Showing posts with label Russell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Russell. Show all posts

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 8 Perform


Welcome back to Simple Man Entertainment. We're back with a look at last night's So You Think You Can Dance show - and what a show it was! First of all, we found out that Ashleigh got hurt, dislocating her shoulder, and she wasn't cleared to dance, although she wanted to. However, fans can still vote for her and I'm hoping her fan base stood up for her and kept her safe because I think she deserves that finale!

Dancing first were Ryan and Kathryn. They danced a Disco routine by Dorianna Sanchez. They danced to "Last Dance (Samantha Ronson Remix)" by Donna Summer. This was a fun routine, but it wasn't my favorite. I agreed with Nigel that it looked a bit placed. I did have to laugh though when Adam said "real men can wear sequins." Okay….Adam…anything you want to tell us? Lol

Next up were Jakob and Mollee dancing a Jason Gilkison Viennese Waltz. They danced to "Ordinary Day" by Vanessa Carlton. This was a beautiful routine. It literally left me breathless. Mary called it a dynamic pairing, and I definitely agreed with all the judges that Mollee is really blooming. Gorgeous.

Ashleigh should have been dancing her solo, but they brought her out and talked to her because she couldn't dance. I'm hoping all the exposure on the show got people voting!

Next Legacy and Ellenore were dancing a Travis Wall Contemporary piece. They danced to "Machine Gun" by Portishead. This was a routine that was just unbelievably good. It was passionate, it looked dangerous, and they just "murdered it" in a good way, according to Mary - and I agreed. Nigel even went as far to say that this routine has a good chance of being nominated for an Emmy. Wow!

Jakob was next dancing his solo to "When You Say My Name" by Maria Spinetti. This was a great routine, but of course we've come to expect this from Jakob by now.

Then Russell was taking the stage. His partner had been Ashleigh, but since she got hurt that morning, he was dancing a Shane Sparks Hip Hop routine with Shane's assistant Rachel. They danced to "Too Much Booty 2 (Bobby J Remix)" by Soundmaster T and Jah-Rista ft. Korveil. It was definitely "old school" and Russell was smokin'. He hit hard, but the assistant that danced with him wasn't that great. I just wish Ashleigh could have done it because I know she would have nailed it.

Then Mollee was dancing her solo to "Heartburn" by Alicia Keys. This was another great solo. She's never missed, with solos that are great dancing and show off her athleticism.

Taking the stage again were Ryan and Kathryn. This time they were dancing a Cha Cha choreographed by Jason Gilkison. They danced to "Put Your Hands on Me" by Joss Stone. This was a hot routine and they had great team work. They were put on the "Hot Tamale Train" by Mary, who said they were "on fire." Yes, I think they were hot too! Definitely a hot number and better than their first routine. Will it keep both of them safe? I'm not sure. I think both of them could be in the bottom.

Legacy was dancing his solo next to "Fancy Footwork" by Chromeo. It was a great routine again, and I loved how he danced with the phone, and when asked who it was, he said "America." What a great concept solo!

Then Ellenore was dancing her solo to "I Got the Feelin'" by James Brown. As we've come to expect from her, it was quirky and funky, but definitely great!

Then Russell came out with his solo - dressed as a Santa no less. He danced to "Holiday Buckness" by Tha J-Squad. It was hilarious and great. Even though he danced right out of his shoes, he kept going and did a great job.

Jakob and Mollee were up with their second routine next, dancing a Joey Dowling Broadway routine. They danced to "Easy Street (Samantha Ronson Remix)" from the Annie Original TV Soundtrack. They really captured the Broadway style and did an outstanding job. Once again Nigel compared Jakob to Joel Gray, no small compliment!

Kathryn took the stage with her solo next, dancing to "Shadowfeet" by Brooke Fraser. She performed very well. In fact, I think this may have been her best solo yet.

With a Hip Hop Routine by Napoleon and Tabitha, Legacy and Ellenore were dancing again. They danced to "People are Strange (District 78 Remix)" by The Doors. I didn't like it. I've never seen Nap and Tabs go wrong, but this may have been a first. Nigel felt the concept overrides the dancing and Adam felt it "didn't push them." It was okay, but not their greatest. However, I definitely think Legacy is still safe. After all, they blew away their first routine.

Ryan was up with the last of the solos, dancing to "Din Da Da" by Kevin Aviance. He did a great job. The part that got me was when he was asked to say his number, which was supposed to be #8, but he told the crowd to vote for #1, Ashleigh because she deserved it so much. This was such a touching and heartfelt gesture. It had the choreographers on their feet and I think this guy showed how much heart he has and what a great relationship he and his wife have. It's nice to see that on a show these days! Hats off to both of them!

Last of all, Russell was up with a Bollywood routine choreographed by Nakul. He was dancing with assistant Alicia since Ashleigh had been hurt actually doing this routine earlier in the day. They danced to "Spirit of Rangeela" from the Rangeela soundtrack. This was excellent and he totally nailed it. The judges called it "pure dancing" and commented on the joy that he dances with. It was great to watch, and for having to go through so many partners in one day, he did an awesome job.

The show was filled with awesome dancing, although it was kind of overshadowed by my feelings of loss, since Ashleigh wasn't dancing. I think the ones to watch are Ryan and Kathryn. They could go tonight, but we'll see - it's up to America now. Stay tuned because we'll be back here at Simple Man Entertainment with the results from So You Think You Can Dance. Thanks for dropping by. Be sure to check out the videos below with some of our favorites from last night and a reprise on one of Ashleigh's earlier routines to keep her fresh in your mind.

