Atlanta
Nigel was a big meanie tonight, right? Somehow the lack of performer to judge connection in that montage really broke him down! Anyway, on to the dancers.
Among those able to connect to the judges was Jessica Jensen, who had lost her hand to soft tissue sarcoma about a year ago. She declared that she was going to be fierce, but girl was way too sweet to be fierce. She was talented, to be sure, and inspirational in the way she’s coped with such a tragic lost, and so quickly! Her dancing was good – but not quite great, and there’s no way around the fact that she’d have major problems with partnering, as we saw in the choreography round. And yes, we’ll admit it – we were watching her stump – a lot. It was fascinating. But, she wasn’t quite strong enough in choreography to make it the Vegas this year.
The twins, Anthony and Antwain, made a return appearance (last seen in Vegas season 4). The had a great performance, but were sent to choreography anyway – and Antwain struggled. He was cut, but Anthony gets to move on to the next level.
Thomas Hamilton was a crack baby and has been raised by his aunt since his mom was and is still an addict. He had a great contemporary solo, although nit-picking Nigel told him to be careful with the “praise” dancing towards the end because it disconnects from the audience. He gets to take his heartbreaking back story and fly on off to Vegas.
There was also young Billy Bell, who only started dancing 5 years ago. He has great flexibility and extensions, but the judges managed to find a couple of things to pick on him about, because that’s their job. No worries though, because he get sent straight to Vegas as well.
Not making it to Vegas (thank god!) was Creepy McSexual Harassy, also known as “Boogie Links”. He hit on everything that moved. He even dared to make a move on Cat Deeley! How DARE he? She was having none of that. We were only a little disappointed that he wasn’t completely awful. He made it to choreography, but that was the end of the line.
New Orleans
Next stop New Orleans, where we were missing Nigel since he was off receiving an honorary diploma in the good old UK (remember when he was missing for an episode last season?). Mary Murphy was looking ROUGH, girl! Don’t worry, she was fully recovered for day 2. Joining her in Nigel’s absence were Lil’ C and Adam Shankman. Outside, Cat got her dance on too, which is always fun.
Here’s an abbreviated run though of some of the notable dancers:
Shelby “Skip” Skipper – master of the New Orleans Bounce, which is interesting and fun and apparently good enough to get sent straight through to Vegas. This boy has no idea what he’s in for in, as he is clearly not a viewer of the show. So we’ll see how that goes for him!
Kimalee Piedad – danced “theatre arts – ball room division”, which is apparently a real genre because Mary Murphy seems to have heard of it. She described it as like pairs figure skating, but with out the ice – which is pretty much what it was. Beautiful lifts (which she held for a ridiculously wrong time) great extensions, and it all seemed effortless. To Vegas with you, girl!
Diana Drexler – sweet girl, decent dancer, is mostly headed to Vegas because of the heart wrenching story of her grandfather passing away between when she left for New Orleans and her audition. She poured her grief into her dancing, and it seemed to work out for her. She probably wouldn’t have brought her grandfather up at all, but the producers were all over that shit. Oh, and she’s 29. Prepare to have that mentioned over and over again, ala Melissa last year.
Justin Kenney – b-boy who was in a horrible car accident, which makes it difficult for him to do some the head moves from his repertoire. Luckily he’s got some mad skills and killer flares, plus he’s darling to look at. Off to Vegas.
Edward Spots – he was buried in a montage of good people going to Vegas, but he just lit up the room and I couldn’t go without saying how much we love him already and really hope he makes it. He’s a ball of sunshine with a smile that just won’t quit. Hope we get to see more of him!
Those are all the people I care to devote any time to for this time around. Next time we finally hit Vegas, which sometimes is our favorite part of the whole season. Can’t wait!
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