Nigel being… Nigel. (Photo courtesy of Fox)

Based on this pic of head judge, Nigel Lythgoe, I think I may be right.

Joining Nigel at the table is, of course, Mary Murphy, and for the first time, Twitch!  We all know how much I (and the rest of you) love Twitch! I’m so excited to see what he brings as a judge. He is so smart and so passionate about all parts of dance that I think he’s going to be great.

Let’s do a run down of everyone that was highlighted:

Jade Zuberi: This guy is one of those special b-boy/popper/animator types that is just so good Nigel doesn’t want to stop the music. He was fascinating. I mean, the guy was playing what sounded a bit like Muzak as his music but it was somehow still strong and badass. Twitch was just so happy this was the way things started for him. He of course went to VEGAS!

Amy Yakima: Amy tells an adorable story of making her doctor father eventually take “Dad Jazz” class with her when she was a kid. When Nigel hears this the man nearly does a flip in excitement because it means he can make Dad come down and dance while Amy sits at the table to watch Dad do some sweet, sweet Dad Jazz moves. I love those moments.  After all of that, it would have been a let down if Amy wasn’t that great. Thankfully, her routine was amazingly dynamic (Dad Jazz cried). Her music was very powerful, and it would have been easy for it to almost over power her dance, but she matched it in her strength and perfection. (PS – I just finished typing this and then listened to judging. Twitch said the same thing I did about the music. Now I love him even more.) Of course – VEGAS.

Morgan “Mo” Williams: Mo started by saying he was better than Twitch? Which… no. Stop. Don’t say things like that. It made even less sense when he started dancing contemporary. But… whatever. He was very good. Good enough that when Nigel said “Yes to choreography” Mary climbed over him and grabbed a ticket to Vegas for Morgan. Who immediately went crying to his Mama. Love it. I didn’t love his attitude exactly, but nerves can sometimes lead to unfortunate first impressions. He was good, but didn’t stand out. We’ll see what happens when he hits VEGAS.

Next we get a segment on a local dance style called “Detroit Jit.” Part of me gets annoyed when we have these because I just miss my Cat Deeley who we have seen for maybe 2 seconds so far, and I’d rather more of her than these segments. But I do love getting to know more about all kinds of dance, so it’s nice. I just wish we had more time for both. Anyway, Jitting is described by one local as “fancy footwork, fast feet, fast arms and a lot of attitude.” It’s a form of street dancing. It’s fun to watch. Will it lead to a ticket to Vegas for someone? Thankfully before we find out we get to see Cat try out some Jitting. It’s as adorable as you would think.

Will “Sysko” Green: This Jitter (?) is, for one, a 27 year old wearing a Varsity jacket. Is this a thing that the kids are doing nowadays? Anyway, Sysko was a lot of fun and his routine had the crazy sense of humor he does. That sense of humor came out especially when he says he can hip roll and invites Mary on stage for a demonstration that veers a little close to a lap dance. Mary’s face as this is happening to her is only topped by Twitch laughing so hard I think he may pee. As often happens with these sorts of dancers, Sysko is asked to stay for choreo. When he got there, he started to freestyle which really upset Nigel because his partner could have been hurt so he let him go. Cat then showed he reason she is the BEST HOST EVER — she made Sysko smile again. GIVE HER AN EMMY, DAMMIT.

After making it through the first full day of auditions, the audience is treated to some Twitch moves. He is just SO. FREAKING. GOOD. And the only thing that could have topped his epic solo performance – Nigel and Mary flashing that 4 fingers to the shoulder move and Nigel yelling out, “Season 4, baby.” Because Season 4 is the best Season and there is no arguing, so don’t bother.

Garrett Frye: And in the “adorable and fun, but not making it on the show” portion of the evening, Garrett gave everyone a smile and a laugh. But off he went, leaving everyone feeling good after watching his “hip-hop” moves.

Moving on to day two…

Tyrone Cobham, Jr.: A tap dancer! Rainbows shoot out of Nigel’s eyes in delight. And then when he was just amazing  I thought Nigel may actually set off confetti canons that he keeps under the table for moments just like that. It makes me happy to see because I love tap. I feel like he could be like a Gregory Hines. He’s charming and just so talented. I just hope it will translate elsewhere, since often tappers get lost when they have do use their upper body. However let’s not think of that right now because, much to the delight of the audience – VEGAS!

