I wasn’t going to tease today, but I really have no idea how people will respond to this scene, and want to find out. I apologize because I won’t get to read the teasers until tonight, but I promise that I will read and comment on all of them eventually.
Guys, this a weird scene that I’m not sure will even make the final draft because, well, it’s strange. But I had so much fun writing it :P Just so you know, this scene is pretty blunt about sexual issues, so if that makes you uncomfortable stop reading now. The context is that Chase is paralyzed; thus, he can’t get boners. Terri (Chase’s best friend/Callie’s frienemy) told Callie this. Callie and Chase were fooling around, and Callie was very aware that Chase never got a boner. This teaser is her doing her best to address her concerns with Chase.
I feel like this is right on the thin line between stupid and funny, so I want to know what side it's leaning towards. In other words, be honest, and tell me if you think it's stupid. Thanks!
---
And I wonder if he’s turned on by me, if the boner story was a cover-up for the fact that Chase likes me a lot more than his dick does. I want to ask him, but what do I say? Hey Chase, I was just wondering why you don’t have a boner?
There’s probably a better way to go about it, like a Sex Ed. answer—the truth wrapped in a weird analogy so students know what’s up and so parents don’t sue the school for educating their kids about something that will actually affect them.
“Bananas,” I say.
Chase is already red. Most kids picked up on the whole hey-bananas-look-like-dicks thing before Sex Ed., but it became bad when we all had to try and put a condom on one in class, and the guys who couldn’t realized they’d never get laid by anyone at our school.
“Think of a banana,” I continue. “That’s just like chilling there, limp and mushy.”
Chase looks down.
“And then he sees this apple, who is really juicy. You know, she’s a good apple. When the banana sees her, he perks right up and hardens.”
To illustrate this, I pretty much mime what happens when someone gets a boner. Chase looks at me like Mike did when he couldn’t get the condom on his banana. This might not have been the best idea.
“Anyway, that banana continues on his way, and a different mushy banana meets the same apple. This banana agrees that she’s a good apple, but he doesn’t perk up and harden like the first banana did.”
I’m too far gone to stop now.
“The apple wonders why the banana didn’t ripen like the other one did—”
“Calliepleasestop.”
“Like, was it because the banana didn’t like her enough to ripen for her, or because the banana had already rotted?”
We’re quiet for a really, really long time.
A really long time.
“Terri told you?” Chase asks.
“That you can’t get boners? Yeah.”
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
My First Award!
On the Playlist: Songs in My Pocket - Bethany Joy Galeotti
I honestly never thought I’d get a blog award because 1. I’m boring 2. It’s a writing blog, and I talk about dance half the time 3. I make typos like they’re going out of style (no, I’m not sure when they were in style) and 4. I don’t own a collection of black Santas. TEN THOUSAND AWESOME POINTS IF YOU CAN GUESS WHAT BOOK I’M READING. Yep.
But today, I came online to discover that I’d received this award:
from Caitlin Darrell, Karla Nellenbach, Ellen, and LizPage who are all fabulous people that you should follow rightnow. Really guys, I’m pretty new to the YA community, and it means a lot to receive this, so thank you. You, and everyone else in the YA community, have like a bazillion awesome points for being so kind and helpful.
So, here’s the deal with this award. There are four things you need to if you receive one, which are:
1.Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself:
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason! (In no particular order...)
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award
Here are seven things about me:
1. I’d rather read a novel in paperback than hardcover.
2. I’m addicted to internet radio.
3. I’m a television junkie. And, truthfully, I’m a soap opera junkie. Not daytime soaps (with the exception of As The World Turns, which I was obsessed with for about a year), but shows with soap-like storylines. Yes, I am one of the people who still watches One Tree Hill, even though they did four stalker storylines within four seasons. Oy with the poodles already (a million awesome points of you get that reference).
4. God means everything to me.
5. I live off of Diet Coke.
6. I’m a huge nerd who honestly enjoys being in class and learning. My favourite part of university is not the social aspect, but the academic one. Yep. Proud nerd.
7. I want to teach as much as I want to write.
Now, FIFTEEN AMAZNG BLOGS. GO FOLLOW THEM.
1. LizPage at Liz Page: Just Keep Writing
2. Karen Yuan at karen yuan!
3. Karla Calalang at Creative Blossoms
4. Nomes at inkcrush
5. Kara at Moomurs
6. Karla Nellenbach at KarlaNellenbach: The Last Word…
7. Caitlin Darrell at Caitlin Darrell: A (Sort-of) Life
8. Debra at houndrat
9. Bee at DREAMCATCHER'S LAIR
10. Vee at Ramblings of a Writer
11. Raven at Love Letters to Forever
12. Ellen at Word Thief
13. Glen Akin at Say it isn't so
14. bclemet412 at Abyss
15. Veronica Roth at The Artist Formerly Known as V.Roth
I honestly never thought I’d get a blog award because 1. I’m boring 2. It’s a writing blog, and I talk about dance half the time 3. I make typos like they’re going out of style (no, I’m not sure when they were in style) and 4. I don’t own a collection of black Santas. TEN THOUSAND AWESOME POINTS IF YOU CAN GUESS WHAT BOOK I’M READING. Yep.
But today, I came online to discover that I’d received this award:
So, here’s the deal with this award. There are four things you need to if you receive one, which are:
1.Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself:
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason! (In no particular order...)
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award
Here are seven things about me:
1. I’d rather read a novel in paperback than hardcover.
2. I’m addicted to internet radio.
3. I’m a television junkie. And, truthfully, I’m a soap opera junkie. Not daytime soaps (with the exception of As The World Turns, which I was obsessed with for about a year), but shows with soap-like storylines. Yes, I am one of the people who still watches One Tree Hill, even though they did four stalker storylines within four seasons. Oy with the poodles already (a million awesome points of you get that reference).
