Exciting times for So You Think You Can Dance Australia host Natalie Bassingthwaite, with news she is pregnant with her first child.

Here is a link to an exerpt in Ok Mag, but you will need to buy the mag for the full enchilada.

I hope it goes well for her.

WARNING: Do not make any bets on who will be winning this show based on anything I say, as I am officially a fucking dud.

First elimination night and I have been to be shown to be totally off base with my predictions. Here was I saying Jessie and Matt were likely to go top four. My jaw hit the floor when I they were the first couple to be put in the bottom three.

I thought it was one of the better routines of the night.

Will and Grace I was not so surprised about as they did tank at the end of their performance. Oh I did pick Ilona and Nick to be bottom three, but that was a bit of a no brainer. I feel sorry for them as they did not even get to dance much in their routine.

By the way rocking opening number by choreographer Kelley Abbey, and what a hard job for Jess having to pash Phillipe at the end of the routine. 

Matt’s solo was not great but it is always tough for the ballroom dancers to do solos and look flash. This was the same with Will’s which was a solo tango and was a bit underwhelming.  Nick’s was the best but was it mesmerising like some we have seen? No.

Jessie’s however was amazing. How the fuck did she end up bottom three? Are all the Jessie, Jessica, and Jess confusing the voters? Or is Matt just not connecting with the audience.

Ok I will make another prediction they won’t be bottom three next week, as her fans will start voting.

Grace’s solo was intriguing, but I would have liked to have seen her do more.

Ilona’s I thought was the weakest but at this point was unsure if they would flick one of the few hip hop girls.

I felt quite sad that Will was eliminated as I think he was a great performer and would have liked to have seen more of him. I was not unhappy about Ilona going, but I did feel it was a tad unfair because she was there through no fault of her own. And she has a right to be bitter and twisted about this for some years to come, as she  now won’t have the opportunity to obtain an exclusive dance contract with Australian Dance Theatre.

Over the next few weeks we get to find out who the other potential contracts are with.

“It’s a dancing show” shrieked Natalie Bassingthwaite, well Square Division who choreographed the first dance clearly DID NOT get that memo. More on that later, but first a few quick thoughts on the episode:

• I thought Matt Lee has manned up this year, and has now defined a role for himself as a  judge. This has been one of my major criticisms in the past. He  pointed out aspects about the dancers that the lay person at home would not have picked up. It added value to the show. By the way I am not writing this because he has blocked me from reading his twitter account, as I did not realise for sometime, I just thought it was a problem with my Tweetdeck. Yes that is how IT proficient I am.
• Again I liked the role Jason Coleman has defined by describing some of the techniques or differences between dance styles. Again this added value.
• Now regular viewers would also know there is an element of luck in not landing in the bottom three in the first few rounds, and therefore being booted before you can obtain a fan base. One is being partnered with someone that is liked, and not someone who people are ambivalent about. Secondly it also depends which choreographer you get. If you pull Jason Gilkison or Sarah Boulter you are basically safe. Ok I haven’t really done the stats on that but if my memory serves me correctly…

Ilona and Nick – Jazz choreographed by The Square Division – Lady Gaga and Beyonce – Telephone

Ok they warned us in the preview that it was more an acting piece and that was exactly what it was. As Jason Coleman said there was hardly any dancing in it. Unfortunately for Ilona and Nick I think this will mean they will be in the bottom three, and if one of them is eliminated they would be quite right to be extremely pissed off. Square Division if I wanted to watch looney tunes I would.

Jason said their characterisation was good, but could not judge the dancing as there was none.  Matt Lee  thought it was a cute concept, but told Ilona to finish off her steps before starting a new one. And Bonnie thought they both should be nominated for Oscars.

Jessie and Matt – Contemporary choreographed by Stephen Agisilaou – Des’ree I’m Kissing You

“What is this untapped resource?” said Matt about the girls in his dance classes. Matt and Jessie are going to be a very hard couple to beat together. Matt is probably going to get the girl vote as well as their boyfriends or brothers vote. He reminds me of an up market and more intelligent Corey Worthington.

Jessie is an amazing dancer, and Matt has a huge likeability factor. And to  all those kids who want the US style straightened and peroxided teeth, that we see on the US version of this show, take note from Jessie, don’t do it. Her quirky teeth make her face.

Jess and Doug – Ballroom (Cha Cha) choreographed by  Leanne Bampton – Gossip Love Long Distance

When I was watching the introductions all I could think of were dogs allowed on Bondi Beach? Would have thought that would create a bit of chaos. Also the date nights with Doug and his wife Stacey cracked me up, with her watching TV through the lap top. It reminded me of the movie Lars and the Real Girl.

