World of Dance, Season 4 – Week FOUR Live Blog

Week 4 already!! T-minus 30 minutes till showtime. Let’s hope that the talent is higher quality this week. I saw lots of commentary that the dancing wasn’t up to par last week – I tend to agree, but every season has a week like that. Hopefully, last week was the only week. πŸ™‚

It’s time….love that lead in with the very handsome Derek. πŸ™‚ Final batch of dancers in the qualifiers.

Up first is Geometri Variable – I posted their video earlier in the week. They are amazing. And they’re funny too. πŸ™‚

I found them mesmerizing and exhausting in a good way. I love French. Read more..

June 16, 2020 I Written By

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)

Coming Up on World of Dance – Geometric Variable (Video)

These guys are awesome!! I agree with the judges – it does make me a bit tired watching them, you have to focus so hard. But I think that’s a good thing!!

June 12, 2020 I Written By

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)

World of Dance, Season 4 – Week THREE Live Blog

Week three already!! Let’s goooooooo!! T-minus 20 minutes…

That Derek/JLo “You Can Really Dance” video still cracks me up. πŸ™‚

And I love Derek and Ne-Yo’s chemistry.

First up is Keagan – 13 years old from Oklahoma! And of course she’s a contemporary dancer. What are they teaching kids these days if other kids don’t know where Oklahoma is?

Boy, she’s extremely bendy…JLo will likely rave but I’m not feeling that much from her other than gymnastics. She’s alright…very bendy.

Ne-Yo wants to know when she learned to be bendy. Derek thinks she’s non-Gumby like. πŸ™‚ Derek apparently called her an alien. πŸ™‚ JLo says it’s about the story and says they didn’t see all of it, but of course she thinks there’s more there.

Of course they all say yes. I just want to see more from contemporary – it all looks the same anymore.

Oh, yes, I want to see Derek be bendy. Yes please.

You know, this season really isn’t all that different, since they go straight to the duels after this round. Only difference is that there is no audience and they’re in a warehouse (a very upscale warehouse). I’m sure all the dancers had to make it through a couple rounds of producers prior to this round, so…no difference.

Little Salsa babies?? Wheee! Antonio and Maria – they’re 11 and 13. And they get severely edited, which bugs the hell out of me. Derek thinks they haven’t clicked yet. Ne-Yo says they need more maturity. Both men give them no’s. And they go home. πŸ™

Next dapper tappers from the Netherlands. Avant Garde – apparently they all have their own, different style. Heavily edited and I can’t tell if I like it or not. Ne-Yo is a yes, Jennifer is a no, and Derek says “call backs”.

Next is Chibi Unity – a fusion group from Japan…and they go crazy to see the judges. πŸ™‚

They didn’t expect the judges and they are really excited – per their interpreter.

I love this damn song. I dig the head nods. They seem to be a fusion of contemporary and hip hop. I think I like it. Not as clean as some groups, but I like them. I say call backs.

Jennifer says the choreography was a stand out. Derek felt the emotion, but the big set up in the middle didn’t pay off. I would agree. Ne-Yo says it started a little slow (disagree), but once the energy picked up he was thoroughly impressed.

Ne-Yo – Yes
Derek – Yes

They either edited Jennifer out or she didn’t vote since the two men put the group through. Ne-Yo tells them to take the notes.

Derek and Ne-Yo are the ultimate partners. πŸ™‚

Josh and Erica are an Urban Dance duo. Erica was on last season and didn’t make it through because she lacked chemistry. So now she has a new partner that she’s also dating, so of course they have chemistry. Yeah, you might think that, but it’s not always true. Good luck!

Not a fan of the outfits. Shallow, I know. Derek recognizes Erica – I’m sure it has nothing to do with how much she looks like his girlfriend.

Someone tell me the difference between “urban” and “hip hop”? This is slower, but it looks like contemporary fused with hip hop. He seems sharper than she is. Yeah, making that face don’t make you “urban” dude.

JLo says they have “amazing” chemistry, they have some great moves and they’re extremely powerful.

Ne-Yo says they’re quality dances, but everyone here is quality dancers. There needs to be something more. He hit so hard that it softened her – absolutely agree.

Derek says they have a lot of tools, but they need to utilize all the tools they have and they could have even a better formula.

Ne-Yo says call backs.
Jennifer says yes (of course).
Derek says yes as well. I’m with Ne-Yo on this one. They were good, but I’m still waiting to be blown away.

So…next up is…the Break Ninjas! I like their rules. πŸ™‚ Work hard, have fun and…I forgot the third one. They’re cute. Little dudes are so cute. Ten years old.