4. God means everything to me.
5. I live off of Diet Coke.
6. I’m a huge nerd who honestly enjoys being in class and learning. My favourite part of university is not the social aspect, but the academic one. Yep. Proud nerd.
7. I want to teach as much as I want to write.
Now, FIFTEEN AMAZNG BLOGS. GO FOLLOW THEM.
1. LizPage at Liz Page: Just Keep Writing
2. Karen Yuan at karen yuan!
3. Karla Calalang at Creative Blossoms
4. Nomes at inkcrush
5. Kara at Moomurs
6. Karla Nellenbach at KarlaNellenbach: The Last Word…
7. Caitlin Darrell at Caitlin Darrell: A (Sort-of) Life
8. Debra at houndrat
9. Bee at DREAMCATCHER'S LAIR
10. Vee at Ramblings of a Writer
11. Raven at Love Letters to Forever
12. Ellen at Word Thief
13. Glen Akin at Say it isn't so
14. bclemet412 at Abyss
15. Veronica Roth at The Artist Formerly Known as V.Roth
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Teaser Tuesday
On the Playlist: All I Need - Matt Kearny
It's time for another teaser from Building Forts! In this one, Chase is giving Callie her first dance lesson. It's also the first time he's ever taught in a wheelchair. Hope you like it!
---
The studio is so much smaller than I expected. Way too small to grow in.
But it takes Chase forever to get from one side to the other.
I should ask him if he’s ok, if he wants to go home, if he’s scared. I won’t, though. Don’t really want to know the answers.
“Should we get started?” I ask.
“Not much else to do,” Chase says. He sounds so…not happy. Unhappy. Whatever. It’s just not good. “You need to warm up.”’
Then he waits, like I know what I’m supposed to do. I zip up my hoodie.
I think he might laugh, but instead, like a true teacher, he says, “Are you taking this seriously? Because I really don’t want to put myself through this if it’s all a joke to you.”
He shouldn’t have to ask that. And being with me, even in the worst of circumstances, shouldn’t be something he has to go through. “Of course I’m serious about it. But we can have fun too, right?
He looks at the floor and shakes his head. Don’t know why he’s communicating with the floor and not with me. “Yeah, I’m sorry. It’s just harder than I thought it would be to be back here.”
Look at me. “I’m sorry.”
“Yeah. Here, let me guide you through some stretches."
The warm-up starts easily enough. Head up, head left, head down, head right. Roll shoulders forward, roll them back.
Touch your toes.
I almost touch my ankles.
“What are you doing?” Chase asks when I finish. “You didn’t touch your toes.”
“I can’t.”
“You barely tried. Fight for it.”
“With what, a gun?”
He smiles this time, thankfully. “No. Look, once you realize that you’re the only one putting limits on your body, you’ll realize you’re the only one putting limits on yourself. Make sense?”
Yeah, in a perfect world. But, I’m pretty sure biology put some limits on my body, and people put a lot of limits on me. “Yeah.”
I touch my ankles.
We do some more stretches, and by the end of the warm-up my body hates me almost as much as I hate it. “Are dancers masochists?”
Chase grins. It’s such a nice sight. “Kind of. It hurts, I know, but the stretching makes the dancing easier.”
“Even if I’m in so much pain I feel like I can’t move?”
Wrong words. Worst words in the world. "I'm so sor--"
"You'll never know what that feels like." Chase is talking to the floor again.
It's time for another teaser from Building Forts! In this one, Chase is giving Callie her first dance lesson. It's also the first time he's ever taught in a wheelchair. Hope you like it!
---
The studio is so much smaller than I expected. Way too small to grow in.
But it takes Chase forever to get from one side to the other.
I should ask him if he’s ok, if he wants to go home, if he’s scared. I won’t, though. Don’t really want to know the answers.
“Should we get started?” I ask.
“Not much else to do,” Chase says. He sounds so…not happy. Unhappy. Whatever. It’s just not good. “You need to warm up.”’
Then he waits, like I know what I’m supposed to do. I zip up my hoodie.
I think he might laugh, but instead, like a true teacher, he says, “Are you taking this seriously? Because I really don’t want to put myself through this if it’s all a joke to you.”
He shouldn’t have to ask that. And being with me, even in the worst of circumstances, shouldn’t be something he has to go through. “Of course I’m serious about it. But we can have fun too, right?
He looks at the floor and shakes his head. Don’t know why he’s communicating with the floor and not with me. “Yeah, I’m sorry. It’s just harder than I thought it would be to be back here.”
Look at me. “I’m sorry.”
“Yeah. Here, let me guide you through some stretches."
The warm-up starts easily enough. Head up, head left, head down, head right. Roll shoulders forward, roll them back.
Touch your toes.
I almost touch my ankles.
“What are you doing?” Chase asks when I finish. “You didn’t touch your toes.”
“I can’t.”
“You barely tried. Fight for it.”
“With what, a gun?”
He smiles this time, thankfully. “No. Look, once you realize that you’re the only one putting limits on your body, you’ll realize you’re the only one putting limits on yourself. Make sense?”
Yeah, in a perfect world. But, I’m pretty sure biology put some limits on my body, and people put a lot of limits on me. “Yeah.”
I touch my ankles.
We do some more stretches, and by the end of the warm-up my body hates me almost as much as I hate it. “Are dancers masochists?”
