"So You Think You Can Dance" 2010: Top 10 results

June 24, 2010 at 10:24pm

After a sizzling season opener last week, this week's episodes seemed to just simmer. We still got some strong dancing this week, but not much in the way of outstanding or phenomenal performances.

Sonya choreographed tonight's opening routine, which was a quirky jazz piece set to Roisin Murphy's "Royal T." The number featured our Top 10 in shredded red outfits doing some strong popping and a few karate kicks here and there. Nice use of the stage, a few cool formations, but nothing spectacular. A pretty ho-hum routine from Sonya. She can do better (and she has).� Nigel spent a few minutes plugging National Dance Day and the NappyTabs routine (which I'm close to mastering, for anyone who's interested). But we got down to business pretty quickly.

The first three contestants were Kent, AdeChike, and Christina. Kent did a sexy jazz routine with Courtney last night that he fared pretty well in. His technical ability was there, but wasn't sexy 100 percent of the time. There were a few promising moments though. He's got a strong voting bloc, so I suspected he'd be safe and he was. AdeChicke did a lovely Mandy Moore contemporary routine with Allison. He definitely performed beautifully last night with lots of heart (despite what the judges said). Christina and Pasha did a very strong (almost harsh) Paso Doble last night that wasn't best we've ever seen, but definitely not the worst either. Ultimately, Christina landed in the bottom. I don't think she deserved it, but I still wouldn't be devastated to see her leave tonight. She definitely needs to bring a stronger solo than she did last week though.

The next four dancers were Alex, Ashley, Melinda and Jose. Alex got a bad Fosse-esque routine from Tyce last night that he performed technically well. The routine wasn't a success in my opinion, though. He managed to escape the Bottom 3 unscathed. Jose got his results next. He did a dreadful Bollywood routine with Kathryn Tuesday that the judges ate up. They said he was "so wrong he was right." I just thought he looked like a little kid trying to do Bollywood and Kathryn totally overpowered him. And he still managed to make it through. WHAT?! He must have a stronger fan base than I thought. Either that or voters are buying the judges bullshit. GAH!

Ashley did a gorgeous Travis Wall routine last night that I absolutely loved. Most of the judges' criticism was that Travis' choreography was more contemporary than jazz, which might have hurt her. Melinda, who was wearing some God-awful red spandex pants tonight, did a lovely Stacey Tookey routine about mankind destroying Mother Earth that I fully enjoyed. She got major compliments for her gorgeous lines and extension (especially for a hoofer). For the second week in a row though, Melinda landed in the bottom. Nigel suggested she be more vulnerable in her performance so America could connect with her. I hope she sticks around for another week. I'm pissed that Jose got another pass over Melinda. He may have something that she doesn't (though I'm not sure what, other than a dopey grin and bad hairstyle), but she blows him out of the water in terms of technique and ability to pick up other styles.

That meant that either Billy, Robert, or Lauren were in the bottom. Lauren fared pretty well in her emotionally charged hip-hop routine about an abusive relationship. She definitely hit her marks and had a great hip-hop swagger. She lived to see another week in the competition. Billy was thrown wildly out of his element in a Krump routine that he threw himself into, but wasn't great. Robert did a stunning job with an Argentine Tango that I absolutely loved. His footwork was totally on point and he oozed passion next to Anya. Still, Robert ended up in the Bottom 3.

What the hell, America? Were we watching different shows, or do people really want to see more bad dancing? I know someone has to land in the bottom, and we are voting for America's *favorite* dancer, but I'd rather watch dancers who can do things I can't. People who inspire me by dancing in styles other than their own and EXCELLING at it. Jose didn't do that at all last night (quite the opposite) and he's safe. And much as I love him, Billy's krump was one of the weaker routines and he's safe. We'll have to see if I can out-speed-dial next week.

Tonight's special guest was Brian Gaynor, aka the Amazing Robot Man from Season 3, and his crew, RemoteKontrol. They looked like the Blue Man Group's golden cousins in solid gold outfits, bowler hats, and masks. Brian started off doing his usual robot thing, then let each of his crewmates take a turn. One of them seemed to be a smoother, calmer robot, while the other was a bit more spastic and quick. The contrast between the three was great and yet they all managed to stay in sync. I almost forgot they were dancers at times. Their abilities are truly super-human. Lovely to see.

Solo time! First up was Christina, who did a cha-cha solo (hard to do) which involved lots of half-hearted shimmying and a bunch of spins. Not great. Melinda followed with a groovy tap solo. It started off a bit too slow for my taste, but got better as it went on. Definitely not as good as her solo last week. Robert was up last and started off very slowly before going into a great no-handed dive. He included a lot in his routine, including some great arabesques and a handful of pirouettes. It lacked oomph, though.

