What a nice treat to see Desmond Richardson dancing with Complexions‘ Patricia Hachey on So You Think You Can Dance tonight. I do so love him. I do wonder though whether that very adagio piece, choreographed by Dwight Rhoden, with all its slow, sharp, angular movement was right for this audience. Well, I loved it, and it’s always good to expose audiences to new things, right?
Anyway, pissed that Vitolio went instead of Kupono. I really don’t understand what the judges — and I think it’s particularly Mia Michaels — see in Kupono. I think he’s fine but nothing more. And when Nigel criticized his solo tonight, saying he’s got to do more than just stand there and smile, I wanted to shout, but that’s what he always does; not just in tonight’s solo. I don’t get it. Vitolio had stage presence, and good movement quality. This is the second time I feel Kupono’s stayed on and someone better has left. I haven’t been in love with Phillip’s work on the show, but I have to admit, his solo was astounding. He’s a real original; he really brought it tonight.
I guess I agree with the judges regarding the women. I thought Karla’s solo was sweet, and original if not earth-shattering. I agree that Kayla just kept kicking — what WAS up with all those kicks? But I also agree that she’s excelled so on the show, she shouldn’t have been kicked off for one crappy solo. And Jeanine really did a lovely solo tonight, although she did almost lose balance at one point and had to check herself. Still, her solo had a lot of depth, movement range, and passion, and choreographically it was very good, and executed almost perfectly. As for their work on the show, probably a toss up between Karla and Jeanine. So, I could see how they chose to axe Karla.
Since Vitolio and Karla went, there won’t be a new couple for next week.
I thought Desmond & Patricia were just perfect for the show. There may be some people that don't appreciate this type of superior dancing, but, I think that most of america loved them. I hope that they continut to showcase world class dancers like the have recently.
I was a little upset to see Kupono stay. Like you, I've not been impressed with his work, particularly his solos. I think Vitolio actually has a lot more potential on the show. He does surprisingly well with the choreography they give him given his sort of wild dance quality. I think his solos need work, though. He's just too powerful and dynamic to keep dancing to the ballads he picks. I wish I could have seen him develop more. As for Karla, I think you could see it in her face the last week or so. She looked like she had lost her confidence. And I don't think the judges will ever actually send Kayla home. They love her too much.
Vitolio certainly has the physique of a dancer but nothing really stands out to me other than his jumps. I appreciate Kupono's ability to immerse himself in the music and in the movement/characters of the pieces. His last solo was very simple but I felt it was appropriate considered it was to Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole's chillax, wishful “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. It was refreshing to see a dancer just go out and feel/dance instead of trying to be a show pony during DFYL (even though that's what the judges/audience seem to expect).
I think Kayla is an amazing dancer and am disappointed for her for landing in the bottom three after two very well danced performances. It was easy to forget that she is only eighteen until her crestfallen face at the bottom three announcement. Her solo choreography needed some work but she really shouldn't have been in the bottom three anyways.
If I had my way, Phillip and Caitlin are the two next to go. Phillip is brillant at what he does but he is way under when he is dancing outside of his genre.
Tonya,
Just discovered your blog in May & I love it. It is in my “favorites” just below ABT! You write so engagingly and so knowledgably — I feel I'm learning a lot. I too am in end-of-season withdrawal, but will see Ethan & Gillian in Vail in Aug. Where can one go to learn the dancers' off-season schedule? I just happened upon this Vail opportunity (I am in Telluride for the summer). And just incidentally, I 'won' the on-line auction in Dec. & had dinner with Marcelo in April. He is as kind and charming (& gorgeous) in person as he is electrifying on stage! Warm regards, L.S.
Hi Lynne — thank you! You know, I don't know how we can keep up with the dancers in the off-season! I wish there was a way. I just find out things from the ones who keep blogs or twitter pages (like Daniil Simkin — @daniilsimkin) but those are few and far between. Many have websites but they don't really provide updated information on where they'll be performing. It's annoying! I'm going to ask ABT if they can do something. They probably can't — it's probably up to the dancers to let people know of their whereabouts, but I'll ask.
Wow, you had dinner with Marcelo! Aw, I can imagine how charming and kind and gorgeous he must be 🙂 Thank you for letting me know! And have a wonderful time in Vail.
Hi Lynne — thank you! You know, I don't know how we can keep up with the dancers in the off-season! I wish there was a way. I just find out things from the ones who keep blogs or twitter pages (like Daniil Simkin — @daniilsimkin) but those are few and far between. Many have websites but they don't really provide updated information on where they'll be performing. It's annoying! I'm going to ask ABT if they can do something. They probably can't — it's probably up to the dancers to let people know of their whereabouts, but I'll ask.
Wow, you had dinner with Marcelo! Aw, I can imagine how charming and kind and gorgeous he must be 🙂 Thank you for letting me know! And have a wonderful time in Vail — I'll be interested to hear about it!