So You Think You Can Dance Fever

SYTYCD BOTTOM COUPLES DRAW TOUGH CRITICISM -- PAULINE AND PETER HEAD HOME!

2009-11-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

There were not many happy dancers at the So You Think You Can Dance eliminations this week. Of course, elimination night is never happy for those chosen to leave, but this week was brutal for every dancer placed in the bottom three couples. Nigel Lythgoe scolded all "bottom three" dancers, saying that none of them had performed solos well enough to expect to stay on the show! Scanning the dancer's faces, they appeared almost in shock at the harsh remarks.

The show began with host Cat Deeley hugging the couples and announcing which were safe and which were in danger of being sent home.

In the first set of three couples, Channing Cooke and Victor Smalley, who had performed a contemporary routine, and Kathryn McCormick and Legacy Perez, who performed the Broadway style, were announced as safe -- and Ellenore Scott and Ryan Di Lello, who did a lively hip-hop, were the first couple placed on the in-danger list.

The second set of dancers found Ashleigh Di Lello and Jakob Karr, who performed a Mandy Moore choreographed number, and Noelle Marsh and Russell Ferguson, who did an impressive African jazz, safe -- while Pauline Mata and Peter Sabasino, who had entertained with a quick step, became the second couple with a possibility of being sent home.

The results of voting for the third set of dancers drew shock from the audience. Karen Hauer and Kevin Hunte, who had garnered high praise from the judges for their hustle number, were placed in danger. And Mollee Gray and Nathan Trasoras, who the judges felt had not performed their salsa well, had been voted safe.

But Lythgoe spared no words in telling Nathan that while the young girls might vote for him because he is cute, his dancing was not impressing -- so he had better get serious if he expected to stay on So You Think You Can Dance. Nathan's parner, Mollee, looked paralyzed with fear as Lythgoe spoke to Nathan, but it seemed that Lythgoe hardly noticed her -- and, in the end, she was likely very happy to have been left unchided.

As is typically the case, all six dancers in the bottom three couples performed their solos -- some quick-cutting hip-hop moves, jumps and twirls. And then it was time for the judges to once again decide which boy and which girl must be sent home.

Usually Lythgoe returns and reminds the dancers that, no matter what happens, they are very talented to have made it so far in the competition. But this week the judge returned with no smile -- and sternly announced that it was the opinion of the judges that none of the dancers had danced up to expectations and that the judges were absolutely disappointed.

Still, it would be two dancers who would be sent home, not the entire group. And it really did not seem to surprise many fans that the judges chose Pauline Mata, an 18-year old from West Covina, CA and her partner, tapper Peter Sabasino, 21, of Philadelphia, PA to depart. Neither were strangers to the "bottom three, but, still, clearly disappointed that their competition time had come to an end.

But it had to be a disappointment to So You Think You Can Dance tap dancing fans to have Peter leave because he was actually the third tapper in two weeks to be eliminated from the show -- meaning, too, that there are no tap dancers remaining in the competition.

It was definitely a rough week, but the harsh remarks will likely compel the dancers to work even harder this week. So perhaps next week's dancing will actually be the best of the season! The talent is obviously there -- the dancers simply need to step up to the plate, or in this case, step perfectly on the dance floor!

"IT HURTS" SAID JUDGE NIGEL LYTHGOE IN ELIMINATING BIANCA REVELS AND PHILLIP ATTMORE FROM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE

2009-11-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

"Two tappers are gone tonight, and it breaks my heart" said judge Nigel Lythgoe as he announced that dancers Bianca Revels and Phillip Attmore had been chosen by the show's judging panel to leave the show.

Following an evening capped with expertly performed dances -- including Argentine tango, hip-hop, contemporary and jazz routines -- SYTYCD judges lowered the number of remaining contestants from 18 to 16 when they eliminated 20-year-old Revels who hails from Detroit, MI and 25-year-old Attmore from Pasadena, CA.

After being eliminated Revels said that performing on So You Think You Can Dance made her both a better person and a better dancer. Attmore, whose father passed away recently, thanked the judges for opening doors for him -- and said that he knew that he father was looking down and smiling at him.

It was pointed out that this is the first season with tappers among the contestants, and Lythgoe said that he personally was sad to see the pair voted from the show.

Among standout performances praised by SYTYCD judges were Karen Hauer, 27, from Fort Lee, NJ and Kevin Hunte, 23, from Brooklyn, NY whose hip-hop routine brought screams and the reward of tickets on judge Mary Murphy's fictitious Hot Tamale Train!

The youngest contestants, 18-year-old Californians, Mollee Gray from Upland and Nathan Trasoras from Downey, drew praises for a Bollywood routine. Judge Adam Shankman opined that Mollee was "coming into (her) own". Murphy rewarded the couple with two loud and lengthy screams. And Lythgoe opined that they were terrific.

Surviving the "dance for your life" portion of the show were Noelle Marsh, 18, from Sanford, NC and Victor Smalley, 20, from Miami, FL.

Meanwhile, the So You Think You Can Dance set has an empty chair at the judges table with the name "Paula Abdul" printed on the back. Is there a chance that sometime, perhaps next week, Abdul will actually show up to sit in the chair and become the STYCD fourth judge? Let's hope!

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE BIDS ADIEU TO ARIANA AND BRANDON

2009-10-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

It was quite a night -- a whole new season with 20 talented competitors on So You Think You Can Dance! And just as home viewers were getting used to new names and new faces -- and the dancers were getting used to their new partners, two of the dancers were to be sent home!

With the season just getting underway, already the show has suffered two casualties -- 19-year-old Billy Bell from West Palm Beach, considered a strong contender, left the group due to illness. And 18-year-old Noelle Marsh from Sanford, NC suffered an injury that prevented her from performing, although she still was expected to dance next week.

The couples whirled, twirled, jumped and twisted in various dance styles. Ashleigh and Jakob performed a Broadway routine, Ariana and Peter drew a hip hop, Russell and choreographer Melanie, a substiture for Nicole, performed a fox trot and Bianca and Victor really impressed with a Travis Wall choreographed routine.

Karen and Kevin did a sexy cha cha -- which garnered Karen a ride on the hot tamale train. Ellenore and Ryan did a commendable contemporary jazz. Brandon and Pauline, with only a day and a-half of dancing together, did a waltz that seemed good considering their brief preparation. Channing and Philip performed a jive; Kathryn and Legacy hit a home run with their hip hop and youngsters Mollee and Nathan impressed with a super energetic disco that had even Adam Shankman, who admits that he is not a disco fan, saying that he loved the number!

It almost felt too soon for an elimination -- as if everyone deserved a bit more time to strengthen their fundamentals and a bit more time to adjust. But rules are rules and a boy and girl were to be sent home by judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Shankman.

Chosen to dance for their lives were Brandon Dumlao, 21, from Concord, CA; Pauline Mata, 18, from West Covina, CA; Ariana Debose, 18, from Raleigh, NY and Russell Ferguson, 20, from Boston, MA.

The decision of the judges was unanimous, said Lythgoe -- first eliminated was Ariana, and second was Brandon. And Lythgoe reminded the dancers and viewers that all four dancers were incredibly talented to make it all the way to the top 20.

So the remaining dancers will need to work hard to keep improving, stepping up their acts. Lythgoe said that all of the dancers must really excel to remain in the competition to the end because the level of talent is so high this season.

Without Ariana, Brandon and Billy -- the remaining dancers will return for another round as they try to become America's favorite dancer!

VIVA LAS VEGAS -- OR SAYONARA TO MANY DANCERS

2009-10-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

This week in Vegas promised to be fun. The further along in the "So You Think You Can Dance" season, the better the dancing and the more heated the competition!

Over and over dancers practiced, lined the stage to perform routines -- and then a few were praised while others were told that their SYTYCD dreams had reached the end of the road.

By 4 p.m. on the initial Vegas day, 41 dancers had been told that they would be heading home. Another 111 competitors had made it through -- but were counting their lucky stars and holding their breath that they would stay.

And by 9:30 p.m., the judges had eliminated another 21 dancers.

For many, the heartbreaking elimination was Ryan Kasprzak -- whose brother, Evan, was a finalist last season. During Ryan's initial audition, he had wowed the judges with a tap dance routine that judge Nigel Lythgoe had called one of the strongest auditions in the history of the show.

But in Vegas, Ryan faltered. After an initial audition, he was told that his hip hop performance was not strong. But since hip hop was not his favored dance style, he felt confidant that his remaining routines would be better. "It's only up from here," he told Evan during a phone conversation.

However, his next routine was not an improvement -- and Lythgoe said that while it hurt them to cut him from the competition, they indeed were cutting him. So Ryan was left to call Evan to report that it was over for him. He told Evan, "I was cut." And he said that he "didn't deliver" -- disappointing because, "I know I can do better."

By the end of episode, hopefuls had been pushed to the limit -- and only 77 dancers remained.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE -- NIGEL LYTHGOE, MARY MURPHY AND SOME THOUGHTS

2009-09-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

So You Think You Can Dance auditions can be fun, but the real deal is getting past them -- and finally moving on to Las Vegas and watching the selected dancers improve and take their shot at moving on to the Top 20 dancers.

Judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, along with host Cat Deeley, have opined that the competition should be stiff this year -- that there will be many dancers simply loaded with talent. And the trio has gone so far as to predict that this might even be the best season ever of SYTYCD.

Lythgoe has used social network Twitter to keep in touch with fans -- writing both about his personal life and his thoughts about SYTYCD. After taking a needed break from Twitter, earlier this month he wrote: "It's been a wonderful break. My son, Kris got married to the beautiful Annalise in Italy and we finally sold SYTYCD to the BBC in the UK."

As for the talent in Boston, he posted, "Boston this Wednesday. Just doing the 1 hour show doesn't really give us enough time to show the extensive talent in this wonderful city."

And Lythgoe posted several messages about Dizzy Feet Foundation. First, he wrote, "The Dizzy Feet Foundation donated $20,000 for 2 scholarships to the Alvin Ailey school yesterday. I am proud to be part of this organization." And then he enthused, "We are producing a big show at the Kodak Theater on the 28th Nov. For the Dizzy Feet Foundation. Incredible stars have agreed to participate." And finally, "The show will not be televised. Tickets will be onsale Info nearer the date on dizzyfeetfoundation.org All proceeds will fund scholarships."

But perhaps the Lythgoe's most exciting Tweet of all was regarding entertainer and former American Idol judge Paula Abdul. He revealed, "I saw Paula @ the "Power of Women" event yesterday. I asked her to come on SYTYCD again and she said she would. I hope she means it ?"

Of course, there were many SYTYCD fans who hoped that Abdul would gain a permanent seat at the So You Think You Can Dance judges table, but with the recent addition of Adam Shankman as a third judge, there does not appear to be a spot for Abdul.

But, still, SYTYCD and Abdul fans will take what we can get -- and would enjoy seeing her take the largest role on the show possible. So it remains to be seen, but perhaps Paula will at least do a bit of choreography or perhaps sit in as a guest judge on occasion. However it all works out, SYTYCD and Paula do seem a perfect pairing -- so we'll keep our fingers crossed!

SIMON COWELL SAYS NO -- HE HAS NO PLANS FOR A DANCE COMPETITION SHOW

2009-09-23T14:08:00.001-07:00

So many rumors flying .... And it turns out that Simon Cowell is not planning on a new dance competition program as was being rumored.

"There's absolutely no truth to this," Cowell's rep said, according to RadarOnline. "Simon hasn't spoken to Ian Burton in 20 years and they aren't in talks to go into business."

Of course, you never know what will happen -- and perhaps this will give him the idea that a dance show might be a welcome addition to his already long list of projects.

NIGEL LYTHGOE'S FINGERS WALK ON THE KEYS TO TWITTER

2009-09-23T13:48:00.001-07:00

So You Think You Can Dance judge Nigel Lythgoe has been actively keeping in touch with fans via Twitter.

On Sept 18th, Lythgoe wrote: "I needed to take some time out but I'm now back with renewed energy. I promise to TWEET the TWEET, the whole TWEET and nothing but the TWEET"

Then:

"It's been a wonderful break. My son, Kris got married to the beautiful Annalise in Italy and we finally sold SYTYCD to the BBC in the UK."

On Sept 22, he wrote: "I saw Stephen Fry at dinner in Cecconi's last night. If you enjoy intelligent humor and great warmth check out his Tweets @ stephenfry"

Then: "Boston this Wednesday. Just doing the 1 hour show doesn't really give us enough time to show the extensive talent in this wonderful city."

Followed by: "I forgot to say that I had dinner with Idol judge, Kara and her husband Mike after the Emmy's. What a lovely lady, what a lovely couple!"

And: "Just had a training session with ex-Brit Gladiator Rhino. I think my old body is held together by rubber bands, string and glue. No muscles!"

And finally: "I tried to tell him running up hills wasn't good for heart attack victims like me but I found I couldn't talk during or for an hour after!!?"

Lythgoe must have gotten tired -- because thus far there have been no Tweets today!

AMERICAN IDOL'S SIMON COWELL MIGHT BE PLANNING TO GIVE 'SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE' SOME COMPETITION!

2009-09-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Rumor has it that American Idol Simon Cowell is busily planning a dance competition show!

Cowell is reportedly chatting with his British friend, Ian Burton, about starting the dance contest show. Burton has record label experience and has also managed dancers.

"It's his own SYTYCD (So You Think You Can Dance) show," a source told The Insider. "He is always trying to do his own thing to compete with the Idol team. Now he is trying to steal the SYTYCD thunder.”

Of course, American Idol is not the only thing currently on Cowell's plate. He produces America's Got Talent, and judges both The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent.

Doesn't Simon ever run out of time?

THIRD JUDGE FOR SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE IS ....

2009-09-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

After weeks of thinking that former American Idol judge Paula Abdul might slide over into a judging chair at So You Think You Can Dance, it was announced that the third judge for Season 6 will be ... Adam Shankman.

Director, producer and choreographer Adam Shankman will join longtime judges Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe at the judges' podium. He'll be there throughout the season, opining on dancers, choreography and specific performances.

Shankman, has actually been around SYTYCD for quite some time. He has been a guest judge and choreographer on the show since 2007. And he has been widely acclaimed for his work on films "17 Again" and "Hairspray." He also was choreographer on films such as "Boogie Nights," hit tv show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer -- and numerous music videos.

BRITISH VERSION OF SYTYCD WITH NIGEL LYTHGOE

2009-09-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

US's So You Think You Can Dance executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe is returning to British shores to find the nation's hottest dancing talent on BBC One, it has been announced.

After five seasons with the popular dance competition show US, Lythgoe will sit on the judges panel that will select finalists to compete for the title of Britain's Favourite Dancer this January. Auditions of performers representing all dancing disciplines will be held in October.

Finalists will travel to London where they will compete for a dancing spot in the weekly shows at BBC Television Centre.

Similar to the U.S. version of SYTYCD, each week contestants will perform different dance styles -- as hip hop, jazz, Broadway, lyrical and contemporary. While judges will offer their analysis of the performances, viewers will vote for their favorite dancer at the end of each live show.

In discussing his own experience, Lythgoe, said, "I began my career as a dancer on the BBC in the Sixties. Now, I'm back as a judge of dancers. I believe I've made a full circle back to television's home of dance here at the BBC. I couldn't have imagined that dance would become a global phenomenon that would ultimately be responsible for this, my very special homecoming. It's good to be home."

Nigel will be joined by award-winning choreographer Arlene Phillips on the judging panel. She was a regular panellist for six seasons of Strictly Come Dancing. She said, "I've always supported dance talent and look forward to seeing the most promising developing before our eyes each week."

So You Think You Can Dance was created by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe, and originally produced by 19 Entertainment Ltd and Dick Clark Productions, inc.

So You Think You Can Dance in the UK will be a co-production between BBC in-house entertainment and 19 Productions.

NIGEL LYTHGOE WANTS TO SEE PAULA GUEST JUDGING ON SYTYCD

2009-09-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Idol creator Simon Fuller, associated with both American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, “started sniffing around and asked, ‘Are you interested?’ explained Paula Abdul's replacement on Idol, comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. "I said, ‘Yes, of course. I love that show and I’d love to do it,’”

So You Think You Can Dance executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is happy enough with the outcome because he hopes to have Abdul make appearances as a guest judge on his dance competition show. And he told EW, "I'd prefer Paula. "I think it is a great idea to put her on."

And now that DeGeneres is taking Abdul's seat on the American Idol judging panel, Abdul is free to make other plans for her career.

Some fans have expressed that Abdul on SYTYCD makes a lot of sense because of her dancing and choreography background -- but that they cannot understand why Idol would choose a judge from outside the music industry.

"I would really love to see Paula on So You Think You Can Dance," opined Melissa Parker from Los Angeles. "But I really don't know whether I will like American Idol with Ellen as a judge. She's fine on her talk show, but I think that is her strength."

Lythgoe thinks that DeGeneres will do well on Idol. “What it does is give the public, who are the people who decide in the end who is crowned the victor, a voice on the judges panel," Lythgoe told EW. "And they have never had that before."

In an interview with People, DeGeneres explained that it was her guest judging on an episode of So You Think You Can Dance that drew the attention of Idol judges to her.

DeGeneres said that on American Idol, she intends to be a compassionate judge, but that she will also be honest in assessing the contestant's performances. “I think it’s going to be hard, but as my career has grown," she told People. "I’ve learned how to be tougher and learned how to say no. I think I can do it and I think I can do it in a respectful way.”

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUDITION SEEMED A LITTLE LIKE A REUNION WITH RYAN

2009-09-11T00:13:00.000-07:00

So You Think You Can Dance fans will remember last season's popular finalist, Evan Kasprzak -- and his brother who nearly made it into the finals, Ryan.

Well, Ryan was back to try out for the upcoming SYTYCD season, and he performed a tap routine that completely wowed all three judges -- Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Adam Shankman!

Following his own audition, Ryan clicked his feet in a tapping battle with Bianca Revels -- who did a pretty decent job of keeping up. And Ryan's friend, Phillip Attmore, arrived and tapped well enough to garner a ticket to Vegas.

Together with some other talented dancers who earned their way to the next round, these three tappers will likely show that the era of tap is not over. In fact, Lythgoe opined that this might actually be the year of the tappers!

EVAN KASPRZAK'S BROTHER, RYAN, RETURNED FOR SYTYCD 6TH SEASON AUDITIONS

2009-09-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

Season 5 finalist Evan Kasprzak has a brother, Ryan, who auditioned for the show's upcoming sixth season, according to So You Think You Can Dance host Cat Deeley.

And while Deeley would not reveal any secrets, she did say that Ryan Kasprzak "did very, very well."

Evan Kasprzak, by the way, was a fan favorite who made it all the way into the SYTYCD finals.

