<p>Ok, I was just checking my mail and something came up about SYTYCD, so I clicked on it. In recognition of the 200th episode, it asked the top 20 to recall a favorite moment of the show. For instance, someone mentioned the number with Twitch and Alex Wong (one of my personal favorites), another mentioned the dance with the heart necklace, etc. I was thinking about some of those numbers and how inspired the choreography and dancing were. </p>
<p>Amelia, the silent film girl, mentioned her own “dance for your life” routine as a favorite moment because she got a standing ovation and she wasn’t expecting it. Ok, I can understand it was important to her, but it certainly wasn’t what I would expect her to say. Hmmm . . . it will be interesting to get to “know” the dancers.</p>
<p>Was wondering the same thing, my DD and I had a conversation about what possibly could have happened for her mom to put her on the street. They made a big deal about her and she was a great dancer. It bothers me when they send good dancers to choreography and send some who obviously would never make it through choregraphy straight to Vegas.</p>
<p>I do like that they’ve gotten less cruel during the auditions. I can’t imagine how they could say some of the terrible things to people that they did in the early seasons, it was horrible to watch them deliver abusive criticism.</p>
<p>It’s irritating this season how they badgered Alex (?) the blond girl until she cried and then said yay, you’ve had a breakthough.</p>
<p>Also can somebody tell me why Mary apparently went to that tall guy’s house in a previous season, with her mic strapped to the back of her dress, to tell him he didn’t make the top 20? They kept showing that and …don’t they learn that in the studio?</p>
<p>There was one season (7 I think? The one with Kent Boyd and Lauren Froderman) where the reveal of the the dancers who made the show was entirely spent with the judges/choreographers going to the homes and/or studios of the dancers to tell them their fate. It was painfully brutal to watch, IMO, and I am glad they have not done that again…</p>
<p>My prime complaint about this show in the past has been their propensity to put horrible dancers on stage during auditions and proceed to deride them. It was clearly done on purpose for what they thought was entertainment value (in that the auditions start with dancers improving in a room, and only a few are selected from there to go on stage to do their solos…unlike how the process is represented on the show…so the producers clearly knew these people could not dance when they featured them). I am SO GLAD that they now focus on people who CAN dance!</p>
<p>So you know how there was no SYTYCD on Weds (4th of July)? I went out with my family and who should we spot eating out on a patio of a local restaurant? Alex (hair very blond and very curly) and Mathew! In person they looked gorgeous. And kinda small. heh. No, I did not run up and ask for autographs. :)</p>
<p>Some good dancing tonight! My early favorites are Audrey and the belly dancer (Janelle?). And I have to say, I was wrong about Cyrus. Not a technical master, to be sure, but unlike previous b-boys, he committed to it and did a very respectable job. And he seemed to be having fun.</p>
<p>Cyrus was charismatic, though his choreo looked simplified. He’s great. Agree the cat thing was fun, and the Paso Doble-- wow. I did not like the Travis Wall dance as much as the judges-- it seemed jerky and just tricks tricks tricks, frenetic. I though Alexa looked bloated and sluggish. I actually looked at H and said, “does she look fat to you?” And I HATE the skinnyness obsession of the dance world! Strange that I would notice. Hated those red outfits.</p>
<p>I wanted to like that red dance, but it was so technical.</p>
<p>Agree about the cat dance – wonderful. And the paso doble was amazing. What intensity! The other one I really liked was the very first one, with the other girl ballroomer. Talk about stage presence.</p>
<p>I agree about the red outfits. I found they were actually quite distracting and I was focusing on the outfits - not in a good way - and not on the dance. The only thing I remember about the dance is the outfits. That can’t be good (even if i liked an outfit that would be bad)</p>
<p>I did not like the red outfits or the dance much either.</p>
<p>So much of what happens with these dancers early on seems serendipitous: who they are partnered with, what choreographer they get, what costumes are put on them… and there is so much great dancing, so they really have to stand out.</p>
<p>My early favorites are Janelle (a belly dancer from my hometown!), Amelia (she is just so different and cute), and my pick to win is Eliana. Cannot wait to see her really get pushed!</p>
<p>Agree with jaylynn that the Travis Wall piece was just tricks and kind of forgettable. Also, a bit tacky with the chaise lounge and the female costume. I felt the piece made the female dancer (not sure of her name) seem more of a gymnast than a dancer.</p>
<p>Yes, the cat piece was super cute and I really enjoy the male who danced in it. Amelie annoys me. She’s too calculated in her quirkiness.</p>
<p>Amelia annoys me a lot, but last night’s dance was perfect for her, I have to admit…! I agree that Eliana is my favorite to watch. I like Cyrus but hope that the pairing with him does not hurt her; we may not get a chance to see her full potential while she’s dancing with him.</p>
<p>Watching fully for the first time ever - have only seen bits and pieces past seasons.</p>
<p>Fully agree with the comments on the red costume dance and that she just didn’t look herself. Also fully agree that the cat dance was super cute and while I am annoyed by Amelia, I can’t deny her skills last night!</p>
<p>Must say that compared to American Idol, these judges were a breath of fresh air and actually seemed to know their stuff. I always thought Mary was annoying - now after watching her, she’s a CRACK UP!!! :)</p>
<p>SYTYCD is looking for America’s favorite dancer and not necessarily the best dancer. Agree that the cat dance was a wonderfully entertaining choreographed piece that was also danced very well. Just happen to think that there are other extremely talented dancers who have super cute personalities to boot.</p>
<p>Oh, Mary’s still annoying, lol. But she knows her stuff, and I like that the judges really want everyone to do well. They don’t want peoples’ feelings to be hurt just for entertainment’s sake.</p>