andPOP - Pop Culture With Substance

American choreographer Merce Cunningham died Sunday night of natural causes at his Manhattan home, reports CBC. He was 90 and was considered one of the most influential figures in modern dance.

Cunningham was considered a pioneer for his early use of video and computers in combination with dance. He experimented with technology by equipping audiences with iPods so they could choose the music to accompany the visual impact of the dance.

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Melissa Rycroft has gone from one reality tv series to the next.  Jilted by Jason Mesnick on the season finale of The Bachelor, Rycroft will rebound on the hit show – Dancing With the Stars, People has learned.  

Rycroft originally received the coveted proposal from Mesnick, and was publicly dumped six weeks later for the runner-up bachelorette, Molly Malaney.  According to tvwatch.com, Mesnick is not proud of what he had to do.  “After we got back into the real world, all of a sudden, we had less to talk about and I didn’t know why.  I started thinking wow, what’s happening? Why aren’t we communicating the way we did when the show was going on … There was part of me that wanted things to work out with Melissa so bad.  But the whole other piece was I had these crazy feelings for Molly.” 

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SYTYCD Canada fans love watching their favorite dancers on TV, now you have the chance to see them in person. The top 10 finalists are traveling across Canada showing off the most popular dances, and andPOP caught up with some of the dancers before the recent Toronto show. Please click below for full coverage.

President Barack Obama surprised the world with his dance moves alongside wife and first lady Michelle Obama. The couple danced at the Neighborhood Ball, and “America’s Best Dance Crew” judge Shane Sparks has given his opinion on the President’s moves.

“I think they did really good,” Sparks told MTV News. “I was actually really proud. It looked like my man got rhythm. It looked like he was in control. … It looked like he really loved her, and I loved that.”

However, the judge did give the Obamas some constructive criticism, “Their posture wasn’t perfect. I would honestly say I’m sure they could take a few lessons. They could use a little Shane Sparks in there,” Sparks joked to MTV News.

Still, the President and the first lady get at least one thumb up from Sparks, “”It was really smooth,” he told MTV News. “It looked like they knew exactly what they did and when they wanted to do it. It was 50/50. It wasn’t perfect, but the good thing was they didn’t look uptight”.

After three months of impressive performances, everything from hip-hop to jazz funk to contemporary and krump, Canada’s favourite dancer was finally announced in a two-hour finale last night.

And, like I have secretly predicted since the Top 20 were revealed, Nico Archambault– the 24-year-old sexy contemporary and hip-hop dancer from Montreal, Quebec–was crowned the winner.

“It’s too much,” he said the moment the results were revealed. “I can’t find words strong enough to express it – I’m just so happy.”

“I’m so proud of you,” said host Leah Miller. “You deserve this.”

And she is right. Sure it’s painstakingly obvious that Nico has it all physically (the smile, the body, the hair). On top of that, the boy is humble. But, most importantly, he CAN dance.

Every week, since his audition in Montreal, he impressed the judges and audiences alike. He was versatile, artistic and passionate. And, in the last few weeks, he performed every routine effortlessly.

For all those boys who get teased for taking dance lessons instead of hockey—Nico just made them super cool among their peers.

Nico also proved boys with Mohawks are still sexy. But besides carrying the title of Canada’s first favourite dancer, he also receives the prize of $100,000 and a brand new Mercedes C230.

Doesn’t get sweeter that, does it?

While Natalli Reznik won fourth place and Miles Faber won third, Allie Bertram, 19, made it to the bottom two. The second place winner was happy that Nico won. “I’m just so proud of Nico. He’s been so amazing since the beginning and he hasn’t had a bad week. He totally deserves it!”

Nearly 3.5 million Canadians cast votes to choose the winner. Earlier in the evening, the Top 20 reunited to perform two all-new group routines with the season’s top duets.

Special guest judges Mary Murphy, Rex Harrington, Mia Michaels joined judges Tré Armstrong, Jean Marc Genereux, Blake McGrath and Luther Brown.

In the end, Nico took a bow to a huge standing ovation from the audience.
And he deserved it. The win. The money. And the car. Although I wouldn’t mind a piece of it all.

It only seemed like a few weeks ago that Canada’s Top 20 dancers were announced. Now, in a few short days (Sunday to be exact), the country’s top dancer will be crowned.

This week, the Top 4 had to give it their final best. Not only would they perform duets as in previous shows, but also the girls would dance together, the guys would perform as a duet and each contestant would perform a solo.

It was time to bring it on.

Host Leah Miller introduced permanent judges Tré Armstrong and Jean Marc Genereux with guest judges, Luther Brown and Blake McGrath.

