That's so right. People with technique are criticized far too much. It reminds me of my University Dance Program. Anyone with studio training was criticized for not being open to new ideas, but anyone who had no training, but natural ability, was treated like gold!

Re: Sexy Dances
These dancers are adults and at a point where I think it is acceptable to be dancing to more mature themes. So, for their sake, I really think anything goes. However, this show does seem to attract a lot of tweens (at least from seeing shots of the audience and knowing how excited my students have gotten over this show). I would expect the show to keep a conscious of who is watching and ultimately making them the big bucks. However, I have found nothing over the line at this point. There have been dances that were not appropriate for 12 year old's (and costumes, too), but I would have let my (imaginary) child watch the programing.

Also, on Thursday's results show they had the guy who auditioned and made it to Vegas with his incredible street dancing. I really enjoyed his movement and creativity and was sorry that he decided to drop out. I can even understand why... I imagine he had never seen choreography before and being in a setting with a hundred people (many who are quite accustomed to picking up others' choreography quickly and efficiently) where one stumble could cut you out of the race, would be incredible stressful. Yes, I think he should have tried, but certainly we've all been put in situations where we were out of our comfort zone and we regrettably gave up. However, I was outraged the way Nigel was speaking to him when he was their SPECIAL GUEST!!! There are many ways he could have said the same thing, "It's a shame that you did not continue, as we saw great potential in your dancing." Just not nice.

Just to be clear on my comment about the numbers being too sexual...

it's not that I think the dancers shouldn't perform those types of numbers, (I actually enjoyed the number choreographed to the Heart song), but it's that this is a prime-time show that I assumed was being marketed as something appropriate for the entire family. I just didn't feel the number was "family friendly"

Many of the numbers are sensual, but don't appear sexual. This particular number appeared sexual, which I do not consider family-friendly choreography.

I just got to watch the my DVR SYTYCD. If Comfort pulls up her pants one more time, I'm going to pull my hair out. I thought tall Courtney's solo was the best of the three girls.

It seems like Thursday was the first time I have seen fouettes this season, could that be right?!

Can I ask a question regarding everyone's concern about the "sexual" dances? I'm not trying to spark a debate but I find it interesting....so I'm prepared to have my head bitten off, but here goes.

Do those of you that have a problem with these "sexual" dances being on prime time, also take issues with acts of violence that are shown during the day and at prime time? Shows such as CSI, Law&Order are on at all times during the day and can be very graphic and violent. I would much rather my daughter see a dance such as the one Will and Jessica did or Twitch and Kherington did than accidently catch a glimpse of one of these graphic shows while flipping through channels. The show is on where I live from 8-10pm. I think that anyone who is allowed to stay up until 10pm is more old enough to watch these dances. These dances were art not like the booty shaking and hip thrusting that I see pass for jazz in most competitions. These are adults, let them have adult themes. Then again I also saw nothing wrong with these dances and would most definately allow my daughter to watch them.

Anyways, I totally agree about Nigel being out of order to the special guest. You invited him, don't be rude. And COmfort with her pants drives me insane! Hopefully she will be gone soon.

ARRGH!!! I just watched the results and...

I totally thought I was going to rip my hair out when Comfort was dancing "holding up her pants for her life" and I thought that her solo was something I have seen children who try to copy videos do in the studio.

I also think that both Kourtni and Matt should have stayed tonight--I mean last week. I am glad that Nigel said that they weren't unanimous in their decision, though, it made me feel like I wasn't losing my mind. I think that this will be a season that I just casually watch when I have time, as I get so frustrated with how things turn out...

shmcdona,

Yes... I do take issue with the other shows as well; however, those shows are geared towards/marketed to adults. I know right off that those shows will have violent and sexual content, and will not have my 4 year old in the room while those shows are on. Shows like American Idol and SYTYCD appear (to me) to be shows that I could have on and watch while my kids are in the room; however, that particular piece - and the question posed by my 4 year old - made me uncomfortable. I was not uncomfortable watching it on my computer on youtube by myself the next day, but was uncomfortable watching it with my child. Additionally, I believe many of the shows with violent and/or sexual content now post disclaimers before the show begins, informing viewers that the show has violent and sexual content.

Obviously, my 4 year old has seen some things she should not have seen in the past to know enough to ask the question, but that was mine and her father's mistake for having an adult oriented program on when we thought she wasn't paying any attention. We are more careful now. The sensual inuendo, I have no problem with, but the Will/Jessica piece had some particular choreography that mimicked a sexual position, which was exactly the point where my 4 year old asked the question.

