S15.E13: Top Four Perform

[WhineandCheez]

Quote

Ugh. I still don’t enjoy Melanie. Slavic posed more than danced in that routine. It was just an odd dance and not interestingly odd in my opinion.

I thought the judges were  going to fall all over themselves to give a standing O to that, but no.  I was shocked. I love the way Nigel gave Slavic the Death Knell of Praise speech, signifying this was a far as he would go.  My money is on Genessey for 1 reason, well, 2--her showmance with cutiepie Slavic pimped her out, and the fact that she has an interesting back story, her parent's bodega. But she is pedestrian for me, as is Jensen (her name bugs)

[Tikichick]

7 minutes ago, crossover said:

Really don't remember which routine you are talking about?  I remember him being hurt at the end but voting had ended.  It seems like the choreographers put him in the front quite a bit in the group routines? I remember one group that had all of them on the edge.  Also remember him as not performing with his partner in the beginning.

Really doesn't matter.  As we've agreed, dance appreciation is subjective.  I liked Russell's performances and you didn't.  But I don't expect to be dazzled because of the time limit they have.  I guess that's why I still enjoy the show, for the most part. 

World of Dance has some routines that should dazzle most people.

I meant I would like if he had the opportunity to come back in a guest performance slot like they used to have.  I genuinely would like the chance to see and appreciate the magic that others saw -- and see what else he can bring to it today.    

ETA  World of Dance just doesn't do it for me.  Number one, the lighting combined with the staging in the round is more often than not a recipe for not being able to see the dance to truly appreciate it.  I find it surprising with Nappytabs behind the scenes because I know they bring a lot of talent and skill to their productions.  Number two, the whole contrivance of the entire structure of the show itself drives me up the wall.  SYT and ABDC have been the sole dance competitions that brought the magic for me. 

Edited September 5, 2018 by Tikichick

[luvthepros]

On 9/4/2018 at 1:39 AM, vdw84 said:

I liked Hannaheli and Slavik jazz but I have to say the whole time I was watching, I wishing it was darius dancing it with her, can u imagine the insanity of that dance. 

Dariuis is better at Hip Hop than Slavik!!! Showmance is what got Slavik to the Top 4. I wish it were Darius in place of Slavik. We would be watching amazing dancing vs mediocre dancing.

[vdw84]

1 hour ago, WhineandCheez said:

I thought the judges were  going to fall all over themselves to give a standing O to that, but no.  I was shocked. I love the way Nigel gave Slavic the Death Knell of Praise speech, signifying this was a far as he would go.  My money is on Genessey for 1 reason, well, 2--her showmance with cutiepie Slavic pimped her out, and the fact that she has an interesting back story, her parent's bodega. But she is pedestrian for me, as is Jensen (her name bugs)

I think that was the most boring choreography I have ever seen from Travis Wall, he wasnt inspired at all with Slavik, i think its funny.

[vdw84]

48 minutes ago, luvthepros said:

Dariuis is better at Hip Hop than Slavik!!! Showmance is what got Slavik to the Top 4. I wish it were Darius in place of Slavik. We would be watching amazing dancing vs mediocre dancing.

Yes, he was better. My friend who is trained hiphop dancer said that for him to be so classically trained that he dances better in hiphop than that animator dude. Slavic week 1 hiphop routine was his only good one of the season, he isnt one of the best hiphop dancers to come on the show, I tell u that. Watching fikshon dance monday night shows what a true weak hiphop dancer slavik is.

[vdw84]

1 hour ago, Tikichick said:

The poster children for this have to be Travis and Twitch.  Many of those who have gone on to arguably the greatest success have not been the winners.  

I think Comfort is even a greater example because she was constantly voted off and brought back her season, I mean she didnt even make it nowhere near the finals but she has manage to keep her allstar postition on sytycd and has traveled all over the world dancing with music artists, so im just saying as long as u make top 10 ur pretty much on your way to great things. Truly the best thing about winning the show is u get the prize money and status but as far as having a flourishing career that can go to any of the contestants.

