Jeanine wins!

Well, that was a close one! Here’s why!
Kayla wins! – Why not? She was amazing! She has the body, the technique, the diversity in every dance style. Why didn’t she win? In my opinion, there were 2 reasons:

• She was praised so much by the judges, people voting thought she was either going to sail through to win the whole enchilada, or because she was the judges’ favorite, they didn’t want her to win.
• She was a brilliant dance technician! This means that the execution of her movements were perfect in almost every dance!  But, possibly she needed to dance with a little more soul.  She just wasn’t getting “popular” with the audience.  Oh yea, everyone knew she was a fantastic dancer, but let’s not forget that it is more than that…you need to connect.

Evan wins! – Why not?  This is a tough one.  I think that people finally realized that he wasn’t “bringin’ it”  Why, oh why, did he repeat the same number for the final solo? I don’t know what strategy he had for doing that…it didn’t work for me.  I was with Adam Shankman.  We said, “That was a risk.”  Evan is great.  People loved his “Gene Kelly style” myself included.  But, in the end Jeanine and Brandon grew more through the weeks then he.

Brandon wins! – Why not? Brandon’s improvement in personality and stage presence was amazing.  We began to see this in the final 3 weeks.  And, his solos were nothing short of spectacular!  Man…that kid can dance!  His power and technique came through like gang-busters!!  I think that he must have been very close to Jeanine in votes.

Jeanine wins!! – Yippee!! Why!

• She’s beautiful and a great technician like Kayla!
• She has style like Evan!  I would call her, POWerful! That is what she brings to the table.
• Her ability to dance “toe to toe” with Brandon and keep up with his strength….fabulous!
• As the judges commented, she peaked at the right time!  Nobody really noticed her much in the beginning then, she broke out and rose to the top.
• Jeanine must have been listening to all the critique, because she improved every week.

Congratulations to the top 12!  I say 12 because they will all go on tour this season.  All were wonderfully talented dancers!  It was a very enjoyable season.

Mark Your Calendars:
A special featuring favorite routines from previous seasons of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE will air Wednesday, Sept. 2 (8:00-8:58 PM ET/PT), and the sixth season of the original dance competition will premiere Wednesday, Sept. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Brandon is just incredible PERIOD! Other than not being able to get down into the latin ballroom pieces, which sorry who cares!  I love him and feel he may win!! How does he do those things?  I will miss Ade’s strength and ability.  I would love to see him do those straight leg back flips in person!
I hope there are many opportunities for these wonderful dancers in the future. We love seeing them every week! My only complaint is that the prize is only $250,000.00! All the other reality and game shows are a million or more.  What’s up with that!

Finding 3rd position

Here’s a list of top 10 things to look for in a studio.

1.  Family Friendly - When you walk into a dance studio, you should “feel the love”! Look for performance pictures of their students and/or bulletin boards of their events. The studio should be clean, the personnel should be friendly and professional.

2.  Fees – Get all the details about all their fees up front:

• Registration fees – some studios charge a non-refundable registration fee.  This is ok, but it shouldn’t be more than $25 a person.  Others give a free t-shirt with this fee or apply some of it to the recital costumes at the end of the year.

• Tuition – This depends on the location, teacher reputation, and class time. Generally about $10-$15 an hour.

• Recital costume cost – It is customary to do recital every year or every other year.  It is important for a studio to have an end of the season recital because dance is a performance art.  It should be optional not mandatory.  Costume cost vary depending on the quality and extravagance of the costume.

3.  Instructors – Not all dancers can teach! My dance teacher would say ” There is a difference in “leading” a class and “teaching” a class.”  The instructors should have a history of at least 12 years of dance training.  It is also helpful if they have had dance instruction training. Ask if they go to any workshops, seminars or conventions.  You want to make sure they know the latest developments in dance training.  Some teachers specialize in certain types of dance and are more comfortable teaching that style. They do not necessarily need to have been a professional dancer or a college graduate with a dance degree, but they should have some performance experience. A dance degree doesn’t necessarily mean they will be able to relate to pre-schoolers or be able to “teach” steps to a 7 year old student.  Some studios hire teachers from a nearby college.  These teachers can be wonderful, but sometimes they really only want a teaching job for the money and not interested in the children’s growth.  A dancer with a degree is a plus, but check the class out to see how they relate to the children. The studio might have a master teacher over-seeing all the classes. Especially if the instructors are young this is an important detail.  A master teacher can see that all the students are being cared for and that the instructor is addressing all their needs.

