Puff Piece

Target is a magical place

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 19:00:00 +0000

There is a boycott circulating currently to encourage people to boycott Target because they're letting people choose which gendered bathroom they want in order to relieve themselves. (I'm not linking to it because they don't deserve the traffic, but feel free to Google it.) Here's why this is super stupid.

First, Target is a magical place. Target is the place where you go in to pick up toilet paper and end up rolling out with a cart of groceries, home decor, beauty products and birthday cards and, if you're really lucky, the toilet paper you needed in the first place.

The stores have an intuitive layout that makes things easy to find if you're really committed to making that surgical strike. They're also good at creating cute displays in case you're in the mood to be swayed by their new selection of ornaments. They also keep the beauty products right by the pharmacy and I have picked up a new color of nail polish with my prescription more times than I can count. (Let's just say I'm healthy and can paint my nails any color of the rainbow any time I want.)

Also, they usually have surprisingly friendly cashiers. I find myself chatting with them more often than not, and easily half of them know that I once stood at Target register in my own red shirt and khakis, back in the day. And, yes, one of them finally talked me into the Target Card because, hi, five percent off!

So, I love Target. I do not, however, love their bathrooms. They are disgusting.

The last time I was in a Target bathroom, I was with Duncan, who realized that he needed to go RIGHT NOW while we were on the polar opposite end of the store. I rushed him to the bathroom, encouraging him to hold it and distracting him with the myriad of colors and displays we saw along the way. We burst through the doors of the ladies room and were immediately greeted with the stench of stale farts and serious concerns about the personal hygiene habits of the women in our community. I ushered him into a stall where he asked for "privacy please!" so I stood on the outside, holding the door closed. Turns out it was a Code Brown, so he pulls his pants down, sits in something wet, and hollers, "Eeeeewwwwww! Moooomm!" I wince and tell him it's only water (please, God), have him wipe himself off with some TP and continue his business.

When he's done, he starts asking for help wiping his little booty. (He's five and a half, he should be able to do this on his own by now, but he fights us on it. I know we're not alone in this struggle.) The smell in the bathroom, including Duncan's contributions, has brought me nearly to tears, so I'm inclined to just clean him up and get the heck out of there.

But here's the thing: I didn't grab a cart or basket when we went into the store because we were just there to grab ONE THING: a birthday card for Mac. But then I thought it would be fun to put together a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy "survival kit" for the big 4-2, so we started running around the store for supplies. Which means I've been standing in the World's Stinkiest Bathroom holding a door closed for a noisy five year old with one hand, all while holding a towel, a notebook, a giant bottle of beer and three (3!) birthday cards precariously in my other arm.

I gracefully push my way into his stall to check the situation and try to help him out with my one free hand and keep him from Touching! Everything! I fail. At one point he says, "Ew, Mom, what's this?" I see him touching--TOUCHING--a smear of dried, brown... something on the wall and die a little inside because it's almost certainly poo. It's poo. I holler at him to stop touching it, oh my God Dude, and get him all squared away, pants up, whole deal, so we can get out of this horror show as soon as possible and then shove our hands under streams of scalding water in the sink, sudsing them with ten gallons of soap like surgeons until the horror of germs and ebola we've almost certainly contracted is exorcised from our bodies.

I tell this story not to gross you out, but to make this very important point: as awesome as Target is, their bathrooms are not great. At times, they are downright nasty, as so many public bathrooms are. So if a person, regardless of their current gender, really needs to use one of these horror shows of human excrement, by all means, we should LET THEM. Why worry about whether or not the person peeing next to you was blessed with a vag or a wang at birth, when you really should be worrying about the last time that joint was scrubbed down? God knows they wouldn't be in there unless they really, really had to go.

In conclusion: support Target. Go there when you need one thing, go when you need all the things, do your holiday shopping there, or just enjoy the spacious parking lot. They're letting everyone use the crappy, filthy bathroom of their choice, and I for one am fine with this. I think we should all continue to shop here throughout the holidays and enjoy spending too much on their cute holiday decor (have you seen the Hanukkah display? Adorbs!) and seasonal oatmeal and beer offerings and great deals on stuff you need anyway and convenient in-store Starbucks locations. Just remember: get a cart, because you'll probably buy more than what's on your list.

And maybe make sure everyone uses the bathroom before you leave the house.

Liner Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:01:00 +0000

Every December/January I put together a CD of the songs that Mac & I listened to the most throughout the year. Every year I struggle to get that list down to the 1.2 hours of music that will fit on one CD, and end up ruthlessly cutting really fantastic songs. So here are the songs that made the cut for this year's CD, complete with a few liner notes, as well as the ones that were also awesome but just wouldn't fit. Enjoy.

Mac & Dinah's Best of 2010

1. Black Sheep / Metric (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Soundtrack)

Two words for you: Power Chords. I love them. Love! I also love that they bring more of a rockin’ edge to Metric’s typical “pretty alternative girl pop” offering—a style I also enjoy as a general rule on its own, but one that really goes well with some good old-fashioned power chords.

2. Dog Days Are Over / Florence + The Machine (Lungs)

When this album came out in 2009, the only song I listened to from it was “My Boy Builds Coffins,” a great song that my friend Amanda put on a mix for me. Then I heard this song and a bunch of others from the album on this summer’s season of “So You Think You Can Dance” and just fell in love with their Big Anthem qualities. And then, yes, this song was everywhere and overplayed, but by that point I was already in love with it, so there you go.

3. Learnalilgivinanlovin’ / Gotye (Pre-Release Singles Compilation)

A song that sounds like a lost track from The Temptations is an unlikely creation from an artist AllMusic.com describes as an “Australian electronic pop trickster.” And yet.

4. Tightrope (feat. Big Boi) / Janelle Monáe (The ArchAndroid)

Loving the Motown-revival movement much? Yes, yes I am. This young lady holds the honor of being the only artist to ever perform on “So You Think You Can Dance” who was so good I not only didn’t fast-forward through her, I automatically hopped on iTunes & bought her single. Effective marketing, yes. It’s an even more effective dance song.

5. Opposite Of Adults / Chiddy Bang (Opposite Of Adults – EP)

MGMT’s “Kids” has been covered & sampled more times than I can count, but this one is the best. It also might be Mac’s favorite song of 2010.

6. WOR / Django Django (Wor/Skies Over Cairo)

Also experiencing a revival in recent years? Surf rock. I don’t know much about this band, but I know I love the hell out of this song.

7. Howlin' for You / The Black Keys (Brothers)

This whole album is so good it’s hard to pick just one song. This one is a little reminiscent of Gary Glitter’s “Rock & Roll Part 2,” I admit, but it also sounds like a sexy striptease. Ow.

8. More Or Less / The Soft Pack (The Soft Pack)

As long as Motown & surf rock are experiencing a comeback, why not garage rock? Why not indeed. This whole album is great. This song is my favorite.

9. Hellbound Train / Magnolia Mountain (Redbird Green)

Growing up in Evansville, IN in the 80s, the big local band was called Stop the Car. Today, a couple STC alums have put together this outfit that’s a little more country than rock & roll, but just as sexy & fun. I just wish I knew how to get this song in front of the music supervisor of HBO’s “True Blood."

10. How You Like Me Now / The Heavy (The House That Dirt Built)

Technically from 2009, this song grabbed the nation’s attention in a car commercial featured in the 2010 Superbowl, with toys that came to life and went carousing around western bars, bowling alleys & tattoo parlors. Then it hung out on the down-low for the rest of the year as simply one of Mac’s favorite songs until The Fighter came out in the fall, and became a whole new anthem for scrappy badasses everywhere.

11. Momma's Place / Róisín Murphy (Momma's Place – EP)

Straight up late 80s/early 90s dance pop.

12. I Can Change / LCD Soundsystem (This Is Happening)

I first listened to this on my niece Sydney’s Facebook wall, and it reminded me of songs I loved when I was her age. Maybe because we both moved away from our best friends when we were 14, I always think of her and my old friends when they sing, “Never change never change never change never change…”

13. MoneyGrabber / Fitz & The Tantrums (Pickin' Up the Pieces)

A treat from my friend Alf, and another neo-Motown jam, with a dash of funk.

14. Sorrow / The National (High Violet)

I love this guy’s voice and I love this album, but I love the heart-wrenching sadness in this gorgeous breakup song the most.

15. What Part of Forever / Cee Lo Green (Twilight: Eclipse Soundtrack)

It never fails to amaze me that these goofy teen sparkly vampire melodrama movies can boast these really great soundtracks that compile a lovely mix of pop, rock and indie acts. Most people will remember Cee Lo’s delightful “F--- You” from 2010, but this catchy, strummy pop number is the one that gets stuck in my head the most. Maybe it’s the whistling?

16. Grey X Sage / Theophilus London (This Charming Mixtape)

Mac calls this the “muppet song” because it sounds like there are muppets singing counterpoint. He’s not wrong. It is, in fact, one of the reasons I love the song. Because who doesn’t love muppets?

17. We Used to Wait / Arcade Fire (The Suburbs)

I feel like such a victim of marketing with this song. The Arcade Fire released this song as part of a viral marketing campaign to introduce Google Chrome by having the viewer punch in their childhood home address, which would then play the song while all these pop ups & animation come up around satellite views of the old neighborhood. I don’t know if I’m explaining it well, but it was really cool, and by the time the song was over I wanted to hear it again and again.

18. Write About Love / Belle and Sebastian (Write About Love - Single)

Less Motown but still a 60s throwback, this song reminds me of my days of punching the clock in my old corporate gig with lyrics like, “I hate my job. I’m working way too much (every day I’m stuck in an office).”

19. Light Of Love / Music Go Music (Expressions)

Wait, did I sneak in a lost ABBA track on here? No. But I did sneak in something just as joyful and fun.

Burnable CDs should be longer for songs like these:

The World Was Made For Men / The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger – A gorgeous, dreamy boy/girl duet ballad from this new group made up of Sean Lennon and his girlfriend. The whole “Acoustic Sessions” album is lovely, if you don’t mind the slightly haunting fact that Sean sounds an awful lot like his dad when he sings.

Bang Bang Bang / Mark Ronson – A fun, highly percussive indie pop song for anyone who likes that sort of thing. Like me.

Excuses / The Morning Benders – I like anthem-y tunes constructed in waltzy, ¾ time like this one. Another find from my niece Sydney.

Angela Surf City / The Walkmen – This one is another great surf rock homage, filled with all the jangly guitars & strong drums you expect, and some authentically angsty vocals that maybe you wouldn’t expect.

Not in Love / Crystal Castles feat. Robert Smith – The Cure’s old front man lends his unique vocal stylings to dancey, electronic pop with fantastic results.

Lovesick / Lindstrom & Christabelle – This electronic dance track was a present from my sister Amy, and a slinky, sexy good time.

things to say

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 23:50:00 +0000

Tap tap. Is this thing on?

I've been thinking about bringing back the Blog. I even re-designed it with the idea that maybe I could get her going again. I have things to say and I miss the writing.

My reasons for taking almost a year-long breather are still there. I'm still highly busy. If I'm writing a personal blog then odds are good I should actually be doing something else.

But it's also been a hell of a year. I'm pregnant for the first time and like every other mom before me I have all these Important! thoughts and feelings about my experience so far. As for the rest of my life, sometimes I just have thoughts that can't be summed up in 140 characters, even if that's all I have time for. Plus I have a couple playlists going that need liner notes. (Yes, they NEED them. Need.)

So, I'm back. For now. We'll see how it goes. Stay tuned!

Moms are TOTALLY embarrassing!

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:55:00 +0000

Look. All of the bitching about Moms on Facebook has got to stop. I just watched a video of a dude who outlined an entire PowerPoint presentation for dealing with Moms on Facebook that ended with this nugget:

According to him (and you can watch the video here), more people are searching for ways to deal with their Moms on Facebook than are searching for ways to Find God.

So here's my solution for how to deal with Moms on Facebook:
GET OVER IT.

But! What about my PRIVACY?!?!?
In case you weren't aware, Facebook is on the Internet, dummy. It's public. You HAVE NO PRIVACY on the Internet.

Once you start putting your life online, your mom is not the only one who can see what you're up to and judge you for it. There are, in fact, entire sites dedicated to calling out dumb-ass behavior on Facebook. Just one example of someone looking you up online: future employers. It is a FACT that companies can and will choose whether or not to hire you based on what they find about you online.

Also, here's a revelation--you don't actually WANT privacy. If you wanted privacy, you would un-tag or delete those embarrassing pictures, you wouldn't air out your relationship problems in your damn status update, and you wouldn't tell the world about every minute detail of your life.

What you want is ATTENTION. It's not entirely your fault--our society rewards the famous more than anyone else, even those who gain notoriety for being complete and utter dumb shits. You want that too, and that's okay. But all those famous people also have parents, and have had no choice but to accept a more open relationship with them. Loss of privacy is a trade off and consequence of increased fame and attention. You want one, you get the other, period.

But! I can't be MYSELF!
Sure you can. This is only really a problem if
A) Being yourself involves being a complete and total douche bag
B) You lie to your parents on a regular basis and have a crappy relationship
or C) Your parents have had every other thought and experience in their lives surgically removed from their brains except for all of their lovely memories of YOU.