[Tikichick]

23 minutes ago, vdw84 said:

I think Comfort is even a greater example because she was constantly voted off and brought back her season, I mean she didnt even make it nowhere near the finals but she has manage to keep her allstar postition on sytycd and has traveled all over the world dancing with music artists, so im just saying as long as u make top 10 ur pretty much on your way to great things. Truly the best thing about winning the show is u get the prize money and status but as far as having a flourishing career that can go to any of the contestants.

I agree and disagree.  I named Travis and Twitch the poster children because I think the careers they have built have brought them higher recognition and bigger paychecks overall.

Comfort is one of my absolute treasures to come out of the show.   Probably what I admire the very most about her is the fact that she competed on the show, did very well and could have simply built a career from that.  Instead she chose to train incredibly hard first.  It showed in her body alone when she returned to the show.  It also showed in her absolute mastery of every other genre she danced in the initial outing of All Stars being paired with a competitor and dancing various genres with them.  It was a given she could crush it in hip hop.  The increase in technique in other styles was pretty spectacular to see.  I was so incredibly happy she got the chance to show her choreo skills last week.  As one of the top returning all stars over all the years I thought the show absolutely owed her that opportunity in front of a national audience.      

[realdancemom]

On 9/3/2018 at 8:00 PM, LexieLily said:

I was busy typing this up and missed who Hannahlei was dating. 

Jevohn Gentry, 

[realdancemom]

9 hours ago, crossover said:

Dance appreciation is subjective.  I thought Ellenore was the star of the Sonja piece.  For me, Jakob was good at making his partner look good (ex Mollee) because my eyes went to them.  Russell was a great performer.   So, I have no problem with his win.  He was versatile and dynamic in his specialty.  At first, Ellenore was my choice that season.  After Kathryn danced with Ryan, I changed to her.  But I have less of an issue with the Russell win than the Jeanine win.  I do agree that she had (or they showed her to have) a funny personality.  But when there're two or more dancers better in your specialty and there were no breakout couple routines, I have to put you in the "nice personality" category.

 

5 hours ago, Tikichick said:

Yes, it certainly is subjective.  At the time I thought Jakob or Kathryn because of their technique.  I had a love for Ellenore then that has only grown over time.  She's absolutely a star.  I didn't feel Russell brought much of anything outside of his style, including performance quality, which was problematic for me.  When they had him move to the front edge of the stage and sit down for several eight counts during a group number was just too far for me and I felt showed him unworthy of the win.  I would have loved for him to return to the show since then and dazzle me with his magic in his comfort zone so that I can appreciate his talents again and let go of that bad impression.

Dance is subjective.  I remember Russell being good in hip-hop and he was o.k. in other styles.  I was Team Jakob but also appreciated Kathryn and Ellenore.  I was really disappointed when Russell won.  I honestly don't remember what he did.    I'm not against hip-hop dancers winning.  I was rooting for Joshua in Season 4 but would have been o.k. if Katee won.  Those were my top two back then.  Now, I really appreciate so many other dancers during that season, e.g. Mark, Chelsie, Twitch, etc.  I do admit that I didn't like Comfort outside of hip-hop.  Her feet really bugged me and her technique wasn't that good.  She's improved in other genres so much. 

As I previously mentioned, I didn't notice Jeanine right away in Season 5.  I was rooting for Brandon after auditions.  I don't even remember Jeanine's audition or whether they even showed her before the live shows.  After the first show, my eye also noticed Kayla.  I thought Jeanine was going to go home early until she was actually in the bottom.  Then I saw her solo and thought it was amazing.  I loved all her solos and thought they were distinct too.  It's easier to compare women and I do think that Kayla has better technique but Jeanine also has good technique.  It's not like a big difference which you see this season with Hannahlei and Genessy.  All three are good performers and had memorable dances.  One of my favorites was the Addiction dance with Kayla and Kupono.  As the season progessed, Jeanine started to be my favorite and I noticed that when she performed, my eyes were drawn to her.  As Nigel mentioned during the finale, she peaked at the right time.  I only mentioned her personality because I absolutely see it as one of the deciding factors for voters but it's not the only reason why I preferred her.  An example of personality working against you is somebody like Blake in Season 1.  He was really good but I wasn't going to vote for him because of his personality.  As Tikichick and I previously mentioned, it would have been fine if any of them would have won Season 5. 

