SYTYCD? Best of the Best: #20-11

Posted by Kim on August 17th, 2007 filed in So You Think You Can Dance, TV

 

20. Season 3 - Pasha, Cha Cha

 

Yup, just the original version with Pasha and Tony Meredith’s assistant (who used to be a world champion, in case you didn’t know). Nothing against Jessi; I liked her a lot and she and Pasha were great together. But I didn’t really feel the magic the second time around, whereas Pasha really shined during the original. And how good did Pasha look in that outfit? Oh man, there’s just something about the obligatory Russian Latin/Ballroom dancers on this show (see Dmitry and Artem) because those costumes just fit them like it’s nobodies business.

 

19. Season 1 - Jamile & Kamilah, Hip Hop

It’s a good thing I went back and watched a lot of old performances on youtube before making this list because I would have missed this one. Everything about So You Think You Can Dance? has improved since the first season EXCEPT the hip hop routines. And Jamile and Kamilah just about own anyone else when it comes to this style. This routine was all up in your face, all over the place, down and dirty without being raunchy, just the way we like it!

 

18. Season 3 - Lacey & Kameron, Hustle

MORE KAMCEY! I think their hustle is one of the most underrated performances of Season 3, it was just pure entertainment. Their partnering ability was almost on a Benji/Heidi level if you ask me, and that says a lot for Kameron, especially, since his background was hip hop and contemporary. I also think Kameron himself was slightly underrated, and looking soley at his performance this was one of my favorite moments for him.

This was the first and only time we saw an Hustle on the So You Think You Can Dance? stage. I like the style a lot! It’s like a funkier version of ballroom and a less cheestastic disco. I hope they throw this in a couple times next season.

 

17. Season 3 - Pasha & Sara, Body Language

I love this routine. I did rank it above several that I tend to watch more often, but there was just something so unique about this one. It may not have been the most technically difficult, but like the judges mentioned, it tested their “musicality” (and they picked a perfect song, by the way). The whole thing had a cool vibe to it, the suspenders were a nice touch, and the outfits really brought it all together.

I love the awkward pose at the end, I think it plays perfectly into how odd and offbeat the whole routine was. Kudos to Mandy Moore for this.

 

16. Season 1 - Nick & Kamillah, Pop

I’m not afraid to say it loud and proud….I LOVE THIS SONG. I’m talking about Celine Dion’s “I Drove All Night”, and I don’t care that just about everyone else hates it. I was so happy when they chose that song and the choreography was simple, but it interpreted the lyrics perfectly. I can’t even put my finger exactly on what it is I love about this, there’s no crazy lighting and even the costume aren’t that special, but it just worked. Kamilah and Nick were always good together, and she has such a expressive face it’s hard not to feel something when watching her dance.

One more thing! I absolutely love the lift sequence towards the end and how he kind of whips her around his body. There are a lot of great moments in this routine though.

 

15. Season 1 - Melody & Nick, Broadway

I didn’t like Nick or Melody, nor did I find either of them particularly attractive, BUT this was a pretty sexy routine! And I have to say it still is one of the sexiest. If I recall correctly, this was the first time Broadway was ever done on the show and it’s still my favorite Broadway performance. And apparently this style always requires the girls to wear lingerie.

 

14. Season 3 - Sabra & Neil, Jazz

Thank goodness for Mandy Moore and her fresh ideas! You know why I like her? Because she’s great coming up with a good concept without sacrificing technique, without relying too much on lights, costumes and make up and she’s not too indulgent. In other words, her work balances out whatever Mia or Wade are doing.

This routine was great because it showed off their skills individually, like Neil’s gymnastics training and all of Sabra’s fabulous lines, as well as strength on both of their parts. And the music was awesome. And the idea itself was cool because it wasn’t the typical love story we usually see. Neil and Sabra didn’t really have any chemistry so it was perfect.

 

13. Season 2 - Alison & Ivan , “Why? “

This routine impressed a lot of people initially, but it had to grow on me over time. It’s not that much of an emotional routine, for me at least, but it is beautiful to watch, especially with the low lights. The whole thing just flows. But I think most of all it’s the connection between Allison and Ivan that made it great. They’re one of those unforgettable couples.  Thanks to those of you who knew this was done by Tyce!

 

12. Season 2 - Benji & Donyelle, Pop Jazz

Benji was my favorite contestant (along with Heidi) during season 2, which is why I was surprised that when I tried to choose my favorite performance of his I drew a blank. Then after going back and rewatching a lot of his stuff, it started to remind me WHY he was so great and why I liked him so much….his performances were just pure unadulterated fun. Although none of them really struck an emotional chord with me though, and I kind of value that a bit more, which is why I still don’t feel he had one defining moment on the show.

Anyways, Benji’s pop routine with Donyelle was my favorite of his, and probably of both of them as a couple. I’m not really a fan of the style, but every once in a while something good comes out of it. What I really like about this routine is that Benji stretched himself a bit and played a character who was a bit more serious and it was nice to see that kind of growth. Also great music (Put The Needle On It by Danii Minogue) and choreography by Brian Friedman.

And I love, love, love their ending pose and the way the camera zooms in on them. THAT was perfect! Even if Benji looks like he’s in pain.

 

11. Season 2 -Heidi & Benji, WCS

Maybe I’m cheating with this one, but frankly my dears, I don’t care. Benji & Heidi’s West Coast Swing performance wasn’t officially a part of the competition; Benji was forced to “dance for his life” in front of the judges in the Las Vegas rounds, and he blew everyone away when he chose Heidi as his partner and they did their award winning routine. Why was it great? Simple….the choreography was excellent and the dancers are amazing. Simple as that.

The video will have to do because I couldn’t find the one from the show.

Bonus: My All Time Favorite Couples

Kamcey
Even though she kinda/sorta of annoys me when they’re not together, these two are the epitome of the perfect “showmance”. They looked great together, their skills complimented each other, and they had a ton of chemistry. Period. End of discussion.

Treidi
Before they danced together, I never would’ve thought it would work. And there’s WAY too much blonde between the two of them, but they’re adorable and they pulled off so many amazing routines.

Sabranic
Great connection between the two of them, and once again, they were adorable.

Ivison
They had such subtle chemistry. But all they had to do was look at each other, like in the picture I posted for “Why?”, and it was MAGIC.

 

Benjelle
I still don’t understand how such an odd looking pair ended up having SO much chemistry together! Benji was obviously smitten with her; that was so cute!

Honorable mentions: Heidi & Ryan, Sara & Pasha, Sara & Jesus, Blake & Ashlee, Passi and Artem & Kamilah (I saw them dancing together at a taping, and it wasn’t aired on tv, but OMG fire!).

Top ten tomorrow! Expect…

• A hip hop routine that will never be topped!
• A dance straight out of a fairy tale.
• Some sexy latin numbers.
• Kissin’ cousins.
• The fact that I can’t count.
• S1 = 3, S2=4, S3=4

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