Tonight's musical guest was Debi Nova with her song "Drummer Boy." Instead of bringing her own backup dancers, she got some help from the SYTYCD all-stars, including Neil, Ade, Mark, Lauren, Courtney, and Comfort. It was a smart way to use the all-stars without having them overshadow this season's dancers. I hope they continue that tradition. The all-stars really hit it, especially Ade and Neil with simultaneous flips, but Comfort felt totally out of place. She was easy to ignore with the other dancers on stage and the confetti guns at the end.

The judges were not unanimous in their decision this week. Scary. Nigel told Robert that since he was one of the six remaining guys, it would have been easy to eliminate him, but they didn't. Melinda was called forward next and Nigel told her he voted to let her go, but Adam and Mia insisted she stay, so Christina got the boot. She didn't deserve to go out after her performance last night, but I'm not surprised to see her go. She seems like a perfectly nice person, but wasn't one of the strongest dancers this season.

Hopefully next week we'll send home a guy. I'd hate to see the male pool of all-stars dry up so early in the season. I want more shirtless Pasha, dammit!

Comments for ""So You Think You Can Dance" 2010: Top 10 results" (20)

City Newspaper is not responsible for the content of these reviews. City Newspaper reserves the right to remove reviews at their discretion.

Eric said on Jun. 24, 2010 at 10:42pm

We are definitely seeing one of the major drawbacks to this new format: the girls are getting picked off one by one. We're two down already and Melinda is hanging by a thread. Ashley isn't gaining much traction (I keep forgetting who she is). That leaves Lauren, and the judges don't seem to particularly like her. We're going to have a sausage fest up in here by Top 5.

At this point there's not much the judges can do. The majority of the people who vote for these shows are women and gay men, and cute boys will always fare better than sexy ladies in that scenario. Look at "Idol": In the past three seasons only one woman has made it past Final 4 each time. And that show starts out with equal odds between the sexes. This time around, the guys already had a one-up advantage.

As you pointed out, however, the women/gay men voting for all the shirtless wonders this season are sabotaging themselves inadvertently, because if all the girl contestants get snuffed out you're not going to see Pasha or Neil or Ade or Mark anymore. (That would be especially a loss with Mark, who has gotten exponentially hotter since his original run on the show; did you SEE that guy's body this week? Holy cats!)

Because of the growing gender disparity I figured judges would send Robert home out of principle, especially after his disappointing solo. But I'm glad he stuck around. Christina did fine on Tuesday, but she has zero star wattage. She is a solid dancer but not much of a performer and lacks personality. As we have seen over and over again on this show in particular, personality is key. It explains why people like Sabra (S3) can win, while people like Will (S4) don't even make Top 4.

If the judges really want to make this a fair fight for the women (and too late for that, starting off with six guys), they really need to make sure that they're being very honest in their critiques of the men. Last week they gave Kent a free pass on his embarrassing ballroom routine because of his aw-shucks charm, and this week they did the same for Jose for...some reason I really cannot fathom. He's not charming. He's not attractive. He isn't even particularly skilled in his own style, much less the others. But if they really want to give a woman a chance of winning this season they have to hold all of the guys to the same very high standards they seem to hold the women to.

Also, absolutely loved RemoteKontrol. What a cool experience. Here's hoping those guys get more work, because what they do is truly awe-inspiring.

Melissa said on Jun. 24, 2010 at 11:42pm

I'm wondering why the new format doesn't just vote off the lowest vote getter? Is that just judge ego? Also, when can we get Mary Murphy back? I prefer Mia doing choreography - she's so overwhelmingly talented and even more self important - she's annoying as a judge and to die for as a choreographer. Bring back Mary as judge - or Lil C for entertainment!

Now, if Melinda survives next week, can we let the tapper thing go? She's a great dancer, but when she busts out in her tap routine, it's just sad. Worse than when Adechike tried it out.

I feel ripped off this season - haven't seen any Mia choreography yet gotta listen to her u intelligible feedback, and want to see more of Melinda's grace.

agie said on Jun. 25, 2010 at 8:41am

I think it is really unfortunate that guys are so much more popular this year, especially speaking as a female dancer myself, but I think we have to remember that this is America's favorite dancer and not a competition between male and female dancers. And lets, be honest, the males are really strong this year and are getting more votes not because they are men, but they are better.

On a side not, I really think judges/bloggers are being way to harsh about Adechike's performing ability. Especially this past weeks routine with Allison. Am I the only one that enjoys seeing a manly man dance onstage portraying emotions through his movement quality as well as facial expressions? I believed every moment of his performance.

