn't think they wanted her to win.  I just thought they wanted her and Slavik for viewership purposes.  Hannahlei has no stage presence so I'd be surprised if she wins.  Genessy's popularity is tied to Slavik.  This is the end so don't see her winning.  Slavik is the show's roadblock.  They've created a monster even worse than what they did with Kiki.  Will throwing him under the bus have time to affect the voters?  If they wanted a ballroom winner, why didn't they push Cole down our throats?

ETA:  We'll also see if there's enough time for Hannahlei.  They decided to push her really hard this time.

I forgot to DVR the episode so I haven't watched it, but just wanted to say...JUSTICE FOR BRANDON. I mean I adore that solo of hers with the rose and that gorgeous controlled turn but, come on. He was so versatile and performed 3 of my favourite routines that were outside his style (the ChaCha, Disco, and his Argentine Tango). His partnership with Janette was everything. 

[BeeBop88]

All I can say is that Slavic won't win. I bet he is the 1st one out next week.   Slavic's hunched shoulders really bother me, it really stands out. I was shocked to hear a couple judges say the same and agree with me, since I am not a dance expert by far.  

And @ ramble...ITA with you. I have been thinking the past few weeks that Hannahlei will win and my gut is telling me she will.

Edited August 29, 2018 by BeeBop88

[allypenguin]

Sorry for slightly off topic, but does anyone know why Spencer Liff hasn't been on this season? :( I saw a youtube interview of him recently saying that he was going to be back, but I guess something came up unexpectedly and that's why Travis did Broadway last week?

[sharifa70]

After this week I finally cancelled the series recording on my dvr. I’m just so tired of the “message” dances, same-old, same-old judges’ comments, choreographer tongue-baths, showmances, and shocking eliminations.

This is not the SYTYCD I fell in love with, and I’m finally accepting that it hasn’t been in years and never will be again. My favorite part of the show was always watching some pretty amazing partnerships evolve over those initial several weeks, and though they sort of made a nod to it this season there’s just been too much chaff. I don’t actually like any of the remaining dancers enough to vote, but I guess I feel the least indifferent about Hannahlei.

I’m sad because I remember being really excited to discuss the dances with my equally enthusiastic co-workers and friends, and the reaction nowadays is more along the lines of “that show’s still on?” I’m through hoping for another season, alas.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

2 hours ago, allypenguin said:

Sorry for slightly off topic, but does anyone know why Spencer Liff hasn't been on this season? :( I saw a youtube interview of him recently saying that he was going to be back, but I guess something came up unexpectedly and that's why Travis did Broadway last week?

He is the choreographer for the new Go-Go’s musical Head Over Heels which opened on Broadway a few weeks ago (after a pre-Broadway run in San Francisco). They started rehearsals in March so I’m guessing Spencer just wanted to take a break after the show finally opened. 

[Suzysite]

6 hours ago, sharifa70 said:

After this week I finally cancelled the series recording on my dvr. I’m just so tired of the “message” dances, same-old, same-old judges’ comments, choreographer tongue-baths, showmances, and shocking eliminations.

This is not the SYTYCD I fell in love with, and I’m finally accepting that it hasn’t been in years and never will be again.

I did the same thing yesterday.  After all the baseless racism accusations, plus the reasons you stated... I'm done.   And I've watched, recorded and rewatched since season 1. 

[mamadrama]

On 8/27/2018 at 10:11 PM, Dancelove said:

I am glad I don't live in America.  It's just too racist.  

The good thing about "America" is that it is a HUGE country, both land mass and population wise. There are 50 different states and within each state there are dozens of counties (122 in mine), and within each county there are lots of towns, and within each town you'll find many different neighborhoods, each with its own feel and subculture. It's impossible to make such generalities when there are so many differences. And yes, while some places are not so diverse, others are. A reality tv show that is probably rigged to some extent thankfully doesn't represent every town in every county in every state in every region in the country.

 

After the first 10 minutes Mr Mamadrama, who'd never watched an episode, thought this was a mokumentary of a competition reality show. He refused to believe that the first dance and the judges were real.

Edited August 29, 2018 by mamadrama

[Gwen-Stacys]

"But even though I knew about Darius, color me shocked about Jay Jay. From Slavik giving Hannahlei the cold shoulder to Gennessy melting into a puddle on stage, I thought for sure Genessy was gone."

