Dance, Dance

I haven't written about it like I used to, but I am a huge fan of So You Think You Can Dance.  The season finale is next week, and this year they're choosing 2 winners - America's Favorite Guy & America's Favorite Girl.  Which is awesome.  I definitely have a preference in the girls - I totally want Eliana to win.  I remember int he beginning of the season liking Chehon and Cyrus immediately, so I'm surprised that my two favorites made it to the finale!  The boys are tougher to choose a favorite from, because I love Cyrus, but in the end I think I'm really rooting for Chehon, and part of the reason for that is two routines he was in over the last couple of weeks.  I remember when I first started watching SYTYCD I didn't "get" contemporary dance.  Then came this routine:

And I got it.  Now, I don't really get Jazz, but we don't need to talk about that right now.  The above routine was the first one on the show that made me cry.  Last week, Chehon and All-Star Kathryn performed a Tyce D'Orio routine that not only had me crying, but rewinding it two watch again.  Twice.

This week?  Chehon did a Stacy Tookey routine with All-Star Allison that had tears in my eyes yet again.

Love.

And then THIS happened.  HOLY CRAP.


Here are a couple of other favorites from this season.

Also, here is a random video I found on YouTube of the top 15 dances (up to a certain point, I'm not sure when) that includes Bleeding Love, the Hummingbird dance, and that awesome addiction routine Mia Michaels did for Kupono and Kayla.



Do you watch this show?  Who do you think should win?  Who got booted that you wished had stayed?  What were your favorites this time around?

Step Up 3D: Dancing is the Star

Last night I went and saw Step Up 3D. I am a huge fan of So You Think You Can Dance, and when I see a preview for a movie like this, I get excited. Especially when I recognize several of my favorites from the show are in the movie. Dorky, I know, but I can't help it.

So, the plot was hokey. No surprise there. A new college freshman engineering major whose parents want him to stop with "that dancing stuff." His best friend (a girl) who is secretly in love with him. A rag-tag bunch of amazing dancers living in a warehouse. Lines about how family we create is stronger than family we're born to. A financial need to win the biggest dance battle ever. Excitement! Intrigue! Betrayal!

In a movie like this, though, the plot is not the star. The DANCING is the star. And boy, was there dancing. The two most incredible scenes included a battle with a flooded dance floor and a battle with light-up pants, shirts and shoes that looked amazing. Some of the dancers I recognized were Legacy (SYTYCD Season 6), Joshua (SYTYCD Season 4 Winner), Dave Scott (choreographer), and Twitch (SYTYCD Season 4). Twitch is one of my all time SYTYCD favorites, and this season has been on as an all-star. His routine with Alex Wong was one of my favorite ever on the show, you can see it here.

I was surprised to see Alyson Stoner as one of the lead female characters, but pleased. We first saw Alyson when she danced in two of Missy Elliot's videos. See her in Work It starting around 2:30:



And in Gossip Folks starting around 1:12:



She is an awesome dancer, she has also guest starred on some Disney shows and does a regular voice on Phineas and Ferb and has at least one song recorded, if not a whole CD. I am a fan of hers, my only complaint is I wish she had had been featured a little bit more.

Of the rest of the cast, I was ESPECIALLY impressed by twins Martin & Fecundo Lombard. When they danced, I just couldn't take my eyes off them. There are lots of videos of them on YouTube, here's one of them:



I wasn't sure how the 3D would affect the movie experience, but I actually thought it was pretty cool. A lot of times when the dancers were doing handwork their hands and arms would be kind of coming out of the screen. I definitely thought it enhanced the movie somewhat. I absolutely love Jen Yamato's description from her review on Movies.com: "For the most part, Chu's use of 3D is of the immersive kind -- incredible depth of field combined with meticulously choreographed movement that gives one the feeling of being literally on the ground facing the best dancers on earth, about to get served."

I also thought the end credits were really cool, including the bonus of a video J-Smooth, doing something called "Finger Tutting," which is basically dancing with your hands.

All in all, I really enjoyed this movie, and would definitely watch it again in the theater if a friend wanted to go. If you've been a fan of other dance movies, if you like SYTYCD, or if you just enjoy watching really awesome dancing, you should see it. Actually, even if you don't think you're into that, maybe you should see it. You might discover something new and very cool!

I don't think I saw the first 2 movies in the theater, I may not have seen them at all. On my way home in the car after the movie though, I decided that I need to start collecting dance movies. I already have a disaster movie collection, and I've learned over the years that the DVDs I really want to own are ones I'm actually going to watch multiple times. I could watch this kind of movie over and over. I'm going to put some of my other DVDs/DVD box sets up on Swap a DVD so I can bulk up this part of my collection. So far on my list are Save the Last Dance, You Got Served, Step Up, Step Up 2, Footloose, Dirty Dancing, Breakin', and Stomp the Yard. Any other suggestions?

When I walked out of the theater after the movie, I saw a couple of parents with little girls who must have been about 7 years old. They were dancing like robots. Then one of them exclaimed "I LOVE Legacy!" It was adorable, and in the end that might have been even better than the movie itself. Who can really bag on something that might inspire kids to do something they really love?

Reality Roundup: SYTYCD is back!

Top Chef

After Restaurant Wars, Laurine was eliminated. Eh. Not too much of an opinion from me on this one. It was interesting watching a RW show where they didn't have to do decor or anything. I thought the fighting between Michael and Robyn was a little crazy. He is so intense. I am still rooting for Kevin all the way, I just love him!

Project Runway


SO glad Nikolas is GONE. I just could not stand him. I thought Milla Jovovich was such a fun guest judge! She gave actual useful critiques and then at the end when she said something to the judges about how she couldn't imagine doing that every week? Pretty cool to watch. Also, props for Michael & Nina back on the panel. Hopefully they'll be there more often.


So You Think You Can Dance


Adam Shankman breaking down during Billy's last solo? Hilariously awesome. Also, I always like the guys who basicay dance their solos in diapers. I'm bummed because I did read the news that Mia Michaels will not be choreographing for the show any longer. It's a bummer, her routines have been some of my favorites.


First thoughts on the top 20? What happened to Mia's hair. That was my first thought. Seriously. Whatever, she's the kind of person who does that. So. 3 tappers? Interesting. Early favorites? Nathan, Russell, Billy, Ellenore, Bianca, and Mollee.

I liked the showcase hour, especially the hip hop routine. First competition episode? What the hell Billy Bell is gone?! That is crazy and it sucks. And Noelle is out for this week and has to heal by next week? It just sucks, especially for Billy.

Quick thoughts on performances...

• Channing and Phillip's Jive was okay. I like Jive, and loved her costume, but it wasn't that memorable for me.
• Ashleigh & Jacob's broadway routine was good. I was more impressed with him than I was with her. Despite her sparkly dress, I felt like he caught the eye on this one.
• Ariana & Peter pulled hip hop for their first week. I do love me some Italians from Philly. Loved the concept. Props to Peter on the head slide. The dance was pretty good, although I felt like their synchronization was off. Adam said they 'weren't dancing like each other' and I totally agree with that.
• Russell & Noelle. I love Russell, he's one of my favorites. Russell danced his Fox Trot with Melanie Lapatin since Noelle was injured. I thought Russell was excellent!
• Bianca & Victor pulled contemporary and Travis Wall is back as a choreographer. Love him. It was a great routine, but I wish the music had been different. The lyrics fit, but the song itself didn't do much for me.
• Karen & Kevin get a ChaCha, nice for Karen. How FREAKING AWESOME was it that they canced to the version of Push It from Glee?! LOVE it! Karen looked great, Kevin? not so memorable.
• Ellenore & Ryan puled contemporary jazz. I liked it much more than I thought I would! They danced so well, made it look easy and beautiful. It was pretty great.
• Brandon & Pauline pull Smooth Waltz. Good luck... Brandon took Billy's place since his illness knocked him from the competition. And... it was beautiful. I was surprised. The judges were not so excited about it.
• Legacy & Kathryn got Hip Hop. I thought they were really good! I totaly enjoyed it!
• Mollee & Nathan were last with Disco. Interesting the two really youngin's got paired up. Hm. GREAT way to end teh performances! They were awesome. They looked great. The tricks were incredible. Loved it!

My favorite performances from the first show? As a couple, Mollee & Nathan and Legacy & Kathryn. Individually, Jacob, Russell and Karen. Least favorite? Bianca and Victor and Ariana and Peter.

I totally love Adam Shankman, and am thrilled that he's a regular judge now! Ariana, Brandon, Pauline and Russell ended up dancing for their lives. I was very disappointed about Russell. I love watching him dance, I have come to discover that I totaly love watching people Krump. Funny huh? In the end, the judges eliminated Ariana and Brandon were eliminated. What an emotional roller coaster for him. You're out, you're in, you're out. But, in the end I'm so glad Russell is still around. I need to see him do more.

SYTYCD Top 10: Elimination Recap

This week, Cat chose to wear a burlap sack covered in sequins. It was really strange. And it had strange low cut sleeves. And I just don't get why she wouldn't wear something more flattering. But whatever.

The opening number was choreographed by Wade & Amanda Robson to "So Much Better" by Janet Jackson. It was really cool, Japanese styling, great costumes and set design! It was visually interesting and different. Although when it first started and only the boys were there my husband blurted out "Mortal Kombat" because that's what the hats reminded him of. It was pretty funny.