Chase grins. It’s such a nice sight. “Kind of. It hurts, I know, but the stretching makes the dancing easier.”
“Even if I’m in so much pain I feel like I can’t move?”
Wrong words. Worst words in the world. "I'm so sor--"
"You'll never know what that feels like." Chase is talking to the floor again.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Telling Your Story Without Words
On the Playlist: United State of Pop 2009 (Blame it on the Pop) - DJ Earworm
Since I’ve had no reason to wake up before noon for about a month (out of school for the summer and looking for a job. I finally got a job the other day :)), I haven’t. This also means that it became rare for me to go to bed before three in the morning. Last night, however, I tried to go to bed at eleven because I had to be up at seven this morning to go to first-aid training. I changed my sleep schedule every day in university, so I thought I could do it again, but it’s hard to break a habit once you’ve created one. So, I needed something to help me to fall asleep.
I put on the playlist for Building Forts, which may not have been the best idea, as of course it just sent my mind intro overdrive with thoughts about the story. But, that’s pretty much how my mind is all the time anyway. Confession time, Building Forts is actually a SUPER reworked version of a fanfic I started to write (it was an AU fic, and the characters in BF are original. I just kind of reused the plot. I say kind of because a lot has changed.) So, I already had a playlist, and I never deleted the songs that fit the fic well but didn’t really fit BF.
Fix You by Coldplay was one of the songs that I always associated with the fic, and not so much BF. I mean, I knew there could be a connection, but it just wasn’t a song I heard in BF (does that make sense?) Before it came on, I’d been choreographing dances for Callie and Chase in my head, while conveniently ignoring the fact that Chase is in a wheelchair for most of the story (because that obviously helped me sleep.) Then, I choreographed to Fix You, and it was perfect. Not from a dance standpoint, because I’m certainly not a choreographer or even a trained dancer, but for the story. Callie danced like she would: absolutely no technique, and with an equal amount of heart and hesitance. Chase danced like he would: in a wheelchair, and with an equal amount of passion and frustration. And, the dance told their story. Before Fix You, all the dances I choreographed in my head told one story, either Callie’s or Chase’s. Fix You told both; it told their story.
And it was really, really cool to see their story told without words. It helped me understand it.
Of course, we’re writers, and words are how we want to tell our stories. But, I’m wondering if you ever try to tell your stories without words? Do you draw characters or scenes? Do you make book trailers? Do you compose music for your story? Let me know in the comments!
Since I’ve had no reason to wake up before noon for about a month (out of school for the summer and looking for a job. I finally got a job the other day :)), I haven’t. This also means that it became rare for me to go to bed before three in the morning. Last night, however, I tried to go to bed at eleven because I had to be up at seven this morning to go to first-aid training. I changed my sleep schedule every day in university, so I thought I could do it again, but it’s hard to break a habit once you’ve created one. So, I needed something to help me to fall asleep.
I put on the playlist for Building Forts, which may not have been the best idea, as of course it just sent my mind intro overdrive with thoughts about the story. But, that’s pretty much how my mind is all the time anyway. Confession time, Building Forts is actually a SUPER reworked version of a fanfic I started to write (it was an AU fic, and the characters in BF are original. I just kind of reused the plot. I say kind of because a lot has changed.) So, I already had a playlist, and I never deleted the songs that fit the fic well but didn’t really fit BF.
Fix You by Coldplay was one of the songs that I always associated with the fic, and not so much BF. I mean, I knew there could be a connection, but it just wasn’t a song I heard in BF (does that make sense?) Before it came on, I’d been choreographing dances for Callie and Chase in my head, while conveniently ignoring the fact that Chase is in a wheelchair for most of the story (because that obviously helped me sleep.) Then, I choreographed to Fix You, and it was perfect. Not from a dance standpoint, because I’m certainly not a choreographer or even a trained dancer, but for the story. Callie danced like she would: absolutely no technique, and with an equal amount of heart and hesitance. Chase danced like he would: in a wheelchair, and with an equal amount of passion and frustration. And, the dance told their story. Before Fix You, all the dances I choreographed in my head told one story, either Callie’s or Chase’s. Fix You told both; it told their story.
And it was really, really cool to see their story told without words. It helped me understand it.
Of course, we’re writers, and words are how we want to tell our stories. But, I’m wondering if you ever try to tell your stories without words? Do you draw characters or scenes? Do you make book trailers? Do you compose music for your story? Let me know in the comments!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
So You Think You Can Dance: Thoughts on the Top Eleven Showcase
On the Playlist: Paris is Burning - St. Vincent
Welcome to the first So You Think You Dance recap! From now until the finale, I will post my thoughts on each week’s performance and results show on this blog. I will rank (from worst to best) and comment on all the routines, as well as give out super prestigious awards for the best music, all-star, and dancer of the week.
So, let’s get started!
Season seven is different from all the other seasons, because instead of having the dancers partner each other, all-stars from previous seasons will partner them. Thursday night’s show was an introduction to the eleven finalists, and a re-introduction to the twelve all-stars. As excited as I was to see the likes of Mark and Allison on my television again, I wish the showcase would’ve just showed the new dancers, as it was hard to watch them and not the old favourites. However, the inclusion of the all-stars, the superb talent of the top eleven, and the incredible choreography made the showcase one of the most enjoyable hours of SYTYCD since season three. So, who knew I’d ever say this, props to Nigel. The all-stars twist is not without its flaws, but it’s nice to see that he realized SYTYCD needed a change after the failboat that was season six.