The next montage section was more about the cheering sections all the dancers brought. Culminating in an adorable Asian Grandma doing Gangnam Style with Nigel, Mary and Twitch. What is even happening anymore?

 Darryl “Smilez” Harrell: If you expected things to get normal from here – well, maybe ignore the first part of Darryl’s story. He’s a male exotic dancer. As are the rest of his crew, all of who auditioned. I think learning from the whole Dragon House thing, they want to see a whole crew dance individually before deciding who will make it in.  So a few more auditioned and then we saw…

DeFonte “Prince Charming” Thomas”: Embracing the male exotic dancer role, he had no shirt on. Nigel made note of it, but really, there have been some male contemporary dancers that have been wearing something that barely qualified as a speedo. DeFonte at least had on jeans. His performance, like the rest, were a lot of fun. The 5 members of the crew come up, and the two that we got to see were sent to choreography. It was tough, as expected. Smilez was cut, but faked out someone in the lobby with a piece of paper. Prince Charming didn’t have to fake anyone out though, because – VEGAS.

Next week Minnie Driver is the guest judge, but I don’t want to talk about her. The Exorcist is back!!! And he has a cute child with him! Who also does the dance! I’m crying just thinking about it! I don’t have enough exclamation points to express how excited I am for this!!! YAY!!!!!

Thanks for being so awesome about my mini-recap last night and for joining me again tonight! Hit the comments to let me know what you thought.

Follow us on Twitter @sytycdnet

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This content’s original source is SYTYCD 2011.

Getting ready for auditions. Photos courtesy of FOX

Here’s a glimpse of what happened with Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Guest Judge Jesse Tyler Ferguson at the judging table.

So, I’m going to be honest – like I mentioned I was out for most of this evening, so I did not get to watch live like I normally do (and plan to for the rest of the season), so tonight’s recap will be a short one.

In fact, it’s so short, I just want to really focus on one dancer because he woke me up after a long and stressful 36 hours.

Du-Shaunt “Fik-shun” Stegall, a street performer from Las Vegas was our first outing for So You Think You Can Dance Season 10, and it was a great one to have. He was confident, but not cocky. He was talented and entertaining. And he had that bit of wide-eyes wonder about him – he didn’t even realize that the second stage of auditions was in Vegas! – that is just utterly charming. While these things are edited, so Du-Shaunt may not have been the first to actually perform, he was certainly a wonderful start to the season. I’ve missed the magic of seeing these dancers on stage, especially those who seem completely unaware of the power of what they are doing.

Four others made it through to Vegas in this episode, Malece Miller (contemporary dancer from Salt Lake), Taylor Ward (who had an emotional and tough journey as she made her way to Vegas via choreography and a knee injury),   Paul Karmiryan (he won the Armenian version of the series!), and Elijah Laurant (and his tutu).

It was nice to be back in the swing. And really nice to see Cat Deeley just be Cat Deeley. I want to hang out with her.

Tomorrow night – A full review! I promise!

Until then, let’s all just rejoice that So You Think You Can Dance is BACK!

This content’s original source is SYTYCD.net.

That’s right, So You Think You Can Dance Season 10 premieres tonight  FINALLY! Be sure to check back here later to get my take on the first night of auditions. But just want to let you know, due to a meeting, it will be a little late tonight. But it will be posted tonight!

Be sure to keep it here for all your SYTYCD Season 10 news!

Follow us on twitter @sytycdnet

Follow Melissa on twitter too! @serrae

Stephen “Twitch” Boss.  So here is a look at a few of your favorite Twitch outings.

You may not remember this, but back in Season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance, Twitch missed making the show during the final cut to Hok. But he came back, better than ever, and ready to play.

Of course this time he made it through to Vegas and then through to the live shows. From there he soon proved that he was more than an insanely talented B-Boy.  For the first several weeks he was paired with Kherington, the pair adorably called themselves Twitchington. His fan base grew exponentially with this Mia Michaels contemporary routine, Dreaming With A Broken Heart.

As it turned out, getting Mia Michaels as a choreographer was a good luck charm for Twitch that season. Later, as the couples started to get mixed up, he was paired with his old friend, Katee, to do another Mia routine. One that would become a SYTYCD classic.

Twitch made it to the finale, and while he ultimately lost to Joshua (and really – no one was complaining. Joshua, Katee, Twitch – Season 4 was the best season), the two guys did get to do a dance together than put a whole new level of power on what the male pairing dances could bring.

