Oh, think again, my kind krumping sir.

At least, that’s the judges opinion. So…my question is. Wtf did Russell do to piss everyone off? I mean, he actually gets HIS style, hip hop - and I’m all happy. And then…Jamal? You might well be a brilliant choreographer and I even adore tennis as a game - but what WAS that routine? I cringed throughout the whole thing. No one is that unlucky. I’m sorry, Russell. So very sorry. If that sends you home when it’s clear how huge a following you have and this is the search for America’s Favorite Dancer, not Nigel’s Favorite Flunkie, then that would be a huge shame. Show. And Noelle for that matter. But given what they had to do? I thought they handled it okay. But wow, the judging was harsh. So, pleasepleaseplease let someone else screw up so Russell gets a pass until we can vote and save his charismatic, adorable, smiling bee-hind.

Because then we got Ashleigh and Jakob doing a wedding cake waltz (and what was with all the kissing? I mean, it was lovely, but uncomfortable given her husband is in the competition…yeahyeahyeah, it’s called acting, I hear you. And still? Uncomfortable.) Now, I did not love these two this week. I thought Jakob was way overly graceful (ie Mary commenting on all the tippy toes) and Ash was very raw, Latin-y in her movements, which was especially contrasted, and not in a good way, with Jakob’s over-gracefulness. So it wasn’t strong for me. But the judges? Total tongue bath. So, I can see right now we’re going to have issues. Hopefully some of them mitigated by letting US VOTE. Sheesh.

Bianca and Victor get a Tyce D’Orio routine. Remember when I hated TastyOrio? That’s a changin’. Or…it was. Again, what was this routine? I was prepared to feel the love. Mostly I was just…confused. A lot of that, actually. I kept waiting for it to start. It seemed really random. So, as much as I want to like these two, and do…this is so not going to help them. I thought they were so charming and passionate last week and it was all hate from the judges. This week? I’m afraid. Very afraid. Ok…they were kinder than I expected. Which…makes no sense. Because they attack character (and I agree) but thought the dancing was good..and really?? I didn’t think any of it went over right.

Aside: I truly do love Adam’s honest and invaluable critiques. Given he is currently producing and choreographing all over the place from Broadway to film and beyond (the Oscar’s anyone?), he’s such a wonderful resource for all of the dancers. I hope they appreciate his feedback. That said…I wish I agreed with him more, in terms of who he is directing the critique to. I agree with the information, but not always the target.

Mollee and Nathan get…Bollywood. Okay, you might as well just kill me right now. I love Bollywood and have always found those routines intriguing and fascinating, and a real test of the dancer’s will. I’m afraid this could kill Bollywood for me forever. Because, can anyone say Slumdog Gossip Girl? Okay, okay…so I’ll shut up and watch it now. But, be warned! It could get real ugly up in here. Except? It wasn’t! I loved that routine. Truly. Such great choreo. Nathan was powerful and good, and makes me yearn for him to have a more mature partner to bring that more forward in him, push him toward that more. That won’t be Mollee, unfortunately. However, other than in the “couple sequences” when she looked every bit as young and immature as she is, in the side by side partnering, she was actually very good. All in all, a very pleasant surprise. But it’s still Nathan who would get my vote. Mollee….not so much.

Channing & Phillip get the samba. Now, I thought Channing did an okay job with this for a contemp dancer and Phillip, as a tapper, also did okay. The lifts looked labored, and as it went on, Channing lost a bit of her grace with the samba sway. Mostly I think that is due to the fact that she could, in fact, lay him out. He simply was not strong enough for her. She needs a more physically imposing partner. (Ryan, anyone?) Not sure they’ll rate very well with the judges on this one. I wouldn’t. (And Cat? You’re truly delightful. I heart her.) And the judges were surprisingly nice for finding some good things to say.

Kevin & Karen get NappyTabs hip hop…this should be ridiculous. In a very good way. (Pass the umbrella drink right now…) And then…not so much. The routine was really flat and uninteresting. It felt very rehash to me. I don’t think it was the dancers but the choreo, but it never took off for me, at all. Even the “smokin” end didn’t really ignite. Such a disappointment. I can think of a dozen other hip hop routines that have been on this show that they would have rocked. This? Not one of them. But then I don’t think any of the dancers could have made this pop. Okay, and then Adam? Made me laugh out loud. I SO love that he’s on the show this year. That was hilarious. Unwarranted for that routine. But hi-larious. I respectfully disagree with the judges. Huge. (And honestly, I heart Kevin. Poor guy, starving for some love there.) But I love these two, so I’m happy, because I want them to stay.