I thought I was the only one that noticed that! He gave her the most lukewarm, half-hug... Edited August 29, 2018 by Gwen-Stacys

[Tikichick]

10 hours ago, allypenguin said:

I forgot to DVR the episode so I haven't watched it, but just wanted to say...JUSTICE FOR BRANDON. I mean I adore that solo of hers with the rose and that gorgeous controlled turn but, come on. He was so versatile and performed 3 of my favourite routines that were outside his style (the ChaCha, Disco, and his Argentine Tango). His partnership with Janette was everything. 

Doriana literally used him as if he was an actual piece of machinery in disco, both as a competitor and an All Star.  Nobody could have handled the lifts he did -- and dance like a champ while he did it! I believe he also did a Bollywood with a completely ridiculous amount of time bouncing in and out of squats at unbelievable speed.  Aside from being a fantastic dancer his cardio capacity seemed almost inhuman.

9 hours ago, sharifa70 said:

This is not the SYTYCD I fell in love with, and I’m finally accepting that it hasn’t been in years and never will be again. My favorite part of the show was always watching some pretty amazing partnerships evolve over those initial several weeks, and though they sort of made a nod to it this season there’s just been too much chaff. I don’t actually like any of the remaining dancers enough to vote, but I guess I feel the least indifferent about Hannahlei.

I’m sad because I remember being really excited to discuss the dances with my equally enthusiastic co-workers and friends, and the reaction nowadays is more along the lines of “that show’s still on?” I’m through hoping for another season, alas.

I think this shortened season would have benefited tremendously by keeping every one of the top ten and letting the votes roll cumulatively throughout.   Then we could have watched actual dancers' journeys and the progression of chemistry in the partnerships.  That's where you feel the heartbeat of the show.

3 minutes ago, Gwen-Stacys said:

"But even though I knew about Darius, color me shocked about Jay Jay. From Slavik giving Hannahlei the cold shoulder to Gennessy melting into a puddle on stage, I thought for sure Genessy was gone."

I thought I was the only one that noticed that! He gave her the most lukewarm, half-hug...

I noticed he didn't even acknowledge Hannahlei and was a bit surprised, but I did notice when they were all standing down in the safe zone waiting for more results after that point he was still obviously very anxious and distressed and Hannahlei was standing next to him, rubbing his shoulder.  If she herself had no problem understanding he was not snubbing her and just in a bad place emotionally I'll accept her opinion.

[LoveDance]

2 hours ago, mamadrama said:

The good thing about "America" is that it is a HUGE country, both land mass and population wise. There are 50 different states and within each state there are dozens of counties (122 in mine), and within each county there are lots of towns, and within each town you'll find many different neighborhoods, each with its own feel and subculture. It's impossible to make such generalities when there are so many differences. And yes, while some places are not so diverse, others are. A reality tv show that is probably rigged to some extent thankfully doesn't represent every town in every county in every state in every region in the country.

 

After the first 10 minutes Mr Mamadrama, who'd never watched an episode, thought this was a mokumentary of a competition reality show. He refused to believe that the first dance and the judges were real.

In general, America has had a problem since slavery and never really addressed it properly.  So as much as I understand and appreciate the sentiments that "we're all not like that"  the fact remains that Darius and Jay Jay were humiliated by their excellence, while people who are not the best in their own style, eg Jensen and Slavik and Genessey get the "you tried badge"  so you get to advance because a bunch of teenagers don't like black boys dancing anything but urban style . 

[realdancemom]

Darius/Travis contemporary made me cry.  I knew that he was going home even though he had a wonderful night.  It wasn't any different than Cole having a great night when he left.  Unfortunately, he was in the bottom last week.  The Pharside/Phoenix hip-hop did not help him.  As I mentioned last week, Magda looked uncomfortable in it and he did drop her hard on the butt in one lift.  As Nigel said, he didn't do much in the contemporary.  At least, not the kind of show stopping moves that get you votes.  So I wasn't surprised that he left.  

I was surprised that Genessy made it over Jay Jay.  Stupid showmance because I think the tween voters came out in full force.  The show also did not make it clear that it was the top four that was in the finals and not the top two guys and girls.  At least, Jay Jay also had his moment to shine.  As I previously mentioned, I prefer Mandy's jazz over her contemporary.  Also, it seems that LoFro is her go to female jazz dancer.  So the trio of Mandy, LoFro, and Jay Jay made for a wonderful fun jazz routine.  Jay Jay's technique is great as usual.  He gets such height in his jumps.  He also got the style right.  LoFro is a lighter jazz dancer than Jensen too so she was perfect in this routine.  Also got to love Cat.  She is such a good sport and love her comment about the Emmys.  Yup, she deserves an Emmy.  She's quick witted like Tom from DWTS and she loves the dancers.