Up to perform the first duet of the night were Natalli Reznik and Miles Faber. The two hit the hard-hitting hip-hop choreography but, halfway through, Miles forgot the movement and looked liked he knew he blew it.

“Do not get defeated. Wipe that look off your face right now,” Blake said to Miles. “You have two routines to come out here and blow it out of the water.”

The pair received a standing ovation from both the judges and the choreographers. “Canada loves you,” said Jean Marc.

And if you want to prove that love, vote for your favourite dancer.

Nico Archambault and Allie Bertram were up next. The lovely pair performed a beautiful contemporary piece, emulating the story of a male character going off to war while his lover shares special news with him.

Blake called it Stacey’s best piece yet. “It was just a breath of fresh air,” said Blake. “It was moving and effortless and technical and real.” Blake also said that he believed that one of them would win the competition.

I agree. Fingers and toes crossed.

“You got me going today, Allie,” Tré said, overcome by emotion. “You guys are brilliant. Thank you,” she said.

After performing their solos, Allie and Miles were paired up for a theatre routine. While Miles showed off some of his tight b-boy moves; Allie displayed her ballerina-flexibility abilities.

“Miles, thank you for rising and getting yourself back in the game,” Blake said. “I enjoyed myself a little bit, but I didn’t enjoy myself enough. Bring it harder next time,” he told the pair.

The girls took their duet to the stage with a go-go routine.

With both dancers dressed in sparkled bra tops, skirts and white knee-high boots, they looked the part but did they dance and act the part?

Luther wasn’t convinced. Nor was Blake or Tré.

“I thought it was pretty good,” said Jean Marc. “It was fantastic for me.”

Miles and Nico ended the night off with a capoeira routine. After the performance, which included energetic kicks and cartwheels, the two hugged each other. Aw, so cute. Bromantic love.

“I hope you guys inspire so many young male dancers,” Blake said, impressed.

“That was a lot of fun,” Tré said next. “You did it pure justice.”

SO WHO WILL COME OUT ON TO? Tune in for a live Finale show on Sunday, December 7 at 9pm (ET/PT). The rest of the Top will return to join the finalists to perform group pieces.

WEDNESDAY: PERFORMANCE SHOW

Last week, Arassay and Vincent were sent home. As the finale continues to draw quickly upon us, Canada’s Top 6 dancers were ready to dance for their lives.

Host Leah Miller introduced permanent judges Tré Armstrong and Jean Marc Genereux, while special guest judges Sean Cheesman (who has worked with Tina Turner, Britney, MJ and Cher) and ‘Queen of Scream’ Mary Murphy—judge on the American version of the show—also joined the panel.

Once again, the remaining dancers chose new partners. Each pair would perform two duets. Up first to perform were Natalli Reznik and Nico Archambault with the disco.

“It’s very hard thing to do to shake your buttocks properly,” said choreographer Melissa Williams. “I have a stiff bum,” joked Nico.

The pair, like always, managed to wow the audience and the judges with their 1970s number. With high kicks and complicated lifts, Mary was ecstatic.

“That was just great, for crying out loud,” said Mary. “This choreography needed polish and you did that. You were fabulous out there.”

“What a powerhouse couple,” Sean said. “I’ve been waiting for this team and it was worth the wait.”

Allie Bertram and Izaak Smith were up next with a hip-hop routine—choreographed by Luther Brown.

With their hard-hitting and aggressive moves, the pair took the stage with matching black toques and baggy one-piece jumpsuit that Allie later undid to reveal a pink satin bra.

Again, like EVERY week, the judges were not blown away by Izaak’s performance.

“Izaak, when you get a character, you really go for it, but when you don’t, you end up getting lost. You didn’t deliver,” said Mary.

“The routine that I saw was amazing, but the performance was just good. At Top 6, you can’t be just good,” said Tré. “You need to be a lot tougher. You need to give a lot more.”

Am I the only one who thinks Izaak’s stay is long overdue?

Lisa Auguste and Miles Faber were paired up once again. The duo performed an emotional contemporary piece that choreographer Blake McGrath dedicated to his recently deceased grandmother.

“It’s about a female who wants to see [her husband's] face one more time,” Blake explained.

“You know, every once in a while on this show a number comes along and really tugs at my heart strings,” Mary said, stating that this was one of those pieces.

“Your delivery was spectacular,” Jean Marc told the two. “This performance was priceless and will be memorable for a long, long time.”

For their second performance of the night, Natalli and Nico took the quickstep to the stage.

The duo performed with grace, elegance and tackled the quick footwork.

“Wow! Lemme tell ya, the quickstep is one dance you can’t fake and you guys really did it fabulously,” said Mary. “You guys are pure glamour out there,” and stated the two were her favourite couple of the night.

