SYTYCD: No "Mia" Culpa from Mia Michaels

While some were better than others, there wasn't a bad dance (or dancer) in the bunch last night. In fact, everyone on the show was in great form...with the exception of Mia Michaels, that is. She has been and remains one of my favorite choreographers, but after the way she handled her "reassessment" of Brandon last night (I'd like to be able to say "apology," but she made none), Ms. Michaels is no longer one of my favorite personalities on So You Think You Can Dance.

Let's face it; her diatribe during the selection process pretty much crucified Brandon: "I can't take you. Like I can't take what you bring to the floor, as an artist. You annoy the sh*# out of me. I find there is an attitude inside there, under that fake smile." Geez. Harsh much? On a tirade much? Downright mean as a rabid dog much? I mean, seriously, was the diva of all choreographers really accusing one of the dancers of having an attitude? Apparently, she wrote the book on that one.

Frankly, I did my best to let it go. Who knew what might have been happening in her personal life? Maybe Brandon had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe Mia had just been losing her mind. But last night (given a golden opportunity to set things right) she took the ego-driven road instead, refusing to come right out and say that she got it wrong. Instead, she chose to insinuate coyly that, having recognized the immensity of Brandon's talent all along, she had (in her inimitable way) simply been pushing him a bit, trying to get the best out of him by riding his you-know-what like a screaming banshee. In other words, she'd been doing him a favor! Michaels even took it a step further by promising him more of the same, all in the name of mentorship. Oh boy. Lucky Brandon. She likes him! She really likes him!! (Translation: Run for cover, dude, all he*# is about to break loose...)

In other words, a simple mea culpa from Mia Michaels would have been nice. VERY nice. (On a brighter "judges" note, Mary Murphy's particular brand of banshee screaming was limited to one episode last night. My entire nervous system is grateful.) And I do like the idea and intent of the Dizzy Feet Foundation. Go, Dizzy Feet!

Okay. Now for the dancers. My personal favorites, in the order they performed, were: Janette and Brandon (cha cha), Kayla and Kupono (contemporary by Sonya), and Melissa and Ade (classical pas de deux). Each of these dances, in its own way, was magnificent. And the dancers were magnificent, too.

As for the other three couples, I agreed with Mia (yes, that can still happen) that Randi and Evan need to "think tall," elongating their bodies and movements. For me, the pop/jazz alien number by Jason and Caitlin was interesting and fun, but her costume overpowered the routine somehow. And Karla and Vitolio's quick step was completely entertaining, but (and I apologize sincerely for my superficiality here) his copious sweating is kind of a turn-off for me. (Like I said, I'm not proud of this.) I also admit to being somewhat uncomfortable with his emotionality, not the quality of his being an emotional person in itself, but the nature and direction it takes. He simply makes me uncomfortable, which affects my enjoyment of watching him.

Having said that, no one did poorly last night, and it will be hard to say good-bye to any of them. Given that we have no choice but to do so, though, my picks to go home would be your-guess-is-as-good-as-mine for the girls (maybe it should even be Randi but I hope not, because I LIKE her) and Phillip or Vitolio for the guys.

PS. I hope this post will satisfy my oldest and youngest sons, who informed me (one by phone and one by post comment) that I needed to write more and refer to others people's writings (via links) less. Apparently, they think I've been lazy for the past week or so.

PPS. They're right! But still, every link I gave was PRIMO. =)