SYD #9

Cat’s hair is still there, though wardrobists have gone back to a few of their old tricks with her dress, which makes her look vaguely like a mermaid.

The judges talk about this week’s hardships – America decides who goes on, partners are mixed up, Debbie Allen is guest-judging, etc.

All the girls dance Bollywood together this week. It’s always fun to see Bollywood, but this is extra-super fun, as Bollywood is best done in groups of people anyway, and all the girls are excellent. As usual when watching “minority” dances, I feel like crying, inexplicably.

Kayla’s with Evan this week, which is rather disappointing. Kayla says she’s glad to be paired with someone so unique, but Evan just says she’s the tallest girl and he’s the shortest guy – which sums up why I think Kayla is awesome and Evan just so-so. They’ve gotten the waltz, which is also disappointing.

Nigel says he likes to see a difference between a waltz and Viennese waltz, but that this could have been a nightmare and wasn’t.

Mary says the song “was about power, pleasure and pain,” and says Evan lacked power, but was able to at least lift her well. She says Kayla “never disappoint[s] anyone,” that Kayla’s “growing leaps and bounds,” and finishes by yelling “fabulous!”

Debbie Allen says to Evan “you handled your big woman, baby!” She says Kayla’s “like white lightning.”

Brandon’s solo is to a remake of “In Your Eyes,” and has the frenetic energy of most untutored/unchoreographed contemporary dancers. A bunch of blond teens in the front row scream at him (predictably).

Janette got Ade, who says he’s happy to have a fiery Miami girl. She’s the shortest girl and he’s the tallest guy…so the opposite of Kayla and Evan. They’re doing slow hip-hop, and Janette is sexy-secretary until Ade whips off her miniskirt to reveal tiny yellow shorts. He’s got a pick in his hair at the beginning which seems to have a magic effect. (The song is “Love Sex Magic” by Ciara with J-Tim, so I guess it makes sense.)

Nigel says he’s going to wear a pick in his hair next week. He says Ade’s “got funk” and Cat points out that he’s “talking seriously with two pencils in [his] hair.” Nigel retorts that he’s “going to try to talk Mary out of her clothes later!” and then says (sounding like Jim Dale doing Haggarid) “I’m only kidding!”

Mary actually tells Nigel to “cut the crap,” and she seems serious. I laughed through her talking.

Randi’s solo is to “Dream” by Priscilla Ann, which is a good choice for her contemporary dance. She doesn’t have the frenetic attitude or outfit we often see from contemporary dancers.

Kupono’s solo actually gives him a sense of character, though it’s not easy to describe. He’s wearing chains and a torn-up mesh shirt, but it doesn’t look as hip-hop as that sounds.

Jeanine is paired with Jason after each of them lost their partners last week. TRAVIS FROM SEASON TWO is choreographing them. They’re childhood friends “hooking up for the first time,” Travis says. It’s got a few good moments, in particular the violent ones where Jeanine pushes him away or “hits” him. They toss a heart pendant on a chain back and forth, and it really does come off as a struggle between them and trying to decide whether to be together or not.

Nigel says Travis did “fabulous work that was only bettered by the people that danced it.” He says Jeanine was great and that she finally had a partner that could keep up with him.

Mary doesn’t speak, and Nigel says “Mary is lost for words – how brilliant is that everybody?!? How brilliant is that?? I want you two to do the same routine every week if Mary’s at a loss for words.” But Mary’s silence is a preface to crying, as anyone who’s seen Mary over these years knows. She praises Travis and says no one should underestimate Jason’s “strength and power,” and that Jeanine “has not missed a step.” “Do I think you’re a star? Yes I do! Wait a minute, Nigel, I hear something!” She acts like she’s screaming, but no sound comes out. (Did they cut her mike or was she silent?)

Debbie Allen, who taught Travis (and Danny from the subsequent season [3]), praises Travis and says this show has “evangelized dance like nothing else has, and [she is] thrilled to be a witness.” She says she can’t wait to buy the ticket to see it live on the road.

Melissa dances a ballet solo to contemporary music that actually frames her talents relatively well – majestic without being overstated.

Evan’s technique is better in a solo than he’s been in other styles, though he’s dressed like a waiter.

Kayla’s solo, also contemporary, is earnest without being too over-the-top, mainly because she’s chosen “Rock Your Soul” by Elisa.

Randi’s got Kupono. They’ve got the paso doble, which always suffers from old-tyme music.

But Randi’s got long hair – what is that, a wig? Is she wearing a wig? She spinning on the floor and her wig-hair is all over – oh, it’s over. I’m pretty sure it’s a wig.

Nigel mentions the choreography, but it doesn’t sound that awesome for the dancers – and, no, he says the dancing wasn’t as good as the choreography. Kupono wasn’t strong enough. He tells Randi he’s not sure about the wig. He said the partnering didn’t work for him.

Mary says this fell below the standard for her. “Mediocre will not cut it in this competition.”

Debbie Allen says “it’s hard not to agree.”

Ade has a solo and chooses “Unchained Melody.” He dances in jeans (only jeans), which is a really good move, and he does a backflip. Congrats, Ade. You’re staying around.

Jason’s solo was a bit old-tyme speakeasy, which was a nice change of pace. He had cute suspenders on, too.

Melissa and Brandon do a funky Broadway routine by Tyce Diorio to “Age of Aquarius.” They got stage fog at the end.

Nigel says it was great that Tyce “remembers” times he’s actually too young to remember.

Mary says it was “groovy,” and Debbie Allen says “you really evoked the true harmony.”

Janette solos to “This Is Miami,” which was a brilliant choice for a salsa dancer.

And now the guys do African dance. The white boys complain. It was alright, though probably not worth the screaming all the blond girls do.

The judges liked it.

I liked Bollywood the best.