Twitch went on to star in the Step Up franchise and then when So You Think You Can Dance decided to mix it up and add the All-Star aspect, he was, naturally, called back on a yearly basis. So here are a few of those:

Embedding was disabled on Twitch and Lauren’s My Chick Bad, but I had to link to it.

Now, SYTYCD has done than just provide many dancers with exposure and a chance to have an amazing career. It has also turned into a bit of a match-making business. While it took a few years for them to figure it out, Twitch and Allison Holker started dating a couple years ago, and recently (while on set for that HP commercial you may have spotted them in) they became engaged. Twitch, Allison (and her adorable daughter Weslie) are the perfect little SYTYCD family. I look forward to rooting for their dancing child win SYTYCD Season 30.

And while this may have been performed on that other dancing show, I had to include one of Twitch and his lady love, Allison…

Twitch is one of the all-time favorites of So You Think You Can Dance fans for a reason. He’s talented beyond expectations and he is just a genuinely good guy. Can’t wait to see what he brings to the table for this latest set of dancers on So You Think You Can Dance Season 10!

This content’s original source is So You Think You Can Dance.

So for today’s So You Think You Can Dance look back – my top 4 favorite dances to cry to.

The first one was popular among my requests for favorite routines. Melissa and Ade were a wonderful pair. I loved her not just because her name is awesome but because she was, relatively, old. At 29 she was the oldest contestant on the show, but that didn’t slow her down. A beautiful ballerina who had a one of the best male partners on the show, Ade, at her side did a moving piece from Tyce Diorio in honor of his friend who was suffering from breast cancer.

The next piece is one of my favorites. But also my least favorite because it forever changed the song, Gravity, for me. If I hear it I will start to cry. Even in the middle of the grocery store. It’s Pavlovian. But it was just such an intense and beautiful dance about addiction from Mia Michaels, danced by Kayla and Kupono.

Unfortunately, the other two have embedding disabled, but I still need to share them.

First is Allison and Alex dancing a Sonya Tayeh routine. I mean, really, does anyone not cry when they hear the song Hallelujah? It was just gorgeous. Here’s the link.

The other is a Travis Wall routine that is another that has changed the song for me. Fix You, danced by Robert and Allison (her again! She’s alright) was a dance for Travis’s mother who was in the hospital. Allison is just a whole other level of female dancer on this show. She brings more to her role than moves – she brings body and soul. Just adore her. Here’s the dance.

Check back tomorrow for more!

This content’s original source is So You Think You Can Dance 2011.

Who will the Allstars be?

Click on through to watch a video from Fox from the Allstars photo shoot.

Here are some familiar faces, including a brand-spanking new allstar this season from season 9′s crew.

Aren’t Allison and Twitch adorable?

Check back for more looks back at previous seasons and info on SYTYCD Season 10!

This content’s original source is SYTYCD 2011.

So since I’m in an artsy mood and I can’t create much in the way of art myself (even my stick figures leave something to be desired), I thought we’d celebrate a few of the more artistic outings from So You Think You Can Dance.

The first is just from last season. A Stacey Tookey routine that was danced by one of season 9′s winners, Eliana Girard and All-Star, Alex Wong. When I watch, I often take notes so I can write something up after each dance or even just type while watching. I don’t think I moved during this dance.

The next is from many seasons ago, but it has always stuck with me. Wade Robson is, simply, a genius. I think even into Season 3, people never thought a B-Boy was going to be able to be successful outside of that genre but Wade’s Jazz routine with Hok and Jaimie blew that idea away. The Hummingbird and Flower is one of the most memorable routines to grace the stage. It took dance to a new level for the show.

Last but not least by any measure is a Travis Wall routine that I almost saved for the last day before the finale because it may be my favorite. I reserve the right to call others my favorite over the next week. Sorry. It’s like Sophie’s Choice. Anyway, Melanie Moore is my girl. From the moment her audition video started to play I knew I loved her, and the minute she started dancing her audition, I knew she’d win. When she came out and did this routine with her partner, Marko, I’m pretty sure the rest of the audience knew she would win too. So the last video for today, and one of the most requested ones from you guys is Turn to Stone aka The Statue Dance

Hope you enjoyed this one. Go promote the arts today! And since it’s National Teachers Week, go thank an Art teacher or a Dance teacher or any teacher. Even a Physics teacher. And to the many, many teachers in my life (family, friends, teachers I’ve had, teachers my kids have had) – Thank you.

