Thursday, September 27, 2018

Big Brother Season 20 Finale - My Thoughts

What an exciting finish to this season of Big Brother!

Kaycee and Tyler battled in the final Head of Household competition. The winner was chosen by a tie-breaking question that required a number in seconds; whoever came closest without going over won. Kaycee won with a number that was THIRTEEN seconds from the answer! Amazing!

I doubt it would have mattered who won that last comp, however. I think Kaycee and Tyler were loyal to the end, which was so refreshing. I was SO relieved not to have JC in the finale. He should not have even been top 3. And I'm not talking about his game play. I'm talking about his creepy, predatory behavior that was witnessed by fans on the live feeds. CBS should have kicked him off the show long ago.

Anyway, the final vote was as close as you can get - Kaycee won by one vote! It was a nail biter of a finish! I am so excited for her! She played a great game! Tyler did too, and I'm glad he was rewarded with the fan favorite award. They both cried tears of joy, for themselves, their families and each other.

Three romances were revealed during the live show: We already knew about Tyler & Angela and Swaggy C & Bayleigh, but Haleigh & Faysal confirmed their relationship as well. Swaggy C's proposal to Bayleigh was shocking to say the least - how long were in the house together? Two weeks, right? I guess since the proposal at the Emmy's was so enjoyed and admired, we will see more of these live tv pronouncements of love. It was nice I guess, but I feel like it took attention away from Tyler and Kaycee during their big moment, plus the earlier evicted house guests got completely shafted. Their only screen time was taken up reacting to Swaggy's proposal, and then Kaycee's victory.

Thanks for a great season Big Brother! Congrats to Kaycee!

The jury is out on whether I'll have time to watch Celebrity Big Brother in the winter. I thought the first season was great although I was disappointed in who won.

librarianintx


Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Dancing with the Stars Season 27 Results Show of Nite 1 9/25/18

Whew!
Thank goodness only five couples danced last night. That is a lot of pressure for these new contestants, knowing there was a possibility they may have to dance a second time in the first week. More stress than it is for me as an amateur recap-er. :)

There were six couples in the bottom, but John and Emma were declared safe, so they didn't have to perform. All of the couples danced new routines with new songs, but in the same style that they were given on Monday night.

1) Mary Lou and Sasha
What is she doing in the bottom? She was good on Monday night!
She was fierce in her video package, and she was fierce in the routine. At least more fierce than she was the previous night. She looked more determined. Definitely less cutesy. That competitive streak in her was clearly on display. Her moves were sharper. The song, "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer is disco, but Mary Lou and Sasha danced a proper Cha Cha.
Len: "crisp, clean, right on time, well done"
Bruno: "back with a vengeance, that's how you deliver under pressure"
Carrie Ann: "danced like a champ"
Scores: 7, 7, 7
My score: 8

2) Danelle and Artem
I'm so sorry, but this second performance was worse. Artem didn't have her come down the stairs this time, but that change didn't help. She was hesitant, and especially in the beginning she did not seem to remember the steps. I understand that she is dancing at a disadvantage, and I applaud her courage and determination, but I also have to judge her like I do every other contestant on the show.
Bruno: "tried to use the floor more, taking on the challenge"
Carrie Ann: "you impressed me tonight"
Len: "Yours is the greatest challenge. You're an inspiration to America"
Scores: 6, 6, 6
My score: 5

3) Nikki and Gleb
She has no dance experience, and you can tell, although I still think there is potential. She came out with a surprising amount of attack and enthusiasm, and I thought we were going to see a much improved performance. Unfortunately all of that waned rather quickly, and we were left with another careful, tepid Salsa.
Carrie Ann: "I liked the overall presentation - but work on your arms - own it"
Len: "you controlled the dance - more verve and energy - an improvement"
Bruno: "attitude much better - but work on your hips"
Scores: 6, 6, 6
My score: 6