Nigel wasn't here this week because he was receiving some honorary degree in the UK. I really hate the audition highlights during the show. It's just like a commercial and I think it sucks that they're doing that instead of having guest dancers. I also can't wait for the 100th episode, Ramalama was one of my favorite routines ever and I can't wait to see it again!

I predicted the bottom two girls correctly, and Randi & Melissa danced their solos from last night. I was only 1/2 right about the guys - Kupono was there, and he was joined by Ade.

Mary & Debbie's banter about the Pasa Doble was hilarious. The Black Eyed Peas performed their new single, "Got a Feeling."

In the end, Randi & Kupono were eliminated, and I was glad to see Melissa & Ade stay in it. How did you feel?

SYTYCD Top 10: Performance Recap

Top 10!

Wow, hard to believe we're down to the top 10 already. This week Cat went for a simple green number, which was not too bad. I'm not always a huge fan of strapless dresses and I didn't love it, but other than that the style wasn't too bad. I wasn't sure about the black down the back that sort of came around the front. Nice to see Debbie Allen back as a guest judge. This week begins eliminations determined solely by votes as well as individual

Girl's Routine
Style: Bollywood
Choreographer: Nakul Dev Mahajan
Song: 'Dholna" from Pyar Ke Geet (soundtrack)
I was excited to see a Bollywood routine with more people, because it's such a cool style for larger groups. I couldn't wait to see their routine! It was great, although the whole masks on the back of the head thing? Freaky. I thought they did a really good job. Really, Mary? "Bollywow?" You really needed to say that? Hm. She then proceeded to call the routine "young, hip and fresh" which I'm not quite sure about.

Kayla & Evan
Style: Viennese Waltz
Choreographer: Tony Meredith & Melanie Lapatin
Song: "Kiss From a Rose" by Seal
I liked Evan a lot at the beginning, but to tell you the truth, I'm sort of over him. He's just not one of my favorites, so I kind of feel like there is no point anymore. I do love Kayla though, there is just something about her. Her dancing, but also her personality. Also, she looked gorgeous in that dress, I loved the skirt. I thought the dance went so well with the music, and it was a nice change from the really soft slow stuff we've had paired with the waltz in the past. Nigel said he didn't see the Viennese in the Waltz. Mary said Evan lacked power in the steps, although his lifts were good. Debbie Allen seemed to be in love with Evan.

Brandon
Song: "In Your Eyes" by Jeffrey Gaines
It was good. Not spectacular for me, but good.

Jeanette & Ade
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Tabitha & Napoleon Dumo
Song: "Love Sex Magic" by Ciara feat. Justin Timberlake
What is with the tall/short height difference matches! Weird. I DO NOT accept calling Tabitha & Napoleon "Nappy Tab" or whatever the hell they are calling them. Just, no. I love that they made use of Ade's comb. I thought Ade was great, but I didn't feel the chemistry between them, and I didn't think Jeanette was as believable as Ade was. His costume was fabulous too. That move where she went back onto the floor was very cool though. Nigel enjoyed it. He especially gave Ade good feedback. Mary loved it too, as did Debbie.

Randi
Song: "Dream" by Priscila Ahn
I thought it was pretty, but it looked a little frantic to me for whatever reason. I wasn't wowed by this one either.

Kupono
Song: "Marina Gasolina" by Bonde De Role
I liked it. It was nice to see Kupono dance in his own style again and not feel like he was just doing tricks or whatever. I thought it was very good!

Jeanine & Jason
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Song: "If It Kills Me (The Casa Nova Sessions) by Jason Mraz
Talk about the cutsiest couple out there. Jeanine & Jason. They are both 'pretty people'. Not that that's a bad thing. It was nice to see Travis back! During the practice you could tell they needed to find a lot of chemistry to pull this routine off. I thought they were wonderful. They both danced beautifully, and the parts where they were in sync were really good and they stayed together. They had the passion, they danced it hard, and I thought it was wonderful. They got that chemistry down! Holy sexy. I rarely rewind during this show, but I HAD to rewind to see that kiss at the end! Holy crap! Standing ovation from the judges and the audience. I loved Jason tonight, and I don't always. Mary was SPEECHLESS. When does that ever happen?! This was the first really spectacular thing to happen during this show, and Mary got teary eyed. I agree with her that Jason went on to a new level that night.

Melissa
Song: "Gabriel" by Lamb
Melissa broke out her toe shoes again for tonight's solo. I love the way feet look with point shoes on, so pretty. She did great.

Evan
Song: "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" by Rufus Wainwright
I thought he was good. It's just so hard for me to pick the passion out when he's doing broadway with the silly faces etc. I want to see passion, and I just don't connect as much to this style when Evan is dancing.

Kayla
Song: "Rock Your Soul" by Elisa
Beautiful, as always. She has great lines and I love the way she uses her feet.

Randi & Kupono
Style: Pasa Doble
Choreographer: Tony Meredith & Melanie Lapatin
Song: "Dies Irae" by Karl Jenkins
Slightly scary, I kind of wondered how they'd pick it up! Kupono has that intense look but Randi I wasn't sure about. And... she was wearing a wig. That was slightly distracting. I thought they danced it well, especially considering how the rehearsal was going. They definitely had some chemistry. I loved her skirt, because it really did go with the matador/cape thing. Sometimes it's hard to really critique when the music, the lights, and the costuming are so good that they're a little distracting. I agreed with Nigel (surprisingly) that Randi was the stronger of the pair, Kupono wasn't down into the floor enough. Nigel didn't think it was authentic. Like I said, the choreography and lights and music, sometimes it's hard to really judge the actual dance. Mary agreed that they were below where they should have been. She also called it "cautious" which I thought was a good description.

Ade
Song: "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
Ade is a beautiful man. I thought he danced well, and at first I liked it then it went into trick after trick, and I wanted him to look passionate, for some reason his grin took something away from it for me.

Jeanine
Song: "Violento (Up Mix)" by Bailongo!
I thought she was gorgeous. Jeanine was definitely not one of my favorites starting this competition out, but now I really like her. She and Kayla are my top 2 girls at this point.

Jason
Song: "Train Fare Home" by Muddy Waters
I liked his choice of music and it was obvious that he put a lot of kthought into the choreography and the music. He was good, but it wasn't as stunning as it could have been.

Melissa & Brandon
Style: Broadway
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: "Aquarius" from Hair (The New Broadway Cast)
I like Hair. The musical I mean. It's interesting, it's not 'classic' broadway per se, so I thought maybe it would be a little more interesting and maybe a small departure from Tyce's normal stuff. Loved the costumes, totally fitting. I thought they danced it great, it was really entertaining! It sort of just made me smile. I thought they were believable as the characters. I loved when Cat said "Hey guys. Do you want to get up?" and sounded totally mellow and stoned. It was hilarious. Nigel also pointed out something I'd thought which was that as a mixed race couple it totally fit with the routine. It was my 2nd favorite routine of the evening after Jason & Jeanine. Those two routines were at the level I wanted at this stage in the competition, you know?

Jeanette
Song: "This is Miami" by Sander Kleinenberg
She looked hot, and had a lot of footwork in there. She just isn't my favorite, but she is a great dancer.

Boy's Routine
Style: African
Choreographer: Jeffrey Page
Son: "Balant Funk" by Ayanda Clark & Shawn Kelly
I was excited to hear they'd do an African dance, I love African dance. Much like African music, to me is so primal, natural and earthy. It's like the origins, when I hear traditional African music, it feels so much from nature that I get lost in it. So they were a good group. Well, there was Evan. I was a little concerned about Evan dancing this routine, but oh well. I liked when he said "You may not have noticed, but I am not... African." So funny. Kupono called it a "true" dance style, and talked about the rhythm. I heard the word "raw", which is a great description. I really liked it, but I didn't quite believe it totally. Poor Evan just stuck out like a sore thumb with his paleness, but he danced it okay. I guess I just wanted it to be more than it was, and I'm not sure I even know what I mean by that. The judges like it, and they talked a lot about the energy. I think this is one dance that it may have made a big difference seeing it live vs. seeing it on TV. Sometimes that's just the case.

Predictions for bottom 4: I can't remember how they do the eliminations at this point, so I'm going to predict the bottom 4 - two guys, two girls. For the girls, I'm gonna say Randi & Melissa. For the guys, I predict Evan & Kupono.

SYTYCD Top 12: Elimination Recap

I watched the Elimination Show last week, probably the same day it was on, but never got around to writing about it. We've been super busy with moving, but I'm going to try to stay up to date on the SYTYCD posts since it's pretty much the only thing I try to post on a regular basis right after the show. So, down to it...

The opening number was choreographed by Tabitha & Napoleon Dumo. The music was "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes. As my husband said, 'It was okay.' Neither of us was SUPER impressed, but we didn't think it was bad either.

Cat's dress? Just, no. Way too similar to that weird pink collar dress she wore a few episodes ago. Maybe I am out of the fashion loop and that style is actually in right now, but it just looked like something from the sixties or something. Also, why does she need to wear such high heels? Isn't she already like eight feet tall?

It was really a bummer that they couldn't get the music cleared to do a Michael Jackson special. That's a tribute I would have LOVED to see, and it would have been spectacular. I like that they addressed the rumor right there with the real reason and what happened, and that was that.

Last week, we came to a part in the season that I sort of dread. It was the last week that the judges make the decision as to who stays and who goes. This is where it really morphs from being about the best dancing on the show to being about America's FAVORITE Dancer. I have mixed feelings about it because I tend to prefer reality shows where the judges choose using their expert opinions (ie Top Chef, Project Runway).