Jakob and Mollee Viennese Waltz (by Jason Gilkison)



Legacy and Ellenore Contemporary (by Travis Wall)




Russell and Replacement Alicia (in for Ashleigh) Bollywood (by Nakul)



Ryan and Kathryn Cha Cha (by Jason Gilkison)



Don't Forget Ashleigh (She couldn’t dance last night, so here is an earlier routine)


So You Think You Can Dance - Top 10 Perform


Thanks for visiting Simple Man Entertainment again. Finally - the Top 10 performed on So You Think You Can Dance, and what a night it was. Each couple danced twice and each person performed a solo, so the show was a packed one.

This week is all about new couples, and the first new couple to perform was Noelle and Ryan. They performed a Tabitha and Napoleon Hip Hop routine to "Give it to Me Right" by Melanie Fiona. It was strong, sexy, and the judges even called it "smokin'." A great start to the night!

The next new couple was Ashleigh and Legacy. They were dancing a Contemporary by Gary Stewart. They danced to "Poison" by The Prodigy. This routine was insane. My two favorite dancers were dancing together, and this was a challenging piece that was incredible. The judges commented that this was the hardest piece they'd ever perform in their careers and it was called the "best ending moment" ever on the show.

With the first solo, Mollee took the stage. She showed her athleticism and once again wowed the crowds.

Crumper Russell was dancing his solo next, and it was a hard hitting solo that showed off his style.

Kathryn and Nathan were partnered together this week with a Broadway by Spencer Liff. They danced to "Choreography" by Danny Kaye. The dancing was great, but like the judges, the chemistry just didn't seem to be there.

Noelle took the stage with her solo. It was enjoyable, joyful, and fun.

With a Quickstep by Tony and Melanie, new couple Ellenore and Jakob were dancing next. They danced to "Four Brothers" by Manhattan Transfer. The routine was fun and I felt they performed well together. Even the judges found it "fantastic."

Up with his solo was Ryan. While he's been criticized for past solos, this solo really rocked. It was definitely his best solo yet on the show.

Then Kathryn took the stage with her solo, and I found it absolutely beautiful. The quality of movement was excellent.

Mollee and Russell were dancing together for the first time. They danced a Mandy Moore Lyrical Jazz piece to "It Must Have Been Love" by Roxette. I really enjoyed their partnership and the choreography was great. The judges loved it, but there was one part in the routine where it looked like they almost missed a hold, and there was a flash of panic in Russell's eyes. The judges seemed to ignore it, and overall the piece was excellent.

Nathan was then taking the stage with his solo routine. He did an incredible routine and once again showed off his amazing pirouettes. Not sure I've ever seen anyone do them so fast.

Noelle and Ryan hit the stage again with a Smooth Waltz choreographed by JT and Thomas. They danced to "Jeux d'eu" by O (Cirque de Soleil soundtrack). The judges felt they had a "power partnership" and the routine was elegant and captivating.

Ellenore then danced her solo. Just like her, her solo was both fun and unique. Definitely unlike any other solo out there.

Ashley and Legacy were up with a Hip Hop by Dave Scott. When I found out Dave Scott was choreographing, I groaned. I haven't been impressed with his choreography lately. They danced to "Slow Down" by Bobby Valentino. Sure enough, the judges "didn't feel it" and Adam commented that the routine was "not challenging enough. This routine sucked for them, but at least the judges pointed out that it really wasn't their fault. Once again Dave Scott managed to screw up a couple with his lousy choreography. I really hope they stop using him. However, with the fan base these two have, hopefully they'll still be okay!

Kathryn and Nathan were dancing again with a Rhumba by Tony and Melanie. They danced to "Walk on By" by Aretha Franklin. I wasn't impressed by the routine and it definitely lacked the sexiness and slinkiness that a Rhumba should have. They didn't have the chemistry between them. When they were face to face, Nathan actually scrunched up his face. They didn't get any love from the judges on this piece.

Legacy was up with his solo next. He really hit this routine and it was awesome. He really showed his stuff here.

Dancing again with a Contemporary routine by Sonja, Ellenore and Jakob took the stage. They danced to "Tore My Heart" by OONA and Dave Tweedie. This actually got a "WOW" scream from Nigel. They had great chemistry, and Nigel said it "REALLY is his favorite routine of the season." They were called the "new dream team" and they actually got a standing ovation from the judges.

Next up with her solo was Ashleigh. This was an incredible solo. Just went I though she couldn't dance faster, she went even faster. What a great routine.

Mollee and Russell were dancing the last couple routine with a Jive choreographed by Anya and Pascha. They danced to "Land of 1000 Dances" by Jimmy Barnes. The judges commented that Mollee was maturing and they were called "hot tamales" by Mary. This was an excellent jive, and I really enjoyed their partnership.

With the last dance of the night, Jakob danced his solo. As always, he was incredible. Great solo and a great way to close the night.

This was definitely a great show and I'm interested to see how the results go tonight. Of course, we'll be back tomorrow to give you the results too. For now, thanks for visiting Simple Man Entertainment. I hope you enjoy the videos that I could find from the show last night.


Legacy's Solo



Noelle and Ryan Hip Hop



Ellenore and Jakob Contemporary



Ashleigh and Legacy Contemporary



Noelle and Ryan Smooth Waltz



Mollee and Russell Jive