So I guess I shouldn't be upset if Slavik and Genessy win even though they are not my favorites.  People vote for different reasons.  It would be like when Russell won Season 6 to me.  I'm just glad the show is still on.

ETA - I prefer Genessy to Slavik.  I do think she has improved through the season as her confidence has grown.

Edited September 5, 2018 by realdancemom

[rtb]

There was no Top 4 group dance, right?? Wonder why not? I can see them not having an all 3 girls dance as that would have left Slavik to do .... another solo??

I loved Cat's finding out about Hannahlei's relationship. "How did I not know this?". She's adorable. 

[vdw84]

4 hours ago, Tikichick said:

I agree and disagree.  I named Travis and Twitch the poster children because I think the careers they have built have brought them higher recognition and bigger paychecks overall.

Comfort is one of my absolute treasures to come out of the show.   Probably what I admire the very most about her is the fact that she competed on the show, did very well and could have simply built a career from that.  Instead she chose to train incredibly hard first.  It showed in her body alone when she returned to the show.  It also showed in her absolute mastery of every other genre she danced in the initial outing of All Stars being paired with a competitor and dancing various genres with them.  It was a given she could crush it in hip hop.  The increase in technique in other styles was pretty spectacular to see.  I was so incredibly happy she got the chance to show her choreo skills last week.  As one of the top returning all stars over all the years I thought the show absolutely owed her that opportunity in front of a national audience.      

I know Travis and Twitch are more recognized and have bigger paychecks but im just saying as someone who didnt even make it as far as them in the competition comfort has done well, that is why I wanted to point her out because look at where she came and where she is now is amazing to see and I agree that I felt the show def. owed her that opportunity to showcase her choreography last week, I just wish the judges had gave her more acknowledgement like they did the other allstars.

[luvthepros]

19 hours ago, cali1981 said:

 There were some rehearsal clips of Fiddler on YouTube and it turns out that Melanie has a very sweet singing voice.  Three Broadway shows isn't a bad resume.

Found it on YouTube. Melanie is a triple threat. I can see a great future for her on Broadway......

Melanie singing in Fiddler on the Roof

[Terrafamilia]

Regarding the Genessy/Slavik hip-hop: I didn't think the lighting did them any favors. Sure, it was cool to see the glowy colors of their outfits but at the same time it obscured their faces.

I did enjoy Genessy and Jonathan's number.

Aside from the tango I don't think they did any standard ballroom this year. No love for the quickstep, I guess.

[Kira53]

If they did any standard ballroom  it would’ve made Slavic and Genesee really look bad. So they just eliminated any of that And concentrated on shipping them. I like the early days of the show when there was a lot of standard ball room and a lot of criticism that was honest about the inability for people to just do standard ball room without a lot of experience.

[Tikichick]

15 hours ago, vdw84 said:

I know Travis and Twitch are more recognized and have bigger paychecks but im just saying as someone who didnt even make it as far as them in the competition comfort has done well, that is why I wanted to point her out because look at where she came and where she is now is amazing to see and I agree that I felt the show def. owed her that opportunity to showcase her choreography last week, I just wish the judges had gave her more acknowledgement like they did the other allstars.

I wish they would give her a slot in an emotional contemporary number again.  When she returned as an All Star and did contemporary again it was stellar.  She has a magic about her that enables her to reach right into your chest as an audience member and pluck out your heart.  Yes, we know she's awesome in hip hop(probably the best ever to appear on the show IMO), but she has a deft touch when it comes to emoting and triggering emotions.  Girl has an entire emotional palette she paints with when she wants to make you feel something, the box of 64 colors is not enough for her.  She also seems to be one of the most supportive, helpful and motivating All Stars a dancer can work with who then gives mad enthusiasm and support to her contestant on stage and backstage.  

Like I said, Comfort is one of my absolute treasures from the show.  I have a lot of love for many of the dancers who've competed.  I still think Twitch and Travis have built bigger careers to this point.