Eric said on Jun. 25, 2010 at 9:38am

Melissa: Good question. The reason the dancer with the lowest votes isn't automatically eliminated, a la "Idol," is that while the "Idol" kids are mostly on a level playing field -- they're all singing, and presumably America can tell good singing from bad singing -- these dancers are not. There's a reason that the finalists for every season of this show are overwhelmingly hip-hop and contemporary dancers. Those styles lend themselves to flashier solos, while others -- especially tap and ballroom styles -- really don't. We can tell when those dancers are doing well in their choreographed numbers, but in solos it's difficult for many people (myself included) to tell good ballroom dancing from great ballroom dancing, for instance. The judges do know the difference and can make a more informed decision. I actually wish they'd move that format to "Idol," so maybe we'd get rid of some of those awful teen singers earlier in the competition instead of losing more interesting older contestants that aren't connecting with the power-voting crowd. (Lilly Scott, anybody?)

I agree that I miss Mary and definitely miss Mia's choreography. But I also like her on panel. She doesn't hold back, she knows what she's talking about, and she says some pretty ridiculous things (I almost shot the water I was drinking out of my mouth when she called dance a "heart-form" this week). And I would also like to mention that Adam is SO much better on panel this season. I think he was very nervous last time around.

You refer to Mia as unintelligible, but also want Lil C back. I can't think of a more unintelligible judge on this -- or any -- show than Lil C. He does that really obvious trick of dropping pointless, often out-of-place $10 words because he wants everyone to think he's so smart, when he's really saying nothing of consequence. It's a common misdirection for people who are self-conscious about their intellect. And he needn't be -- I think Lil C is quite brilliant. He's managed to convince Nigel Lythgoe that he knows what he's talking about and knows what he's doing, when it's fairly obvious that the man is basically a charlatan. His krump routines regularly put the contestants that dance them in danger of going home (Billy should thank his considerable S6-primed voting bloc for the save this week), and they're generally terrible. How did nobody mention the full 30 seconds of posturing that started out this week's number? Or the fact that the rest of it was the same four or five moves repeated over and over again? So yeah, Lil C is brilliant. He's a hack, but he's brilliant. And if I never see him on this show again it will be too soon.

Sonia Shaine said on Jun. 25, 2010 at 10:17am

I just want to mention that I took tap dancing for years...I cannot, for the life of me, understand what you see in Melinda that she did not go home last night. Nigel was right. Mia and Adam.. you should have listened to Nigel. America is unhappy with your choice ...Read facebook! Christina, by far is a better dancer. We are so sad that you made this choice.

Kathy said on Jun. 25, 2010 at 11:06am

Sonia - I too am an avid tapper (have been since I was 4). I have to agree that Melinda's tap solo this week was, well, weak. But she has definitely exceeded expectations in styles other than her own. I actually think she should change "her style," because her tapping is pretty mediocre. I wouldn't be surprised to see her go soon though.

I don't think Christina deserved to go home this week. Her Paso was WAY stronger than many of the routines last night, notably Alex's B'way, Jose's Bollywood and Billy's Krump. But as Eric said, I don't think she has a lot of star power, and that's ultimately what sent her home. It's a shame to see, but there's not a lot we can do about it (other than ramp up our speed dials and hope for a more satisfactory result next week -- and you can bet I will be doing both).

Kathy said on Jun. 25, 2010 at 11:08am

Also, Eric, you're totally spot-on about Mark. I don't know what gym he's been hitting, but DAMN! I wouldn't mind seeing more of him this season either. I'm begging you, America! Let's vote off a guy next week. Pretty please?!

Staci said on Jun. 28, 2010 at 10:58am

How do you vote????

Eric said on Jun. 28, 2010 at 11:18am

Staci: You vote via the phone numbers given at the end of each performance show (Wednesday nights); voting goes for two hours after the show ends. Results are then broadcast on Thursday, where the three dancers with the lowest numbers of votes dance for their lives, and the judges send one of them home.

Staci said on Jun. 30, 2010 at 3:28pm

Thank you, Eric!! I must always miss the very end. I'll do better tonight...thanks to you! P.S. LAUREN FRODERMAN ROCKS!!! <3

kaitlyn said on Jun. 30, 2010 at 9:44pm

kent is hot and i hope he wins

carol said on Jul. 01, 2010 at 12:39am

I miss Mary and her excitement..where that choo choo train? why can't both Mia and Mary be on air??? any conflict here? egos