Doug must have been happy with his new partner Jess since he was stuck with Ivylast week. However maybe Doug was the blame last week for the head in the crotch hit by Ivy, as there were a few stop and starts in this routine. However both dancers have a high likeability factor. However I don’t see either winning it but they should be around for a few more weeks.

Matt Lee said “Get into the character as well as the dance”, also he told her to get the hair out of her eyes – Oh yes I agree.

Jason explained the difference between the counting of ballroom and normal dance is apparently it is polar opposite. He also said he did not feel the connection between the couple and told them not to count on the ballroom community vote.

Renee and Phillipe – Hip Hop – Choreographer is Jesse Rasmussen - Keysha Cole Falling Out

Phillipe is from New Zealand so if he wins a Kiwi will have won Australian Idol and SYTYCD Australia in the one year. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

I am not a big fan of hip hop so the routine has to be fantastic for me to love it. This was not one of those routines. I thought they danced it well though. However I am sure it will be popular with the voters

This is narrative based hip hop said Jason, not told to well as Matt Lee got lost with the story but liked the dancing.

Will and Grace -Broadway - Adam Williams – Bee Gee – You shoud Be Dancing

Did anyone spot Will’s high profile partner? Nah I didn’t either. Once this pair gel they are going to be hard to beat. Unfortunately for them Grace broke her thumb in rehearsals. These two know how to perform. It started off strong, but it went off the rails towards the end in a really noticeable way.

I think Bonnie Lythgoe made a good point saying  maybe the broken thumb maybe have mentally hindered Will in the lifts.

Jason said you did a good job on what you have been given. Was this his passive aggressive way of saying he did not like the choreography?

Robbie and Mikhaela – Rhumba by choreographers Trent and Gordana – Glee Cast- Endless Love

Channel Ten wardrobe did  looked like it was placed at a former detention centre, very unglamourous ripped lounges and all. I really like Robbie, but I think he has been dealt a dud hand in being partnered with Mikhaela I don’t think she is going to attract many votes. I expect them to hit the bottom three a couple of times in the coming weeks.

Don’t expect Robbie to do any lifts above his head any time soon. He would have done better being partnered with Issi.

“The High School Musical version of the Rhumba,” said Matt Lee. “I wanted it to be a little dirtier,”

He also told Mikhaela to watch her face when she dances as she tightens her jaw.

Jason said he did not feel the routine or the love between them. But said it was a good attempt.

Carly and Kieran – contemporary choreographed by  Sarah Boulter – Rob Dougan “Furious Angels”

Now this is the type of routine we expect from So You Think You Can Dance. Absolutely mesmerising. Sarah Boulter is one of the best choreographers on the show. And if you get the good choreographers you tend to get the votes. Carly surprised me I have not been much of a fan up until now.

Jason said he did not get bored for a second. Also Jason must not be a Keiran fan because he said “You did a much better job then I thought you were going to do.”

Heath and Jessica – Lyrical Jazz by Choreographer Marko Panzic – Alicia Keys “Empire State of Mind (Part 2)”

 Jason Coleman said he thought Heath had lost his mojo prior to the big lift, however he then proceeded to blame Jessica for the stuff up. 

Matt Lee thought Jessica was the best female ballroom dancer they have had in three seasons. He thought Heath put Jessica down in the lifts to heavy. But also thought it was a fantastic performance.

Gaz and Ivy – Pase Doble –  Choreographer is Carmello Pizzini – Shakira Ojo Asi

Ivy had a ankle injury so this limited her and Gaz’s rehearsal time. Did anyone else notice that the injury appeared to have occured because of a gap or rip in the floor? This ballroom routine was perfect for them,a kind of gypsy exotic vibe, which is what Ivy looks like anyway. I think Gaz is not going to last long in the competition if he does not get to dance in his own genre soon.

I know Jason Coleman thinks Gaz  is the best hip hop dancer in a ballroom routine. He also gave Ivy the thumbs up.

Matt Lee said he did not see Gaz thinking (which is a positive thing), but thought his technique was lacking.

Issi and Don – Hip Hop – Choregraphed by Juliette Verne – Ciara ft Missy Elliott  “Work”

Issi reminds me of last years winner Tahlia so this will mean she won’t win this year as we are a fickly bunch when we vote - we like something different each year. Also her private school and what looked like a privleged background won’t do her any favours with the voters, as they prefer the underdog.

Juliette Verne was even sceptical about their ability to perform the routine. I think they lack chemistry. I really like Don but the whole routine fell flat. Issi cannot to funky pumping hip hop.

Jason said the big issue was unison and synchronicity, and Matt Lee thought they had hit it 70% – cute but wanted it hotter and dirtier.

My bottom three predictions (which I always get wrong) are:
Ilona and Nick, Don and Issi, and Renee and Phillipe.

Your thoughts?

Now this is just for all the people that hit my blog after googling “is Jason Coleman gay?”. Yes he is. Does he have a partner? I have no idea, but if he does I am sure he is hot.