4) Alexis and Alan
What the heck is she doing in the bottom?!?!
She's right - Monday night was cutesy, and Tuesday night was more sexy.
Heck yes, it was more sexy! She has a rockin' body, and the dance and costume showed it off nicely.
I didn't see many kicks and flicks, but there were other recognizable Jive elements in the dance.
I thought she was quite good on Monday night, and even better on Tuesday night.
Len: "You are a terrific dancer"
Bruno: "clean, precise, strong, fantastic"
Carrie Ann: "I'm more impressed with you tonight"
Scores: 7, 8, 8
My score: 8

5) Nancy and Val
The costume and styling were somewhat better on Tuesday night. I liked the flapper style yellow dress, but I'm still not sure the cut was entirely flattering on her.
I thought this dance was slightly better than the one on Monday night, but I also thought she gave a mostly solid performance on the first night. She should be squarely middle-of-the-pack, not in jeopardy.
Bruno: "bright, lovely, vivacious, better body contact - You went for it!"
Carrie Ann: "you upped the game - harder choreography"
Len: "so together - you got the body contact"
Scores: 7, 7, 7
My score: 7

Elimination:
Nikki and Gleb
I'm not surprised. She struggled, and she is not a well-known personality. Then again, well known contestants like Mary Lou and Nancy were in the bottom as well.

I have to say, Dancing with the Stars Juniors looks like it's going to be great. I wish I had time to watch that too. Too bad they can't make that a summer show when I have a little more time to watch and recap.

librarianintx

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Dancing with the Stars Season 27 Nite 1 Part 2 9/24/18

8) Alexis Ren (social media personality) and Alan
Jive
What the heck happened with the camera? Did the cameraperson fall down? It sure looked like it.
Anyway, the concept for the routine was super cute. She has musicality, a good bounce, nice energy, etc. The kicks and flicks didn't display themselves until the middle of the performance, but they were solid.
Bruno: "insta-stunner and a good dancer"
Carrie Ann: "I'm impressed - just perform out a bit more"
Len: "great Jive, a lot of attack"
Scores: 7, 7, 7
My score: 7 (almost an 8)

9) John Schneider (actor and singer) and Emma
Foxtrot
Of course they danced to the Dukes of Hazard theme.
Of course it was a very country performance.
There is some potential here - maybe.
Or maybe it was Emma making him look better than he is.
It was hokey, but he has some musicality.
It wasn't a train wreck.
Carrie Ann: "natural elegance and charm
Len: "It was a bit rough - lacked finesse and quality of movement - good effort"
Bruno: "sometimes rough, sometimes smooth - like a cross country trip"
Scores: 7, 5, 6
My score: 6

10) Tinashe (singer) and Brandon
Jive
They both just made a name for themselves on the show!
Great routine!
Cheeky, sharp, fast-paced, great personality and chemistry!
They were both on fire and played off each other VERY well!
They have both made a fantastic first impression!
I loved it!
And she is gorgeous!
Len: "snap, crackle, and pop; top notch"
Bruno: "foxy Jive! SO fast, dynamic, clean, precise"
Carrie Ann: "You are a star! But Brandon, you need to show her off more"
Scores: 8, 7, 8
My score: 8

11) Nancy McKeon (actress) and Val
Quickstep
Picky comment #1: In the video package, Nancy arrived on a motorcycle, clad in leather, long hair flowing. She looked young, hip, cool. But for the routine, the dress and the styling of her hair made her look older, frumpy, heavy, clunky. I understand that she's dancing a Quickstep and she needs to wear a flowing dress and look elegant. But I think the style of the dress was all wrong for her.
Picky comment #2: I felt like Val drastically out-danced her. If Carrie Ann accused Brandon of not showing off Tinashe enough, she needed to say the same to Val, even more so, and she didn't.
Quickstep on Nite 1 is SO tough, but she coped well.
Bruno: "full gallop, keep it steady"
Carrie Ann: "I liked how you told a story - need better body contact"
Len: "good, solid performance"
Scores: 6, 6, 6
My score: 7