I was 2/3 right about the bottom 3. I guessed correctly that Jason & Caitlin and Melissa & Ade would be there. I did not guess that Phillip & Jeanine would be there. Their jive was so good! But I guess the Russian thing just didn't appeal or something.

During the show recap I was thinking about how much I absolutely love Wade Robson's choreography and miss him being on the show more often. I hope to see him back again this season.

I liked it when Nigel explained how they do the judging, that they decide ahead of time, but they DO consider the solos and it can change their minds. Also, I like that they judge in the positive - instead of who should we cut, they consider who should stay on the show.

They had audition highlights this week instead of a featured dance style, which was kind of blah. I like when they feature dancers from different styles who are the best of the best. Having audition highlights instead is basically just showing a commercial during the show.

Caitlin danced her solo to "Stand by Me" performed by Playing for Change.

Jason danced to "Calm Touching" by Evaline. I was taken aback by his passion and hard hitting-ness (shut up, it's totally a word now). I felt like he danced hard and really put his heart into it.

Jeanine danced to "Baby's Romance" but Garneau. She was good, and had a lot of feeling in her routine.

Phillip danced to "The Diva Dance" from The Fifth Element. I absolutely LOVE that scene in The Fifth Element, it's one of my favorite movie scenes ever. I thought he was wonderful.

Melissa danced to "Kashira" by Kodo. I felt like her choreography had too many tricks in it.

Ade danced to "Window Dipper" by Jib Kipper, and danced well.

After the solos I was pretty sure Caitlin was going, but it was hard to decide who would be going on the guys side. DJ David Guetta and Kelly Rowland performed "When Love Takes Over" as the judges deliberated.

Both decisions were unanimous this time. For the girls, Caitlin was at the end of the road. I totally agree with what Nigel said - this has been the best top 20 in terms of technique, but none of them have become a star yet.

Then... the guys. I didn't know who I was rooting for until they called his name. Phillips face during the judging reveal just broke my heart! I was SO sad to see him go, and his goodbye speech was really touching. I will miss him on the show.

So this week I think we start partner swapping, which is always interesting! I promise my recap will be WAY more timely this week!

SYTYCD Top 12: Performance Recap

Performance Show

Cat went for an updo this week. Not bad. She also went for a simpler black dress, good choice. I actually thought she looked rather cute, and that simple dress really highlighted her waist. This week marks the first week of double work - each pair learning and performing TWO dances per episode. I think next week, when they're down to the top 10 is when they switch up the partners. The guest judge this week was Tyce Diorio. To tell you the truth, I'm not a huge fan of his anymore. I think he's actually one of the meaner judges when he doesn't like people at auditions, so I was interested to see how he'd be since this was his first time on the panel on the show.

Round One

Melissa & Ade
Style: Disco
Choreographer: Doriana Sanchez
Song: "Move On Up" by Destination
I thought if Ade could get it, he would look the part! And, he totally did, I loved his sparkly outfit. I think it's so fun to watch the disco routines! They're just plain entertaining. I thought Ade danced it a little more believably than Melissa. the split lift was pretty incredible. As was the back hold spin thing. Nigel liked it, Mary liked it, Tyce thought it was "friggin' great."

Kayla & Kupono
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Mia Michaels
Song: "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles
I think Mia is an absolutely AMAZING choreographer. She helped me GET contemporary, and has brought me to tears more than once. When she said the theme was addiction, I had really high hopes for the routine. And I could tell that Kupono was REALLY getting in the character and thinking about the meaning behind the routine. It was absolutely beautiful. The look on his face at that part where he sort of rubbed his face up her leg? Just perfect. The way she was almost floppy at parts, like he was really controlling her? Gorgeous. The look on Kayla's face near the end when he was pushing her arm down? It was so amazing. It's funny to think that when I first started watching this show, I really didn't get the contemporary routines, and now I think Mia Michael is an absolute genius. She moves me to tears, she did it again tonight. Not only that, but the costuming and make-up for this routine was amazing. This may be my favorite performance by Kupono. He absolutely was powerful and just... the whole thing was breathtaking.

Caitlin & Jason
Style: Foxtrot
Choreographer: Tony Meredith & Melanie Lapatin
Song: "Minnie the Moocher" by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Well, Caitlin got her sparkly costume all right! She looked so pretty with her hair done up like that. It was fun to see a more jazzy, sexy foxtrot. I just wasn't sure though. To me, they looked a little stiff, like they were a tad unsure, but that lift drop was amazing. All the lifts were. It just didn't look as easy as I would have liked. The judges liked it, but this could be one that was a little over people's heads. Tyce did say that they could have 'glided' more, and in some way I think that's what I was seeing maybe.

Jeanine & Phillip
Style: Kalinka - Russian Folk
Choreographer: Youri Nelzine & Lilia Babenko
Song: "Kalinka" by Barynya
Interesting. I like Russian dancing, so I was really looking forward to seeing what they'd do with it on the show! I love when they are bringing in new styles and cultures through the dancing, adding Bollywood and Russian Folk? So wonderful! It was so quick from the moment it started! Then it was just playful. When Phillip got down in the squat and did the kicks? That was pretty impressive. I thought they did great! I got what Nigel said about not asking them to do enough, but I thought that the other parts of the routine overtook the slower part. I thought they did a great job with what they were given, and that's about all we can ask for. Like Tyce said, it's about how they take it on and how they execute what they were given.

Randi & Evan
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Tabitha & Napoleon Dumo
Song: "Halo" by Beyonce
Seeing Randi and Evan do hip hop should be... interesting. I was skeptical. They just don't seem very hip hop. Then the song started - "Halo" by Beyonce? Ugh. I don't like it. I think Beyonce should stick to the fast songs, they're always better. I have a hard time with 'slow' and 'smooth' hip hop routines, I just don't like them as much. I didn't hate it. I thought they played the characters well. I didn't feel like they were in sync like they should have been. It's true what Nigel said - that Tabitha & Napoleon didn't ask them to be street or hard core, which is good because I can't imagine what that would have looked like. The judges seemed to think it was pretty good, Tyce said Evan needed to "find more" but thought Randi did a good job. I'm interested to see their 2nd routine.

Jeanette & Brandon
Style: Argentine Tango
Choreographer: Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo
Song: "Libertango" from Forever Tango (original Broadway cast album)
Sex. Sexy. Watching rehearsal, I hoped they could find it. I think Jeanette can do sexy well, but Brandon is sort of goofy in my head, so I hoped they'd find the right passion for this dance. I love Brandon, but this dance made Jeanette really shine! Her footwork looked beautiful. Her legs were great, especially during the lifts. Nigel gave them a standing ovation! He said it was "as close to perfection as I've seen on this stage, ever" for a ballroom routine. What the hell Tyce and orange juice?! That was hilarious!

Round Two

Melissa & Ade
Style: Waltz
Choreographer: Ron Montez
Song: "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Mary J Blige
I always like when they switch up the partners, to see who works well together and who doesn't that we haven't seen yet. Melissa seems a natural at this type of routine, so I'm excited to see this one. Interesting choice of songs. I just love Melissa's face when she dances. This dance just made me smile! They really do have GREAT chemistry. I agreed with Mary that Ade needed a little more strength in his actual dancing for this one, but Melissa was so good you also didn't notice that much. Then Mary told Nigel "pipe down, English muffin!" and I thought that was pretty freakin' funny. Then Cat called Tyce a "Brooklyn brownie" and that was completely hilarious too.

Kupono & Karla
Style: Broadway
Choreographer: Joey Dowling
Song: "The Dance At The Gym" from West Side Story (The New Broadway Cast)
Nice to see Joey back again! When she said the routine is love at first sight, I felt like Kayla should be able to pull it off really well. I couldn't wait to see it. I loved her dress! It was so cute. I thought it was a little weird that she wasn't wearing shoes. All in all I thought they did a good job, but it wasn't as much as I'd hoped. I just expected more. I agreed with Nigel that there was a tenseness missing.

Jason & Caitlin
Style: Lyrical Jazz
Choreographer: Mandy Moore
Song: "Show Me Heaven" by Maria McKee
Jazz. Well, Jason with his shirt off is sure to get some votes, right? Ha. They made it look absolutely effortless. They looked huge, long, extended and beautiful. Shut up, get your mind out of the gutter, I'm talking about DANCING. It was really smooth and flowing. I agreed with Mary though, it wasn't magic. It was good, it was beautiful, but it wasn't magically captivating.

Jeanine & Phillip
Style: Jive
Choreographer: Tony Meredith & Melanie Lapatin
Song: "Stuff Like That There" by Bette Midler
I liked the concept, so let's see if they pull it off. I thought they were great! It was really fun and entertaining. The lift at the end was pretty impressive too. I was happy to see such a good dance as their last dance as a couple before getting split. Nigel said that Phillip was better than ever out of his own style. Jeanine wasn't one of my favorites at the beginning, but I am really liking her these days! I agreed with Mary, she's got to be here next week. Tyce said "I say call 1-888-Fan-Friggin-Tastic." I am not even kidding.

Evan & Randi
Style: Samba
Choreographer: Pasha Kovalev & Anya Garnis
Song: "Ritmo De Bom Bom" by Jubaba
Rehearsals looked interesting. Pasha & Anya just looked so good doing the dance, it was hard to imagine Randi & Evan looking like that. I sort of hated her costume a little bit. My husband said "They're not really interacting with each other", so I guess that means there wasn't that great of chemistry. I thought it looked a little amateur. they were good, but it definitely didn't look effortless, or like they were naturals at it. It was also so out of character seeming for them as a couple. Their chemistry was so much better doing Jive that it was obvious that it was missing here.

