6/8 - SYTYCD 17 - The Big Cut

It really seems like the quality of the dancers isn't up to the level of previous seasons. Dancers who would have gotten an immediate no in previous seasons are in the running for the top 12. I didn't see anyone who auditioned who I felt was at the level of someone like Melanie Moore, who just blew the roof off.

I did really like Keaton, both personality-wise and as a dancer. Plus, he has a good story, which we know is what this show loves.

The choreo rounds used to be at least a few episodes, with multiple dance styles and a routine choreographed by groups of dancers. This feels thrown together and rushed. I like Mandy Moore, but she shouldn't be the ONLY choreographer in the choreography round.

Yeah, there aren't any tappers and no one dancing ballet. It's all street dancers and contemporary with a few Latin dancers thrown in. I LOVE contemporary dancers, but i also like variety. I'm not going to blame the new judges. They don't control HOW the show is structured or how very much time the camera is focused on them while the dancers are performing, but the new judges came along with the new format, so I feel a bit annoyed with them too.

It seems like, in previous seasons, there were MANY more dancers who made it to Hollywood. 42 seems a paltry number. It's shocking too that so many of that 42 weren't outstanding. In previous seasons, the talent pool was SO deep.

I'm not trying to fat shame, but that big guy should never have made it through choreo. He gets no elevation in his jumps and his extension is barely to his waist. He's got tons of personality, but I felt embarrassed for him when the rest of the guys were far and away better than he is. In the past, he'd get a video package in the auditions and make the judges laugh, but then they'd have a Come to Jesus talk with him about how he's just not up to the level he needs to be in this competition and they'd send him home, telling him to keep dancing and making people smile. Now, inexplicably, he's thisclose to the top 12