NSync was my boy band of choice as a teen, but I still resisted watching Joey Fatone host generic versions of some of the more popular reality competition shows. I resisted, that is, until he showed up as the host (excuse me, ringleader) of Celebrity Circus.

The show's as ridiculous as it sounds. That's the beauty of it. After seeing judge Louie Spence back flip and finish it off with a sassy snap, I made a mental note to add it to my weekly schedule.

(more)

Well Dallas, we pretty much had our hats handed to us last night on So You Think You Can Dance. I am officially sad....more on that later. Let's get to this week's competition & subsequent slaughter elimination, shall we?

Our illustrious guest judge:  The very long winded but valuable Adam Shankman, "Hairspray" Choreographer. Got to love his high energy & sage advice. Said advice, however takes longer than miracle hair growth products to manifest.

Opening Intro: DFW's own Josh garners the loudest audience screams along with Twitch. And although he doesn't have the appeal of our hometown homie, fans shouldn't sleep on the skills of Gev. This kid's "hey, look at me" tricks turns out the best intro each week. Not a favorite, but I'm just saying.

Here's how the campy contestants fared:

Twitch & Kherington
HIP HOP - Tabitha & Napoleon Choreo
The duo's Prison Break theme should fare well, with PB being one of my favorite shows. I've got to shed a bit of bias though,  to admit I'm just not loving it. Kherington is borderline goofing her way through the piece; since Twitch is an expert at clowning, he wears the theatrics the dance calls for better. And all lip-synching while dancing must be stopped immediately! Save that for the "live" music artists saving their voices, please. King Nigel found nothing wrong with the goof-hop. I did - the stilted choreography.
Safe

Courtney & Gev
RUMBA - Tony & Melanie Choreo
HOT. Courtney's dress caught on her heel at the beginning of the number; she recovered so smoothly it was almost missed.  As was the other half of her smoking dress. The dance had it all: a sultry slide from our heroine down Gev's back, exquisite lifts, and a perfect spiral turn. Yes, Gev could use more extension in his Hip Hop handwork, but with a PG13 ditty like this, did anyone really notice?
Safe

Chris & Comfort
JAZZ - Tyce Choreo
Oh, my. I was left confused. I know where Tyce's quirky African jazz was heading, but our Dallas dancers did not. They failed to capture the imagination of the piece, with no aggression or passion. I disagreed with the judges on one point - Chris totally attacked the dance more than Comfort did. Small, lazy movements did not help in their quest for America's Best Dancer Crown. (Why didn't they use the props more?)
As expected, bottom 3

Will & Jessica
DISCO - Doriana Sanchez Choreo
Don't know what the judges were looking at, but the combinations looked distorted to me. Doriana's choreography trims the cheesiness from this genre, but Jessica (whom I am trying really hard to like) looks like she's struggling with it. It was technically difficult, and Jess made a nice save for her partner after Will tumbled a bit, but there were too many pauses, it looked like some moves were dropped, & it was not fluid.
Surprisingly, Safe

Matt & Kourtni
CONTEMPORARY - New Choreo Sonya Tayeh
When I saw the Mowhawked wonder ready to dethrone Mia Michaels from the Kingdom of Quirky, I knew we were in for a treat. This couple absolutely pulled off a difficult "comic book characters flirting" story coupled with some of the worst outfitting in SYTYCD history. I completely disagree with the judges - how much more loose do you want Matt to get?! He was outstanding in character for me. And I am one of the dancers Nigel said would appreciate the composition. He worried the public may not get it.
They didn't.
Bottom 3

Thayne & Chelsea T
QUICK STEP - Heather Smith Choreo
Quick Step is a sign of emanate death in this forum; why even bother with it? The footwork was sloppy, Chelsea's form was off & it was far too bouncy. The typical audience cheers & screams did not pepper the performance. Even though our Dallas girl was stunning, Mary kicked her off the Tamale Train. Yes Nigel, they should get their solos ready as you cautioned.
Bottom 3

Mark & Chelsea H
LYRICAL HIP HOP - Tabitha & Napoleon Choreo
Every time Shane's replacements disappoint me with choreography, they step it up ten notches with the next dance they present. Excuse me while I Mary scream (!!!!!...Can you hear me)?  I love this style, the story & Mark is growing on me in a major way. His quirky cuteness is able to pull off any story. I completely bought whatever Chelsea was selling, as she attempted to get her workaholic "husband" to spend time with her in this piece. Favorite of the night.
Safe

TIVO Pause - Here's a Prison Break Promo. I am so excited! Love this show. Ok, resume play.