Let's start with C)
When I learned that my mom had discovered my blog, I had a small moment of panic and gasped, "But I swear on my blog!" And then I rolled my eyes at myself and GOT OVER IT because guess what? Mom has read, heard, and even uttered curse words before. I know, SHOCKING, right?

One of my favorite examples of living life publicly for all to see, including Mom, is Dooce. Here is a woman who talks about everything from hemorrhoids to duck farts in her blog and in person, and if you read her awesome and highly detailed story of the birth of her second daughter, you will note that she was in so much pain she was screaming profanities right in front of her very own darling mother. And her mom remained unphased.

You know why? Our parents have heard it all before. They had whole entire LIVES before we even showed up. Your parents did all kinds of stuff before you were born, and here's a real shocker: some of them still do! The idea that your mom has nothing better to do than wash your clothes and stalk you on the Internet is stupid.

As for B) Quit lying to your parents. If you are making adult decisions and enjoying the fun and freedom of adult behavior, then it is time to have an adult relationship with your parents. With or without Facebook, they probably know or at least assume you're making some dumb choices anyway, and they probably still like you just fine.

One of my favorite stories of a mother-son relationship is this one: A guy I know went to college and fully rebelled against many of the rules of his loving, yet conservative, upbringing. When his mom came to visit him at school, he took her to lunch, sat her down and said, "Mom. I have to tell you something. I drink. I smoke. I have tattoos. And I'm no longer going to church."

First of all, she was relieved because she thought he was going to tell her he'd gotten someone pregnant, which I just think is funny. Then she responded, "I do wish you'd go to church. But you REALLY shouldn't smoke." Which, hi, she's totally right--smoking is really bad for you.

The point is, she didn't lose her mind over what turned out to be a fairly small revelation about her son. In fact, there is a lot of value to being honest with your parents, especially as an adult. I recognize and respect that not everyone has loving parents who want the best for them, and those situations should be handled differently. But if your parents DO love you and want the best for you, and you're lying to them anyway? Knock it off.

Finally, A) Easy solution: Quit acting like a total douche bag.

If you're all weirded out or even ashamed by the idea of your mom finding out about your behavior, then I'd like to take a moment to congratulate your mom for raising you right. That means that that nagging voice in the back of your head telling you not to do that stupid thing? That's your MOM. That voice is trying to save you from yourself. Maybe instead of worrying about what she'll think of you when she finds out, you should LISTEN TO HER.

But! My mom is EMBARRASSING ME!

First of all, if you're a teenager: I know right?? Moms are TOTALLY embarrassing! It's like it's their JOB or something. GOD.

Now, if you are NOT a teenager: Oh, honey. You have a mom who wants to be involved in your life, who cares about how you're doing, and has fond memories of your childhood with pictures to back it up? That's... awesome. No, really. Have you seen Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire? Or met anyone outside of your own little world who didn't grow up exactly like you did? Because not all moms and dads care that much, dude. Some of them suck, mightily. Some people don't even HAVE moms, how sad is that? If you have a mom, and she's still around, and she doesn't suck, maybe you should take a minute to be grateful. (Yes, I realize I just sounded JUST LIKE HER just then. No, I am not your mom writing this in disguise. Or a mom at all, in fact. I'm just someone who is lucky and knows it.)

Also, check this out--all your friends? That you're worried about impressing with your cool, unsupervised life? They also have moms (again, if they're lucky). They know what it is to be embarrassed. What a fun thing to share, have in common, and laugh about. I mean, you do have a sense of humor, right?

But! But!
You have officially run out of buts. (Heh. "Butts.") Your mom being on Facebook does not actually mean that your life is over. There is officially nothing left to do, but get over it. Either live your life publicly on the Internet exactly the way you want, with no limits, and accept that your parents can see it and might not approve. Or accept that what you put online is entirely public and maybe should have some limits.

Live your life on the Internet as though your mom can see it, and make choices about what you share with the whole damn world accordingly. Isn't that what we should all be doing anyway?

So, fine. I have opinions.

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:56:00 +0000

URRRRRG.

Alright, fine, listen. I wasn’t gonna, but the opinions, every week. And then, no one in my house or work watches, so I have to keep them to myself. Which, if you’ve met me, well. Not the most possible thing ever. So, fine. I have opinions. I make no promises for consistent recaps every week, but I have to say at least a little something about these most recent seven dances.

First of all, the praise the judges heap on Travis Wall is crazy well deserved. The kid is creative and resourceful and has created some amazingly physical, musical and emotional routines.

This week, he did a routine to one of my all-time favorite songs, “Your Ex-Lover is Dead” by Stars, so I was pre-disposed to love the dance. The song tells the story about being introduced, as though for the first time, to that one Ex that brings up all your FEELINGS, and is sung in a man/woman duet in 6/8 time accompanied by romantic cellos and French waltzy accordian, and just listening to the song can give me chills and make me cry when they sing, “I’m not sorry I met you. I’m not sorry it’s over. I’m not sorry there’s nothing to say” in unison, one octave above the other.

Not to music-geek out on you, but this is how I feel about music and it’s best you just understand it up front. I am passionate about what I listen to, and I am way passionate about how freaking much I love this song.

So, you can imagine, when Ryan and Ellenore took Travis’s brilliant choreography, and transformed a handshake into the story of an entire relationship that’s run its course, and told that story SO BEAUTIFULLY…. Well. It was overwhelming. It was a moment I never felt in Season 5, as you know. I loved it far too much not to share.

Obviously, I felt Ellenore & Ryan's Contemporary was the best of the night. And I’ll go ahead and add: considering how eye-gougingly awful they were last week? Pretty amazing accomplishment.

Second best couple was Katherine & Legacy. I really thought I was going to hate Legacy, if only for being a douche-tard who calls himself Legacy. But then, dammit, he started winning me over. And this week I needed a cigarette after their Paso Doble (and I don’t smoke). It was just that hot. Again, they were fully committed to the style and the performance and I loved the hell out of it.

The rest break down like so:

3. Noelle & Russel, Foxtrot – Yeah, Russell has improved, and yeah, Noelle is darling, but really this routine was all about their back-to-back shimmy and their genuine, confident smiles throughout the steps. Not a masterpiece like my two faves of the night, but nicely executed and super joyful to watch.

4. Ashleigh & Jakob, “Hip Hop” – Dumb routine (as usual, Napitholeanitha) but danced well. I like these two, I think they really committed to what they were given the best they could, and think they’ll go really far.

5. Channing & Victor, Jazz – Conceptually, this piece didn’t work for me because music and dancing were too much of a contrast for me, the song being too quiet for their strong dancing. I thought it was really well done, but I had no emotional reaction to it whatsoever.

6. Mollee & Nathan, Pop Jazz – I’m not 14, so I really don’t give a shit about these two or how cute they are, and I’m not a judge (or their parents) so I really don’t care how much they grow or mature as people. I mean, Nigel is so invested in trying to snap Nathan out of his spoiled, immature cute boy bullshit that he hardly had a thing to say about his dancing. Which was great, actually. This number was way better than that pile of garbage they handed in last week. But, like with Channing & Victor, it elicited no emotion from me whatsoever.

7. Karen & Kevin, Broadway – I really loved the song and choreography, and the dancing was decent & cute, but only just. Also, I’m super tired of Nigel referring to Karen as “sexual.” Like, he’s not even saying “sexy,” he’s saying “sexuality” and it’s gross & creepy. Also, she’s pretty & all, I guess, but I don’t get what all this hot tamale “Ah-OOO-ga” fuss is all about, frankly. As for Kevin, he's up against Russel & Legacy as a hip hop dancer, and for whatever reason, he's just not rocking it as much as they are.

I meant to do just a short thing about all this, maybe one sentence per couple, and now it’s this long essay. Which took way longer than I expected. This is why I’m not supposed to be recapping this season, y’all. But, whatevs, thems my opinions, and I look forward to hearing yours, and seeing how the votes shake out!

How Can I Miss You if You Won't Go Away?

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:46:00 +0000

I'm just going to rip this Band-Aid off first: I will not be blogging the fall season of So You Think You Can Dance. (Or, as Brigid accidentally, brilliantly re-named it, "Do You Think You SHOULD Dance.")

It's too much. It's 3 hours a week just to watch it, and the writing and the thought I like to put into it. I have too much to do, and if I'm being honest, too much other fall TV to enjoy.

Also, as far as I'm concerned, it's just too soon, and Too Much of a Good Thing. Which inspired the following list, entitled, "How Can I Miss You if You Won't Go Away?"

1. So You Think You Can Dance
My summer treat, my guilty pleasure! You started as the bastard step-sibling to the American Idol monster, and became the little show that could, impressing more and more people every season by showcasing contestants with actual talent and darling personalities. Your judges were unique and crazy, yet (mostly) surprisingly insightful and accurate, and four years running the results were totally satisfying.

And then you watered down your Top 20 cast for season 5 so you could build a story and a Top 20 cast for Season 6. The contestants were darling at first but we tired of them quickly, and no one was So Outstanding or So Committed that we felt like we couldn't miss a show, and desperately needed to vote. The Emmy nominations rolled in for dances that included Twitch standing by a door, and you celebrated your 100th episode, and suddenly it just felt like you were not just taking the dance seriously--something I have ALWAYS appreciated--but you were taking yourselves too seriously. Which is less fun. And just when I was thinking, "Yeah, but I bet I'm over it and ready for more dancing by next summer," you're already back with a whole new season? I don't know, honey.

2. Spike
Remember when Spike first showed up on Buffy, and her mom threatened him with an axe, and he was all new and scary and funny and interesting? And then when he showed up you were like Eeeee! Spike's back! Fun! And then they kept bringing him back? And then he was in Sunnydale all the time? And no one really knew why? And then there was that ill-advised romance with Buffy? And then suddenly there were TWO be-souled vampires and we were all like, What??? And then he was Crazy in the Basement for, like, ever? And then he moved over to Angel, and while Marsters & Boreanaz had awesome chemistry it was still like, "Great, just what this show needed: MORE DUDES."

Spike is the perfect example of how shit goes wrong when you give The People what they think they want. Spike was awesome as a recurring character. As a series regular, it was Too Much Spike. There weren't enough stories for him, so the stuff they ended up giving him was weird and shark-jumpy and just rang false. As someone who loved the character, I was pretty bummed when I realized I'd gotten totally sick of him.

3. EVOO
Sometimes, you don't need Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Sometimes, you just need to cook with regular vegetable oil. Or canola. Or Pam. I'm looking at you Food Network. Seriously.

4. Cupcakes/Bakeries
I realize that I am spoiled with this in LA, but sweet fancy frosted Christ the cupcake bakeries have gotten OUT OF CONTROL. These used to be a rare and exciting TREAT. Now it's like, oh, cupcakes. There they are again. There's another bakery. Yawn.

And the thing is, if you taste the cupcakes they're still delicious. They're still a fairly exciting treat. The problem is that people have gotten so used to them being around, that they're no longer impressed when you bake them.

Or I bake them. So really, I'm just complaining that people don't appreciate my cupcakes enough.... yeah. Moving on.

5. Michelle Forbes
When Michelle Forbes showed up on Battlestar Galactica as the scary commander we were all like, "DUUUUUUDE YESSSSSS." And for awhile, it was awesome. Then it got tiresome.

Same thing on True Blood. She shows up and we were all, "Awesome! Scary villain time!" And she was a scary villain. She was slinky and mysterious and weird and creepy and it was great for a good long while. And then it got tiresome again.

I think the problem with Michelle is not her. She brings an intensity to her roles that is gripping. It's just that her level of intensity is hard to take, week after week, with no break. Maybe there's a problem with the stories she's in as well. But the upshot is that Michelle Forbes is like black pepper. It'll season up your food/show, but a little sure goes a long way.

I'm sure there are other things for this list, but that's all I got for now. What would be on your list?

In conclusion:

C'est la vie.

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:49:00 +0000

Finale!

The night kicks off with Tasty's "Brand New Day" routine from The Wiz, and all Top 20 dancers. Hi Top 20!! Hi hi it's so good to see y'all again! It's so high energy and fantastic! And then out comes Cat lookin' like a million damn bucks. Wow. Well done, honey.

Before the rest of the show kicks off, I am under the impression that Jeanine has become the front-runner to win the whole thing. Not my favorite, or my first choice, but I kind of get it. It's been the buzz on the Internets, and the crowd at the Kodak goes extra bananas when Cat says her name, if that's any indication.

Basically, I'm girding myself for a disappointing ending to a season that didn't grab me as much as past seasons have. Although, after the season montage, I still get a little choked up.

It's the dancing, y'all. I love it so much. I can't help it. No matter how I might feel about .... whatever. I still just love to watch these people dance their asses off. Just love it.

Adam Shankman's pick: Hip Hop to "Mad" by Ne-Yo, choreographed by Tabitha & Napoleon, danced by Phillip and Jeanine. Really? because I'm fast-forwarding this dumb dance. Also, I don't really believe this was Adam's pick. I mean, really??

Nigel Lythgoe's pick: Argentine Tango to "Libertango" from Forever Tango, choreographed by Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo, danced by Janette and Brandon. YES. I was riveted the whole time and clapped spontaneously when it was over, just like I did the first time. So awesome.

