Heidi & Travis – Disco

No chemistry – he’s trying too hard to do the Benji swing smile – awkward on lifts – so say I…however, the three judges didn’t agree.  They were most complimentary, etc etc etc.  Which makes me consider the difference between watching the dance on TV, where the angles from which I see are selected for me by the director, and seeing it live.  Then there’s the whole live vs canned performance issue. 

Donyelle & Benji – Viennese Waltz

A contemporary, balletic interpretation of a staid old formal dance.  I like it.  But the judges didn’t.  They pretty much trashed them.  Picked apart the style and the postures.  Said it just wasn’t exciting enough.  Well, maybe that’s the problem with the dance itself.  How much drama can you get into a waltz?

Heidi – solo

Pajama Game, anyone?

Travis & Benji – Hiphop

Fantastic – high energy, great story – but I think Travis is the better dancer.

Donyelle – solo

Martha Graham lives…or some such thing.

Travis – solo

An amazing blend of classical, hiphop and gymnastics…well, maybe that’s just hiphop.  But still, I thought this showed a full range to Travis that I haven’t seen before.

Heidi & Donyelle – Broadway

Hey, Big Spender – disappointing – the white eyelashes are grotesque.  I couldn’t get past them – Judges said that the dancing was flawless, but the performance was mediocre. Yeah, I agree.

Benji – solo

His usual energy and style.  Is it enough?

Donyelle & Travis – Contmporary

How can you miss with Mia Michaels?  You can’t.  This was incredible choreography and incredible execution.

Heidi & Benji- salsa

For showmanship, you cannot beat these two. 

Group Routine

Models on the runway – Fun – Benji was a bit over the top for my money.  The one I had my eyes on was Heidi, though.

 

 I haven’t seen the group routine yet, so maybe I’ll change my mind, but…hmmmm…I’ll put my money on Benji.  Yes, Travis is the better dancer, but the title is for America’s Favorite Dancer.  The judges tried to swing it towards Travis at the end. I don’t know if America will pay attention, though.

I’ve seen the group routine and I don’t think it made a lot of difference unless the judges got Travis some votes.  Funny that I don’t think Heidi and Donyelle are in the running.