Wow! I am so impressed with this season’s Top 20. I was very surprised that out of all the pairings and dance numbers, there was not a single huge train wreck. Needless to say, this made it extremely hard to pick my favorites!
First, let’s recap the couples and their dances:
Couple 1 was Rayven Armijo (ballet) and Jamie Bayard (west coast swing). They performed a hip hop routine by Napoleon and Tabitha. The judges agreed that it was good but not great. They lacked a little necessary attitude to make the routine convincing. Although the choreography included lots of fun elements, Rayven and Jaime needed a little more spark to carry it off.
Couple 2 was Susie Garcia (latin) and Marquis Cunningham (contemporary). They performed a smooth waltz by Hunter Johnson. The waltz has to be the dreaded pick among the contestants. The pace, technique involved and mild entertainment factor make it difficult to draw votes. They did a solid job with it, although it seemed to me like Susie mostly spun in circles the whole time! And there was a botched lift too. I’m thinking they might be in danger come tomorrow.
Couple 3 was Kourtni Lind (contemporary) and Matt Dorame (ballet). They performed a jazz routine by Mandy Moore. The judges felt it was a fun routine and they are strong dancers but wanted a little more personality, especially from Matt. I loved the song and retro vibe of the choreography but I agreed with the judges that I wanted a little more oomph from them.
Couple 4 was Chelsea Traille (jazz) and Thayne Jasperson (contemporary). They performed a cha-cha by Tony Meredith and Melanie. They did an awesome job with a very challenging dance. The judges loved it, I loved it and I’m sure they will be safe after tomorrow. Chelsea looked amazing, showed tons of sass and moved those hips like a pro. Thayne was a strong partner and really let her shine too. Great job!
Couple 5 was Chelsie Hightower (ballroom) and Mark Kanemura (contemporary). They performed contemporary by Mia Michaels. We knew it was going to be unique and full of emotion and Mia didn’t let us down! The judges loved the choreography and the delivery and I couldn’t agree more. I thought it looked magical, the dancers had a ton of chemistry and were fully invested in the piece. Chelsea’s puffy dress gave the illusion of a floating cloud and the Tim Burton-esque feel was so mesmerizing. Amazing!
Couple 6 was Kherington Payne (contemporary) and Stephen “Twitch” Boss (hip hop). They performed a Broadway piece by Tice DiOrio. The routine was full of fun, the contestants paired nicely and they performed even better. I was really impressed with Twitch’s adaptation to this style and Kherington was full of life and spirit. The judges agreed it was a job well done.
Couple 7 was Comfort Fedoke (hip hop) and Chris Jarosz (contemporary). They performed a jive by Tony Meredith and Melanie. Talk about being out of their element and challenged to the max! The judges felt they did a pretty good job but not spectacular. I agreed with Nigel that Comfort seemed a little stiff and with Dan when he noted they needed a bit more chemistry together. Comfort looked amazing even with being removed of her B Girl style and the couple worked hard to succeed through a huge jive hurdle.
Couple 8 was Katee Shean (contemporary) and Joshua Allen (hip hop). They performed a hip hop routine by Napoleon and Tabitha. Katee and Joshua had a strong connection together and with the audience throughout this piece. I was so into it! Katee really kept up with Joshua’s advantage in the hip hop department and they made the technique seem effortless. The judges raved, the crowd really cheered and I think they are a shoo in for next week!
Couple 9 was Jessica King (contemporary) and William “Will” Wingfield (contemporary). They performed a tango by Hunter Johnson. The tango is always a very dramatic routine, full of passion and intensity. I felt like the dancers paired well and carried it off even with it being such a different style for both of them. I did agree with the judges that Will was a bit stronger than Jessica and her few bouts of wobbling in those sky high heels was a little distracting. They should be safe though.
Couple 10 was Courtney Galiano (contemporary) and Gevorg “Gev” Manoukian (hip hop). They performed a disco by Doriana Sanchez. This routine looked like a workout, the dancers seemed drained afterwards! Overall, disco is usually not my favorite style of the performances but you could tell the contestants really tried to give it their all. Unfortunately, it seemed like they did not put enough fun or lightness into their movement. To me, I had a hint of nervousness or rushing through it. I thought they handled the high difficulty level well but I’m a little worried they may be at risk come tomorrow.