I think all the dancers did well with their All Stars.  Slavik was the weakest.  It wasn't really the technique of it because he did get all the moves.  That hip-hop wasn't easy either.  Jaja is just a great performer and he needed to match that.  He looked unsure of himself.  Same for the salsa which was choreographed easier than a lot of other salsas that Jonathan/Oksana have choreographed for this show.  Although, he didn't get the technique for that one but he could have sold it more.  For this show, a lot of times you have to fake the moves.  None of the non-ballroom dancers do ballroom right but you can fake it.  The Tahitian experts on this forum said that JJ/Jensen did not get the moves right but they didn't show it.

I was splitting my votes between Jay Jay, Darius, and Hannahlei.  Since two of them are gone, all 20 of my Fox.com votes went to Hannahlei.  I'm not a power voter though so 20 isn't much.  Glad Hannahlei got to show a different side of her.  She has great technique.  She's a lot better contemporary dancer than Genessy in that respect.  However, all her partner dances have been happy.  Glad she was able to do an emotional contemporary and a seductive AT.  Her legs were amazing in the AT.  

If we're going to talk about different races/styles than we never had a white hip-hop dancer, white female ballroom dancer, or Asian woman win.  Since Jeanine won Season 5, we did have a Hispanic female contemporary winner which is what Genessy is.  Just some trivia.

Edited August 29, 2018 by realdancemom

[Mason]

Slavik has never been my favourite. However, as I noted at the top of the show, he was white as a ghost. He stayed like that all night. And at one point actually stated that he was finding the competition hard to keep up with. In that moment, I don't think he would have been sorry to leave, and not for lack of trying or ambition. Everything about his performances tonight screamed weariness and stress. To be honest, I felt for him. And here he lives to dance another week... Perhaps the voters are aiming for a tie, i.e. an actual showmance win.

[Jillibean]

On 8/28/2018 at 7:39 AM, displayname said:

Can we please just crown LoFro again?

 

I love her. She’s just phenomenal. I’m so glad they seem to be using her again.

On 8/28/2018 at 10:33 AM, Koalagirl said:

Travis Wall himself looked emotionally shattered after Darius danced.  It was beyond beautifully done and should be counted as one of the show's iconic dances in the future.  I also feel like they're pushing for Jensen to win so that she can eventually join DWTS and have a sister against sister competition.

I do think it’s very possible that they’ve flagged Jensen for the win for the crossover potential, since Jensen will almost certainly end up on DWTS. There are a lot of SYT alumni on the show, but as far as I can think no actual winners. 

I thought the show this week seemed sort of uneven. I was happy Comfort got a chance to do choreo, but I found the piece itself pretty boring. Same for Robert. To have some contestants get that and others get Mandy Moore just seemed unfair. 

Also, shut up, Nigel. You are society in the Travis piece and we all know it.

As for what the viewing/voting audience likes, I do think the judges (with the possible exception of Twitch) are falling down on telling the viewing audience what they’re supposed to like. I enjoyed Slavik and Genessy the first couple of weeks, but they’re comparatively weaker dancers and we really didn’t hear any of that until week three. It’s also incongruous when we, as non-trained viewers can see obvious mistakes that the judges fail to aknowledge. There were a lot of issues in the Slavik/Genessy jive that went without comment, but similarly, JayJay and Jensen had more than one significant lift issue that the judges completely ignored. It affects their overall credibility when they seem to be watching something different than we are.  I also feel like all the showmance talk actually derailed the G/S chemistry—I wasn’t really feeling it last week, and I did not find this weeks hot and sexy salsa to be either hot or sexy. In any case, while it’s entirely possible that different forms of discrimination affect voting, I also think those sorts of biases could be overcome if the judges were more focused on promoting the best dancers (not the ones who tried the hardest or have the best chemistry). This season, up until this week, it seems like the default was praise for everyone. I don’t know that it’s fair to expect people voting (most of whom are probably not educated about dance) to know who is a superior dancer when the supposed experts aren’t telling them.  In the absence of that, the younger voters are indeed just going to pick who they like best.

Edited August 29, 2018 by Jillibean

[realdancemom]

40 minutes ago, Mason said:

Slavik has never been my favourite. However, as I noted at the top of the show, he was white as a ghost. He stayed like that all night. And at one point actually stated that he was finding the competition hard to keep up with. In that moment, I don't think he would have been sorry to leave, and not for lack of trying or ambition. Everything about his performances tonight screamed weariness and stress. To be honest, I felt for him. And here he lives to dance another week... Perhaps the voters are aiming for a tie, i.e. an actual showmance win.

