when stones come to life...

"Every once in a while...a number comes along that is so magical and when everything happens one with the universe."

And indeed everything became one with the universe when my two favorite dancers, Melanie and Marko, performed a Travis Wall contemporary routine in the first live episode of So You Think You Can Dance Season 8.

It was like watching some Greek god and goddess creating an artwork through precisely calculated and harmonized movements. It is poetry in motion--poignant and pure.

The combination of superb technique and stunning choreography was just breath-taking and emotionally-enthralling. The chemistry, dynamics, and emotions emanating from the routine was amplified through the use of a great piece of music- Turn To Stone by Ingrid Michaelson (This song was perfect for the routine. I fell in love with this song when it was featured in the Grey's Anatomy finale where Izzy married Alex).

I remember watching this performance three nights ago and I could feel my pulse racing, hands sweating, and eyes wide to what was happening in front of me; that usually happens whenever I am exposed to rare remarkable form of art.

This will win an Emmy. Mia Miachaels may not be here this season, but I am really glad that Travis Wall is truly becoming a master of his craft. Two highly technical dancers and a genius choreographer- What do you expect to see? :P

This season is shaping to be the best so far, and for the first time in SYTYCD history, no one got eliminated from the results show...because they were that good!. I am really excited for this season, but I hope they change the stage. It seems to lack the illusion of space. Hehe. Anyway, go Melanie and Marko! (Marko is a Filipino did you know, and Tadd, the B-boy).

What a gloomy day... so perfect. :)

so you think again

The new season of the Emmy-winning dance reality show So You Think You Can Dance is finally here, and so like my downloader, the right side of my brain is going haywire. No other show can capture the artistic and entertaining attributes of dance than this, the way it showcases new talents and mind-blowing choreography (I am looking forward to Dee's, Sonya's, Travis' and of course Mia Michael's).

One of my favorites this season is an art major from Fordham University, Melanie Moore (She looks like Dr. Sarah Tacredi of Prison Break, doesn't she?). I fell in love with her the first time she danced a contemporary piece to Alexander Desplat's The Meadow. I just adore her technique, but I love her quirky personality more.

Another standout for me is Marko Germar, the one with a bullet still lodged in his right shoulder bone because of an encounter with an armed robber. He seems really cool and I love the way he blends hip hop and contemporary in his movements. I loved his audition. I may be a bit biased though because he danced to James Morisson's If You Don't Want To Love Me on his audition.

And what a way to open the new season with a captivating contemporary piece by Stacey Tookey to the tune of In This Shirt by the Irrepressibles.

The amalgam of great technique and artistic choreography is just breath-taking and dynamic--a piece of heaven indeed.

a man's life

This emotionally riveting concept piece from Mia Michaels portrays time and the journey of life; the joys and the struggles that seem to pass in a blink of an eye...

Choreographer: Mia Michaels
Performed by: Billy Bell, Alex Wong, and Ade Obayami
Music: This Bitter Earth/On The Nature Of Daylight by Dinah Washington/Mach Richter

hometown glory

The assisted run is just breath-taking!

Choreography: Mia Michaels

Dancers: Katee and Joshua

Music: Adele - Hometown Glory

this moment

This is just pure genius. It just shows that wherever Mia Michaels go, she makes sure to bring her talent with her. I love the concept of this piece. The visual is reminiscent of moths attracted to a flickering light bulb. Mia's vision holds a deeper meaning that transcends the lyrical movements. The trance music, by Nic Chagall just seals the moment, giving it a majestic polish.



I really do hope Mia comes back for Season 9 as a regular choreographer.

stabbed

From bestfriends to enemies - I think this is the most powerful piece by Travis Wall. He's finally proven that he really belong to the upper echelon of artistic choreographers, which includes the like of Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, and Sonya Tayeh. Performed by Kent and All-Star, Neil, the routine speaks of friendship and betrayal.

I am aware of the connotations given to this piece but who cares? The whole thing just seem to echo... like a piece of reality converted into a dream-like series of movements. And how about that song by Devotchka, How It Ends? Another SYTCD song I need to download :)

The embedding for the clip has been disabled by request, so just click here to watch it.

shedding layers

This routine I'm going to rave about is again choreographed by the great Mia Michaels. It's really mind-boggling how she's able to come up with such artistic and emotionally riveting choreography. I like the concept of shedding layers and the portrayal of a race between the two dancers. It really captured the essence of the finale.


This is one of my favorites from 5th season of So You Think You Can Dance, performed by Jeanine and Kayla. Kayla is just perfection for me. She should've won the competition. I mean she's hot and she never left the Hot Tamale Train throughout the entire season. But I also had to agree that Jeanine really nailed her solo at the finale.

dancing

Another powerful routine, choreographed by Mia Michaels and performed by Kameron and Lacey. The song by Elisa perfectly melted into the essence of the dance. Definitely one of SYTYCD's best.


Dancing - Elisa

I'm dancing in the room as if I was in the woods with you
No need for anything but music
Music's the reason why I know time still exists
Time still exists

the hummingbird and the flower

Ever since Mia Michaels' Bench Routine, I became a fan of So You Think You Dance. And I'm loving the show more and more for how they're showcasing great diversities of talented dancers and incredible choreographers.


In Season 3, one routine stood out from the lot- from the twisted mind of Wade Robson and performed by Hok and Jamie. Absolutely original and creative. Wade conjured an artform in motion with this piece.