An All Star I feel the show hires and yet routinely overlooks is Marko.  In his season 99% of the critique and praise went to his partner, Melanie.  He got a lot of "good partnering" feedback.  As an All Star they try to make the pretense of not judging the All Stars by having them go off stage, but most of the All Stars over the years have gotten comments and praise quite frequently -- it's either been none for Marko or a lot of comments that amount to "good partner work".  I say Marko has been worthy of some standing O's in his own right.

[realdancemom]

1 hour ago, Tikichick said:

I wish they would give her a slot in an emotional contemporary number again.  When she returned as an All Star and did contemporary again it was stellar.  She has a magic about her that enables her to reach right into your chest as an audience member and pluck out your heart.  Yes, we know she's awesome in hip hop(probably the best ever to appear on the show IMO), but she has a deft touch when it comes to emoting and triggering emotions.  Girl has an entire emotional palette she paints with when she wants to make you feel something, the box of 64 colors is not enough for her.  She also seems to be one of the most supportive, helpful and motivating All Stars a dancer can work with who then gives mad enthusiasm and support to her contestant on stage and backstage.  

Like I said, Comfort is one of my absolute treasures from the show.  I have a lot of love for many of the dancers who've competed.  I still think Twitch and Travis have built bigger careers to this point.

An All Star I feel the show hires and yet routinely overlooks is Marko.  In his season 99% of the critique and praise went to his partner, Melanie.  He got a lot of "good partnering" feedback.  As an All Star they try to make the pretense of not judging the All Stars by having them go off stage, but most of the All Stars over the years have gotten comments and praise quite frequently -- it's either been none for Marko or a lot of comments that amount to "good partner work".  I say Marko has been worthy of some standing O's in his own right.

I agree about Comfort and emoting.  I don't know if the show will give her another emotional contemporary since I don't want them to go back to the mentor thing.  Loved her and Mark's chemistry and thought they brought out all the right emotions for each piece.  Comfort has produced some really good emotional hip-hop though and the show will always use her for that.  Two numbers that I remember is her number with Adechike and her TappyNabs one in the Next Generation.  I can't remember who she was mentoring but they did an emotional hip-hop on divorce playing mom and daughter.

I have expressed similar feelings on Marko.  He was my choice to win on Season 8.  But the judges hardly acknowledge him.  Love Twitch because he actually gave Marko praise after he danced with Hannahlei last week.

[Tikichick]

2 hours ago, realdancemom said:

I agree about Comfort and emoting.  I don't know if the show will give her another emotional contemporary since I don't want them to go back to the mentor thing.  Loved her and Mark's chemistry and thought they brought out all the right emotions for each piece.  Comfort has produced some really good emotional hip-hop though and the show will always use her for that.  Two numbers that I remember is her number with Adechike and her TappyNabs one in the Next Generation.  I can't remember who she was mentoring but they did an emotional hip-hop on divorce playing mom and daughter.

I have expressed similar feelings on Marko.  He was my choice to win on Season 8.  But the judges hardly acknowledge him.  Love Twitch because he actually gave Marko praise after he danced with Hannahlei last week.

My memory is that the initial introduction of All Stars to the show didn't bring them back as specialists, rather required them to partner across genres.  After that season I believe they came back as specialists -- eventually detouring down the mentor/coach route that I found annoying.  Now they seem to be back as specialists again.

[realdancemom]

1 hour ago, Tikichick said:

My memory is that the initial introduction of All Stars to the show didn't bring them back as specialists, rather required them to partner across genres.  After that season I believe they came back as specialists -- eventually detouring down the mentor/coach route that I found annoying.  Now they seem to be back as specialists again.

I thought All Stars were brought in for the specialties right away except for genres like Bollywood, Broadway, etc.  I guess Evan could have come back for Broadway but I don't remember any other Broadway specialists.  Season 7 is when they first introduced All Stars.  My favorite routine was Alex/Twitch's hip-hop and was really disappointed when Alex got injured.

[luvthepros]

55 minutes ago, realdancemom said:

I guess Evan could have come back for Broadway but I don't remember any other Broadway specialists.