Now, the routines, dancers, and choreographers that made this such an incredible show:
6.Broadway– TASTY OREO a.k.a Tyce Diorio
Dancers: Alexie and Melinda / All-Stars: Lauren and Allison
How awesome is it to see Allison on stage again? She’s so fierce, and I can’t wait to see her in a contemporary piece. This routine, though not bad, was just a bit of a snore. And, I’m one of the few SYTYCD fans I know who loves Broadway numbers and Tyce’s choreography; it just didn’t do it for me this time. The dancers all did what they were supposed to do, and did it well, but the piece wasn’t memorable. I believe Melinda and Alexie are both capable of much better than this, and I look forward to seeing it.
5. Hip Hop – NappyTabs a.k.a Napoleon and Tabitha
Dancer: Jose (Full Deck)/ All-Stars: Comfort, Dominic (!!!), and Twitch
NappyTabs, unlike the other choreographers (with the possible exception of Mia), understand the point of this show: to showcase the finalist, and use the all-stars as supporting dancers. The all-stars killed this dance. I was especially impressed with Comfort; sometimes the awful memory of he contemporary routine with Thayne blocks out the amazing one of her hip-hop with Twitch. Jose, however, just couldn’t keep up with them. This is one of my fears about the all-stars twist: the all-stars may make the dancers look worse than they actually are. Keep in mind that most of these all-stars have been dancing professionally for a few years, and were not at the level they’re at now when they were on the show. Of course, this could work the other way and force the top eleven to raise the bar, but that’s now what I saw tonight. I always love the untrained b-boys (what’s up Dom, Gev, and Legacy), so I still have hope for Jose, but he’ll need to step it up. Also, I know that many find Dom to be annoying and obnoxious, but I absolutely love him, and loved seeing his bit with Cat again.
4. Ballroom – Jason Gilkinson
Dancers: Cristina / All Stars: Pasha (!!!) and Anya
From here on, I love all of the routines. How hot was this routine? It’s always a treat to see Pasha and Anya dance together; they have so much chemistry. Plus, Pasha took his shirt off! Always a good move, Pasha, always a good move. However, Pasha and Anya were Cristina’s downfall. It was hard to buy her chemistry with Pasha next to Anya’s chemistry with him, which is understandable as Pasha and Anya have danced together for years. Also, Cristina just doesn’t have the technique that Anya does, which Nigel pointed out (I need to stop giving Nigel props) in regards to their feet. That doesn’t mean that Cristina’s a bad dancer, but rather that Anya’s a fantastic one. If Cristina gets ballroom with Pasha alone, it may be more of a success. I also look forward to seeing her in different styles, as she proved in Vegas that she’s a pretty s-i-c-k (that means sick. I wish Chelsie could’ve gotten out of DWTS to be an all-star, she’s my favourite female to ever be on SYTYCD) contemporary dancer.
3. Jazz – Sonya Tayeh
Dancers: Adechike, Robert, and Ashley / All Stars: Neil (!!!) and Courtney
This routine was set to the SONG OF THE WEEK, which is Freak by Estelle and Kardinal Offishal. The song hasn’t left my head since the show. Plus, it’s so fun to dance to (after SYTYCD airs, I always go back and dance to the songs, because I’m just that much of a dance dork). As for the routine, I loved it. Sonya’s been boring me as I feel like her pieces all look the same, and though this was very clearly a Sonya routine, it still felt new. But, Sonya, why did you highlight Neil? We already know and love him. Highlight the newbies! The dancers werked this routine, both the finalists and all-stars. I feel bad for Ashley though, as it was hard to tell her and Courtney apart, and we don’t even know her from auditions. Hopefully she can prove to be more than fodder! You know who’s trying really (too) hard not to be fodder? Robert Roldan. I wish he wouldn’t have grabbed the microphone at the end, because it was a little obnoxious. His dancing in that piece, I think, was more than enough to prove that he’s more than fodder. In fact, he’s my DANCER OF THE WEEK. He shone in that piece like no one else, including Courtney and Neil (and trust me, it’s impressive when I love someone more than Neil in a routine). Not only did he execute it well, but I felt as though he was the most expressive of all the dancers, and really dancing in the music as opposed to with the music. So, Robert is well on his way to becoming one of my favourites. Last but not least, we have Adechike. I was impressed with his leaps, but otherwise, I felt that Neil and Robert out danced him. And, Adechike, you’re not an underdog at all. You’re a favourite. Big difference.
2.Contemporary – Mia Michaels
Dancers: Billy and Alex / All-Star: Ade
Oh, Mia. I’m so glad you’re a judge, but I’m so sad that means we can only get group routines from you this season. This routine was genius, moving, and heartbreaking. The roles were perfectly cast; Billy’s flexibility (not to mention his appearance) makes him a great child, Alex’s maturity makes him a great adult, and Ade’s incredible quality of movement makes him a great senior. Billy is just incredible. Like Mia, I was in awe of what he did with his body. Alex’s technique is impeccable, and unlike in the auditions rounds, I felt his passion. He played the character perfectly. Ade is such an underrated dancer, and it’s a shame, because he’s absolutely insanely incredible (yeah). This will sound strange, but it’s not easy to quiver and shake well, but he did. The music was a perfect fit for this routine, too. I have absolutely no complaints. I loved it.
Contemporary – Travis Wall
Dancers: Lauren and Kent / All-Stars: Mark (FANGIRL EXPLOSION) and Kathryn.