I believe the show comes on at 7:00 in my area.

So, while I enjoyed the piece, and believe it was well performed, I would've appreciated some advance warning so that I could've otherwise occupied my child.

Fair enough. I just know several people whot ake issue with sexual/sensual items on tv, yet seem to have no issue regarding violence. I always find that interesting, cause given the choice I would rather expose my child to the former than the latter.

I really didn't think "the bed" dance or "the shirt" dance we're overly sexual. Have you seen Romeo and Juliet? I'd say there's a lot more sexuality in that ballet then in either of these dances.

In comparison to the things I often see at competitions this was pretty tame.

Just my two cents

Triskit wrote:

I really didn't think "the bed" dance or "the shirt" dance we're overly sexual. Have you seen Romeo and Juliet? I'd say there's a lot more sexuality in that ballet then in either of these dances.

I totally agree.

Anyone else see Maillot's R&J? oh my *fans self* now that's a balcony scene...

It's Wednesday night, almost midnight in California--so, the west coast has seen SYTYCD tonight.

It looks like they have already decided who will be eliminated tomorrow night!!! UGH, I wish they wouldn't decide before the event takes place.

My friend and I have decided that we are going to start a new drinking game...everytime Mia says "connection" we drink! Bad, I know

I loved, loved, loved Tyce's contemporary piece. Thank you, Tyce!!! Also where can I take a Bollywood style dance class? My quads and knees hurt alittle just watching that piece. They made it look easy and fun!!!

I totally agree^^Thank you Tyce! I felt like I was watching concert dance...on Fox. How wonderful. Yes, erotic, who gives a crapola, though? I loved it.

Great show! I was thoroughly entertained-hurrah! I got chills watching...krump?? Is that possible? That said-Comfort! Yikes. How on Earth are they going to squeeze her in to the top 10? Poor Thayne; the man has danced for his life the entire show and he worked that hip hop as well as Comfort in her "element". She is on thiiiiiiin ice.

I would watch Bollywood any day of the week over the Foxtrot or Vienese Waltz (zzzz ). Sort of comical they decided to throw that dance into the hat-whatever ol Nige is feeling, I guess. And what, no Bollywood judge to weigh in on the technical details? Still it was totally entertaining. I predict an influx of Indian-inspired dancing in comps this year. *wiggles fingers over crystal ball*

I had to turn off the show after an hour because I just couldn't stand the constant praise for the select few. Why is it okay for the technique to be not quite right as long as the performance/artistry is there - but only for some dancers?! Why are other dancers critiqued on EVERYTHING?

Like I don't think glossing over the fact that Gev's footwork (in the ballroom piece), just because he performed it well, was right. It's the top 12 and if you listen to the judges, almost everyone was amazing (in the first hour - except for Thayne and Comfort?). You (the judges) have to be a bit pickier.

Or like how Kherington lost "it" for the last 16 bars (according to Nigel). Why ignore that? Nigel mentioned it but then said he was ignoring it. But why? Anyone else would have been lectured for that.

Right on fouettegirl, the one thing that makes me sick is inconsistency. I nearly lost my dinner halfway through the show but I kept it turned on because of course I couldn't really bring myself to turn it off!

I could not believe Nigel either. So not performing for half the dance is not a big deal we should just forget about that! I'm sorry these are the "best" dancers in this country and they can't get through a short routine...give me a break! If anyone else would have done that they would have said bottom three you are going home. So inconsistent in everything they say it makes me ill.

Completely agree about Nigel and the whole Kherington thing. Why should we just forget about the part that she messed up on? If Jessica had done that she would have been torn apart.

Oh, if Jessica would have done what Kerrington did tonight, they wouldn't even have bothered with letting the public vote. They probably would have said, "you know what Jessica that was so bad that we are just going to send you home now, you have really really really let your partner down tonight so we are going to cut you ourselves!" LOL!

I am finding that the judges comments are bothering me, too. The favoritism last night was just too thick to ignore. I don't mind an honest touch critique. There is nothing wrong with saying "The beginning was lacking, but you really picked it up for the end!" Or even "The technique was bad, but you performed amazingly!" But you can't "ignore" parts... especially for only certain dancers. I am really interested to see how the public votes with such obvious favoritism.

There were certainly some great numbers last night, but the whole show feel dull. The judges just weren't excited.

The salsa was brilliant.