Joshua & Katee
SAMBA - Tony & Melanie Choreo
Josh has the most entertaining interview packages that really show off his personality. So much so, I suspect the judges are seriously favoring him, no matter what he does. Whatever - this scorching piece set may TV sets on blaze! Josh has perfect form made for this style, and how could Katee ever think she's not pretty or hot? Is that the same girl dancing with Joshua during this number? Because she positively had it going on, like Chelsea T in Week 1. I am so sold on them.
America is, too.
Safe

Elimination Highlights:

Mia drops in to choreograph the elimination group number, which looks suspiciously like Wade Robson. It was good that Mark was featured in the spotlight. Week number two with Comfort getting a feature as well. Loving it.

The solos did not all appear to be that of one dancing for his life; but Matt did net a justified apology from Nigel for his brilliant work after being too hard on the dude week after week.

American Idol champ Jordin Sparks drops in to entertain, and sounds awesome is looks positively Splendaful. And we get to see last year's favorite B Boys, Hok (who was robbed) and Dominic as part of the crew Quest. Finally...the entertainment used to flesh out the bloated elimination show is getting interesting.

Nigel swiftly cuts Chelsea T without explanation. I am puzzled why Comfort was kept instead of her. Could it be the judges think Comfort was just saddled with the wrong partner? Because they sent her guy, Chris packing too. I agree with Nigel - all of these guys have been in the bottom 2-3 time each. Time to step it up.

Dallas, two of our own are coming home.

So what do you think? Were the right dancers left dropping tears in their legwarmers? Was Nigel just being cruel when he cut our diva? Are you excited at how Joshua adapts to anything they throw at him (and maybe afraid of the time his partnership will be broken up)? And finally, is it me or does the spastic SYTYCD camera work leave you begging for TUMS?

 

 

Chelsea Traille, Flower Mound's most famous spunky Mavs dancer, was booted from Fox's So You Think You Can Dance. She took the dismissal well. No tears ... thadda girl.

Truth be told, Chelsea T. did an admirable job with the quick step routine. However, her partner, Thane, really did have to lead her. It wasn't her forte, and therein lies the challenge of the show. In the end, her performance was weaker than the rest of the gals. The viewers and the judges got it right.

She's still incredibly talented. No one can deny her that. I applaud her for getting this far in the competition. She was incredibly graceful in her see-ya-later interview.

(more)

Just saw the world's greatest reality show: I Survived a Japanese Game Show. The premise: Ten Americans, who have no idea what the format of the reality show for which they've signed up, are taken to Japan to compete in an ultimate Japanese game show. You've got all the standard contestants: southern guy with a drawl, middle-aged guy, big-city diva, tall Texas blonde. Combine all that with the wacky Japanese game show, a strict Mama-san and cultural differences. (more)

Morning, Broadway Babies!

Last night was the second elimination of So You Think You Can Dance. I can't say it gets any easier seeing such talent leave the stage at this point, but at least we have lovable Cat Deeley there to comfort the dearly departed. (Seriously, she is the cutest & warmest reality show host out there. Ahem - I'm talking to you, Tyra Banks.)

The night begins with a "that's what I'm talking about!"  hip-hop sizzler from Shane Sparks. Still sad he defected to Randy Jackson's  America's Best Dance Crew, where he's not even choreographing.  He worked that piece last night, and it was a shame we didn't get to see him.