What a great way to start season seven. There is something really inspiring about seeing Travis sitting at the judges’ table after being a contestant on the show. I am so, so happy for all his success; he is an incredible dancer and choreographer, as tonight proved. I love me some dark routines, and this certainly was one. The dancers nailed the feel of this routine. Mark’s performance wasn’t a surprise, as this has always been what he does best. He’s my favourite dancer to ever be on SYTYCD, and I just love seeing him in his element. Honestly, I had to watch this routine about a billion times to watch the other dancers; the first few million times I watched, I only watched Mark, which really says something as I love Kathryn, and Lauren and Kent are my favourites from the audition rounds. So, naturally, Mark receives the ALL-STAR OF THE WEEK AWARD (and I promise he won’t always win it. Neil might too! I’m kidding…kind of. It’s hard to beat Neil and Mark, because I’m that much of a fangirl). When I finally looked away from Mark, I wasn’t disappointed. Kathryn was creepier than I thought she could be. Lauren was fantastic. The biggest surprise for me was Kent. When I read what the concept of this dance was in the spoilers, I worried for him. How could the sweet, small-town boy pull off something so dark? But, did he ever. He was creepy, and it was awesome. The strong cast of dancers and amazing choreography (set to the perfect piece of music, may I add) made this the best routine of the night for me.
As of now, this is my ranking of the dancers. I really do like all of them at this point. It’s going to be a great season:
1. Kent
2. Lauren
3. Billy
4. Alex
5. Robert
6. Melinda
7. Alexie
8. Adechike
9. Cristina
10. Jose
11. Ashley
What did you think of the top eleven showcase? Do you like the all-stars twist? Who’s your favourite dancer/all-star? What was your favourite routine? Do you, like me, have hopes that this season will redeem SYTYCD after The Season That Should Not Be Mentioned (minus Jakob, who should've been an all-star)? Let me know in the comments!
Welcome to the first So You Think You Dance recap! From now until the finale, I will post my thoughts on each week’s performance and results show on this blog. I will rank (from worst to best) and comment on all the routines, as well as give out super prestigious awards for the best music, all-star, and dancer of the week.
So, let’s get started!
Season seven is different from all the other seasons, because instead of having the dancers partner each other, all-stars from previous seasons will partner them. Thursday night’s show was an introduction to the eleven finalists, and a re-introduction to the twelve all-stars. As excited as I was to see the likes of Mark and Allison on my television again, I wish the showcase would’ve just showed the new dancers, as it was hard to watch them and not the old favourites. However, the inclusion of the all-stars, the superb talent of the top eleven, and the incredible choreography made the showcase one of the most enjoyable hours of SYTYCD since season three. So, who knew I’d ever say this, props to Nigel. The all-stars twist is not without its flaws, but it’s nice to see that he realized SYTYCD needed a change after the failboat that was season six.
Now, the routines, dancers, and choreographers that made this such an incredible show:
6.Broadway– TASTY OREO a.k.a Tyce Diorio
Dancers: Alexie and Melinda / All-Stars: Lauren and Allison
How awesome is it to see Allison on stage again? She’s so fierce, and I can’t wait to see her in a contemporary piece. This routine, though not bad, was just a bit of a snore. And, I’m one of the few SYTYCD fans I know who loves Broadway numbers and Tyce’s choreography; it just didn’t do it for me this time. The dancers all did what they were supposed to do, and did it well, but the piece wasn’t memorable. I believe Melinda and Alexie are both capable of much better than this, and I look forward to seeing it.
5. Hip Hop – NappyTabs a.k.a Napoleon and Tabitha
Dancer: Jose (Full Deck)/ All-Stars: Comfort, Dominic (!!!), and Twitch
NappyTabs, unlike the other choreographers (with the possible exception of Mia), understand the point of this show: to showcase the finalist, and use the all-stars as supporting dancers. The all-stars killed this dance. I was especially impressed with Comfort; sometimes the awful memory of he contemporary routine with Thayne blocks out the amazing one of her hip-hop with Twitch. Jose, however, just couldn’t keep up with them. This is one of my fears about the all-stars twist: the all-stars may make the dancers look worse than they actually are. Keep in mind that most of these all-stars have been dancing professionally for a few years, and were not at the level they’re at now when they were on the show. Of course, this could work the other way and force the top eleven to raise the bar, but that’s now what I saw tonight. I always love the untrained b-boys (what’s up Dom, Gev, and Legacy), so I still have hope for Jose, but he’ll need to step it up. Also, I know that many find Dom to be annoying and obnoxious, but I absolutely love him, and loved seeing his bit with Cat again.
4. Ballroom – Jason Gilkinson
Dancers: Cristina / All Stars: Pasha (!!!) and Anya
From here on, I love all of the routines. How hot was this routine? It’s always a treat to see Pasha and Anya dance together; they have so much chemistry. Plus, Pasha took his shirt off! Always a good move, Pasha, always a good move. However, Pasha and Anya were Cristina’s downfall. It was hard to buy her chemistry with Pasha next to Anya’s chemistry with him, which is understandable as Pasha and Anya have danced together for years. Also, Cristina just doesn’t have the technique that Anya does, which Nigel pointed out (I need to stop giving Nigel props) in regards to their feet. That doesn’t mean that Cristina’s a bad dancer, but rather that Anya’s a fantastic one. If Cristina gets ballroom with Pasha alone, it may be more of a success. I also look forward to seeing her in different styles, as she proved in Vegas that she’s a pretty s-i-c-k (that means sick. I wish Chelsie could’ve gotten out of DWTS to be an all-star, she’s my favourite female to ever be on SYTYCD) contemporary dancer.
