Once all four couples performed, the judges had to select two of the four couples for elimination. Judges found this difficult, and there was disagreement when it came to the selection. Conflicts had also arisen during the judges' comments earlier in the evening. Things are definitely getting more heated at this stage.
Even though all the couples did well, the judges did find fault with at least one of their performances. The only couple with high marks all around was Melody and Blake. Since this is a competition, the judges had to make a decision. That decision put Artem, Ashle, Jamile and Melissa up for elimination. It is up to America to decide which two of these four goes home next week.
During the forty-five second solos, Artem blew the audience away with his performance. Artem has danced well each week, and it would shock me if he were sent home. Jamile also performed well here, but it is starting to become apparent he doesn't have the versatility needed at this stage of the competition to continue on.
Melissa and Ashle are harder to choose between. Early on in the competition, I was wondering how long Ashle would last. I never expected her to be here at this point, but she is. With each week, she has shown improvement. Melissa, on the other hand, has done well consistently. They are both similar in style, and they both have performed well. Forced to choose, I would send Ashle packing.
This episode of So You Think You Can Dance was intense. For sixty minutes it came at you hard and fast. The dancers looked amazing, and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next week.
We only have three more weeks until we know who wins this competition. What do you think America? Are your favorites still in the game or have they been sent on their way? Let me know what you think.
For a complete list of songs used on this week's episode and more reviews by Regina, including reviews on books, music, movies and several popular television shows, visit her review blog found at One Couch Critic. Her rambles on life and writing can be found on her daily blog, One Writer's Rambles.
Ed: JH
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Kristin
Jamile is more attractive and is nicer to watch than the others. HIs body is more appealing onstage for females. He does not have the technique because I don't think he has had the training the others had. Nick and Blake seem too gay -- I don't mean that in a homophobic way, I just mean they are not belieavable when they try to dance sexy with the women. Artem is too oily, too corny. I cringe when he dances.
2 - audrey
As a former dancer - I was frustrated with the judges comments on 2 of the ballroom sequences - yes dancers must do their very best even when the choreography is the problem - in two of the dances that were critisized I blame the chorepgrapher for being to focused on tricks on less on the heart of the actual dances. If the dancers are going to be judged I feel the choreographers should also be up for critisizm.
3 - Kristin
Also, it seemed that the men are outdancing the women, especially inthe case of Blake and Nick. I don't know if that is because men are naturally stronger and can therefore do more, or if it is just an incidental fact with this particular group. Melodi, for example, I find very boring. She always has a smile on her face and does not show a range of emotion or passion. In the disco dance, for example, she wasn't sexy and grown-up enough. She was smiling goffily, instead of looking like a cool disco queen.
I don't think the judging is quite on the money with the hip-hop/versus ballroom, in the sense that they expect dancers like Ryan and Jamile to take on the attitude and body posture of ballroom, but are less demanding on Blake or Nick when it comes to taking on a hip-hop posture. NIck was just not credible I thought in his hip-hop dance (with the perky Melodi (, yet I believe he got good reviews.
4 - Kristin
Re: I blame the chorepgrapher for being to focused on tricks on less on the heart of the actual dances.
What do you mean? You mean the flips/holds? I guess they want crowd-pleasing stuff.
5 - Julane
Wow, big drama this week huh?
Kristin, I think you put your finger on something--ultimately the contest comes down to the male dancers. I could not believe the audience had to pick between Ashlé and Melissa, and then I remembered that the goal is a Nick-Blake dance-off. I thought Nick did okay in his hip-hop routine except that--well--he's Nick, rather an unlikely visitor to the hip-hop world. OTOH, I thought Melissa did an awesome hip-hop routine this week and she doesn't necessarily look the part either. I cannot agree about Artem--bear in mind that he is a Russian international-trained ballroom dancer so his style may be a bit foreign for some Americans, whereas we are more accustomed to seeing hip-hoppers like Jamile. Besides, he was HOT HOT HOT this week. Last week someone (Wootch?) said Melody's hoochy dances "work for him"; well, Artem's sexy Chippendale's dances work for me. Hard to say who will be eliminated, but if I had to predict I'd say Jamile will. Just look at the contrast between Artem's paso doble and Jamile's--no contest there.
