I could still watch Russell all day long. Nice to have that confirmed.

wasn't he lovely? I almost don't want to say it, but I think he did better than Lil C.

I totally thought he out-danced Lil C! He's still got that eye-drawing charisma that just oozes out of him on stage.

look at what the eliminated person on TC wants to cook for Obama:

I want to eat this meal.

[link]

I didn't even realize that was Lil C until I read it here. I was all about Russell. I just love the way he moves.

It was so great to see Lil C and Russell up there together. Especially with a style of dance that hasn't had that much exposure, it was really lovely to see the variety and similarity. I love seeing it in such a tightly choreographed piece. I could definitely watch him all day.

The SO talked about going to see the tour, but it looks like they'll be in Glendale when we're back east.

What was that a reference to? Adam didn't seem too pleased with Nigel's remark. But I don't get what that was about.

I think that was meant to be a reference to when Adam said something was fucking awesome earlier in the season (followed quickly by "did I just say that on live tv?"), but I can't figure out the connection to Robert's pants.

Adam said something was "balls-out awesome," which still got the "you didn't just say that!" reaction.

Ah, it was bleeped out here, I inferred wrong.

OK, that almost makes sense, now.

Even America picking the right winner for this season in Lauren (formerly TBC) cannot make up for all the things that just were not right about the show this season. I will stand in the corner with le nubian and Vortex and hate all over the producers and choreographers for costing us not only Alex, but also Ashley and for getting Billy hurt (although he was already toast when it happened). And the fact that Nigel had enough balls to try to make a joke out of it, well, that just chaps my ass. It's not funny and if they don't get that it's not funny, then I fear for the future of the dancers on this show.

I also blame the show for ruining Shankdaddy for me. He was, once upon a time, one of the better judges on the panel when he guested. He brought real and relevant critiques of the quality of the dancing. He gave notes that the kids could take away with them to help them get better. He stated his opinion flat out, even when it was controversial or just plain wrongheaded (Danny is not arrogant! Bitch) And he was funny as all get out. This season on the panel he's turned into a platitude spouting, clapping seal just as useless as Mamma Mia by his side. "I love ya. Get outta here!" This is what passes for critique? Really? Hell, I'd rather have Mary and her hot tamale train because at least she'd bring eye searing fashions, QVC jewelry, more orange skin than John Boehner and a country fried weave.

I also blame the show for bringing us second tier choreographers all season long. When five of the repeat dances from the finale are NappyTab pieces, shit is not right. Tyce almost every frikkin' week? Even more egregious when you have Spencer Liff available. Mandy and her sweatin' to the oldies? Why so little Sonya? Almost no Mia? What, one or two from Dmitri? One from Dave Scott? I love Travis Wall as much as the next person, and he brought it this season, but why not some other former contestants? Evan and bald brother? Anyone from Qwest? Seriously. Anyone.

For the sheer number of talented dancers that they had in the top 10, there weren't many dances for the ages. Alex and Twitch's hip hop. Travis' "best friends" piece for Neil and Kent. Billy and Ade's Rich Man/Poor Man dance. Travis again with the Mom dance for Allison and Robert. I can't think of too many others that I truly, madly, deeply loved. That's a shame considering that you had fully half of the top 10 that could flat out dance their butts off (Alex, TBC, Billy, Kent,Ashley) plus another handful that were more than competent (AdeChike, Robert, Alexie) plus all of the all stars. They damn near killed the kids to come up with some routines that, on the whole, won't stand up to some of the best from season's past. The Twitch/TBC piece from last night was cute, but compared to really great hip hop from other seasons? It does not rate. The TBC/Pasha tango? Nowhere near Janette and Brandon. The Billy/Robert Bollywood? Hell, the Tween Terrors did it better last season and I didn't even like them. And did we even get one memorable group routine from this season? Whither Ramalama?

I don't know. I'm glad Lauren won. Since it couldn't be Alex and Billy never really translated well on the show, she was definitely the next best thing. I just feel like this season was a big old blah, more noteable for the drama (Injuries! All stars! National Dance Day!) than for the dancing.