"His (Ryan's) audition just blew everybody away," said Deeley. "So when you have that moment where they have to dance for their lives, he did the audition again, and it literally makes the hairs on your arm stand on end and you get chills. He was amazing during Vegas Week, but you're going to have to watch to find out [if he makes it]."

Last season Evan and Ryan, close-knit brothers, both made it all the way to the point where SYTYCD was selecting the Top 20 -- but since the pair have similar dance styles, the judges only wanted to move one of the brothers on in the competition and chose Evan. But they also hailed Ryan's dancing and told him that they hoped that he would attend try-outs for this next season of the show.

"I think Ryan is definitely a stronger dancer than his brother Evan," said Mia Michaels of last season's competition. "We all fell in love with both of them. We had a hard time deciding actually which one to put in the Top 20 this year."

"I think it's this everyman touch," Nigel said in describing the appeal of the brothers. "[Ryan] is such a lovely lad. He is loved. I think he's one of those kids that every mom would like him for a son, every sister would like him for a brother because she could probably beat him up."

"Ryan and his brother -- people fall in love with them; because they are real people," explained Michaels of the Kasprzak brothers' popularity."

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE PROVIDED SPECTACULAR REVIEW OF FIRST FIVE SEASONS

2009-09-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

Last night’s review of the best dances of five seasons of So You Think You Can Dance was a glorious moment in several weeks of primarily tv show re-runs.

After a recounting of performances of the first five seasons, the highlight of the evening came when Executive Producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe selected his favorite all-time dance.

Lythgoe’s choice was likely no surprise to SYTYCD fans who during the past season watched Lythgoe and the show’s other judges marvel over a contemporary routine performed by Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi to Kate Bush’s, “This Woman’s Work.”

Choreographer of the dance Tyce Diorio explained on the evening that the dance was originally performed, “I just felt compelled to talk about breast cancer and a friend who was faced with it.”

The dancers exhibited every emotion of battling the disease – and on that evening the performance had brought both judges and the audience to tears.

The evening of So You Think You Can Dance’s top performances not only was an enjoyable journey through five seasons of incredible dances, including several Emmy-nominated routines – but it served as a gentle reminder to watch the coming new season of SYTYCD which begins at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AIRS A SPECIAL TONIGHT

2009-09-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

So You Think You Can Dance fans who can hardly wait for the next season to begin -- are in for a special treat tonight! The dance competition show will air a special featuring the 15 Best Routines Ever!

Watch to see which routines made it onto the show -- and which dancers are there!

The 15 Best Routines Ever airs tonight at 8:00 p.m. on FOX. The season premiere is Wednesday, September 9 at 8:00 p.m. (7:00 central).

FORMER SYTYCD CHOREOGRAPHER DA SILVA IS EXPECTED TO NEXT APPEAR IN COURT ON SEPT 30

2009-09-01T00:29:00.000-07:00

A former SYTYCD choreographer Alex Da Silva, 41, who last Tuesday pleaded not guilty to charges that he sexually assaulted four women, is scheduled to next appear in Van Nuys Superior Court on Sept. 30, according to dailybreeze.com.

"An arrest warrant filed Aug. 17 charges Da Silva with eight felonies: four counts of forcible rape and two counts each of assault with intent to commit rape and sexual penetration by a foreign object. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison, according to the District Attorney's Office," reported dailybreeze.

The alleged assaults occurred between August 2002 and March 2009 and involved four women, dancers or aspiring dancers, who met Da Silva through his dance instruction classes, said Deputy District Attorney Rosa Alarcon.

"Da Silva's attorney, Harland Braun, has maintained that his client's interaction with the women 'was consensual,'" reports dailybreeze which also reports that a request to have his client's bail, set at $6.2 million, lowered was denied without prejudice.

TATIANA AND TAYLOR WERE FIRST DANCERS ELIMINATED ON SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA

2009-08-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

It is always difficult to send dancers home from So You Think You Can Dance Canada -- and, somehow, maybe the hardest thing of all is to select dancers to leave on the very first week. But those are the rules of the dance competition show -- and this week Tatiana and Taylor were eliminated.

The results were revealed by host Leah Miller after the three couples with the lowest votes participated in a dance-for-your-life dance-off. Miller also said that nearly a million votes were cast on this first episode of the dance contest show.

The first of the three bottom couples were announced -- Amy Gardner, 21, and Vincent Desjardins, 20 who performed a rather sexy samba. Tatiana Parker, 21, and Austin Di Iulio, 19, put their efforts into a capoeira routine. And Melanie Buttarazzi, 22, and Taylor James, 22, livened things up with a tango.

Each of the six bottom ranked dancers performed solo routines -- following which the show's judges announced that hip-hop dancer Tatiana and contemporary dancer Taylor would head home.

Remaining on SYTYCD Canada are:

Girls: Amy Gardner, 21, Calgary, Alta.; Corynne Barron, 18, Edmonton, Alta.; Jayme Rae Dailey, 21, Montreal, Que.; Jenna Lynn Higgins, 18, Toronto, Ont.; Kim Gingras, 23, Montreal, Que.; Melanie Buttarazzi, 22, Woodbridge, Ont.; Melanie Mah, 19, Richmond Hill, Ont.; Natalie Lyons, 23, Halifax, N.S. andTara-Jean Popowich, 20, Lethbridge, Alta.

Guys: Anthony Grafton, 24, Calgary, Alta.; Austin Di Iulio, 19, Mississauga, Ont.; Cody Bonnell, 19, Unionville, Ont.; Daniel Dory, 23, Montreal, Que.; Danny Lawn, 21, Brockville, Ont.; Emanuel Sandhu, 28, Vancouver, B.C.; Everett Smith, 25, Glen Morris, Ont.; Nicolas Bégin, 24, Quebec City, Que. and Vincent Desjardins, 20, Trois-Rivières, Que.

DANCING WITH THE STARS PAIR MAKES A REALLY FUN VIDEO

2009-08-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

Former Congressman Tom DeLay, who will be dancing on the upcoming Dancing With the Stars, has revealed that he and his partner Cheryl Burke are rehearsing and and doing well. And judging by this video, they are dancing up a storm!

Delay posted a few messages on Twitter: "Headed to the studio for my first rehearsal and to meet my partner. Hoping it's not Nancy Pelosi :)" And, "I've got the best dance partner in the bunch. I'm very excited." Also, "After two dance sessions I can tell you Cheryl Burke is the most patient person I have ever met." And finally, "In LA for rehearsals and title shoots. Also learning two dances. Cheryl says I am progressing very well."

SYTYCD's Will Wingfield Joins "In The Heights"

2009-08-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

Will Wingfield, a contestant on Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance, is joining the cast and making his Broadway debut in the Tony-winning musical In the Heights. He takes over the role of break-dancing street artist Graffiti Pete.

Wingfield replaces original cast member Seth Stewart beginning on August 25 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Joining Wingfield is returning original cast member Andrea Burns who returns to the role of salon owner Daniela after a summer break.

Wingfield is a protege of dance and Broadway veteran Debbie Allen,, and he has performed as a dancer and singer with Celine Dion.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA WILL PAY TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON

2009-08-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

"So You Think You Can Dance Canada" will offer a tribute to Michael Jackson with a special group number involving the new Top 20 contestants, reports The Canadian Press. It will air on Wednesday during the show's first results episode of the season.

CTV says dancer Gil Duldulao, a longtime collaborator of Janet Jackson, has choreographed a special routine in honour of the pop legend. Duldulao has choreographed and danced on Janet Jackson's world tours and videos for more than a dozen years. His choreography appears in her videos for Rock Wit U and Feedback.

Duldulao has also toured with Britney Spears, Prince and Tina Turner.

TOP 20 REVEALED FOR SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA

2009-08-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Girls:
Amy Gardner, 21, Calgary, Alta.
Corynne Barron, 18, Edmonton, Alta.
Jayme Rae Dailey, 21, Montreal, Que.
Jenna Lynn Higgins, 18, Toronto, Ont.
Kim Gingras, 23, Montreal, Que.
Melanie Buttarazzi, 22, Woodbridge, Ont.
Melanie Mah, 19, Richmond Hill, Ont.
Natalie Lyons, 23, Halifax, N.S.
Tara-Jean Popowich, 20, Lethbridge, Alta.
Tatiana Parker, 21, Toronto, Ont.

Top 10 Guys:
Anthony Grafton, 24, Calgary, Alta.
Austin Di Iulio, 19, Mississauga, Ont.
Cody Bonnell, 19, Unionville, Ont.
Daniel Dory, 23, Montreal, Que.
Danny Lawn, 21, Brockville, Ont.
Emanuel Sandhu, 28, Vancouver, B.C.
Everett Smith, 25, Glen Morris, Ont.
Nicolas Bégin, 24, Quebec City, Que.
Taylor James, 22, Vancouver, B.C.
Vincent Desjardins, 20, Trois-Rivières, Que.

DANCING WITH THE STARS PAIRINGS FOR CELEBRITY AND PROFESSIONAL DANCERS HAS BEEN LEAKED

2009-08-23T11:19:00.001-07:00

Dancing With the Stars, the "other" dancing competition reality show, will reveal the pairings of professional and celebrity dancers on the Good Morning America show on Monday.

But the entire list has been leaked -- although it will take the official announcement to confirm that the rumored list is acturally correct.

The expected parings are:

Snowboarder Louis Vito and Chelsie Hightower
Singer Macy Gray with Ronathan Roberts
Actress Melissa Joan Hart with Mark Ballas and
Model Kathy Ireland with Tony Dovolani
Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay an Cheryl Burke

Singer Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff
Entertainer Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson
The Osbournes star Kelly Osbourne and Louis van Amstel
Actor Ashley Hamilton and Edyta Sliwinska
Retired Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin and new professional dancer Anna Demidova

Olympic gold medalist swimmer Natalie Coughlin and Alex Mazo
Singer Mya and Dritry Chaplin
Actress Debi Mazar and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Actress Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough
Food network host Mark DaCascos and Lacy Schwimmer
Mixed martial arts fighter Chuck Liddell and Anna Trebunskaya

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE GET FIT

2009-08-22T06:46:00.001-07:00

So You Think You Can Dance this month released two new fitness DVDs that are aimed at getting folks onto the dance floor.

"Dancers from past seasons attempt to get you into shape with two new fitness DVDs: So You Think You Can Dance Get Fit: Tone and Grove and So You Think You Can Dance Get Fit: Cardio Funk," reports nbcsandiego. "You can learn hip-hop with Twitch and Lauren, get jazzy with Katee, Cha-Cha with Dmitry, get groovy with Courtney and bop contemporary style with Travis."

In discussing the making of the DVD, Season 4th Katee Shean told buddytv, "Mine is definitely more for like your legs and toning up. There's a little bit of everything, which is cool. ... We'd count everyone like '5, 6, 7, 8' and to a dancer that's normal. You know, after 8, that's when you start. So we had like fitness trainers and people who had done DVDs before come in and help coach us on how to instruct and how to break it down without slowing it down to the point where you'd stop the cardi pace or change your heart rate. To the point you'd still be dancing, and still learning."

The dancers are said to use easy routines that speed up as the DVD progresses along.

FORMER SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CHOREOGRAPHER WILL BE ARRAIGNED ON TUESDAY IN CONNECTION WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES

2009-08-20T06:24:00.001-07:00

Former So You Think You Can Dance choreographer and salsa dancing champion Alex Da Silva, accused of four counts of rape, did not enter a plea on Wednesday, but did agree to postpone his arraignment, according to cabc.

Click here to view related news report video

"Four women who claim that they had sex with him involuntarily and they are all involved in the salsa community -- the dancing community. His position is that it was consensual," Silva's attorney Harland Braun expressed.

Silva was initially arrested in April on charges of sexually assaulting four women between May 2003 and March of 2009, reports cabc. It is reported that he was released, but the District Attorney asked detectives to investigate further.

Braun expressed that he does not know what new evidence has led to Da Silva's arrest.

The judge ordered Da Silva to stay away from the alleged victims.

"You are not to harass, strike, threaten, assault including sexually assault, follow, stalk, molest, destroy or damage personal or real property, disturb the peace, keep under surveillance or block the movements of any of these four protected persons," said Judge Thomas Rubinson of Los Angeles Superior Court, according to cabc.

Da Silva's bail is set at $6.2 million, and the arraignment will be on Tuesday, according to cabc -- which also reports that Eyewitness News was told that Da Silva will enter a not guilty plea.

FORMER SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CHOREOGRAPHER CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT

2009-08-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

Former So You Think You Can Dance salsa dance instructor and choreographer Alex Da Silva “was arrested again for allegedly sexually assaulting four women – but this time he’s actually being charged with a crime … or eight, to be exact,” reported foxnews.com

Alex Da Silva, 41, was arrested at his home after the District Attorney filed an arrest warrant that charges him with eight felony counts of assault, according to police and Foxnews. There are four counts of forcible rape, two counts of assault with intent to commit rape and two counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object, cites Fox.

The alleged assaults, according to the D.A., occurred between August 2002 and March 2009 – and the four alleged victims were described as dancers or aspiring dancers, aged 20 to 26, who claim to have met Da Silva through his dance instruction classes, police report.

Da Silva was earlier arrested in April as he taught at a performing arts center, but after being jailed briefly was released after the D.A.’s office decided not to file charges and asked police to resubmit the case with additional evidence, reports the latimes.

“Los Angeles police investigators alleged that Da Silva raped four female students using various ruses to get them into his bedroom, such as wanting to show them new clothes or asking for help fixing his computer.”

Da Silva's, born in Brazil, has been credited with contributing to the LA Style of salsa dancing. He was a choreographer for the So You Think You Can Dance show between 2005 and 2008.

Da Silva’s attorney Harland Braun, at the time of the original arrest, called the case a misunderstanding of “the difference between seduction and rape,” the Times reports.

Da Silva, reportedly scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, is being held on $6.2 million bail.

TALKS RESUME -- PERHAPS PAULA WILL GO BACK TO AMERICAN IDOL JUDGING PANEL

2009-08-18T06:51:00.001-07:00

There was a special anticipation and excitement around the release of Dancing With the Stars’ celebrity line-up. And that excitement was less about the list in general than about whether Paula Abdul’s name would be there.

Alas, the list was revealed – and there was no Paula. But that only fueled speculation that perhaps Idol executives and Paula might be talking about her return to the show again.

“The people at the very top of ABC were really vocal about getting her (Paula) on board for ‘Dancing,” msnbc quoted a source familiar with talks between the network execs and the Idol former judge. “By not exactly keeping it secret, it made Paula’s value more apparent to Fox.”

The negotiations are called “talks” by msnbc – “since dubbing them ‘negotiations' suggests that one side is budging.

“Paula isn’t lowering her price in any meaningful way. She wants a Seacrest-level deal,” msnbc quotes the source. American Idol host Ryan Seacrest reportedly inked a three-year, $45 million deal.

“If there is a scenario that gets Abdul back on the show, it’s likely that her return would be limited to the live shows only, according to several people who are close to the talks. This will allow the original offer made by the show to stand, but Abdul would have a shorter time commitment,” offers the msnbc article.

ABC was extremely disappointed that they were unable to nap Paula. “They didn’t really want Tom DeLay as their most-buzzed-about contestant,” a source told msnbc.

Throughout the summer Abdul has always expressed that she wanted to return to the American Idol judging panel – and there has been chatter that her friend and fellow judge Simon Cowell has been supporting her behind the scenes. Judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi have apparently been supportive as well.

So with talks resumed and a real possibility that she might be back on Idol, it is no wonder that Paula sounds so happy in her Twitter messages.

One of Paula’s recent Tweets reads, “thx for all the support. Never give up on your dreams. Fight for what you believe in. And never stop believing in yourself. xxP”

Another reads, “The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.”

It seems that Paula may be thinking very positively these days!

DANCING WITH THE STARS CELEBRITY LINE-UP REVEALED -- INCLUDES HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER TOM DeLAY AND SINGER DONNY OSMOND

2009-08-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

Dispelling rumors that former American Idol host Paula Abdul might be among celebrity performers on the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars, show host Tom Bergeron revealed the new celebrity line-up that did not include Abdul.

The list includes some surprises, however -- most notably Former House Majority leader Tom DeLay.

Singer Donny Osmond was on hand for the announcement -- and said that he hopes to perform at least half as well as his sister did on the show. But then he laughed and said that actually he hopes to do even better than his popular sisters. "Gotta beat her," he joked.

Those agreeing to compete on the dance competition program that pairs professional dancers with celebrities:

Model Kathy Ireland, Grammy winner Macy Gray, actress Melissa Joan Hart, R&B artist Mya, actor Ashley Hamilton, wide-receiver Michael Irvin, Iron Chef America host Mark DeCascos and entertainer Donny Osmond.
Also, Osbourne family member Kelly Osbourne, actress Debi Mazar, mixed martial artist Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin, model Joanna Krupa, snowboarder Louis Vito, pop star Aaron Carter and, the big surprise, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

DANCING WITH THE STARS REVEALS CELEBRITY LINE-UP ON MONDAY -- WILL PAULA ABDUL BE AMONG COMPETITORS?

2009-08-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

Will Dancing With The Stars be in Paula's future? Fans might find out on Monday morning when celebrity competitors' names are released.

Obviously, something has Paula Abdul expecting that she will be back to work shortly!

On Twitter, Paula wrote, "I feel like a normal girl getting some time off 2 take care of myself and 2 hang out w/family & friends, but it won't be for long!"

That sounds like Paula knows where she is headed -- and that it will happen soon!

She also wrote, "I've never retired. that's why I've lasted in this business for over 20 yrs. I've only scratched the surface. Hang tight! xoP"

Could hang tight mean that an announcement will come soon?

Paula wrote to a Twitter address with a Ryan Seacrest connection, "Hi honey! I hope your having fun on the road. I guess you're in Boston now. I'm doing great! I miss you all! Big Hug & kiss"

Not sure if this Twitter address was for "the" actual Ryan Seacrest, but Boston sounds like the address might be of someone connected with the show.

On Aug 14th that same address posted some Paula related Tweets: a retweet of Paula's quote, "'The best way out is always through' - Robert Frost,." And it had a @PaulaAbdul Follow Friday. And it sent a @PaulaAbdul, "Hang in there kiddo ;)"

Paula also told fans that she was getting medical appointments out of the way. She wrote that she had her teeth cleaned, and added "I was accosted in an underground parking lot with my chiropractor running interference! and it didn't end there! thank god for my officer friend mike who stopped traffic to assist in the great escape"

Paula also wrote that she took her office out to lunch.

Could the lunch have been a celebration -- perhaps of a deal? And were the medical appointments to clear the schedule for upcoming work?

Whatever is going on, Paula seemed in high spirits, writing, "I've having a wonderful weekend!" and "Hope you guys are having a wonderful weekend! What a beautiful day to get outside!"

And leaving Paula's Twitter messages aside, there is word that Paula really wants to be back on American Idol. "Sources connected to Paula Abdul say Miss Paula wants back on 'American Idol," reports TMZ.