I didn’t know Jennifer is from the Bronx. :::smirk:::

Hand stans into some serious break dancing. Pretty tight. Nice leap.This is pretty fun. A little sloppy during babalu’s solo. So cute, though. Severely edited this dance as well. This one of the things that seriously bugs about this show.

Jennifer and Ne-Yo are somewhat raving. Derek throws a bit of cold water on it.

Derek and Ne-Yo say no – suggest that they come back next year. They do need work, but so cute.

Next up: a group that’s been here twice before and haven’t made it. First time they’ve made it to this stage. Canadians under the name of the Young Cast. they are pretty tight. Great in sync. Like their lines and their diagonals. That second diagonal, a couple of the guys got out of line to do something else. Made it seem sloppy.

Jennifer questions if they can compete, wonders if they can do more than formations. The other two judges agree. Ne-Yo wants more stacatto. Jennifer would like more dancing, less pictures, more groove and more musicality.

Derek says Yes.
Jennifer says Call Back, and Ne-Yo agrees.

Kinda weird how their comments don’t seem to mimic their decision.

The Judges getting a group photo taken – Derek is hot, as usual. πŸ™‚

MDC3 is up next – a contemporary trio (interesting). One of the mom’s had breast cancer and they talk about how hard it was. She beat it, but then got it again. I can’t imagine. The kids try to be positive around her.

Wow nice lift in rehearsal. They’ve been dancing together for 7 years as a trio – that’s amazing and unusual.

Oooo..complicated first hold. This is different. I like it. Great lifts. And different ones with a trio. And that last bit was amazing.

Jennifer says it was very clear to her, all three are super strong. Derek loves the transitions, how connected and different they are. Ne-Yo felt it.

Jennifer says yes.
Derek says yes.
Ne-Yo doesn’t say a word or they edit it out for time since they only need two.

Best contemporary act so far this season. Because it’s different – they showed me different lifts and combinations/transitions from what I’ve seen before. Thank god. Contemporary is getting so overdone, as is hip hop at times. That’s the curse of a show like this one.

Show Stoppers from Miami are up next with Jazz/Funk. This looks like it could be interesting. Outfits are kinda different. I like the all women teams – I root for them.

Great tribute to JLo and her representing of Latinas. They’re off to a great start. the fact that there are a ton of them is working for them. Great sync.Sexier than the male groups, in my opinion. they got some Salsa in there as well. It’s slowing down a bit in the middle towards the end.

Jennifer says they need to hit it harder, and thinks it might be because of their outfits. Says they have to feel the emotion. They have the passion but they have to get the skill up there. Ne-Yo agrees. He adds that the name sets them up. Derek says the choreography was kind of one-note (not his words).

Ne-Yo says he’s on the fence, says Call Back.
Derek also says call back, and Jennifer agrees.

Well, that’s the show. Thoughts? I was only truly impressed by the contemporary trio, MDC3, but I also liked the Show Stoppers, although I understand the judges comments. Everyone else was just okay – and since they eliminated quite a few this episode that’s to be expected. Hopefully it will build next week!

June 9, 2020 I Written By

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)

World of Dance, Season 4 – Week Two Live Blog

I’m back! Β Sorry I wasn’t around last week – my day job was a bear. Β I hope everyone will join in with me tonight – I know it will be a bright spot in my day. It’s been a rough few days – I will let our judges speak for me, as they can say it so much better. Live blog beginning below in T-minus 25 minutes.

Read more..

June 2, 2020 I Written By

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)

World of Dance RETURNS!

Taping apparently begins on February 21st, since they are advertising for tickets. πŸ™‚Β  Thanks to Linz for the heads up.

January 20, 2020 I Written By

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)

Coming on Week 9 of World of Dance Season 3 – The CUT Continues…

This ought to be good!!

Come on, Unity LA!!

April 19, 2019 I Written By

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)

WoD Season 3 Contestant Profiles – The Heima

The Heima are a stand out group in the Upper Team Division. Breaking fusion is their style and they’ve won international competitions. They are from Seoul, South Korea and range in age from 21 to 28 years old. Let’s look at some of their WoD performances. Here’s their performance from the Qualifiers.

What I love about these guys is they are so smooth and melodic – graceful. I really appreciate that flow that they have to their routine. All that and some great B-boy moves. And seriously…the ending of this routine is just killer. Love the masks too. Next is their duel…

This was another beautiful routine. And some of their tricks were just amazing. Who were the Heima before WoD?? Here’s a routine from 2017 at a competition…I can’t believe they only got third place!! Beautiful.