Tyce's "contemporary" was really professional stage art. We didn't need the explanation at the beginning, the piece (and indeed it was a "piece") spoke for itself.

I am not an Indian dance expert (have seen some and even danced a little), so I've seen more exciting dance than what was presented. But it was good. But mostly, I was thrilled to see a new form of dance on the show!!!

Also, the jungle dance was not cotton candy. It was silly and cute, but it had substance. I think that was an unfair critique.

I got aggravated, too. The last half of the dance is the most important - the true test of a dancer to have the stamina and stage presence to carry on! Grr... I fell asleep after my favorites - Katee and Joshua. Who was sent home?

Tyce's contemporary was amazing. I loved it. No story, just art. Beautiful.
Valgal, so true about Jessica. I wasn't overly keen on her to begin with but now, after surviving all the judges critiques week after week (and yes, I understand that is part of the dance world, but really they seem to be harder on her than any other female), she has really grown on me. Kherington, drives me batty. They should just build a pedestal to her and be done with it! Would love to see her in the bottom three...not that they would send her home.

Why can't the judges be teachers and learn that Comfort evidently doesn't know what "Connection" is. And by the way, I'm joining the drinking game tonight!!

Not one person mentioned that Comfort was looking down at the ground or at her partner to see if they were together instead of looking at him in character. I truly think she doesn't "get it". I think she thinks they mean "teamwork" by "connection". Not that it's an excuse cause I'm with the vast majority that she should be home already. If I see her land flat footed and ackward out of a lift again, I'll scream.

Mia was a bit harsh yesterday, but I have no problem with the technical critiques. If I was judging a number and I saw flaws, regardless of performance, I couldn't hold my tongue, because technically something lacked.

However, all of the ballroom partnering, footwork, and lifts has to be a challenge.

Kherrington is on my every nerve! I agree she started strong and then went blah, but was her krumping correct? I'm not expert at all in this genre, but I thought the rough moves were supposed to be almost like a "locking" with the loose then hard aspect. She reminded me of a cheerleader all stiff and hard through each arm movement (Do feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, because I'm really not sure).

Poor Thayne.

I think Baliwood, sp?, was too fun. I'd love to see more genre's that are different, but more feasible for an all around dancer to pick up than the fox trot or quickstep. Granted, keep some ballroom but ready:

1. Viennese Waltz
2. Tango
3. Cha Cha
4. Quickstep
5. Fox Trot
6. Jive
7. Westcoast Swing
8. Samba
9. Mambo
10. Paso Doble

And I'm sure we're missing more!!!

Technical training areas most of these dancers have probably had:
1. Ballet
2. Jazz
3. Lyrical
4. Modern
5. Contemporary
6. Hip Hop (Could be broken down of course: b-boying, popping, locking, krumping, etc.-and I could probably fuse Jazz with lyrical and the aforementioned. Just being lazy, not meshing a style with lack of respect).

Only 1 dancer has been a "partner dancer".

Is there something wrong with this picture or is it just me?

Are we competing with Dancing with the Stars or are they looking for a reason to keep Mary Murphy????

Gosh, all that critique on Jessica only makes me like her more! She is a trooper and has to stand there while outsiders tell her what she was feeling when she danced. Kherington meanwhile is so "pretty" (Nigel must be on crack for saying that the other week) I don't feel the need to phone up and save her and Twitch.

I don't even listen to the comments anymore. It's become the worst part of the show.

I agree about the comments and not listening to them anymore. I just wish Mary had a mute button. That woman is so loud and annoying. Can she say anything positive without screaming?

I liked what Mia had to say about most of the dancer last night.....except for Jessica and Will. I couldn't believe she told Will that he looked tired of carrying her and he needed a new partner!!!! I like Mia because she is honest and I don't find she shows too much favortism (kinda like Dan) but do you guys think that maybe they shouldn't have Nigel and Mary judge EVERY week??? Its almost like they have their favorites and want everyone to know it, but when you get the third judge on they seem to be more open minded?? I dunno could just be me, but that's my opinion.

I never see the show live because I teach on the days its on so i tivo it. I got so tired of the judges comments that I now fast forward through them and give my own comments. but I agree i think they are only keeping Comfort on because she is a hip hop dancer and they need her for the tour. I also believe that when the watch Jessica and Will they compare her to Will instead of judging her for her ability. I like Kherington but I do feel that they are not as hard as they should be with her especially last night you dont just give up in the middle of a dance and let your partner down not professional at all.