Debbie Allen's pick: Waltz to "Dreams are More Precious" by Enya,choreographed by Louis Van Amstel, danced by Asuka & Vitolio. It's pretty, I guess, it's just not sticking out in my memory, like at all. These two really seem to enjoy being back and dancing together again, though, which is nice or something.

Mary Murphy's pick: Contemporary to "If It Kills Me" by Jason Mraz, choreographed by Travis Wall, danced by Jeanine & Jason. I would have been surprised if they didn't take one more chance to show this, and give more props to Travis's choreography, which is lovely.

Mia Michaels' pick: Samba to "Jum Bah Day" by House of Gypsies, choreographed by Louis Van Amstel, danced by Kayla & Max. Great number. Just as hot and flawless as I remember it the first time. Surprising pick by Mia, though.

Debbie's second pick: Salsa/Hip Hop fusion, or whatever, the Top 16 group number with all the water by Tabitha & Napoleon and Dmitry to "I Know you Want Me" by Pitbull. I have to say, I liked this much better than I did the first time around. Though I can think of at least two other group numbers I liked better.

Lil C's pick: Bollywood to "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire, choreographed by Nakul Dev, danced by Caitlin & Jason. Great pick, high energy, awesome, great to see them again. Although Jason's kind of a mess--his vest stuck to his bracelet, then the cuff fell to the floor, and was that lipstick or blood all over his face by the end? Yikes!

First one to go: Kayla. Sigh. Like so many superior, brilliant dancers before her on this show, she proved that simply being a truly excellent, gorgeous dancer is not enough to win.

Adam's second pick: Contemporary "butt dance" to "Koop Island Blues" by Koop feat. Ane Brune, choreographed by Mia Michaels, danced by Randi & Evan. I would have been very surprised if this had not been picked by someone. And I still wish it was being danced by someone more earthy and less cute. C'est la vie.

Mary's second pick: Paso Doble to "Tetsujin" from The Matrix, choreographed by Louis Van Amstel, danced by Jeanine & Brandon. From last night. As in, the one we just saw. Which was great, but. We just saw it. Whatever. Fast forward.

Second one to go: Evan. And there he goes, finally. He looks really disappointed that he didn't win. Like he's thinking, "All those goats we sacrificed... for third??"

Nigel's second pick: Contemporary to "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles, choreographed by Mia Michaels, danced by Kayla & Kupono. Mia's addiction piece is just as intense, heartbreaking, and amazing as it was the first time we saw it.

I'd be crying again, if they didn't follow it up with teeny tiny adorable little hip hop boys. So stinkin' cute.

Tasty Oreo's pick: Disco to "Loving is Really My Game" by Brainstorm, choreographed by Doriana Sanchez, danced by Janette & Brandon. These two are so sensational. They did so many amazing numbers. Tasty could have picked Wade Robson's brilliant cartoony "Ruby Blue" routine, for example, and I would have loved him forever for it. But he picked a Doriana Sanchez disco routine. So I'm fast-forwarding.

Mia's second pick: Contemporary to "This Woman's Work" by Maxwell, choreographed by Tasty Oreo, danced by Melissa & Ade. Tyce's breast cancer piece. Just as gorgeous and touching as it was the first time we saw it. Now I AM crying, at least a little.

Thank God they decided to take this moment to do a little Chorus Line with six of the jidges dancing!! Debbie, Adam, Mary, Nigel, Mia and Tyce! I love it! But too short!! Jidges and choreographers should dance MORE on this show, I think. Don't you?

(Also, Mia should rock that bright red lipstick more often because it just works on her like a fabulous charm.)

And the winner is: Jeanine. I guess the buzz was right. It feels.... exactly like the rest of the season. Love the dancing, but not necessarily the people, or the results. And why is this interview going on for so long? Also, it seems like kind of a shame that the second place person doesn't get their own separate moment to shine. Also also, last year, they gave the top girl a separate prize, the first time ever they'd done that. They're not doing it for the top guy this year? No moment at all for Brandon, after all he did and went through this season? Really?

Ah well. Regardless. There you have it. No more dance program recap blogs. I need to get back to my other one.

Talk about pie or something.

really difficult, highly entertaining, and perfectly executed

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Performance Finale!

I'm not super excited about this whole Kodak Theater thing. I think it makes the sound weird, the lighting bad, and it also seems kind of hard to shoot the dancing properly. Which, if you can't get the dancing onto my TV, how do you expect to have a damn TV show about dancing? But Cat & the jidges really seem to think the fact that they're at the Kodak is the Best! Thing! Ever!

Wade's opening jock/cheerleader number might be my favorite thing he's ever done. It just tickled me to no end. Also, seeing him dance it in rehearsal just really makes me want to watch HIM dance, like, as much as possible.

Jeanine & Evan, Contemporary - The bio bit just shows how obnoxious they both are, and surely I am not the only one noticing this? The dancing is good, but to me it's a top 8 or 10 number, not a final four number. Can you tell how over them I am?

1. Brandon, solo - Weird shorts aside, I thought this was excellent. He danced like he was a tight ball of frenetic energy about to explode, with the flawless technique we've come to expect, packing his short time with what seemed like just as many moves as he could think of. I think I would have like to see that energy release more, by way of using a lot more of that ginormous stage. Otherwise, this guy is unstoppable.

Kayla & Brandon, Broadway - Well, the song is kind of dumb. But Tasty Oreo's choreography is senfrigginsational, and of course these two dance the shit out of it. THIS is what finale dancing should absolutely be: really difficult, highly entertaining, and perfectly executed.

2. Jeanine, solo - Girl. Spit out that dumb flower RIGHT NOW. I mean it young lady. I will not look at your dancing until you do. Spit it. Spiiiitttt itttt. Oh you're done? Well then. I just missed your whole damn solo 'cause you had to do it with that stupid effing flower in your mouth. I hope you're proud of yourself. GOD.

Brandon & Evan, Pop Jazz - I might not have realized it until just now, but I have always wanted to watch Brandon dance to Janet Jackson. And he is KILLIN' IT. Evan, dude, is not. In fact, it occurs to me, watching the two of them together, that Brandon is caring a lot more about nailing the routine than supporting Evan, and really competing. In fact, it also occurs to me that this might be the first TRUE dance competition I have seen thrown down this whole damn season. I had to wait for the finale for this?!? Although, again, at least I got to watch Brandon dance to Miss Jackson, if you're nasty. (Nigel: "Evan, there isn't a nasty bone in your body." Me: "Heh. Heh heh heh heh. Heh heh.")

Kayla & Jeanine, Contemporary - Mia's routine is totally riveting. I also really enjoy seeing these two dancing side by side, the dark brunette and pale blond making a striking pair. Of course, I like Kayla better, but I don't think that's why she kept drawing my eye. She finishes her lines better, her timing was perfect, and she never dropped character, where I felt like Jeanine was just wasn't as polished. The difference was not as obvious as the one between Brandon and Evan, but it was definitely there, resulting in an uneven routine, not because of its construction or anything else but the difference in talent.

3. Evan, solo - Sigh. It's adorable, it's slick, it's more of the same. I think, in fact, it's just like his initial audition piece, and Adam Shankman confirms that for me. Oh, Evan. It's time for you to be done on this show.

Kayla & Evan, Jive - Well, it's about damn time they got our Colorado girl into some damn cowboy boots. The number is really fun and high energy, and they do some cute things with the height difference, with Evan crawling between her legs and all. Where I thought Brandon just flat-out out-danced Evan, however, I thought here Kayla decided to try and keep the pairing at more the same level in order to make the partnership work, and it resulted in Evan just bringing her down a wee bit, and that's a damn shame.

And just as I'm thinking that I, and the judges, have really been harshing on Evan--justified, but still harsh--the crowd at the Kodak starts chanting his name. Because they are either blind or stupid. Seriously, I DO NOT GET IT. HE'S NOT THAT GOOD, PEOPLE.

4. Kayla, solo - Well, I wanted to see more either because she didn't get to the good stuff til the end or because I'm just a fan of hers. Adam Shankman prepares me, and the rest of her fans, for her not to win when he points out that she is one of the best dancers on the show, just like Travis, Danny, and Will. All of whom were, in fact, the best dancers of their seasons, and none of whom won. Very astute observation, Shanks.

Jeanine & Brandon, Paso Doble - YES. This Matrix-inspired number is FIERCE, honey. Brandon gets way, WAY into the floor with his movement, and he's sharp and aggressive and dancing like an animal. In black vinyl. Jeanine also attacks the routine with a commitment I really appreciate, although she's just not as good as Brandon who just kills it, again, some more. All that energy I was waiting to unleash in his solo just landed all over the stage, and it was awesome.

If it were me ranking them: Brandon, Kayla, Jeanine, Evan
How I think it'll play out: Brandon, Jeanine, Kayla, Evan

Unless that chanting for Evan was actually opening a portal to Hell, through which Evan's fans will sacrifice a field of goats in order to secure him extra votes. I sincerely hope that doesn't happen. Poor goats.

"Don't fuss with the girls."

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:22:00 +0000

Last night's show, as briefly as I can.

Cat's side part makes her look like a Wakefield Twin.

Boys group: Brandon & Ade nail the style Sonya was going for--one I particularly liked, in fact--and Evan keeps up respectably. Why he keeps getting props from the judges for just keeping up at this point is quite beyond me.

Jeanine & Ade 1, Samba: Two seriously hot dancers doing a hot dance to a hot/nasty song...with tepid results, unfortunately.

Kayla solo: Fabulous, but did it seem a wee bit desperate to anyone else?

Melissa & Evan 1, Broadway: Evan is great in his ideal style--Cute--and Melissa is also cute, but I'm just not as delighted by this as I feel I should be.

Ade solo: I love this kid, but I feel like I've seen this solo before. Yawn.

Kayla & Brandon 1, Contemporary: (Stacey Tookey!) Goosebumps. Best dance of the night. Amazing partnership. Final Two written all over it. Brilliant.

Melissa solo: Lovely. Showed nice variation & range on her style, and excellent music choice.

Jeanine & Ade 2, Hip Hop: Napoleobitha, with props (sigh). Ade's hat covering his face is a mistake. Well danced, but not hitting it out of the park. For me, anyway. The judges lost their minds over it.

Brandon solo: He breaks out his original audition piece, which might be smart, or might be a bit lazy maybe? It's amazing, still, though.

Melissa & Evan 2, Quickstep: This just makes me wish for a big ol' swing number--where have they been? Too easy? Otherwise, this dance is slick & pretty & fine.

Jeanine, Solo: A little too much sex kitten pouting, sweetie. You're sexy without it, girl, knock it off.

Evan, Solo: Cute. What else would it be?

Kayla & Brandon 2, Disco: UGH DISCO GOD WHY. For what it is, it's fabulous. These two, seriously. Loving the hell out of them.

Girls group: Kayla & Jeanine nail the style; Melissa doesn't hit it as hard. As a bit of a comic geek, though, I love the concept. (Cat: "Don't fuss with the girls.")

Predictions:
Brandon & Evan staying, Ade leaving--not what I want, but what I think will happen
Kayla & Jeanine staying, Melissa leaving--not what I expected to want, but what I think will happen

I think Evan & Jeanine maybe should leave at this stage, but I think they have the votes.

If Brandon or Kayla leave I am DONE with this season.

sitting here kind of gaping

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:40:00 +0000

100th Episode! Yeeeeeaaaayyyy!

And Cat decided to raid Linda Richman's wardrobe for this episode because....?

I just love it when they do the montage of all the best dancers of the past seasons. So much amazing talent on this show, I just love it so freaking much.

So when they announce the bottom four, it's Janette, Kayla, Jason and ... BRANDON?? I know I predicted Kayla, just in terms of voting/personality, but let's be clear: she probably is the best female dancer in this season. And if she isn't, Janette is. And I was kind of over Jason, but he had a great night last night. Brandon had that waltz, but he's also Brandon and kind of a genius. And I was just sitting here kind of gaping when Mac said, "Remember: America is stupid."

Oh. Right. I mean... I don't actually believe that. But right now I'm really feeling like something's gone horribly wrong. Or like Evan has a phone bank somewhere.

Also, can someone please tell me what the hell happened to Sabra? Why doesn't she ever come back to the show??

Also also, I need to find more videos of Wade Robson dancing, because HI. I mean. It's just a whole other level watching him dance, as opposed to just choreographing isn't it? So sharp and perfect and professional and awesome. What a treat for us!

As for the Katie Holmes treat, well. It was nice to see Mark and Joshua in that, at least.

The results: Janette is leaving, just as I was starting to believe she could win the whole thing. Jason joins her, which isn't as big of a shock, I guess.

And so the 100th episode ends, not with a bang, but with my DVR paused over Jason's tears, and me realizing I have to freaking PACK. Yikes!

As always, I welcome your thoughts!!

"Have you ever...? I mean seriously."

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:21:00 +0000

It's a little tragic that I haven't blogged my favorite summer show two weeks in a row, but my life is busy and it's not like I'm gettin' paid for this. SO. The 100TH EPISODE has already started and I haven't even made predictions, so I'm watching on the DVR now and will do a superquick shortcut blog of Wednesday's performances.

