Season 8- Coming Soon!

ATTENTION AVID WATCHERS: The new season of So You Think You Can Dance premieres May 26, 2011 on FOX!

Many new changes are happening this season! Instead of the newly changed rule of having a top 10 with all stars, Nigel Lythgoe decided to change it back to having a top 20 again due to lower votes last year. Also, Mary Murphy, a.k.a. hot tamale traaaain, will be a judge again!

It’s gonna be a spicy, exciting, crazy good season! You should definitely watch it!!

 

Remember: MAY 26th.

Disco

Disco dance began in the late 1970’s to early 1980’s. This type of dance is very energetic and exciting! The clothing is colorful, the dance moves are quick, and the music is extremely upbeat. Personally, I am not a huge fan of watching disco dancers, but many others like it and find it entertaining.

Doriana Sanchez is usually the only choreographer for disco on SYTYCD. It’s nice to watch every once in a while, but I like how SYTYCD doesn’t regularly give the dancers disco routines.

Jeanette and Brandon performed a disco dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVbku5TfPzg&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Ballroom

Ballroom comes from the Latin word ballare, which means to dance. This dance used to only be danced by upper class people, but now it is danced all around the world by many people. This type of dance includes waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep, samba, chachacha, rumba, paso doble, and the jive. Ballroom dance requires two people working as a couple. It can be very sexual, emotional, or just plain fun!

Mary Murphy is the queen of ballroom dance on SYTYCD. Jean Marc Genereux and France Mousseau, Hunter Johnson, Tony Merideth, and  Heather Smith are all choreographers for the different styles of ballroom.

Katee and Joshua perform a Samba routine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs9elnS2-rM&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Lauren and all-star Pasha dance a cha cha dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX6Oml_-J48&feature=related&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Season 8- Auditions

Auditions for season 8 are from October 13th until March 3rd. If you think you can dance, try out! It is worth a shot and it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Tryout times and places: Oakland, Caifornia: October 13th; Brooklyn, New York: November 15th; Salt Lake City, Utah: February 2nd; Los Angeles, California: February 25th; Charlotte, North Carolina: March 3rd

Registration begins at 8:00 am at every venue. Don’t be late!

Requirements include: Either a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident of the U.S. or possess a current legal Employment Authorization Card enabling him/her to seek employment freely in the U.S. by the date specified in the rules. Dancers must be 18 and younger than 30 years of age on the first day they register for auditions. Any dancer who is a minor in his/her state of residence must have a parent or legal guardian sign all required documents. Dancers must provide legal, valid proof of age when they register for auditions.

Needs for Auditions: Audition agreement and release, eligibility requirements, music information, and a personal release.

By the way, Season 7 tour began September 19th! This includes many “all-star” dancers, season 7’s top seven, Russell Ferguson, and Lauren Froderman!

Jazz

Jazz dance came about in the 1800’s and roots from Caribbean traditional dance and African American vernacular dance. Some famous jazz moves include Charleston, Boogie Woogie, Jitterbug, and the swing. Technique is crucial with jazz dance, such as center control, spotting, and pointing. Originality and easy-going are two words that are used to describe jazz dance. Jazz is usually upbeat, fun, and energetic.

Tyce Diorio, Mandy Moore, Sonya Tayeh, Travis Wall, and Wade Robson are jazz choreographers for So You Think You Can Dance.

Jeanette and Brandon perform a Wade Robson jazz routine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk5reVYChlo&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1 

(advance to 50 seconds into the video to see the routine)

Broadway

Broadway, the dance style, began in the 1900’s in New York. This specific type of dance was meant for the middle class that provided great entertainment. far from reality, yet very whimsical, broadway dance began in the musical Black Crook. George Balanchine was recorded as the first broadway choreographer. Broadway dance tells a story through movements and expressions.

Tyce Diorio, Joey Dowling, Spencer Liff,  and Andy Blankenbuehler are a few Broadway choreographers for So You Think You Can Dance.

