TAPPED OUT dances onto IMBA Bestsellers List!!

We interrupt Cele’s wonderful DANCING WITH THE STARS coverage to announce that TAPPED OUT, the second in the Jenny T. Partridge Dance Mystery Series, has landed on the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association Bestsellers List! Number 6 in paperbacks!

 WOO HOO!! Commence the dancing…

And now, for a totally different post…

Tanglefoot is doing a great job blogging on DANCING WITH THE STARS, but I wanted to take a minute and write about TAPPED OUT, which came out last week. This second book in the series hasn’t been reviewed much yet, but I did find a review on the Internet that really surprised me.

This is the second in the series, following TUTU DEADLY, and I’m happy to report that Jenny has matured quite a bit since the first novel. She’s no longer flailing around like a teenager; she’s behaving much more like the thirtysomething woman she is supposed to be. The author has toned down the “wacky” aspects a bit, too, but there’s still a good dose of humor and some funny situations. The recurring characters are continuing to develop quite nicely; and the mystery seems to be more centered and tightly plotted this time. Anyone who has ever been a dance student as a child, or has a child taking dance classes will instantly recognize the reality of the dance and dance school scenes. This one is a fun, solid mystery, and I’ll be happy to follow Jenny’s progress in the future.

Okay, I’m glad she liked it. And has Jenny matured? Well, she seems the same to me, to be honest. Is it toned down? Well, yes, there were more hijinks in the first one, but I think Jenny is ALWAYS Jenny. But is she maturing? Well, I suppose so. I mean, part of traveling along in life means maturing.

And I just turned in the third book in the series (I will not say last, I will not say last) and in this one, Jenny’s life promises a LOT of changes. In fact, Marlys and she change roles a little bit. Because that happens sometimes, in life.

But I think the third book is my favorite one. The strongest book. The strongest plot line. The most centered in the crazy world of youth competition dance.

So someone will probably think it’s the worst… you just never know.

But my editor agrees.

So I have to wonder about what people have vested in series, and what they see that maybe even the author doesn’t see. If things don’t turn out the way you think they should, does it make you angry? Torn? Does it make you stop reading?

I’ve been a Janet Evanovich fan for a long while. Lots of people bitch and moan and complain about Janet and her Stephanie Plum series, saying it is getting old, and tired, and will Stephanie please just CHOOSE between Ranger and Joe already….. But even though I’ve read all the books, I still look forward to the next one. Yeah, it’s some of the same, but hey, it’s Stephanie, and it’s always humorous, and easy to read, and it’s, well, popcorn.

Someone called Jenny T. Partridge popcorn. Well-written popcorn. And you know what? It may not be a meal, but everyone needs popcorn in their life.

I’ll settle for popcorn.

Library Journal compared me to Janet Evanovich with this review:

“Blending the humor of Janet Evanovich with chick-lit quirkiness, Roberts adds sassy prose and a spunky heroine to create a new series to watch.”–Library Journal

I think I’ll take that praise and run with it…..

When the feets gots to dance, the feets got to dance

These videos show that, truly, when you HAVE TO DANCE, you just HAVE TO DANCE.

 Nuff said.

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Sabra Wins SYTYCD!!

Go Sabra, you Utah girl, you!! Sabra Johnson, who lived in Roy, Utah, for four years, and who danced at Dance Impressions, WON SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!! The celebrating is STILL going on at the Roberts household!

 Quite amazingly, Sabra was 16 when she took up dance. AMAZING.

 Go Sabra!  I also was rooting for Neil and Danny, though. I wanted THREE winners…..

SYTYCD Evangelizing Dance

Tonight’s show was just, well, fantastic, sad, full of promise,and frustrating.

I was angry that Lauren went home over Lacey, because quite frankly, she shined SO MUCH brighter than Lacey. I like the other L (Lacey) but Lauren has more skill and talent, and she didn’t deserve to go home. I agreed with the results for the guys.

Debbie Allen noticed something I felt about Pasha. That man has charm and style and grace, like no one since Fred Astaire. I would love to see him  in movies, because I think he has the presence to pull it off.

The show opened with another Wade Robson INCREDIBLE piece, and I could have watched it over and over again.

It’s hard to see all the faves go now, but it’s at that point in the show. It has to happen.

I so agree with Debbie Allen that this show is EVANGELIZING dance! I love it! On to the finals. Thanks for all you said, Tanglefoot! 

Dance is so full of Joy

“Dance is so full of Joy.” Adam Shankman  

The elite eight were whittled down to the Secure Six, and hmmm, Pasha is still with us. I’m kind of surprised, but not. But let me digress.  This week’s bottom twos are expected, heartbreaking, and necessary.  Each week is difficult at this point. What is amazing to me about these kids, is their attitudes. Do the cry? Nope, they smile and look forward to the future. Or like Dominic, take the opportunity to manhandle Cat Deeley.