Audrey, you make an excellent point that I hadn't really been thinking about. Over and over the judges criticized routines because they did not conform to the standards of the genre, yet that would be the choreographer's responsibility. The dancers probably have some input during the week as far as what moves or tricks work best or whatever, but they have to rely on the choreographers to be the experts in the dance form, especially when they are a hip-hopper trying to do a quick-step or anyone else trying to figure out what "contemporary" even means.
Very tough competition and very enjoyable to watch! We have to remember that all but one of these dancers are going to be eliminated at some point in spite of the fact that they are wonderful.
6 - cassie
At this point in the competition I feel it is unfair to be judged as a pair. Every week we have someone like Melissa this week who is in the bottom group for no fault of her own. I wish they would just pick the bottom 2 females/males regardless of their partners performance.
I feel like the two strongest females (as far as adapting to all styles thrown at them and consistantly getting rare reviews) are now facing elimination.
It is time for Jamile to go. I love him but he is clearly not versatile enough. If he had ever pulled lyrical out of the hat he would have been gone already.
Artem may be swarmy to some, but I see him as a polished and passionate performer with beautiful lines to watch. He has won me over from the beginning of the competition. Love to see him do a hip hop routine.
I can't decide between the two girls because they both have done so well but Ashley has the killer dance bod. Her gorgeous legs and extention are hard to beat. She has fabulous technique and control. Melissa has nailed every routine and made her short little legs appear long and graceful in the ballroom routines. I was blown away with how well she did in the hip hop number. I would not want to make this call. Neither deserves to go.
Melody was my early favorite but she is lacking dimension and excitement for me.
I thought the disco routine was the worst of the night as a whole. I couldn't believe the judges ears. The pose double (sp) with Melissa's performance was far more enjoyable for me eventhough Jamile was lacking in technique. But each week they trash a favorite performance of mine so what else is new?
Does anyone else feel like it is time to separate the couples and eliminate based on each individual performance?
7 - Kristin
This is a fun discussion. Good points, Cassie and Julane, well stated. Truthfully, it probably is time for Jamile to go but he is a cutie and it is entertaining to see him struggle with the unfamiliar styles. Here's a question: Do you think Artem could do hip-hop?
8 - Julane
I absolutely think Artem could pull off a hip-hop routine, although it would probably look different from what we've seen from the veteran hip-hoppers and I'm not sure what kind of tricks he'd do but probably not landing on his head like Ryan! The reason I think he could do it is that he has so many years of experience as a dancer and he is obviously very driven to excel no matter what is thrown at him. I sure hope I get a chance to see whether I am right about this.
Cassie, I couldn't agree more about uncoupling the dancers when it comes time to put people up for elimination. That is the thing that is not working about the show. The judges go "good job Melissa, bad job Jamile" and then before we know it we have Melissa up for elimination. *sigh* I am also getting somewhat bored with Melody, but I thought she was a bit stronger this week when freed from that leg lift. LOL Personally I was bowled over by the disco routine but that's just because Blake was channeling the young John Travolta.
I forgot to say before that I just loved Ashlé's solo--interesting, fun to watch and a great use of the music. Melissa's was a little bit miscellaneous--and it's funny you should say that about her legs but it was during her solo that I first noticed she had shorter, heavier legs than Melissa. They are both so wonderful though, I hate to see either one go. Judging by leg length is just sad (can you tell that my legs are very short also?).
9 - Kristin
I think Nick and Blake are the best dancers, but does Blake have a chance after being a jerk earlier in the show?
10 - Julane
I think he does, as long as he seems contrite about the whole thing. It seems to me that is all history now; it may even contribute to his likeability that he was cocky but now has been humbled by the experience. Does that make sense? A little bit like Kelly Monaco in Dancing With the Stars, who was not really the best dancer but I think won for being the most improved. It all seems to come down to some drama that has nothing to do with being the best dancer.
Did anyone else watch that series? They are having a dance-off next Tuesday.
11 - Pic
FYI -- The show will be doing single eliminations once they get down to 6 dancers. So, starting next week, everyone will be up on the chopping block.
I have felt for several episodes now that the judges are targeting individuals, not pairs. The downside is that the "good partner" is in danger.
Finally, they say they are looking for the "best dancer" but what exactly does that mean? Do you want the dancer to be on Broadway? in a MTV video? in a ballet company (lol)? a background dancer for a pop star? I'm assuming the judges know but I can see how it would be frustrating for general America to not know what exactly they are looking for. Clearly, all 8 of these dancers could be hired somewhere. Jamile more likely for a MTV video, Blake as a backup dancer, Nick on Broadway, etc.
