killt it 🇮🇳
seen from United Kingdom
seen from China

seen from Singapore
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Canada

seen from Canada
seen from Colombia
seen from Canada

seen from United States

seen from Türkiye

seen from Singapore
seen from United States
seen from Türkiye
seen from China
seen from China
seen from United Kingdom

seen from Malaysia

seen from France

seen from United Kingdom
killt it 🇮🇳
S15: Top 10 Guys
Cole - He’s picture perfect for this show, so I think with that strong contemporary performance, he’s a lock. I didn’t feel a real emotional connection to the routine, but it was danced beautifully and authentically, and I liked it!
Jay Jay - First of all, welcome back, Chelsie Hightower! It’s been a MINUTE. I thought Jay Jay performed the heck out of this Cha Cha. His feet were flying, his arms were strong, and he had a blast. He exudes confidence, and I can’t wait to see more from him.
Slavik - I definitely got “Why” vibes from this routine, but really, it’s almost impossible to look any good next to Allison. She’s too good. I felt the chemistry between them, and I thought he danced it well, but I’m not sure he’s quite ready yet.
Justin - Love me some comfort, always. She’s another one. I thought the routine seemed really short compared to the others, and I didn’t feel like he ever got the real feel of the routine. I actually agreed with Mary that he needs to work on the acting part a bit.
Peyton - Peyton definitely has the look and feel for the show, but there was just something off about the performance to me. You could almost feel how hard he was trying, as if he was dancing to not get kicked off rather than to dance into the Top 20. Glad the judges felt the same way, and I’m not crazy.
Kyle - I adore Kyle. He was 100% committed to that performance, and even when there were minor slip ups, he remained in the moment and there for Frody. He is basically the whole jist of the show - an untrained (and by that I mean not formally trained in expensive classes his whole life) artist who will benefit the most from each week of learning. I want to see him in the live shows for sure.
Evan - I know I’m historically biased towards tappers, but I was super impressed by Evan. He held his own with Allison - those turns at the end! I also feel like he committed emotionally, and it was truly captivating. GREAT choreo from Brian too.
Dustin - I adore Dustin too! His smile lights up a room, and even in a non smiley routine, I feel like other facets of personality came out. I didn’t love the music , but the routine itself was good and Dustin danced it well. He held his own with a very good dancer in Jamie, and it seems like he had a great Academy week. I’m 100% down to watch him on the live shows.
Allen - I feel like Allen is Kiki 2.0, and even though I ended up liking Kiki, I don’t really feel the need for that journey again on this show. It’s become such a trope and I don’t like it. There was nothing really special about his jazz performance with Frody, except for Frody of course. He was fine, but I don’t need him in the Top 10. Which probably means he’ll be there. :|
Darius - They daed the best for last, because that was great. He was completely on Comfort’s level, and they were so cute together. He sat really well in the choreography, and you could tell he was actually having fun. If the judges can tell him “no more sad routines”, can they also tell the contemporary girls “no more angsty solos” please? Because if THAT comes out of it, we’ll have a lot better of a competition.
My gut feeling about the Top 5 - Cole, Jay Jay, Evan, Kyle, and Darius. (I promise, I guessed these before I watched)
Actual Top 5 - Evan, Jay Jay, Cole, Darius, Slavik
I’m so sad about Darius, but if Season 16 happens, I’d say he’s a lock. And I’m crushed about Kyle. UGH. HE WORKED SO HARD. Slavik was good, but stillll.
This is a beastly Top 10, and I’m pretty excited to see the live shows next week.
S14, Top 4
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how ansolutely perfect Cat looks tonight in the cold open. Perfect hair, perfect makeup, perfect dress, PERFECT HOST.
I was wondering how the opening number had such high energy and swagger level, and then Cat said that Nappy Tabs choreographed it, and it all made sense. Miss them on this show a lot.
S14, Top 7
Can we talk about how much I loved Cat in pigtails in the cold open?! YES GIRL. But also, excuse me? Next week is the finale?? We literally just got started...this cannot be true.
Opening number was awesome...there was just so much going on. It was pretty impossible to focus on anything, but some takeaways for me were:
- Logan can tap too??? Is there anything he can’t do? At this point, he’s almost better than the all stars,
- Jenna is literally the main focus in all routines, and I’m fine with it.
- Allison is still amazing in everything always.
S14 TOP 10!!!!
A few general thoughts before we get into it:
- Love the new stage! The “balconies” remind me of the old days, and it just looks cool.
- CAT DEELEY IS THE BEST.
- Vanessa Hudgens is adorable and an excellent addition to the judging panel. Jason who?
- Pretty sure I recognized the all star group routine costumes. Anyone?
- Hope Allison’s injury isn’t too bad. Miss her!!!
- I wish we could get to know something about these newbies...I didn’t feel like we got to know them that much throughout The Academy or as much as previous years.
- The editing so far this seasons has been absolute crap. Awkward transitions, sharp cut offs and just all around annoying. The partner reveal seriously ruined the anticipation and drama of the green mile. I loved watching the reactions, and this solo walkout onto the stage is not doing it for me.
S14, Top 9
I’m still sad about last week’s elimination, but honestly I think that will happen every week because everyone is great and fully qualified to be there. Ugh.
That being said, let’s get into it because there are a lot of dances tonight - duets, solos, an all-star dance, a group dance...it’s be jam packed!
New York Auditions, S14E4
Saw on Twitter that Nigel said this group of auditions were some of the best he’d ever seen. The clips alone in the beginning gave me chills, so I had high hopes.
Magda and Kiki, Ballroom - Right from the get go, I loved their dynamic as partners. Their audition was great and showcased a lot of skill, but I appreciated that they both genuinely looked like they were having fun. Kiki was an incredible partner / leader on the floor, and Magda had a commanding presence without being cheesy. These two are great!
I’m super bummed that we didn’t get to see the full routine from Claudia and Jorge (Ballroom)...the curse of the unlicensed song. Their tricks looked incredible, and I liked to see a ballroom dancer that with the strong and powerful body type, as opposed to the stereotypical “legs for days” type. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s nice to see diversity. I also liked the little we saw of Jarryd and Allen, also ballroom boys.
Zachary Downer, Contemporary - I don’t remember him from the Green Mile in Season 12, but it’s no surprise after watching that audition. I have no idea how he manged to pack SO MUCH into such a short piece! He commanded the attention of the whole audience, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I definitely agree with Nigel about his resemblance to Alvin Ailey. Side note: I loved how supportive his family was.
Ramita Ravi, Classical Indian dance and Contemporary - I’m not sure why I was so touched by this audition, but it made me teary. There was so much beauty and joy in her performance, and I really loved watching it. Another positive: it was something I haven’t seen before in all of the seasons of this show! She’s clearly a trained dancer, so I knew she’d have no problem with the choreography.
Arielle Disciascio, Contemporary / Jazz - Anyone else think the “Don’t make me sound perfect” comment they showed was weird? I have to say, even thought she was a wonderful dancer, I didn’t really enjoy that audition. I thought there were no transitions, and it read like a series of poses instead of a dance. Maybe I’m getting a little jaded in episode 4 of auditions, but I just wanted more from her. But clearly she’s worthy of the Academy.
Chris Andrews, Chase Lindsey and Jason Kidd have all been here before. Chris Andrews made it to the Green Mile, but I don’t recognize him. Jason Kidd looked vaguely familiar to me and like someone the young girl dynamic will really buy into. I feel like one of these guys is going to be a contender.
Romainson Romain, Hip Hop - What a beautiful tribute to his cousin. I didn’t recognize him until they showed the clip from Season 8...if memory serves me right, he did mostly break dancing then but threw in a few contemporary jumps that turned some heads. Choreo was definitely the appropriate place for him, and I’m so glad he made it through!
Claire Rathbun, Ballet - Well, I love her. Ballet is already so impressive in it’s traditional form, but she seemed to bring a different dynamic to it while maintaining traditional technique. I liked that she wasn’t super stiff or porcelain doll-like. I feel like we are going to see much more from her.
Lex Ishimoto, Hip Hop / Jazz / Contemporary - HOLY. HELL. This kid can literally do everything. He pretty much defies gravity with his leaps! It makes a lot of sense that he’s with Shaping Sound. Star and DEFINITE Top 20 member over here. Can’t freaking wait to see his journey!!!
So, auditions are over, and it’s on to The Academy aka Not Vegas. THIS IS THE EPISODE I LIVE FOR. IS IT NEXT MONDAY YET? Also - can we please take a moment to acknowledge the all-stars??? @sytycdrankings favs Comfort and Cyrus, the ever-perfect Allison Holker, Gaby, Fikshun, Jenna...really they are all my precious angels and I love them. Also...SONYA! Welcome the hell back, lady. We’ve missed you!
But seriously, is it next Monday yet???