3. Jazz – Sonya Tayeh
Dancers: Adechike, Robert, and Ashley / All Stars: Neil (!!!) and Courtney
This routine was set to the SONG OF THE WEEK, which is Freak by Estelle and Kardinal Offishal. The song hasn’t left my head since the show. Plus, it’s so fun to dance to (after SYTYCD airs, I always go back and dance to the songs, because I’m just that much of a dance dork). As for the routine, I loved it. Sonya’s been boring me as I feel like her pieces all look the same, and though this was very clearly a Sonya routine, it still felt new. But, Sonya, why did you highlight Neil? We already know and love him. Highlight the newbies! The dancers werked this routine, both the finalists and all-stars. I feel bad for Ashley though, as it was hard to tell her and Courtney apart, and we don’t even know her from auditions. Hopefully she can prove to be more than fodder! You know who’s trying really (too) hard not to be fodder? Robert Roldan. I wish he wouldn’t have grabbed the microphone at the end, because it was a little obnoxious. His dancing in that piece, I think, was more than enough to prove that he’s more than fodder. In fact, he’s my DANCER OF THE WEEK. He shone in that piece like no one else, including Courtney and Neil (and trust me, it’s impressive when I love someone more than Neil in a routine). Not only did he execute it well, but I felt as though he was the most expressive of all the dancers, and really dancing in the music as opposed to with the music. So, Robert is well on his way to becoming one of my favourites. Last but not least, we have Adechike. I was impressed with his leaps, but otherwise, I felt that Neil and Robert out danced him. And, Adechike, you’re not an underdog at all. You’re a favourite. Big difference.
2.Contemporary – Mia Michaels
Dancers: Billy and Alex / All-Star: Ade
Oh, Mia. I’m so glad you’re a judge, but I’m so sad that means we can only get group routines from you this season. This routine was genius, moving, and heartbreaking. The roles were perfectly cast; Billy’s flexibility (not to mention his appearance) makes him a great child, Alex’s maturity makes him a great adult, and Ade’s incredible quality of movement makes him a great senior. Billy is just incredible. Like Mia, I was in awe of what he did with his body. Alex’s technique is impeccable, and unlike in the auditions rounds, I felt his passion. He played the character perfectly. Ade is such an underrated dancer, and it’s a shame, because he’s absolutely insanely incredible (yeah). This will sound strange, but it’s not easy to quiver and shake well, but he did. The music was a perfect fit for this routine, too. I have absolutely no complaints. I loved it.
Contemporary – Travis Wall
Dancers: Lauren and Kent / All-Stars: Mark (FANGIRL EXPLOSION) and Kathryn.
What a great way to start season seven. There is something really inspiring about seeing Travis sitting at the judges’ table after being a contestant on the show. I am so, so happy for all his success; he is an incredible dancer and choreographer, as tonight proved. I love me some dark routines, and this certainly was one. The dancers nailed the feel of this routine. Mark’s performance wasn’t a surprise, as this has always been what he does best. He’s my favourite dancer to ever be on SYTYCD, and I just love seeing him in his element. Honestly, I had to watch this routine about a billion times to watch the other dancers; the first few million times I watched, I only watched Mark, which really says something as I love Kathryn, and Lauren and Kent are my favourites from the audition rounds. So, naturally, Mark receives the ALL-STAR OF THE WEEK AWARD (and I promise he won’t always win it. Neil might too! I’m kidding…kind of. It’s hard to beat Neil and Mark, because I’m that much of a fangirl). When I finally looked away from Mark, I wasn’t disappointed. Kathryn was creepier than I thought she could be. Lauren was fantastic. The biggest surprise for me was Kent. When I read what the concept of this dance was in the spoilers, I worried for him. How could the sweet, small-town boy pull off something so dark? But, did he ever. He was creepy, and it was awesome. The strong cast of dancers and amazing choreography (set to the perfect piece of music, may I add) made this the best routine of the night for me.
As of now, this is my ranking of the dancers. I really do like all of them at this point. It’s going to be a great season:
1. Kent
2. Lauren
3. Billy
4. Alex
5. Robert
6. Melinda
7. Alexie
8. Adechike
9. Cristina
10. Jose
11. Ashley
What did you think of the top eleven showcase? Do you like the all-stars twist? Who’s your favourite dancer/all-star? What was your favourite routine? Do you, like me, have hopes that this season will redeem SYTYCD after The Season That Should Not Be Mentioned (minus Jakob, who should've been an all-star)? Let me know in the comments!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Teaser Tuesday
Hi guys! I’m super busy today with a job interview and Glee finale celebrations (!!!), so I probably won’t get to all the teasers today. I promise that I will get to all of them eventually, though!
So, today’s teaser. Callie and Chase are a couple now. Darren flipped out at her because he thinks she’s dating him because she feels guilty about the accident. Terri flipped out at because she thinks Callie’s dating him so she can make dating the dude in a wheelchair her good-deed-of-the day. So, after those two fights Callie left school, and went to the hospital to see Chase. This is their visit.
---
“Darren’s a jerk.”
Chase looks at me like I just told him the sky is blue. “That’s not exactly breaking news.”
He looks so tired, as he should. We were up all night. Still, adrenaline caused by pissed-off-ness and caffeine run through me, make me wired, make me awake, make me alive.
“It is to me,” I say. My words are quick, because if I don’t tell this to someone, I might forget, and this is too important. “I always thought that it was me. That he wouldn’t love me or date me or even be my friend after we had sex because there was something wrong with me.”
“Callie—"
“So, I changed myself. It was easy, really. Shorter skirts, tighter tops. Always laugh too loudly. Drink a lot, have a lot of sex. Don’t ever tell anyone that you’re sad, ever, or even that you’re happy. Only feel what you’re supposed to feel. Anything else isn’t real.”