Jeanette & Brandon
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Wade Robson
Song: "Ruby Blue" by Roisin Murphy
I am a big Wade Robson fan, so whenever I hear he's doing a routine I'm excited. Like Brandon said, Wade brings a story to the routine, and I like that a lot. I liked it! I thought Brandon outshined Jeanette at this one. My husband thought Jeanette was a little too fluid and he fit the routine a little better. I feel like they each got the spotlight in one of their routines this evening, which is good for voting. I think this couple will be most disadvantaged by splitting up because they are SO adaptable. On the other hand, maybe they will have an advantage because they're so good they'll bring the other dancers to their level. I agreed with Mary, from the beginning it was great, their dancing on the stairs was just so good and hard hitting it fit. Tyce called it "technical excellence."

Predictions for bottom 3: Jason & Caitlin, Randi & Evan and Melissa & Ade

I'll be doing the elimination recap separately this week since I haven't seen the elimination episode yet - I'm staying off any other recaps until I see it! By process of elimination, I'm hoping to see Caitlin & Evan leave. I like both of them, but I don't think either is going to win and I thought they had the least to offer this week. I think this is the last week the judges do the elimination too, when it's top 10 I think it switches to being completely based on audience votes. So, we'll see!

SYTYCD Top 14: Performance & Elimination Recap

Performance Show

Well, Cat's dress wasn't terrible but it totally reminded me of a Barbie doll from the 80s. So, there's that. As far as her outfits go, not bad. I was glad to see Mia as a guest judge this week because she's one of the most honesty judges and she says weird shit sometimes, so that's amusing.

Jeanette & Brandon
Style: Cha Cha
Choreographer: Jean-Marc & France Generaux
Song: "Hush Hush; Hush Hush" by The Pussycat Dolls
I really hate The Pussycat Dolls, so I didn't want to hear their song, but it was not nearly as bad as some of their other stuff. I loved her dress. I feel like Jeanette looks so natural in every style, how does she do that?! I thought it was pretty amazing. Nigel said it was "probably the best damn cha cha" he's ever seen on this show. He called Brandon "The Michaelangelo of the dance floor." I think those two are teh couple to beat at this point. Also, I totally started to cry with Brandon when Mia was talking to him.

Kayla & Kupono
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Song: "Eyes on Fire" by Blue Foundation
I thought they were absolutely incredible last week. This dance sounded really cool during the choreography. I was unsure when they started dancing, but by the end I thought it was pretty brilliant. They work together really well as a couple. Kayla's technique was so beautiful. Mia called it Sonya's best piece ever on the show. "You make the most beautiful pictures everywhere," she said to Kayla. Loved it.

Evan & Randi
Style: Broadway
Choreographer: Joey Dowling
Song: "Rich Man's Frug" from Sweet Charity
I love Randi. I think she is absolutely adorable, her face is just so sunny. FINALLY we get a new broadway choreographer, which was nice. I have liked Tyce in the past, but it's so nice to have someone new. She said she was easy on them, but they seemed quite intimidated and like they were working quite hard. I LOVED IT. It was great. I agreed with Nigel that Randi was the star of the performance. Mia wasn't impressed, and the only thing I agreed with her on is that I could see what she was saying about Randi's steps being a little heavy.

Caitlin & Jason
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Brian Friedman
Song: "Creator" by Santigold
What a weird concept. When they were practicing I thought if she could pull it off, it might be amazing. I thought this music was a perfect fit. It was pretty good. Her costume was out of control. I agree with Nigel that they committed to it. I wasn't sure if it would keep them safe, I thought it would depend on how the other couples danced. Mia called it "enjoyable."

Phillip & Jeanine
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Napoleon & Tabitha Dumo
Song: "Love Lockdown" by Kanye West
I think Jeanine reminds me of Selena Gomez or something. Doesn't she totally look like she could fit in on one of those Disney teen shows? She's so cute. I like that they choreographed something around the show and the dancers experiences. I thought it was ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. They were amazing, completely believable, the choreography with the chain was amazing. It may have been my favorite so far this season. I completely disagreed with Mia that the chain was "sloppy" or that it was distracting, I think that was really nitpicky.

Melissa & Ade
Style: Pas de Deux
Choreographer: Thordal Christensen
Song: "Romeo & Juliet: Prokofiev's Suite No. 1 Op. 646, 6th Movement" perf. by Orchestre De La Suisse Romande & Armin Jordan
Romeo and Juliet! I loved when Melissa said she'd be dancing her dream on national television. It's cool that she got to use her point shoes. The look on Ade's face when she first came out was PERFECT. I loved watching her en pointe. She was just so pretty. It was absolutely beautiful, and at the end when their hands interlocked? I got all teary. Mia called it a fairy tale, and I agree. And, as she said, "you can't fake classical ballet."

Karla & Vitolio
Style: Quickstep
Choreographer: Jean-Marc & France Généreux
Song: "Puttin' on the Ritz" by Rufus Wainwright
Wow, quickstep on the first week partnering is a tough break. But they pulled it off. I loved the concept, and really wanted them to do well. I also love this song. The dress change at the beginning of the routine? Absolutely fabulous! I actually gasped out loud. I loved it, the judges really liked it. It was wonderful.

During this show they also talked about a new foundation that the choreographers, producers etc from the show and a few others have put together called The Dizzy Feet Foundation. I think it's wonderful, and I love the accreditation for dance teachers idea that Adam mentioned because I think that there are a lot of people teaching dance who can be easily surpassed by their students. Katie Holmes is actually donating her performance fee for the show on broadway that she's in right now to the foundation. What a great thing, anything promoting the arts and giving people a chance they wouldn't have had? It's okay in my book!

Predictions for bottom 3: Kayla & Kupono, Evan & Randi and Caitlin & Jason

Elimination Show

Opening Choreography by: Tyce Diorio
Song: "Brand New Day" from The Wiz

Man, I was sort of bored by the opening number. It just seemed so disconnected to me - too much dancing by small groups, like I feel like they weren't cohesive enough or something. I dunno, maybe I am just tired of Tyce's choreography or something. I just think of how amazing some of the past group routines have been and I wasn't really that impressed. Once again we have Cat in an... interesting... getup. It's silver. It's short. It's ugly. Whatevs.

So, the bottom three? Karla & Vitolio?? They were so good. Maybe people just didn't get it? I don't know. I wasn't surprised to see Kayla & Kupono in the bottom three, I thought they were great, but I think maybe people didn't "get it". When she said Caitlin & Jason were safe I was absolutely SHOCKED. I could not believe that Philip and Jeanine ended up in the bottom 3 with that amazing routine.

Karla danced to "Blackbird" as sung by Dionne Farris. I thought her routine was very well choreographed. She clearly put time and thought into it, which is good.

Vitolio danced to "Here Comes Goodbye" by Rascal Flatts. He was just beautiful, I think he always is. He is absolutely one of my favorites this season.

Kayla danced to "Stupid" by Sarah McLachlan, my favorite singer. She was beautiful, she's a beautiful dancer. She literally looks like an angel.

Kupono danced to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Iz. He was Kupono. He danced well, but watching it, I didn't feel like he was dancing for his life, or that it was necessarily enough to keep him in the competition.

Jeanine danced to "Moonlight Sonata" and I thought she danced very well. It was a great choice of music.

Phillip danced to "You'll Find a Way" by Santigold. He was great, He is an amazing dancer, and I think that he's doing particularly well in the competition considering that his dance background is what it is. He looked great.

I really do think that this is one of the closest competitions I've seen on this show. This week, I was really unsure. I honestly didn't know who the judges were going to eliminate from the girls.

The judges were unanimous about the girls. They said that Jeanine's solo was the strongest of the evening, and that it was brilliant. Right then I knew it would be Karla going home. Despite what they said about Kayla's solo, I knew they would not send her home. I totally agree with what Nigel said - she just isn't as captivating as the other girls are. She's a wonderful dancer, but she wouldn't make it to the end.

The judges were also unanimous about the guys. Poor Phillip's face when Nigel was talking to him was so scared and unsure. Nigel talked about Vitolio's presence and his eyes, but say that he doesn't deliver much apart from that. He did point out how weak Kupono's solo was. In the end, they sent Vitolio home. I was so disappointed, I almost started to cry. I just don't think that Kupono can make it to the end, and I think Vitolio is so much more amazing. I loved his story, I loved his personality and the way he dances. It was the first person this season that I was shocked and very sad to see eliminated. He really is an inspiration, and I couldn't believe it.

So, no new couples next week. Sigh...

SYTYCD Top 16: Performance & Elimination Recap

Performance Show

I always notice Cat's dress first thing. And guess what? I actually liked it! It was cute and the color looked good on her. Guest judge this week? Toni Basil. Hey Mickey! Interesting.

Karla & Jonathan
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Dave Scott
Song: "By My Side" by Jadakiss feat. Ne-Yo
Karla looked good in rehearsals, but Jonathan looked like he was struggling. "The one thing I think they should work on the most is everything" said Dave. Ha. Watching them dance, I felt like Karla was totally believable, but Jonathan just looked almost like a parody of Hip Hop. He did the moves, but it just didn't work, his angles weren't enough and he was too... soft? Flexible? I don't know. But it wasn't good.