"Our sources say Paula's Twitter is retracted -- at least in her mind -- if the price is right. As we first reported, the magic number is $10 million," continues TMZ.

Also, Paula's meetings with ABC "didn't really go anywhere," said TMZ. "She doesn't want to do 'Dancing with the Stars' -- we're told, in no small part, because she wants to be able to jump on a plane at a moment's notice to rejoin her fellow judges on 'Idol.'" As the story goes, Paula also got miffed at the producers of "Ugly Betty" for leaking that they were talking to her about doing the show -- "She's not going to do it now," added TMZ. "As for 'Idol,' as far as we know they've been pretty hard-nosed and haven't contacted her reps, but we're not positive. In the end, we're thinking 'A.I.' isn't gonna let a little Twitter torpedo one of its golden geese."

But TMZ posted an update revealing that Paula was sighted at Boa on Saturday night -- that she "didn't quite know ... whether or not she would be joining 'Dancing with the Stars.' Hmmm ..."

Of course, first American Idol Kelly Clarkson has opined to MTV that she thinks the American Idol/Paula thing is all about "drama" -- and that Paula will return to Idol.

"I totally think they're doing that for drama," Clarkson said. "I know those producers -- they're doing that for drama. She's totally probably going to come back."

So everyone has an opinion and is trying to follow the clues to where Paula will go next.
One clue may come on Monday morning when Dancing With the Stars releases the names of competitors for this season. If Paula's name is not among them, it may be a clue that she has not inked a deal with ABC.

Oh, theurbandaily has reported that Paula "is secretly planning to launch her own daytime talk show -- even if her bosses at American Idol meet her ... salary demands for the hit show's ninth season."

"Paula is unpredictable and not afraid to speak her mind -- but she also leads from the heart and really connects with people," theurbandaily quotes its source. "Studio execs feel those are the kind of personal attributes that would make her perfect for a daytime talk show."

So the saga continues. Where will Paula go next? What possible deals are in the works -- or even already spelled out in a possible contract deal?

As Paula wrote on Twitter, her time off "won't be for long."

DANCING WITH STARS' CONTENDER TO BE THERE WHEN CELEBRITY DANCE LINEUP IS ANNOUNCED--COULD THE CELEBRITY THERE BE PAULA?

2009-08-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

Paula Abdul and ABC entertainment chief Steve McPherson got together on Tuesday afternoon, according to website TMZ.

While no announcements have been made citing a deal between the Network and the former American Idol judge, there are rumors that there might be a "package" that could include Abdul's taking to the dance floor of hit show "Dancing With The Stars."

If such a deal is in the works, there also might be a rush to finalize arrangements because the names of celebrity competitors for the upcoming season on Dancing With the Stars are to be announced on the Good Morning America show on Monday.

And word has come from ABC that one of the contenders is expected to be on hand for an interview following the announcement of celebrity contender names -- heightening the suspicion that Paula and ABC may have a deal and that she will be the surprise contender!

"We're told Paula has a show in mind with her name on it," TMZ added -- so a Dancing With the Stars appearance could be just the beginning of an association between Abdul and ABC.

In addition, there have been rumors that Abdul has agreed to appear as a guest star on an episode of ABC's Ugly Betty.

If all rumors are to be believed, the American Idol judge stint may have actually been just the beginnings of even bigger things for Paula -- including possibly a show of her very own!

JEANINE MASON AND ASHTON KUTCHER ON THE DANCE FLOOR

2009-08-12T09:11:00.001-07:00

Newly crowned So You Think You Can Dance winner Jeanine Mason and Ashton Kutcher, currently promoting his movie “Spread,” caused quite a stir in their appearance Monday on “Live With Regis and Kelly.”

The actor and the dancer apparently hit it off, and at Kelly's urging took a whirl around the dance floor – finally ending their routine with laughs and a mock tumble.

Kutcher, who was at the show with his longtime love, Demi Moore, questioned Mason about a steamy kiss that she shared with fellow dancer Jason during a competition routine.
But Mason replied that the kiss was simply part of the performance – and nothing more. She described herself and Jason Glover as, “very good friends, and that’s it, though. So we’ll clear that up right now.”

DANCING WITH THE STARS' MARK BALLAS THINKS THAT PAULA SHOULD JOIN THE SHOW AS A CELEBRITY COMPETITOR

2009-08-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

Dancing With the Stars' professional dancer Mark Ballas does not believe that Paula Abdul should be added to that show's already full judging panel, but would like to see her on the show as a dancing celebrity competitor.

Of course, Abdul is meeting with several potential new employers -- and, while Dancing With the Stars executives have said that they would love to add Paula to the show, it remains unclear where she will eventually go or whether she will judge, choreograph, sing and/or dance. And So You Think You Can Dance producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe has been vocal in saying that he would love to have Paula join SYTYCD, probably as a guest judge and choreographer.

"I think we are good with our judges," Dancing With the Stars' Ballas told eonline. "I think she should be on the show as a competitor.

"She'd be great as a competitor," he said. "She's a great personality. Everybody loves her, and she makes great TV."

It is unlikely, though, that Abdul will be offered a spot on the Dancing With the Stars judging panel since show executive producer Conrad Green has opined that the judges table is "already full." But he, too, said that he would love to see Paula as a guest judge or as a competitor."

As to whether Abdul would even qualify to be a celebrity dancer instead of considered a professional dancer, Ballas explained, "She can't be a professional because she's not a ballroom or a Latin dancer."

Ballas also said that he does not yet know who he will be paired with this season, but that training will begin with his new partner in two weeks.

SHOULD SYTYCD U.S. PICK BOTH A BOY AND GIRL CHAMPION?

2009-08-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

The So You Think You Can Dance format in the U.S. has been one of eliminating contestants until there is one champion left standing, but the wife of a judge for So You Think You Can Dance Canada show has opined that the Canadian version of the show should name both a boy and a girl winner.

France Mousseau, wife of Canadian judge Jean-Marc Genereux, believes that SYTYCD Canada should award two prizes -- one to a boy and one to a girl -- because the performance of boys and girls are not identical. While Jeanine Mason won the U.S. version of the competition last week, the second girl to do so, the US dance competition has crowned more boy champions than girl champions.

"It's too bad, because the girls do so much difficult legwork and footwork," explained Mousseau in an interview with Vancouversun. "Maybe the audience does not understand just how difficult it is to do."

The SYTYCD Canada show is off and running this week. Host Leah Miller told Metronews that after watching auditions, including dancers in genres absent from the competition last season, the level of talent is so high that there is no time to show "bad talent." She said, "We don't really have people who show up that just want to be on TV. The people that come, even if they aren't as talented or technically trained, really believe that they're good and they're passionate about it. Some of them are from small towns that don't have dance studios and they learned how to dance from watching videos and YouTube."

"What I love about this show is our kids are for real," said judge Jean Marc Genereux. "They really want to do the best they can. Every tear that comes out of my eyes and their eyes ... is real emotion, and it can't be a better feeling for somebody to be invited to witness that every week.

Dancer Tre Armstrong added, "Throughout the travels, we have found some of the most dynamic and freakin' unique dancers I have ever seen. I have seen a lot, we all have, but nothing like what we have this year."

Judges on SYTYCD Canada are Jean Marc Genereux, Tre Armstrong, Luther Brown and Blake McGrath. But special judges who will be making appearances are familiar names to viewers of SYTYCD in the U.S. -- Mary Murphy, Mia Michaels and Lil C.

NADYA SULEMAN & HER FAMILY WILL FILL SYTYCD TIME SLOT

2009-08-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

Fox has now contracted for a two-hour special on Nadya Suleman, her octuplets, her other six children and other members of her family.

The special, called "Octomom: The Incredible Unseen Footage," will air in the normal So You Think You Can Dance (8 p.m.) time slot on Aug. 19. SYTYCD last week crowned a champion, leaving the spot empty for the moment.

The network says that viewers will get a close-up look at the life of Suleman and her family, including the "emotional struggles, physical complications and financial burdens," according to eonline.

"It's a little bit of a train wreck, and it's really entertaining to watch," Fox reality-TV division executive Mike Darnell told Hollywood Reporter. "It's so fly on the wall material. It's a ridiculously intimate view of her and her life. There are scenes where literally the eight babies are crying in a bed and the six kids are running around the house crying and screaming."

It has been reported that Suleman has signed a separate agreement with a different company to create a reality program that will begin filming in September.

SYTYCD and Dancing With the Stars Will Compete for Viewers When Results Shows Overlap

2009-08-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

Dancing With the Stars will premiere on Sept 22 with 16 celebrity dancers, according to the show’s executive producer Conrad Green. It appears unlikely that American Idol judge Paula Abdul will be sitting at the judges table because Green said that table is “already full” – but he acknowledged that the show would welcome her as a guest judge or even as a competitor.

“This is going to be our biggest-ever cast,” Green confided to ET. “We are going to start big, and then about halfway through we are going to do double eliminations back-to-back. The middle of the season is going to be brutal when half of our cast goes in three weeks.”

There has been a lengthy list of celebrities who have either confirmed that they have been invited to participate as celebrity dancers – or are rumored to be in consideration. But Green is not offering names. Instead, the announcement will be made on the Aug 17 edition of Good Morning America.

Also adding drama to the season, “Dancing With the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” may end up battling for viewers since part each of the results shows will overlap.

In order to accommodate the number of new celebrity dancers, Dancing With the Stars will add professional dancer Anna Demidova. The Russian model has accumulated multiple dance titles, including International Grand Ball 10 Dance Champion, USA Dance National Standard Champion and was two-time U.S. Youth International Standard Champion.

However, it appears that no new professional dancers will be sliding over from “So You Think You Can Dance” as has been the case in past seasons. Chelsie Hightower, Dmitry Chaplin and Lacey Schwimmer are all SYTYCD alumni.

“We were turning into their alumni show," Green laughed, “but we may bring in one or two new faces. We haven’t decided yet whether to bring in new faces or more of our favorites.”

As for Abdul, Green said, “She has never been trained in ballroom and Latin so that (her appearing as a competitor) is a possibility …. It is for Paula to work out. At the moment, the world is her oyster. Everyone wants her. At our show, we are great fans of Paula.”

Green explained that the reason why the show will have an increased number of competitors includes the fact that there is a two-hour time slot to fill and it is important to change the show from season to season. It is expected that fans will see more athletes, including those from sports not formerly represented on the show; some rather eccentric personalities and a couple of celebrities that fans would never expect to be dancing.

NEWLY CROWNED SYTYCD CHAMPION WAS SO EXCITED THAT SHE COULD HARDLY SLEEP THAT NIGHT

2009-08-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

SYTYCD crowned “America’s Favorite Dancer” Jeanine Mason says that she was so excited thrilled at winning that she could hardly sleep the night that she was crowned.

“I think I slept three hours,” enthused a very excited Mason. “It was the craziest night! … I felt like I slipped out of my normal life and onto some Hollywood red carpet. It was amazing! I’m still trying to take it all in. After the show we had a wrap party with cast, production, the dancers and choreographers, and we did a whole lot of dancing.”

The new SYTYCD champion also said that she was prepared should she not win. “I tried to stay positive,” said Mason. “I convinced myself that it was a possibility that I could win, but once you’re standing there, … I literally didn’t think it could happen. Brandon (Bryant) is such an amazing dancer. He’s such a powerful and beautiful dancer. I thought that he had it. I was ready to give him a hug and step back and let him have his moment. So hearing my name was so surreal.”

Mason explained that she and Brandon have actually been friends for a very long time. “I’ve known him for a couple of years now, and he’s such a nice guy on top of being one of the strongest dancers, which is very evident. He was so supportive and so happy for me. And just before Cat (Deeley) announced it, we said that either way, it was a win for Miami. I am so proud of him, and I believe that everyone in the Top 20 will have amazing careers.”

Mason admitted that in her early dancing years had moments that were a bit rough. "I definitely came home drying a lot between the ages of six and nine," she recalled. "It was the hardest thing in the world for my mom to see me sobbing and tell me that it was good for me, but she just had this feeling that she needed to push me and keep me in dance. It paid off, and I’m so grateful to her for keeping stern.”

A communications student at UCLA, Mason, 18, said that she will definitely pursue a career in dancing and acting – and that she has fallen in love with film. “I fell in love with film which is why I applied to L.A. schools. I would love to do movie musicals. I’m a huge fan of ‘Chicago’ and ‘Hairspray’ and the amazing MGM films that Evan (Kasprzak, who finished third in the SYTYCD finals) would be amazing in as well.”

Mason also admitted to loving journalism – “I love journalism. I love broadcasting. So if for some reason acting and dancing do not work out, I’d love to go into that industry as well.”

Chances are that Mason will meet great success in a dancing and acting career -- and perhaps in journalism too. Her fans will no doubt enjoy watching the direction her career takes!

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CORONATION SHOW A RATINGS WINNDER

2009-08-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

The "So You Think You Can Dance" coronation of Jeanine Mason as "America's Favorite Dancer" made Fox a favorite with viewers as well, according to Zap2it.

Fox captured 9.3 million viewers and a 5.6 rating/10 share in households, easily topping CBS which was in second place with just under 7 million viewers. NBC was a distant third and ABC followed in fourth.

These rating must have thrilled show connections who expect to air a new series of "So You Think You Can Dance" this fall. In the meantime, the show has been on a dancing talent search -- for the next favorite dancer to follow newly crowded Jeanine Mason.

DANCING WITH THE STARS SWEETHEARTS HAVE BROKEN UP

2009-08-08T12:21:00.001-07:00

Dancer Derek Hough and his sweetheart Shannon Elizabeth, who met on “Dancing With The Stars” and began dating shortly after they were paired, announced Friday night on Twitter that their romance has ended.

“Hi everyone, we wanted you all to know directly from us, that Shannon and I have decided to end oour relationship as boyfriend & girlfriend,” Tweeted Hough.
And Elizabeth confirmed with, “however, we love & care about each other very much & will remain friends & in each other’s lives.”

Hough, a former world champion in Latin American dance, taught Elizabeth her routines on the dancing competition show. The brother of former “Dancing With The Stars” professional Julianne Hough, he and Elizabeth finished contest in seventh place.

It seems that Twitter is becoming a popular site for significant announcements. American Idol judge Paula Abdul also notified fans of her departure from that show in a Twitter message.

JUDGE NIGEL LYTHGOE AND SYTYCD CONNECTIONS OPINE ON JEANINE'S CORONATION

2009-08-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

After one of the most spectacular evenings in So You Think You Can Dance history, a meandering around Twitter found a few Tweets from show connections -- including a couple of comments on the the crowning of Jeanine Mason as "America's Favorite Dancer."

"Season 5 had some brilliant dancing, inspired choreography and ended with a worthy winner," producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe posted on Twitter. "She has got humor, spunk and remarkable talent."

Choreographer Laurieann Gibson posted, "So happy for Jeanine!!! Dance with angels kidzzzz hit ya tomorrow!!!!"

Choreographer Travis wall wrote, "I'M SO HAPPY JEANINE WON. the wrap party was so much fun last night."

Dancing With the Stars connections also chimed congratulations to the show. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba wrote, "So You Think You Can Dance!!! Love that Breast cancer number by Tyce!!! Congratulations Nigel and all the SYTYCD peeps!! Well done!"

JEANINE -- DANCING PRINCESS WITH A TENDER HEART

2009-08-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

Newly crowned “America’s Favorite Dancer” Jeanine Mason, so often praised for her humor, hard work and sensational dancing, is even more special than perhaps most people realize.

As part of her prize package, Mason will collect $250,000 – some of which she plans to donate to the charity Making Memories which aids people with Altzheimer’s Disease, according to website Hollyscoop.

Also, during SYTYCD competition Mason frequently donned clothing of designer Peace Love World. While she frequently wore the brand herself, she also “took it upon herself to spread the peace and love by sharing her clothes with her competitors,” said brand creator and designer Alina Villasante to pr.com. The stated mission of this clothing line is to “spread peace, love and happiness everywhere possible and to do so in an environmentally-conscious way that shows how much we love each other and the world in which we live.”

With her outgoing personality, sensational talent and extreme humbleness, it is hard for even fans who supported other dancers to feel disappointed with Mason’s win. But her generosity in the interest of Altzheimers patients and in the interest of peace, love and happiness highlights that there is considerably more to her than fans saw on SYTYCD’s performance stage. It highlights her fine character, precious warmth and caring nature.

Upon being voted to the coveted dancing title, the 18-year-old from Pine Crest, Florida told Us, “I feel so humbled and so excited to be here. It’s the best feeling ever just to know that people love what you are doing.”

Indeed, fans love what Jeanine does on the dancing stage, but they will likely love even more what she does with her heart! Jeanine Mason is dancing's new royal Princess, but she is also the dancing world's Princess of Tender Heart and Generosity!

"AMERICA'S FAVORITE DANCER" IN PICTURES -- JEANINE MASON

2009-08-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO "AMERICA'S FAVORITE DANCER" -- JEANINE MASON, 18, from Pinecrest, FL.
And Congratulations to "So You Think You Can Dance Fever" readers who cast 56 percent of votes for Jeanine!

SYTYCD HAS PLUM SPOT IN FALL LINE-UP

2009-08-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

"We need success in the fall," Fox entertainment President Kevin Reilly spoke yesterday to reporters on Thursday.

And it seems that part of the Fox strategy in the network ratings battle is to place the new fall "So You Think You Can Dance" into the same spot that will be taken over by top reality show American Idol in January.

Final SYTYCD performance night on Wednesday allowed the network capture No. 1 for the night. ABC, NBC and Fox all had strong reality shows in the evening, but Fox captured the prize for the night despite the fact that "America's Got Talent" averaged more viewers than SYTYCD. Among adults aged 18 to 49, Fox topped both ABC and NBC in that key demographic.

HAIL TO "AMERICA'S FAVORITE DANCER" -- JEANINE MASON

2009-08-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

It was a glittering and sparkling moment in the history of So You Think You Can Dance when popular and powerful JEANINE MASON was crowned “America’s Favorite Dancer!”

SYTYCD presented both a show and a winner that sparkled a brilliantly as stars in the universe – or, on a lighter note, as brilliantly as the diamonds adorning judge Mary Murphy on this final dance competition night!

Even on this evening of her coronation, Jeanine appeared a Princess – the most spectacular jewel in a crown of dancing talent!

It was a season with, according to judges, the highest level of talent ever. “A quarter of a billion” votes were cast over the weeks, 21.6 million votes during finale week – and it appeared the SYTYCD kingdom had a Princess who deserved to win!

Quickly fans thrilled that the winner was Jeanine -- popular, powerful, skilled and talented.