Follow me on Twitter! I need an audience to survive! @serrae 

This content’s original source is SYTYCD.net.

Since I’m sitting in the sunshine enjoy Latin-inspired treats, I thought it would make sense to transfer that inspiration to today’s post. 

Granted, these are Latin dances, not Mexican dances. But I’m guessing if you sip on that Margarita or enjoy a yummy chip with some Guacamole, you’ll forgive me and just go with it. The point is, I’m feeling very Latin Ballroom today, so here are a few.

To start, requested by my friend, Melissa, Courtney and Gev dancing a Rumba. Side note: Courtney was so amazing. And sooooo pretty. It’s almost difficult to look at her.

Danny Tidwell is one of my biggest “WHYYYY’s” of SYTYCD. No offense to Sabra, but Tidwell was ROBBED. He could do anything. Including make Sara, the Hip Hop Girl dance the hell out of an Argentine Tango. Here are Danny and Sara!

The Paso Doble is probably my favorite of the Latin Ballroom dances. I just love the intensity. So here are two. Why? Because I’m in charge and I can! I’m drunk with power!

First, because it’s been requested several times, Power Couple, Jeanine and Brandon, with their Matrix inspired outing.

And then because it is my favorite Paso in all 9 seasons of STYCYD – Lindsay and Cole. Gives me chills every time. Also happens every time: me saying “Daaaaaaamn” when I watch.

Kathryn was one of my favorites because I could rarely remember her name that season, yet she made a huge impression. I’m not going to lie, this Samba she danced with Ryan may have also made the list because of this shirtlessness. You’re welcome, ladies.

Now I know what you’re thinking… “What the heck Melissa? Are you seriously about to do a whole post looking back at ballroom and NOT include Pasha and Anya?!?” Of course I’m not. How dare you question me like that. I thought we were closer than that.

To get over this little spat, let’s sip our Margaritas and watch The Best Ballroom Dancers Ever preform a Cha Cha. Unfortunately, this one has embedding disabled. But please, click this link to watch. Those two are remarkable.

Enjoy the rest of your Cinco de Mayo! Be safe!

@serrae on twitter

This content’s original source is SYTYCD.

I really do love nerds!

So in honor of all my fellow nerds, I picked a nerd- themed dance for today.

Remember wayyyy back in Season 2 when Travis was just a young lad who came in second to that kid who could Swing named Benji?

I loved them. Still do. Travis is a constant inspiration as a choreographer, but lest we forget he could dance a little too. And not just when there was a bench on stage. So in honor of nerds, and one of my favorite SYTYCD alum (who will hopefully be choreographing for SYTYCD Season 10), here’s Travis Wall and Benji Schwimmer dancing a Shane Sparks Hip Hop routine from the So You Think You Can Dance Season 2 Finale.

A nice blast from the past right?

Keep those requests coming! I’ll keep the videos coming until the May 14th So You Think You Can Dance Season 10 Premiere!

Find me on Twitter @serrae

This content’s original source is So You Think You Can Dance.

There have been a few I’ve heard repeatedly, so why don’t we just get those out of the way first.

I don’t think there has ever been as dynamic a moment as there was during this first Hip Hop routine. It was the one that was requested the most, so far. Obviously, I love this show, and I love the Hip Hop numbers. But something about this one just was bigger than the show itself. People I know who don’t watch the show watch it repeatedly. It transcended SYTYCD. It transcended the choreographers, Tabitha and Napoleon (aka NappyTabs). And it transcended the dancers. Even though Alex left with a torn Achilles a week or so later (ouchies) this dance alone (even though he had a few other greats) were enough to make the audience essentially demand he be an all-star in later seasons. So here it is… Outta My Mind. (For some reason, every version of this particular dance has had embedding disabled. I know. Lame.)

The other popular choice was another NappyTabs routine – those two are okay. It basically turned Lyrical Hip Hop into the one of the more popular styles on the show. For me, it was the first routine that I can remember that completely changed how I heard the song associated with it. I can’t hear “Bleeding Love” without trying to do some of the moves Mark and Chelsie did so perfectly during Season 4 (arguably the best season). Related: no one ever look at me when “Bleeding Love” is on. It’s embarrassing.

So there you have the two most popular requests, so far. Keep the requests coming!! I’ll have more soon leading up to So You Think You Can Dance Season 1o!

Follow me on twitter @serrae

This content’s original source is So You Think You Can Dance 2011.