First: Ellen Degeneres rocks and is hilarious and I love her. Fab.

Travis's Group Dance: Cute!

Janette & Evan 1, Sonya Jazz: Evan was better than usual but not great. Janette was FANFREAKINGTASTIC. Mac: "Now's the time on Sprockets when we dance."

Kayla Solo: I just love watching her dance.

Jeanine & Brandon 1, Waltz: Yawn. Also, Jeanine's yellow dress doesn't go with this song or number. Random observation, but there it is.

Jason Solo: Cute, but not much more.

Melissa & Ade 1, Cha Cha: Prim when it should have been a lot sexier.

Janette Solo: Clearly trying to show how much she's grown, and I appreciate that. Even if I do hate that she made me listen to Celine Dion.

Kayla & Jason 1, Broadway: Slinky, and exactly what the dance calls for. I love how Kayla can rock any costume or makeup or character anyone throws at her, inhabits it completely, but still shines through as herself. Such a rare gift she is.

Ade Solo: I just want to hug him, is all.

Janette & Evan 2, Rhumba: Janette continues to win at everything, and I'm officially over Evan. He can go any day and I won't cry over it. Also, he's just, like, 1/3 head, and 2/3 tiny dude body. He's like a bobblehead.

Melissa Solo: I appreciate that she did something a different and not totally "I'M A BALLERINA," despite wearing her point shoes. Well done.

Jeanine & Brandon 2, Pop Jazz: Really great, really committed.Brandon is much better, and they're a bit of a mis-matched couple, in terms of energy. But overall fantastic.

Evan Solo: Been there, seen that. I love it, but I'm kind of done with it. It's kind of like, I like pancakes, but I couldn't eat them all the time. I only like them every once in awhile.

Jeanine Solo: Fabulous. She's really gone from being a meh dancer to one of my favorites. Very well done.

Melissa & Ade 2, Contemporary: Sublime, heartfelt, gorgeous and painful. Beautiful work by Tyce, beautifully danced by the couple.

Brandon Solo: DAMN. 'Nuff said. (Cat: "Have you ever...? I mean seriously.")

Kayla & Jason 2, Hip Hop: Crazy, sick. Awesome. Jason proves he can do more than Cute. Kayla proves, yet again, some more, that she can do anything brilliantly.

Predictions: UGH. So impossible to say, and I kind of don't want to because I know the results/100th episode are waiting for me. Of the guys, I was kind of ready for either Evan or Jason to go before this episode, and now I'd basically still just be okay with Evan. Of the girls... I mean, they're all so freaking good at this stage. I think she's freaking genius, but it might be Kayla just because, like Will last season, she's not as engaging personally as she is brilliant as a dancer. But we'll see...

the same thrill I always used to get

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:00:00 +0000

I don't have a blog/analysis of this week's Top 10 show, so I'm going to just say that Travis's routine was senfreakingsational, guess that Randi & Kupono are going home (weak paso doble, weak solos), and see how that turns out.

Also, congrats to Mia, Tabitholeon, Tasty Oreo and Dmitry Chaplin on their Emmy nominations! So awesome!!

I went and did a Google video search of the numbers they were nominated for, and Dmitry's tango was danced by last year's winner, Joshua. Watching it again, I got the same thrill I always used to get watching him dance. His commitment, strength, skill and character still just rock my world.

Then I looked up Benji & Donyelle's Shane Spark's "Too Much Booty" on Google video to see if that still holds up as The Moment when I fell in love with those two and wanted them to win (and, honestly, when I fell in love with the show), and sure enough I was just as delighted as I was three years ago.

Then I looked up Sabra & Neil's jazz routine to "Sweet Dreams," which is the moment I really started to want Sabra to win, and it was exactly as awesome as I remember.

My point is, I just don't feel that Connection with any of these Top 10 so far this year. I like Ade, I admire Brandon, I've become a little "meh" on the other three guys. Jeanine's grown on me, I like Melissa but I'm losing interest for some reason, Janette's awesome but comes on a little strong for me, Kayla's awesome but doesn't come on strong enough (except on the floor), and Randi's just cute and kind of boring.

I dunno. I still love the show to pieces, but I'm not feeling that LOVE I felt for Joshua last year, nor am I feeling that competitive spirit I did last year when Twitch was constantly nipping at his heels right to the final two. You know?

What do you think? Who do you LOVE this season? And, if no one, why do you think that is? And who are you favoring to win?

identifying the best of the best

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:01:00 +0000

You know you're getting older when you start referring to your favorite TV show as "my dance program" and you record an episode of Nova all in the same week. SIGH.

The program starts with the crowd going wild for Cat Deeley, and honestly I can't tell if she cut her hair into that fetching bob, or if it's just tucked up? It's cute, and I love a short hair cut on a girl, but I miss her flowing locks of perfect hair.

The good news is, all the couples are performing twice tonight—YAY! MORE DANCING! Instead of blogging in order, I’m going to group the dances together by couple.

1. Melissa & Ade
Dance 1: Disco - UGH. I've really started to hate the disco routines on this show. The choreography is so jilted between the dancing and the lifts, and the lifts are all so crazy hard, that it's hard for couples to really have fun. In this, I think Ade is surprisingly great at what I think is a bad number--he's having fun, his overall dancing and, as he said, "swagger" are perfect, and it makes me really want to see him in a hip hop routine, oddly. Also, I am just really really starting to love the hell out of him, and I'm pretty sure he's my favorite dancer on the show. Melissa, on the other hand, kills the steps, but is a little stiff. And, after they nail all these crazy hard lifts her foot slips on the last pose and she falls, which is a shame. But! She picks herself up and smiles and laughs, which I appreciate. The judges love the hell out of it, of course, because of whatever devil's pact they made with Doriana Sanchez.

Dance 2: Waltz – From the first move, this dance is gorgeous. These two are really well suited to the waltz, with Melissa’s grace and Ade’s strength. Ade charms me again with his grace and his commitment to the style. Not to mention some flawless pirouettes! And Melissa is all lines and floaty dress and pretty pretty pretty. Plus I thought having them waltz to “Natural Woman” (Mary J’s version) is a genius musical choice. Beautiful!

2. Kayla & Kupono
Dance 1: Contemporary - Mia Michaels is doing a dance about addiction, because there is NO SUCH THING as a show on TV that is not about addiction and/or daddy issues, and it has finally infiltrated the dance-off show. And yet. It's beautiful, and so powerful. The dancing is perfect, their characters are perfect, and the story is so tragically rendered that I'm crying at the end. It's kind of hard to watch, actually, because it's such an authentic, cathartic piece about something so hard to fight or witness. Mia, though. Wow, honey.

Dance 2: Broadway – Joey Dowling again, whom I didn’t love last week. But again they get characters to play, which is awesome for them. And the routine is great! The choreography is rad and fun, and they dance it really well and totally bring it to life. We finally get to see some plain ol’ fun and sweetness in Kayla’s face, for a change, which is nice. They don’t totally nail the style just right, though, and Nigel’s critique is spot-on. West Side Story contains my favorite music and dancing of any Broadway musical, and there’s a frenetic energy, tightness and toughness that’s inherent to the story that would have been so great to see here. But also like they said, it was still danced well.

3. Caitlin & Jason
Dance 1: Foxtrot - The number kicks off with style, and within 15 seconds I'm wishing I could see someone with more finesse in this dance. The choreography and the song are so fabulous and slinky, and these two are merely dancing well and making faces. And, no, it's not the crazy-ass characters they had to inhabit last week (or Kayla & Kupono worked just before them), but these are characters they have a chance to play, foxtrot or no, and they miss the opportunity. Caitlin is much better, as strong as she usually is, and she looks gorgeous. But Jason, whom I had such high hopes for at the top of the season, is weak as hell. The judges give high praise, but I think it was for the stylish routine more than it was for the dancing. Once again, great choreography helped save dancing that was merely okay.

Dance 2: Lyrical Jazz – They get a routine that Mandy Moore calls “the kitchen sink” because it has everything in it. And it’s fantastic entertainment. They’re clearly in their own element, and after struggling a bit here and there to get to this point in the competition, it’s really nice to see. It feels almost relaxing to watch them dance this choreography. But, like Mary said, I’m not sure if they danced it well enough to be memorable.

4. Jeanine & Phillip
Dance 1: Russian Folk Dance - WTF? (Mac: "Who's bright idea was this shit?") Seriously, I can appreciate it as its own fabulous style of dance, or whatever, but the result--with this couple at least--is just kind of goofy. Phillip's leaps are WEAK-ASS. (Remember Joshua's leaps in his Russian number last year? Hi.) Jeanine does a respectable job, and works hard to have fun, which I appreciate. Mostly, this feels like someone wants these two to go home. I'm tellin' y'all it’s sabotage.

Dance 2: Jive – So, Jeanine, in this fringed bra top, you guys, is so sexy it’s kind of distracting. Like, Phillip is lucky to have such a hot number for a partner that no one hardly looks at him. Because when I do look at him, I find him to be a little weak—not finishing lines, not bouncing enough, and just seeming like he’s nervous and not quite keeping up. Nigel gives Phillip props he doesn’t deserve, in my opinion, but I think they just want him in the Top 10. Jeanine, on the other hand, is on fire. Smokin’ or not, however, the overall number is just cute.

5. Randi & Evan
Dance 1: Hip Hop – Tabitholeon choreograph a story of a couple getting engaged and just finding out about having a baby, which sounds so freaking cheesy, and with these two white kids I’m totally prepared to hate on it before it starts. And, you know? I didn’t. I rather enjoyed it, actually. Randi is surprisingly great, and Evan at least did this choreography really well (which is not the same as saying either of them can dance hip hop really well, my feelings on Napolitha’s non-urban, store-bought "hip hop" being fairly well known at this point). Also, it is kind of cheesy, but they sell the hell out of it, and bring a lot of the joy in the dance out, and I found myself going “Aw!” a couple times. In short, this was a really nice surprise, and sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Dance 2: Samba – Choreographed by Pasha and Anya! Hi guys! Great to see you! Oh, they’re just as adorable as I remember, and I’m looking forward to their choreography. Which kicks off with so much going on, including these really over the top animal print costumes, that I barely know what to think. I think it’s danced well, but once again with these two, I find myself thinking that they’re cute when they should be raw or earthy or dirty. I like these two a lot, but ultimately I think they haven’t grown beyond the cute thing, and they’re going to have to, especially Evan, if they want to last much longer.

6. Janette & Brandon
Dance 1: Argentine Tango – These two, in this are just…. WOW. They’re amazing. The whole thing is strong and sexy and breathtaking. I think I said “Wow!” about 17 times in a row. Brandon is as flawless as we’ve come to expect from him, and Janette is kind of a revelation. As in, regardless of what happens for her in this competition, I think she has discovered a new calling in dance, and it’s the Argentine Tango. She’s ridiculously perfect. Wow. The judges, of course, have nothing bad to say, go completely bananas over it, and even give them a standing ovation, and for once I don’t find their effusiveness undeserved.

Dance 2: “Jazz” – Which is in quotes, because it’s Wade Robson, which means a little less actual jazz and a little more weirdness. The costumes are great, as well. (Mac: “It’s Willy Wonka’s children!”) And the dancing? IS SO AWESOME!!!! Mac and I were both squealing “Eeeeee!” with rapture and delight, mixed in with “Wow!” over their gorgeous, flawless technique and style. That thing, where they slink across the floor in unison, sliding the brims of their hats? Awesome. It’s so freaking cartoony and fun and as they’re moving towards the end of the dance, and their table prop (they’re supposed to be jewel thieves, evidently) Mac and I are all, “What are they going to find?!?” “I don’t know!” As soon as it ends I immediately rewind my DVR and watch it again, because I’m just so tickled and entertained. In conclusion: JANETTE AND BRANDON FOR THE WIN! It’s freaking GENIUS and officially my favorite routine of the season so far. My only complaint, and it’s minor, is that Wade uses another Roisin Murphy song, AGAIN, SOME MORE. Seriously, that’s three Roisin Murphy songs, Wade. Someone needs to make you a MIX CD. In fact, I will do that shit for you. Have you heard of Rasputina, the Dresden Dolls? Maybe some Ting Tings? Let’s branch out, sweetie.

Overall, I think all six couples are very good at this point, but some are just trying harder, committing more, and working harder than others. So predicting results is really more about identifying the best of the best. And that, right now, is Janette & Brandon, with everyone else just fighting to stay out of the Bottom Three, not necessarily fighting for that top spot. Which is kind of like me hedging my bets in case my predictions are wrong, maybe. But also, some people really need to step up.

Safe:
Janette & Brandon – For delivering perfection week after week, overcoming their fairly annoying bio packages to become surprisingly likeable, and fully committing to every style they’re given.
Melissa & Ade – For working hard within and outside of their styles, being genuinely likeable, and showing what true grace under pressure looks like.
Kayla & Kupono – For truly growing week after week, creating outstanding chemistry despite their partner change, and inhabiting characters like no other to the point they border on brilliant.