As the show progressed, one by one the judges named their favorite dances of the season – and Jeanine was the “girl” in a significant number of those performances! Judge Adam Shankman’s favorite was a hip-hop with Jeanine and Phillip Chbeeg. Mary Murphy’s favorite was a Travis Wall choreographed contemporary kiss routine by Jeanine and Jason Glover. Another Murphy favorite was a paso doble performed by Jeanine and runner-up Brandon Bryant during the grand finale last night!

If there is anything that the evening of exquisite performances proved, it was that a Dancing Princess was crowned on SYTYCD! Hail to the Princess – Princess Jeanine Mason!

IT IS DOWN TO JEANINE AND BRANDON!

2009-08-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

KAYLA ELIMINATED FIRST, THEN EVAN -- WHO WILL BE "AMERICA'S FAVORITE DANCER?"

2009-08-06T18:44:00.001-07:00

SYTYCD FINALE -- AMERICA HEARTS EVAN, BUT JUDGES HAIL BRANDON AND JEANINE

2009-08-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

The “So You Think You Can Dance” grand finale found four of the nation’s most talented and blooming young dancers competing for what might be the opportunity of a lifetime. On the line is the title of “America’s Favorite Dancer,” along with $250,000 and a cover appearance on Dance Spirit magazine.

Approximately 3,000 people jammed into Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre to witness the most important performance night of the popular dance competition show and to cheer on their favorites. From the thousands who gave their best efforts in show try-outs -- there remained only four, Jeanine Mason, 18, from Pinecrest, FL; Evan Kasprzak, 21, from West Bloomfield, MI; Kayla Radomski, 18, from Aurora, CO and Brandon Bryant, 19, from Salt Lake City, UT.

The highlight of the evening -- that one stand-out moment, though, seemed not to be the dancing, the choreographed routines or even the comments of the judges. It was the moment when the theatre erupted with chants of “Ev-an! Ev-an! Ev-an!”

Whether Evan Kasprzak is the strongest dancer has been debated in Main Street USA coffee shops and online message boards – but, regardless, there is little doubt that he has captured the hearts of America!

The clean-cut, “boy-next-door” has catapulted America, now suffering one of the most difficult economic periods in its history, back to the magical age of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly – the golden era of Hollywood when musicals dominated at movie theaters and life seemed so much simpler and purer.

Throughout the evening, though, it almost appeared that SYTYCD judges feared that Kasprzak might win the dance competition based more on his personality and likeability than his actual dancing talent. They seemed spellbound to ensure that fans voted for the dancer they deemed technically strongest instead of with their hearts. After all popular "boy-next-door" Kris Allen beat front-runner Adam Lambert for the 2009 American Idol title.

On Twitter and the message boards following the finale, fans questioned why the judges were so “mean” to Evan. He had, after all, been voted into the finals – and typically in reality show finals judges highlight contestant’s strengths rather than dwelling on the weaknesses.

But while the SYTYCD judges over and over pointed out Evan’s “good guy” character and massive popularity, they seemed unable to bring themselves to compliment even single elements in his dancing routines. As one Twitter user put it, they "really pounded him."

When Evan performed a Sonya Tayeh choreographed jazz routine with Jeanine, judge Mary Murphy said that the pair “delivered”, but added “Jeanine stood out a little more.” Judge Nigel Lythgoe complimented Jeanine on her strength and personality, but warned Evan that while he was well-loved by the fans, he would have to step up his dancing if he wanted to win.

But when Brandon and Kayla performed, Murphy exclaimed, “You are the front-runners for me.” And Lythgoe went so far as to say, “I think that the show is beginning now.” – an obvious insult to Evan and Jeanine’s routine.

After the finale fans questioned why Evan and Brandon were ever asked to perform a Laurieann Gibson designed “Nasty.” This unquestionably played into the hands of Brandon, and could not have been more outside of the world of Evan. Even the judges acknowledged that this put Evan at a disadvantage. Murphy quipped, “Evan, what is the nastiest thing you have ever done?” Evan joked that there were too many “nasty” things to list – and the audience roared. But the judges all agreed that Evan did not have a “nasty” bone in his body and had never done a “nasty” thing in his life.

Evan’s best chance to shine and extract praise from the judges came with his solo. While this was likely not his strongest ever, again the judges took full advantage of the opportunity to criticize more than praise. Choreographer/judge Adam Shankman pointed out that this routine was a slightly altered version of his audition piece -- and shook his Head. Murphy at least praised Evan for reintroducing America to the Fred Astaire/Gene Kelly style of dancing, but had little to say of his performance. And Lythgoe delivered the ultimate stinger when he, after saying that America had fallen in love with Evan, asserted that Evan is not as good as strong as Brandon and Jeanine.

The situation did not improve for Evan. After he jived across the dance floor with Kayla, Shankman exclaimed that he unsure that this was a finale level routine – it “didn’t reach out to me.” Murphy called the routine was strong, but said that the dancing was not -- adding, “Kayla, you stole the show.” And Lythgoe finally did compliment, saying that both dancers came out with guns blazing.

But as the show progressed toward the final dance, fans probably expected that the final comments for Brandon and Jeanine would be strong. The pair was gifted with a paso doble that played right into their hands since strength is considered among their highest attributes.

The judges to their feet for Brandon and Jeanine -- and the audience cheered. There was the sense that the judges got exactly what they wanted from what seemed their favorite dancers. Shankman complimented the transitions, intensity and movement. Murphy could not contain herself, awarding her famous scream over and over and over again. Lythgoe placed his hands over his ears as a protection from Murphy's high-volume shrieks. And then Lythgoe offered that Brandon was “like a race horse snorting to get out of the stall, and she was ready for it.” He concluded his critique with the final words, “You two are the front-runners!”

SYTYCD judges opined that Evan has captured the hearts of the nation -- and they seemed all the tougher on him because of his popularity.

If the judges have their way, clearly only Brandon or Jeanine are in real contention for the coveted title of “America’s Favorite Dancer.”

But the question remains, what will America do? Will Brandon, who garnered clearly the highest praise from the judges all evening long, walk away with the coveted title? Will either Jeanine or Kayla, shining stars all season, be crowned? Or will fans ignore SYTYCD judges and vote with their hearts? SYTYCD fans wait for the answer!

In viewing several online polls, it appears that the judges may get their way -- since Brandon and Jeanine are generally leading. But it was also expected that Adam Lambert would be crowned 2009 American Idol, and instead the nation chose "boy-next-door" Kris Allen. Can a "boy-next-door" also surprise and win SYTYCD?

NIGEL LYTHGOE AND PAULA SCHEDULE MEETING TO DISCUSS HER JOINING SYTYCD

2009-08-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

So You Think You Can Dance executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is not about to pass up a great opportunity! Nabbing Paula Abdul as judge and choreographer would be a real coup for the popular dance competition show.

Weeks ago Lythgoe opined that Fox would no doubt reach an agreement with Abdul because they would be crazy to let her go -- but that is exactly what Fox did.

Within hours of the announcement that Paula was exiting American Idol, Lythgoe and Paula arranged to meet to discuss the possibility of her joining SYTYCD.

"She's on the East Coast at this moment in time," Lythgoe revealed to LA Times. "Hopefully we're going to meet this weekend in Vegas. We go out to do our Vegas Week this week, and Paula's gonna come out there and we'll sit down and talk about what opportunities are available -- if I can afford her."

Lythgoe hailed Abdul's talent and qualifications as a dancer, choreographer and reality show judge. "I don't know anyone more qualified than Paula Abdul," he enthused.

Lythgoe said that he and Abdul did not discuss her contract negotiations with Idol executives. "All we discussd is that, yes, this is the situation at the moment -- and she may well be free to come and join us on SYTYCD," he told LATimes.

Lythgoe has also been vocal that Fox's contract negotiations with host Ryan Seacrest and judge Simon Cowell should have remained private. "That would have aggrieved anybody else and you'd want more money, I would think, when you see those numbers," he told LA Times. "Negotiatons should be held behind closed doors ... no embarrassment on either party."

American Idol fans let it be known that they saw no need for four judges after Kara DioGuardi was added to the panel last season. Shows became rushed in order to squeeze in comments from four judges -- and still critiques on the latest appearing contestants were rushed and show on occasion interfered with other programming.

"I'm not a fan of four judges," Lythgoe he told the Times. "I don't mind it as guest judges, but when it is every week you run out of time as you well know. My Tivo didn't like the fact there were four judges. I also didn't like the fact that on some weeks Simon didn't get to critique some of the singers. And, to be frank, I wanted to hear what he's got to say about everybody. So it made no sense to me to put a fourth judge in there.

"Plus, without question, for me, it lost some of its chemistry," Lythgoe told Times. He said that Randy Jackson, Paula and Simon "are the true ingredients of great judging. They're historic now. Whenever judges are discussed on reality shows, they are the ones you want to emulate. They're the ones whose names will be written in history books of televison."

And Lythgoe opined that the chemistry between Abdul and Cowell cannot be duplicated. If Kara begins to act as Paula did, he doesn't think that fans will accept it as real.

Among messages posted on Twitter with respect to Abdul joining SYTYCD:

"Paula would be a wonderful addition to SYTYCD!! But don't replace @HOTtamaleTRAIN cuz the show would bite without her."

"If you're watchinng SYTYCD now, admit it! Wouldn't Paula Abdul be a great judge instead of the revolving choreos?"

"U r so loved Paula! If not on Idol u should totally be on SYTYCD!"

"Agree they need some Paula Abdul on the show."

And, "I hope Paula Abdul agrees to Nigel's proposition."

PAULA AGAIN INVITED TO JOIN SYTYCD

2009-08-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

It appears that departing American Idol judge Paula Abdul will not need to search "Help Wanted" ads or pound the pavement to find a new judging opportunity! So You Think You Can Dance executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe, at Tuesday night's taping of the dance competition finale, repeated his invitation for Paula to become a guest judge and choreographer on the show, according to sources.

Lythgoe, former executive producer of American Idol, had previously opined that Fox would be crazy to let Paula go -- and should contract negotiations between Fox and Abdul completely break down, SYTYCD would happily take advantage by inviting her to join their cast.
Abdul, equally as famous for dancing and choreography as for singing, has worked with many celebrities, including Janet Jackson.

"We've certainly invited her here," Lythgoe told MTV. "And we've invited her to do some choreography this season as well. We just haven't been able to get it together at the moment, obviously because negotiations with Fox have been at the top of her mind."

Abdul was reportedly earning between $2 million and $3 million for her American Idol stint -- and wanted a raise with any new contract. American Idol presented her with an offer that she "didn't like at all," a source said according to TMZ. Abdul countered AI's offer -- but the show's executives would not agree to her request so sent a counter offer to her.

"Rather than responding to the second offer, Paula shocked everyone by tweeting her goodbye," reported TMZ. "The weirdest thing ... 'AI' took the tweet seriously and responded with an official sayonara."

However, Paula maintained frequent contact with her fans through messages on Twitter. She revealed that she wanted to return to Idol, but "I hope you can understand that I can only return to Idol if the deal is fair."

Rumors flew that after host Ryan Seacrest inked a $45 million contract with the show and Simon was in talks for a contract with big numbers, Abdul wanted a significant salary increase. Adding to this speculation, Lythgoe said, "I'd never been involved in negotiations when I was with the show (American Idol), but having spoken with (Fox president of alternative programming) Mike Darnell, I know Fox wants to keep Paula. The figures that have been quoted for Simon and Ryan are great figures. I don't know if they're true, but Paula seeing those figures would make her pretty upset."

So it appears that Paula finally decided that it was time to move on. In her final messages to her fans on Twitter, she wrote, "It is with sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to #IDOL. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon."

But with the SYTYCD offer on the table, it doesn't seem that Paula's days of nurturing young talent are necessarily over. Fans wanted her back on American Idol, but the suspicion is that they will equally enjoy watching her display her judging and choreography skills on the popular dance competition show!

WILL PAULA ABDUL BECOME A GUEST JUDGE ON "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE"?

2009-08-05T00:36:00.000-07:00

Now that it is official that Paula Abdul will not be returning as a judge on American Idol, the question on people's lips is whether the popular singer/dancer/choreographer will join the family of So You Think You Can Dance.

SYTYCD executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe has gone on record saying that if Abdul and American Idol executives could not reach an agreement in her contract negotiations, he would happily consider her for a guest judge slot on the dance competition program.

"We would certainly consider (Abdul as) a guest judge," Lythgoe told NY Daily News -- "Without question."

Abdul, besides making a strong mark as a singer, has also enjoyed a noted dancing and choreography career, having worked with artists including Janet Jackson.

In the weeks leading the decision that Abdul would not return to Idol, Lythgoe, himself a former executive producer of American Idol, wrote on Twitter that Fox would be crazy not to bring Paula back. "I'd never been involved in negotiations when I was with the show (Idol), but having spoken with (Fox president of alternative programming) Mike Darnell, I know Fox wants to keep Paula. The figures that have been quoted for Simon (Cowell) and Ryan (Seacrest) are great figures. I don't know if they are true, but Paula seeing those figures would make her pretty upset."

As of 8 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Lythgoe had not posted any new messages on Twitter related to Abdul.

SYTYCD NIGEL LYTHGOE HAS EXPRESSED FRUSTRATION WITH FANS WHO JUDGED KATIE HOLMES AS A DANCER

2009-08-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

After actress Katie Holmes sang and danced a Judy Garland tribute on SYTYCD's big 100th episode extravaganza, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe became increasingly frustrated with fans who judged Holmes as a dancer instead of a charity worker.

One by one he posted messages on Twitter addressing the subject:

He wrote: "Why hate on Katie? She's had no dance training and did this for publicity for charity. Everyone lip synchs when they're dancing. MJ too"

Then "I'm going to ban all the Katie haters. You make me sick. Your attitude stops 'stars' doing charity work. Understand why she did it CHILDREN"

Later "She's not in competition and she's not a dancer. She's a charity worker. Don't be ignorant!"

And still later "I'm trying to figure out why Katie is being judged as a dancer. When a star throws out the opening pitch no-one syas, 'ooh crap pitcher!'"

Web Log Directory

SYTYCD -- DOWN TO THE FINAL FOUR!

2009-08-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

With a $250,000 prize on the line, as well the coveted title of America’s favorite dancer and placement on the cover of Dance Spirit magazine, all four So You Think You Can Dance finalists are likely feeling high hopes and at least a mild case of nervous butterflies.

From the dance competition’s try-outs that attracted thousands of young hopefuls, the field has been narrowed to four of perhaps the most exciting and talented young dancers in the nation – men Evan Kasprzak and Brandon Bryant and ladies Jeanine Mason and Kayla Radomski.

Evan, eldest of the finalists at 21-years-old and famous for his “boy-next-door” likeability, contagious large smile and Fred Astaire/Gene Kelly style of dancing, hails from West Bloomfield Michigan. Brandon, 19, is a contemporary dance powerhouse, is from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Both girls remaining in the competition are just 18 years old – Jeanine Mason from Pinecrest,, Florida and Kayla Radomski from Aurora, Colorado. Former finalist Melissa Sandvig, eliminated last week, offered her assessment of the two girls: “Kayla is very long and flowing with her movement, and Jeanine is just a little powerhouse and has a crazy personality. So yes, it will be interesting to see who America chooses between them and the boys.”

Judge Nigel Lythgoe has pointed out that this year’s crop of dancers is the strongest in the history of So You Think You Can Dance. In fact, he has opined that as a group, they are so strong that no single star has emerged – and that in the end, the victor might actually become crowned based on likeability or the choreography of the routine danced instead of simply dancing talent.

Evan’s fans have posted encouraging messages— including, “Evan you are ‘FABULOUS’! You make Gene Kelly proud honey!” Also, “I hope Evan goes all the way! He’s proof that you can be a regular guy and dance with all your heart! You’ve got a fan for life, Evan!”

Brandon’s fans have their own opinions: “We love you so much Brandon. You are the greatest.” And “I don’t usually like contemporary, but he impresses me with his solos.”

Jeanine’s supporters offer: “I love her personality and she also has great comedic timing.” And, “Jeanine is sooo awesome!!! … She’s so inspiring right? (yal better agree) LOL”

And from Kayla’s message board: “Kayla that was amazing. Tyce was right, you are a beast, the awe-inspiring kind.” And “The judges realize how great you are and I hope America wakes up and crowns you America’s favorite dancer.”

WHO IS AMERICA'S FAVORITE ON "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE"?

2009-08-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

After weeks of wondering who will be America’s favorite dancer and voting for favorites, fans of So You Think You Can Dance have narrowed the field of four finalists.

Which of those four -- Brandon Bryant, Evan Kasprzak, Jeanine Mason and Kayla Radomski -- will win the $250,000 prize and be voted America's favorite dancer?

Has America already chosen a favorite -- -- or can performances next week convince voters to shift their votes from one dancer to another dancer? Will fans vote based on dancing performance, likeability or the choreography of routines? And who will the fans of recently eliminated Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi now support?

Fans of the show will soon have the answers to those questions when they watch the crowning of the 2009 America’s Favorite Dancer!

A TV Guide poll conducted when there were six remaining dancers, placed Evan at the top of the chart. The site’s overview stated: "He competently conquers new dance styles every week. Unless he makes a huge mistake on the dance floor, he may take the top prize this year." But an even more recent poll, conducted by eonline, showed Brandon in the lead – with Evan also trailing Jeanine.

What recent polling seems to indicate is how close the competition is in viewer’s eyes – and that it is up to the dancers to pull out all of the stops next week in hopes of garnering the highest number of votes of fans!

Judge Nigel Lythgoe has already termed this season’s four finalists as among the most skilled dancers who have ever appeared on the So You Think You Can Dance show. And he has repeatedly explained that the level of talent has been so high this year that there are no losers even among the Top Twenty contestants – sixteen of whom have already been eliminated. The talent is so high and the competition is so close, he said, that the eventual winner could actually be determined by such factors likeability or the specific routines designed by the show’s choreographers.

In terms of likeability, our own independent poll finds Evan in top place. A young, clean-cut dancer with exceptional work ethics, a broad smile from ear to ear for contestants and fans alike – there is hardly a viewer whose heart has not been captured by Evan’s schoolboy grin and Fred Astaire/Gene Kelly dance style.

Juliana Pirpinelli, who runs Juliana's Academy of Dance in Evan’s home state of Michigan, explained, “He’s kind of like that boy next door."

And who was not touched by the love and support shared by Evan and his 29-year-old brother, Ryan, when they initially tried out for So You Think You Can Dance together? (Ryan was cut right before the Top Twenty dancers were established.)

As for Evan’s reaction to making it into the finals of the competition – “I’m ecstatic to have made it this far,” he graciously explained. "When I made it to the Top 20, I never thought that I'd make it to the Top 6, or be here for the 100th episode. It is really amazing!"

Evan also credits the support of fans with helping him in his performances each week. "When I am dancing,” he said, “I kind of try and embrace the audience and use the energy they have and morph that into whatever it is I might need.”