Now with that bit of housekeeping out of the way lets examine the show. Tonight we get to save our shekels for another week as the episode was a non-elimination round. The dancers got to perform in their own genre, the rationale was for the audience to get to know the dancers better before we start voting.

The downside was the episode lacked a bit of the adrenaline because nothing was on the line. 

Instead of a review of each routine (please add your thoughts on these in the comments section) I have some comments on the show, plus some predictions which over the coming weeks which will prove to be VERY wrong.

Some thoughts on the show:

• It’s season three can someone tell Bonnie Lythgoe not to gibber, and also not to ask her stock standard question “How did you feel?”;
• Where was Kelley Abbey and why can’t she be on the panel or is it like Jason Gilkison they are both too good a choreographer to be a judge fulltime. Also it was not their fault that Superstars Of Dance was such a dud.
• Speaking of choreographers it was great to see some great routines tonight by some of the choreographers that made the show such a step up from Season One last year, like Marko Panzic, Sarah Boulter; Project Moda, Debbie Ellis and Jet.
• Prediction – Nacho Pop won’t be choreographing any routines this season. I wonder if they will have to send him out on a MacDonalds road trip again this year.
• Thanks to Jason Coleman for adding value with his comments explaining the difference between broadway  and contemporary jazz.
• Also Jason managed to plug his Ministry for Dance studio in Melbourne as that was where the boys were rehearsing for his group routine, which I did enjoy.
• Also I found out that Jason was dance director obviously the new buzz word in dance, like hair stylist took over from the term hairdresser (hairdressers only work at Just Cut’s these days);
• Note to Natalie Bassingthwaite regarding her comment that Ivy and Doug were wearing costumes that were like 1960′s school uniforms. Considering a mini was scandalous back then I doubt a mid riff would have been allowable in any school of the time. Clearly Nat has watched Grease 2 far to many times.
• I think it is marketing genius that the Defence Force is a sponsor of the show, with that boot camp scene; and
• PREDICTION – Phillipe’s six pack with have its own Facebook fan group in about 3 2 1…
• Fans of So You Think You Can Dance Australia  will know that the partnerships can be crucial in keeping  you in or getting you kicked out of the competition.  A not so great dancer can sail through to the top ten on the coat tails of a popular dancer, whereas a good dancer can be turfed out early if paired with someone not attracting votes.

The partnerships are:

• Keiran and Carly and they will dance contemporary next week;
• Will and Grace they will dance jazz;
• Doug and Jess they will dance ballroom;
• Nick and Ilona they will dance jazz;
• Don and Issi they will dance hip hop;
• Matt and Jessie they will dance contemporary;
• Gaz and Ivy they will dance ballroom;
• Robbie and Mikhela will dance ballroom;
• Heath is with Jessica P they  will dance jazz; and
• Phillipe is with Renee they will dance hip hop.

My top four has now been completely revised after this show:

• I think Matt is going to give the title a red hot go, I had not realised that he was so likeable and not a bad dancer either, also he will be a nice counter balance to quieter Jessie who is extremely good dancer;
• Don was a bit unlucky to draw Issy, as if she continues to weep each week will not attract her many votes, however the upside for her is with a popular dancer with an established fan base;
• Grace, who I think is an early favourite will breeze through to the top 10 with Will as her partner, but I think after that he will struggle without her;
• Keiran who I had pegged in my top four has been paired with Carly which may not be a positive thing for him, as she is not as strong a dancer as some of the others;
• Ivy reminds me of a more articulate version of Penny Higgs, I don’t see her lasting long and she made some notable mistakes in her routine with Doug on the Showcae The new manoure  is call the ball butt. I think her and Gaz will be early casualties not helped that they have ballroom next week.
• Another pair who will be eliminated early are Ilona and Nick.
• Mikheal and Robbie is a funny pairing, as she is quite athletic to his more fluid movements;
• Heath and Jessica P will be a strong couple.

I think the top four will be Matt, Jessica P, Grace and Heath. Your thoughts?

The Top 20 shows commence this week, and all sorts of information is starting to flow about the dancers we are going to grow to love over the next few months.

TV Week have kindly written an article which reveals some interesting vignettes of information:

Will the Latin Dancer from Sydney is hiding a famous lover!

“I’m involved with someone with a high profile, so I’m going to keep them private,” the 31 year old smiles cryptically. “all I can say is that I’m with a person who shares my love of the stage and music – but they’re in the acting and music industry, not dance.”

If Will’s partner goes to see him at the live shows chances are we will find out who it is.

Issi fell ill with the flu  the night they all moved in together! “I spent most of the first day in bed; it was really bad timing,” says the Sydney girl. “It’s just so awful being ill in front of strangers – I have to put on a brave face so I don’t make a bad first impression.”

