Genevieve's coming back from vacation today, so I'll be your guide to this week's dancing and results. I'm glad to have this chance, because I have a theory about the difference between American Idol and SYTYCD — or at least one of the differences that makes me feel better about watching the latter (although I'm not about to stop watching — or defending — the former).
Listening to the critiques last night, I was struck by the frame of reference being placed around the contestants. Were they being asked to "make it your own," the constant refrain of the AI judges? Nope. Instead they are praised (or faulted) for how they melded their strengths as dancers to the faithful interpretation of another person's artistry. I think that the cult of originality that holds sway over pop music in general gets a refreshing corrective on SYTYCD. There's a different relationship that's assumed between the work being performed and the performer. And I really like to see an acknowledgement on television that the realization of a collaborator's vision is also a creative act.
But enough of my aesthetic musings. Let's get to the rumpshaking! And the booty theme continues in the opening number, a sexy piece choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon. That stomping in the water on the tables gave me kind of a Flashdance vibe. How about the great editing and camerawork on that, too? Give it up for the crew, guys!
I wondered if the show would acknowledge Michael Jackson's death, which occurred and became known only three hours before the show went on live. Not only did Nigel eulogize Jackson, but also Ed McMahon — pointing out that Star Search brought a number of stars into the entertainment world — and Farrah Fawcett, whom Nigel once met. Live television, friends; sometimes it sends a chill down your spine.
Asuka and Vitolio danced to Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker," and last night I thought it was just a little draggy, not energetic enough all the way through. There were oddly slack moments in the choreography. Nigel loved it, Mary had some qualms — and they're in the bottom three. Continuing with the rock theme, Brandon and Janette had a rap/rock battle in their dance. My take: the costuming and the attitude were more interesting than the dancing, which was a bit slapdash and too big. But the judges were happy, and America was happy.
Perhaps the most interesting dance of the night was Evan and Randi's Mia Michaels routine … the one about the butt. This one skeeved me just a tad, perhaps because Evan seems like such a boy scout. But the dancing was really great, and I loved the effect of the loose-limbed choreography on Evan's whole baggy-pants vibe. No problem, they're safe.
Phillip and Jeanine did Broadway. Not just Broadway, but "Moses Supposes." Tice didn't have them tapping, which was a constant source of distraction to me. Jeanine got praised, but Phillip was urged to push himself harder. I love Phillip, and I'm glad I get to see him continue to do different things. Yay, they're safe! Ade and Melissa did probably my favorite dance of the night — the rhumba, and that amazing dress. No contest — they're safe.
Jonathan and Karla not only were destined to be in the bottom three from their lack of unison in the rather Mickey Mouse hip-hop routine, but because Nigel actually offered to bet the audience that they would be. Quite a prediction, coming from a judging panel that usually doesn't indulge in Simon Cowell-style "I wouldn't be surprised if you're going home" handicapping.