12) "Grocery store" Joe Amable (Bachelor star) and Jenna
Quickstep
Like Carrie Ann said with the previous Quickstep, this one needed more body contact.
He also needed not to forget the routine, or whatever the heck happened. 
Yikes.
In the last part he just stood there while Jenna danced around him.
He looked like a deer in the headlights.
Poor thing.
Carrie Ann: "big fan base, not a dancer yet"
Len: "I like you, but you went wrong"
Bruno: "You'll find technique next week"
Scores: 5, 4, 5
My score: 5
Erin: "No rose for Len" (Quote #3 of the night)

13) Demarcus Ware (football player) and Lindsay
Cha Cha
He doesn't have the natural ability like some athletes on previous seasons, but he has enthusiasm and attack - too much attack at times. But he had a sexy move or two, and the leap over Lindsay was definitely exciting.  I see potential.
Len: "fantastic presence, wonderful personality, and you're not a bad dancer"
Bruno: "delightful, delicious Demarcus the dancer!"
Carrie Ann: "charisma, athleticism, inner light"
Scores: 8, 7, 8
My score: 6 (mmmm, quite a difference here)

Note #1: I have a book club on Tuesday night, so if Tuesday is another performance night, I'll be late on the recap.
Note #2: I'm not watching / recapping "Dancing with the Stars Juniors." One dancing show per season is all I can do with all the other shows I watch.

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Season 27 Nite 1 Part 1 9/24/18

Season 27 dance fans! Let's go!

The opening number, choreographed by Mandy Moore of course, was not as big a production as in seasons past, but it was still plenty showy and glitzy.

1) Mary Lou Retton (gymnast) and Sasha
Cha Cha
Song: "Treasure" by Bruno Mars
Mary Lou is a national treasure, America's sweetheart, and she is likely going to sell every dance she performs with her sparkling personality and dazzling smile. I grinned through the entire routine. It was sweet as candy and felt patriotic too, with the red, white, and blue costumes. It was a little too cutesy for a Cha Cha; she had bounce, but not a sexy bounce. Still, I enjoyed the dance.
Len: "terrific confidence, nifty for 50, don't rush your footwork"
Bruno: "competitive streak, went too quick, lost fluidity"
Carrie Ann: "I loved it. You're golden. But there was almost a lift" (I saw that!)
Scores: 6, 7 6
My score: 7

2) Milo Manheim (Disney star) and Witney
Cha Cha
He's 17!
I loved the purple costumes.
He's got the energy of a 17 year old but absolutely no qualms about dancing or shaking what his momma gave him. I'm impressed! It was a proper Cha Cha, good hip action, and good chemistry with Witney. He's got a fun personality, and his partnering skills were admirable. He has moves! Too bad tween girls don't watch Dancing with the Stars, but maybe they'll tune in and vote for him.
Bruno: "exuberance, zest, You are great!"
Carrie Ann: "exciting to watch, posture is fantastic"
Len: "lost a little control, but you're a dancer"
Scores: 7, 6, 7
My score: 7 (almost an 8!)
Erin: "You just whipped that out!" (Quote of the night #1)

3) Evanna Lynch (Harry Potter) and Keo
Foxtrot
She wanted to go to dance school.
She is what this show is all about - Someone who loves to dance and wants to learn how to do it properly.
Keo might have a contender!
She has musicality, she radiated charm, her frame looked good - I'm excited for both of them!
She looked lovely too.
There was good energy in the dance, and they covered the floor nicely.
Carrie Ann: "You can dance! Careful with your shoulders"
Len: "You are a dancer, but the dance didn't suit you" (Really?)
Bruno: "Qualities are there; cast a spell with your body"
Scores: 7, 5, 6 (Len, what?!)
My score; 7 (almost an 8!)