So who were my Top 3? Definitely Chelsie Hightower and Mark Kanemura with the Mia Michaels piece, Chelsea Traille and Thayne Jasperson with the cha-cha and Katee Shean and Joshua Allen with the smooth hip hop routine. Here’s the vids of my picks in case you missed them:
Chelsie Hightower and Mark Kanemura
Chelsea Traille and Thayne Jasperson
Katee Shean and Joshua Allen
Like I said above, I’m a bit concerned for the second and tenth couples being in the bottom three because of the types of dance the picked and a few issues in their performances. Everyone else gave great effort and came across strong for this only being week one! So it’s hard to know for sure either way. We’ll see tonight which guy and girl get the boot!
The Hip-Hop one to the Jordan Sparks/Chris Brown song was by far my favorite! Other than that, I have to say the Tim Burton-esque wedding was crazy unique. I am so glad that they have professional choreographers, because that adds such an entertainment dynamic to the show!
The Hip-Hop one to the Jordan Sparks/Chris Brown song was by far my favorite! Other than that, I have to say the Tim Burton-esque wedding was crazy unique. I am so glad that they have professional choreographers, because that adds such an entertainment dynamic to the show!
The Hip-Hop one to the Jordan Sparks/Chris Brown song was by far my favorite! Other than that, I have to say the Tim Burton-esque wedding was crazy unique. I am so glad that they have professional choreographers, because that adds such an entertainment dynamic to the show!
I didn't get to see much of it as I was writing a stupid paper for school, but I liked the Jordan Sparks one Jina mentioned.
I didn't get to see much of it as I was writing a stupid paper for school, but I liked the Jordan Sparks one Jina mentioned.
I didn't get to see much of it as I was writing a stupid paper for school, but I liked the Jordan Sparks one Jina mentioned.
I dont catch much of this, as I dont have a big enough mit to catch all of it, but from what I have seen this year vs last, there is a notable difference in the caliber of performances…
I dont catch much of this, as I dont have a big enough mit to catch all of it, but from what I have seen this year vs last, there is a notable difference in the caliber of performances…
I dont catch much of this, as I dont have a big enough mit to catch all of it, but from what I have seen this year vs last, there is a notable difference in the caliber of performances…
I only saw the last half of the dances and I'd say that the Tango that Will and Jessica did was my least favorite. It's too hard to pick a favorite dance. They were all so great!
I only saw the last half of the dances and I'd say that the Tango that Will and Jessica did was my least favorite. It's too hard to pick a favorite dance. They were all so great!
I only saw the last half of the dances and I'd say that the Tango that Will and Jessica did was my least favorite. It's too hard to pick a favorite dance. They were all so great!
So – I just don't get dancing, but I have to say that those three videos were pretty impressive.
So – I just don't get dancing, but I have to say that those three videos were pretty impressive.
So – I just don't get dancing, but I have to say that those three videos were pretty impressive.
You get a point just for watching them
You get a point just for watching them
You get a point just for watching them
Sweet
Sweet
Sweet
yes ape! i am so honored that you take the time to read and watch these clips
yes ape! i am so honored that you take the time to read and watch these clips
yes ape! i am so honored that you take the time to read and watch these clips
The third clip was AMAZING. Pretty cool stuff.
The third clip was AMAZING. Pretty cool stuff.
The third clip was AMAZING. Pretty cool stuff.
Booo – somebody removed the videos because they are no longer playing and you can't find them on Youtube….
Booo – somebody removed the videos because they are no longer playing and you can't find them on Youtube….
Booo – somebody removed the videos because they are no longer playing and you can't find them on Youtube….
yeah, i just searched you tube and it says they're all removed due to copyright claim by dick clark. boo!
yeah, i just searched you tube and it says they're all removed due to copyright claim by dick clark. boo!
yeah, i just searched you tube and it says they're all removed due to copyright claim by dick clark. boo!
Katee & Joshua's video is back again on youtube under this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTlaiCUKOb0
I'm guessing this might be pulled down again.
Katee & Joshua's video is back again on youtube under this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTlaiCUKOb0
I'm guessing this might be pulled down again.
Katee & Joshua's video is back again on youtube under this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTlaiCUKOb0
I'm guessing this might be pulled down again.
I've found replacement videos so all three videos are working as of this moment.
I've found replacement videos so all three videos are working as of this moment.
I've found replacement videos so all three videos are working as of this moment.