Jessica P is a maths geek. “I just graduated with a Bachelor of Mathematics,” reveals the 21 year old from Newcastle. “I love calculus and cryptology, and can usually be found trying to solve some algorithim. People assume I’m this dumb blonde, but it’s always better when people underestimate you.”

Jessie has been criticised by the judges fro being too insular. “The judges say I’m a bit reserved – and I know that,” concedes the 19 year old from Sydney. “My biggest challenge in the competition will be opening up and showing the public who I really am, so they like me.”

Doug’s wife who lives in Utah due to visa issue, is jealous, but it is not about the other girls. “She doesn’t worry about other girls; she’s very sercure. The only thing she gets jealous of is the experience,” reveals the Perth born hunk. ” “Being a dancer,too, she’d love to be in my shoes – but, at 32, she’s too old to enter the US So You Think You Can Dance because their cut off age is 30″

Grace describes herself as “very much single” and says that there’s good reason for this. “My friends and I often joke about how impossible it is to meet someone in the dance industry,” she laughs. “Most likely they’re gay – or, if they’re straight, they’re either taknen or a bit of a player!”

Phillipe admits there is rivalry between him and Gaz about their hot physiques. “there is a bit of healthy competition between me and Gaz,” says the breakdancer. “We work out together and I push him hard at the gym, saying ,’Come on, Man! You’re not going to get those votes if you don’t have the abs!’”

Carly used to hate dancing when she first started as a child. “I was really shy going to practice when I was three,” reveals the Jazz dancer. “I would cry in the car park and mum would try to convince me that every week could be my ‘last week’ so that I’d go inside! I guess I have have her to thank for me being here now!”

Ilona met her English hubby Simon while travelling in London. “I felt I was stealing him from his family at first,” says the hip hop performer from Sydney. “But Simon loves Australia and Kylie Minogue was his pin-up girl when he was little, so I think he always had a thing for Aussie girls!”

Kieran reveals he initially hid his passion for dancing to avoid being teased by his mates on his football and cricket teams – but the truth soon came out.  “The boys noticed I wasn’t at training and I had to tell them that I was dancing,” he recalls, “but they were actually really supportive!”

Don reveals he met his girlfriend Brooke through teaching at the same studio. “Brooke is the  best she lights up my day,” he adds. “We don’t live together but it’s serious.” Could she be the girl he marries? “Who knows?” he smiles.

Jess reckons she could not date another dancer. “I’ve been down that track before – I need a man’s man!” reveals the jazz student before quickly adding, “Not that dancers aren’t masculine, I’m just not into them. I’m more into tortured musos.”

Nick is getting married to a “cougar”. The 21 year old fiancee is only seven years older than him. He said “I do tease her about it, as do other people, but we laugh about it,” explains the contemporary mover. “Age is nothing but a number, really.”

As for getting engaged at such a young age, Nick say that as always his plan. “I don’t like playing the field,  I like the idea of having a wife, bringing up a family and being a young dad,” he reveals.

Heath is good mates with SYTYCD Au Season’s One winner Jack Chambers. “No only is he a good mate of mine but he’s so down-to-earth and humble,” says the ballet loving babe. “Who doesn’t want to associate with someone wiht those great qualities?”

Renee envisions incorporating fashion into her career in the future. “My friends and I want to start our own clothing line called ‘For Dancers By Dancer’,” reveals the 20 year old contemporary talent from Tasmania. “We want to make funky interesting clothes that young dancers would want to wear – we’ve already come up with some designs and patterns.”

Ivy confesses to having a girl crush. “Jess S is divine! She’s so gorgeous and hot,” reveals teh 23 year old jazz dancer from Victoria. “I’ve spent a bit more time with her than the others and we get along really well.”

Robbie was very close to backing out of the initial audition. “At first, I wasn’t going to try out for the show because I was 17 at the time and didn’t think I was mature enough,” he explains. Luckily, his family believed in him and pushed him to achieve his dream. “My mum and dad were constantly assuring me that I was ready,” tells the now 18 year old ballet dancer from Sydney. “And thank god they did!”

Gaz hates being single. “I’m looking for a girlfriend,” confirms the 25 year old. “I like being affectionate and I need someone there that I can care for.” So who is his ideal girl? “I just need to get on well with them, I don’t have a physical type,” he reveals. “I hate it if a girl bites her nails, though – that’s disgusting!”

Also Matt and Mikhaela say they aer just good friends.

Matt says “Mikhaela is a great looking girl and being, and Aussie bloke, I am a bit partial to blondes. But she has a boyfriend and, besides, it’s more a sibling vibe. She’s just like a sister – I let a burp out and she laughs. Even if she and her bloke broke up tomorrow, I don’t think it would go any further between us. It just feels like we’ve known each other forever.”