Not Safe:
Caitlin & Jason – Because they’re good but not truly outstanding, because they have yet to shoot for the moon, and because they haven’t grown as much as some other dancers.
Jeanine & Phillip – Partly for that dumb Russian number, but also because of Phillip’s overall lack of technique. I think he’s skating a bit on personality, plus there’s only so far you can go when the judges say, week after week, “That was good considering your lack of training.”
Randi & Evan – Because they stay cute even though the routine calls for sexy, gritty, slick, earthy, or any number of other personalities. They only partially commit and play it safe, instead of taking risks that could maybe expose them as fools, or could allow them to be revelatory and truly be amazing.

Out of all of those, I feel like Caitlin and Jason, though adorable, have grown the least, and therefore deserve a Top 10 spot the least. Plus, not to be all cynical, but I think the producers are going to want Phillip and Evan in the Top 10 for the tour.

What did you think??

I was surprised only once

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:31:00 +0000

It's been a long short week, y'all, and I really just wanted to sit with a glass of wine and watch the results without my laptop, so you must forgive me for not recapping the whole thing. However, it just finished, and here are my thoughts.

Last night, I think they gave several people the opportunity to shine in their own style. Janette got a cha cha which, while different from her salsa background, is still a Latin, partnered dance. Melissa got a pas de deux that she was able to do on point. Evan got a Broadway routine. Caitlin & Jason got a jazz/contemporary routine. Phillip got hip hop. It's extremely hard to believe that ALL of that was drawn out of a hat, and I think the producers of the show have a bit of an integrity problem at this point. We can get into more detail as to why I think that is a bit later, but it's a problem for the success of the show, because if people don't trust you, they don't like you, ergo they won't watch you. Tread carefully, Nigel.

But what was more interesting to me, is that despite some dancers being handed their own style, they still didn't deliver as well as I expected them to. So there's that, going into it.

The way they grouped the couples was interesting to me tonight, because every time there was a couple I thought should go standing next to a couple I thought was more likely to go, and I was surprised only once.

They stood up Karla & Vitolio with Randi & Evan, and although based on last night's performances I thought Randi & Evan should be in the Bottom Three, it turned out to be Karla & Vitolio. Disappointing and not what I predicted, but not surprising.

They stood up Kayla & Kupono with Melissa & Ade and Brandon & Janette. I knew for sure Brandon & Janette were safe, and I was right, but there was a question as to whether voters would support classical ballet, or if Kayla & Kupono's weird-but-beautifully-danced Sonya routine would be memorable enough for people. And Kayla & Kupono turned out to be the one couple I got right in my predictions, and landed in the Bottom Three.

Next up they stood up Caitlin & Jason with Jeanine & Phillip. Frankly, I thought Nappytabs routine was a lot of the same ol' same ol' (but with a gimmick/chain), and the dancers' performance lacked a little luster. I also didn't think Caitlin & Jason danced through their weird alien routine well enough. I did assume I was the only one who disagreed with the judges' over-the-top compliments of Jeanine & Phillip, however, and it turned out I was wrong. Caitlin & Jason got the votes, and Jeanine & Phillip landed in the Bottom Three for the first time.

I thought Kayla & Kupono's solos were weak and the rest were fabulous. But I also think they did an amazing job last night, and Kayla's one of the best dancers on the show. So I'm not super shocked when the judges decided to send home Karla & Vitolio. But I found that I did get a little teared up. I was just starting to really like those two.

I also take all of this way too seriously. (What is this "life" you speak of, and how do I get one? Is it different from "work your ass off until you're too exhausted to do anything but cook, eat, and watch TV"?)

Finally, I thought Kelly Clarkson was rad, and Cat's dress made her look even skinnier than she actually is, which is kind of ridiculous. And also, Mac and I both agree that, skinny or not, Cat Deeley's charm, grace and wit on this show makes her Win at everything else, and we still love her.

Only one more couple is eliminated before we get our Top 10. Who do you think it will be??

hi, my sentiments exactly

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:27:00 +0000

If you want more “easy entertaining” entries, please direct yourself right on over to my brand-spankin’-new blog, “Someone’s in the kitchen with me” at inthekitchenwithme.com. Because I didn’t have nearly enough going on—why not run two blogs?? And with that, we now return you to your regularly scheduled So You Think You Can Dance recap.

Tonight’s episode kicks off with the totally-overused-this-season O’ Fortuna from Carmina Burana, because evidently that song is simply code for High! Drama! Cat’s hot pink black-belted party frock, on the other hand, is code for totally hot and also adorable. I would so wear that dress. The belt has rock star silver studs on it? And the dress has pockets?!? COVET.

1. Janette & Brandon, Cha Cha – Jean Marc & France Generaux choreographing to a Pussycat Dolls song. The dancing is sensational, but from time to time I find myself distracted by how often the two of them pull faces or maybe even lip sync along, which I understand is a big no no in dancing. Brandon does it the most, and his movements, while extremely strong, are also a little stiff. Janette is flawless, and while we expect that because of her salsa background, I’m also impressed with how much fun she seems to be having. I mean, how fun is it to watch someone dance when she or he clearly really super loves dancing, right? Overall, I thought it was great, but maybe not as A.MAZ.ING as the judges did.

2. Kayla & Kupono, Contemporary – With Sonya, who’s channeling Twilight with a vampire-y routine set to “Eyes on Fire” by Blue Foundation. It’s riveting. The choreography is as weird as you’d expect from Sonya, but the two of them render it with so much precision, commitment, and emotion, and they’re so into each other with this story, that the result is just this spellbinding performance. Kupono is totally in his element, and Kayla shines with the same technique and performance I’ve really come to enjoy from her. I really love what Nigel said about the two of them reaching their true potential with this routine, because it’s spot on. Amazing growth from both dancers, and a really fabulous job with this routine.

3. Randi & Evan, Broadway – With new-to-the-show choreographer Joey Dowling, set to a Sweet Charity number, which is one of my favorite musicals. And I don’t know where Joey Dowling came from, but these steps aren’t doin’ a damn thing for me. I often say that, when it comes to TV or film, good writing can save bad acting, but the reverse is rarely true. I also happen to think that good choreography can save mediocre dancing, but the reverse is rarely true. What I’m seeing here is a couple working hard to add some personality, character, and chemistry to some otherwise bland Fosse rip-off (or "Fosse-inspired," if you'd rather--I wouldn't). Of course, the judges aren’t going to rip the choreography, so they nitpick the dancers a little.

4. Caitlin & Jason, Jazz – Or “Jazz,” with Brian Friedman, set to “Creator” by Santogold/Santigold. Caitlin’s alien costume is RIDICULOUS. But it suits the totally crazy, way over-the-top choreography. The dancers commit to the whole… weird thing Brian set up here, and I love that Nigel was all, “When it’s this weird you better COMMIT” because, hi, my sentiments exactly, as I was typing them. Which is good & all, but in the end I’m left wondering, how much of that routine was crazy-ass costumes & choreography, and how much was really the dancers? And I figure, if you have to ask, that ain’t great, right?

5. Jeanine & Phillip, Hip Hop – With Tabitha & Napoleon and “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West. I’m so freaking bored with this couple’s choreography. I’m sure they are delightful people and if I ever met them I’d be all “Eee NappyTabs!” like a fan or whatever, but seriously, we have seen. These steps. Before. Just because they chained the couple together (and, p.s. WTF?) doesn’t make it new. It’s reasonably well-danced—not enough awesome popping from Phillip, which is a missed opportunity, a decent effort at “toughness” from Jeanine, and a slight overuse of that frowny face non-hip-hoppers seem to think is somehow “gangsta,” or whatever. But it’s fine.

Not as FINE as Cat’s studded shoes, though, honey. They match her studded belt in just the best possible way. Seriously, I want the whole damn outfit. And her hair, please.

6. Melissa & Ade, Pas de Deux – Thordal Christiansen choreographs Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” for the two and Melissa is on point!! Exciting! So is the chemistry for these two right off the bat. The dancing is so sublime and gorgeous I get teared up within 30 seconds. I can’t believe this show is selling its young American audience on traditional ballet, but I sure hope they’re buying because this number, and the two of them, are so beautiful. I’m actually all welled up and crying by the end. I can’t believe it.

Before the last couple, they introduce Nigel’s new Dizzy Feet Foundatio n, which sounds lovely. Anything that brings the arts to kids who may not otherwise be exposed to it because of their environment or budget cuts or whatever, is good in my book. Well done, Nigel.

7. Karla & Vitolio, Quickstep – New partnership and the “dreaded” quickstep, on one hand, but on the other: Jean Marc and France Generaux, who are fabulous. It’s also Rufus Wainwright’s version of “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” and a really fun, creative “night at the museum” type concept. And it is delightful! Granted, the dress change in the middle was CRAZY awesome and maybe a wee gimmicky, but just like the museum statues in this costume, I feel like these two really came alive with this number! Vitolio in particular really shone through in this, all debonair and charming. I feel like he's really working hard to get better and stay in the competition, and it really makes me root for him a lot more.

As for predictions, it's really hard this week because there was some weird choreography, some weak choreography, some dancers that got to hide behind their choreography, and some real growth and improvement, which is just so nice to see. There was also some flat-out gorgeous brilliance. With all that in mind, I’m going to predict,

Safe: Melissa & Ade, Janette & Brandon, Jeanine & Phillip and, I hope, actually, Karla & Vitolio

Not Safe and my reasons Why: Kayla & Kupono, because as much as I really loved their routine, I don’t know how memorable Sonya’s choreography will be for voters in the end (If I could arrange my own bottom three I'd swap these two out for Jeanine & Phillip, but I have a feeling thousands of tweenage voters disagree with me). Caitlin & Jason, because America has maybe had enough weird, and they didn't rise above it enough. And Randi and Evan, because they faltered a bit this week, and also had a less splashy routine. Out of those six the ONLY dancers I’d be okay with losing would be Caitlin and Jason. As likeable and adorable as they are, they’re just not fighting as hard to be here as I think some of the other dancers are, and with a group this strong, you better fight.

We’ll see who comes out swingin’ tomorrow, huh? What are your thoughts?

good friends and a good time

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:25:00 +0000

Last night, Mac and I had some friends over for dinner because I got it into my head to try some new recipes, and when I described my menu idea to Mac we decided it was too much food for just two people, so we got on the horn and invited some friends over. Also: inviting people over is a great incentive to clean your house, just in case you’re not one of those people who keeps the house spotless all the time. And we’re not.

The Party:
Me, Mac, Anna, Ted, Dre

The Menu:
Crostini with caramelized shallots and a garlic-white bean spread
Bibb salad
Linguine with heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese
Lemon Parmesan Chicken
Raspberries & Chocolate on vanilla bean ice cream
White wine and sparkling water (I think serving a non-alcoholic option that’s a little fancier, like sparkling water or Italian soda, is a nice, thoughtful touch for your friends who don’t or can’t drink alcohol.)

The Inspiration:
The menu was inspired by the June/July issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray, a recent episode of Giada at Home, a recent meal at Pizzeria Mozza, and my friend Alison who is a phenomenal cook. I picked up the magazine because it boasted 422 recipes & tips, including recipes for burgers and ice cream—great for someone who hosts a lot of barbecues and just discovered the joys of her fabulous homemade ice cream maker. As I was reading it, I kept coming back to this gorgeous picture of this linguine pasta dish, and it reminded me that I have TONS of whole wheat pasta in the cupboard that I can cook up. I enjoy all things Giada de Laurentiis anyway, and her Bibb Salad recipe looked super easy, refreshing and delicious, and I thought the fresh herbs in the salad and the fresh herbs in the pasta would pair together really well.

The chicken dish falls under the heading of “recipes I’ve had FOREVER and just wanted to try.” Probably the meal could have been fine with just the pasta and salad, but when I initially designed the menu I thought our friend Allistair would be joining us as well, in which case I knew that the three man-sized men at my table would need some protein on their plates. I thought chicken would go well with the pasta and salad, and I wanted something EASY, as in “chuck it in the oven and forget about it til the buzzer rings.” As soon as I remembered “Alison’s Chicken!!” I knew my menu was done.

As for dessert, I have learned the hard way that sometimes over-achievers like me have a tendency to bite off way more than we can chew (so to speak), and looking at the rest of the menu I already suspected it was all maybe a bit much. But like most humans I like sweet bite at the end of the meal. So I needed something I could just put in a bowl and serve, and couldn’t think of anything more delicious or simple than fresh, in-season raspberries accompanied with some dark chocolate. I added the ice cream at the last minute while at the store, because I didn’t want to risk having a pregnant friend at my house who needed ice cream and no ice cream in the freezer. Quelle horreur.

The results:
The crostini turned out delicious! I’m so pleased at my success at caramelizing the shallots (and onions I threw in the pan when I decided the shallots weren’t enough). My chef friend Glen had given me excellent advice on how to caramelize, and then I found a video on YouTube to remind me how it’s done. I decided to add a little bit of balsamic vinegar to my pan when they were done softening up & browning because I wanted a darker color, and the resulting flavor was AWESOME. The number one thing to know about caramelizing onions or shallots, is Low and Slow. You get the best results on medium-low heat over about 30 – 40 minutes—it’s not a quicky endeavor.

