And speaking of Dominique, what is the b-boy word for “sell-out”? Oh yes, it’s “sell-out.” As soon as I saw his hair I thought of another certified spokesman of cool. Maybe SYTYCD can still get this segment to work.

Nigel seems terribly annoyed by the monster he created: a show about dance that is really more about popularity. You sleep in the bed you make, Nigel. Still, I’m glad he ripped Nathan (and Mollee) like that; they and the show will be better for it.

Ryan (pre-flip) and Peter’s solos were both good. Karen’s was okay. Kevin’s was terrible, mostly because he used only a 5-ft line of the floor—forward, back, now forward again, okay now go back. If I didn’t know otherwise, I’d have said that Pauline’s dance style was “exotic dancer” and Ellenore’s was “pantomime.”

So I guess the “kiss of death” dance still is the kiss of death. I wasn’t remotely close in my guesses. I thought both of them would be safe.

But I was really surprised by Ryan’s solo. Dang. It wasn’t bad, until the flip. But it wasn’t nearly as good as it needed to be. What was sad was that, other than the flip screwup, it was the best solo of the evening!

And was Nigel pissed off all evening or what?

Others have struggled in that. So Jakob is hardly alone in this. I think, for instance, that Benji struggled here at times as well, although his other performance skills were so great they made up for those weaknesses. Although he wasn’t nearly as bad as Jakob. I’m trying to think of an other dancer who struggled in this regard and none are coming to mind off the show. Of course Jakob may get hip hop or the paso and surprise all of us. I’m sure hoping.

Regarding Jakob, he’s probably my favorite dancer after Ryan so I’m not criticizing him too much. And I personally thought his style really fit that routine. Sort of The Prisoner meets Clockwork Orange. However it’s not clear he can have that heavy stereotypical macho move. I hope he can because I’d like to see him in the final 4. (And clearly it has absolutely zero to do with his sexuality)

Adam Shankman really is the judge to beat – his comments are insightful, educational, honest, and interesting.

I, too, am enjoying the new choreographers. Nice to have fresh energy and ideas.

Kevin/Karen hustle: she’s great, strong. Kevin did ok. However, the hustle is danced with close footwork, especially the ball/change step. NOT wide open like you just got off a horse. Good performance, technique not so hot.

Peter/Pauline quickstep: entertaining, but not danced well technically. Kinda cloddy.

Legacy/Kathryn broadway: good stuff, both very strong. Legacy is surprising me.

Jakob/Ashleigh jazz: Mandy Moore is still one of the best/most consistent choreographers on the show, regardless of music choice. Both Jakob and Ashleigh were very strong and dynamic. One of my favorite dances of the night. I don’t get the constant comments on Jakob’s lack of masculinity – does that mean y’all want or expect the rounded/raised shoulders, sloppy feet, unfinished lines of guys like Peter? I prefer the finished lines and strength and finesse Jakob (and Victor) have. (However, Jakob does have his other moments, I admit.)

Victor/Channing contemporary: I have loved every dance Stacey Tookey has done so far, including last season. I think she’s amazing and inventive. Both Victor and Channing danced this one right on the money.

Ryan/Ellenore hiphop: Li’l C disappoints. I like these two dancers, but this was not a good night for them. Lousy choreography, lousy dancing.

Nathan/Mollee salsa: HUGE mess. Their rhythm was everywhere but together. Their footwork was non-existent. Turns and arm-work were really awkward. For me, the worst, most painful to watch dance of the evening. ugh.

Russell/Noelle afrojazz: I really liked this one. Russell is really a shining surprise this season. Noelle danced this well.

Who should go? My vote is Peter and Pauline.

And he is one of my favorites too—a superb dancer. And Moore’s jazz routine was one of my favorites from the night, I just wish she’d find some new music.

I’m glad you like the teaching segment idea. I think the “instruction moment” could work on the results show. It’s already horribly full of fluff as it is, so it couldn’t hurt. Maybe even highlight something from one of the couples who is safe that week.

I agree that we don’t know how many fans Mollee has. I just assume.

I’ve thought about your comment from last week and I think it’d actually be nice if they had a segment teaching the audience about technique. Just pick a few moves each week to inform the public.

I’m still sticking with the whole, “how do we know how many fans Mollee has?” I’m not with the haters on her. (But, hey, she’s a local girl too – got to love the happy valley dancers)

To defend Jakob, I think he fit the dance Moore gave. (Which I actually enjoyed a lot) I do agree he has to get more in touch with his masculine side though. (I actually had assumed he was gay – I didn’t know he just got married.) I have to confess Jakob is one of my favorites though. It’ll be interesting to see how he deals with hip hop though.