Mikhaela says ” There’s absolutely nothing romantic going on; it’s purely fun. We connect as friends beyond our imagination.  If I didn’t have a boyfriend, would he be my type? No, he’s like my older brother. We actually fight and have arguements so already we’re like brother and sister. My boyfriend isn’t jealous – I’ve always been one of the boys, so he assumed I would naturally gravitate towards finding a guy as a friend.”

Why oh why did they show just about all the top 20 at the beginning of the show, it killed some of the suspense of the episode. Also why when you are doing one of you is going between to people it is usually pretty obvious the person with the low amount of screen time will be given the flick.

Anyway first of all lets have a look at the top 20 and see what we know about them:

 Will is  a 31 year old ballroom dancer  is from Melbourne, and may struggle in the other styles as he has no other training.

Ilona is a 28 year old hip hop dancer from the Central Coast, in NSW. She has had some training in other styles but nothing too formal. She has danced in a Guy Sebastian music clip, and also with Vanilla Ice at V Festival.

Jessica is a 21 year old ballroom dancer from Newcastle. She is also a medical receptionist, math tutor and dance teacher. She also has had ballet training which should help her versatility in the competition.

Doug is the guy who is married to the US girl, and is currently waiting for his visa. He is a 23 year old dance teacher from Perth. He has worked as a professional dancer in Tokyo Disney, and on cruise ships

Jessie – is a 19 year old contemporary/ballet dancer from Sydney. She has danced at Disney World and locally.

Keiran- this 18 year old ballroom dancer from Melbourne is an early favourite of mine even though he slightly looks like Michael Buble. He also has trained in ballet and other commercial styles.

Issi – I thought this pick was a tad contentious, as the 18 year old contemporary dancer from Sydney really stuffed up her last solo. I think she is good but not great. Has she been placed to attract a certain demographic? I am happy to be proven wrong.

Nick - this 21 year old contemporary/lyrical/ hip hop dancer was barely sighted in the top 100 episode so he will be at a disadvantage in the top 20 shows. Oh hang on is this the guy who said he was told to audition by God?

Robbie  the 18 year old from Sydney is a  beautiful dancer. He did a most fabulous solo, maybe that is why Issi has been put through to be paired with him as she is tiny. He can do 10 continuous split jumps in a row.

Heath – who had to pull out of last year because of a broken foot made it through despite a pretty dodgy hip hop routine. The 22 year old dancer from the Gold Coast can dance jazz, lyrical, tap and musical theatre. He has performed in Wicked  in the US, and also in Barney  in Dubai.

ReneeThe 23 year old from Tasmainia works as a barista. She has previously said she does not get commercial work because of her looks. I think her looks are fine.

Donthis BBoy finally got in through after two years got. He has been a long time favourite of mine. He will be very competative helped by having an already established fan base. Don is an 24 year old air con technician from Sydney (Mt Druitt). He has been doing a few jazz and contemporary classes for technique. And bad news girls he has a long term girlfriend called Brooke who is also a dancer.

 Ivy is a 23 year old contemporary, jazz and tap dancer. Previously she was a ballet dancer. When she can’t get professional dance work she waitressses. You may have seen her in a Grinspoon video clip.

 Jess S is a 20 year old lyrical, hip hop and commercial jazz dancer from Sydney, we did not see much of her in tonight’s episode hopefully that won’t be to her disadvantage when the public start voting.

Grace who reminds me of a funky looking Amy from the top four last year is a jazz/contemporary/musical theatre/ hip hop dancer. The 21 year old from Brisbane is a professional dancer and has danced on various TV shows.

Gaz – is a 26 year old BBoy from the Gold Coast. He is a fulltime dancer. He is not new to reality TV as he was a semi-finalist on Australia’s Got Talent. He has completed  year of fulltime dance to learn other styles.

Phillipe  is a cutie even though he was wearing a Ed Hardy t-shirt, when is that designer going to go out of style. The 30 year old hip hop dancer is from Brisbane. He has danced at the Arias with Jessica Mauboy.

MikhealaI was wrong about her NOT making top 20. This 20 year old  Jazz dancer from Melbourne works at Love Machine Freestyling.

Carly – is a 21 year old jazz dancer, from Sydney but has also trained in ballet, tap and contemporary. Her professional dance work includes two Bonds commercials. She says if she was not a dancer she would be an actress.

Matt - a 20 year old is  latin, hip hop, jazz and tap dancer from Sydney. He is also a mechanic. His other claim to fame is being on Nikki Webster’s single cover.

What do you think of the top 20? Do you have a favourite?  Do you think they got it right?

In Melbourne  I thought there was a bit of tension between judges Matt Lee and Jason Coleman with Jason pulling rank a few times, but maybe that was just to create added drama to the show. One thing I am loving about the Australian version of the show is that in audition episodes they don’t put through too many joke dancers, so we get to see proper dancers for the 90 minutes, and Melbourne produced some real contenders.

