So You Think You Can Dance — Page 26

Got to see the tour here in Cleveland last night.

It's such a good time. Just so much fun to go out and be jammin' in your seat and be treated to a night of great dancing of all genres, by people who obviosly are having a blast dancing and dancing with one another. A really great time, I'd highly recommend it to anyone who may be able to get their hands on tix.

Also, it's so incredible how different some things and/or dancers are when seen live. Ivan, for example...is mindblowing in person. I didn't DISlike him on the show nor was he my fave at all, but when you see him live...it's so incredible what he's capable of and it just lost something via television.

There are simply no words for Mia Michaels' contemporary piece with the Sunflower and the Bench performed by Travis and Heidi. Quite unexpectedly, myself and my friend I went with found ourselves in tears - it's just absolutely moving and Mia Michaels is brilliant. Live there is just so much emotion and heartache in it - so many moments that the tv can't capture that you instantly find yourself in tears because it's like a punch to the stomach someone ripped your heart out moment...I can't explain it.

Travis choreographed a contemporary piece for him and Natalie that is equally moving. As an artist, those two dances and the Benji/Donyelle vienesse waltz will always stay with me because they moved me so much.

The Travis/Benji hip hop dork dance is a lot of fun live as well - that's one I was so not into when it was on the show but I have to admit, it's a good time when you're watching it right in front of you. The energy is just contagious.

The SexyLove choreography is so good - something I'd not realized until I saw it live. Natalie/Dmitry disco is pretty great too.

Heidi must have an IV of RedBull when she's not onstage, lol. She's in so many dances, all of which are physically demanding and energetic and just never lets up or looks like she's slowin' down. I don't know how she does it...

Going into this, I had my faves (Benji and Donny) and they CERTAINLY did not disappoint, but as you can tell, a lot of people far-exceeded my expecations seeing them perform live.

More than anything probably, I was so fascinated watching so much contemporary (whether couples dances or individual solos). It's nothing new to me entirely, but it's so rarely seen, so it was just mesmerizing to see people moving their bodies in that way...I'm in absolutely awe and fascinated with the contemporary style after seeing it live.

Met the dancers afterwards as well. They're all so gracious and nice. They really try to avoid just giving an autograph, takin' a pic and then going on down the line. if you didn't start a conversation with them as they were signing, they'd start one with you. And they really took a few minutes with each person and kinda had their 'moment' with them before moving on. They all stayed until every last person had gotten what they needed/wanted and were honestly just really great and fun to chat with.

From speaking with them, Benji, Natalie and Donyelle seemed particularly humble. Don't get me wrong, NO ONE was even remotely diva-ish, but just the way they reacted and seemed honestly and deeply touched by compliments and thank you's. Natalie actually came back through the line before getting on the bus and approached the fans herself to say a personal thank you for making all of their dreams come true and to say they loved everyone and...it was really cool.

I got to talk a lot with Donyelle and she was just amazing. We talked about dance and musical theatre nad what we both wanna do and she was just really encouraging of my own dreams which really she didn't need to be, y'know? She was just great.

Said she eventually wants to make her way to Broadway, but is trying to make the most of hte short time she'll have to make it as a dancer before switching over to the acting/singing department as there are roles for all ages in musical theatre unlike the dance world. I'm hoping to see her there someday. :)

Um...yeah, I'll stop rambling now. All in all it was a really great night, and I'd recommend the tour for anyone who's a fan, and sticking around ot see them afterwards. It's worth it, they're all really sweet and fun.

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