Asuka & Vitolio
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Mandy Moore
Song: "Heartbreaker" by Pat Benetar
Thrash Rocker Jazz? Upon hearing this, I wonder if I will get it at all. I love Asuka & Vitolio as a couple. I loved seeing how much they support each other. This was the second dance of the evening and there was something about both this one and the Dave Scott Hip Hop where while I was watching them perform it almost seemed slow motion. To me, it made it look like it was something choreographed for beginners, like how it would look if people at a dance camp were performing it. I felt like the moves weren't fast enough for the music or something. It was all right, but I wasn't impressed. Nigel really seemed to like it. But I agreed with Mary, it wasn't really together always.

Ade & Melissa
Style: Rhumba
Choreographer: Tony Meredith
Song: "Emotion" by Destiny's Child
"Melissa and Ade need to work on... everything." Another rehearsal that looked interesting. I didn't like her dress. Oh well. I expected it to be a faster dance. I thought Ade's form was great. I think these two have a connection, I feltl ike they played the roles well. I couldn't really tell if they were technically good or not, which is not an uncommon problem I have when people dance ballroom, so I sort of wait to see what Mary has to say. Nigel agreed with me, saying Ade was "absolutely incredible." Finally something actually impressive!

Jeanette & Brandon
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Dave Scott
Song: "What a World" by Common
Last week, they were amazing, so let's see how they do this week. Rock and Roll meets Hip Hop sounds pretty good to me. I had high hopes going into it. I loved when Dave Scott said Brandon was learning the moves quickly, and then he was trying to compete by making him do harder moves. Hilarious. LOVED IT! They were awesome! It was entertaining, it was impressive, it was great.

Kupono & Kayla
Style: Viennese Waltz
Choreographer: Jean-Marc Généreux
Song: "Sweet Dreams for You" by Jewel
Uh-oh. I am totally scared of the Viennese Waltz for the dancers. Ha. I feel like Kayla could be beautiful but I am worried about Kupono. I knew before they started that no matter how the dance went, Kayla would be absolutely gorgeous. And she was. She looked like an angel. Again, it's hard for me to say much about the technique, but I thought it was absolutely beautiful. I don't agree with Nigel that it "wouldn't make anyone stand up and cheer." I think to the average eye, it was wonderful. Mary disagreed with Nigel and put them on the Hot Tamale Train! Great job from this new couple.

Evan & Randi
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Mia Michaels
Song: "Koop Island Blues" by Koop feat. Ane Brun
Randi as an elementary ed teacher? Not at all a surprise! Evan as a gearhead? A little more surprising. A booty dance? Hm... I thought it was pretty good. I didn't like how baggy Evan's costume was because I felt like I couldn't see his movements as well. Nigel said it was beautifully danced, and I thought that was true, but I'm not sure that enough people will get it to keep them safe.

Jason & Kaitlin
Style: Pasa Doble
Choreographer: Jean-Marc Généreux
Song: "O'Fortuna (from Carmina Burana)" by Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg & Kurt Prestel
I loved Jean-Marc throwing Jason's shoes. So funny. When it started, my first thought? I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Carmina Burana. So, that was a good start in my book. Ha. The music and their costumes fit together so well. It's hard for me to tell technically, yes, again. I thought it was good, but I felt like I wanted something a little more, that music is so powerful I sort of almost felt like they didn't quite meet it. Maybe part of what was missing was the chemistry between the two dancers, like Nigel said. Maybe it was that Jason wasn't staying strongly enough in his character, like Mary said.

Philip & Jeanine
Style: Broadway
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: "Moses" from Singin' in the Rain
I love musicals. Singin' in the Rain is one of my favorites, and this happens to be one of my favorite songs from it, so I was excited when I heard the music. I liked the dance, but I felt like Jeanine was much more believable than Philip. Frankly, at this point I'm not sure that I'm that impressed with him.

Predictions for bottom 3: Karla & Jonathan, Asuka & Vitolio and Evan & Randi

Elimination Show

Opening Choreography by: Tabitha & Napoleon
Song: "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) by Pitbull

HAWT! I really liked it! Wet dancing? Dude, awesome. Cat's outfit? Weird. Halter top pants suit? But somehow I couldn't totally hate it because it kind of looked good on her. Then Nigel talked about Farrah Fawcett & Michael Jackson and I was sad. Talking about Fred Astaire calling Michael Jackson after he first did the moonwalk and telling him how amazing he was? Just another example of how truly amazing he was. I LOVED that they showed the Thriller video as a tribute! Wonderful.

So, the bottom three? Asuka & Vitolio, Karla & Jonathan, and Jason & Kaitlin. So, I got 2 out of 3. The special guests were The Rage Boys Group. CUTE!!! And good! I bet Cat's right, some of them will show up on SYTYCD in a few years.

Asuka danced her solo to "Don't Trust Me" by 3OH!3. I thought she looked great.

Vitolio danced to "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay and was wonderful. He is one of my favorites, and I really hoped that it would not be his last dance.

Karla danced to "15 Step" by Radiohead. It was unique and I felt like she'd put a lot into it. She was very good, and I felt like she really was dancing for her place on the show.

Jonathan danced to "The Hunted" by Kodo. He danced well, but I felt like there were too many tricks in his routine.

Kaitlin danced to "Que Sera Sera" by Jennifer Terran. She danced very well. She's not one of my favorites, but that flip she did at the end? Truly impressive!

Jason danced to "New American Classic" by Taking Back Sunday. I thought it was impressive.

After solos, I was thinking Asuka and Jonathan were going to go. The judges came back, and Asuka was eliminated. I was sad, because I really liked her, but neither of her performances this week were good enough. Sad. On the boys side, Jonathan was sent home.

This means next week, we'll see another new couple with Karla & Vitolio.

SYTCD Top 18: Performance & Elimination Recap

I missed blogging about the auditions and top 20 show, but if you think that makes me any less obsessed with So You Think You Can Dance, then you are a crazy person. Last night? The top 18 performed. And Cat Deely wore an ugly dress, but what else is new? I mean, seriously? WTF was up with that humongous ruffle?

Randi & Evan
Style: Jive
Choreographer: Louis Van Amstel
Song: "Shake a Tail Feather" by Ray Charles

I just think that Evan is adorable. I'm interested to see how he does in the rest of the competition, like when he has to do hip hop. I liked what this choreographer did last week, and I think he's new to the show this season. Loved her dress! LOVED the shimmies, and his jump over her? Impressive! I thought they were very good! Their synchronization was pretty on too. They seem to be a good fit as a couple.

Melissa & Ade
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Song: "24 Hours (Ashton Shuffle A-Bomb Remix)" by Terry Poison
Jazz. My challenge. I am trying to "get it", but am not there yet. Somehow those tights made her legs look enormous and muscular. I guess it's no surprise that I didn't really care for the routine. I didn't hate it or think it was bad, I just didn't really care about it. I guess it was good since the judges liked it, but I wonder how many people out there won't get it like me.

Caitlin & Jason
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Shane Sparks
Song: "Missin You" by Trey Songz
Holy crap. 4 year old Jason doing Michael Jackson?! SO CUTE! And? He is still just so DARN CUTE. I really like Shane Sparks so I was happy he choreographed 2 routines last night. I thought he was definitely more believable as a hip hop dancer than she was. He had that sort of jerky movement, there were parts where I felt like she was a little too smooth.

Janette & Brandon
Style: Disco
Choreographer: Doriana Sanchez
Song: "Loving Is Really My Game" by Brainstorm
You know what always hits me about Disco? It's FREAKING FAST. I would literally have a heart attack and die. I thought they were pretty great and their lifts and tricks were awesome. Wow.

Asuka & Vitolio
Style: Waltz
Choreographer: Louis Van Amstel
Song: "Dreams are More Precious" by Enya
For a long time I thought her name was Oscar and I was confused. Just saying. But, they are two of my favorites. I agree with Louis that Vitolio's story is incredibly compelling. I'm not always a huge waltz fan, and I really wanted to connect with this one knowing that Louis wanted it to be painful/heartbreaking and I just didn't feel it. Mary did. I guess maybe it was a case of not seeing the full beauty of it because I wasn't there. I'm not versed in ballroom, and I don't see those little things always. I thought Asuka looked gorgeous.

Kayla & Max
Style: Pop Jazz
Choreographer: Brian Friedman
Song: "Hot Like Wow" by Nadia Oh
When I heard the story, I was excited to see the routine. Loved teh music. And her costume? Really cool. I feel like throwing the pop element in with the jazz makes a huge difference for me personally. I really liked this routine and I thought they played their characters really well.

Karla & Jonathan
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Stacey Tookey
Song: "Falling Slowly" by The Frames
Okay, first things first. The Frames? Are absolutely amazing. And if you haven't seen the movie "Once", you need to see it because it is absolutely gorgeous. That lift where she curled up in his arms? Was beautiful. I thought they were beautiful. that part where she was hanging from his shoulders as he hugged her? Lifting her chin with his hand? It was just absolutely gorgeous.

Jeanine & Phillip
Style: Tango
Choreographer: Tony Meredith
Song: "Violento (Up Mix)" by Bailango!
Well, this should be interesting. That's what I thought during the rehearsal clips. I thought they had really good chemistry. Sometimes I felt like her movements were a little hesitant. I liked that lift where she sort of sat on his leg. I thought that overall they did fairly well for never having done it before, but I'm not sure that's enough to keep them out of the bottom 3.

Ashley & Kupono
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Shane Sparks
Song: "Imma Be" by the Black Eyed Peas
100 miles per hour with confidence, skill and doing it in unison? Tough. I love Kupono's lists. I loved the concept. I thought they did pretty well, but I'm not sure it was hard hitting enough. So I listened to what Li'l C had to say! Not great.

