SYTYCD Season Premier Part One
Season nine of So You Think You Can Dance began on May 24th. With the results show cut, and the announcement that two winners would be crowned, a male and a female, this season will definitely be different. Regular judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy are back with an alternate every week. Starting off auditions in New York City was Tyce Diorio. New York proved itself this year, turning out some incredible talent.
First up was Amelia Low, a strong technical dancer. Her style and look is very theatrical and unique. Pulling from the silent film era, Low will have some very entertaining solos and will do probably do well with most styles. She seems a little bizarre which will help her with fans. Although the clip is a little cheesy, her solo is worth it.
Toshihiko Nakazawa is a very animated hip hop dancer. Although he did not make it through choreography, his solo was incredible. There is a very fine line between Vegas and Choreography. It is always interesting to see who they send where. Nakazawa proved he was entertaining and would do well with fans, but after he started the choreography it was clear he was not ready for this competition.
Shafeek Westbrook blew my mind. He has incredible control of his movements and his style is unexpected but beautiful. The story of the dance is really what really makes the piece shine. The dance is about his friend who passed on 9/11. Westbrook was portraying his soul crawling through the buildings. Hopefully he does well in Vegas.
Leo Rayes started off slow. The lyrical hip-hop style with his technic was beautiful. Rayes solo started a little off, but as he continued he found his groove and ended the piece at his best.
Chehon Wespi-Tschopp is an incredible ballet dancer. He has worked with the Los Angeles Ballet, which proves his technical power. He will be someone to watch out for, his solo was incredible. I cannot wait to see more of him.
The next city for auditions was Dallas, Texas, this time the guest judge was the incredible Lil C. I am so glad he’s back, he respects talent and clearly loves what he does.
First up to dance is mother of two Bree Hafen. With stories like this, it is a 50/50 chance they will not be good. Hafen was incredible. She used unique movements to a beautiful Ingrid Michaelson song. She is a great dancer and has a story that will appeal to mothers everywhere.
The next two dancers Hampton Williams and Stepheon Stewart. Both showcased dark hip-hop styles. Stewart was first showing his horror villain style through his intricate popping. Williams used his dark style in a different way. His movements were intricate but smooth, using Evanescences “My Immortal.” These dancers made Lil C jump out of his chair with excitement.
With more auiditions to come, it is clear that this will be a strong season. Below the cut you can see all the songs used in the New York/Dallas audition episode.
“Icarus” Madeon.
“New York Grind” District 78.
“Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” Edith Piaf.
“Bubblegumbo” District 78.
“Shake Your Pom Pom” Missy Elliott.
“Ready 2 Go” Martin Solveig ft. Kele.
“Moving Cities” Faze Action.
“Va Va Voom” Nicki Minaj.
“The Dress Looks Nice On You” Sufjan Stevens.
“Look What You’ve Done” Drake.
“Evacuate The Dancefloor (Radio Edit)” Cascada.
“Sail” AWOLNATION.
“When Love Takes Over” David Guetta ft. Kelly Rowland.
“Tell Me Something I Don’t Know” Selena Gomez.
“Sort Of” Ingrid Michaelson.
“My Immortal” Evanescence.
“Primitive Force” Tom Salta.
“Rush” Tom Salta.
“Rite Of The Imperium” James Dooley.
“Haunt You” Flux Pavillion.
“Escape From Slavery” PP Music.
“Feel So Close (Extended Mix)” Calvin Harris.
“Mvt. 1, Concerto Fantasy” Phillip Glass.
“Where Them Girls At” David Guetta ft. Flo Rida and Nicki Minaj.
“Pyramid” Charice ft. Iyaz.
“Wonderful” Cindy Alexander.
“Sherlus Victorius” PP Music.
“Cinema (Skrillex Remix)” Benny Benassi ft. Gary Go.
“Fulgor Solaris” PP Music.
“Gothic Oblivion” PP Music.