Jess LeProtto has done a few Broadway shows and he seems to be doing very well in his career. I don't remember if he auditioned as a Broadway dancer or Jazz but he certainly is qualified to be a Broadway specialist on this show. He is great in tap too. I've seen Jess in Newsies and he was a stand out when he was on stage.

Edited September 6, 2018 by luvthepros

[realdancemom]

9 minutes ago, luvthepros said:

Jess LeProtto has done a few Broadway shows and he seems to be doing very well in his career. I don't remember if he auditioned as a Broadway dancer or Jazz but he certainly is qualified to be a Broadway specialist on this show. He is great in tap too. I've seen Jess in Newsies and he was a stand out when he was on stage.

I knew that Jess was in Broadway shows but I think he came in as tap.  But I'm really not sure since he was really versatile.  He can definitely come back as a Broadway All Star.  Since the show tries to put dancers in genre boxes, I was trying to think of contestants who auditioned as a Broadway specialist besides Evan.

[vdw84]

11 hours ago, realdancemom said:

Loved her and Mark's chemistry and thought they brought out all the right emotions for each piece

The most underrated couple last season. Best chemistry that season but for some reason they just werent the judges pick.

[Gothish520]

On 9/3/2018 at 10:36 PM, vdw84 said:

Gennessy best personality out of the girls but weaker dancer but strongest to show emotion

I became a huge Genessy fan during her hip-hop routine with Fik-Shun, the one that got her into the top ten. She brings a lot of energy and personality to her dance. When she is on stage I can't take my eyes off her. Jensen and Hannahlei are technically better dancers, but they don't have the spark and the charm that Genessy has.

I like Slavik too - I think he was helped by being partnered with Genessy, they have amazing chemistry. Agree with everyone else who said that Darius and JayJay should still be here.

Edited September 7, 2018 by Gothish520

[Tikichick]

19 hours ago, realdancemom said:

I thought All Stars were brought in for the specialties right away except for genres like Bollywood, Broadway, etc.  I guess Evan could have come back for Broadway but I don't remember any other Broadway specialists.  Season 7 is when they first introduced All Stars.  My favorite routine was Alex/Twitch's hip-hop and was really disappointed when Alex got injured.

You may be right after all of the incarnations the show has gone through and my memory getting fuzzy.   I feel like initially they called on Lauren a lot as their Broadway All Star, Neil as the male participant -- although I know they both did jazz and contemporary stuff as well. 

Alex' injury actually left me feeling physically ill.  I worried he might never dance again.  Happily he did.  Ironically he suffered the very same injury on the other side, I believe about a year later.  I am incredibly thankful for his sake, and for the sake of those who get to appreciate his dancing, that he healed so well.  

[vdw84]

8 hours ago, Gothish520 said:

I became a huge Genessy fan during her hip-hop routine with Fik-Shun, the one that got her into the top ten. She brings a lot of energy and personality to her dance. When she is on stage I can't take my eyes off her. Jensen and Hannahlei are technically better dancers, but they don't have the spark and the charm that Genessy has.

I like Slavik too - I think he was helped by being partnered with Genessy, they have amazing chemistry. Agree with everyone else who said that Darius and JayJay should still be here.

I still wanted genessy and darius to have a dance together because I think those two are the best to show so much emotion, I wanted them to a contemporary together so genessy could all full out because I felt like she wasnt given that opportunity with slavic, yes they have great chemistry but I felt he held her back in their contemporary numbers. I mean u see how she was able to do more with Lex. 

[realdancemom]

1 hour ago, Tikichick said:

You may be right after all of the incarnations the show has gone through and my memory getting fuzzy.   I feel like initially they called on Lauren a lot as their Broadway All Star, Neil as the male participant -- although I know they both did jazz and contemporary stuff as well. 

Alex' injury actually left me feeling physically ill.  I worried he might never dance again.  Happily he did.  Ironically he suffered the very same injury on the other side, I believe about a year later.  I am incredibly thankful for his sake, and for the sake of those who get to appreciate his dancing, that he healed so well.  