Tré was also impressed. “I know what I like and I loved that! You guys looked so graceful.”

Allie and Izaak got groovy with an old school jazz routine. Izaak starred as Prince Charming while Allie played the Cinderella character—in a white dress and pink sneakers. The high-energy routine actually impressed the judges.

“That number makes me want to go ‘aw.’ It was so sweet,” Mary said. “Allie, you looked like an angel out there on the dance floor.”

Jean Marc said that Izaak had a great night but added that he did not think it might be enough in the end. “I love you guys,” he added.

Lisa and Miles were up last with a cha-cha routine. The sultry routine included sharp hip movements. To end it off, Lisa ripped Miles’ shirt off.

Mary was blown away and gave the two the first class ticker to her Hot Tamale Train. “Woo woo!” she said, standing.

“All I have to say is that’s just fierce,” said Sean.

Jean Marc put Miles and Lisa on his V.I.D (Very Important Dancer) list. “You are very special people,” he said.

THURSDAY NIGHT: TOP 4 REVEALED

After Wednesday’s performance, Canada voted a recording breaking three million times. After the Top 6 kicked off the show with Tré’s step dance number, the girls and the boys each performed a solo.

At the end of the show, host Leah Miller announced that Lisa and Izaak would be heading home.

While I am disappointed that Lisa left, I think it was Izaak’s time to go.

“Those two are amazing,” said Jean Marc. “I’ve seen you both transform and do miraculous things.”
So Canada, here are your Top 4:

ALLIE Bertram, 18, a Ballet dancer from Calgary

MILES Faber, 21, a Popper and Boogaloo dancer from Calgary

NATALLI Reznik, 28, a Hip-Hop/Latin dancer from Toronto

NICO Archambault, 23, a Contemporary/Hip-Hop dancer from Montréal.

Watch the Top 4 hit the stage in a two-hour final show performance Wednesday night at 8 p.m. E.T.

Canada’s favourite dancer will be revealed during a two-hour results show on Sunday, December 7 at 9 p.m. E.T on CTV.

It’s coming guys. In a couple weeks your favourite dancer will be crowned–that is if you freakin vote for him or her! I am quite disappointed with tonight’s results show (which we will get to later). I sound like a broken record–got it–but you need to vote. If I vote, so should you. Like host Leah Miller constantly points out, if you use your cell phone, it’s FREE!

WEDNESDAY PERFORMANCE SHOW

I had the pleasure of attending the Top 8 live taping show on Monday night. And I will admit. I had a bloody good time.

The atmosphere and excitement you sense from the comfort of your couch is immeasurable in the studio. The energy is untamable. The chemistry between the dancers is undeniable. It’s unreal.

But of course there is one thing that is misleading to you viewers at home. The stage. With great editing and creative camera use, the studio appears A LOT bigger on television than in reality. But to audience members, it means they are only so much closer to their favourite dancers.

Special guest judges Mia Michaels and Dan Karaty–judges and choreographers on American version of the show – joined permanent judges Tré Armstrong (who is breathtaking in person) and Jean Marc Genereux (whose accent is just as cool in reality as it is on TV).

Not only have the dancers chosen new partners at random, but also each pair will perform two different dance styles. Each viewer, however, must vote for his or her favourite dancer–not couple. The girl and boy with the lowest votes will be voted off.

Up first to perform the Samba were Allie Bertram and Miles Faber. Wearing Adam and Eve-inspired costumes (Miles shirtless; Allie barely clothed) the two blew the audience away with their challenging lifts and intricate footwork. The judges loved it.

“First of all, you need to always dress like this,” Mia said to Miles. I concur. I could see Miles’ abs from where I was sitting. Super nice.

“You guys owned the stage,” said Dan. “Phenomenal job, guys.”

Performing the Lindy Hop were Arassay Reyes and Izaak Smith.

While the judges were impressed with their lifts and flips, Mia felt the overall performance was a bit sloppy. While Mia said that Arassay was “amazing” she believed Izaak needed to up his game. “You’re adorable, but you should be more physical. The reality of your performance needs to step up.”

“It was a bundle of energy,” Jean Marc said. “It was like watching two kids have the time of their lives.”

Natalli Reznik and Vincent Noiseux teamed up with choreographer Lil “C” for a hard-hitting Krump performance. Pretending to be robbers, the pair hit the moves hard but, at one point, Natalli forgot the routine.

“You didn’t throw in the towel, you finished it,” said Tré. “You’re keeping it real under major pressure.”