4) Danelle Umstead (blind Paraolympian) and Artem
Foxtrot
It was a slow Foxtrot, except for the spin at the end. Artem did not make it easy on her, having her come down the stairs. He didn't have to do that, and I personally think it was a bad decision, because it made her limitations more obvious. She was hesitant, and obviously looking to Artem for direction and guidance. It interrupted the flow of the dance. Am I being ableist? I just think they should not have tackled the stairs on her first dance.
Len: "Good job Artem; you've taught well"
Bruno: "You've done it, lovely, classy, classic"
Carrie Ann: "I'm still processing; what you did was spectacular"
Scores: 6, 6, 6
My score: 6

5) Bobby Bones (radio personality) and Sharna
Jive
He has no dance experience.
Extra dancers - ON NIGHT ONE! STOP IT!
For no experience, he did well! He had good energy and nice kicks and flicks. But his partnering skills need work.
He was SUPER excited after the routine. Out of control, actually. It was a little uncomfortable to see. Is he on something?
Bruno: "surreal, exquisitely demented"
Carrie Ann: "wild rock star thing"
Len: "attacked the dance"
Scores; 7, 6, 7
My score: 6 (I deducted a point for the over-celebration. Too mean?)

6) Juan Pablo Di Pace (actor) and Cheryl
Am I being racist / stereotyping that I expected him to be good at a Latin dance?
Well, I was right, although there is room for improvement. I actually think the routine didn't show off enough of his assets and abilities. He didn't get the opportunity to shake his bon bon, or other body parts, enough. But the sizzle with Cheryl was clearly evident. He is a crowd pleaser! I see another Gile Marini in the making. And look at Cheryl - She looks amazing!!
Carrie Ann: "fuego potential" (That means fire, dance fans)
Len: "Hunk with the junk in the trunk" (Quote of the night #2)
Bruno: "I'd pay for that - very hot!"
Scores; 7, 7, 8
My score: 7 (almost an 8!)

7) Nikki Glaser (stand up comedian) and Gleb
Salsa
It was a rather short routine.
She's not a dancer, but there's potential. She didn't dance for laughs; it was a serious routine. She was trying to be steamy. She's a little gangly, but she did okay, especially for a first dance.
Len; 'too cool and careful"
Bruno: "not a total train wreck; it was jagged"
Carrie Ann: "You let your wild woman out"
Scores; 6, 5, 6
My score: 6

End of part 1

librarianintx

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Accessibility at the Toyota Center, Houston, TX

I wrote this blog post originally for a web site, but it wasn't a good fit, so I'm posting it here. It's written more formally than my usual posts.

Accessibility at the Toyota Center in Houston

Recently my friends L., P., and I went to a concert at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. L. is a wheelchair user and I am mobility impaired but mostly ambulatory. It had been a number of years since I was at the Toyota Center, and my friends had never been.

We arrived downtown early, and I was relieved that we found a van accessible parking spot on the first level of the Toyota Tundra, the parking garage located next to the venue. Parking had been one of my biggest concerns, so when we were safely in a space more than thirty minutes before the venue opened, I was so happy.

The only accessibility issue we encountered was in the parking garage. It should have been a quick and easy jaunt for us to cross the street and enter the venue like everyone else that was parked on the ground level, or in parking lots around the Toyota Center. But there were three stairs to navigate from the parking garage to the street with no ramp.

So we had to take the garage elevator to the third level and use the skywalk to cross the street and enter the Toyota Center. Then we had to take a venue elevator back to the main level where our seats were located. It was an unnecessary waste of time and extra walking for me. This wasn’t as much of an issue to get to our seats because it we were so early, but it delayed us in getting back to the van after the show, because we had to take two elevators when so many other people were also waiting for elevators. We couldn’t just saunter back across the street like everyone else that was parked on the first level of the garage.

Otherwise, accessibility was good at the Toyota Center. We were in a wheelchair section that was roomy and had good visibility because it was on a riser, so we sat higher than the rows of seats in front of us. This meant that even when people stood, which they did for most of the concert, we could still see fine. The riser vibrated with the loud music, which was disconcerting at first, but we adjusted, especially once the show started. Our section was also located in front of a nice refreshment area, so we had easy access to snacks and beverages. The area was crowded when I left during intermission to use the restroom and peruse the concert memorabilia, but I was able to navigate through the long lines easily enough. 