Kathryn & Legacy get contemporary. The song was way too bombastic and very distracting. The dance, however, was lovely. Kathryn was right, the choreographer does create some gorgeous lines. I was very pleasantly surprised by how beautifully Legacy danced. I haven’t been a fan of his, but that was really well done. All around, for both choreo and performance, the best routine of the night, I feel. How surprised am I? Very gorgeous to look at.

Peter & Pauline are now a couple, as their partners were sent home last week. Oh cool, they get Wade! I love Wade. Don’t harm the Wade, you two!! His concept is so bizarre. Ha! Did I mention how much I love The Wade? Can’t wait to see this. So here is a case of getting absolutely fabulous choreo. All you have to do is dance it and give yourself over to Wade’s Vision, and you’re a winner. And these two? Just okay. Others could have rocked it much better, but they gave us a pretty good show. (NappyTabs? That is interesting, fresh choreo. New movement. Take notes.)

Ellenore & Ryan get tango - I knew Ryan would do well with this, but I honestly thought Ellenore was kind of clunky. I thought she’d be smoother or more elegant and he’d somehow get that from her as well. It was a bit rougher than I’d expected but did get better as it progressed. And, of course, the lifts were insane. Good enough to keep them in, for sure. Ah - Cat just noted that Ellenore’s heel was stuck in her dress most of the time. That would explain the rough start and why she was so much better at the end…wow. And why the judges all three gave them a standing O. Well done! I’ll have to go back and watch again.

This makes me really worried about Russell. Again. Just let him stay one more week, Nigel. We’ll keep you safe!

Once again, they pull out three couples, but don’t take couples in the bottom two as pairs, but pull the four separately from three groupings. (I wonder if we’ll vote for pairs or individuals this season…) They pull Russell/Noelle, Phillip/Channing, and Bianca/Victor. And given the overall performances…I can’t disagree this time. I’m just upset that Russell got the stupid tennis routine. And went first. He’s so doomed. From those six? I’d send Phillip home, but what do I know? As for the girls, from those three? It’s a toss up, but probably Noelle, then Bianca (tho I luv huh) and then Channing - though it’s really tight between them. Bottom four end up being: Woot!! Russell is SAFE. Yay! Noelle in danger. Channing is safe. Phillip is in danger. And both Vic and Bianca. So, it would be Phillip and Noelle if I get to choose.

In dance for yo life, Noelle really goes for it. Victor was just insane. He ain’t goin’ nowhere. Bianca….so hard for a tapper to wow the crowd like the other dance styles, but she surely tries. Not sure between the two girls… Phillip also is tappin’ is way into your homes. He does his best, but he’s outta here. Just sayin.

Going home? Wow, it’s Bianca. That bites. Truly. Noelle stays with Russell. Which…okay. (Could have been wild seeing Bianca with Russell…but Noelle is probably the better choice there for him.) But the really good news? Phillip also goes, which means Channing will now be paired with big ol’ hunky Victor and I think that is so going to rock. So…good job this week, show. But sorry Bianca! It really hit her hard. And Phillip? So classy, man. So classy. All the dancers are just sobbing. Great to see what a team they’ve all already become.

Next week? We vote!!

Too late to watch DWTS….but I can tell you who goes home. (Yes, I peeked.) Not surprising, Michael Irvin, but very unfortunately, Mark also goes out, which is sad given he wasn’t dancing with his partner this week. Sorry, Lacey! What really bites? Is I found out he had to dance for his life (w/ Lacey) against Aaron/Karina. And the judges sent Mark home? They had the chance to boot the boy! Ouch!! But they love him and the rest of us? Not really. Sigh. So maybe just as well I spared myself that pain.

Don’t forget to enter this week’s contest. See details in Monday’s blog. Winner announced right here on Friday! Rumor is there’s a shocking elim on Top Chef tonight. Me? I think it’s Jen, which is sad, because she is made of awesome, but not shocking, given the slow choke over the past few weeks. We’ll see!

Right now? Tell me, who are you loving on SYTYCD? Who is surprising you? Who needs to go next? Any pairs you wish were together? DISH it!!

Tags: Writing //