4. Parent Observation - Seeing the progress of your student thorugh the year is very important.  This can be done in 2 ways.

• 2 way mirrors or video feed of the class – Most studios have 2 way mirrors so you can observe classes.  This is a great way to watch the progress of your student.
• Video feed to the waiting room – Some studios have installed a video feed of the class.  This is very cool but expensive.
• Designated days to come in to watch class. Sometimes it is impossible to provide 2 way viewing at a facility, so they have observation days set up through the season.  This is another way to catch up on the progress.

5. Dance wear – Correct dance wear for classes is essential.  When you are looking for a studio, check what the students are wearing.  It can tell you a lot about the quality of instruction.  Please see: “Articles – Why do I have to wear that?”

6. End of the year performance “Recital” – There should be some type of performance at the end of the year.  As mentioned above, dance is a performance art.  It is necessary for the student to learn this.  They enjoy and look forward to  showing off their accomplishments from the season.  This performance may or may not include costumes. It may include the entire studio or may be broken up into 2 separate performances with different age groups.  Most of all….it should be FUN for all involved.  OK….realistically, it is going to be a bit confusing and some times frustrating, but should be “organized chaos”.  During dress rehearsals at the performance venue the instructors are trying to coordinate:

• students entrance, exits and spacing
• lighting
• music

Patience may be IS required and appreciated.

7. Website – Every dance studio should have a website.  It doesn’t need to have tons of glitz and pizzaz, but it should include classes offered, schedules, updates, staff and philosophy.

8. Communication – The website is only part of the communication process.  Good communication with the parents and dancers shows the dance studio cares about you.  It shows that the owners want to include you in their studio “family”. Your dance studio should have:

• Monthly newsletters either on line or handed out in class.  A great place would have both.
• Timely notice on special events at the studio.
• Bulletin boards, although old fashion, really do the trick to provide info.
• Posted reminders on tuition fees and anything that could that keeps you informed as to what is coming.  Such as, auditions for special performances or events.

9. Dance company or competition group – It is normal for the studio to have a “dance company or competition group”. It is not necessary for them to do competitions, but a dance company compiled of their more serious students is good. To compete or not to compete is always a decision of the owner/master teacher.  Competition or a dance company option gives the “serious” student more opportunities as they advance.

10. Location – Choose a convenient location.  Many parents are rushing from one activity to another.  It is important to be realistic about how convenient the time of class and the location of the studio is to your family’s after-school activity schedule.  Don’t sacrafice good dance instruction just because the studio is around the corner.  No matter how casual a student, good instruction is most important.  After all you are paying for their study of this art form. Get the most out of it.

While watching SYTYCD on Wednesday, I was in Dance Nirvana!  The girl’s group number, the boys group number the solos and Travis Wall’s dance was the highlight of the evening.  Although, Nappytab’s hip hop was a close second. Dancing such has this hasn’t been seen on TV for years…if ever! These dancers are wonderful.  My only complaint is the fact that Melissa was featured, again!  She is a beautiful ballerina, alright already!

WHO – Who was absolutely shocked that Evan & Randi were not in the bottom 3 couples? Me!  Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad they were saved.  The must have a ton of fans.  Hey, I love shorties but cuties!! But, I have to admit that Evan needs to plow through and stretch his talents to the fullest to survive after this.

WHAT – What were they thinking giving Phillip and Jeanine that Russian Folk Dance? Yikes! Nigel even mentioned it.  I think there was regret about it.

WHEN – When Ade hit the stage for his solo, I didn’t expect that dance. It was incredible. He’s incredible.

WHERE – Where in the world did Melissa come up with the choreography for her dance?  It looked like a ballet class. Let’s do, 4 picques and 2 arabesque sautes, etc. She is an amazing dancer, but the solo…. not so much. On the other hand, the woman could bouree across the stage and look great!!  Raise your hand girls if you want a body like that!!!(My hand is up and waving all over the place)

HOW – How could you look at Phillip’s little sad face when he was eliminated and not put him in the tour? OMG, He was so adorable and his explanation at the end was heart-warming.  Bravo!! and Brava, Caitlin too!

Melissa and Ade were exciting in the disco and lovely in their waltz.  She is amazingly beautiful and sexy.  She is gorgeous just walking across the stage.