As for the rest of the crostini, here’s what I did: I sliced half of one of those long, skinny baguettes, arranged the ½ inch slices on a baking sheet and drizzled with olive oil before popping into a 375 degree oven for about 12 minutes to toast up. I then followed the directions for the white bean dip/spread in this recipe, which takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, then set the finished spread aside while I worked on my chicken, salad & pasta. About 15 minutes before people were expected to show up, I stopped what I was doing with my other dishes to assemble the crostini, which went: toast, a small pile of caramelized shallots, and a healthy shmear of white bean spread. I gave the first one to Mac to make sure it tasted okay, and after an enthusiastic thumbs up, went on to assemble the rest of them and put them out. That way, if my friends showed up and I was still cooking (which always happens) they’d have something to snack on while waiting for the main course. (Lesson learned for next time: use all shallots instead of shallots & onions, and a better bread for the toast.)

The salad was refreshing and amazing! I wasn’t sure what bits of fennel bulb to use or how big/small to slice it, so I think I need to see it done a few more times. I also only used HALF of Giada’s dressing. It turns out, a head of butter/bibb lettuce is not actually that much lettuce, so if I were doing this salad again for 4 – 6 people, I would use twice as much lettuce, same amount of fennel & herbs, and maybe still just half the dressing, or just enough to coat everything lightly. You just don’t need that much with all that basil, mint & fennel in your salad. Overall, this is a fantastic summer salad.

The chicken was PERFECT. ALISON. You are a culinary genius! We will be eating this again and again and again in this house. I wouldn't change a thing.

The pasta was also yummy, although I ended up making all kinds of changes as I went along. I used a 13 oz box of whole wheat linguine instead of a whole pound of pasta. I also couldn’t find heirloom tomatoes, but I did find smaller orange & yellow tomatoes to go with the red ones I found, so I still had all the fun colors I wanted. I also only used half the amount of goat cheese because I discovered at the last minute that’s all I had on hand, and you know what? Totally enough! Any more would be overpowering, I think. And all the herbs in the butter/white wine sauce were amazingly delicious, but you should know that they were kind of a pain to wash, prep, chop, etc. I ended up chopping herbs and tomatoes with my friends in the kitchen, which wasn’t the worst thing ever, but now that I know how time-consuming it is, I’ll do a bit more prep work in advance next time.

Dessert was divine, of course—fresh raspberries on vanilla bean ice cream with a little chocolate sauce—there’s no bad there. We ended up splitting a pint between five people, so it was just enough sweetness for everyone.

I think the timing of this evening worked out pretty well. I started caramelizing shallots around 5:45, our friends arrived around 7:20, and we sat down to eat around 7:45ish? I think? Once they showed up I lost track of time, which is the sign of good friends and a good time, I think. So we’ll say it was about two hours of prepping and cooking for a long, relaxed evening of good food and fun. Totally worth it. Also, I did not do all the preparations alone: Mac tidied up the kitchen, living room and dining room, and he also set the table, which was lovely.

For tunes I used my iTunes Genius to make a playlist for me, which is a super fast, easy way to create some ambiance without having to sweat over a playlist or selecting CDs, if you have the option. We’re fairly hi-tech in this joint, so we have the laptops connected to the stereo via airport, which means I can play my iTunes through the living room speakers. Last night I selected The Puppini Sisters’ cover of “Walk Like an Egyptian” as a starting point to generate a fun, jazzy and ultimately totally random playlist. At one point the iTunes Genius decided to go with Herbie Hancock, another it came up with Harry Belafonte—it was all over the map and totally fun.

I wouldn’t classify the whole evening as “easy entertaining,” though. More like “mostly easy” entertaining. A few changes and you’d have a much easier evening. Like, skip the chicken dish, and shred some lump crab from the deli or some pre-cooked (rotisserie?) chicken into the pasta to create a heartier entrée, serve the white bean dip with crackers & veggies, and do the salad with a bag of the lettuce of your choice as well—voila, you’ve just shaved an hour off your prep time. For a different menu, I would also serve the lemon parmesan chicken with my sister Matti’s Caesar Salad recipe, which is super easy and amazing, serve some bread with a little olive oil & vinegar as an appetizer, and again, you’re looking at about an hour of total prep/cooking time, and a totally delicious meal.

So.... my first dinner party recap. Feedback, questions?

fun host = fun party

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:12:00 +0000

As you may or may not know, Mac and I entertain A LOT. Big parties for the Oscars, Cinco de Mayo and Halloween, small BBQs and "Tiki Theater" nights all summer long, and the occasional small dinner party. As such, we've kind of become the “Party Experts” within our circle of friends.

Chopping limes at the 2009 Oscar Party

In fact, just in the last couple months I've had a lot of people come to me for my advice on entertaining, specifically: two themed birthday parties, one backyard barbecue baby shower bash, and even a couple weddings. So, with the encouragement of my friends, I've decided to start blogging my advice and tips, and tagging it with "easy entertaining" so it's all very easy to find.

Disclaimer 1: As a busy girl, I have no idea how long this idea will last, but I already have a long list of ideas to write about. So cross your fingers. This could be really fun if I stay at it.

Disclaimer 2: Despite my experience with entertaining in my home, and my enjoyment of it, I honestly don't think of myself as particularly original or awesome at throwing parties. Like, I’m an okay cook, but two of my friends are professional chefs--one runs a restaurant and the other a catering company--and a third just got her pastry chef degree. I also watch a LOT of Food Network and read a lot of magazines (including Martha Stewart) all of which adds up to a lot of information and inspiration. The crazy multi-tab spreadsheet I developed for wedding planning evolved from one my friend Gretchen designed for her wedding—I just turned it up about 12 notches. I guess what I am offering with these blog entries is simply a map through the maze of all this information. Complete with shortcuts, of course.

The shortcut-galore spread at Amanda's Valley Girl-themed bridal shower.

Disclaimer 3: When it comes to entertaining, the best successes come when the host and/or hostess approach any endeavor with their own style. By that I don’t just mean décor or menu. I also mean planning and organizational style. For example, I’ve shared my crazy planning spreadsheet with some people who have FREAKED OUT over it and thought it was the MOST USEFUL TOOL EVER. I have also sent it to people who just do not use Excel for anything, took one look at it and decided “not for me,” and went on to throw a fantastic wedding/party without it. Which is a long way of saying: if you read some advice and it seems like it’s not for you, then don’t follow it. I can hear you all saying “DUH!” from here, but believe me when I say that throwing parties can be stressful enough without trying to be something you’re not. A relaxed, comfortable host is a happy and FUN host, and fun host = fun party.

That’s all the disclaimers I can think of for now (could I BE any more nervous about giving out advice?). We’ll see how this goes…

A lattice-top apple pie from scratch, Thanksgiving 2008

help heal their sad hearts a little

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:44:00 +0000

I wasn't going to blog tonight's results show, as I'm tired and have a 4-hour-old headache and it's been a hell of a long day, and I just wanted to watch the dancing and enjoy myself.

But then I saw what Cat Deeley was wearing, and couldn't help myself. You may now take your pick from the following jokes/blog-openers:

A) It's just so nice of Cat to squeeze in her hosting duties before that swingin' key party she's clearly going to later.

B) The show opens in 1975, where Cat is delighted to find herself at the height of fashion.

C) Cat is trying hard to endear herself to women who don't possess her lean, leggy frame by wearing the world's most hideous and unflattering black and white jumpsuit ever.

D) OMG JUMPSUIT.

Okay I'm done. (And yes, I realize the hair & outfit were probably an homage, but that doesn't make a jumpsuit okay. An homage with a dress would have been much better.) We now return to our regularly scheduled spicy Latin group dance number, complete with... Wet. Wet? There are women dancing in puddles on tables, or something. It's a little over the top, y'all.

We immediately move from the group number to an announcement from Nigel and I already know what's coming, and so do you. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson. Nigel does a nice classy job of remembering all three of them, especially Michael Jackson. And everyone in the world (especially on Twitter) is saying all there is to say about these losses and I have nothing astute to add, except that I'm already blogging so I'll just say this: Regardless of the jokes about the surgery and Neverland and whatever else we've all said or thought about MJ at some point, at the end of a man's life you find you look at the whole of it, and the fact is, that Michael Jackson irrefutably changed pop music and the world of dance for the better in his lifetime. His contributions and inspiration to fans, musicians, and dancers everywhere should indeed be celebrated, and I'm glad they're taking a moment here to do that.

Also: I was going to do this anyway this year, but now I'm more committed than ever. Who's with me?

Moving on with the show, it's results time. I predicted Karla & Jonathan, Asuka & Vitolio, and Caitlin & Jason. I also tried to vote, I honestly did, but the lines were busy, and after 10 calls I'd exhausted my inner tween girl's dialing stamina and decided to just hope for the best. As Cat reads the results, which are exactly as I predicted, I find myself smiling at her kindness again, some more, as she encourages the bottom three couples to dance their little asses off in their solos and wishes them luck. She's just the best, isn't she? Being all sweet, and then just DYING over the guest dancers? And how she says THE RAGE BOYS CREW? Love her.

Also, there is really nothing cuter than little little b-boys breaking. There just isn't. Oh, my god, y'all. So freaking rad. Super cute Cat Deeley + Super cute Rage Boys Crew is exactly what the world of dance needed tonight to help heal their sad hearts a little bit, and I just love it.

After all that it's solo time, and Asuka prances around and reminds me that I'd love it so much if the girls of the dance world could stop ending their dances with that "sexy hand sweep over the hair" bit they do. You know the one I mean. OVER IT, LADIES.

Vitolio, on the other hand, truly looks like he's dancing for his life and is amazing. A.Maz.Ing. Karla's solo is inventive and kind of fun, and I get the impression again that we're just getting to know her, and the extent of her talent.

Jonathan, I'm over. His solo is Asuka's prancing plus some acrobatics. Caitlin also pulls the acrobatic tricks out of her hat, as well as a touch of delicacy that I did not know she possessed, which is nice. And Jason's choreography impresses me again, as well as his technique. By the end of the solos, I feel like I'm still intrigued by Karla and Vitolio, I feel like Caitlin and Jason still have some growing to do, and like Asuka and Jonathan are just doing the same old same old.

While the judges deliberate, I wonder if The Veronicas used the same time machine Cat used to get her jumpsuit from 1975 to get their act from 1985. Didn't they play the prom in Valley Girl? No, wait, that was the far superior Josie Cotton. Risky move, ladies, trying pull that off with Toni Basil in the house.

A few clicks of the remote forward and it's results time. Asuka is gone, with Nigel basically saying exactly what I just said, that she's no longer growing as a dancer on the show. With the boys Nigel draws it out, and it breaks my heart to watch Jason take his critique, because all I can remember is how much he LOVES Michael Jackson--remember the little bit of him dancing to him as a cute little boy??--and how devastated he must be today, maybe even more than the other guys. But Nigel finally tells him that he's safe, tells Vitolio that he's safe, and tells Jonathan that he's leaving.

Wow. Spot-on predictions and exactly what I wanted as well. Surely they're not just pandering this week after pissing us off last week, hmm? Like I can stay mad at this show that I love anyway.

Well said, Crazy Toni

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:24:00 +0000

Tonight's festivities kick off with my future BFF Cat wearing an extremely fetching orange Greek toga-esque frock that looks way better than it sounds, complimented with her trademark Perfect Hair.

Toni Basil, rocking the latest in kooky hats and plastic surgery, is tonight's guest judge. She's back to blather about "street dance," so I'm already bored and ready for dancing. Let's get to it.

1. Karla & Jonathan, Hip Hop - These two have a Dave Scott routine, which I'm pretty excited for since I really like his stuff. And I don't like these two much more in their bio package, but I like the dance when it starts. Karla is growing on me in this number. She's in character, she's relaxed, and I'm really enjoying myself. The song is also great ("By My Side" by Jadakiss featuring Ne-Yo), which might be helping my enjoyment along. Jonathan, on the other hand, is totally blah, and bringing the whole thing down. The judges bash the hell out of them as unfairly as they lavished praise on them last week--maybe making up for last week's decision? I'm suspicious of these super-harsh critiques, although I actually did appreciate Toni's assessment of what a dancer needs to bring to be good at hip hop: "Street has to have a groove and a funk. And if you're gangsters and you don't have a ghetto groove, then it's going to feel store-bought." AHEM Tabitha & Napoleon COUGH.

2. Asuka & Vitolio, Jazz - Or, as choreographer Mandy Moore calls it, "Thrash-rocker-jazz. Yeah." (In other news, Mandy is my new favorite person on this show that I want to be friends with and gossip with over pink drinks. Call me!) The bio package showcases more crying designed to generate sympathy & affection that these two can't generate on stage. Grumble. But with Mz Moore and Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker," which is one of my all-time faves, I should be totally prepped to love the hell out of this right? Wrong. It's danced amazingly well, but there's no emotion from these two at all. Asuka is like a little plastic Barbie doll, and Vitolio's concentrating SO HARD, and the whole thing is kind of perfect, but also emotionless. Like, rocker robots, or something. SIGH. It could have been so much more. And again, Crazy Toni nails it when she tells them, "Don't let your technique get in the way of your emotions." Well said, Crazy Toni.