The accessibility in the parking garage was irritating, but it didn’t ruin our night or dampen our enthusiasm for the show. It was a fairly minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things. But it would have been helpful not to be forced into that detour. I’m not an architect, so maybe there was some structural reason why a ramp wasn’t possible. I’m skeptical of that, however. I think it was poor and thoughtless planning. But this situation would not keep me from attending other events at the Toyota Center. The staff at the venue was friendly, helpful, and appreciative of our patronage. Overall the experience was a positive one. 

librarianintx

Friday, September 21, 2018

So You Think You Can Dance Top 4 9/3/18

Genessy and Slavik
Hip Hop - Luther Brown
Slavik was in it more than last week but still not as much as Genessy.
I liked the bright costumes and cool vibe.
Genessy had some especially great moves in this routine.

Jensen and Hannahlei
Heels (fusion of jazz, contemporary, and Burlesque) - Brian Friedman
They danced to a RuPaul and Todrick Hall song!
Quick, sharp movements
They were trying to out-dance each other.
Both of them are really going for it.
They are in it to win it.

Genessy and Jonathan
Samba - Elena
You can tell that Genessy has Latin roots.
Her hips were killer!
But she looked at the audience more than her partner, which was a little distracting.
Still, she was super hot.
Samba is a tough dance.

Slavik and Melanie
Contemporary - Travis Wall
I didn't think Slavik could dance on a level with Melanie, who is one of the best dancers in the history of the show.
But I was pleasantly surprised.
It was a beautiful, powerful performance.
I would say it was Slavik's breakthrough dance.

Hannahlei and Slavik
African Jazz - Sean Cheesman
Amazing flexibility by Hannahlei - that is what I will remember most about this routine.
I love Sean Cheesman's choreography - it is so original!
I thought Hannahlei and Slavik had good chemistry considering it was their first time to dance together.
"Teamwork is the dream work" - Twitch

Jensen and Genessy
Broadway - Travis Wall
This piece required great acting as well as great dancing, and they both succeeded with the acting and the dancing.
They played well off each other.

Hannahlei and Fik-shun
Hip Hop - Randi and Hef
This routine reminded me of Fik-shun and Amy's "Bellhop" routine by Tabitha and Napoleon.
Fik-shun has such an outstanding personality; he always looks like he's having fun. He brought that out in Hannahlei.
It was such an entertaining routine.
I loved their facial expressions and all the tricks with the boxes.

Jensen and Robert
Contemporary - Mandy Moore
Beautiful lines and shapes.
Jensen looked like a contemporary dancer.
And Robert is SO hot! Just sayin'.

Genessy and Hannahlei
Contemporary - Talia
Very good synchronization
Genessy held her own but I thought the performance belonged to Hannahlei.

Jensen and Slavik
Cha Cha - Oksana
Definite improvement by Slavik's over last week's Salsa.
He looked more comfortable and gave it more of an effort.

Results:
Congratulations to Hannahlei - She is America's favorite dancer for 2018!
I wanted Jensen to win, but I'm so happy for Hannahlei, and she is definitely deserving.

librarianintx

My Thoughts on the Big Brother Final Three

While I applaud Kaycee's dedication and commitment to her final two promise with Tyler, I wonder if she made the right decision. With Tyler and Angela on the block, and Kaycee the sole vote (and POV winner), she likely would have had a much better shot at winning (provided she makes it to the final two) if she had kept Angela and voted out Tyler. To say Angela is not a popular houseguest is an understatement. The people in the house don't like her (except Tyler, of course, who has professed his love for her.) I don't think the fans like her that much. People are probably jealous of her because she's gorgeous and privileged. But she also comes across as haughty and cold.

Still, Angela would have made a worthy final two contestant. She won competitions. She had blood on her hands. She was a hard-working, decision-making member of the dominant Level Six alliance. She was not a floater.

JC is a floater. JC does not deserve to be in the final two. JC made it to the final four because he won a single HOH competition. Level Six kept him in the game because they didn't think he could win competitions, so they strung him along. I bet they're kicking themselves that they eliminated Sam before JC. Still, I'm not saying JC is a terrible player. JC has game. He has tried to make big moves. He's a schemer. He just didn't have anyone that would work with him. He was on the fringe of the Level Six alliance. He thought he was working with Tyler and Brett, but Tyler especially wouldn't do what JC wanted, which was to eliminate Angela and Kaycee. Instead, Tyler worked with the girls to blindside Brett, which really left JC out in the cold.

