<p>I, too, was disappointed that Ricky and Valerie were partnered. She’s cute as can be but just doesn’t have the skills yet to dance at his level. </p>
<p>I thought judge Misty Copeland was a nice addition to the show last night. Didn’t think the choreographers were all at their very best, Sonya Tayeh being the exception. She did an amazing job.</p>
<p>Yes, Nigel called out more than one choreographer last night and yet the dancers still take the fall for that. Doesn’t seem right.</p>
<p>I am not sure who stood out for me last night – Ricky, perhaps Tanisha. The African jazz had too much going on for me but Jackie seems cute and talented and has recovered from the ballet debacle, I think. Marcquet, who I love, did not seem as strong.
I love Travis Wall, but does anyone else feel like his stuff is all starting to look a little bit the same? </p>
<p>honestly, that first hip hop routine could have been done by a middle schooler in her her bedroom. At least at my house. And the second? I was glad when Nigel mentioned the choreographers in a negative way. But, also, he chose those choreographers. So, that’s him, too. </p>
<p>I think it’s time for some new choreographers. </p>
<p>I also agree that no matter what the judges say, it is always the danceers who suffer for poor choregraphy, silly/lightweight routines, etc.</p>
<p>I also felt bad for the dancers who got the poor choreography. I don’t know if Ricky could’ve made it look good.</p>
<p>Yay for having a competent guest judge. Please eliminate the celebrities just there to promote something.</p>
<p>I guess I’m the only one, but I’m sick of Sonya. </p>
<p>It seems they’re having trouble attracting choreographers if they’re relying on Sonya and Travis to choreograph so many numbers each week, then reaching back to the previous contestants. Poor Benji - meant well, didn’t do a great job for the dancers. </p>
<p>I still miss Mia Michaels. Love her or hate her, she is a brilliant choreographer and teacher.</p>
<p>Hopefully Mandy Moore also gets called upon. She is a brilliant choreographer.</p>
<p>I’d like to see Derek Hough choreograph a number or two.</p>
<p>Musicmom, Derek and sis Julianne are on tour right now. Tickets for a show next month in my area, balcony, are a whopping $312.00 each. I guess this is proof positive to “strike while the iron is hot”!</p>
<p>With ratings heading south, I can see why some of the choreographers would be losing interest. But I think asking these folks to come up with terrific new choreography on a weekly basis is pretty absurd, like asking a composer to come up with a great new song each week. I’d be perfectly happy to see what the current crop of dancers would do with some of the memorable pieces from past shows. After all, in the singing shows, we hear the same stuff incessantly. </p>
<p>I can see where it would be tough to come up with multiple new numbers every week. That’s not the dancers’ fault, though, and I really detest their being held accountable for the choreographers’ lack of creativity. Nigel especially is so hard on the dancers about this. </p>
<p>I watched this week’s show again, mainly because I couldn’t remember who Marlene’s partner was. So Jessica will be paired with Stanley next week. I thought she was really good with Ricky the first week, but not so good this week with Nick. </p>
<p>^^ I have no idea who ANY of those people are lol. I don’t seem to be able to learn names until we’re down to 12 or so. I’m impressed!</p>
<p>I couldn’t remember the names either–that’s why I watched it again! </p>
<p>Also, before I forget it, it seems that the dancers are taller this year. Most of the guys are at least as tall as Cat (in her heels) and seems like in the past she has been way taller than them. I even looked to see if they had the dancers standing on a “platform” when next to Cat. LOL Random, I know.</p>
<p>Well, we definitely saw some new choreographers last night, though I was not really overwhelmed by any of them. It was not bad, just none of them hit me as particularly great. I felt like the Tice D’orio (however his name is spelled) contemporary piece was him trying to be Mia Michaels or some other “edgy” contemporary choreographer. To me, musical theater is his thing. 
That being said, I loved the show….loved that the judges were so enamored with Valerie (I think that is her name), the tapper. I think she is adorable. </p>