I have also noticed this season that the contestants who have a sad story to tell seem to get through to the top 100, while others on a similar level get sent through to choreography. I think next season there are going to be auditioners doing a Johnny Fairplay and making things up just to give them a better chance to get to Sydney.

Ivy a former ballerina was the first to be auditioned in Melbourne. Her career ended when she grew into her body ie boobs popped and she ate carbohydrates. Matt Lee thought she needed to lose the pole up the bum look. I thought it hilarious when Jason said why don’t you explain what you mean to the viewers at home. One thing I do enjoy about Jason is his ability to explain technical dance terms in plain english.

Mikheala said she was there to get to top 20, personally I don’t think she is going to be good enough. She is very athletic but not a lot of emotion. However after choreography she made it through to Sydney and she deserved to.

Michael Australia’s version of bikini girl in his silver jocks  and his bodybuilder body was not the joke I thought he would be. I thought his dancing was original, entertaining and quite good, but I suspect choreography will be too challenging for him. I was wrong he did much better then expected but they did not put him through. And in a strange way I was disappointed.

Bonnie was pretty excited by his six pack. In fact I think Bonnie could become the pin up girl for Cougars. She certainly is very fit and attractive, she could definitely pull a forty year old.

Matt Lee also did not want to be distracted by him in the choreography and told him to put some clothes on.

Alvin who had a sad story about his mother dieing  was an ok hip hop dancer but was put through to top 100. I thought Alvin should have been tested in choreography.

Nick a contemporary dancer is very special he has God communicating directly with him, and this year God told him  to audition. By the way Nick informed us God is a he. For only five years of training, I thought he was pretty good. Because he was wearing socks while he was dancing Matt Lee wanted to see him dance in shoes and wanted to put him through to choreography.

Jason was prepared to put him through straight to Sydney. Bonnie as usual went with the easy decision and put him through.

Rose the ballet dancer had a really nice aura, as well as being a beautiful dancer. I thought Jason and Bonnie thought family welfare should have been called because she went to live in Paris at the age of 12 without any family. That was pretty amazing, but I got the impression it was what she wanted, and not something her parents pushed her to do.

Tim who did some weird helicopter thing with his arms looks like if he gets through to top 20 he could be very popular.

Matthew the 31 year old dancer kind of did stripper moves interspersed with dance moves. Apparently he worked with the Australian Ballet, and Moulin Rouge. Jason told him “Jazz ballet doesn’t exist anymore, jazz ballet we left behind in the late 1970′s and early 1980′s” which made me wonder what I am actually paying for in my daughters jazz class each Saturday. 

Anyway Matthew provided a “dramatic moment” with him tearing up and getting uptight about the criticism of his upmarket chippendales routine. Bonnie was schizophrenic with him telling him to “stop being condescending” but also telling him “she got him” which I found to be condescending.

He also revealed he had come home from Moulin Rouge because he had been sick, that illness was never explained. He did not get through to Sydney.

Mauro who is a self taught dancer was freaking amazing. He has only been working on his technique for six months. Jason Coleman and Matt Lee were about dubious about his no training claim, and also queried how he could be so flexible.

They wanted to put him through to choreography, but he said he could not make it as he had a flight to catch to Sydney. The judges said see you later. I got the feeling Jason did not like him at all, which would have made for some good TV if he had made it through.

Andrea who is cultivating a dumb blond persona, looks like she should have spent money on a math tutor rather then dance lessons. She will be a polarising contestant if she gets through. Last year she had a brain explosion in top 100 week, and she wants to prove herself this year.

Keiran was great doing a ballet/ballroom routine and he had great like-ability, he made it straight through to Sydney.

Elley-May was gushed over by the judges and will be one to watch throughout the competition.

Sid the dancing lawyer entertaining, but was it technically great?  The judges liked his crumping and he received a ticket.

Bonnie loved Dean and wanted to send him straight to Sydney. Jason and Matt were less enthusiastic and made him go to choreography. They did not like his attitude but put him through.

Ashley whose dancing career ended when she was 27, seems very unhappy, and was searching to get her self back post baby. Though I did like her comment of “being a 16 year old dancer in a 28 year old’s body”. She was well excited when she got put through to the top 100.

Tomorrow night things will start to get very interesting with the top 100 episodes starting, with all the drama and tears that will entail.

“I like my dancers to be beautiful,” said Jason Coleman to Chantal a very attractive contemporary dancer who got a ticket straight through to the top 100.

I was a bit bemused by the hypocrisy of this comment considering he had been sympathetic and encouraging to Renee at the Gold Coast auditions because she was not getting professional dancing work because of her perceived unattractiveness. For the record I thought she was fine.

