'Dancing With The Stars' Season 14 Dream Casting
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So You Think You Can Dance: Vegas Part 1
by Michael Pascua, posted Jun 4th 2009 2:04AM
Were the Vegas rounds ever this hard? I never remember the intensive dancing in previous seasons, but I feel as though the contestants were pushed really hard because they were all a lot better than the judges expected. It's a little childish, but I laughed when Mia Michaels exclaimed, "I'm a cutter." She seems to always say or do things that are a little risqué, but her opinions are always heard. As for the other judges, Mary was sedated, Lil C only said "buck" once, and I missed Debbie Allen for being that supportive mother type.
Instead of day by day analysis, we're going to take a look at some of the hits and misses for the dancers.
Guaranteed Top 20:
Philip Chbeeb – He's gotten a lot better from last year. Also seeing his "partner" Ariel get cut, he (like Brandon) probably worked harder. It's hard to get the pop out of the dancer, but he shows a lot of potential.
Asuka Kondoh – I could see Asuka getting cut last year because Katee was the quota Asian and Chelsie was the strong Ballroom dancer. She's come back stronger than ever. She's bubbly and camera ready.
One of the Broadway brothers – I'm leaning towards Evan over Ryan because Evan is more physically fit. Ryan is a better choreographer, but that isn't a plus when you have to learn choreography. And how long can a whoopee cushion routine survive?
Brandon Bryant – I'd be very shocked to see Brandon get cut. His dancing is moving, and I'm waiting to see him on another Mia piece. I'm still freaked out by his neck, but he has a bright smile.
Middle Ground:
Tony Bellissimo – I'm not impressed. His solos came off creative and funny, yes, but technically weak. He seems camera friendly enough, but are good looks enough to get him through?
Ricky Sun – We weren't introduced to any other male Latin dancer, so the other fifteen hopefuls are probably either contemporary, hip-hop, or Broadway. Ricky could succeed from sheer difference.
Probably will be cut:
Alex Wong – He started the night strong on day one, but we never saw him again. I thought I saw sad tears in the commercial, as well. With someone like Brandon being the strongest contemporary dancer and Ricky fitting the Asian quota, Alex seems on the short end of the stick.
Caitlin Kinney – Nigel said one of the phrases of death: he called her dancing "old fashioned." We're not trying to impress Len Goodman, so if she does make it, it will be more fodder so we can clear the path for others. I also thought her sister was a little better.
Cut Already:
Gabi Rojas – I don't care if your solo is good, if you can't learn choreography, it means nothing.
Natalie Reid – Katee's former roommate didn't make the cut. Although she was weaker with the choreography, it was also because she wasn't as camera friendly as most of the girls. You know how much Nigel likes a hottie.
Priscilla Marrero – Fell on her face at the end. She would have made a good Maria.
Nobuya Nagahama – He's a positive force and he admitted to trying to improve his other genres of dance. I can't help but be reminded of Hiro from Heroes.
Most Tappers – I didn't think that Silky was good. The one cut that surprised me was Bianca because she would have had the best potential in the tap dancers.
Anyone else stand out or you think should have made it? Leave comments below.
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