I felt the same way about Alex.  I was worried that such a brilliant dancer would not be able to dance professionally.  It didn't help that he injured the other side the next year.  I'm glad that he has healed and is doing well.

This is why I also hate Doriana's discos.  I'm glad that this year, it seemed like she had less lifts.  I was so angry last year after Lex was injured doing her disco.  Unless you have somebody like Ade or Brandon, you can't expect somebody to lift that much and at such a fast speed.  Marko looked exhausted after his disco with Melanie.  I think it was close to the finals when couples had to do so many dances too.

[Ilovepie]

On 9/4/2018 at 8:38 AM, fpbl83 said:

I have a feeling you'll be disappointed then. No way is DWTS passing up the opportunity for Maks and Val 2.0  They probably already have the contract ready for her once the Top 10 tour ends.  

Yes to this. I said last week this whole season was Jensen’s DWTS audition tape. I will be shocked if she isn’t on next season.

i think Hannalei should win because I think she has done the best overall in all styles, but when I stopped to think about my favorite routines this season I could only remember one of her dancers- the Broadway number with Cole.

My other favorites this season were Gennessy and Slavik’s first hip hop and their Housework Jazz, Jensen and Jay Jay’s African Jazz, Jensen and Robert’s contemporary and the aforementioned Broadway number with Hannalei and Cole. 

Based on what I liked most, I should say Slavik should win, but technically he’s the weakest. This is the Achilles heal of this show. Do you reward the best dancer or the one you like or someone who lucked out and got more memorable routines? It’s why I say Hannalei deserves to win, but I can’t get up any excitement about it because I won’t remember or rewatch any of her routines six months from now.

For all its faults I still love this show. These kids are asked to do crazy hard stuff and they are all amazing. Now if we could just get rid of Vanessa......

[vdw84]

I still dont see how Vanessa is still a judge. I mean its so many complaints about who all over sm, so I know production has to know noone really likes her. I guess it teen girls who like her and they mostly watch this show, so there u go.

[Gothish520]

20 minutes ago, Ilovepie said:

Yes to this. I said last week this whole season was Jensen’s DWTS audition tape. I will be shocked if she isn’t on next season.

i think Hannalei should win because I think she has done the best overall in all styles, but when I stopped to think about my favorite routines this season I could only remember one of her dancers- the Broadway number with Cole.

My other favorites this season were Gennessy and Slavik’s first hip hop and their Housework Jazz, Jensen and Jay Jay’s African Jazz, Jensen and Robert’s contemporary and the aforementioned Broadway number with Hannalei and Cole. 

Based on what I liked most, I should say Slavik should win, but technically he’s the weakest. This is the Achilles heal of this show. Do you reward the best dancer or the one you like or someone who lucked out and got more memorable routines? It’s why I say Hannalei deserves to win, but I can’t get up any excitement about it because I won’t remember or rewatch any of her routines six months from now.

For all its faults I still love this show. These kids are asked to do crazy hard stuff and they are all amazing. Now if we could just get rid of Vanessa......

Slavik's hunching does irk me - I think he has great potential but seems to second-guess himself? 

Both Hannalei and Jensen seem almost...generic? Like the cookie-cutter version of what a good dancer should be. I just need more real personality, not the fake plastered-on pageant smiles. I agree that none of Hannalei's routines have been memorable.

I feel bad for finding Vanessa so annoying, because she is probably a lovely person, but her critiques just bug. Unpopular opinion here, but Twitch's critiques also annoy me. Just too much hyperbole. I know it's popular to hate on Nigel, but his low-key approach works better for me. Mary is just Mary, she can be too much but usually makes me laugh.

[lavenderblue]

22 hours ago, realdancemom said:

I knew that Jess was in Broadway shows but I think he came in as tap.  But I'm really not sure since he was really versatile.  He can definitely come back as a Broadway All Star.  Since the show tries to put dancers in genre boxes, I was trying to think of contestants who auditioned as a Broadway specialist besides Evan.

Jess auditioned as Broadway -- Nick Young was the only designated tapper that season. But since they were both odd men out in their official specialties (and obviously Jess can tap), they were paired for that Meet the Top 20 and the finale numbers.

