Comments on: SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE WEEK FIVE: GO JANETTE!

By: EM

EM — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:16:10 +0000

[i]I thought his telling the audience during practice that the role was hard for him because he’s had family members and friends destroyed by addiction, then crying, was a rather obvious attempt to gain our sympathy.[/i]
Wow. While I dislike the manipulative 'sob' and 'inspirational' backstories that the producers favour so much in the audition episodes, I admire a dancer that can draw from his/her experience to better express the emotion of a piece. I believe that Kupono was genuine since he seems to have a very expressive (wear your emotions on your sleeves) personality.

Kayla, on the other hand, seems more reserved and introverted. The judges commented that she didn't have enough emotions on her face but maybe she is just not a 'facial' person. She expresses her emotion through her movements and it is lovely, but I suppose the facials are required for the TV cameras.

Janette has already showed that she deserves a spot in the top 4. Her bio on the fox page states: “Manrara began performing in musical theater at age 12, and started her formal dance training at 19, studying Ballroom, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz and Hip Hop. She currently attends Florida International University.” She is very versatile.

I think Philip and Caitlin were the right choices if not a week or two too late. Philip is incredible in his unique style but even more limited than Tony who was out in week one.

By: EM

EM — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:16:10 +0000

By: courtney

courtney — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:00:23 +0000

I personally thought that Kayla and Kupono did an amazing job on the Mia Michaels Addicton piece. Mia did a wonderful job with the choreography, but the emotions that the two danced with made me and my sister both tear up a little bit. I've watched that dance over 30 times on my DVR, its amazing <3

The other dance that I love was the Wade Robson jazz routine with Janette and Brandon. Brandon is still one of my favorites. So yeah. Just thought I'd throw in my opinion on the Mia Michaels routine!

By: ReneeR2

ReneeR2 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:20:59 +0000

I was truly disappointed with last nights results. Evan just doesn't have it…lacks passion or chi or something. He does all the movement well but his performance quality is monotonous. He hasn't grown as a performer on this show. And Caitlyn just never had a chance. I think her partnership with Jason wasn't a good match and I had looked forward to seeing what she could do with a new partner. But as I said in my blog, its all going to be painful from here on.

By: Blake

Blake — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:40:58 +0000

umm actually it was. russian folk dance feeds in to character dance which is a crucial element in lots of classical ballets. anyhow, if nothing else, the russian dance had to be cleanly executed, with intricate footwork and precise movements. philip's feet were a trainwreck, and though jeanine's were slightly better, they both had an absurd amount of room for improvement. to blame it on the choreographers was ridiculous, considering that philip and jeanine's problem was the same thing that he clearly articulated for kayla and kupono/evan and randi's second dances-attitude and commitment. it wasn;t that the routine was too “folk-y”. it's that nobody bothered to understand how it was supposed to be done, not the judges,not the audience, and apparently not the dancers.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:31:09 +0000

Philip was so much improved in the Jive performance! I was really disappointed in them having to work through that Russian Folk dance, though. It was really unfair of Nigel to criticize them like that. Last year, Twitch and Joshua (?) ended up having a very macho sort of jumping competition, so of course it was more exciting. But what are choreographers supposed to do with a male-female pair? They can't really have Jeanine jumping around like a boy? It wasn't their fault.

By: JoannaOC

JoannaOC — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:49:56 +0000

Finally, someone with a little Phillip love! The Russian choreographers had them spend the first half of the routine doing little side-by-side movements that anyone in the audience could do–maybe they were authentic—but by the time they brought out the really hard stuff, I'm sure most people were halfway to the bathroom or joking about the outfits. Too bad because it really sabotages them to have to climb over that mistake in judgment by the producers. I thought they both did well in the jive, and Jeanine finally got some more attention from the judges who have routinely talked about hiim and ignored her.
Brandon and Janette were terrific in both of their dances. I especially appreciated that their Argentine tango was both choreographed well (not a bunch of flashy lifts to disguise bad dancing) and danced well. Wade's dance was pure joy from start to finish.
It will be great to see them mix up the couples so we can find out what they can do when Ade is not relegated to being Mellissa-lifter.
Evan channeling Pasha was brave but unintentionally hilarious. He had a couple moments where he was so clearly imitating his posture and little smirk.

By: pouncer84

pouncer84 — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:52:26 +0000

I remember Ron Montez being part of SYTYCD on Season 2. He was not just a choreographer, but also an audition judge that season. I didn't watch Season 1, so I'm not sure if he was there. He does about 2-3 routines each season he's on which isn't every year.

Like you, Janette/Brandon were my favorites tonight, then Melissa/Ade. I can see Wade's routine making the tour as an all-cast routine.