Evan, 22, was born into what his mother, Barb Kasprzak, calls a "theater family” – the family being involved in the local Monroe (Michigan) Community Players. She recently opined, “I don't think we often realize what a great asset a good community theatre can be to a community. I certainly never imagined the impact being involved with community theatre would have on my children. Even our non-performing family members gained a lifelong love of the arts."

It was at the tender age of six that Evan began dancing – and began developing a passion for the classic Broadway style of dancers such as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, the style that he has so aptly brought to the So You Think You Can dance stage.

"We didn't know how people would respond to the old classics," Mrs. Kasprzak said. "We were shocked at the reception he received. The classical style is resonating across the ages, from grandmas to teenagers. It caught us by surprise."

As for Evan’s success on the show, Mrs. Kasprzak said their family is thrilled. "We thought it was great that he reached the top 20 and ecstatic he made the top 10," she enthused. "But way beyond (the prize money) are the career-changing opportunities. ... We are so happy for Evan and we hope he wins.”

Evan, from West Bloomfield, Michigan, is a graduate of Birmingham Groves High School and currently a senior and music theatre major at Wesleyan University.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE FEVER ON ONE-WEEK HIATUS

2009-07-24T10:11:00.001-07:00

Our children have planned a vacation with us so that for the next week we will be spending time here with them -- will be back blogging on August 3rd. See you then!

SYTYCD 100TH ANNIVERSARY EXTRAVAGANZA MARRED AS TWO FAVORITE DANCERS ARE SENT HOME

2009-07-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

So You Think You Can Dance’s 100th episode extravaganza was all that it was chalked up to be – and also a little bit less.

Actress Katie Holmes’ admirably performed her much touted Judy Garland tribute. Her voice was magical singing “Get Happy,” and her dancing entertained despite its simplicity.

But perhaps the most magical moments of all were the opening performance of Mia Michael choreographed “One” from A Chorus Line, and performances of the three Emmy-winning routines from previous years. The choreography, of course, represented some of the best in the show’s five years – and the dancing seemed flawless.

Lending a sadness to the festivity, though, was the fact that one guy and girl would be sent home – and then the fact that the two dancers who were voted to leave were actually two who had been given high chances of winning the competition to find America’s best young dancing talent. This seemed to highlight the fact that drawing the wrong dance style or the wrong partner -- or simply being handed a less than spectacular choreographed routine -- can send any dancer home.

Voted off the show this week were Janette Manrara, 23, from Hialeah, FL, and Jason Glover, 21, from Fresno, CA.

Early in the show host Cat Deeley announced that two of the “safe” dancers were Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi, who the prior evening had brought judges to tears with an emotional performance intrepreting the effects of breast cancer and the courage of its victims and their friends. Also safe were Jeanine Mason and Evan Kasprzak.

That left Manrara and Glover, along with Kayla Radomski and Brandon Bryant in the Bottom Four. But at this stage of the competition, all of the dancers are impressing the judges and the universe of viewers – so it seemed uncertain who would leave.

And after Manrara’s name was announced, judge Nigel Lythgoe remarked, “You were my favorite. I really wanted you to win. This has ruined the celebration for me. America got it wrong.”

But Manrara voiced that she was feeling fine despite being voted off the show – that she will remember “everyone I have met. This made me realize how much I love to dance – this is what I am meant to do, and I am going to continue doing it.”

After Manrara, Deeley announced that popular dancer Glover would also be leaving the show -- hugging him and remarking that he was “fantastic.” After his name was announced as the guy to leave, he said, “I want to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point – the dancers, the choreographers, the judges – everyone. It has been a great ride.”

The 100th anniversary show was a spectacular display of dancing that, unfortunately, was bittersweet, ending with the sadness of watching two of the most talented dancers bidding their final adieu on the regular show. So the extravaganza was all that it was chalked up to be, but in the end left the judges and probably much of the audience feeling a little let down with the final visions of Manrara and Glover waving their final on-air good-byes.

SYTYCD CELEBRATES TONIGHT!

2009-07-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night's So You Think You Can Dance was almost there -- it was the 99th episode, just one shy of the magical 100! Tonight the show will get there -- festive atmosphere abounding and Katie Holmes singing and dancing in her long promised and much touted Tyce Diorio-choreographed Judy Garland tribute!

But for one boy and girl finalist in the search for "America's Favorite Dancer," tonight will also mark the end of their journey and the end of their hopes for wearing the coveted crown.

Last night, on the eve of the 100th episode, SYTYCD celebrated with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres sitting with the panel of judges -- conveniently placed between chronic screamer Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe who generally claims that his ears ring from Murphy's high-pitched scrieks. DeGeneres never professed to have the specialized knowledge to aptly judge the contestants' dancing, but she appropriately complimented all dancers and often quipped, "I can do that" which garnered many hearty chuckles from the show's connections and the audience.

Without a doubt, the highlight of the evening was an emotional performance by Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi. Choreographed by Emmy-nominated Diorio, the beautiful and passionate representation of women living amidst the challenges of breast cancer left the judges struggling for words and choking back tears. Lythgoe slowly and thoughtfully spoke, "We just witnessed one of the most memorable routines on the show, and I cannot think of a better couple to have danced it. Ade, you gave Melissa strength. And Melissa, your maturity carried this routine off."

"I am privileged that I got to witness that," said DeGeneres. "It was the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen."

Murphy's response was equally complimentary, "You danced so beautifully. I don't think that I will ever forget the two of you -- the vertical lifts. Ade, you are a gentle giant. And Melissa, you flew into his arms -- you had full trust."

But the most emotional response was from Emmy nominated choreographer Mia Michaels who was wearing the hat of judge last night. Easily heralded as one of the show's most talented choreographers herself, Michaels, with tears streaming down her face, said that the dance was a "very important piece of work." She related her own thoughts and feelings on the struggles that breast cancer victims and those close to them face -- and the strength required in battling the disease.

And Michaels turned to Melissa and softly spoke, "Melissa, you are an angel. That was a perfect portrait. Thank you."

All other performances of the evening paled in comparison.

But to return to the opening of the dancing competition. Only eight dancers remain this week -- and expectations were obviously high.

The first couple to step onto the stage was Janette Manrara and Evan Kasprzak -- performing a Sonya Tayeh choreographed jazz routine. Nigel called pair "two little stars." And he added, "Evan, you are getting it, and Janette, you are absolutely wonderful." Murphy told the pair, "You did a good job. ... You were spot on." Michaels told Evan that he had made a step in the right direction, but then turned to Janette and said, "You have been my favorite this season."

The second time the pair stepped into the spotlight was to perform a Tony Meredith and Melanie Lapatin designed rumba. Lythgoe complimented the choreographers and then Janette for appearing smooth and sexy, but turned to Evan, "I don't think that there was anything passionate in your face. ... You needed to open your eyes more."

But the other judges disagreed and jumped to Evan's defense. DeGeneres said, "I love your face, Evan. Your face is so charming." Murphy defended, "Evan, you did a good job. You were there for her. You were on time, very well connected and I loved the lift." Then Murphy called Janette "a Little Hot Tamale!" And Michaels said that she loved what the couple brought to the stage.

Jeanine Mason and Brandon Bryant glided to a Hunter Johnson choreographed waltz that Lythgoe described as so slow that it was demanding and left him feeling, "I didn't get as much as I wanted from two of my favorite dancers. Murphy called the performance respectable, but added, "I wanted to be taken to a special place, and it didn't take me away."

For their second routine, the pair, in Rambo-like costumes, performed a Laurieann Gibson designed pop-jazz to "Battlefield." Lythgoe, after lamenting that nearly all contestant's first round of performances were less than he expected, told Jeanine and Brandon, "That is all I am asking for, performances like that." Murphy said their dance was "strong and powerful," and Michaels called it believable.

The third couple in the evening's line-up was Ade and Melissa. Their initial performance was a cha cha choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin. Lythgoe said the routine was well done -- Murphy said it was a teeny bit below what she expected -- and Michaels told Ade it was his worst performance of the season, although she thought that Melissa danced well. But, of course, the pair's second dance of the evening became a hallmark moment for the show and for the couple.

The final couple in the line-up was Kayla Radomski and Jason Glover -- who first treated the audience to a jazzy Broadway routine choreographed by Tyce Diorio. Nigel said that their dance was the best of the first round. Murphy said the number was "fabulous" -- and after calling Jason suave, and then gave Kayla the first scream of the evening and a first-class ticket on the Hot Tamale Train. Michaels loved the piece -- and told Kayla that if she ever decides to give it a whirl, she "will take Broadway by a storm."

And their final routine was a Michael-Jackson type of hip-hop in which Jason played a monster and Kayla a zombie. Lythgoe expressed disappointment with the hip-hop routines of the season, and said that this one was "fantastic." DeGeneres laughed, "Keep dancing like that and someday you will have your own talk show." Murphy screamed, saying they had "hit it hard." And termed it one of her favorite of the pieces that the couple had performed on the show.

Tonight's 100th episode anniversary show will undoubedly be filled with big names, as well as lots of glitz and fanfare. But which dancers will be sent home -- seemed something that becomes harder and harder to decide. The one thing that would seem certain -- that Melissa and Ade will be safe. But with fans holding complete control now -- and voting often based on popularity as much as or more than performance, anything can truly happen tonight!

KATIE HOLMES PREPPED FOR SYTYCD

2009-07-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

Katie Holmes, in preparation for her much touted Judy Garland tribute that will be a highlight of the SYTYCD 100th show celebration, has been taking private dance lessons, according to newspostonline.

Holmes' lessons were at Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance studio, according to the source -- that added that her daughter Suri has been with a minder while Holmes rehearsed at the SYTYCD judge's studio.

The lessons apparently occurred prior to Holmes' trip to Australia for the filming of Don't Be Afraid of the Dark.

WILL PAULA ABDUL LEAVE IDOL TO BECOME A GUEST JUDGE ON SYTYCD?

2009-07-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

Paula Abdul fans have been adamant -- they want Paula back on American Idol! Idol judge Simon Cowell says he wants Paula sitting next to him at the judges' table next season -- and host Ryan Seacrest says that he wants her there too. Former American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe wrote on Twitter that Fox would be crazy not to bring her back. And fans have been bombarding Twitter with #keeppaula messages to make their sentiments known!

If American Idol executives really want Abdul back, though, they may need to step up to the plate and show it because So You Think You Can Dance producer (former executive producer of American Idol) Lythgoe, who has supported her all along, has voiced that he would happily consider Paula as a guest judge on his popular dance competition show.

"We would certainly consider (Abdul as) a guest judge," Lythgoe confided to the NY Daily News -- "Without question." Abdul, besides making a strong mark as a singer, has also enjoyed a noted dancing and choreography career, working with such noted artists as Janet Jackson.

"I'd never been involved in negotiations when I was with the show (American Idol)," Lythgoe told the Daily News, "but having spoken with (Fox president of alternative programming) Mike Darnell, I know Fox wants to keep Paula. The figures that have been quoted for Simon (Cowell) and Ryan (Seacrest) are great figures. I don't know if they're true, but Paula seeing those figures would make her pretty upset."

Darnell declined to comment on Tuesday -- except to tell the Daily News that, "They will talk and try to iron things out, and if they don't come to an agreement, then Paula will move on. At the end of the day, that program is bigger than any indiviual. Even Simon."

Rumors are spreading like wildfire that Abdul wants $20 million to come back -- and her tv executive bosses only want to cough up half of that amount.

Still, with Seacrest recently inking a $45 million contract -- and Cowell rumored to want $100 million to return to Idol when his contract runs out after this next season, does $20 million seem unreasonable for Paula? Not only is she the sweetest and kindest judge, but she also provides the balance for Cowell's sometimes harsh assessment of contestant's performances. And if there is one thing that can be said for Paula, it is that she is always interesting!

Again, given the fact that execs handed Seacrest a $45 million contract, it seems unlikely that their coffers are so empty that they cannot find less than half of that amount for Paula -- of course, assuming that rumors are correct and $20 million is what she actually wants.

But it appears that if American Idol executives and Abdul cannot reach a meeting of the minds in contract negotiations -- there is some possibility that she might actually join SYTYCD!

A HALLMARK WEEK FOR SYTYCD

2009-07-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

This is the week -- the week that So You Think You Can Dance host, Cat Deeley, and judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy have been billing as the big one! It is the week that Fox chose to air SYTYCD instead of President Obama's 8 p.m. press conference, delegating Obama's talk instead to Fox's cable outlets! It is the week of SYTYCD's 100th episode!

Talk show host and dance fan Ellen DeGeneres will sit at the judges' table -- and on the Thursday elimination show, actress Katie Holmes will perform her much-touted Judy Garland tribute! Holmes, a founding member of the Dizzy Feet Foundation, will with her song and dance routine draw attention to the Foundation. And there are all of the rumors, the so-called "spoilers." Among the rumors -- appearances by Mark Kanemura and Joshua Allen, and perhaps Ivan Kooumaev and Allison Holker.

But with all of the fanfare, it is unlikely that the real focus of the show will be lost -- because this is, in fact, a dancing competition with high stakes for the still-in-it dancers.

And with only eight dancers remaining, another two will be sent home this week -- moving fans ever closer to the crowning of a new So You Think You Can Dance champion! Who will it be? Remaining are Jeanine Mason and Jason Glover, who have already been called "stars" by the shows regular judges Lythgoe and Murphy. There are Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi who narrowly escaped elimination when placed in the bottom two last week -- but have previously garnered some exemplary reviews. And there are Kayla Radomski and Evan Kasprzak who have also gotten their fair share of high praise.

In discussing the show on Twitter, DeGeneres revealed that the show's audience will not get to experience her dancing moves, but instead fans will see her sitting at the judges' table. She wrote, "I'm a guest judge on 'So You Think You Can Dance' this Wednesday night on Fox. They don't call me the Polka Queen for nothing!" Perhaps quite amazing is the fact that as SYTYCD observes its 100th episode this week, DeGeneres' own show just filmed its 1000th episode last Friday!

EMMY NOMINATED SYTYCD CHOREOGRAPHERS SHARE THEIR SWEET MEMORIES

2009-07-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

What could be more exciting for a choreographer than an Emmy nomination? The answer might be an Emmy trophy!

Four of six Emmy nominations in the choreograph category have been awarded to SYTYCD choreographers. And they truly are excited. When they all got together after the big news, there was a lot of hugging and exchanging of congratulations!

SYTYCD nominees are Tabitha D’umo and Napoleon D’umo for Bleeding Love; Mia Michaels for Mercy; Tyce Diorio for Adam and Eve and Dmitry Chaplin for A Los Amigos.

The moment that the news was delivered and the circumstances of the special dance routines will likely remain memories for these choreographers forever.

Chapin recalled that one of the show’s executive producers telephoned him at 7 a.m. to congratulate him – but when the call came, he could not imagine why that person would call so early in the morning. “Why is he calling me? I was sleeping,” he recounted to tvguidemagazine. "But he kept calling and finally I picked it up and he said, “You’ve been Emmy nominated.” Chapin said that he asked, “Who’s Emmy?” It was, after all, very early in the morning!

Tyce Diorio thoughts traveled to the way his choreographed Adam & Eve routine impacted one of the dancers. “I had this girl, Jessica King, who wasn’t a favorite on the show," he recalled for tvguide. "(She) was very unblanced with her partner, Will, because he was so much stronger. So when I got her, I took her aside and I said, ‘You’re going to do this.’ … She ended up blossoming beautifully, and here we are.”

And Mia Michael’s recalled that “Mercy” actually presented a new side of her. "I remember that it made me so happy because I’m always about doing relationship pieces, drama pieces,” she recalled in speaking to to tvguide. “This was a joke about a male and female psyche, a parody. I remember Twitch, Katie and I laughed more than anything else. It was so enjoyable to create.”

SYTYCD JUDGE NIGEL LYTHGOE CHIMES IN ON PAULA ABDUL'S CONTRACT SITUATION

2009-07-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

Former American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe posted a message on Twitter early Sunday morning: "On my way back from UK to US. I assure all you wonderful Paula fans FOX wants to keep Ms. Abdul for 'A1." They would be crazy to let her go."

On Friday Abdul's manager David Sonenberg had revealed to the Los Angeles Times that Abdul had no contract proposal -- adding that he had contacted both 19 Entertainment and Fox and told them that "Paula would love to be back on the show." Fox's response, he said, was that he would hear from them -- but since then no proposal has been received.

"She's (Abdul) hurt," said Sonenberg. "I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful. I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."

And Abdul's fans, who definitely believe that American Idol would suffer from her absence, have jumped into action with a heavy Twitter messaging campaign. Among those sending #keeppaula Tweets are American Idol finalists Danny Gokey, Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai.

Abdul, emotional over the outpouring of support, sent her thanks to fans.

"I'm actually moved 2 tears upon reading the enormous amount of tweets showing me your kindness, love,&undying support," wrote Abdul. "God bless all of you!" And then she continued, "If it weren't for you, this specific time and situation would feel a whole lot worse! xoP"

SYTYCD FANS SEND RANDI AND KUPONO HOME

2009-07-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

Thursday evenings are heartbreaking -- because dancers who have entertained for weeks and even begun to feel like family are sent home. This week, it was Randi Evans and Kupono Aweau who were eliminated from the competition.

In a change of format, the judges no longer have the final say of which boy and girl is eliminated based on their season-long performance and a solo dance. Instead, that decision is completely the hands of fans.

This week the SYTYCD evening began with a contemporary presentation to Janet Jackson's "So Much Betta." Wearing Japanese-style costumes in dramatic blacks, reds and whites, the dancers consumed the stage with movements that were crisp, deliberate and electrifying. There was power, strength and -- oh, such flair! Front-row tickets to the most popular professional dance shows in New York or Hollywood could not provide better entertainment!

But the pleasure became strained with the reality that two popular dancers would bid a final farewell to their fans -- and their dancing shoes would no longer add life to the show's dancing stage.

Host Cat Deeley first called the five remaining girls -- Jeanine Mason, Melissa Sandvig, Kayla Radomski, Randi Evans and Janette Manrara. One by one, she issued the fans' verdicts. Jeanette, who had performed a hip-hop routine with Ade, was safe. Randi, who danced a paso doble with Cupono, was in danger. Jeanine, who performed a contemporary dance with Jason, -- and Kayla, who hip-hopped with Evan, were both safe. But Melissa's Broadway routine with Brandon left her as the second girl in danger of leaving the show.

For the boys, it was the same procedure. Jason and Evan were safe. But Kupono was not. Ade also was safe. But Brandon had been voted into the Bottom Two.

The four "in danger" dancers repeated their solo performances of the night before, but the fans' had already spoken with their votes -- so the solos would not impact the final outcome. It was simply another chance to showcase their talents, hoping that it would not be their last on the show.

Judge Mary Murphy told Randi, "Every week you do something fabulous. If you make it through to next week, you need to take chances." To Kupono, she said, "You are such a great dancer. ... Bring power and strength next week."