Kent and Jose performing a Tyce Diorio broadway routine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZArnC4BnDQ4&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Kayla and Brandon also perform a Diorio broadway dance (go to 50 seconds into the video to view the dance): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1NU5TZ4Rc0&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Bollywood

Bollywood dance is a mix of classical and traditional Indian dance, mixed with Arabic, Street dance, Latin, and other styles. This specific style gradually became popular in 2000. In 2002, the first bollywood dance school in the United States was opened.

Usually, Bollywood is danced in a large group with synchronized movements. But, in So You Think You Can Dance, it is also danced in pairs. Bollywood dance requires hard work and hitting the moves right on. Also, specific hand positions are used that each have a different meaning. This style of dance is extremely interesting to watch because there is so much going on: hand-positions, foot-movement, jeweled, colorful outfits, and amazing synchronization.

At the end of the popular movie, Slumdog Millionare, the cast performs a bollywood dance to the song, “Jai Ho.” To see this dance, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRC4QrUwo9o&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Bollywood is a style of dance that is performed on SYTYCD. Joshua and Katee perform a bollywood dance that is absolutely incredible and entertaining: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxZYsP4L7_E&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Jason and Caitlin  perform a bollywood dance that was also amazing, but personally, I enjoyed Joshua and Katee’s performance more. Click here to see Jason and Caitlin’s: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9b776fQ0MM&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Contemporary

Contemporary dance gives a new view on techniques. It began in the early 20th century and contains ballet material. Contemporary is the search for ease in movement, while using the natural lines and energy of the body. By being able to be danced to by any style, it is known for its changability. Since contemporary works with the natural alignment of the body, beginners usually begin by learning this type of dance.

The four main techniques include: Cunningham (easy, natural movement; graceful), Graham (contraction, release, fall, and recovery), Limon ( gravity in terms of fall, rebound, recovery, and suspension), and Release (in search of clarity and fluidity; focus on energy and breath).

Tyce Diorio, Mia Michaels, Travis Wall, Mandy Moore, Sonya Tayeh, and Stacey Tookey are all contemporary choreographers for So You Think You Can Dance.

Lauren Froderman, season 7 winner, and Kent Boyd dance a beautiful, breath-taking contemporary dance to Collide.

To see this dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZQ42YbR8oc&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Hip-Hop

Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo, Shane Sparks, Dan Karaty, and Dave Scott are a few popular hip-hop choreographers on So You Think You Can Dance.

HISTORY: In the middle of 1970, hip hop dance came to the United States. Hip Hop originated in Hispanic communities and black ghettos, but keep in mind that it is international and well known by many other countries. Even though hip hop dancing started on the streets, it now is included in both studios and on the street. The moves in hip hop dancing include popping, waving, gliding, floating, and locking. Some well known beginning moves are “the running man” and “the cabbage patch.” It is a way of physical exercise, expression of one’s feelings, and an overall incredible dance style to watch.

Philip and Jeanine performing a hip hop dance while connected with a chain. Choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha.

Here is an amazing hip hop dance choreographed by “NappyTabs” and  performed by Twitch and Alex:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLtSfYX8tJk&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Season 7- 2010

Season 7 winner- Lauren Froderman

Top 4 (from left to right): AdeChike Torbert, Lauren Froderman, Kent Boyd, and Robert Roldan

Kent Boyd and Lauren Froderman perform a contemporary dance to “Collide” by Howie Day. Choreographed by Travis Wall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZQ42YbR8oc

Judges thoughts- Nigel Lythgoe: amazing contemporary dancers and choreographer, you are the ultimate male and female dancers this year; Mia Michaels: stunning, gorgeous, amazing connection; Adam Shankman: so honest and real, intimate, embodied everything it was supposed to be.

Blogger’s thoughts: I completely agree with the judges. I absolutely LOVE this piece. These two dancers are by far my favorites in Season 7 and I was exstatic they were the top two. Kent Boyd is beyond precious, but also a terrific dancer in every style. Girls are obviously swooning over this cute, blond-haired, and blue-eyed teenage boy and to top it off, he can dance! Lauren is the same way by being able to do every style successfully. This season was incredible and I would definately suggest watching specifically this season. I can’t wait until next season!