Hope there's better choreography next week...
12 - Kristin
Re: inally, they say they are looking for the "best dancer" but what exactly does that mean? Do you want the dancer to be on Broadway? in a MTV video? in a ballet company (lol)? a background dancer for a pop star? I'm assuming the judges know but I can see how it would be frustrating for general America to not know what exactly they are looking for. Clearly, all 8 of these dancers could be hired somewhere. Jamile more likely for a MTV video, Blake as a backup dancer, Nick on Broadway, etc
Good question. Maybe they mean the most skilled and versatile?
13 - Wootch
First I want to say kudos to Regina. Her posts always provide nice coverage and she brings up some of the more fun and interesting points. Next, I want to say that I'm impressed by the bloggers on this board. This is a fun and respectful group. I can't believe I've become one of those people hooked on a reality show, but I have...
Down to business: Regarding the format of the show, I really miss two things. I liked seeing the rehearsal process. It allowed further glimpses into the personalities PLUS you saw who the choreographer was and how they worked. You also got to see the process and how tricky it is. The other thing I miss is the judges' comments after EACH performance. I liked getting more of the immediate emotional response. Each dance could have been digested on it's own, instead of being grouped in with each other. Some good performances were diluted by the comments on the bad performances and vice versa.
As far as the other stuff goes, I have to agree with Cassie on just about every point. The pairing format at this juncture of the competition was absolutely unfair to Melissa and Ashlee and I am very sad to have to see one of them go. When they were both picked, I actually found myself thinking it should have been Melody (of all people). I'm the "hoochy" lover from past posts but I absolutely agree that perhaps she is a bit one-note with her emotions in performances. Melissa and Ashlee are just as versatile and I actually think have done a BETER job overall at holding up their end of the bargain when partnered with both strong and weak dancers in the various styles. Neither one deserves it at this point. Really tough.
As far as the men go, I think Artem brought Ashlee down. Their Foxtrot was incredible and he is amazing but the second number was really flat. Perhaps the choreography, as some have suggested. That said, I am starting to think that the Blake-Nick thing might cancel each other out. Nick has shown that he can hang with Blake in all areas (his earlier disco with Kamilah was better than Blake's with Melody). Artem is unique and engaging and I wouldn't be surprised if he wound up in the final two (guys). That depends on the styles he picks. He could be in big trouble with another style but I'm not so sure.
For me it broke down like this. I say keep Melissa and Artem (Jamile--an awesome solo as usual-- you'll go far but you can't partner). Ahslee, I'm sick to see you go. You don't deserve it and if I'm wrong and you stay, I'll be just as happy that you're still in it.
Until next week... whew!!!
14 - Gina
Thank you for the kudos, Wootch! I try my best to bring up things about the show others will want to know in case they do miss the show when it airs. I'm just as addicted to this show as everyone else is.
15 - Julane
I agree that this is a great group. I have enjoyed everyone's thoughtful insights, and learned a lot. I really like how subcultures form on the Web around all sorts of interests. I also appreciate Regina's reviews--very professional.
You raise an interesting issue, Kristin. Ultimately the whole thing is pretty subjective: the choreography least of all, since presumably there are some standards it is supposed to follow or some elements it is supposed to include, then the skills of the dancers, the artistic interpretation of the style, the dancers' ability to partner effectively, and the "chemistry" they have together. It cannot be easy to judge all that. I admit that several times I have been thrilled with a performance that was absolutely trashed by the judges moments later on the grounds that the dance "just didn't have It" (whatever It is).
Wootch, I too miss seeing the working sessions but I can see where they don't have time for them anymore, plus you don't get those "How in the heck can they ever train Allan to do lyrical" moments at this level of competition. I see your point about the immediacy of the judges' comments though. They should comment right away or maybe not comment at all? I can dream, can't I...
Maybe they ought to partner Nick with Blake and be done with it. I don't think they'd mind, and I'd be fascinated to see what they came up with!
16 - Pic
Just as an aside, I was clearing out my old dance magazines and ran across the October 2001 issue of Dance Spirit ... with Nick on the cover! Bizarre that I would see that now, while this show is going on.
