Posted on 06/05/2014 by Elizabeth in So You Think You Can Dance
By Ashley Thompson
Per usual there are three categories: absolute "no", move on to choreography, or straight to vegas. So far we have seen our permanent judges, Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy along with guest judge Jenna Elfman, and new judge this week Fabrice Calmels, principal dancer of Chicago's Joffrey Ballet.
Not to ever disappoint during open auditions, this week opens the show with The Puppet, Paul Brushaber ,18, IL: The Puppet is exactly what it sounds like... a fluid, creepy, marionette kind of dance that doesn't appear to involve a lot of skill. His high wanter jeans match his nerdy appearance but there are some moments of popping skills that shine through this odd performance (complete with creepy music).
Much to my surprise Mary calls him "unique" and a "genius" and wants him to go straight to Vegas. And much to Nigel's dismay (after learning that Paul has never danced with a partner) Fabrice agrees with Mary and Nigel is forced to give in. Straight to Vegas goes The Puppet.
Emily James, 21, RI: We've seen Emily before, auditioning for Seasons 8 & 9. During season 10 she was finishing her business degree but felt a pull back to dance. She considers herself a contemporary dancer but her performance hints at a little more. She has quick turns, a gorgeous turnout and fluid transitions. Her lines, and legs, are strong but she has sloppy arms at times. And honestly, I was a little distracted by her large gold earrings. But after seeing her cute little cousins dance a gymnastics inspired routine (but too young for the show), the judges send Emily straight to Vegas, where she belongs. Maybe 3rd time's the charm?
Franchesca Bass, 18, IN: Alopecia is her back story but I can't get over the bra she is wearing as her dance costume. Oh, and the hair loss... she uses it to her advantage. Technically she is a contemporary dancer but her actual style is a bit more quirky. Due to lack of hair, she has adapted to a self-described alien-type style of dance and it is the perfect description. She has long, flowing limbs that bend at the right moments and she is intriguing to watch. She has a few flaws, such as lines and strength, but it's nothing a few episodes can't fix. Nigel calls her "stunning", Mary says she's "captivating" and Fabrice agrees... which means there will soon be another alien in Vegas.
Jenna Scaccia, 18, IL: Currently studying ballet at the Joffrey Ballet Academy... yes the same Joffrey that judge Frabrice dances at. And of course she has a crush on the handsome principal. Even though she is obviously nervous to be performing in front of her idol, she need not be. She has perfect feet and toes and her arms and wrists are so fairy-like it's easy to see she is classically trained. Lucky for her, the one judge that mattered (Fabrice) loved it and sends her straight to Vegas. A dream come true for any school girl.
James Thomas, 18, IL: Considered a hip hop dancer, but specializes in contortionist and bopping. Bopping: moving your legs in and out while the rest of the body is freestyled. Apparently his objective is to make people feel ill exclaiming, "I'm just here to make you flinch". After disclosing that he has taken two summers of ballet, jazz and african, Nigel agrees to send him to choreography.
Unfortunately James struggles and is sent home along with 11 other dancers, but 10 more make it through to Vegas.
Photo courtesy of FOX
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