JUICEMAN said on Jul. 01, 2010 at 2:31pm

First of all WHERE IN THE HECK IS MARYYYYYYYY
She is hugh part of the show. As far As Mia is concerned she made a huge mistake
I believe a couple of seasons ago and all the judges were surprise at her action
Well she was proven very wrong and had to eat crow if I remember right that person
came in first place or second someone can correct me on that. She still wrong she not a very good judge IMO but a very good choreography
Now the dancers wow they are fantastic. I love to watch girls first and formost
but this year goes to the guys hands down. They are a cut above the rest
So if they let a guy go to balance out then thats a bad mistake.I do have my favorite girl
Lauren she has alot going for herself great personality etc but im sticking to the guys.
Im the least to be bias becasue girls are much prettier to watch.
So my pick is top three will be guys and rightfully so.
Thats my opinion Im the JUICEMAN
PS WHERE IN THE HECK IS MARYYYYYY we miss you girl

denaya said on Jul. 05, 2010 at 10:34pm

I honestly think this season SUCKS!
I'm terribly disappointed.
GO ALEX WONG- he's the only great dancer on this show

sanssoucy said on Jul. 07, 2010 at 6:12am

If they're going to let break dancers into the competition, I think every contemporary dancer should have to do at least one break routine and face elimination on their inability to do anything but flop embarrassingly on the floor. It's maddening to see the judges swoon every damn week over some bare-chested dork in 3/4 pants waving his toes in the air while a B-boy who can do simply amazing things gets eliminated because he's pointing his foot wrongly in a ballroom number.

And the growing misogynistic tendencies of the show can't be explained only by "gay men and women are voting." Recall that the producers themselves were so enchanted by male dancers that they actually allowed a sixth male competitor. Come now, what can explain that except a vicious bias against women?

I think my wife and I - who have enjoyed previous seasons - are pretty much done with this farce. It's one thing to watch a talent competition, and another thing to watch "Gay Dance Party."

Kathy said on Jul. 07, 2010 at 10:56am

Sanssoucy - I hear where you're coming from about contemporary dancers being forced to break dance. We had the same problem last season when there were three tappers who were forced to do contemporary, but no one was required to do a tap routine. Lame.

I definitely agree about Jose (I assume that's who you're referencing above). Having charisma for this competition is essential, especially when it comes to voting, but I don't think it should come down to charm alone. It's "So You Think You Can DANCE" for a reason. I hope he gets eliminated soon, because God forbid we end up with another Evan situation (although, at least he had some natural dance talent to go along with his adorable personality). There's no way Jose deserves to be in the Top 4 (or even the Top 11 for that matter).

I think the reason the girls are going home early this season is at least partially because of who votes (there are certainly straight men who vote, but I think the girls & gay men outnumber them greatly in the voting pool), but also because the girls are (sigh) largely forgettable this season. I'm really pulling for Lauren & Ashley though. They're both WAY stronger than Jose, and maybe even AdeChicke and Kent.

Lv said on Jul. 07, 2010 at 9:31pm

Melissa I agree with you 100%. I prefer Mia doing choreography and she's is annoying as a judge. The comment that Mia made to Adechike about it was ok for Jose to put personality into his dance, because Jose just grabs our heart.....but not ok for Adechike! Totally wrong and I hope she apoligizes to Adechike.

Amanda said on Jul. 08, 2010 at 1:29am

I am a Ballroom Dance Instructor, and I love this show dearly. The latest episode really upset me however. I mean can Mia Michaels be any more of a bitch as a judge (I don't miss the person she replaced, Mary screamed everything) but I would prefer screaming over Mia being outright insulting to talented dancers. The comment about a dancers performance was like a donught hole (empty) was not only untrue but mean spirited and out of line comming from someone who should be a mentor. Then she went on to tell AdeChicke that she missed Alex while she should be cretiquing his dancing instead of putting him down and telling him she missed his competetor. In my opinion these comments are unprofessional and unconstructive. I love the consept of the show and love to watch the dancing, I don't always totally agree with Nigel or Adam, but I never feel that they are mean spirited or unconstructive. These are amazing dancers who work to hard physically and emotionally to be insulted and put down like that. All 8 dancers left are amazing dancers and I love seeing them grow and change each week. Keep it up!!!

winnie said on Jul. 15, 2010 at 4:12pm

I really hope that Mia will not be a judge on next years show. She tried to dress her comments up last night but after last week show (July 7th), I just have no respect for the lady any more. Adechicke is a very good dancer so the judges should do what they are there to do....judge the dance. Nigel was rather rude last night his self. To tell someone he think they are the winner........well end the show and crown him Nigel. Stop wasting the other contestants time!!!!!!! I don't think none of the judges think before speaking. And last.......Jose can only do what he did last night. If the winner need to look like a sad puppy dog sometimes and if he needs to show some teeth at certain times or even bow his head down with pitty on his face, not be able to dance correct not to mention not even up to par with any of the other dancers.......well I agree Jose is all THAT.

Anisha said on Jul. 19, 2010 at 5:36pm

Read a pertaining article at TheCelebrityCafe.com

http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/so-you-think-you-can-dance-contestant-ashley-galvan-injured-07-18-2010

Respond on Your Blog

If you have a City Account you can not only post comments, but you can also respond to articles in your own City Blog. It's just another way to make your voice heard.