But going back to Angela, I have to give her credit. She took her elimination very well. She wasn't bitter toward Kaycee, at least not outwardly. She said she respected Tyler and Kaycee's final two alliance. Maybe she's serene in the knowledge that if her man Tyler wins he will spend some of the money on her. Maybe she's not even thinking about the money anymore.Maybe she's too in love to care about the money or the glory of winning.

A Tyler-Kaycee final will definitely be a worth match-up in my opinion. I would be happy if either one of them took the prize. They have both won competitions and played hard. They are both likeable people, at least to the viewers. I think the jury will struggle with who to vote for. In a Kaycee-Tyler finale, Kaycee might have the edge because Tyler promised so much to so many people. Still, both Tyler and Kaycee deserve to win. If JC makes it to the final two, I hope against hope that the jury won't be bitter and reward a floater.

librarianintx

Thursday, September 20, 2018

So You Think You Can Dance Top 6 8/27/18

Jensen and Kiki
Cha Cha - Jenna Johnson
How convenient that Jenna, a current all star, was the choreographer for her former partner Kiki, now an all star himself? Not a coincidence at all.
No storyline, just a crisp, sharp Cha Cha, with a lot of Jensen booty-shaking.
The end trick was super cool and innovative.
I didn't feel much chemistry and heat between the pair, but it was an enjoyable routine.

Genessy and Lex
Contemporary - Mandy and Elizabeth
I didn't see anything unique or amazing in this routine, to be honest.
It was performed well, but it wasn't especially memorable, except the masks were creepy.
Just not my cup of tea.
Nigel often complains when masks are part of the costumes, but he didn't this time.

Slavik and JaJa
Hip Hop - Comfort
Unusual music and setting for a hip hop routine.
It was quirky, but again, I didn't see much made me say wow, except the one lift.
But I did feel a connection between them.
And I liked Slavik's look - the slick hair and suspenders worked for me.

Hannahlei and Marko
Contemporary - Robert Roldan
I love seeing some of the all stars as choreographers!
Lovely routine, lots of dramatic moments, beautiful lifts.
That fall backward showed how much trust Hannahlei had in Marko after one time of partnering.
Stunning!

Jay Jay and Lauren
Jazz - Mandy Moore
There are songs that absolutely make you want to dance, and Bruno Mars' "Runaway Baby," is one of those songs.
So I loved the routine mainly for the song, but I also think Jay Jay and Lauren put a lot of energy into the routine and made it highly entertaining.
The "pretzel" trick near the beginning of the dance was way cool.
OMG, Jay Jay leaping over Kat, and the judges' / choreographers' / audience reaction was PRICELESS! This was my favorite moment of the season!! Kat will do anything to create a moment on the show. I remember when she put Twitch's grille in her mouth! LOL!

Darius and Taylor
Contemporary - Travis Wall
SO powerful, so edgy, so dynamic and potentially dangerous (Taylor could have slipped on the skirt).
Such an amazing message.
Kudos to Travis for creating such an important piece of choreography.
A tremendously brave routine that will be remembered for always on SYTYCD.
Without a doubt, Darius is a star.
I agree completely with Twitch - this piece transcends the competition.
I am so glad it was so well-received.

Jay Jay and Jensen
Tahitian - Tiana Nonosina Liufau
I googled her name to make sure I spelled it correctly. :)
I love what Jay Jay said about respecting another culture.
The costumes were sensational.
Jensen's hips were outrageous! I know she uses her hips a lot in ballroom dances, but she explained that Tahitian dancing requires very different hip action.
And how did she move her body like that while wearing that ginormous head piece!
Jay Jay's leg action was incredible.
I love the show for introducing us to another style of dance.
Fantastic routine!!