3. Melissa & Ade, Rhumba - My favorite couple are working with Tony Meredith this week and dancing to Destiny's Child's "Emotion." And straight up, I can't tell how good their technique is here because the chemistry (and, if I'm being honest, Melissa's smokin' hot bod) is totally distracting me. The judges claim the technique was fantastic, and I'm still so hung up on the HOT that I just believe them. Fine, good, technique, whatever. HOT, honey. Hot hot hot.

4. Janette & Brandon, Hip Hop - These two also get a Dave Scott routine, as well as another great song (Common's "What a World"). The costumes help their characters a lot right from the get go, so I start off thinking a bit that they're kind of cheating. And then they start dancing. And, WOW. I mean, I'm not crazy about these two as people, but this routine was freaking phenomenal. Character, steps, performance, fun, the whole thing wrapped up in one rock-meets-hip-hop dance treat. I paused the DVR just as it finished to type this up, and the attitude from both of them in this still shot is freaking genius. Very, very well done!

5. Kayla & Kupono, Viennese Waltz - The new couple is working with Jean Marc Generaux is this week, with Jewel's "Sweet Dreams for You" (as long as I'm mentioning all the songs, evidently). The whole thing is luminous. Kayla is radiant, and Kupono is masculine and strong. There's a sweetness throughout the whole thing that just makes me sigh. I mean, it's hard for a dance not to be all dreamy when you've got Jean Marc's choreography and a wind machine working for you, on the one hand. On the other, I thought these two really sold it. It was beautiful.

6. Randi & Evan, Contemporary - They've got a Mia Michaels number set to the fantastic "Koop Island Blues" by Koop featuring Ane Brun, and the key word is supposedly "booty." I'm intrigued by the choreography just from rehearsal, and I'm riveted by their performance. There's a LOT of technique and attitude crammed into an otherwise simple, unique, and sexy number, and I like it. Based on the choreography and the song, I feel like Mia's original intention was probably a lot earthier than what was delivered here. I think the couple dig in a little, but that overall their performance is a little cuter than what was maybe intended. That said, I liked it anyway. (I also liked Cat's first comment: "Cheeky." Oh, you punny, adorable girl.)

7. Caitlin & Jason, Paso Doble - Jean Marc Generaux is back with a number set to "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana, and right off the bat I know that they're going to have to work hard if they want their dancing to stand up to their crazy costumes and this POWERHOUSE of a song (look it up if you don't know it already and you'll be like, oh right, THAT song). And the dancing is good. I have chills at the end, but I know for a fact it's from the song 'cause it gives me chills every time. As for the dancing, I think it was just good.

8. Jeanine & Phillip, Broadway - Tasty Oreo has done up a little number to "Moses" from Singin' in the Rain, complete with a sofa (which is a cute nod to the movie, where Gene, Donald & Debbie sail over the sofa in "Good Mornin'"). The costumes, hair, makeup, and dancing are all adorable. This style is PERFECT for Jeanine, who traipses across the stage like she was born on Broadway. And I like Phillip pretty well here too, so much that I A) forget for a second that he's a crazy popper and B) it takes almost the whole song before I notice he has totally split open the back of his pants. OMG. The silent pleading in his eyes for Cat to allow him to stay seated on the couch for their critique KILLS me. Poor guy. Nigel: "Like so many Vaudeville dancers before him, Phillip now knows what it's like to dance with his ass hanging out of his trousers." Their critique otherwise is totally fair. Phillip's lack of technique is starting to fight a bit with his winning personality, and could prove to be problematic down the road. Or tomorrow, depending on how the votes go.

Which leaves me with the following predictions:
Fantastic couples that I have about 30 more minutes to vote for: Melissa & Ade, Janette & Brandon, Kayla & Kupono, Randi & Evan

Couples I wouldn't totally cry over if/when they land in the Bottom Three: Karla & Jonathan, Asuka & Vitolio, Caitlin & Jason, Jeanine & Phillip. Which is hedging my bets, so I'm going to guess that Jeanine & Phillip are safe just 'cause they're so darn adorable.

cow gargoyles playing the guitar

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:04:00 +0000

Los Angeles is just full of surprises.

You know how sometimes, no matter how clean you get your home and no matter how hard you try & de-clutter and organize and have just the things you need in exactly the place they belong, you always end up with that drawer or shelf or closet or entire garage just full of .... stuff? And, like, you have a vague idea of what's in the Junk Drawer, but you haven't really looked through it in awhile? So when you do, it's full of surprises?

LA to me is like a disorganized house filled to the brim with Junk Drawers and Surprise Closets and Overflowing Garages. You never know what it will reveal to you next.

Today, on my bike ride down the Chandler Bike Path, LA revealed the following treasures:

There are four of these cow gargoyles playing the guitar on the side of a music production warehouse along the Chandler Bike Path. They are labeled "Vini, Vidi, Vici, Vaca," which, if you know your Latin, means "I came, I saw, I conquered. Cow."

In the NoHo Arts District, they paint murals on the back of industrial buildings.

And a few more treats on my totally outdated Flickr. I wonder what LA will reveal to me next? I'm rather excited to find out.

Are you voting?

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:15:00 +0000

After writing up my opinions on last night's show, I decided to battle a bit of insomnia by watching all 9 dances again without any biography packages or any of the judges critique. What I discovered is that some dances weren't maybe as good as I thought they were, and others were better. Which leads me to believe that I just like some people better than others. I bring it up simply because as this fairly unpredictable results show begins, I find myself feeling SO CURIOUS as to how things will play out.

The show kicks off with Cat Deeley in a white pant suit and the World's Greatest Hair, followed by a Mia Michaels routine that blends traditional Maori dancing, complete with the face paint and the bug eyes and the tongues, with sequined tuxedos, stadium lights, and Stevie Wonder. Just to prove that there are, in fact, still original ideas in the world, I guess.

This is followed by a send up of Lil C and his use of Big Words. Which is admittedly highly humorous, despite the fact that ultimately they're just making fun of the fact that he has an awesome vocabulary and a fairly artful way with an analogy. God forbid they encourage their audience to understand what he's saying or, you know, read or something.

Next up we have Melissa & Ade, Caitlin & Jason, and Jeanine (WHAT is she WEARING) and Phillip. Of this group, I thought it should be Jeanine & Phillip in the Bottom Three for their weak-ass tango, but predicted it would be Caitlin & Jason. I was madly in love with Melissa & Ade, and so was "America," so they are safe. And right about Caitlin & Jason, so we get to see their solos later. Which I'm kind of excited about.

Our second group includes Janette & Brandon, Karla & Jonathan, and Ashley & Kupono. Considering that I predicted that Karla & Jonathan and Ashley & Kupono would be out of luck this week, I'm already wrong about one prediction. Janette & Brandon have really begun to annoy me, but they are, of course, safe. And my friend Chip's empirical data suggesting that High Praise from the judges can keep you safe has proved correct here, and Karla & Jonathan are safe. Meh. Unsatisfying.

The third group contains Randi & Evan, Asuka & Vitolio and Kayla & Max. Randi & Evan could be in danger if only because the judges weren't super crazy about them, but they did super love Asuka & Vitolio, whom I thought were boring and a bit rough. Randi & Evan are safe; Asuka & Vitolio are safe (an event that they celebrate WAY overmuch). Kayla & Max, whom I thought were fairly fabulous, are in the Bottom Three.

Um. What?

Again, this supports the "High Praise from Judges = Safe" data. It also supports my general theory that sometimes people are really stupid.

So now our bottom three includes Caitlin & Jason, Ashley & Kupono, and Kayla & Max. Of that mix, I'll feel disappointed if they lose anyone, but I guess I'd be disappointed the least by Ashley & Kupono? I mean. Sigh. You guys. Clearly, the people who watch this show and vote can no longer be trusted. Am I going to have to start clearing my Crazy Schedule to be home on Wednesday nights so I can hang out and vote on the phone now?

Watching the solos, I feel like Caitlin, Jason, Kayla & Max cram so much dance into their time, and Ashley & Kupono cram a lot of style into theirs. While the judges deliberate some chick lip syncs, so I fast-forward my DVR and worry. And think about Helen Hunt in Girls Just Want to Have Fun: "Whatever I lack in substance I make up in style." Maybe whoever goes home tonight can spray their hair up all crazy and ride into the season finale on a chariot.

And considering the girl leaving turns out to be Ashley, who is darling, maybe that would be super fun. They also split a couple for the first time this season--and maybe for the first time so early in a season--and decide to lose Max.

Overall, I find this result to be unsatisfying. I mean, I'm not super attached to anyone but Melissa & Ade at this point--maybe Kayla, maybe Jason? But it still just feels like things happened in the wrong order this week.

So here's my question for all of you. I have Crazy Schedule and often have to watch the show after voting has completed on my DVR. What about you? Are you voting? Who are you voting for? And how do you feel about tonight's results?

officially RE-ADDICTED

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:53:00 +0000

I didn't blog about last week's results so I'll just start this off by saying that Shane Sparks routine was BADASS and I've already watched it a zillion times. Also, I was satisfied with Paris and Tony leaving. I was actually getting used to her chin (implant), but ultimately felt like the two of them were giving us more Cute and Attitude as opposed to Amazing Dancing. And on a show with this many Amazing Dancers, that just doesn't cut it. So, fair choice.

That was last week. Since then, all week long I've been waiting for this show, and then the night when it airs I have dinner plans. Delightful dinner plans--I just had a lovely spicy Thai duck salad with some fabulous people--but I was still all "Grumble, why wasn't dinner on Tuesday? Grumble" because y'all, I am officially RE-ADDICTED to this show.

So anyway, I fired up tonight's episode and there's Cat Deeley wearing a Christmas tree skirt as a dress, so I know we're off to a great start. When "interviewing" the jidges Cat makes a throwaway comment about her girl friends, and I have a brief stalker moment where I wonder why I'm still not one of them yet. Because a good girl friend would maybe tell her that dress, while a good color, is kind of dumb. I'm just saying. I wouldn't let one of MY friends onto national television in that thing.

(BTW totally random, have y'all seen the new Fame trailer yet? Eeee!)

1. Randi & Evan, Jive - According to the 14+ times they say Fun, this should be entertaining. And it is! These two are like a couple of professionals. They make this jive routine look completely effortless and energetic and awesome, and their chemistry is still excellent. And that leap! Was amazing! Mary & Nigel nitpick the hell out of Evan because they expected more from him, but I thought this whole thing was great. (Watch, they'll congratulate someone else later for just getting through something. Phillip.)

2. Melissa & Ade, Jazz - Crazy Sonya is the choreographer so of course they start off all on top of each other, with Melissa in some hot neon pink stretch pants. The choreography is super modern and weird and I don't know if I love it, but I DO love how precise and amazing these two are as dancers. I don't know if any other couple on this show has ever been this synchronized. I don't know if they pulled off the story Stonya* was looking for, and the chemistry wasn't as lovely as last week, but I'm so impressed with their technique I totally don't care. (*This was initially a typo, but I think a new nickname was just born, so I'm leaving it.)

3. Caitlin & Jason, Hip Hop - Shane Sparks in the house, y'all! And these two have won me over and convinced me they're a couple to beat, so I'm all stoked for a winning combination here. However, while this is good, it's not as good as I expected. I can't tell if the choreography isn't what I wanted from Shane, or if the dancing isn't selling it, but overall the routine is just too cute. In a weird way, I'm kind of hoping that they end up in the bottom 3 so we can see their solos tomorrow night. We'll see.

4. Janette & Brandon, Disco - For whatever reason, these disco numbers are always such a tough sell, and I'm having a weird time with this one. They're clearly excellent dancers and their lifts are so precise and flawless. But the whole open-mouth-smiley thing kind of puts me off? Maybe? It's possible that I, like many, just don't care for disco. And yet Lil C thought it was great, and loved Brandon, so what do I know? And Mary even dipped into her extra store of Crazy, as well as the vernacular of the early 1990s, to deliver some truly reserved, insightful critique.... NOT!

5. Asuka & Vitolio, Waltz - Okay, I think Vitolio gets last-minute nerves, or something. Because you can tell, when he's in his own head this lovely emotion and technique comes out. When he's trying hard to get it right, it comes across as stiff. There was some rise & fall action that was downright clunky, and then some other moves that were sublime. They're both pretty good, and the emotion is okay, but I feel like the producers & judges tried to manipulate us with Vitolio's biography package to make us think it was more beautiful and emotional than it actually was. Not that I don't care about his history--he's a remarkable young man--but if I'm just looking at the dancing, it was a bit rough for me. And Asuka is just fine for me. Everyone's praising the hell out of it, but I'd challenge you to watch it without the bio package and without the judges' critique--not as good.

6. Kayla & Max, Pop Jazz - With Brian Friedman choreography--hi Brian! Welcome back! The choreography feels a lot like we're watching a live music video, if that makes sense. There's a couch and a coffee table and some crazy costumes and it's all very theatrical. Max is super coming across like a Russian ballroom dancer here, and I don't know if it's just so inherent to him that he can't help it, or if he didn't commit enough to the new style. Kayla, on the other hand, is what's selling this whole music video vibe to me, and I feel like you could pick her up and put her on stage with Brit Brit right now. Which, in my world, is a total compliment. She's amazing.