Choreographer and judge Debbie Allen advised Melissa, "I think America got spoiled. You need to go to another level, need to give more." And then Murphy spoke to Ade, saying, "This young man is a star! I don't know what to tell you to do differently."

After a lively performance by Black Eyed Peas, the moment had come to send two dancers home. Deeley stood with Randi and Melissa -- and announced that the girl with the lowest number of votes was Randi. "You have been fabulous," Deeley exclaimed as they viewed video highlight of Randi's weeks on the show.

Next Deeley faced the two "in danger" boys, Kupono and Ade -- and announced that it was Kupono with the fewest votes.

"They (Kupono and Randi) have been wonderful on the show," enthused Deeley. "Randi and Kupono, they will be so missed."

The show was over. Ten dancing contestants were narrowed to eight. And next week it will happen all over again.

As judge Nigel Lythgow has often remarked, the dancers in the competition this year are probably the most talented in the history of the show. Every dancer is truly "brilliant." There is no shame for a dancer in being sent home -- because every dancer topped thousands of other dancers to make it this far. They are the cream of the crop.

Only one dancer can ultimately wear the So You Think You Can Dance crown, but all of these dancers are winners. Quite likely, SYTYCD has created the foundation and springboard -- and the best is yet to come!

Randi and Kupono -- see you on tour!

SYTYCD CROWNS TWO 'STARS'

2009-07-16T16:53:00.001-07:00

With So You Think You Can Dance contestants already whittled down to the Top Ten, dancers pulled out all stops as they whirled, twirled, dipped and soared on the popular show this week. Despite this being perhaps the most talented crop of young dancers ever, the Mary Murphy Meter dial nearly blew off the top of the meter for one couple – Jeanine Mason, 19, of Pinecrest, Florida and her new partner, Jason Glover, 21, from Fresno California.

Mason and Glover performed a Travis Wall choreographed contemporary dance to “If It Kills Me.” Mason, prior to the dance, described it as an interpretation of best friends in a situation where the girl wants to be more than best friends, but realizes that they are not ready for that yet.

Neither the audience nor viewers were kept waiting to learn the judges’ assessment of the dance because as quickly as it ended, all three judges were on their feet giving the pair a hearty, passionate standing ovation! This third dance of the evening was clearly a best-of-the-season and perhaps even best-ever performance -- and by the show's end it had easily outdistanced the other performances in judges' praise.

Judge Nigel Lythgoe was almost giddy over the choreography, and then added that the performance was "fabulous, only made better by the people who danced it.” Lythgoe complimented, "Jeanine, that was beautiful. Jason, that was fabulous. Both of you have become stars tonight!"

Next it was Mary Murphy’s turn, but there was only silence as the usually loquacious judge was speechless. Lythgoe, generally the recipient of the full volume of Murphy’s shrill screams, took full advantage of that silence by joking, “Mary is lost for words. Do this same routine every week!”

But Murphy quickly found her voice and volume and shrieked, “You two are stars! Yes, you are. I am so proud of you. I just loved it. Jason, you've a puppy dog face, but don't let anyone under-estimate your power. And Jeanine, you have not missed a step. You keep shining brighter and brighter. You are a star!”

The names of dancers in second place, based on the Mary Murphy Scream Meter, seems almost too close to call, but in the end the edge must be given to Melissa Sandvig, 29, and Brandon Bryant, 19, who grooved to Aquarius from the musical Hair, choreographed by Tyce DiOrio.

The pair’s performance was a trip down memory lane – back to the hippie counter-culture 1960’s when young girl’s wore rings of daisies in their hair and the hand signal for Peace was the sign of the times.

The judges, obviously with fond recollections of the era, joked a bit and then turned to the business at hand.

Lythgoe marveled at the authenticity of the routine – and remarked, “Melissa, I loved the way your ballet was used, and Brandon, I loved that you used your gymnastics.”

Murphy honored the pair with one of her famous screams – and said that the performance “was unbelievable. It was groovy.”

Several “sock it to me” remarks were exchanged by the judges, proof that they indeed did recall the era -- and then it was back to business again.

Missing second place on the Scream Machine Meter by the slimmest of margins were Janette Manrara, 25, and Ade Obayomi, 20, who performed to “Love Sex Magic" with Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo as choreographers. Lythgoe told the couple, “You’ve got funk.” And Murphy screamed, “That was funky. It sure was a lot of fun.”

Raising some doubts as to this exact placement of this couple on the Scream Machine ratings, Murphy termed Janette “a spicy hot tamale." This was not a ticket on the imaginary Hot Tamale Train, but definately a strong kudo for Manrara.

Ranking fourth on the Mary Murphy Meter was the first pair to dance, Kayla Radomski, 18, and Evan Kasprzak, 21. Their Viennese waltz to "Kiss From A Rose", choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie Lapatin, raised a bit of concern pre-dance because of the lifts -- Radomski being the tallest girl in the competition and Kasprzak being the shortest boy. But, while the judges' comments could have been stronger, the routine was fine -- and one wonders if the dance and comments suffered because of couples' difference in size.

Lythgoe, said that the pair looked "fabulous -- the lifts and everything working so beautifully." And he added, "Kayla, I love your lines."

But Murphy came down harder on the pair, saying that at this stage of the game it was about "power, pleasure and pain." She told Kasprzak that she watched his turns with "no movement and power." And she said, "This was not good enough." But toward the end of her comments she offered some praise, saying, "Evan, when you lifted her, it was as if you were six feet tall. You have a class about you." And she told Radomski, "You never disappoint anyone."

Suffering the severest responses from the judges were the final couple of the evening, Randi Evans, 23, and Kupono Aweau, 23, who danced a Tony Meredith and Melanie Lapatin choreographed paso doble.

Lythgoe remarked that the choreography was strong and passionate, but that he was "not sure that the dancing was as good as the choreography." He told Cupono, "You lost me." And he told Randi that he thought that her wig was a mistake because "some of the chemistry was lost. It just didn't work as a couple."

Murphy was not much kinder with her assessment, "I didn't believe the wig, the dancing or the chemistry." She said that it was all about "going for it" -- and opined that moving on in the competition was going to take a level called "extraordinary."

Third judge Debbie Allen, who had given complimentary ratings to all other couples, concurred, "It is hard not to agree. You needed more time, but we don't have more time."

From this point on in the competition, it is completely up to the fans to decide which boy and girl will receive the lowest number of votes and will head home. The judges will only offer their analysis, but it is up to fans to decide which dancers they like best.

There were new pairings this week -- some that worked well, and others that found dancers struggling to become comfortable with each other.

The first number of the show was actually a Nakul Dev Mahajan choreographed Bollywood number in which all of the girls excelled. It was hailed by all three judges, Lythgoe calling it "incredible" -- Murphy saying that she could see any of the five girls in the final -- and Allen proclaiming, "You are the best five ladies we have ever had!"

And the show ended with the five boys performing a Jeffrey Page choreographed African dance. The dancing was exceptional, but there was a comical element too -- Evan, clearly the palest of the dancers, appeared a bit out of place. But he pulled this off beautifully. Following the routine, Lythgoe laughed to Kasprzak, "Evan, you looked like a dancing milkshake." It was clear that Lythgoe meant a vanilla milkshake. Murphy applauded the dancers and remarked, "Evan, how cute. This clearly is not your genre, but you held your own."

Each of the competitors performed solo routines, but none of the routines separated any of the dancers from the crowd. Perhaps the only solo that might have been meaningful was Kasprzak's -- which seemed to erase any criticism from his couples performance. He clearly looked like a new Gene Kelly!

SYTYCD FIFTH SEASON TOUR DATES

2009-07-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

Emmy nominated So You Think You Can Dance has revealed fifth season tour dates -- kicking off on September 20th in Manchester, NH.

Tickets for all shows go on sale July 25th.

Over the course of performances in about forty cities, the popular show's Top 12 dancers will travel from the beautiful autumn foliage of New England -- across the US and into Canada -- ending the tour in the town that claims the largest public marina on the West Coast, Everett, Washington.

Top 12 dancers who will appear on the tour are Kupono Aweau, Brandon Bryant, Phillip Chbeeb, Randi Evans, Jason Glover, Evan Kasprzak, Caitlin Kinney, Janette Manrara, Jeanine Mason, Ade Obayomi, Kayla Radomski and Melissa Sandvig.

"For five years we have seen the popularity of So You Think You Can Dance steadily grow, and we are thrilled to showcase our unique talent for thousands of fans across the country," exclaimed the show's creator, Simon Fuller. "With the show premiering again this fall, the tour creates the unique opportunity for fans to watch the high caliber dancing from their living room one night and then attend a live performance the following night."

The So You Think You Can Dance Tour is being produced by AEG Live, dick clark productions and 19 Entertainment.

Dates and locations for the So You Think You Can Dance Tour are:

September 20
Manchester, NH
Verizon Wireless Arena

September 22
Boston, MA
Agganis Arena at Boston University

September 24
Newark, NJ
Prudential Center

September 25
Mashantucket, CT
MGM Theater - Foxwoods

September 26
Trenton, NJ
Sovereign Bank Arena

September 29
Toronto, ON
Air Canada Centre

October 1
Columbus, OH
Nationwide Arena

October 3
Detroit, MI
Joe Louis Arena

October 4
Champaign, IL
University of Illinois Assembly Hall

October 6
Chicago, IL
United Center

October 7
Minneapolis, MN
Target Center

October 9
Milwaukee, WI
Bradley Center

October 10
Toledo, OH
Lucas County Arena

October 11
Indianapolis, IN
Conseco Fieldhouse

October 14
Long Island, NY
Nassau Coliseum

October 15
Baltimore, MD
1st Mariner Arena

October 17
Richmond, VA
Richmond Coliseum

October 19
Charlotte, NC
Time Warner Cable Arena

October 20
Duluth, GA
Arena at Gwinnett Center

October 22
Miami, FL
American Airlines Arena

October 23
Tampa, FL
St. Pete Times Forum

October 24
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee-Leon Co Civic Center

October 26
Houston, TX
Reliant Arena

October 27
Austin, TX
Frank Erwin Center

October 28
Grand Prairie, TX
Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie

October 30
Tulsa, OK
BOK Center

October 31
St. Louis, MO
Chaifetz Arena at St. Louis University

November 1
Kansas City, MO
Sprint Center

November 3
Omaha, NE
Qwest Center

November 5
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs World Arena

November 7
West Valley City, UT
The E Center

November 9
Los Angeles, CA
Nokia Theatre LA LIVE

November 12
San Diego, CA
San Diego Sports Arena

November 13
Glendale, AZ
jobing.com Arena

November 14
Las Vegas, NV
Orleans Arena

November 16
Sacramento, CA
ARCO Arena

November 17
Fresno, CA
SaveMart Center

November 18
San Jose, CA
HP Pavilion at San Jose

November 20
Portland, OR
Rose Garden

November 21
Everett, WA
Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center

SYTYCD RECEIVES FIVE EMMY NOMINATIONS, ITS HIGHEST EVER

2009-07-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

Twenty-two reality television shows have received a total of 63 nominations in today's announcement of the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Award nominees -- with the number of shows and amount of total nominations representing reality television's highest number ever! The lead went to another dancing reality show, Dancing With The Stars which garnered 10 nominations.

So You Think You Can Dance received five nominations, the highest ever for the show.

Outstanding Choreography:

So You Think You Can Dance • Bleeding Love • FOX • Dick Clark Productions and 19 Entertainment
Tabitha D’umo, Choreographer
Napoleon D’umo, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • Mercy • FOX • Dick Clark Productions and 19 Entertainment
Mia Michaels, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • Adam and Eve / Silence • FOX • Dick Clark Productions and 19 Entertainment
Tyce Diorio, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • A Los Amigos • FOX • Dick Clark Productions and 19 Entertainment
Dmitry Chaplin, Choreographer

Outstanding Makeup For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special (Non-Prosthetic):

So You Think You Can Dance • Episode #421/422A • FOX • Dick Clark Productions and 19 Entertainment
Amy Elizabeth Strozzi, Department Head Makeup Artist
Heather Cummings, Key Makeup Artist
Tifanie White, Additional Makeup Artist
Marie DelPrete, Additional Makeup Artist

This is the most nominations the show has received in one year. Here are the stats:

So You Think You Can Dance

2009 – 5 nominations
2008 – 4 nominations, 1 win
2007 – 2 nominations, 2 wins

Total: 11 nominations, 3 wins

WELCOME

2009-07-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

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SYTYCD ELIMINATED CONTESTANT IS STILL A HOMETOWN HERO

2009-07-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

Annapolis, MD folks took a special interest in SYTYCD this season. As one of their own, Caitlin Kinney, 21, danced into the hearts of tv viewers on the popular television show, this coastal community celebrated the success of the girl who had always owned the hearts of her hometown family and friends.

It was with special pride that they watched their “girl-next-door” perform elegant ballroom and lively dance routines. Downtown stores were a gathering place for locals who held viewing parties. And even Annapolis Mayor Ellen O. Moyer hosted a party for Kinney at City Dock.

These folks watched, rooted for and voted for Kinney. They hoped that she would be crowned "So You Think You Can Dance Champion." So, of course, they were disappointed when "their girl" was eliminated this past week. Still, they say they are so proud of the talent that took her all the way to the top dozen contestants -- and proud that she represented herself and Annapolis with style and grace.

On Kinney’s Facebook page, her very family, friends and fans have left messages -- echoing what Annapolis folks have been saying in their living rooms and in shops downtown.

“Caitlin, it’s so great to see such talent in the family!,” wrote one obvious family member. “Keep dancing your heart out.”

“Caitlin – Beautiful grace under enormous pressure,” wrote another lady in support. “We were honored to watch your lovely performances, and we hope to see you on stage somewhere soon.”

And then there was a message addressing Kinney’s elimination from SYTYCD competition this past week. “Caitlin, I’m sooooo bummed you didn’t make it! … I’m so excited you still get to go on tour, but we all know YOU should have won, without question!”

While the show’s fans voted Kinney and her partner, Jason Glover, into the Bottom Three, and the show’s judges eliminated her from the Bottom Three girls, judge Nigel Lythgoe hailed Kinney’s talent when he said that all of the dancers that week, including those being sent home, were “brilliant.”

In fact, Lythgoe said that the level of talent has been so high this season that the audience has appreciated the talents of all of the dancers -- and no one dancer has emerged as a “star”, shining in the eyes of fans above all others.

Acknowledging this, the show took the exceptional step of adding the two dancers eliminated dancers to the Top Ten roster of contestants who will be hitting the road for the SYTYCD fall tour.

But once Kinney’s name was announced as the girl to go home, she displayed her trade-mark grace. Obviously disappointed, she still managed a smile and said, “It’s been everything I could have hoped for and so much more, which is just wonderful.”

Kinney had actually started the SYTYCD process with her younger sister, Megan. The two girls, who were introduced to dancing at C&C Dance Company in Bowie, became the first “sister pair” highlighted by the show when they were both made it through to “Las Vegas Week.” Each sister was the other sister’s biggest supporter. But in the end Megan was cut and Caitlin was invited to perform as one of the Top Twenty contestants.

Kinney, who graduated from Baltimore School for the Arts in 2005 and was an apprentice at North Carolina Dance Theatre for two years, began studying acrobatic dance at the age of 13 and added ballet two years later.

When asked what she would do when her obligations with SYTYCD end, Kinney told a Baltimore Sun reporter that she was unsure. "Most of my training is in ballet," she explained. "But I don't have a traditional body for classical ballet. I'm not stick thin, and I have a very muscular build. I'm happy now with the way my body it, but boy, it takes a long time for any woman to say that. I'm not quite sure yet in what style as a dancer I fit best. That's why I auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance. Never again will I have the opportunity to learn all these different styles compressed into one summer."

Kinney also confided that as children, she and her sisters had dreamed of opening a cominbation dance/acting studio and health clinic. "I honestly think that's one of my long-term goals, but it's down the roadd. I don't want to open a studio before I have knowledge to impart."

Wherever Kinney's dreams take her, there is one thing for certain. She will continue to dance. She will do herself proud. And she will have the support and pride of the people of Annapolis behind her.

CAITLIN AND PHILLIP, ELIMINATED FROM SYTYCD THIS WEEK, IN THEIR FINAL PERFORMANCES

2009-07-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

candj1 12 @ Yahoo! Video

Caitlin and Jason dance to "Minnie the Moocher."

Phillip and Jeanine display Russian folk dancing to "Kalinka" by Barynya.

candj2 12 @ Yahoo! Video

Caitlin and Jason perform a lyrical jazz to "Show Me Heaven" choreographed by Mandy Moore.

jandp2 12 @ Yahoo! Video

Phillip and Jeanine in their final dance together, a jive to "Stuff Like That There."

MARY MURPHY SCREAM METER ONCE AGAIN PREDICTS DEPARTING CONTESTANTS

2009-07-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

Tickets doled out on Mary Murphy’s Hot Tamale Train and the volume and number of screams recorded on her Scream Machine meter have given So You Think You Can Dance fans a crystal ball into which dancers would be heading home.

Once again, Murphy, through her awarded train tickets and famous screams, predicted which couples would be placed by fans into the Bottom Three.

CAITLIN KINNEY
Caitlin, 21, and her partner, Jason Glover, drew favorable comments from the show’s three judges for their first routine, a foxtrot, but received only tepid comments on their second performance, a lyrical jazz routine that Murphy termed “not memorable.” The pair received no tickets on the Hot Tamale Train and none of Murphy’s famous screams.

And with no Murphy screams, we had placed this pair lowest on our Mary Murphy Scream Meter.

PHILLIP CHBEEB
Phillip, 20, and his partner, Jeanine Mason seemed almost doomed to be in the Bottom Three after their first performance, a Russian folk dance. While judge Nigel Lythgoe said that the pair danced well, it felt that they never should have been given the dance and predicted that it alone might land them in the Bottom Three couples. Murphy tried to give the number the most positive spin possible, saying that Phillip and Jeanine made the dance look “believable and effortless.”

Their second performance was stronger, with Lythgoe saying that this was Phillip’s strongest showing outside of his own genre, and Murphy screamed and placed Jeanine, and only Jeanine, on the Hot Tamale train.

Despite the stronger second performance, Lythgoe opined that it would not be enough to compensate for the Russian folk dance – and he proved to be correct. And based on Murphy’s overall response to the couple’s performances, we wrote, “This could be an instance where drawing the wrong dance results in excellent dancers falling into the Bottom Three couples.”

THIRD COUPLE IN BOTTOM THREE

And while Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi had never before been in the Bottom Three, our Mary Murphy Meter placed them there this week not because they had failed to perform well – because they did receive screams for both of their dances, but simply because Murphy’s response to their waltz had drawn only a low-volume scream. Other couples had simply scored higher with respect to the Hot Tamale Train and Murphy screams.