Predictions for bottom 3: Melissa & Ade, Jeanine & Phillip, Ashley & Kupono

I was right about Ashley & Kupono. Not about the others though, the other 2 couples in the bottom were Jason & Caitlin and Max & Kayla. Ashley and Max ended up getting cut, which means next week we'll have a new couple with Kayla & Kupono.

Haiku Randomosity

Did you say bedtime?
I run screaming in terror,
for it is awful.

I have no answers
only questions. And last night?
"Only" took two hours!

Yeah... so bedtime has sucked a little bit lately. Oh wait, did I say a LITTLE bit? I meant a LOT! I am sort of at the end of my rope. It's the one MAJOR struggle we have with Sam. He's such a good kid, this is the one area where we're a little lost at what to do. Nothing seems to be working, so we're devising a plan. More about this next week - it needs a full post!

I was on my stoop,
I hope it makes you proud to
yell at a toddler

I heard what you said
Motherly rage reared up - I
swear, I'll pound you, bitch!

So today Sam was being a total jerk about bedtime and throwing a giant fit, so Justin took him in the bedroom and he was screaming and I was starving and at the end of my rope, so I grabbed one of the only things in the fridge - a wine cooler - and sat out on the front stoop. I could hear people in the next yard over talking. Suddenly I heard this: "...hear... through the window, DAMNIT!". I fully admit that I did not hear the whole sentence, and that it could have been referring to something else. But I got the feeling that the woman next door was YELLING AT MY TODDLER. Or at us. About how she could hear him screaming through the window.

There is a tiny bit of background, our neighbors are a little strange, and I've only ever talked to the husband, and even that is very sparingly. The wife has this vibe, she never smiles at us, never says hi, and I always feel this aura of dislike around her. I really don't think she likes us for whatever reason. So, I immediately convinced myself that she was talking about us. In which case...

WTF?! Do you think we LIKE it when he cries like that? What are we supposed to do about it, let him run wild and have no discipline and become a total asshole when he grows up? BTW, as far as I know this woman has no children, they are probably in their 30s (he might be in his 40s) and they've never had any kids around their house. I was SO mad that I came in the house and told Justin to go eat while I tried putting Sam to bed b/c I was so mad I couldn't even eat my dinner.

Trepidation, fear,
nervousness, but most of all
excitement and hope.

Tomorrow is my
first day of training, a new
volunteering job

I'll become support,
an advocate,an ear to
hear stories, hold strong

Another link in
a bridge of hope, of change for
people who need it

I am very excited, tomorrow I start training to be a volunteer for a nonprofit Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services organization in town. It's something I've felt called to do for a while now, and that I finally managed to get an application in for and interview for last month. After I go through training, there are several options for the kinds of volunteer work I can do - answering the hotline, acting as an advocate to people involved in court cases, acting as an advocate for people at the hospital etc. I know it's not going to be easy. I know that this is a really heavy thing to do for volunteer work. I just feel drawn to do it, and I hope that I'll do well in training and be good at this.

Holy crap, it's hot.
My house is like a sauna
and it's barely June!

So... we have a little house. It's probably around 700 square feet. We have a big bay window in the front of the house, and in the morning the sun comes in and heats up the whole living room/dining room. The front door comes into a tiny hallway at an angle from the window. The two windows in the living room and one in the dining room don't open. The bedrooms are off on the side and there is virtually no way to create a draft through the house. It's effing hot in here. Putting Sam to bed last night sucked because I was SO HOT and of course he wants to still cuddle and be touching. At least this year we have a hand-me-down air conditioner in our bedroom window!

I admit I love
TV more than is likely
healthy... but who cares?

Finale alley
is done, did you see House or
SVU? SO GOOD!

Summer brings a few
exciting premiers, what will
you be watching now?

Just watched the Law & Order: SVU season finale last night, and it was so good! I totally didn't expect that guy to go bad. The House season finale was also great, I am looking forward to the start of next season and seeing where it goes. Grey's Anatomy? Total and utter craziness. My theory? Izzy lives, George dies. I definitely think one of them is really dead. After the show was over, I went on YouTube and watched the last 5 minutes of the episode about 5 more times. Once I knew it was George, I totally could tell, but I did not guess it during the episode.

I got to watch the last few episodes of Eli Stone that never aired (they showed on SciFi in the UK), and I liked the last episode. I thought it was excellent, and of course I'm still disappointed that it got cancelled.

As for summer shows? My very favorite summer show, So You Think You Can Dance? IT'S BACK! I have only watched the first episode so far, and I totally almost cried when Brandon came back and danced and Mary was sobbing. He was absolutely amazing, and I can't wait to see him on the show. Of course I am really looking forward to season 2 of True Blood. We also like Burn Notice, Eureka, Monk, Psych, Weeds, and I'm going to try out the new show Nurse Jackie and see how that is.

Yesterday I shipped
two special packages, one
to England, one... not!

The first a special
gift, a Spirit jump for a
woman needing love.

The second a prize,
the best from my home town, to
share why I love here!

I am very excited about these packages. The first one was a Spirit Jump for a woman in England. I'm going to post about Spirit Jump soon, but I also have a button over in the sidebar. It's basically a way for anyone who has time and motivation to send gifts/cards/well wishes to people who are fighting cancer. It's a very cool program. When I heard about this woman, and that she loves Africa, I knew that I had the perfect thing. My Dad travels to Africa several times a year for his job, and I have a few African baskets that are so pretty to have around, so I sent one. I hope that it brings a little bit of sunshine to her life.

The second package was for Shannon's Hometown Swap. It should arrive in Georgia by Monday - do you know who you are?! I can't wait to get my package and see where and who it came from!

So You Think You Can Dance: Top 6

Hey, look, I'm on time! Can you believe it? Last week my computer didn't record the show, so I ended up just reading who had gotten eliminated, and I was so shocked! I watched the performances afterwards, and I still can't believe that Will got eliminated.

I can't believe it's down to the top 6 already - I feel like it just started yesterday! And we're left with Courtney, Joshua, Chelsea, Mark, Katee, and Twitch. I think I'm rooting for Mark and Katee. I don't know. It's hard to choose, but I think my FAVORITE at this point is Mark.

• Courtney & Mark dancing Viennese Waltz: What a cute couple. it was beautiful, smooth, looked effortless to me. What a good match. I believed tehm both, and they made it look so easy. I didn't like Courtney that much in the beginning, but I've grown to really like her as the season went on. I loved the look on Mark's face as they ended the dance, joyful. I agree with Adam - terrifying! How will we be able to judge if they ALL do well!?
• Chelsea Solo: I freaking hate the Pussycat Dolls. I hate that freaky thing they do with their voices where it slides up. She looked good, but I feel like her solos are always the same.
• Twitch Solo: Awesome as usual. I love watching him dance. He's amazing. And I love it that a dancer of his style has made it this far in the competition this year. It just goes to show that people shouldn't be pigeonholed. Also, hilarious that Cat put on the gold teeth - so funny!
• Joshua & Katee dancing Contemporary: It was beautiful. That leap Katee did into Joshua's harms with her legs spread was just amazing (leap catch). They were beautiful together. They really do dance well as a couple.
• Chelsea & Twitch dancing Mambo: Loved her costumes, the little ankle flair was funny. She did amazing. I think he did too, especially for that completely not being his background, they both kept up with the routine, which was FAST. And they managed the kickkover, plus that spin at the end where she was crouched down was freaking crazy.
• Katee Solo: I thought she used the music pretty well, but all in all it was definitely not my favorite solo that she's done.
• Joshua Solo: Loved it. It's so amazing to watch him go from dancing contemporary to that! Just amazing.
• Courtney & Mark dancing Jazz: I'm not sure I usually get Sonya's routines so we'll see how this goes. I do like pieces that are a little darker sometimes. And... I did like it, but I still don't get what 'Jazz' means. I liked watching it, but I didn't feel connected with it. Of course the judges LOVED it. I did think it really suited Mark, and Nigel is right about Courtney - she does well at EVERYTHING they throw at her!
• Katee & Joshua dancing Pasa Doble: I loved the music, I just loved the beginning when it picked up and Joshua slid across the stage. That was just fucking FABULOUS. The look on Joshua's face at the end was perfect. I totally agree with Adam, Joshua is just amazing. As far as couples go, I think they may be my favorite couple this season.
• Courtney Solo: She looked really pretty. I could tell she was putting herself into it, good different choice of music. Definitely my favorite girl solo of the night.
• Mark Solo: I just love his style.
• Twitch & Chelsea dancing Hip Hop: It's interesting that this couple both got their own styles in their routines tonight. I love it when there's a story, and this was a great one. Loved the stick, and the choreography. I thought they danced it really well.

It's so hard to choose after seeing the boys solos, I like all three of them so much. But I just love the combination of Mark's style and personality.

I love it when people show up, like how Gillian Lynne who choreographed Cats & Phantom of the Opera, and Paula Abdul, who is also a dancer/choreographer (some people forget that). Especially for GL being there, it makes me feel like it really is a legitimate outlet for so many choreographers. I think that's cool because in this country, I don't feel like dancing is as recognized, let alone choreography. I just love it.

Prediction: I think that Joshua and Katee will be safe, the others will be the bottom four.