17 - jaybiz
Hey !! Let's not count out Jamile quite yet. If you look at the voting breakdown he has a better chance of making it through than it looks. While artem will have the majority of the women vote he will not get them all. Jamile will also get a considerable amount of the female vote but not as much of artem. But Here is Jamile's diamond in the rough- the male vote - Artem performance was defenately geared to the ladies. I cannot see Jamile loosing the male vote, and with a close female vote it should put him just over. It happens everytime he's in the bottom , thats why he gets the most votes. He appeals to both sexes. Watch!!
18 - Wootch
Jaybiz, you make an interesting point. As a straight male I totally agree that Jamile's routines are "cooler" but I have to go with Artem's ability AND crossover versatility over Jamile. Jamile is absolutely awful (relatively of course) at other styles. I'd say they are both equal in the popularity department but Artem's ability with the objective voters will put him over the top.
At this stage in the game though, anything can happen and if you're right then I'll just say that America's wrong.
19 - Julane
I really, really want Artem to stay in the competition and choose hip-hop out of the hat. I'm betting he can do it! Ultimately there is more to dancing than "looking cool" and I think many guys recognize that. Jamile is a wonderful hip-hopper who has trained himself to do what he does so well; Artem has many years of disciplined training and it shows.
20 - Victoria
Hey, I just discovered this blog and comments and I am LOVING it! I, too, never thought I'd get hooked on a reality show but I absolutely cannot wait till tomorrow's competition! That said, I totally agree with what you've all said, particularly about the choreography---I mean, when the dancers are given lots of "tricks" to do, and they do them well, why should they be criticized? They didn't pick the routine. Second, I am DYING to see Artem do hip-hop! If he can pull it off, he just might win, although Blake and Nick are just SO good! Jamile? I love watching his hip-hop performances but he's just not as versatile as the others.
How on earth can I choose between Melissa and Ashle; they are both excellent. I will be sad to see one of them go; they don't deserve it. I also didn't think Ashle was that good in the beginning but she has proven herself to be great in all genre of dance. Melody used to be my favorite (and I was happy to see her paired with a better partner for her), but Ashle is starting to blow me away. So what about Kamilah? No one has mentioned her.
I was glad to read that the dancers will be competing alone and not as couples soon. I'm looking forward to that. It was unfair when one dancer was excellent and the other wasn't.
I'm gonna go back to dreaming about Artem again, lol. Thanks for this forum; it's great fun!
21 - Wootch
Yes, what about Kamilah? Initially, I thought her "emotion" was a bit too much. She annoyed during the audition process and the judges had to even tell her to dial it down a bit. Once the competition began however, I've been so impressed with her ability to combine the emotional element with her technical grace. She looks fantastic and physically matches well with her partners. Sexy when it calls for sexy, regal when it calls for regal, vulnerable when it calls for vulnerable. While she may not be as technically proficient as some of the others (she does not do well in some of the ballroom numbers), she's had good partners and I've been pretty impressed.
Now, if she can just stop looking like she's gonna have a nervous breakdown after each performance...
22 - Cheryl
I think Ashley,Blake,Nick and Melody should be the top 4. Do the judges pick the winner? Next week is the finale, so I'm thinking there won't be any voting.
23 - Shelley
I think Jamile is great it is amazing how well he has crossed over to the ballroom dancing, I realize that they have really gotten hard on him with his technique but do you realize how much he has had to do all the ballroom dances and put a 100%percent into all of them. Yes he is easy on the eyes but he also is a great dancer and people need to realize just how hard it has been to adapt to all different types and still keep up his awesome attitude and remember all he has over come to even be able to dance again. I know what it is like to have it taken from you and it is the one thing you have always had to make everything else easier. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see weds episode and I would really like to know if anyone knows if they will be making the season into a DVD? I also teach a drill team and cheerleaders and I would like them to see just how important and inspiring dance can be.
24 - TMac
Hey. Whats the name of the song that Jamile and Destiny did the hip hop dance too I'm trying to find the cd for my dance class. I thought that dance was excellent. I feel as though Jamile dosen't get enough credit for his dances.
25 - Shelley
I think the song that Jamile and Destiny danced to was called Shake. It has the old beat from a break dancing move, I have a song something like it and will see if I can find who did the song. Your right it would be great for a dance class. I didn't get to see the Weds 21st episode could you kind of give me short overview. Where I live there was a cable outage.