[Ilovepie]

1 hour ago, Gothish520 said:

Slavik's hunching does irk me - I think he has great potential but seems to second-guess himself? 

I think it’s funny that you think he second guesses himself- I think the reason he resonated so much with me was his self confidence and almost cockiness despite having the least training. I also think he connects with his partners the most - every routine he seemed so laser focused on his partner (particularly Gennessy) that made it more believable for me because he wasn’t just playing to the audience.  I have zero dance training though  so I don’t tend to notice technical issues if I like the overall routine.

As far as the jidges, I wish they would go back to rotating choreographers in the third chair and just get rid of Vanessa, or even maybe rotating All Stars. 

[Gothish520]

12 minutes ago, Ilovepie said:

I think it’s funny that you think he second guesses himself- I think the reason he resonated so much with me was his self confidence and almost cockiness despite having the least training. I also think he connects with his partners the most - every routine he seemed so laser focused on his partner (particularly Gennessy) that made it more believable for me because he wasn’t just playing to the audience.  I have zero dance training though  so I don’t tend to notice technical issues if I like the overall routine.

As far as the jidges, I wish they would go back to rotating choreographers in the third chair and just get rid of Vanessa, or even maybe rotating All Stars. 

Slavik was actually my pick to win the whole thing after the top ten were announced. I like him a lot and agree with you that based on my overall preferences, he should win. He definitely exhibits more personality than anyone left except Genessy, and is an attentive partner.

Nigel mentioned the hunching and now I can't unsee it, lol. That's why I sometimes FF through the critiques - I don't want the judges to unduly influence me, plus the annoyance factor is often high. It's a relatively minor thing IMO, but like you, I have no training at all, so I just go with what I like.

I would be thrilled if either Genessy or Slavik won. Jensen and Hannahlei? *yawn*

[realdancemom]

40 minutes ago, lavenderblue said:

Jess auditioned as Broadway -- Nick Young was the only designated tapper that season. But since they were both odd men out in their official specialties (and obviously Jess can tap), they were paired for that Meet the Top 20 and the finale numbers.

Thanks since I didn't remember.  I just remember loving Nick and Jess' tap routines especially the finale with Matt.  That's why I thought Jess was tap.

[calipiano81]

On 9/6/2018 at 10:14 AM, Tikichick said:

My memory is that the initial introduction of All Stars to the show didn't bring them back as specialists, rather required them to partner across genres.  After that season I believe they came back as specialists -- eventually detouring down the mentor/coach route that I found annoying.  Now they seem to be back as specialists again.

All-Stars, from the start (Season 7 was the first season), were brought in only for their specialties. Jazz/Contemporary All-Stars would do the "other" dances like Broadway, Bollywood, African Jazz, Disco etc. because those are still considered in their wheelhouse.

Last season (Season 14), was the only season where the All-Stars performed in different genres other than their own.

 

Speaking of All-Stars who are/were consistently underrated and ignored by the judges...how about ALL of the male ballroom All-Stars (Pasha, Ryan, Paul). The ballroom girls get lavished with praise, but the ballroom guys always get taken for granted. 

Edited September 7, 2018 by calipiano81

[Ilovepie]

1 hour ago, calipiano81 said:

Speaking of All-Stars who are/were consistently underrated and ignored by the judges...how about ALL of the male ballroom All-Stars (Pasha, Ryan, Paul). The ballroom girls get lavished with praise, but the ballroom guys always get taken for granted. 

I agree, and now you can add Cole to that list as well.....

[MissSunshine]

I think this is a weak season. Hoping Jensen does not win. But we’ll see.

does anyone think Slavic looks like a younger Chad Michael Murray?

Edited September 9, 2018 by MissSunshine

[BeeBop88]

10 hours ago, MissSunshine said:

I think this is a weak season. Hoping Jensen does not win. But we’ll see.

does anyone think Slavic looks like a younger Chad Michael Murray?

It's been a loonnnggg time since a ballroom person won, and that is how Jensen describes herself, although I disagree with her. Ballroom is not a favorite of the majority of SYTYCD viewers, which is why they have gotten rid of them in the past. Hannahlei is gonna win. I feel it in my bones.  I think it is gonna be Hannahlei, Gennessy, Jensen, and Slavic in that order.