The camera is definitely lovin' on Dallas' own Comfort during the number. This Comfort  should have been the one that showed up for Wednesday's Krump disaster. She even holds it down with the guys in a quartet as all the other ladies move out of her way. Josh also receives much love, center stage with audience favorite Twitch.

Judges on deck: Nigel, Mary, Mia

Time for Cat to deliver  the bad news:
Group I
Joshua & Katee (safe) - did anyone doubt?
Twitch & Kherington (safe)
Chelsea T & Thayne  -  (dancing for their lives) - no surprise
Mia says America got it right, and Chelsea must set the stage on fire

Group II
Chelsea H & Mark (safe)
Matt & Kourtni (safe)
Will & Jessica (safe)

Random question of the day: The camera just cut to Season 2 winner Benji's dad. Who is he holding his electric sign up for this year??? We don't get a close up of the name scrolling across. Do they have family in the show again? Must find out.

Group III
Susie & Marquis (dancing for their lives)
Courtney & Gev (safe)
Comfort & Chris (dancing for their lives)

I knew it was coming, but upset that three of our own are in the bottom. Mary tells Susie & Marquis it could happen to anyone. Nigel says Comfort bounced back from a shoulder injury, and Chris bounced back beautifully from the harsh assessments the judges have been saddling him with. They deserve to be in the royal dance court, proclaims King Nigel. At this point, you just know neither of those two are going home.

The "guest" filler auditioned for Seasons 1 & 2, making it to Vegas but not onto the show - Tino Nunez performing Flamenco. How should I say this? Not a good look. At all. In areas, the form looked plain sloppy. It was evident why we've not seen him in the Top 20.

The bottom dwellers take their places to save their SYTYCD lives. From our Dallas family, Chelsea performs a contemporary with athleticism, and fluid movements. Chris also rocks a beautiful contemp, but I wish he would not cheat his lines so much and use more extension. Comfort's old school hip hop does not exactly scream out to me that she wants to stay. But I'm rooting for her.

Flo Rida sings something, through which I fast forward. Note -  his dancers remind me of MC Hammer's dancers from the "Too Legit To Quit"  days. They may need a new choreographer. And stylist.

Nigel throws poor Chelsea T.  under the bus, telling her there are better dancers on the show so she has to step up. He tells Comfort the opening number saved her chops as well. The judges are collectively proud of Chris, whose personality is emerging onto something special. They have plenty of work to do.

Before the defeated couple gets their sirloin sizzled, Nigel delivers a lovely speech. He reminds them why they are there in the first place, and that even in leaving at this point in the game they are still brilliant dancers. He's clearly pained by the decision. Now I'm scared the judges didn't do the right thing.

Susie & Marquis are going home.
(Whew, they did.)

Interesting that when Marquis' name was called as eliminated, the audience booed. I wonder who they thought the guy should be? Surely not our Chris? Cat is such a class act, genuinely comforting the emotional dancers.

Cat Fashion Watch:  Lovely spaghetti strap green mini, showcasing her legs. Gorgeous. She hasn't pulled crazy out of the closet yet, but hold on...you just know she will.

So there you have it, Broadway Babies. What do you think? Did the right couple go home? Even if you don't know flamenco - did Tino entertain you? And finally, does Tabasco in any way go with peanut butter? I'm just sayin'.

 

 

Hello, my aspiring John Travolta Impersonators! Welcome... to So You Think You Can Dance.

As a lover of all things dance and all things Dallas, I'm bubbling over in my multi colored legwarmers at the excitement of having FOUR hometown homies in the Top 20:  Comfort Fedoke (Carrollton), Chelsea Traille (Flower Mound), Joshua Allen - who should make it to the final four (Fort Worth), and Chris Jarosz (Dallas).  The level of talent this year is stupid (you know, formerly  "off da hook"  which was an upgrade from "tight" which was derived from "bad" which - oh, never mind).

Lace up your tap shoes, and let's get ready to dance!