 

So this week’s bottom twos were made up of…

 

Girls

Sara

Lauren (this choice made my heart jump in my throat)

 

Boys

Neil

Dominic (his comedic grins are beginning to wear on me)

 

Going to the beach this week (you had to be there) Sara and Dominic. I’m not surprised, but both of these kids are what this competition is all about.  Each that remains is to some level worthy to be where they are. So I am going to go out on a limb here, I hope Jenny forgives me, or picks up the ball and knowing her trips the light fantastic with it, and prognosticate my final placements.

 

1) Sabra or Danny

2) Danny

3) Lauren

4) Neil

5) Lacey

6) Pasha (I’m not sure how Pasha has made it this far, but when given lemons make lemonade.)

 

You note I couldn’t pick between Danny or Sabra – but I really could. I could watch Danny dance forever, but I think he is limited.  Sabra on the other hand is so versatile and with only four years of dancing in her shoes. The possibilities boggle the mind.

 

Musical Partners – SYTYCD 1 August 2007

  

Guest Judge Adam Shankman is delightful, enthusiastic, insightful and not afraid to talk. He cracked me up tonight.  I think if he could have spirited Sabra off to some soundstage and choreographed for her he would have. 

 

We are to dual routines for the rotating partners. The choreographers and dancers both are being put through their paces and it shows.  First up

 

Danny and Sara Tangoed.  I could watch Danny dance forever. He’s so fluid, where Sara isn’t fluid she goes above and beyond to deliver, but together…these two don’t have any chemistry.  There was some strange footwork, interesting lifts, and good choreography, but no passion.

 

Shane Sparks choreographed their second routine, a hip hop number that left me wanting.  As a dancing duo they were a bit off, Sarah brought great attitude, but Danny (and he tried hard) couldn’t fit the bill. I do not like rap, but I adore Shane Sparks, but not this number.

 

Dominic pulled Lauren’s name out of the hat, which is good because I thought with him having lost a partner last week, and Sabra having lost her partner, Dominic would be banging her head on the floor. But he didn’t drop Lauren once.  Their first routine was a Krump by Little C. I’m just not sold on Krumping nor am I seeing a commercial purpose for this style of dance. The lifts were interesting.

 

The Rumba on the other hand was smoldering and sexy. Far too slow a number, it didn’t seem like a Rumba, but the chemistry between them shone through and it was entertaining. Lauren was a little bit tipsy at one point, and I like that Dominic truly listens to his crits.

 

Lacey and Neil danced a Latin Jazz number. Nice but not connected, too many moments of separation in both emotion and passion. No chemistry.

 

But boy did they make up for it.  Mia Michaels totally rocks and made me cry with her contemporary piece about reunions.  Lacey and Neil were splendid. The dance was light, carefree, forgiving. I loved the emotion, the freedom, the swing. Absolutely delightful.

 

Sabra and Pasha. I’m just not sold on Pasha. Sabra on the other hand is what every female dancer should aspire to, a fast learning curve on perfection.  Their Tice DeOrio Broadway number was high energy, quirky, fun. My eyes were on Sabra must of the time, but when I did remember to watch Pasha he was holding his own. My only remark to the contrary would be that the number ran out of steam towards the end. Very entertaining.

 

The final dance of the night was Sabra and Pasha’s Quick Step. Fun, energetic, and full. But once or twice it seemed like Pasha was dragging Sabra. Their footwork for the most part was tight, the facial expressions fabulous. They looked like they were having a blast, and I enjoyed watching them have fun.

 

So who is going home? Hmmmm either Dom or Pasha. And for the girls, Sara? I have no clue. Whichever girl leaves it will be sad they are all so good.

 

Sith,

Tanglefoot

       

SYTYCD–August 1 Show

Well, what a show. The finalists are ALL the bomb, the best, and I can’t rave enough about the routines. Eight finalists, four girls, four guys–all good.

I LOVED Sabra tonight. Yes, she is speaking to me. I know, I know, she’s a Utah girl, but STILL she is just the absolutely BOMB. Both routines rocked. Sabra was with Pasha, and she made him look good in both. Truth be told, Pasha is charming, but probably not the technically best dancer. But with Sabra? It doesn’t matter. Dancing for four years–can you believe it?–Sabra is AMAZING.

Other standouts: The Mia Michaels routine, with Lacey and Neil, brought me to tears. Without a doubt, the most beautiful routine of the night. I could barely watch the technique, because the choreography was incredible. Kudos to Mia Michaels. I am not a Lacey fan. Riissa is, probably because she likes her quirky style, but I think she was a shoo-in because Brother Benji won last year. But wow… Just wow.

Sara and Danny were okay in their Shane Sparks routine. I like Shane, but didn’t love the routine. LOVE Sara, and LOVE Danny. Didn’t love the hip hop. The Argentine tango was better, but…. the two don’t have chemistry. But DANNY is my fave male, so I guess it just depends on what they are given. (FYI, the two children do NOT love Danny. I DO.)

Dominic and Lauren did good, but Dom’s charm is waxing pale, now that we are in the finals. He’s cute as can be, but the skill is not there. Considering that it’s the top of the top, that’s a compliment. Dom, love you, but MORE ballet classes please. Lauren, you are great. Quirky, fun. Probably the best female, technically. Will be interesting to see what happens.