Now for my favourite routine of the night. Although I am quite saddened that Nico Archambault is no longer with Arassay, his jazz-funk performance with Lisa Auguste oozes sexiness.

Blake McGrath choreographed the jazz-funk piece that had Lisa portray a superstar and Nico as her paparazzi (can we say Britney and Adnan?). “It’s gonna be hot, baby,” Blake assured the audience.

Oh it was.

With Lisa entering the stage with extensions and thigh-high boots, Nico followed with a camera. It was aggressive, passionate, sexual, raw and just darn good.

“Blake, you’re dirty, dirty, filthy!” Mia exclaimed. “Wow! You can’t deny the hotness of that. It’s so intricate. You hit it, it was amazing. It’s a great video piece.”

“Apparently you don’t have to censor much here in Canada,” Dan joked.
The crowd applauded. “You guys turned it on.”

Performing their second routine of the night were Allie and Miles with African-jazz. The two wowed the crowd once again with their performance.

“What a beautiful, beautiful, feel good piece,” said Dan.

Up performing the Tango were Arrassay and Izaak. While Arassay’s flexibility came through, Izaak’s strength was also essential for the many lifts.

“You are a sexy little bunny,” Mia told Arassay. “You were giving so much passion and fire. You were trying to connect, but when you’re doing partnering, it’s a marriage and it has to mesh together.”

However, Mia did not feel the same for Izaak.

“It wasn’t there for me,” she said to Izaak. “I want you to be at that other level. I want you to soar.”

Natalli and Vincent were up next with a breathtaking contemporary piece – my second favourite of the night.

Performed to Mika’s “Happy Ending” the pair truly captured the rawness and beauty of the dance.

“I don’t have a list or train and I’m sure as hell not going to throw you on a bus or a rocket, but that was the best performance of the night. That’s what we expect from the Top 8,” said Dan.

Jean Marc grew emotional and gave the two a standing ovation. “I love you guys,” he said. “I can’t tell you how much.”

The final performance of the night had Lisa and Nico dancing to hip-hop. Carrying black suitcases with dollar signs, Nico said that incorporating the props was tricky.

“The style was ridiculous,” Mia said after their performance. “I have nothing bad to say.”

Dan even had more powerful words of appraisal: “I judge around the world, and I have to say the Canadian show, especially the dancers on it, is second to none. From the moment you guys picked up your briefcases, I knew you guys were committed.”

As the judges made their closing remarks, Jean Marc made a strong point.

“If you think they’re safe, they are not. Nobody is safe unless you make them safe,” he said in reference to your favourite dancer.

THURSDAY’S RESULTS SHOW

Canada voted and tonight’s bottom four were: Arassay and Lisa; Vincent and Izaak. While Izaak has been receiving criticism from the judges for weeks, he was safe. Vincent was sent home as well as Arassay. Host Leah Miller was emotional reading the results and once again stressed the importance of having to vote.

So I will beat you over the head with it if I must. But please vote. Or cry with everyone else when they say their goodbyes prematurely.

WEDENSDAY PERFORMANCE SHOW

In three weeks, Canada’s favourite dancer will be crowned. But if you want to see your favourite dancer rise to the top, you need to do one thing:

Vote.

Your Top 10 need you to call in or text five million times so that one of them, the one you want to see triumph over the others, can win.

Think of this as your civil duty. Be heard.

But back to the show.

Host Leah Miller introduced permanent judges Tré Armstrong and Jean Marc Genereux while special guest judges Blake McGrath and Luther Brown joined the panel.

As of this week–to mix things up–the format has changed. Not only have dancers changed partners, but all will also perform both duets and solos from now on. Instead of voting for your favourite couple, you will now need to call in to keep individual dancers from elimination. Gone are the days where there was a bottom three. Dancers with the lowest number of votes get automatically voted off.

So like I said before. Go vote.

Up first were Natalli Reznik and Izaak Smith. The two got grooving to boxing-inspired hip-hop choreography. While judges were impressed with Natalli, they expected more from Izaak.

“Izaak you did a good job. But this is Top 10, you don’t need to be good, you need to be great,” said Luther.

Performing the oh-so-sexy Mambo routine were Kaitlyn Fitzgerald and Danny Arbour. The two lit the stage on fire and the judges felt the heat.

“Danny brought the mambo, Kaitlyn brought the Tabasco,” joked Jean Marc.

Even to this day, I still don’t fully understand his jokes.

Allie Bertram and Nico Archambault were ready to perform the waltz. While Arassay and Nico had unbreakable chemistry with their partnership, Allie and Nico were no different.

“You’re the perfect partner,” Luther said to Nico. “It was effortless.”

However, Blake was sad to see Nico split from Arassay. I concur. The two were a match-made in SYTYCD heaven.