SYTYCD: Top 8

Holy effing crap. So, for some reason my computer didn't download SYTYCD this week, either the performance show or the results show. I just read who got eliminated. Comfort, not surprising at all. I have expected her to go every since Jessica couldn't continue. But WILL?? Seriously? I can't believe he is gone! I am seriously shocked by it. Holy cow. He is just so amazing, his technique, his character... just, wow. I feel like this is the first BIG upset of the season - Kherington last week was a surprise, but not like this. My frakkin computer better download this show next week!

SYTYCD: Top 10 Results Show

Wow, Cat's dress actually isn't that horrible. Way to go with continuing to include Bollywood! It's great to see new styles being introduced to this country. Also, woo hoo for four Emmy nominations for SYTYCD! I do love Wade Robson & Shane Sparks.

The Mia Michaels routine was just gorgeous. I loved seeing all the girls dance together like that, and it was just so raw and beautiful. The longing was great, they were so in character, and the makeup was really cool, subtle, but when they showed their faces during the announcement of the bottom two girls, you could really see the makeup. Kherington looked SO DIFFERENT with the make-up and the extensions! I almost didn't recognize her. Bottom two girls then... Comfort and Kherington! I was right!

When the routine started, I guessed that the mystery choreographer was Benji. And.... I was totally WRONG! It was NIGEL! That is awesome. Seriously. I liked the routine, it was fun! I liked Twitch with his glasses. Bottom two guys then... Mark and Gev. Only 1/2 right on that one... I love Gev! and Mark! I didn't want EITHER of them to go home!

I LOVED Comfort's solo. It was just awesome. I also LOVED Mark's solo, I really like him, he's so unique and weird and interesting, and kinda cute, ya know? Quirky! Wow to Kherington and her toe points! I love that Gev was dancing to Michael Buble. That is funny. Holy crap, that one move he did where he wa son his head then went up on his arms... good Lord! It seemed like they all put so much into their solos on this show, it's too bad it has no effect on the outcome, you know? After the solos, I didn't want any of them to go. Although I definitely cared more about the guys - I guess I really like ALL FIVE of the guys, I need to pick my favorites! It's so hard though, I've never liked all the guys this much before. For the girls, I think Courtney and Katee are my favorites at this point.

I was actually really surprised when she said Kherington. Somehow, I just thought it would be Comfort. It was so sad when they showed Kherington's family, her Mom looked so sad. Then when they showed Twitch and he had his head down, that seriously almost made me cry!

Then I had to lose one of my boys... nooo... Gev. I will miss him. Sad... I agree with Gev, that's a really sad goodbye song they chose for the boys!

Sigh... so we are down to top 8! More next week - I can't wait!

So You Think You Can Dance: Top 10!

Hey look at me, on time with my SYTYCD post. As in, I am posting about the dancing show BEFORE the results show airs. Go me.

I like when they get to week 10 and the partners switch up. It'll be interesting to see how people do with different partners. So, here we go...

God, Kat Deely, WHY? I mean, is it just that your trademark is ugly dresses now? I thought it was interesting that they didn't include Comfort in the beginning introductions. I didn't expect Jessica to be there though. Oh no, Mary has a bad wardrobe problem today too. Sigh...

Round 1:

• Courtney & Joshua dancing Hip Hop: Courtney popping? Hm... I liked it - of course you might have known that I'd like the story aspect. It was pretty good, they did a good job together, and I loved her costume. Great choreography, I agree. Courtney did step it up, and they did make it their own.
• Kherington & Mark dancing Country Two-Step: Dude, it looks fast. Husband: That's a hot dress. Me: It's UGLY though! Husband: *laughter* Yeah, it is. It was kind of cool, but I didn't really believe it. It went fast, but once they showed all those replays with all the missed connections, I could see why it wasn't working.
• Comfort & Twitch dancing Smooth Waltz: My first words: "Oh God". I was impressed. Not necessarily by their technique, the extensions weren't quite there, and even I could see that. They were BELIEVABLE though! So cute, I was just sitting there smiling! It wasn't at the level of top 10. In explaining to my husband why I didn't think it was good, I said something about the rise and fall and seeing a waltz rhythm in a waltz. He said "Oh that was a waltz?' and then laughed, understanding why I didn't think it was that good!
• Katee & Will dancing Broadway: Husband: Is his name Tasty Oreo? I SO need to get him to watch this with me more often... I have high hopes for this couple. Oh, it was so cute! Or, freaking HOT with the shirt ripping... I loves me some Will. It was great, and they make a great couple.
• Chelsea & Gev dancing Contemporary: Gev's leaps were just gorgeous. I felt like he shined in this routine, and I'm not sure I expected that. They were belieavable, they were a good couple.

Round 2...

• Courtney & Joshua dancing Rhumba: This has such potential to be amazing, passionate... hot. Let's see. Joshua looks so elegant and powerful like a lion. I'm sorry I just said that, but it's the analogy that came to mind. It was good, but not quite as good as I expected it to be. I didn't feel the passion like I wanted to. After the judges spoke, I seem to not know what I'm talking about... I would like for Joshua to take his shirt off though.
• Kherington & Mark dancing Jazz: Excellent song choice. I almost forgot that I don't "get" jazz, but then I remembered. I agree with Mary, I wasn't fired up and didn't feel it.
• Comfort & Twitch dancing Hip Hop: I expect A LOT from this. It was pretty good, and I LOVED the ending.
• Katee & Will dancing Pas de Deux: I seriously had to look up online what the hell this dance was called (Thanks, BSYTYCD!). Just in case you don't know either, here's the definition from wikipedia: In ballet, a pas de duex is a duet in which ballet steps are performed together. Um... couldn't they at least just say ballet for us simpletons out here? Anyhow... barf on dancing to DAvid Archuleta. Will was GORGEOUS. His jumps were just amazing. That was a HARD routine. I saw once in the middle where she got a little stuck during a turn, but other than that, it was pretty impressive.
• Chelsea & Gev dancing Jive: Woah, that is fast. My legs would fall off. I think, literally fall off. Well, that was just fucking fabulous. I liked the comment "Your legs were like lightning" that Li'l C made about Chelsea.

I'm not sure I like how the solos are interspersed. Has it always been like that? Probably, and I just don't remember.

Favorites: Courtney & Joshua (Hip Hop), Katee & Will (Broadway), Katee & Will (Pas de Deux), Chelsea & Gev (Jive)

Favorite Solos: Gev, Mark, Twitch, Katee (I could see it in her face), Will, Joshua

Okay, I don't know how many they put in the bottom tomorrow, so I'm going to predict 2 guys and 2 girls.

Predictions for Bottom 2 Girls & Guys: Seriously, this is so hard. I am just taking shots in the dark. Um... Twitch & Mark and Comfort & Kherington??

So You Think You Can Dance Newsflash!

I just read on TV.com that Jessica is OUT! Apparently she was injured last week and has withdrawn from the competition, which means Comfort has been brought back in for the time being. It will be interesting to see how she does this week with a new partner. Nothing is being specified about the injury. I'm not sad, I actually thought Jessica was going to go last week, although it does suck to get so far and have to bow out due to injury. Hm....

So You Think You Can FAIL?

Yeah, that's right. I didn't watch SYTYCD on time again this week. I FAIL. Not only does this make the posts I write (and am still COMPELLED to post) somewhat irrelevant, but it hurts. I love this show, I want to watch it right when it's over, but alas, I was away for the weekend. This is the last time that I fail at this, and I'm serious.

The Performance Show:

Cat Deely's dress looks like it was made out of a seashore hotel bedspread. And Mary Murphy, again with the glitter. Ugh.


Round 1:

• Chelsea & Mark dancing Salsa: She looked pretty hot, and she made it look easy. I bet I would die if I tried doing that routine. Great opening number.
• Comfort & Thayne dancing Hip Hop: I liked the choreography, I always like it when there's a story. But I agree with the judges, it lacked chemistry.
• Jessica & Will dancing Contemporary: Um.... I am sorry, Tyce, but I don't think I got it. I was impressed by their connection, the way they dance off each other, the passion in their performance.
• Courtney & Gev dancing Cha Cha: Holy jump Gev! That was a fabulous opening. That was AWESOME! They really are perfect for each other.
• Kherington & Twitch dancing Krump: The strobe lights sort of made me feel like my head was exploding, and made it harder to see their movements or something. Obviously Twitch was great, and I think Kherington did a great job considering who she is, her cuteness etc. She did step it up. She looked gorgeous. She did lose the energy at the end though, when they showed the beginning, then the end right after, you could really tell. It was SO much better than the last time someone did Krump on this show, that's for sure.
• Katee & Joshua dancing Viennese Waltz: That really was gorgeous. Again, they made it look easy.

Round 2

• Chelsea & Mark dancing Broadway: It was funny to hear Chelsea say that playing sexy isn't really 'her' because she is so hot! I LOVED it! They did a great job with it, made it their own, and HOT!

It should be recognized that up until this point, this post was written on Thursday. As in, the day after the dance show aired. I ALMOST did it people, I ALMOST got the whole show watched before I left for three days for the weekend putting off watching it until MONDAY. Sigh...

• Comfort & Thayne dancing Contemporary: I didn't feel the connection really. It wasn't that impressive.
• Jessica & Will dancing Quick Step: Great performance, couldn't judge technique except to say that Jessica's shoulder carriage was awkward.
• Courtney & Gev dancing Jazz: I really liked this one. I liked the tempo and the story and they did a great job. Great choice of music too. It was fun.
• Kherington & Twitch dancing Tango: I didn't believe the story, they made it look too choreographed. I was disappointed because I didn't feel like it lived up to what I expected when I heard them talking during the rehearsal.
• Katee & Joshua dancing Bollywood: I admit, I'm a fan of Bollywood, and so I was really looking forward to this routine. And.... holy crap, that was AWESOME! It was just fantastic, as Nigel said.