So, there’s your recap. I think Dominic will go home, but I could be wrong. Wouldn’t be the first time.

Mia Michaels?? Kudos and kisses. You are the bomb.

So You Think You Can Dance–July 26

by the way im not using correct grammar due to the lack of my interest. u can read it in i.m., i hope…lol

tonight the bottom 2 girls were jaimie and lauren. i wasnt shocked that jaimie was in the bottom, due to the fact that , in my opinion, is lacking. she is good, dont get me wrong, but she doesnt dance and make me saw “OMG WOW!!!”. i was shocked that lauren was in the bottom because she is the kind of dancer that makes a dancers-big-sister that doesnt dance, say “say wow, she makes me want to dance”. the bottom 2 guys were dominic and kameron. i personally like them both, but hok was my hero… no one will ever be as good as him. dom, being a b-boyer, doesnt really have formal training, so the thing keeping him in the competition is that he can dance, he gives it his all and that captures americas votes. kameron is also awesome, he does lack in technique, but what he doesnt lack in, b-boying and contemporary, can only take him so far.

the 2 to go home were kameron and jaimie. both amazing dancers, but they arent americas fave. technically speaking, they’re financially sound for quite some time, because of the tour & publicity due to the show. they will be busy with all sorts of oppurtunities. i dont worry that they’ll be fine.

well now that you’ve heard my point of view, its time for me to sign-out.

anyways, positive comments appreciated!! later dudes!

RiiSSA–BOOM-CHiiKA-WAH-WAH

Change Partners - SYTYCD - 25 July 07

Guest Blogger

Guest Judge Mia Michaels. This woman rocks, she has it all, beauty, passion, talent, compassion, and a good eye. 

Can we say the Best and the Worst that Choreography has to bring.  That is what we ended up with last night. The best personified in a fabulous Shane Sparks Hip Hop routine, and the worst in a Spicy Non-Viennese Waltz by a choreographer, whose name – thank heavens – escapes me.

 

 At first the brilliance that is Wade Robson escaped me. Wade was commissioned to create one solo routine to be performed by each of the top ten.  The theme war and peace was personified by the word each dancer chose to etch on their own Peace T-shirt. 

Unity ♦ Peace ♦ Love ♦ Compassion ♦

Patience ♦ Community ♦ Humanity ♦ Humility ♦Communication ♦ Harmony

And the dancer’s interpretation of the Robson work. It totally escaped me. Until well you’ll see. This week each dancer is voted on individually, with one male and one female dancer saying good-bye. 

The Solos 

Jaimie all I got from her was a peace sign at the end. She has beautiful lines, but her dance seemed disjoined to me and passionless. 

Dominic was better than Jaimie and showed some technique I hadn’t expected 

Sara was the best interpretation to this point and I began to see what Robson had designed 

Pasha, oh horror.  No passion, no extension, no nothing.  Pasha is stiff. This dance truly showed where he lacks. I give him points from trying but demerits for not understanding. 

Lauren wow, I loved her interpretation, her musicality of the performance, she molded the piece in to a performance. 

Neil is just too athletic, but he showed emotion in his interpretation and presentation 

Sabra is stunning 

Kameron was just okay, but he didn’t grab me 

Lacey brings a whole new attitude to John Mayer’s Waiting For The World To Change 

Danny, I love his lines, his fluidity. But I felt that while I liked half of the performance he lost the other half in his interpretation 

The very best routine and performance opened the show when the newly partnered Lauren and Pasha pulled hip hop for the week and were blessed with a Shane Sparks master piece. A fabulous, awesome routine. I kept watching Lauren, who was just amazing, but Pasha held his own, matching Lauren step for step, movement for movement. 

Sabra and Kameron drew contemporary this week.  I did like most of the dance, the timing was off in a few places. Sabra is amazing. 

Danny and Lacey performed a hot, sizzling, spices, passionate, sexy, and did I mention hot? Samba. Did you notice their feet work? One word. TIGHT. Wow. The piece was choreographed by Dimetri from last season, he understands Samba. 

Jaimie and Dominic sadly were given the worst routine of the night, maybe the month. They pulled the Viennese Waltz.  There was nothing, nothing, nothing Viennese about this dance. It was no waltz. This duo was sadly, badly let down by their choreographer. 

Sara and Neil wrapped up the partnering routines. Fun. They were having so much fun. You could see it in every movement. On the faces of the Judges - On the faces of both, Sara and Neil.  And oh mi gosh it was Disco. I was smiling too.  Okay so maybe all Disco doesn’t suck.  

So the best performances of the night were  

♦ Lauren and Pasha’s Hip Hop routine

♦ Sara and Neil’s Disco  

Best Solos 

♦ Lauren

♦ Lacey

♦ Sara 

Going home this week? Wow I’m not sure I can say, but of course I will try. 

Female – Jaimie

Male – it’s a toss up – Neil, Dominic, or Pasha. 

The women most certainly shined over the men. And Mia Michaels…I heart you. 

Sith

Tanglefoot