CAITLIN AND PHILLIP LEAVE SYTYCD

2009-07-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

Clearly “So You Think You Can Dance” has reached a point in the competition where every dancer is a top talent who deserves to stay.

This was highlighted when judge Nigel Lythgoe, for the very first time in eliminations, termed both departing dancers as “brilliant” – and then took the unprecedented step of adding these two dancers to the Top-Ten line-up that continues on to the So You Think You Can Dance Fall Tour.

Lythgoe, also for the first time, did not address each of the three boys and three girls prior to announcing who would go home. He simply asked Caitlin to step forward and said, “Unfortunately, it’s the end of the journey. You have been absolutely brilliant.”

And he turned to Phillip, again hailing his talent, but saying “There is no question that you are unique in what you do. However, in all other genres, we have been disappointed.”

After his elimination, Phillip presented what was probably the most eloquent farewell speech of any elminated contestant. He explained to viewers that he had started the SYTYCD competition without the benefit of a high level of formal training -- so what he would miss most about the show would be the opportunity "to grow." And then he very passionately revealed that his greatest hope was that he has inspired other dancers with the knowledge that even without the benefit having much money, "with passion and creativity, you can do anything you want.”

This week Caitlin Kinney, a twenty-one year old from Aurora, CO, and her partner Jason Glover had performed a foxtrot to “Minnie The Moocher” and a lyrical jazz to “Show Me Heaven.” Following the performances, Lythgoe said that in the fox trot the pair had done “some incredible things.” And Murphy called the performance “cool and elegant.”

But in their lyrical jazz Lythgoe lamented that even though the dancers were technically good, he did not always see chemistry between them. Murphy opined that she saw the chemistry and, while they had performed well, she simply did not find the routine “memorable.”

Phillip Chbeeb, a twenty-year-old from Los Angeles, and his partner Jeanine Mason performed a Russian folk dance to “Kalinka” and a jive to “Stuff Like That There.” After the Russian dance, Lythgoe said that the dance was “too folky,” and Murphy said that “on the good side, you made it look believable and effortless.”

Later Lythgoe said that Phillip, in performing the jive, was the best that he had been outside of his own style, and Murphy had screamed and placed Jeanine on the Hot Tamale Train.

Other dancers voted by fans into the Bottom Three were Caitlin’s dance partner, Jason Glover; Phillip’s dance partner Jeanine and couple Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi.

MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE WILL NOT TAKE PLACE ON SYTYCD

2009-07-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

During the So You Think You Can Dance elimination show on Thursday night, judge Nigel Lythgoe said, "There has been a lot of talk about the possibility of a Michael Jackson tribute, and we thought that we would have a tribute. Mia Michaels, Wade Robson and several of the choreographers had agreed to participate. We thought that it would cover all genres."

But Lythgoe said that after SYTYCD approached Sony for permission, they received work back that they were not giving clearance for the tribute.

Lythgoe and others associated with the show referenced Michael Jackson's significant contribution to music and dance and said that they each will honor him in their own way -- but that this would, unfortunately, not be with a Michael Jackson Tribute Show.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE HOT TAMALE TRAIN HAS BRANDON AND JANETTE RIDING IN FIRST CLASS

2009-07-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

The weeks march on – and fans get closer and closer to learning the identity of the next So You Think You Can Dance champion!

Mary Murphy once again played to fans with her trademark screams and tickets on the imaginary Hot Tamale Train – while judge Nigel Lythgoe reminded the dancers that the competition has advanced to a level where each must step up their routines and perform at their very best.

HIGHEST ON JUDGES’ COMMENTS -- AND THE MARY MURPHY HOT TAMALE TRAIN AND SCREAM MACHINE

First, Brandon Bryant, 19, and Janette Manrara, 25, seemed to steal the show – and it would be extremely surprising if they are not safe from inclusion in the Bottom Three couples who will be named on Thursday night.

Their first routine, a very sexy Argentine tango heavy with intricate footwork, ended with a standing ovation from all three judges. Murphy awarded pair a First Class ticket on the Hot Tamale Train, and Lythgoe exclaimed, “That was as close to perfection as I have seen on this stage forever.” The amazing routine “Libertango” was choreographed by Leonardo Barrionuevo and Miriam Laraici.

For the pair’s second performance, which was actually the final of the evening, Brandon and Janette excelled in a Wade Robson choreographed jazz dance to Roisin Murphy’s “Ruby Blue.” Murphy screamed that the show had “saved the best for last.” And Lythgoe said that if the couple did not draw the highest number of fan votes this week, he would be surprised.

HOT TAMALE TRAIN AND SCREAMS

Garnering lots of praise from the judges, Randi Evans, 23, and Evan Kasprzak, 21, first performed a hiphop to Beyone’s Halo, choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo – about a young couple in love and expecting a baby.

Lythgoe found “a number of good things here” and called the couple one of his favorites. Murphy said that she was expecting a train wreck from Evan, but that they did very well. And screaming, she said that Randi is a standout in the competition.

Then the couple moved on to a samba dance to “Ritmo De Bom Bom” choreographed by Pasha Kovalev and Anya Garnis. Evan, Lythgoe said, was “strong” and Randi was “hot.” But he did add that the number was not quite as strong as he would have liked it. Murphy, though, said that while it might not have been hot, “there was a slow sizzle. It was a great routine.” And she placed Randi on the Hot Tamale Train.

Kayla Radomski, 18, and Kupono Aweau, 23, for their first dance, performed a Mia Michaels contemporary routine, depicting addiction, to Sara Bareilles’ “Gravity.” Lythgoe termed this a “powerful piece” – and Murphy hailed the “intensity” and the couples’ ability to stay in the character of the piece, welcoming them also aboard the Hot Tamale Train.

But in their second dance of the evening, a Joey Dowling interpretation to “The Dance at the Gym” from West Side Story, the judges’ comments were not as complimentary. Nigel found their performance “lacking in true emotion” – and Murphy said that she thought that they could have done more, but are nonetheless a “force to be reckoned with.”

Jeanine Mason, 18, and Phillip Chbeeb’s, 20, second dance of the night was a captivating jive to “Stuff Like That There” choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin. In the number, Phillip is a sailor who has been away – and Jeanine teases him about what he has missed.

Nigel said that in this performance, “Phillip, without question this is the best you have been out of your own style.” And though he also thought that Jeanine was very good technically and “one of our top ten dancers,” he opined that this would likely not be enough to keep them out of the Bottom Three because of their earlier routine. Murphy screamed and placed Jeanine on the Hot Tamale Train.

The couple’s first number was a Russian Folk dance. Lythgoe praised the dancers, but lamented that in the dance “felt a little too folky” – that this gave him the need for a bit of Russian vodka. Murphy said that on the good side, they made it look believable and effortless.

This could be an instance where drawing the wrong dance results in excellent dancers falling into the Bottom Three couples.

SCREAMS FOR BOTH DANCES

Melissa Sandvig, 29, and Ade Obayomi, 20, first performed a disco to Destination’s “Move On Up” which Lythgoe said was so packed with energy that it was “an incredible start to the evening.” Murphy added, “Amen.” And screamed as she said the number gave her a “disco pick-me-up.”

The couple also drew screams from Murphy for a waltz to “A Natural Woman.” “Beautiful,” said Lythgoe, who added that Ade’s upper body strength was tremendous. Murphy agreed that it was beautiful in her eyes too – then gave a fairly light scream and said that Melissa was mesmerizing.

WITHOUT SCREAMS

Caitlin Kinney, 21, and Jason Glover’s, 21, first dance was a fox trot to “Minnie the Moocher.” Lythgoe said that the dancers “did some incredible things” – that Jason’s footwork was very good, and the dance was Caitlin’s style. Murphy found the performance “so cool and elegant.”

And the pair’s second dance, a lyrical jazz choreographed by Mandy Moor to “Show Me Heaven,” drew mild compliments from the judges. Lythgoe explained that technically the pair danced very well and there were some very nice lifts, but that he did not always see the chemistry between the two dancers. Murphy said that she sees the chemistry – and while they did a good job, she did not find it “memorable.”

Neither performance drew Murphy screams and, given that compliments seem tepid, this couple may well be voted into the Bottom Three.

KELLY ROWLAND AND DAVID GUETTA ON SYTYCD THIS WEEK

2009-07-07T19:54:00.000-07:00

David Guetta and Kelly Rowland will be performing their hit "When Loves Takes Over" on the So You Think You Can Dance show on Thursday, July 9th.

Their performance will mark the first time that the song will be performed on an American television show.

CAT DEELEY, SYTYCD HOST, IS NOMINATED FOR ZAP2IT BEST REALITY PERSONALITY

2009-07-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

Cat Deeley, who befriends dancers and introduces them to the So You Think You Can Dance audience, has been nominated in the Zap2It poll to find the Best Reality Personality.

Deeley, a former fashion model who left full-time modeling in 1997 to become a MTV UK presenter, has been a highlight of the SYTYCD dance competition show since its second season in 2006.

At about 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 -- American Idol judge Simon Cowell was leading all contestants with about 19.4 percent of the votes.

In total, there are sixteen nominees in the Best Reality Personality category. In addition to Deeley and Cowell, the nominees include Paula Abdul, American Idol; Jeff Probst, Survivor; Tim Gunn, Project Runway; Rob and Amber, Survivor and The Amazing Race; Tyra Banks, America's Next Top Model; Flavor Flav, The Flavor of Love and Jessica Simpson, Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica.

Also nominated for the award are Paris Hilton, The Simple Life; Janice Dickinson, Multiple; Bret Michaels, Rock of Love; Phil Keoghan, The Amazing Race; J. Alexander, America's Next Top Model; Will Kirby, Big Brother 2 and Kathy Griffin, My Life on the D-List.

RUMOR: WADE ROBSON TO PERFORM TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON ON SYTYCD

2009-07-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Rumor Mill is alive and well – the latest is that Wade Robson will dance in So You Think You Can Dance’s tribute to Michael Jackson.

Robson is counted among celebrities known for emulating Jackson’s famous moonwalk – and actually has enjoyed a history with the pop legend.

Robson, who started to dance at the early age of two – had Jackson’s famous Thriller memorized by the time that he turned three-years-old. Later, in 1986, Robson wore a Jackson-like outfit and performed to “Smooth Criminal” on the Australian TV talent show New Faces 4 – winning and collecting the prize which was a chance to meet Jackson. Still later, when the “King of Pop” toured Australia with the Bad Tour, their paths crossed again. Jackson saw Robson’s routines and was so impressed that he asked Robson to perform at the Brisbane concert.

KARLA AND VITOLIO HEAD HOME

2009-07-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

Another week, and another couple sent home – this week Karla Garcia, 23, and Vitolio Jeune, 26, who had been placed in the Bottom Three by our Mary Murphy (Scream) Meter. On Wednesday night the two dancers, who competed this week as a couple, performed a lively quick step that actually drew some positive comments from the show's three judges.

Solos were performed by each of the dancers that had been placed by fans into the "Bottom Three" couples -- Garcia who danced to “Blackbird” and Jeune who performed to “Here Comes Goodbye”, Kayla Radomski and Kupono Aweau and Jeanine Mason and Phillip Chbeeb.

In the elimination, judge Nigel Lythgoe explained to Vitolio, “You always present yourself brilliantly, but you don’t deliver at the end of the day.” And he told Karla that she had just not captured “that star quality.”

Lythgoe also said that the decision of which dancers to eliminate was unanimous.

KATIE HOLMES TAKES HER DIZZY FEET TO SYTYCD TO BENEFIT DANCE AND YOUTH

2009-07-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

Katie Holmes will perform a Judy Garland tribute on the 100th episode of the popular So You Think You Can Dance television show, announced the show's co-creator and judge Nigel Lythgoe.

In the midst of the show's competition on Wednesday night, Lythgoe announced that the non-profit Dizzy Feet Foundation, launched to raise and improve the level of dance, will provide scholarships and assistance to "underserved youth."

Lythgoe said that Dizzy Feet founding member Katie Holmes will perform a special Garland number, "Get Happy" on the show's 100th episode to "introduce the foundation to the public."

"I think it's important for children to experience music and dance," said Holmes. "Every child should have the opportunity to discover what it is they like and have access to the very best in that pursuit."

Lythgoe said that the Dizzy Feet Foundation's "mission is to provide scholarships an grants to talented dancers, choreographers and/or teachers working at or through accredited dance studios; to establish national standards for dance education and an accreditation program for dance; and to develop, provide an support dance education programs for underserved children by working through and with community organizations.

Further information about Dizzy Feet Foundation

MARY MURPHY METER PLACES JANETTE AND BRANDON IN FIRST-CLASS ON THE HOT TAMALE TRAIN

2009-07-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Mary Murphy’s Hot Tamale Train pulled into the So You Think You Can Dance television studio once again, and welcomed into the first-class car were the first pair of dancers of the evening, Janette Manrara, 25, from Hialeah, Fl and Brandon Bryant, 19, who hails from Salt Lake City, UT.

A hot little cha cha cha danced by Janette and Brandon to The Pussycat Dolls’ “Hush Hush Hush Hush”, and choreographed by Jean Marc and France Genereu drew high praise from all three of the judges, Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and choreographer Mia Michaels.

Lythgoe termed the performance “the best (cha cha cha) that I have ever seen on this show” – and he called Brandon the “Michaelangelo of the dance floor.”

Murphy immediately handed “two first-class tickets” on the Hot Tamale Train to the pair – and additionally rewarded them with three of her famous screams. Michaels called the performance, “Brilliant.”

Next to dance, Kayla Radomski, 18, and Kupono Aweau, 23, also drew praise from the judges. Their contribution to the evening was a Sonya Freya choreographed contemporary performance to Blue Foundation’s “Eyes On Fire.”

Lythgoe called the dance “fabulous,” and explained, “There are so many good things to like, so much technique. It was tremendous.”

Murphy enthused, “These two are alive and kicking. It really was tremendous, played to your strengths. … And the chemistry between you had an electric feel.”
Michaels agreed and told Kupono that “every week you get better and better.”

The evening continued as Randi Evans, 23, and Evan Kasprzak, 21, moved the audience into a ‘Broadway’ mood with their Joey Dowling choreographed performance to “Rich Man’s Frug.”

Lythgoe thought that the couple performed well, but said that he was just a little disappointed. Murphy echoed Lythgoe’s sentiments, “It was your style, and you did it very well. It could have been a little better, but it was entertaining.” And Michaels added, “You have to that it to the next level because of your height. I expected more.”

Jason Glover, 21, and Caitlin Kinney, 21, donned some “strange” costumes for a Brian Friedman pop-jazz number that had Caitlin in the role of an alien looking to procreate with, Jason, the last man on earth.

Several of the judges found this number weird. But Lythgoe told the pair, “You have to commit 100 percent to a number, and you did.” Michaels theorized that Friedman simply wanted them to have fun. And Murphy, “I think that Brian is out of this world right now. It did not play to your strengths, and did not sit well with me. I love the two of you to pieces and hope that you will not be in trouble.”

Jeanine Mason, 18, and Phillip Chbeeb, 20, were chain-bound, literally, in a Tabitha and Napoleon hip-hop to Kayne West’s “Love Lockdown.” They twisted and whirled, all the while in danger of becoming entangled in the long chain – but in the end accomplished the entire number with no difficulty.

Lythgoe “really liked them. If you keep dancing like that, you should be chained together for life.” Murphy hailed the choreography as “absolutely, incredibly creative” – and she told the dancers, “You absolutely take my breath away.” Michaels felt distracted by the chains, but complimented the pair on doing a great job.

And in one of the most captivating moments of the evening, Melissa Sandvig, 29, and Ade Obayomi, 20, presented the show’s first ever Classical pas de deux to Romeo and Juliet. Choreographed by Thoral Christiensen, the pair exhibited flowing beauty and physical control in their character roles.

Lythgoe said it was “wonderful, beautifully done.” Murphy said that she “loved it. The chemistry was flawless.” And in describing Melissa, she said, “She had wings. I didn’t want to wake up.” Michaels opined that it is impossible to fake classical ballet – and that Melissa was a “true ballerina.”

The final couple, Karla Garcia, 23, and Vitolio Jeune, 26, returned a lively atmosphere with a Jean Marc and France Genereux choreographed quick step to “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” During the number, Karla, with a swifty flip of the hand, completely changed the appearance of her costume – and the couple proceeded with the confidence of seasoned ballroom performers.

Lythgoe termed this entertaining and filled with good footwork. Murphy issued compliments that included a “bam boom.” And Michaels told Karla, “He needed you, and you did step up.”

Our Mary Murphy meter placed Janette and Brandon, in their first-class Hot Tamale Train seats, atop the evening’s Murphy leaderboard. They were followed by Kayla and Kupono who also had seats on the train. Next in line were Jeanine and Phillip, and Melissa and Ade.

And appearing most in danger of being named into the bottom two couples were Randi and Evan, and Jason and Caitlin – with the added couple most probably being Karla and Vitolio.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT TONIGHT -- LIKELY A MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE

2009-07-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

The So You Think You Can Dance television show reportedly will make a big announcement to night!

Rumors are swirling, but the consensus is that the announcement will be further details on a Michael Jackson tribute that has been in the works.

Earlier in the week producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe explained that the show still needed to secure rights to Jackson's music, but he expected that the tribute will happen.

Paula Abdul expected to be lead choreographer for the project -- with the show's other choreographers participating as well.

MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE ON SYTYCD -- FITTING MEMORIAL FOR THE 'KING OF POP'

2009-06-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop who died this past Thursday, will likely be honored by the So You Think You Can Dance television show in a special tribute expected to be choreographed by Paula Abdul.

Through an exchange of messages on Twitter, the show's executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe extended the request to Abdul -- and Abdul responded, "Let's do it!"

"Michael's music works in every dance genre for the show," Lythgoe revealed, indicating that other show choreographers would join in the effort.

Following the announcement of the entertainer's death days ago, Lythgoe, on the Thursday night segment, spoke emotionally and passionately of Jackson's monumental contribution to music not only in this country, but around the world.

"There is a problem clearing Michael's music at the moment," revealed the judge. "We are trying to make contact with Sony to get clearance. If we can make this 'special' happen, it is thanks to many of you 'Tweeters' out there who all had the same idea."

Abdul, of course, is a highly acclaimed dancer, choreographer and judge on American Idol. That show on Monday night presented its own tribute when it rebroadcast a segment in which contestants each performed a Michael Jackson song.

MARY MURPHY METER NAILS IT THIS WEEK

2009-06-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

Mary Murphy, the SYTYCD judge known for screaming her admiration for the best dancers and placing them on her fictitious 'Hot Tamale Train', completely nailed the bottom three couples this week.

Not only was Murphy's 'Hot Tamale Train' couple deemed safe, but the three couples she chose as her bottom three (receiving no screams) were indeed chosen by voting fans as the bottom three.