But he did not pose the same question to Jessie  the 19 year old from the Sutherland shire who was a great dancer, but was no blonde cheerleader? Also why do looks only appear to apply to the female dancers? They never say to the guys, oh your hot, or you won’t get work because you are ugly/fat etc.

Good to know that sexism is alive and well in the dance industry, which you would think with the higher proportion of gay people would me there would be a greater awareness of the effects of discrimination.

Also Jason Coleman actually pointed out the unfairness of the industry when listening to twins Ashleigh and Sara story of bulimia and the fact the dancer with the eating disorder was getting the solo parts.

Anyway here are some quick thoughts on the rest of the Sydney auditions:

• I was surprised by Matt, I thought he was going to be a total joke candidate, but his dancing was OK and he got through to choreography. He apparently was also dumped by his fiance by SMS – the downsides of new technology;
• Issi the private school girl who seem sweet, but probably has not known a day of disappointment in her life, was through to the top 100 even though the judges were not enamoured by her choreography;
• Kym who is teacher at Hebersham Public brought his class in with him which was very cool, I think this helped get him through to the top 100, I thought he would just be put through to choreography if that. And props for him not doing the Toby “Australian Idol” mantra of how fabulous and inspiring teaching young kids is;
• Forever is only 19 year old, she seems to have a much higher older persona, I think she was too overconfident in this audition.  Jason told her it was the worst audition he had seen – “Self-indulgent crap,” he said. Technically she was not great either. Disappointingly they did not send her through to choreography. Maybe she needs to audition in a different State.
• Jess who made the top 40 in the first season was back for another crack was good, and she got a ticket straight through to Sydney. There does seem to be more hip hop girls coming through, so she might find it tougher to get in the top 20 this year.
• Emma a lyrical dancer was a hit with the judges because she did not do the usual steps in the choreography. Adam her boyfriend of seven years also auditioned. I did not think he was very good at all compared to some of the other guys;
• Don the B-boy was back for a third crack at the top 20 after getting so close last year. They made him go to choreography and he hit it out of the ballpark to use one of Matt Lee’s favourite phrases. Come on guys fast track him into the top 20 I love him;
• Grace was Jason’s favourite routine in Sydney – has he just put a top 100 curse on her?
• Lady Jane a 35 year old protege of Matt Lee got through to the top 100, but to be honest I am more interested in her retro solid gold classes she teaches. Where are the on at I am so there. I would probably dislocate a shoulder but who cares. I wonder if sequin leotard compulsory?
• Robbie was fantastic  bad teeth and all I hope he is in the top 20 for sure.

It is Season Three of So You Think You Can Dance Australia, and the first audition were at the Gold Coast, but first a few comments on the episode?

• Is Jason Coleman thinking of pitching for  Dr Phil type show as he was giving all sorts of advice and affirmations that were completely unrelated to dancing;
• If there is an Australian version ever made of A Picture of Dorian Gray I think Matt Lee should have the lead, as each year he continues to never age and I don’t think he is having any cosmetic intervention;
• The same cannot be said abou the other three, Natalie Bassingthwaites boobs and lips appear to have expanded since last year. Jason appears to have started botox but stopped dying his hair, it is looking very grey, but it suits him. Bonnie who is in great shape looks like she has had eye surgery in the last 12 months. 
• Speaking of Bonnie I am still trying to work out the relevance of her, and for the first half of the episode she barely got any of her judging comments on air. I still wish they would put Kelly Abbey on the panel.
• And lastly the $50 million can the show be as good as last year? I hope so.

The first audition was at the Gold Coast, and now people from Sydney and other metropolitan areas have realised it is better to audition outside of Sydney and Melbourne where there are stronger performers. You have a better chance of getting a ticket to the top 100.

The first person to audition was James aka “The hitman”. He was a popper, and I really liked him particularly his unusual music choice of “Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton. After Matt Lee pontificated whether James needed 12 months of technical training, Jason decided to stamp his authority on the judging panel and hand him a ticket to Sydney.

The Talia Fowler influence is coming through, with a lot of ballet dancers auditioning this year. By the way Talia must not have taken the job with the San Francisco dance company, as she will now be playing the lead role in Fame the stage version not that Fox 8 school musical version.

Robbie an 18 year old who has only been training in ballet for 2 years was good, and has talent, but I thought he had some technical weaknesses.

Bonnie Lythgoe still gets the stating the bleeding obvious award when she talked about the Nina Simone song he chose to audition to. “It’s called ‘Feeling Good’” she said. I think he knows that Bonnie. He did get a ticket straight to Sydney.

Tamsin a 31 year old musical theatre performer. I had always thought 30 was the cut off, but she did have a really cool light sabre. For someone who has worked in musical theatre her dancing was pretty ordinary, so maybe she is just in her local amateur musical society. Obviously she was the joke audition.