“But what better new girlfriend than Allie!” Blake added. “It looked easy and effortless.”

Meh. Still like Nicassay better. Ooh, you like that portmanteau don’t you? Catchy. Move over Brangelina, TomKat and yeah you too Jenniyer

Up next were Arassay Reyes and Vincent Noiseux. The two were ready to strut their stuff through disco. With their fast and sharp movements, the two won the judges approval.

“You two are showing Canada what it takes to be in the Top 10,” Blake said. “You’re so seasoned professionally — like jerk chicken and spicy sauce. You’re saucy and I love it,” he said.”

Lisa Auguste and Mile Faber were ready to set the mood with contemporary. The sensual and emotional performance really moved the audience and judges. Well, some of them.

“I think you’re a great dancer,” Luther told Lisa. “There’s so much more to you. Show them everything.”

However, Blake thought otherwise.

“It fell a little flat for me,” he said. “Lisa, you’re so gifted,” but wanted her to push herself further. “I wanted to see more technique,” he said to Miles.

That’s all for the performance show ladies and gents. But who moves on and who goes? Find out…below!

THURSDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW

The results show started off with the entire cast dancing to Mia Michael’s choreography – a well-known judge on the American version of SYTYCD.

Let’s get it out there. Michael’s is the goddess of contemporary. Her routines are not only breathtaking but they take to you to a whole new world. I actually feel emotion when I watch her work – and, coming from me, that says a lot.

Which ladies and which boys were the bottom four? Natalli Reznik and Kaitlyn Fitzgerald well as Miles Faber and Danny Arbour faced elimination.

After all four performed solos that would not change the results, Natalli and Danny said their goodbyes.

Stay tuned next week to watch your Top 8!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: TOP 12 PERFORM!

Revealing the Top 10 is around the corner, but first lets have a look at Wednesday’s performance show.

Host Leah Miller introduced permanent judges Tré Armstrong and Jean Marc Genereux, while special guest judges Rex Harrington and Melissa Williams (who has worked with the legendary Prince, George Michael and err, Carmen Electra) also joined the judging panel.

While Natalli Reznik and Francis Lafrenière agreed they enjoyed performing the theatre piece last week, the pair was eager to perform this week’s Afro-Cuban salsa number.

Rex, of course, put them on his ‘Sexy Rexy Rocket to the Stars.’

I, on the one hand, still prefer the ‘Hot Tamale Train.’

Tré called the routine “hot, hot, hot, hot” and claimed she got goose bumps during their performance. Jean Marc joked the two were the real cause of global warming.

I, on the other hand, beg to differ.

Moving to hip-hop were Allie Bertram and Danny Arbour. The two got down and hit Luther Brown’s choreography with oomph and passion.

Or so they tried.

The judges wanted Allie to get “a bit more gangster” and try harder. Melissa was impressed with Danny’s commitment stating: “You always approach everything with a reckless abandon.”

Up next were Lara Smythe and Miles Faber. The pair was not too pleased with their West Coast Swing performance last week but were ready to excel in the foxtrot.

“That was charming! That was beautiful. Bravo!” Rex told the couple – clearly impressed with the duo’s performance.

“You engaged me,” Tré said. “I embraced it and you made be a believer.”

Kaitlyn Fitzgerald and Izaak Smith were set to dance the jive with Dmitry Chaplin choreographing. While Dmitry did warn the couple the jive was difficult due to the complicated footwork, Rex did not feel their legwork was quick enough. “It should be like you’re on top of hot coals,” he said.

Performing a jazz routine were Arassay Reyes and Nico (sigh) Archambault. Let’s get something straight. This couple exudes sexiness the second they step on stage and, when they dance, they set the stage on fire.

Yeah, they are that hot.

And the judges agreed.

“You are the leaders of this competition,” she Tré. “Amazing job.”

Dressed in white, red and black costumes, Lisa Auguste and Vincent Noiseux took the stage. The two were teamed up with Gwen Stefani’s choreographer — Sho-tyme — to perform House. The pair brought the routine to live with their high energy.

“You guys did that hands down,” Tré told Vincent and Lisa. “You guys were the best of the night!”

THURSDAY NIGHT: TOP 10 REVEALED!

Who were the night’s bottom three couples?

Lara Smythe and Miles Faber – who danced the foxtrot; Natalli Reznik and Francis Lafrenière – who performed the Afro-Cuban salsa; and Allie Bertram and Danny Arbour – who showed off their moves to a hip-hop number.

After all six dancers performed their solos, the judges decided that Lara and Francis would not make it to the Top 10.

Tune in next Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET to watch the Top 10!