“What’s—”
“But what I didn’t get was that my feelings were real, and it was that stupid world that was fake. And, you know what? Darren still didn’t like me. It’s not me. It was never me. He’s just such a douchebag.”
I feel like I dry-swallowed a pill, and it’s stuck in my throat. It hurts, but it’ll make me better. It hurts, because I lost my virginity to a douchebag. It’ll make me better, because now I know he’s a douchebag.
I wish he was here so I could call him a douchebag over and over again.
“I don’t know what you’re saying.”
That’s fair. Chase doesn’t know that entire school thinks I’m an awful, slutty wackjob, and he doesn’t have to. “I’m saying,” I explain, “That I’m not me, because I changed for him. Now, I want to go back. I need to figure out who I am now. Find out what’s real.”
Cheesy, but he should get the point. “That’s,” he pauses, “Great? Terrifying? What?”
“Both, and a little more. And, I need you.”
This is the hard part. Chase’s eyebrows furrow, which makes sense. He can’t move, so he can’t do many favours. All I need for this one, though, is his heart.
“Judy told me that you tell your dancers to discover, accept, and express their feelings.” I hope he notices that I used tell instead of told. Chase turns red. “Yeah, it’s right out of a self-help book, but it’s good. That’s what I need to do.”
“What do you need me for?” he asks.
“Well, they do that through dance, with your help. So, I thought maybe you could help me.”
“You want me to teach you?”
“Yeah.”
So, today’s teaser. Callie and Chase are a couple now. Darren flipped out at her because he thinks she’s dating him because she feels guilty about the accident. Terri flipped out at because she thinks Callie’s dating him so she can make dating the dude in a wheelchair her good-deed-of-the day. So, after those two fights Callie left school, and went to the hospital to see Chase. This is their visit.
---
“Darren’s a jerk.”
Chase looks at me like I just told him the sky is blue. “That’s not exactly breaking news.”
He looks so tired, as he should. We were up all night. Still, adrenaline caused by pissed-off-ness and caffeine run through me, make me wired, make me awake, make me alive.
“It is to me,” I say. My words are quick, because if I don’t tell this to someone, I might forget, and this is too important. “I always thought that it was me. That he wouldn’t love me or date me or even be my friend after we had sex because there was something wrong with me.”
“Callie—"
“So, I changed myself. It was easy, really. Shorter skirts, tighter tops. Always laugh too loudly. Drink a lot, have a lot of sex. Don’t ever tell anyone that you’re sad, ever, or even that you’re happy. Only feel what you’re supposed to feel. Anything else isn’t real.”
“What’s—”
“But what I didn’t get was that my feelings were real, and it was that stupid world that was fake. And, you know what? Darren still didn’t like me. It’s not me. It was never me. He’s just such a douchebag.”
I feel like I dry-swallowed a pill, and it’s stuck in my throat. It hurts, but it’ll make me better. It hurts, because I lost my virginity to a douchebag. It’ll make me better, because now I know he’s a douchebag.
I wish he was here so I could call him a douchebag over and over again.
“I don’t know what you’re saying.”
That’s fair. Chase doesn’t know that entire school thinks I’m an awful, slutty wackjob, and he doesn’t have to. “I’m saying,” I explain, “That I’m not me, because I changed for him. Now, I want to go back. I need to figure out who I am now. Find out what’s real.”
Cheesy, but he should get the point. “That’s,” he pauses, “Great? Terrifying? What?”
“Both, and a little more. And, I need you.”
This is the hard part. Chase’s eyebrows furrow, which makes sense. He can’t move, so he can’t do many favours. All I need for this one, though, is his heart.
“Judy told me that you tell your dancers to discover, accept, and express their feelings.” I hope he notices that I used tell instead of told. Chase turns red. “Yeah, it’s right out of a self-help book, but it’s good. That’s what I need to do.”
“What do you need me for?” he asks.
“Well, they do that through dance, with your help. So, I thought maybe you could help me.”
“You want me to teach you?”
“Yeah.”
Monday, June 7, 2010
Friday Night Lights: Thoughts on "The Son"
On the Playlist: I'll Cover You (Reprise) - RENT Cast
Whether you have a #33 Panthers jersey in your closet or you’ve never seen an episode of Friday Night Lights in your life (and if you belong to the latter category, you’re missing out), watch this scene. Trust me. And, you might want to have tissues ready.
The fourth season of Friday Night Lights aired on DirecTV before it aired on NBC, so I’d already seen Friday night’s episode, “The Son”. The first time I watched it, I cried throughout the entire episode. Then, the scene I posted above came on, and I lost it at, “He doesn’t even have a face.” Even though I knew it was coming, I cried at the same scene last Friday, too.
If you don’t watch the show, let me catch you up. The episode before this ended with a cliffhanger; we found out that Matt’s father had died at war. Throughout the series, Matt has struggled with his relationship with his father, as he felt as though his father abandoned him for war (fans, remember the “everybody leaves me” scene? There’s another one that I bawled at). So, when we found out that Matt’s father died, we really didn’t know how he’d react. Of course it’s sad when a parent dies, but what happens when that parent is a jerk? Plus, Matt’s famous for usually doing the “right thing.” So, will he ignore how he truly feels, and just play the part he’s supposed to play?
This scene is my favourite scene in the history of Friday Night Lights, which says a lot as the show is always brilliant. Matt is, and has always been, my favourite character, and this was the perfect moment for him. First of all, hearing Matt say “I don’t think I’m ok” is something new. He’s always strong and selfless, because he has to look after his grandmother, because his dad left. Then, to hear him confront and deal with his true feelings for his father was like—excuse the cheese of what I’m about to say, I’m not as eloquent as the FNL writers—seeing into his soul. Then, of course, there’s the killer, “He doesn’t even have a face.”
