Too close for missiles - we're switching to guns. It seemed just the other day twenty twinkle-toed dancers were zipping round the shiny Carriagework stage with the electric energy of top-ranking fighter pilots. Well Maverick, the need for speed has cut that Top 20 to fourteen. You don't have time to think up there. If you think, you're dead. Which dancers are writing cheques their bodies can't cash? Tonight's performance show decides (and the Top Gun references stop…. now. Sir, yes sir).
After picking up the Cadbury Breathtaking Moment two weeks outta three, Rhys and Jemma have been flying skyhigh… and that also meant the power couple were feeling the pressure to maintain the kickarse standard they'd set. This week the couple was hoping for Hip Hop - and they got it! From the cheekiest beginning to a routine so far (check the vids, y'all), this ghettofabulous, Afro-Cuban routine positively burnt up the stage! The judges were in agreeance about this supersexy urban routine, with all three experts praising the pair for their growth, versatility and ability to act as chameleons in whatever routine was thrown at them. Matt commented he felt there could have been more energy onstage, an opinion not shared by Bonnie. It was raunchy, it was sexy, and it had the audience salivating for more.
Last Sunday they sizzled with Samba, and now Demi and Jack are serving up a slice of sexy Rumba. This sophisticated routine showcased a more serious side to our cheeky duo, as well as these dancers' flexibility and fluidity. A highly technical dance, the sensual Rumba demands emphasis on posture and placement of feet. Last week the judges felt Jack outdanced Demi, and the week before that, vice versa. What was their feeling this week? Matt commented it was good to see the dancers in a different emotion apart from fun, fun, fun. The general feeling was there wasn't enough of a connection between the pair, and it could have been a little more touchy-feely. The judges felt Demi could have benefited more from wearing heels, a decision she bravely admitted to making herself. Bonnie said there was no bad news for Jack while Jason encouraged Demi to trust herself more. Vote to keep these guys in the competition!
Last week's Soul Swingers, Laura and Anthony, both Danced For Their Lives on Monday, but made it through the wormhole to rise to the challenge of Contemporary. Performing to teen queen Avril Lavigne, this routine was hot, hot, hot! If the first two couples set the floor on fire, this routine had the whole of Carriageworks up in flames! Pulling out all the stops, this routine even saw Anthony leaping from the second floor balcony onto the stage? Was his leap of faith enough to impress the judges? Matt said he didn't get it, he felt it was ordinary, and not memorable. Bonnie said she felt the storyline of Laura being obsessed with Anthony came and went. She Anthony upped his game, but that Laura wasn't as good as Anthony. Jason said she didn't believe the routine's kiss or the scream. It's not enough to act sexy: they have to be sexy. He felt they'd done a good job with what they've been given – do you agree? Vote to keep them in!
Next on the d-floor, it's a tight, compact, complex Hip Hop from former Martial Arts masters, Camilla and Sermsah. This hot couple are yet to be in the bottom three, but the last time they performed Hip Hop, judge Matt Lee said he didn't think the genre sat well with them. What would the panel of three say this time around? Matt said he thought this style of Hip Hop sat better on both of them, but he could read the thinking on Sermsah's face. Bonnie said she didn't get the ending, but that Camilla: always upped the game. She encouraged Sermsah to stop thinking about it and enjoy it. Jason said Sermsah wasn't dancing in the centre of the beat, and encouraged him to feel her and match her. He urged Sermsah to slow down and focus. Vote to keep these guys in the competition!
Vanessa commented in this week's blog her choreographer was working on getting her to look more earthy and animalistic. And no wonder – fresh from successfully avoiding being sent home in last week's bottom six, Vanessa and Henry were lucky enough to work with choreographer extraordinaire Jason Gilkison in a raunchy African Samba routine. Matt said that Vanessa was stepping up, and he was happy to see her with a bit of oomph, and was starting to attack things. Bonnie said they were getting stronger as a couple. She loved the last ten seconds and praised Vanessa's genuine modesty. For her, the best tonight. For Jason this was an example of synchronicity; when all the elements of dance – choreography, lighting, costume etc - come together. Big praise all round for this routine.
To the tears-on-your-pillow strains of the world's moodiest band, Coldplay, dancers Kate and Graeme took to the stage for an emotional Contemporary routine. Last week your votes kept this talented two out of the bottom three, so what was the judge's verdict on this physically demanding piece? Matt said this was quality dancers with a quality routine. Bonnie said she could feel the connection, and it was simply stunning; blew her away. The highest praise came from Jason who said it was the best contemporary routine they've seen in the competition. Loved it, loved, loved it.
Looking sharp in sweet matching tuxedos, Rhiannon and J.D. hit the stage to the ridiculously catchy 'Somebody Told Me' by The Killers, for tonight's flashy finale. Last week the pressure got to J.D. midway through their Tango routine – would they nail it tonight? In the package J.D. said the public would see a breakdown change into a breakthrough… and he was right. Matt commented on how good it was to see J.D. having fun. Bonnie said they did great. She compared Rhiannon to a good bottle of champagne – pop open the cork, and out come the bubbles. Jason said they did what the choreographer wanted, and well done: Great start, great energy, great attack.
Vote now to keep your fave dancers in the Top 12!
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