And this is just cool as hell. πŸ™‚

If you want to know more about The Heima, you can hit up their facebook page or any of their social media that I’ve listed below. You know, that’s one of the great things about World of Dance…it introduces many of us to groups and performers that we might never have seen otherwise.

The Heima Facebook
The Heima Instagram
The Heima YouTube Page

You can also hit up World of Dance Magazine to get the Instagram pages of individual dancers. Why not? They’re an attractive bunch. πŸ™‚

April 13, 2019 I Written By

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)

WoD Season 3 Contestant Profiles – Unity LA

Love, love, love Unity LA!! They made it to the Cut on Sunday night and two of their members have been my favorites since they toured with Derek and Julianne Hough a couple years ago. Zack and Ashley, that is – the two focal points for the group. This group is also choreographed by Tessandra Chavez who also does a lot of work for Derek, and won an Emmy with Derek and Julianne…two years ago?? Fairly recently.

Anyway, Zack started out as a tapper on So You Think You Can Dance back in 2015…

Then, as all good dancers do, the morphed into a man of many styles, including contemporary dancer…a really good one. He toured with Derek and Julianne Hough in 2017, along with Ashley

Zack and Ashley apparently teamed up after that to go after the WoD Crown. Zack and Ashley on last season of WoD:

WOD Magazine says that Unity LA has been a thing since 1994 and have been lead/choreographed by Tessandra Chavez dince it’s inception. Here is Tessandra’s Emmy award winning routine she did with Derek and Julianne Hough.

The most recent thing I can find for a Unity LA dance company that is not WoD related is dated 2010.

Social Media:
Unity LA Twitter
Unity LA InstagramUnity LA Website
Tessandra Chavez Twitter
Zack Everhart Twitter
Zack Everhart Instagram
Ashley Gonzalez Instagram
Ashley Gonzales Youtube

April 9, 2019 I Written By

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)

WoD Season 3 Contestant Profiles – The Crazy 8s

These kids have been one of my favorites so far this season. A contemporary team from Anaheim Hill, California, you may remember during the qualifiers their story was the darling little girl who doesn’t talk due to anxiety. And my reaction to this team was similar to Jennifer’s initial reaction. πŸ™‚

And let me tell you, win or lose WoD, these cuties are going far. They’re getting media that I’ve not seen other contestants get just yet. Like Access Hollywood. Wonder if this is the routine we’ll see tomorrow night.

Then there’s Ellen…so does this mean they get eliminated or that they win?? Or does it just mean they are compelling??

Since they are mere babies, there isn’t that much out there about them that is pre-Wod (at least that I can find). Here, CarmoDance goes with the Crazy 8s on a tour of their home studio.

Of course they have social media profiles…and you can read more about them at worldofdance.com

Crazy 8s Instagram

March 24, 2019 I Written By

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)

WoD Season 3 Contestant Profiles – Briar Nolet

This young lady really impressed me with her fighting spirit in the redemption round last week!! And those of you who know me know that it takes quite a bit for a contemporary dancers to impress me. Briar did it!! Her dances starts at 0.57 in the video below.

Come to think of it, I really liked her qualifiers performance as well. Fierce!

Briar is a self-described “Dancer-Actor-Artist chick” from Toronto, Ontario. You’ll also recall from the show that she was diagnosed with epilepsy which she now has under control, thankfully. What you may not know is that she also stars in a Canadian “mockumentary” dance show called “The Next Step” – you can click the link to read more about that show. She’s also been interviewed recently by Dance Spirit Magazine on what it’s like to compete on World of Dance. I’ve put a short excerpt below, but click the link to read the whole thing.

The DS staff let out a collective squeal upon finding out our very own 2016 Cover Model Search winner Briar Nolet was one of the Season 3 contestants. She’s a powerhouse dancer who knows her way around a TV set thanks to her starring role as Richelle on “The Next Step”β€”but she says “WOD” was an entirely new beast.

Dance Spirit: How did you prepare for the show?

Briar Nolet: I really needed to get my mental health and dancing to a competitive level. I’d been dealing with a health issue (that’s all better now!), so I started preparing months in advance. I did ballet, tumbling, and every style that wasn’t contemporary. The dancing I do on “The Next Step” is very commercial, and I’m playing a character; for “WOD,” it was important for me to be able to dance at a high level of intensity, all while staying true to myself.

Here’s a fascinating video from several years ago – Briar and Tate McRae in “Bird Girls”.

Briar also does some beautiful dancing with her boyfriend (and costar on The Next Step) Myles Erlick.

In any case, if you want to read more on Briar Nolet, the girl is all over the internet. I’ve listed her social below.

Briar Nolet Instagram

Briar Nolet Twitter

March 23, 2019 I Written By

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)