Favorites: Courtney & Gev (Cha Cha), Chelsea & Mark (Broadway), Courtney & Gev (Jazz), Katee & Joshua (Bollywood)

Prediction for bottom 3: Comfort & Thayne, Kherington & Twitch, and Jessica & Will. It's getting harder to pick the bottom 3, there are routines I don't like as much, but there aren't really screw ups or real flops as much as there are in the beginning.

Results Show:

Well, Kat's dress was less of a disaster but that giant black thing on her head was sort of ugly.

Bottom 3: Comfort & Thayne, Jessica & Will and Kherington & Twitch (I know what I am talking about... apparently)

Predictions after solos: Jessica & Thayne

Eliminated: Comfort & Thayne. Well, I was 1/2 right.

Sigh... see you next week. I promise, on time.

So You Think You Can Blog?

Obviously, my weekly blogging about So You Think You Can Dance was a major FAIL last week. What the hell? I don't know, I just never got a chance to actually watch the shows until today. Sad, I know. Sometimes, that's life with a 2 year old. Who is at his grandma's now, so here it is. Not as timely as it should have been, but I am so into this show that I HAVE to write it down.

Cat Deely, another fugly dress, but at least her hair looked really pretty!

The dancing...

Round 1:

• Jessica & Will dancing Jive: REALLY good considering the trouble they were having in rehearsal. I don't know much about the technique aspects that Mary & Nigel talked about. Also, that one lift where she went through his legs and flipped up was awesome. And she looked gorgeous!
• Comfort & Thayne dancing Broadway: This should be interesting... was my first thought. She looked so pretty! And he is so well suited for this kind of dance with his background. I totally believed her in this routine. Some of the lifts/twists were a little awkward though.
  
• Kourtni & Matt dancing Hip Hop: It looked a little weird because his legs are so much longer and when he did the steps his legs were able to spread a lot more than hers, I almost felt like she wasn't kicking out much. It was just... there. I agreed with Mary, I liked it, it was okay. But it wasn't great. It wasn't at the level of top 14.
• Chelsea & Mark dancing Jazz: Okay... remember how I didn't used to get what contemporary really was? I think maybe now I'm at that point with jazz. I'm not sure what it's supposed to be. Like, what is the difference between jazz and contemporary technicality wise? But despite that, I thought it was really good! I really like them, they are a great pair and at the top of my list. I agree with Nigel, you don't notice how fast it is when it's that good! They were great.
• Kherington & Twitch dancing Pasa Doble: Holy crap dude, that was hot! The costumes. The anger. The movement. So good. But again, the technical side alludes me.
  
• Katee & Joshua dancing Contemporary: Amazing. I am continuously impressed by Joshua and his ability to do so many styles that aren't his own. They were hard to take my eyes off of. It was just amazing.
• Courtney & Gev dancing Hip Hop: I felt like Courtney's feet were a little too bouncy. Is that a weird thing to say. Maybe. The routine was really good though, Courtney did a good job. It was fun. But it wasn't huge.

Round 2:

• Jessica & Will dancing Lyrical Jazz: What is the difference between Jazz and Lyrical Jazz?? I have no idea. But, they were amazing. I felt that. It was believable. It was fun. The shirt actually worked instead of being a hindrance.
  
• Comfort & Thayne dancing Smooth Waltz: It was pretty. She looked great. They did a good job.
  
• Kourtni & Matt dancing Mambo: There were parts where his face was not quite right, and where I could tell she was thinking about the dance. I agree with Mary, the chemistry just wasn't there.
• Chelsea & Mark dancing Foxtrot: Love the music. Bon Jovi cover from Paul Anka's CD Rock Swings. It's funny, check it out. The dance was good. I think that this is one that maybe people won't get because they don't know the technical aspects and how good it was.
• Kherington & Twitch dancing Contemporary: WOW. Twitch was able to shine in this one. He was totally believable and even brought a tear to my eye. I love the storytelling contemporary. I really do. Thanks to this show.
• Katee & Joshua dancing West Coast Swing: Benji! Yay! And Lacey! HAPPY! Except... I didn't love it. I felt like there wasn't enough footwork, it just wasn't great for me. I don't know why. I just didn't FEEL it. The judges didn't agree.
  
• Courtney & Gev dancing Broadway: I liked it, it made me smile. But I don't know if the people who are voting will get this one. They might. But I'm not sure.
  

My favorites: Chelsea & Mark (Jazz), Katee & Joshua (Contemporary), Jessica & Will (Lyrical Jazz), Kherington & Twitch (Contemporary),

Predictions for the bottom 3: Kourtni & Matt, Courtney & Gev, Comfort & Thayne

Results show:

Loved the opening routine, I loved the costumes and the choreography. Go Tyce!

Lord, Cat. The dress is okay, but the necklace? What IS that? Argh.

Actual bottom 3: Kourtni & Matt, Courtney & Gev, Comfort & Thayne (three for three on my predictions!).

I LOVE that they had that Robert guy popping from the auditions on the show! He is amazing and so awesome and captivating to watch, it's so great they invited him! That is some serious talent, I can't even imagine moving my body like that.

My prediction after solos: Oh man, this is getting hard. As there are less contestants, they want it more, they do better on their solos, they're more passionate, and they're GOOD. I'll have to predict Kourtni and Matt. After seeing the three girls solos, I felt like Kourtni's was the least passionate, although it's a hard call to make. I think they're still going to want to see more from Comfort. Same with the boys, Gev and Thayne just hit it harder.

INSERT: Another musical performance I don't care about.

Eliminated: Kourtni and Matt

On a final note, I have decided that I would like to go out to lunch with Nigel. He is funny.

SYTYCD: Top 16 Results Show

As is often my first thought, WTF is with Cat's dress?? Who dresses her? Seriously, because I could use an awesome job on SYTYCD, and could do way better. What the hell is with that freaky ruffle? At least Mary was dressed normal...

Can I just say after the guest performance, I STILL love Hok. He is just so great.

I went three for three on my predictions this week! Woo! After the solos, my prediction is... Chelsea and Matt. I just didn't see enough heart in Chelsea's solo. And I feel like Matt's just not done enough to stay. But will the judges finally split a couple this week?

Insert: Another musical performance I don't care about, but find much less annoying than The Pussycat Dolls. Oooh, but that is pretty dress! And I would die if I tried to wear those heels. I would literally fall and break my bones.

Of course, again I am only 1/2 right. And the judges DID split up a couple this week! Thayne and Comfort are the new couple. Hm....

On a totally unrelated note, Sam went to bed without a pacifier on his own tonight. He's getting so big!

So You Think You Can Dance: Top 16

Great show this week!

• Kherington & Twitch dancing Hip Hop: Her facial expressions were a little much for me at times. I thought it was a good job, but it wasn't the best hip hop I've seen and it didn't WOW me that much, but apparently the judges disagree. I do think Kherington did a good job though since it's not her style.
• Courtney & Gev dancing Rhumba: Holy crap that was SOME "dress" she was wearing! I was glad she realized her dress was caught on her shoe in the beginning, and she smoothly just got it free. I excpected the music to be faster, but what do I know about dance really? I thought it was pretty good, they did a good job and I feel like they get into character really well and are a very good match. I also did like it when Adam brought up that Gev is a hip-hopper, because I do tend to forget that. He's done so well so far!
• Comfort & Chris dancing Jazz: As soon as Tyce said African Jazz, I was excited. I love it when they put the African style into the routines. Also, that is like the one Marilyn Manson song I know, and I really like it. So when the song started I was excited and thought it would be great. I liked it, but all in all I did feel it was a little soft. But, my 2 year old was totally rocking out to the song, which was hilarious. I do agree with Nigel that I expected a little more from the choreography and that they could have hit it harder.
• Jessica & Will dancing Disco: I agreed, that was awesome at the end when he sort of slipped and then she moved to match him. I thought they were pretty good, they had that bouce, and I thought they danced it well, the first lift was really good, but some of the others weren't as good, and obviously there was the end. I thought that Jessica did shine, that she fit that disco style really well.
• Kourtni & Matt dancing Contemporary: I didn't personally particularly like the routine, but I thought they danced it really well, it was a different style of contemporary, and they danced it really well and got to show their technique. I'm not sure if it will keep them in or not with the voters because like Nigel said, I'm not sure that people will understand it as well. But I think they definitely deserve to stay on another week after their performance!
• Chelsea & Thayne dancing Quick Step: LOVED her dress. She has gotten to wear some good ones so far. Well, except that weird thing last week, but she looked so pretty. I really like her. I thought it was pretty good, but I sometimes have a hard time judging the ballroom routines because I can't always recognize the technique etc. I agree with Nigel, if Chelsea's personality doesn't show, we do lose her. I guess I have to just go with the judges, and I'm not sure they'll make it.
• Chelsea & Mark dancing Hip Hop: This was unexpectedly one of my favorite routines of the night. I loved her character at the end. I loved that it was a little bit less traditional hip hip, they were just great. I think they might be one of my top couples at this point. I thought she was so believable, it was just great. Also, it made Adam freak out which was hilarious.
• Katee & Joshua dancing Samba: HOT! That was hot. Seriously. Amazing. After last week and this week they are my top couple. She really pulled it out. So good.

Predictions for the bottom 3: Comfort & Chris, Kourtni & Matt, Chelsea & Thayne