Search articles from thousands of Examiners
Write for us
Minneapolis Arts and Entertainment Minneapolis Dance Examiner
Minneapolis Dance Examiner

So You Think You Can Dance Tour Review

October 19, 5:56 PMMinneapolis Dance ExaminerChristina Koskinen
7 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe


Get alerts when there is a new article from the Minneapolis Dance Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.
Email Address


  Include other special offers from Examiner.com
Terms of Use

 

On October 7th, 2009 the top 12 contestants hit the stage at the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN. It was a night to remember. Mothers bringing their daughters dressed from head to toe in costume. As the crowd waited for the show to begin, they showed Nigel Lythgoe's top most memorable auditions. 

 

The show kicked off with a bang! Introducing the top 10 finalists and performing their first group number. Janette and Brandon followed with their disco number, which got them first class tickets on the hot tamale train according to SYTYCD Judge, Mary Murphy. This was the fastest disco they have ever done on the show. One of the many highlights of the dance were the lifts and tricks! Brandon lifting Janette over his head in a straddle! 

 

Each contestant had their moment of glory performing their solo's. They also came together to do a few group numbers. One of the group dances got Hot and Wet as they performed a collection of styles in Calle Ocho! Following the disco dance was Jeanine and Phillip with their hip hop performance choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha. It told the story of a couple that can't go to bed without working out their issues. The dance was strong and sharp, yet smooth. Randi and Evan took the stage with Mia Michaels famous "Butt Dance." This was a phenomenal performance. The only disappointment was this would be the only duet routine Randi had, while others had 10 different numbers.

 

Jason and Kayla hit the stage with their Broadway routine. This was an amazing performance. Kayla's extensions seemed like they were going to touch the sky. Jason's facial expressions and showmanship made him seem like he has been dancing on Broadway forever! 

 

The running joke of the evening was Phillip and Jeanine trying to come out to do their Russian folk dance. A total disaster when they performed it on the show! However every chance they got, they came rushing out to the stage in their costumes, only to get rejected by the other dancers. A comical moment was when they managed to get the stage by themselves, to finally perform the dance. Suddenly, the rest of the group came out joining them in a group Russian folk dance! 

 

The top 3 girls and top 3 boys performed their trios. The girls were in total sync. They were sharp and strong. The boys had elevation in their jumps and leaps. However, they were not as together as the girls routine. Kayla and Kupono showed an explicit example of Sonya Tayeh's unique and brilliant choreography in a contemporary piece. Jeanine and Brandon fought it out with their hip hop routine, "Battlefield", while Evan and Melissa fell in love while trying to get to the wedding chapel in Tyce Diorio's Broadway piece. Ade hypnotized Janette to get funky in their hip hop duet choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha. Let's just say Love was in the air!

 

Janette and Brandon stole the show with their pop jazz "Robber Dance." This was an incredible dance. However, I thought they performed it better on the show than they did live. Kayla and Jason worked it out with a Shane Sparks hip hop routine. Melissa graced us on the stage showing off her Gaynor Minden Pointe shoes, while rushing to her Romeo (Ade), in a classical Romeo and Juliet. Melissa's shanae and pique turns were elegant! Ade's strength in supporting Melissa as she soared in the air was beautiful! 

 

Jeanine and Jason were next as they performed a contemporary piece by Travis Wall. The kiss they exchanged at the end of the performance had everyone wondering about their relationship. However, they remain friends as they are just two great actors portraying their love through Travis' outstanding choreography!

Another major highlight was a master piece choreographed by Mia Michaels. The song was called Gravity. It was performed by Kayla and Kupono. The expression on Kupono's and Kayla's face got you trapped in the moment. Their showmanship drew you in to feel the emotions they were feeling!  A struggle with addiction. I definitely have to say I am addicted to this performance! Outstanding! They received a standing ovation.

 

Brandon and Jeanine dressed in black as they danced the Paso doble. A crowd favorite was when Jeanine did a split leap into Brandon's arms. They both were strong. However, the piece was not the best. They were not in unison with each other for a majority of the dance. They appeared to be tripping over each other. They were struggling to find a good connection.  This could be due to the fact that Jeanine is injured. 

 

The most memorable performance of the evening would have to be Tyce Diorio's "Breast Cancer Dance" performed by Melissa and Ade. This was a very special day! Both Melissa and Ade said they were more nervous than ever to perform the dance tonight. There was an honorary guest in the audience. Tyce choreographed this piece  for his good friend Michelle Larkin. Melissa and Ade had the honor of performing it for her this evening. The crowd was in tears as they gave a standing ovation. The show was outstanding! It is definitely worth every penny. 

 

There are still many shows left, as they will be touring until the middle of November.

 

For More information or to purchase tickets, Please visit: www.ticketmaster.com 

So You Think You Can Dance Tour 2009
5 Alive Action

Comments

Name:


Comments:
characters left

NOTE: Do Not Alter These Fields:

Holiday Guide
Examiners spread the seasonal cheer with the Examiner.com Holiday Guide.

Recent Articles

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Minnesota PerformDance Productions will be hosting their annual Christmas Show at the Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre. The show is called All …
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Continental Ballet Company brings a classic fairy tale to life in a live performance of Cinderella. The story will be told through the art of …

Things to see and do

George Winston
20 Dec 2009 - 7 pm
Orchestra Hall
More music »