The interview packages this week spotlights what the dancers like best & least about their partners. Because the responses are soft-shoe fillers & WEAK at best (good smelling hair, potato chip breath - seriously?) I'll grade the entire interview package a C+.  Except for Twitchington, simply because I am a huge fan of Twitch. Yes - I am biased.

Thayne & Chelsea T:  (Jazz)
After a blazin' hot start last week, the duo is up first with a Mandy Moore jazz number. As a lover of Mandy's work, I am stoked. But this did not work. The costumes were silly & reminded me of court gestures rather than the royal couple Chelsea & Thayne were portraying. The piece was discombobulated and the two didn't smolder like before.  Judge Mary kicks them off the Hot Tamale train. Our Dallas diva could be in trouble.

Mark &  Chelsea H: (Argentine Tango)
Mark is quirky & lovable; Chelsea's legs amazing. The level of difficulty in this style of tango peppered with the skill it takes to master Alex Da Silva's choreography is untempered. But these two certainly pull it off! The lines created by Chelsea's legs are impeccable, as is the sharpness in her kicks- one of which I promise reached the back of her head. Mark is strong, passionate. The final lift - resembling a rock star holding his guitar into the air was breathtaking. Let's be glad he didn't have the urge to smash it to the ground. The judges adore them both.

Will & Jessica: (Hip Hop)
I'm not a fan of Cecily & Olisa's "pop hop." Just doesn't do it for me. The happy, snappy number they saddled a Debbie Allen protege' (Will) with doesn't change my mind. It's too cute. You don't have to go all gangsta' on us in hip-hop, but there is a need for an edge. (That's why I don't do hip hop; makes me look like Patrick Dempsey's African anteater dance in "Can't Buy Me Love").  Put some street in it. I want to like Jessica so much, but when she pops, it doesn't hit like it needs to. Her self awareness causes her to overdance. Will on the other hand, dances circles around Jess. I'm happy to see him have fun for a change. Only Judge Nigel defends Jessica. I have a feeling they will be dancing for their lives tonight. I'm just sayin'.

Matt & Kourtni: (Fox Trot)
Kiss of death. Unless your name is Danny & you were on Season 3 of SYTYCD. Kourtni was my favorite female coming in to the competition; Matt - no so much diggin' the guy. But he is a ballroom natural, blessed with the grace of Fred Astaire. There's just no personality in executing Jean Marc Gernereux's beautiful choreography, even though the pair hit all the right marks. The judges agree. Hmmm. Is it bad to say I miss Danny? And when will we see Kourtni truly break out?

Gev & Courtney: (Contemporary)
Oh, I've been waiting for contemporary to rock the house! Many folk don't "get" this style; the reason why it is so embraced is because of the stories it tells. Usually about love, loss or finding yourself.  LOVED these two together. Mandy Moore redeems herself by composing all of life's little nuances into a unique number: Courtney running onto Gev's stomach, or Gev catching his love on his knees. A little game of footsie. Playful, fun. The judges think Courtney should lose herself more, & commend Gev for being a good partner. Nice save from the pitiful disco inferno of last week.

Joshua & Katee: (Broadway)
3 words: JOSH-U-A!  Amazing! Put the best choreographer (Tyce) with one of the most stylized routines that is hard to pull off (Broadway) and you get King Nigel up from his seat, dancing a jig I hope to never see again. Screaming & running around, you could see him sweating dollar signs because Joshua is paydirt. He's going places. Perfect chemistry with partner Katee, the "beautiful spirit" per the judges.  If Josh isn't standing in the top three when the dust settles, there's gonna be smoke in the city.

Marquis & Susie: (Salsa)
I'll just say it - they need to go. Really. I've never seen a Latin dance this weak. No fire, no spark. The stylists even had the nerve to slap a headpiece upside Susie's head that looked like the alien symbiotes from Spiderman 3. Oy.  Alex Da Silva should be rightfully angry with these two for ruining his artwork.