Yes as I just posted, a lot of times, you just need to fake it.  For the first few weeks, I actually liked him more than Genessy in their routines.  That would be understandable with their first hip-hop.  But even in their jive, I preferred him over her even though both did not do it correctly.  But then last week, she was better than he was in their Ray Leeper jazz.  His timing was way off.  And I do think that both Mandy Moore and Ray Leeper helped them with their choreography last week.

This week, Slavic looked overwhelmed.  With the hip-hop, I thought it was because he was used to Genessy helping him with the other routines.  But he looked uncomfortable in the salsa with her too.

[Sharonana]

I always seem to be disappointed with the outcome of these type of shows. Real talent gets ousted. No way Slavic should still be there, nor Genessy.

 

Of course Jensen is destined to be the winner. As soon as I discovered who her sister was, it was obvious she was the golden child. Nepotism maybe? 

JayJay and Darius are awesome dancers. I don't know jack about dancing, but I can tell which dancers are more talented.

 

My husband was born and raised in Hawaii. He grew up dancing Tahitian. He wasn't feeling the dance. Not enough hip action and really getting down in it says he. :)

 

Why is Vanessa a judge again? I'd rather Paula Abdul or Jason whatever his last name is. Vanessa doesn't offer any constructive criticism. Fabulous, awesome and beautiful is how she describes most dancers. Bleh!

[khyber]

The choreography for that Cha Cha was horrible. I was looking forward to the traditional Cha Cha that she talked about. Instead it was not a partner dance but just 2 people strutting around the stage.

[AllAboutMBTV]

What's the over/under on another season? Nigel at least put in a plug for a Top-20 season. If that happens, I'm praying to Terpsichore that they go back to the original format of the early seasons -- 10 couples, a separate elimination show and jidges who actually jidge. (It's good to have dreams...)

[Mason]

On 8/28/2018 at 10:33 AM, Koalagirl said:

I also feel like they're pushing for Jensen to win so that she can eventually join DWTS and have a sister against sister competition.

Well, little sister will be in the Junior competition this fall: https://popculture.com/2018/08/01/dancing-with-the-stars-juniors-reveals-lineup-dancers-mentors/

[ctmd]

I do not get the love for Slavic or for Jensin. Slavic has zero personality and his dancing bores me to tears. In every genre including his own. You can barely tell he's attractive because his hair covers most of his face too, and I feel like a grandma saying that out loud. Jensen on the other hand has tons of personality, but her entire personality is "look at me! aren't I cute? Don't you want to believe you can sleep with me?" Everything she does looks pageant-y to me and slightly plastic and artificial, and I just can't stand to look at her. She smiles at all times and it's annoying. I was super glad they had 3 girls go to the finale, only because I couldn't stand the thought of her beating one of the other 2 girls that were left. the idea of Slavic winning over the other two boys was a travesty also. I still don't know how the other boys ended up bottom 2, but perhaps they didn't. Maybe they were bottom 2 boys, but not bottom 2 of the final 6, and an executive decision was made to keep all 3 girls for dramatic reasons, or to prevent one from winning, or even to prevent Slavic from winning. Because there is no way he should win over any of the 3 girls that are there, even Jensen.

[kechara]

Jensen was complaining of having a runny nose. They always exhaust these kids. I wonder if Slavic is ill as well. This often happens. That and injuries that they don’t necessarily disclose 

I don’t really care. I can’t vote and Darius was my pick , followed by Hannahlei, Magda and Jay jay. 

[vast wasteland]

10 hours ago, Jillibean said:

Also, shut up, Nigel. You are society in the Travis piece and we all know it.

Oh thank you, SO MUCH This.  So well said, bravo.

Seeing Travis Wall moved to tears, knowing what so many many LBGT people have had to endure and are still enduring.  Like being told two men can't do ballroom together.  Remember that, Nigel???

Nigel, you raging hypocritical uptight two faced asshole hypocritical prig. 

How much did it hurt you to say this to a lipsticked queer:

Quote

 

I am so proud of Travis for choreographing this routine. 

I am so proud, Darius, of you because I'm sure you and Travis relate to this routine so much in your lives and I'm so proud of this show for being able to show this incredible choreography. 

It's incredible to think how brave you have to be to be your own person these days.  And it's wicked that you would have to be that brave. 

And I can only say it's is so important to judge a man not by what he is but who he is.  And you sir, are my favorite dancer this season.

 

You obsequious, pompous, un-self aware, self congratulatory wannabe.

Suck it, Nigel.

Edited August 30, 2018 by vast wasteland