Genessy and Slavik
Salsa - Jonathan and Oksana
For sure Genessy was a spicy tamale in this routine - She had the look and the moves and she was feeling the music.
She definitely carried the routine.
Slavik was somewhere else.
As good as Genessy was, though, you have to have two people in a dance like this.
It didn't have the flow that a Salsa should have.
It felt labored.
And they didn't move much around the dance floor.
I didn't feel energy and vitality in this performance.

Darius and Hannahlei
Argentine Tango - Leonardo and Miriam
Hannahlei is such a tiny thing and Darius is a strong, confident partner.
He had no trouble slinging her around and hoisting her up in the air.
They achieved the drama, the lines, and the shaping required in an Argentine Tango.
They also had the chemistry.

Results:
Darius and Jay Jay were eliminated.
WHAT?!?!
They are both outstanding!
And that means there will be three girls and one guy in the finale.
That will make for some interesting routines.
I'm sure there will be all stars involved as well.

librarianintx

So You Think You Can Dance Top 8 8/20/18

I know, the show has been over for weeks, so it's kind of silly that I'm writing recaps now, but I want to finish what I started.

Jay Jay and Jensen
Jazz - Sean Cheesman
Seductive and sensual - YES INDEED!
WOW! Also crisp, tight, exciting lifts, Jay Jay came dangerously close to the edge of the stage, and and some of those tricks looked like they could have resulted in injury.
Super edgy, edge-of-your-seat, thrilling routine.
I didn't want it to end.
Their chemistry was off the charts!

Slavik and Genessy
Contemporary - Mandy Moore
I make a prediction - the judges will fall all over themselves in praise.
It was a good routine.
But should Slavik get praised more than Cole for doing lifts because Slavik is an animator and has no experience dancing with a partner?
Should Slavik get praised more for lifting Genessy because she is taller and heavier than Hannahlei?
Anyway, it was a beautiful routine - lovely lines and lyrical quality.

Darius and Magda
Hip Hop - Phoenix and Pharside
How did they do all that in those heavy costumes?
You could tell that Darius was more than comfortable than Magda, even though they were both out of their comfort zones, but Magda coped well.
It was a high energy routine.
The backbend at the end was cool, but I think the music had already stopped, which meant their timing was off.

Cole and Hannahlei
Broadway - Travis Wall
Travis choreographing a Broadway number? Interesting.
Hannahlei can dance any style and make it look effortless.
She is not my favorite, necessarily, but she is my pick to win. She is an amazing, versatile dancer and the audience is absolutely crazy for her.
This was an enjoyable routine: light, airy, refreshing, sweet.

Slavik and Genessy
Jazz - Ray Leeper
This routine required synchronicity and for the most party they achieved that.
Slavik seemed to do very well with the choreography.
Honestly, I'm at a loss as to what else to say.
It was good.
Of course the judges gave them a standing ovation.
I'm growing weary of the obvious pimping.

Darius and Magda
Contemporary - Jaci Royal
Working / dancing with any prop is tough, but this rope may have been the most challenging prop ever used on SYTYCD. Magda's comments about the routine made the dance even more meaningful. I think she gave an especially moving performance - She was shaking and her face emoted fear, frustration, and sadness at her situation. Dancers often have to be actors as well, and Magda's acting skills were definitely on display here. She was acting from personal experience.
The number reminded me Mia Michael's addiction routine, performed by Kayla and Kupono.
I absolutely and completely disagreed with Nigel on this one!!

Jay Jay and Jensen
Hip Hop - Hef and Randi
I'm glad the entire routine wasn't with the props, because I think that would have been distracting. What I loved was how much fun they looked like they were having. They were both of out of their element, but they were totally living this routine.

Cole and Hannahlei
Cha Cha - Emma Slater and Sasha Farber
Yes, Cole, you have had to do a lot of lifting this season. And in this routine, I felt Cole outshone Hannahlei, which is very difficult to do. Not that Hannahlei wasn't great, she was, but Cole was clearly in his element, with his sharp moves and hot hips. Not wearing a shirt is another way to get some extra attention. We were all waiting for that trick, and it did not disappoint! Holy cow!

Results:
Cole and Magda were eliminated. :(
They both went out on a high note at least.

librarianintx