mizarchivist

drwex suggested that I expand on what it is about So You Think You Can Dance that makes me squee so much- so, here we go. Cut for those who really don't care about a contestant show----

First off the basics.
This is a show I started to catch last year in its first year. You start with 20 (10 couples) and each week they kill off 2. At first, it's the judges that make the final decision, but like That Other Show (American Idol), the viewing audience has some say as to who is voted out. The viewing audience decides entirely about the top 10 to ensure that the winner is "America's Favorite."
The winner gets a huge prize package and a guaranteed job in Vegas. fwiw, I've never (and never plan to) call in to vote. Sheesh. I'll let the 14 yr. olds do that.
So- This season, there's been some changes in the formatting. The couples stay with the same partner until one or both is judged off. Originally, the couples changed every week. I hated this decision at first, but then you really got to see major growth in both the dancer individually and as a partner, which is key in a lot of dance.

This about gets us to where we ended last night: the top 2 couples. This time they did a really cool thing- had everyone dance with everyone. both m/f couples danced, both m/m, f/f, and a group dance at the end.
The finalists:
Donyelle (sp?) is a *gorgeous* black woman with some serious boo-tay. I don't think she's going to make it. She got hurt a few weeks ago and it's plain she's not so very into it/ needs a break.

Heidi is a bit skinny for my taste and a clown. An interesting tidbit is that her cousin, Benji is one of the male finalists. Our house has gotten less hostile to her over the weeks. She's grown *a lot* and is a fantastic partner. Oh yeah. both purple_terror and quiet_elegance have taken to watching with me. Robin also watches. She was not fond of the show last season because it replaced yet another ill-fated show that was done by one of the Mutant Enemy alum.

Travis is *adorable*- very good at contemporary, but is also one of the more technically proficient of the 4. Most? yeah. Most proficient. Oh and adorable (I know I said that 2x)

Benji.. whew. West Coast Swing champ. He's got the star-quality that pretty much puts him as likely champ for this, too. But Travis is a close 2nd.

We find out next Wed (I think?) who wins in a 2 hour special results show. We'll also get to see a routine with the full compliment of the original 20. I am certain that Benji or Travis will win. There's a 3rd season already promised. I'm hoping we'll have a strong female contender for the win. Last year's was a guy, too. And also, if any of you are interested in checking this out next season, be aware that the audition process in which we witness the travesty of the open cattle call--- ugh. This is not a true representation of the actual competition. I spent most of my time during the first 2 weeks of the show hitting "forward" on the replay. Once you get to the final 20, you are golden.

Additionally, the top 20 will be touring the country starting next month, I believe. We're planning on going when they're at the Wang Oct. 7 (10 am)