Kupono and Kayla blew me away with that Mia Michaels masterpiece.  I felt the judges didn’t swoon over Mia as they usually would.  Possibly a smack down to deal with what appears to be her growing ego. But, damn, if you can do it, it ain’t braggin’. And…Mia Michaels choreography, no let’s say storytelling is like watching “a life experience”.  I am not a huge Kupono fan, but I must say he is winning me over.  His acting skills sold the number.  Thier WSS dance by Dowling was criticized by the judges. Sure, it didn’t have the deep contractions and power it needed.  But where to put the blame.  I am in agreement on the fact that the intensity of the music requires choreography that fits the feel of WSS. Once again, Dowling misses the boat on explaining that to the dancers.  She told them a story about 2 kids meeting on the roof and dancing.  I thought they misunderstood the piece. Kayla’s costume also gave a “light-hearted” look to the dance.

Russian Folk Dancing?? What the Folk? Please!! The last time SYTYCD did this, it was 2 men doing a exciting cossack dance, not a little light folk dance.  And btw, I think some of those quick jump turns Jeanine did were incredible.  Jeanine in the Jive was Wow!! Phillip stepped up in that piece.  I mean let’s face it…he is not a trained dancer.  What a cutey!

Speaking of cuties…Randi & Evan. What a darling couple!  Being a huge Nappytab fan, they can do know wrong.  I loved “Halo”, another story to be told.  Randi was hot in the samba even though the energy level wasn’t as high as it could have been.  But, I really thought they were in trouble…big time.  I have loved Evan from the beginning, but he needs to “bring it”!!  It seems like he just doesn’t have the confidence to push to the next level.

Brandon and Janette, what can I say but, PERFECTION! They hit it out of the ballpark, homerun, blast-off. Nuff said!

WHAT is up with Mia this year? I am a huge fan, Mia!  But please….it’s on tape how you criticized Brandon.  Your comment during auditions was, “Everyone thinks you have talent and I just don’t see it? Then, this past week you come up with “When a teacher takes notice of a talent they’re the hardest on(that person)” This is very true….but, Mia, you DIDN’T see his talent in the beginning.  I really love your choreography BUT, Couldn’t you just say…I was WRONG!! I would have thought so much of you if you would have just said it. Repeat after me…..I was wrong about you Brandon, you have so much ability and potential!

WHEN I watch SYTYCD I do so because I can watch incredible dancers doing innovative, beautiful and exciting dances. I wish the cameras would hold still and let the TV audience see! This is especially aggravating in the group numbers.  The Napoleon and Tabitha number was ruined by the camera work. This past week, I didn’t get anything out of  Tyce’s number. Back in the 40’s, Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire knew how to film a routine so that the lines of each movement were easily visible to the camera! Nigel you should realized that and give us a wide angle view.

WHERE did 6 ft. tall Dowling get off choreographing a piece that didn’t fit Randi and Evan at all? Randi and Evan put everything into that routine! But, the choreography made them look short for the 1st time since they have been on the show. It wasn’t their dancing. It was the piece itself. I find the judges to be very hard on Evan for no reason at all. It seems he is a target for elimination.

WHY did Vitolio & Karla get stuck with the quick step while Melissa and Ade get to do her specialty.  Even though Vitolio & Karla did an outstanding job with this style of dance…they were doomed.

HOW did a pointe routine get chosen in the first place.  I thought the dancers picked the type of dance to be performed out of a hat.  Is it fair to do a pointe number especially choreographed for Melissa? Sure, I loved seeing pointe on TV. But, I hope Phillip and Jeanine don’t get pointe this week.

I watch SYTYCD so I can watch incredible dancers doing innovative, beautiful and exciting dances. I wish the cameras would hold still and let us see the especially the group numbers.  The super number by Napolean and Tabitha was ruined by the camera work. I didn’t get anything out of  July 2nd group number. Back in the 40’s, Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire knew how to film a routine so that the lines of each step was easily visable to the camera! Nigel you should realized that and give us a wide angle view.

Randi and Evan put everything into that routine! Why did 6 ft. tall Dowling choreograph a piece that didn’t fit them? It made them look short for the 1st time since we saw them. It wasn’t the dancing, it was the dance. The judges seem to be very hard on Evan.

What’s up with doing a pointe number especially choreographed for Melissa? Sure, I loved to see pointe on TV.  But, they don’t