After a 'dance for your life' solo round, the show's three judges chose two boys and two girls to come back next week and sent home Asuka Kondoh, 25, of Irvine, CA and Jonathan Platero, 21, of New York, NY.

On Wednesday night, Asuka and her partner, Vitolio Jeune had performed a Mandy Moore jazz routine that Murphy said, "was really good, but not at the level of last week. I expected a little bit more. You need to be growing as a partnership, but you were just a little under that tonight."

With respect to Jonathan Platero and Karla Garcia's hip-hop number, Murphy thought, "The chemistry didn't feel powerful. It wasn't kind of in the right groove."

Most impressing Murphy and topping her scream-machine leaderboard this week were Kayla Radomski and Kupono Aweau -- who were indeed voted safe by the show's judges. Murphy had called their performance, "elegant, flowing and totally believable."

And three couples who failed to elicit her famed screams were: Karla Garcia and Jonathan Platero, Asuka Kondoh and Vitolio Jeune. and Caitlin Kinney and Jason Glover.

ASUKA AND JONATHAN, THE LATEST CASUALTIES ON SYTYCD

2009-06-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

And now there are 14!!

Asuka Kondoh and Jonathan Platero were the boy and girl sent home this week during “So You Think You Can Dance” third round of eliminations.

As the show opened on Thursday night, judge Nigel Lythgoe presented an emotional tribute to three show business icons, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, all of whom passed away this week. He cited the contributions that each made to the entertainment world. Of Jackson, he said, “We will not see his likes again. He changed the face of music and dance in the world.” And a portion of Jackson’s mega-hit “Thriller” video filled the screen as the show moved into a commercial break.

Then the show moved on to its business of announcing the three couples placed into the bottom three by voting fans: Asuka Kondoh and Vitolio Jeune, Karla Garcia and Jonathan Platero and Caitlin Kinney and Jason Glover. Following solo routines by each of the six low-scoring dancers, Lythgoe announced that Asuka and Jonathan would view clips showing highlights of their time on the show and then saying their final good-byes.

Lythgoe complimented Asuka as an “exciting performer, beautiful.” But he said that the judges felt that as a performer, she was “not growing in the competition” – which was why they unanimously were sending her home. Asuka had performed a Mandy Moore choreographed jazz dance this week with partner Vitolio.

The decision of which boy to send home, Lythgoe explained, was not unanimous – and he actually offered criticism to each boy in the bottom three. But, in the end, he said that Jonathan was voted out because his performance the previous night was “not good. I don’t believe you have brought the dancing that is required to be America’s best dancer.” This week Jonathan had performed a hip-hop routine with partner Karla Garcia.

The partners of the two eliminated dancers will perform as a couple next week -- Vitolio and Karla.

KAYLA AND KUPONO TOP MURPHY METER LEADERBOARD

2009-06-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

ONE COUPLE WELCOMED ON THE ‘HOT TAMALE TRAIN’

Mary Murphy’s famed ‘Hot Tamale Train’ chugged into the So You Think You Can Dance studio on Wednesday night and boarded passengers Kayla Radomski and Kupono Aweau.

ON THE TRAIN

Kayla, 18, and Kupono, 23, had just completed a lovely Jean-Marc Genereux choreographed Viennese waltz to Jewel’s “Sweet Dreams For You.” Judge Nigel Lythgoe, the first to rate the couple, said, “It was very beautiful. It was elegant.” But he also added that he questioned that it would “make anyone stand up and cheer.”

Not willing to let Lythgoe's remark go unchallenged, fans in the audience immediately jumped to their feet and applauded and cheered.

And Murphy responded with her own very strong opinion, “That was no nightmare. It was elegant, flowing and totally believable. It had a beautiful flow to it. … And you (Kayla), young lady, are just gorgeous to watch.”

Murphy burst into a scream – and enthused that Kayla and Kupono were on her ‘Hot Tamale Train.’ Adding icing to the cake, she explained that she never screams for a waltz, but that this pair deserved it. And, impressive to everyone including host Cat Deeley, was the fact that this was the first time that the couple had danced together -- since their partners has been eliminated from the competition after a solo round last week.

OTHER COUPLES RANKING ON THE MARY MURPHY SCREAM METER

Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi elicited two screams from Murphy after performing an enticing rumba to Destiny’s Child’s “Emotion,” choreographed by Tony Meredith. First Lythgoe complimented the pair on an “absolutely incredible” performance. Then Murphy chimed in, “I am buying it; it was so believable and so in tune. Ade, your technique, you were just grooving. You were with it and with her every step of the way.”

Next on the dance floor, Janette Manrara and Brandon Bryant got totally funky with a Dave Scott choreographed hip-hop routine. “This is good stuff, especially when dancers are out of their element and really working it,” said Lythgoe. Murphy showed her enthusiasm for the performance with two screams for the Scream Meter – saying, “You guys really hit that. … You guys are hitting it every single week.”

And after Randi Evans and Evan Kasprzak seemingly impressed the entire audience with a sexy “butt-focusing” Mia Michaels routine, Nigel applauded the choreography for its simplicity and said that it was “beautifully danced.” Randi blushed as compliments poured in on both her “butt” and her dancing. Lythgoe profusely complimented the pair on their performance to “Koop Island Blues” by Koop , but included with each compliment the word “but” – or “butt.” Murphy lauded the dance as “one of the best,” adding that the choreography and the couple “make us sit here and feel something. Congratulations. It was phenomenal.”

And the final pair drawing Mary Murphy Meter screams was also the last to dance, Jeanine Mason and Phillip Chbeeb. They expertly handled a Tyce Diorio choreographed Broadway routine -- “Moses” from the Singin’ in the Rain soundtrack. Lythgoe said that the number called for “personality” and said that while Jeanine did show personality, Phillip showed that he still needs “to grow.” Murphy agreed that Phillip needs to work hard to stay on the show, but said, “I was not allergic to that routine.” And she absolutely screamed for Jeanine, calling her “fabulous” and explaining that every week she has been “spot on.”

FAILING TO GARNER MARY MURPHY SCREAMS

Three couples failed to garner Mary Murphy screams. Karla Garcia and Jonathan Platero danced a hip-hop number that Murphy said “wasn’t kind of in the right groove.” Asuka Kondoh and Vitolio Jeune performed a Mandy Moore choreographed jazz dance that Murphy termed, “really good, but not at the level (of their performance) last week.” And Caitlin Kinney and Jason Glover actually impressed Murphy with paso doble that Murphy thought was, “a really strong performance” – but the dance simply did not draw a scream.

Lil' C Reacts to Clip Showcasing His Vocabulary and Comments

2009-06-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

SYTYCD judge Lil' C was recently asked about his reaction to a segment of the show that showcased this sometimes lengthy and intricate comments.

"It's TV, and I didn't take any disrespect from it," Lil' C explained to Dave Walker of The Times-Picayune -- whose interview was presented on nola.com. "I was surprised, and I thought it was funny to see people's reactions. Those are genuine reactions. People do have trouble understanding when you're not like, 'Y'all was killin' it!' or "Ya'll was good!' I just feel more than that."

Lil' C explained that he is a "different" judge. "I'm an orator," he said. "I'm extremely passionate about my art and other's art. All I want to do is communicate. I'm an expressionist, whether it's physical, whether it's verbal. ... I just have a pool of words I just dig in and throw 'em out."

Lil' C reacts to 'So You Think You Can Dance' clip highlighting his virtuosic verbosity

ASHLEY AND MAX SPEAK OUT AFTER THEIR ELIMINATIONS

2009-06-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

Dancers Ashley Valerio, 22, and Max Kapitannikov, 26, have expressed that style of dance and choreography are important factors in determining which pairs are voted safe and which are eliminated. And while they regret that their time on the show is now over, both say that their experiences on the show were positive ones that will undoubtedly help to further their careers.

“The pieces that you are given can mean so much,” Ashley told a reporter for The Northwestern. In the first week of competition she and her partner, Kupono Aweau, had performed a mock crash-test dummy routine. Following the performance, they heard high praise from the show’s three judges – and the audience voted them safe.

But in the second week Ashley and Kupono were assigned a hip-hop number that landed them in the bottom three couples. Each individual in the bottom three pairs is required to perform a solo routine, following which the judges eliminate one boy and one girl.

“I re-watched it (our routine) to see where we went wrong, what we could have done better,” Ashley explained. “I felt like (we) performed (our) dance the best that we possibly could. There’s always room for improvement, but I think we looked great. … I got a lot of good feedback from other professional dancers who thought the dance was really good.”

Also eliminated from the show was Max – who performed in the couples competition with Kayla Radomski. After being safe in their first week routine, Max said that in the second week, "It was a pop-jazz and definitely out of my comfort zone. … I kind of predicted that I was going to leave. … I don’t have any regrets. Kupono is a good dancer and Jason (Glover). They deserve to be there.”

Max also echoed judge Nigel Lythgoe who said that it is particularly difficult for ballroom dancers to shine in solo routines.

Ashley and Max also addressed the future.

Ashley, who at the age of three began studying dance in her mother’s dance studio, is hoping for a dancing career. “(The show) was the experience of a lifetime," she enthused. "I couldn’t ask for anything more. I just want to go out and audition a lot.
"I think (my life’s) going to change in a huge way. … I got to work with two of my favorite choreographers in the world, Wade Robson and Mia Michaels. They both pushed me past my limit. I feel like a stronger person, a stronger dancer.”

Max, who also studied dance under his mother, said, “I’m taking classes and may be auditioning for other things, but I haven’t really thought about it.”

At the time of the eliminations, judge Lythgoe revealed that the judges were not unanimous in their decision to eliminate either Ashley or Max. He added that all of the bottom three couples were of such a high level of talent that they (the judges) disliked having to vote anyone off the show – but that the show’s rules required that one boy and one girl be eliminated.

Choreography and style are key to success in ‘So You Think You Can Dance’

What’s up next for SYTYCD’s Ashley and Max

The Veronicas Will Appear on SYTYCD

2009-06-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

The Veronicas, Lisa and Jess, will make a guest appearance on So You Think You Can Dance this week, according to The Insider.com.

The pair will perform their single "Take Me On The Floor" during the results show to be aired June 25th.

The Insider article

Katie Holmes to appear on "So You Think You Can Dance"

2009-06-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

Katie Holmes will perform on the August 6th finale of So You Think You Can Dance, according to several news sources.

Holmes' will perform "Get Happy" in a tribute to Judy Garland, the number choreographed by Tyce Diorio and directed by Nygel Lythgoe.

"It was taped last week," said an on-set source, according to eonline.com. "It's going to be on the finale. It's a Broadway does Hollywood number. It opens on a Broadway stage and then she walks into a Hollywood studio."

Read several articles on Holmes appearance:

Report: Katie Holmes to appear on 'So You Think You Can Dance

Katie Holmes' SYTYCD Gig: "She Was Amazing"

Katie Holmes thinks she can dance, and will do so on television

Dunzo! Katie Holmes on 'So You Think You Can Dance'

Final Dance Performance of Ashley (with Kupono)

2009-06-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Max and Kayla in Their Final Performance Together -- Max Eliminated

2009-06-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Mary Murphy Screams Failed to Save Max from Elimination

2009-06-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Mary Murphy’s screaming welcome aboard the Hot Tamale Train this week failed to save Max Kapitannikov from elimination. After Max and Kayla Radomski competed on Wednesday, Murphy rewarded the pair with her famous scream – and told them that they had not only nailed their routine, but belonged on her famed and fictitious “Hot Tamale Train.”

But on Thursday night it was revealed that viewers had voted Max and Kayla into the bottom three – and, after a solo performance, the show’s three judges eliminated Max from the show.

Kayla survived her dance-off, and will be paired next week with Kupono Aweau – whose partner, Ashley Valerio, was the girl eliminated by the judges this week.

In speaking with Max during his elimination, Judge Nigel Lythgoe explained, “No one has impressed us more with their hard work than Max, and you were probably limited in the dance-off by your ballroom style. ”

Lythgoe revealed that the judges’ decisions on which dancers were elimination was not unanimous. And he also pointed out that none of the couples named in the bottom three this week were actually among the bottom three couples last week.

In addition to Max and Kayla, the remaining bottom three couples this week were Ashley and Kupono, and Caitlin Kinney and Jason Glover. The latter two couples had not scored highly on the Mary Murphy Meter this week.

Kayla and Max Top Our Unofficial Mary Murphy Leaderboard

2009-06-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

“You nailed it,” judge Mary Murphy playfully screamed to dancers Kayla and Max after their Week Two performance. “You are still on the hot tamale train. Yes, you are.”

As the only couple of the evening garnering the high praise of being placed on Murphy’s imaginary “Hot Tamale Train,” Kayla and Max are for the second time crowned as king and queen atop of our unofficial Mary Murphy (Scream) Meterboard.

Judge Nigel Lythgoe echoed Murphy’s compliments -- telling Kayla that she is a front runner and complimenting that Max was actually able to keep up with Kayla. And third judge Lil C said that the pair’s (Brian Friedman choreographed) quirky pop/vibe to “Hot Like Wow” – “did very good for me.”

While Murphy placed no other couple aboard the “Hot Tamale Train,” she came very close when she gave disco dancing Janette and Brandon her trademark scream and a standing ovation. “Holy Toledo,” Murphy enthused, “This was just crazy. I have never seen disco that fast. Unbelievable.”

And the only other couples drawing Murphy screams were Melissa and Ade for a jazz dance, and Karla and Jonathan for a contemporary routine.

However, slower melodies and slower dancing styles can bring compliments, but seldom Murphy’s high-power screams. And a perfect example of a couple capturing Murphy’s adoration for a slower number were Asuka and Vitolio who performed an elegant waltz choreographed by Louis van Amstel. Murphy was nearly in tears when she said, “This was the most honest that I have seen you dance – so many unbelievable things that just blew me away.”

And Karla and Jonathan’s pensive contemporary dance had Murphy saying “something that I have never said in five seasons. Jonathan, you did that style better than your own (Latin ballroom). Amazing. I am dizzy right now.”

Couples seemingly lower on the Murphy Meter included Randi and Evan whose routine the judges liked, but did not love (Mary alluded to Evan’s sloppy feet), and Caitlin and Jason who were described as “not in sync … The chemistry did not work.”

Also in that group were Jeanine and Phillip, who garnered from Murphy, “I am going to give you an A for attitude, but your technique was more like C-.” And, finally, Ashley and Kupoto performed a hip-hop routine that Murphy termed “not memorable to me.”

Mary Murphy Meter

2009-06-17T04:08:00.000-07:00

This week we will begin a Mary Murphy Meter -- noting contestants who capture her famous screams and climb aboard the hot tamale train!

So You Think You Can Dance | Top 20

2009-06-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

Paris and Tony's Final Performance - an energetic hip-hop routine

2009-06-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

Watch Mary Murphy's Hot Tamale Train

2009-06-12T18:14:00.000-07:00

Mary Murphy's Hot Tamale Train scream is the goal of every contestant. It is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the show -- both for contestants and fans.

Paris and Tony Share Their Thoughts After Being Eliminated From The Finals

2009-06-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

Paris Torres and Tony Bellissimo, the first couple eliminated from the finals of So You Think You Can Dance, have detailed their show experiences and described what may have contributed to their early exit.

The couple's final pairs performance was an energetic hip-hop routine to the Black Eyes Peas' "Let the Beat Rock."

But judge Mary Murphy said that the performance was not extraordinary -- and, actually, Paris and Tony agreed.

"What's funny is that Tony and I, when we first learned our routine, we were killing it," said Paris. "(Choreographers) Tabitha and Napoleon were so pleased. ... I think ... we over-rehearsed ourselves, to where it was watered-down. It was just becoming steps to us."

Tony opined, "It was a great piece that was not executed the right way."

Paris, 19, is a contemporary dancer from Issaquah, Washington. And Tony, 20, is a hip-hop dancer from Buffalo, New York who actually tried out for the show last season and made it through to Las Vegas before getting cut.

Both performers were thrilled to make it to the Top 20 level and thoroughly enjoyed their brief stay. Paris said, "The roar ... was like nothing I've ever experienced before!" But she added that she does regret that she didn't stay in the finals long enough to perform Latin ballroom.

As for her future, Torres said that with the publicity that she garnered for being on the show, she hopes to be able to do more choreographing in the Seattle area -- and eventually earn enough money to more to Los Angles for dance auditions there.

In the first week of Top 20 competition, viewers had telephoned votes to determine which of the dancing pairs would be safe and which would be in the bottom three. The lowest scoring dancers performed solo routines for the show's three judges -- and ultimately the judges decided who to send home.

Full articles:
Leaving Dance: Tony and Paris Dish on Exit and "Watered-Down" Routine by Anna Dimond, TV Guide
Local dancer Paris Torres gets booted from 'SYTYCD' by Marian Liu, Seattle Times
Hamburg hip-hop specialist dances his dream on Fox Reality Show by Anne Neville, The Buffalo News

Launch of New SYTYCD Blog

2009-06-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

"So You Think You Can Dance Fever" is a new blog that has just been launched to follow the popular hit dancing show, the contestants and the judges.

New content will be continually added -- so please do bookmark this site and keep returning for updates!!

Paris Torres & Tony Bellissimo Are First Casualties of Season Finals

2009-06-12T07:10:00.001-07:00

It is the nature of So You Think You Can Dance that each week a boy and girl must head home. During this first week, the show's three jugdes chose to eliminate contemporary funk dancer Paris Torres and hip-hop dancer Tony Bellissimo.

Paris Torres is a 19-year-old performer from Issaquah, WA and Tony Bellissimo is a 20-year-old from Buffalo, New York. Both had survived multiple cuts to make it into the season's Top 20.

The lowest ranking three couples included the eliminated pair, Asuka Kondoh and Vitolio Jeune and Karla Garcia and Jonathan Platero.

But rest assured, all twenty finalists performed like top professionals -- so there is no disgrace for anyone in being chosen to leave. And, undoubtedly, these two talented dancers have a bright future ahead.

"Paris failed to measure up in the deep talent pool of contemporary dancers while Tony took a risk by attempting to lock his way through his solo "but not very well," judge and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe said.
Reuters article by Ashleigh Patterson

"I agreed with Nigel when he said that Asuka's a little star, and that Paris didn't bring anything to the stage, and hence she was eliminated. The judges were very disappointed with the boys' dances, considering none of them very good to keep them in the competition for long. ... Nigel didn't like that Tony chose to pop and lock and moreover didn't think it was very good, so Tony was sent home."
LATimes Blog by Claire Zulkey

2009-06-11T21:07:00.001-07:00

Will Katie Holmes Appear on So You Think You Can Dance

2009-06-11T19:13:00.001-07:00

The rumor has surfaced that beautiful Katie Holmes may make an appearance on So You Think You Can Dance.

"She's met with Nigel Lythgoe and everyone hopes she appears on this season
or next season of the show," a show insider told Life & Style as posted on
the Just Jared.com website.

Complete article here