Next was Doug  from Perth who is married to Stacey an American girl is waiting for his green card. There was a montage of her crying over Skype to him, and to be honest once he had his top off I knew why she was missing him. He was super buffed. He was a good dancer too.

Matt Lee who had looked pretty happy watching his audition said “We love men being  masculine [on the show] as you are gonna have to throw girls around,”. Rhys Borbridge will be surprised to hear that.

Jason Coleman then put his Dr Phil hat on and gave Doug some relationship advice about not spending too much time away from his wife as it can kill the relationship. Isn’t Jason currently single? But maybe he has had a long distance relationship that went belly up.

Doug was given a ticket straight to Sydney with instructions to only dance with his shirt off (ok that is what I was hoping they would say).

Renee a 20 year old who the judges liked but were querying why she was not getting any professional work.

“I think you are a ridiculously talented dancer,” said Matt Lee.

I hate that question that Jason asks “Whose Renee?” How do you answer a question like that?

“I have always been the dancer but not the one that looks good enough to be one,” she says. Personally I did not see anything wrong with her looks, but maybe Natalie can help her out with some plastic surgery advice if that is what she wants.

Jason slipping on his Dr Phil hat said “You have to find the pride and confidence and come to Sydney”.

Liam a B-boy who has auditioned previously in a salsa shirt, I thought had a lot of charisma.  He has trained for the show, and was given the opportunity to go through to choreography. After a bit of mind fucking by Jason Coleman, Liam was given a ticket through to Sydney.

Gaz who was in the same crew as Liam was extremely athletic, but I am not sure he can go beyond hip hop. He was quite cute, and was sent to choreography. He got through to the top 100. I will be surprised to see him go too far.

Zoe an 18 year old from Adelaide got told off about face pulling, but was allowed to start her audition again. She was sent to choreography, and delivered and got to Sydney.

Jesse a 20 year old indigenous guy whose mother had never seen him dance was a stunning performer. He has only been dancing for two years. Also he was a complete sweetie. He had me tearing up  with the story of his life.

Matt Lee summed it up when he said “That was beautiful”. he was given a ticket straight to Sydney.

Phillippe is a hip hop dancer who made it to the top 40 last year. He got a ticket straight to Sydney. He may be one of the ones that gets through to the top 20.

Carly from Sydney who stuffed up her audition last year did a sexy cutsie routine. She went straight to sydney. I actually did not think it was a fabulous as the judges did.

Jamie from Canberra a B girl was not great, but I wonder what they would do with a larger girl who was really good, as one of the big things in the routines in the top 20 shows are the lifts. Matt Lee thought she was fantastic, and they put her through to the choreography. and blow me down she got to Sydney.

Heath was a 22 year old who broke his foot last year when he was in the top 40, and he thought he had unfinished business to complete. He is a beautiful dancer, and I hope he gets into the top 20 this year.

Talia from Sydney auditioned with her friend Maddie, and really if they had auditioned in Sydney they would not have even got through to the choreography round.

Maddie was criticised for overdancing but was given a second chance in the choreography round. Talia also danced frantically, and was also sent to choreography.

Matt Lee said “We are going to give you a chance, and see what you are like doing decent choreography.” Um who is doing the choreography at the Gold Coast? You guessed it Matt.

Neither Talia and Maddie got through.

Next episode on Tuesday at 8pm is Sydney, so there will be some seriously good dancers, and also the good new is Forever is back.

Ok we can finally stop watching Serena Williams and Roger Federer whacking balls over the net or see Ponting try and make hundred, real TV is coming back on with the ratings starting next week and reality TV is going to be a huge part of the stations ratings strategy.

Channel Ten is firing off their salvos early with both The Biggest Loser, and So You Think You Can Dance Australia premiering tonight. The Biggest Loser is on at 6.30pm with new host Hayley Lewis, and I doubt the child porn scandal where they had to excise a fat busting couple will have a detrimental effect on ratings. (See previous blog post on Deryck Ward the contestant who is up on child porn charges.).

So You Think You Can Dance Australia’s third season kicks off at 7.30pm with the auditions. There is not changes to the line up with host Natalie Bassingthwaite returning as host, and Jason Coleman, Matt Lee, and Bonnie Lythgoe.

They say there is going to be some changes this season to the format, to try and avoid viewer fatigue with the series. However the preview of the series looks like there are going to be some seriously good dancers this year.

Channel Seven is the first of the stations to premier a brand spanking new reality TV series with My Kitchen Rules. They have been spending a bucket load on publicity so they will not be very happy if it does not deliver results. However my prediction is that Manu Feidel will be the Matt Preston of 2010.

My Kitchen Rules premiers Monday 1 February at 7.30pm.

I will be doing recaps on My Kitchen Rules,  and So You Think You Can Dance Australia, as well as regular updates on The Biggest Loser.