Personally, I think Slavic reminds me of Jack Dawson, aka a much younger looking Leo Dicaprio in that Titanic movie. But that's just me.

[Jsage]

Quote

My favorite routine was Alex/Twitch's hip-hop and was really disappointed when Alex got injured.

That is in my top five dances of all time for SYTYCD. And the version with Ellen DeGeneres is in my top five too!

[jewel21]

10 hours ago, BeeBop88 said:

Personally, I think Slavic reminds me of Jack Dawson, aka a much younger looking Leo Dicaprio in that Titanic movie. But that's just me.

I said the same thing above. Glad I'm not the only one who sees it. 

[Tikichick]

On 9/7/2018 at 12:13 PM, realdancemom said:

I felt the same way about Alex.  I was worried that such a brilliant dancer would not be able to dance professionally.  It didn't help that he injured the other side the next year.  I'm glad that he has healed and is doing well.

This is why I also hate Doriana's discos.  I'm glad that this year, it seemed like she had less lifts.  I was so angry last year after Lex was injured doing her disco.  Unless you have somebody like Ade or Brandon, you can't expect somebody to lift that much and at such a fast speed.  Marko looked exhausted after his disco with Melanie.  I think it was close to the finals when couples had to do so many dances too.

I've been angry about Doriana's ridiculousness for quite a few seasons -- very angry that producers have knowingly sanctioned such risk on behalf of the dancers time and time again.

On 9/7/2018 at 4:15 PM, calipiano81 said:

All-Stars, from the start (Season 7 was the first season), were brought in only for their specialties. Jazz/Contemporary All-Stars would do the "other" dances like Broadway, Bollywood, African Jazz, Disco etc. because those are still considered in their wheelhouse.

Last season (Season 14), was the only season where the All-Stars performed in different genres other than their own.

 

Speaking of All-Stars who are/were consistently underrated and ignored by the judges...how about ALL of the male ballroom All-Stars (Pasha, Ryan, Paul). The ballroom girls get lavished with praise, but the ballroom guys always get taken for granted. 

I must confess I kinda sorta have a mad crush on Pasha.  He's been the best of all the ballroom guys for me -- but I do give Paul incredibly high marks as well.  I just didn't find Ryan's work moving at all, it was just vacant for me.  I still have to give much credit to Paul for his tango with Ruby during the kid season.  It was fantastic dancing with a wonderful twist on the dance in order to not have it be creepy at all when he as an adult had to try to dance with a young girl.  It really was a well thought out number performed beautifully.

[crowceilidh]

Why isn't there a thread for the finale and why isn't anybody taking about it?

[LexieLily]

14 minutes ago, crowceilidh said:

Why isn't there a thread for the finale and why isn't anybody taking about it?

I was too afraid to ask.

[vdw84]

19 minutes ago, crowceilidh said:

Why isn't there a thread for the finale and why isn't anybody taking about it?

I was wondering the same thing.

[crowceilidh]

"Acceptance is the greatest achievement that man can ascend to."  Good for Nigel for taking the time to make sure something good was written for him.  Too bad he has to deliver it so pompously, but good on him, regardless.

I was surprsied by how many enjoyable routines there were.  What was with the Tahitian dance being repeated? Odd.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Top four dance with the all stars:

Hannalei & Fik-Shun - hip hop (Randi & Hef)

Jensen & Robert - contemporary (Mandy Moore)

Genessy & Jonathan - samba (Elena Samodanova)

Slavik & Melanie - contemporary (Travis Wall)

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Solos:

Slavik

Hannalei

Jensen

Genessy

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Top four dance with each other:

Genessy & Jensen - Broadway (Travis Wall)

Jensen & Slavik - cha cha (Oksana Platero)

 

Hannalei & Genessy - contemporary (Talia Favia)

Hannalei & Slavik - African jazz (Sean Cheesman)

Genessy & Slavik - hip hop (Luther Brown)

Jensen & Hannalei - heels (Brian Friedman)