7. Karla & Jonathan, Contemporary - With a new choreographer, Stacey Tookey, of whom I know nothing except that her name is fun to say: Stacey Tookey Stacey Tookey Stacey Tookey. (And now I know what Google rabbit hole I'm going down tomorrow--evidently she works on SYTYCD Canada). The choreography is nice, and the dancing is too. But I find myself wishing I could watch a couple with more strength and/or maturity dance it, like Melissa & Ade. It's possible that I'm just over these two and just don't like them as much as some of the others. They're great dancers, I'm just not crazy about them for some reason. Plus, I think some couples just get marked for the bottom 3, and I think that's already happened for this couple.

8. Jeanine & Phillip, Tango - This girl, y'all--was any contestant on this show ever prettier? Her dancing is sometimes aggressive and sharp, sometimes clunky. Phillip gets through the routine with a fair amount of strength, and he's lucky to have such a gorgeous sex kitten on his hip. Because his technique was, as Mary said, sloppy. I know everybody LOVES Phillip and the judges really want to see him stick around and grow throughout the competition, but this is a little weak for me.

9. Ashley & Kupono, Hip Hop - First half was pretty strong, but then they lost it a bit in the second half. In the end, I feel like it was perfectly rehearsed, but missing heart. The synchronization is sometimes perfect and sometimes off. Ashley shone through a lot in moments, but not enough. The song was also not great, which is no one's fault but the Black Eyed Peas', but it doesn't help matters.

Overall, I remain impressed with the superior talent of this group as a whole, which makes it hard to ping anyone. On the flip side, very few dancers really stood out for me tonight, and the only routine I really want to watch again is Stonya, Melissa & Ade's.

I also think we could see some surprises in the Bottom 3 tomorrow night because I think there's a pretty big gap between what the judges praised or criticized and what America actually likes, doesn't like, and will vote for. Like, I think the Bottom Three should be Asuka & Vitolio, Karla & Jonathan and Jeanine & Phillip. I think the judges would go with Randi & Evan, Caitlin & Jason and Ashley & Kupono. And I think what we'll actually see will mix that up a bit, so I'm going to predict the following:

Safe: Randi & Evan, Melissa & Ade, Janette & Brandon, Asuka & Vitolio, Kayla & Max, Jeanine & Phillip

Not So Much: Caitlin & Jason, Karla & Jonathan, Ashley & Kupono, with Karla & Jonathan going home. I know the judges love their routine tonight, but of all the amazing couples here, I just kind of think they deserve another chance to win me over the least.

Tough call. What do you think?

some mighty fine ass work

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:35:00 +0000

Top 20! Are you ready? As Cat introduces them all, the initial reaction on this couch is that the guys look particularly awesome this year. Their intro-solos are exciting, strong, and fun.

And after a quick plug for Step Up 3D (which I’m fine with, it’s one of my client’s movies), we get a little “Road to Top 20” package, which I am also fine with because it showcases some of the solos that got these people this far.

As Cat introduces our first couple to do the first dance, I can’t help but think back to Season 2’s Benji and Donyelle doing Shane Sparks’ routine to “Too Much Booty.” It was the moment that sold me on this show forever, and so far the last two season’s haven’t kicked off as strong.

I’m also wondering why Jeanine is ALREADY CRYING. For heaven’s sake, girl, pull it together!!

1. Jeanine & Phillip, Hip Hop: The ballet dancer and the popper have a Tabitha & Napoleon routine to kick off the competition. There are moments where it is clearly well-executed, but I’m not blown away by it. Phillip’s really trying to act the feelings of the piece here, but the results are more “making faces” and it’s distracting. Jeanine is fine, I guess. I guess I don’t believe in passing out such high praise for someone simply keeping up or holding her own. Overall, I feel like the number could have been so much better with a more sincere commitment from both dancers, and I’m left wanting more.

2. Asuka & Vitolio, Broadway: Wow, Vitolio impresses the hell out of me here. Such precision and finesse! He is helped not at all by his partner, however, who is just okay for me. As a couple the chemistry is not there at all. Again, not the commitment I’m looking for.

3. Karla & Jonathan, Cha Cha: For technical feedback, I’ll defer to Mary—I thought it was pretty good, maybe a little stiff? But these two had a lot of fun with their routine and it’s clearly coming through. I think they’re helped by a modern, sexy song (“Poker Face,” Lady Gaga), but their smiles are genuine and infectious, and they’ve got fun chemistry.

Mary: “I like my cha cha rough!”
Me: “Damn, Mary!”
Mary: “And like Lady Gaga says, if it’s not rough, it’s not fun!”
Me: “Damn some MORE, Mary!!”

4. Randi & Evan, Jazz: Well, it’s a good thing Evan apologized to Randi’s husband in advance, because these two have CHEMISTRY. So fun to watch! The steps are amazing, the performance is divine, they’re both totally committed and IN IT. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for all night. It’s hot and awesome and the first routine I want to watch again. HELL YES.

5. Paris & Tony, Hip Hop: Yes, her chin still bothers me. But I have to admit Paris’s attitude here is fun. Tony’s good, but he should be—it’s his style. As soon as it speeds up Paris loses it a little, but they finish reasonably strong. It’s good, it’s not great.

6. Caitlin & Jason, Bollywood: Well, with “Jai Ho” as your song, you’re kind of guaranteed a crowd pleaser, and these two deliver. The energy is high, the chemistry is good, and even though they’re given a lot of hard work to do, they kind of nail it. They’re fantastic, and I understand why the judges were all sprung on Jason—he’s excellent. Caitlin really GOES FOR IT in this, too, which I super appreciate. Exciting stuff, I’m looking forward to more from this couple.

7. Janette & Brandon, Foxtrot: Am I the only one that hates these dated ballroom costume dresses? Ugh. That said, these two make a fairly complicated routine look totally easy and lovely. As for personality, it’s weird—sometimes it’s totally on, and sometimes it seems faked. But once Brandon starts throwing her around with the big lifts at the end, I’m sold. It’s hard to win people over with a foxtrot, but I think these two may have just done it.

Cat: “Mary give us an eyebrow.”
Mary: “I can’t anymore because of Botox.”
Cat: “Mary, I LOVE YOU.”
Adam and me: “WHAT. THE F.”

8. Ashley & Kupono, Jazz: Well, it’s Wade Robson choreography, so it’s more like “jazz.” Wade: “Conceptually, the number is about two crash test dummies.” Me: “Um, okay.” The costumes and props and chairs for this number are OVER THE TOP, HONEY. But the two dancers manage to shine through them. The dancing is precise, their characters are really fun, and the pair is totally committed and into it, and suck me in as well. That Ashley is charming, y’all.

9. Melissa & Ade, Contemporary: They have a Mandy Moore routine and a Richard Marx song (I love her commitment to cheesy 80’s songs), and it’s just sensational. They’re playful, sexy, and totally in sync. Their steps and lifts are perfect, their performance is sincere and joyful, and the whole thing just makes me HAPPY. It was so beautiful, and powerful and I just loved it. Fabulous.

10. Kayla & Max, Samba: HOT. The number starts out hot, and stays smokin’ the whole way through. Kayla is vibrant and delightful, Max is sexy and strong and so into her. And, if I may say, that’s some mighty fine ass work by Max. The chemistry is sizzling, and Kayla just wins me over on every level. Mary is so way obnoxious about this, but she’s not wrong—they are on the Hot Tamale Train, they just are.

Predictions: Wow, this is tough to call. I thought the judges were a bit more generous with some couples than I would have been, but overall this was a really strong night. With the second half being so much better, however, I think some of our earlier couples are in more danger of going home than I might have originally suspected.

Staying for another week: Jeanine & Phillip (I was “meh” about them, but the judges loved them, plus I’m guessing Phillip has a voting base going into this), Randi & Evan, Caitlin & Jason, Janette & Brandon, Ashley & Kupono, Melissa & Ade, Kayla & Max

In danger of going home: Asuka & Vitolio, Karla & Jonathan, Paris & Tony

What did YOU think of our Top 20?

Gorgeous

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:36:00 +0000

Many thanks to Alison, who found this. Check this out if you want to see why we all lost our minds when Alex Wong kicked off Vegas Week, and why we were so disappointed that he won't be able to compete in this Season's Top 20.

Gorgeous.

Less crying, more cutting!

noreply@blogger.com (Dinah) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:44:00 +0000

VEGAS, BABY: PART 2

Why this show needs a whole damn hour to show us which 20 people they chose is beyond me.

Janette is first and she’s going through. From everything I’ve seen, she’s an excellent salsa dancer and should be good for the competition.

Diana is next and I’m not interested in her at all, and she’s cut.

And if they’re going to do a whole weepy package for all 32 dancers, now I don’t know how they’re going to get through them all in one hour. Less crying, more cutting!

Vitolio is next, and we haven’t seen much of his dancing so far, but the clips they show us here are amazing, as is his life story. So of course he’s in the Top 20.

The next guys who get cut, evidently, do not deserve names. Bad dancer! No name for you!

Kayla is a tiny blond contemporary dancer—Nigel’s favorite—and she has adorable grandparents, so of course she’s in. I haven’t seen enough to know if she deserves the tongue bath Mia just gave her, though.

Kupono is next and the judges give him a bunch of notes, joke about his name and put him in the Top 20.

Paris, aka Chin Implant, is put in the Top 20. Ugh. I have no idea how I’m going to look at that chin week after week.

Jeanine, from whom we haven’t seen …anything? Gets in. She must not have a dramatic story OR cute grandparents. Stupid boring plain ol’ good dancers. Others who get in who we may or may not have seen who you may or may not remember include Ade, Karla, and Jonathan.

Brandon, and all the drama that comes with him, is next. Mia says, for some reason, “I can’t take you, as an artist, for what you bring to the floor. It annoys the shit out of me.” Mia: I can’t take what you’re bringing to the table, right now, as a judge, and don’t understand why you can’t articulate why you don’t like him more specifically or constructively. It annoys the shit out of me. Same with Lil C, he doesn’t like Brandon and can’t explain why. Mary goes nuts and actually says she can’t listen to their crap anymore. I’m SO CONFUSED. Is he being a giant dick off camera? Is there a question of his sincerity, or something? We have at least one week to figure it out, because he’s in the Top 20. And he handles Mia & Lil C with humor and grace, so good for him.

Tony, who for me is all personality and not enough dance, tells us a story about his brother in Afghanistan, and is put through. Nigel holds up a giant sign that says “We’re casting a TV show here, people, we need personalities and underdogs!” Not really, but he might as well. He admits that they’re going out on a limb for him. I’ll say.

(At this point, my laptop informs me that it is almost out of power and needs to be plugged in asap, and I find myself hunting around my bedroom for an outlet at 2:00 a.m. because that’s how crazy I have become. I decide a little bit of juice is better than none and opt to plug it into the power strip behind the TV, hoping to get it just enough juice to get me through the show… and accidentally turn off the power strip. Which turns off the TV and the TiVO. So I’m basically sitting on the floor typing this, waiting for it to boot up again. Hi, I’m a winner.)

Back to the other winners this week. Some guy named Maxim is in, despite wearing a leather vest over a bare chest: honey, no. Caitlin-the-mouth-breather’s-sister is in. Melissa, a ballerina we haven’t seen much from, is in even though she’s wearing the Worst Tutu Ever. Jason, whom I haven’t seen dance much but who seems to have impressed all the judges, is in. I was psyched to see more from him until his dumb victory dance in the hallway.

Ashley has auditioned for this show FOUR TIMES. That’s some serious determination, yo. She’s in the Top 20. Randi, on the other hand, succeeds in getting Mia to say “unitards” no less than FOUR TIMES. And in getting in the Top 20.

Alex, of the amazing first dance of Vegas, is next, and he walks with his feel turned out and absently rolls his foot on and off point while he waits. He even fidgets with grace and strength. Love! However, he is also under contract with a company in Miami and they won’t allow him out of it to do the competition. Weak. I love this guy. I love how hard he wants to try all these other styles, and he would have been such a strong competitor this season. “You have the appetite of a true artist,” Lil C says. Beautiful. I hope he comes back in a future season, ‘cause I don’t see myself getting to Miami anytime soon and I want to see him dance some more!

After all that, four more dancers you may or may not remember who evidently don’t deserve names are cut. I recognize one of the crybaby girls from the group choreography bit, and the hot Asian salsa dancer guy.

Phillip is next and is in the Top 20—duh. Which brings us to the final four, where they have left the two Broadway brothers for Maximum! Dramatic! Effect.

Deena (Deanna? They pronounce it both ways, which is annoying) and Asuka go first, however, and Asuka gets in. Deena is devastated. And between Evan and Ryan, the brothers who can’t stop hugging or crying, the judges choose Evan. Considering the talent of both, I’m going to assume it’s because he’s slightly younger and has more hair?

And with that, we have a Top 20: Ade, Ashley, Asuka, Brandon, Caitlin, Evan, Janette, Jason, Jeanine, Jonathan, Karla, Kayla, Kupono, Max, Melissa, Paris/Chin Implant, Phillip, Randi, Tony, and Vitolio.

Let the games begin!