Twitch & Kherington: (Viennese Waltz)
This is what we've been waiting for! A hip hopper matched with a contemporary artist transforming into ballroom royalty. The beauty of the dance's backstory - choreographer Jean-Marc's young daughter has Rhett's syndrome, causing her to lose her motor skills at the age of 20 months. He says movement brings his child joy. A verbal smackdown arises between Nigel & Mia over Kherington's smile throughout the piece. (Never mind her exquisite lines or professional artistry). Mia feels it takes the reality of the story away. Nigel notes (rightfully) the dance is not about Jean-Marc's daughter, but was birthed because of his daughter. So the smile was warranted. All judges heap praise on the elegant Twitch, who rises to the occasion with fluid turns, strong arms and master partnering. He has worked hard in the year since his last audition to become more well rounded. It paid off.

Chris & Comfort: (Krump)
Oh, our last Dallas couple. Sorry to say you got your hat brought to you tonight. Choreographer Lil C brings more stylization to Krumping than most;  what it lacks in anger makes up in passion. Fully expect more from Comfort, especially since the promo of Nigel calling her the best hip hop girl on the show ever played like 100 times during the auditions. (Nigel chastises her for that, too. The audience boos him, but he made the right call). Chris gives a valiant effort, but neither one of them hit anything too hard. There's no synchronization, no chemistry.
Sorry Dallas, I agree with Nigel. It should have been better.

There you have it, my little Paso Dobles! What do you think? Who will be in the bottom three?  Did you notice the dreaded "swaybots" from American Idol found their way to SYTYCD? How did Texas represent for you? And finally, does my use of the word "homies" give way to my true age, & should I stop?

So I'm watching Ch. 11 the other night, and Ginger Allen's doing this story on a food additive that you sprinkle on food that tricks you into thinking you're full.

This woman says she'd lost about 5 lbs. using the stuff. But she probably gained it back during the report, which, in between shots of the Hanso-Foundation-like inventor,  featured her eating a) sushi b) chicken c) chocolate cake and d) something I couldn't quite make out.

Even the anchors had a laugh over how much she was eating. Questions/comments?

The odds of a Dallas-Fort Worth dancer emerging as the winner of Fox's So You Think You Can Dance reality show is 4.5-to-1. That's not fancy math. It's because four of the final 18 performers are from D-FW. Chelsea Traille of Flower Mound, Chris Jarosz of Dallas, Comfort Ogheneruro Fedoke of Carrollton and Joshua Allen of Fort Worth will go before the judges at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Like American Idol, viewers can vote on their favorite. Unlike Idol, the judges get to choose who's eliminated in performance rounds. When it gets to the final 10, it's up to voters. It's kind of like the reverse of the Electoral College.

Now that we don't have Jason Castro to write about for a while ... it's still a Dallas-Fort Worth-kind-of-night for reality TV tonight:

The Bachelorette: Jeremy Anderson and Blaine Twilley of Dallas and Brian Westendorf of Fort Worth represent half of the field vying for the affection of DeAnna Pappas in tonight's two-hour program on WFAA/Channel 8.

Nashville Star: Melissa Lawson of Dalworthington Gardens (a town landlocked by Arlington) is among the contestants. See it at 8 tonight on KXAS/Channel 5.

Not quite reality, but close to home is tonight's HBO documentary, "Resolved." It features Highland Park High School debaters Matt Edwards and Sam Iola. They specialize in speed-speaking, which means they're going to be talking at 400 words a minute. To me, the most interesting part will be how closed-captioning handles this. For an example, try this YouTube video.    

 

Just perpetuating a rumor here: Those of you who were counting on seeing Jason Castro perform "a harder rock version of 'Barracuda,' " it might not happen. American Idol winner David Cook told EW.com that he (on guitar), Jason (on drums) and Carly Smithson (vocal) were talking about getting together to do 'Barracuda.' Rumor has it that Idol rejected, or vetoed, Cook's proposal. It's not sitting well with the Dreadheads, who expected to see the trio perform together on the Idol tour. Stay tuned. We'll have more after we search the Internet for more rumors.