Cue the tears.
Friday Night Lights, I think, is a character-driven show. The plot isn't bad (well, let’s forget about when Landry killed someone; the writers sure have), but the characters are the heart of the show. This scene proves that Matt is a well-rounded, three-dimensional character, who is near impossible not to care about. As a writer, I aspire to write characters that are half as developed as Matt (or Tim, or Coach Taylor, or Landry, etc.) is.
Panthers/Lions fans, what did you think of “The Son”? Did you cry? Do you think it’s one of the best episodes of the series (or, like me, the best)? Will you join me in outrage if Zach Gilford doesn’t get an Emmy for his performance in this episode?
Whether you have a #33 Panthers jersey in your closet or you’ve never seen an episode of Friday Night Lights in your life (and if you belong to the latter category, you’re missing out), watch this scene. Trust me. And, you might want to have tissues ready.
The fourth season of Friday Night Lights aired on DirecTV before it aired on NBC, so I’d already seen Friday night’s episode, “The Son”. The first time I watched it, I cried throughout the entire episode. Then, the scene I posted above came on, and I lost it at, “He doesn’t even have a face.” Even though I knew it was coming, I cried at the same scene last Friday, too.
If you don’t watch the show, let me catch you up. The episode before this ended with a cliffhanger; we found out that Matt’s father had died at war. Throughout the series, Matt has struggled with his relationship with his father, as he felt as though his father abandoned him for war (fans, remember the “everybody leaves me” scene? There’s another one that I bawled at). So, when we found out that Matt’s father died, we really didn’t know how he’d react. Of course it’s sad when a parent dies, but what happens when that parent is a jerk? Plus, Matt’s famous for usually doing the “right thing.” So, will he ignore how he truly feels, and just play the part he’s supposed to play?
This scene is my favourite scene in the history of Friday Night Lights, which says a lot as the show is always brilliant. Matt is, and has always been, my favourite character, and this was the perfect moment for him. First of all, hearing Matt say “I don’t think I’m ok” is something new. He’s always strong and selfless, because he has to look after his grandmother, because his dad left. Then, to hear him confront and deal with his true feelings for his father was like—excuse the cheese of what I’m about to say, I’m not as eloquent as the FNL writers—seeing into his soul. Then, of course, there’s the killer, “He doesn’t even have a face.”
Cue the tears.
Friday Night Lights, I think, is a character-driven show. The plot isn't bad (well, let’s forget about when Landry killed someone; the writers sure have), but the characters are the heart of the show. This scene proves that Matt is a well-rounded, three-dimensional character, who is near impossible not to care about. As a writer, I aspire to write characters that are half as developed as Matt (or Tim, or Coach Taylor, or Landry, etc.) is.
Panthers/Lions fans, what did you think of “The Son”? Did you cry? Do you think it’s one of the best episodes of the series (or, like me, the best)? Will you join me in outrage if Zach Gilford doesn’t get an Emmy for his performance in this episode?
Friday, June 4, 2010
All You Need is Love
On the Playlist: You Give Me Something - James Morrison
I have started three different novels out of frustration with Building Forts (my WIP).
Two were ideas I’ve played around with before, and one was new. They’re all easy to write. I don’t get frustrated with them like I do with Building Forts. They don’t drain me like Building Forts does.
I don’t love them like I love Building Forts.
Is it safe to say that we all get tired of our WIPs? I think it’s natural. I was watching a Project Runway rerun today, and Tim Gunn told a designer that it was good that he was sick of his collection; if he wasn’t, it would be because he hadn’t spent enough time with it.
And, excuse the following generalizations, but we spend a lot of times with our WIPs. We think about them. We try to get inside of our characters’ heads. We plot. We revise. And, between all of that and some more, we actually write our novels.
But, there’s a reason we makes ourselves sick of our WIPs: we love them. So, I want you to tell me why you love your WIP. Forget that you still don’t know what Character X’s motivations are, that the writing in a scene is sloppy, or that you really don’t know where your novel is going (that’s me!). Just tell me why you love it. Don’t hesitate to be self-indulgent, or even to be a little cocky. I want to know why you spend as much time with your WIP as you do.
Here’s mine:
I love my main character, Callie. I love her snark. I love her dirty mind. I love that, though she hides it well, she’s very insecure. I love her selfishness.
I love that in writing this novel, I get to help her discover who she really is.
Your turn!
I have started three different novels out of frustration with Building Forts (my WIP).
Two were ideas I’ve played around with before, and one was new. They’re all easy to write. I don’t get frustrated with them like I do with Building Forts. They don’t drain me like Building Forts does.
I don’t love them like I love Building Forts.
Is it safe to say that we all get tired of our WIPs? I think it’s natural. I was watching a Project Runway rerun today, and Tim Gunn told a designer that it was good that he was sick of his collection; if he wasn’t, it would be because he hadn’t spent enough time with it.
And, excuse the following generalizations, but we spend a lot of times with our WIPs. We think about them. We try to get inside of our characters’ heads. We plot. We revise. And, between all of that and some more, we actually write our novels.
But, there’s a reason we makes ourselves sick of our WIPs: we love them. So, I want you to tell me why you love your WIP. Forget that you still don’t know what Character X’s motivations are, that the writing in a scene is sloppy, or that you really don’t know where your novel is going (that’s me!). Just tell me why you love it. Don’t hesitate to be self-indulgent, or even to be a little cocky. I want to know why you spend as much time with your WIP as you do.
Here’s mine:
I love my main character, Callie. I love her snark. I love her dirty mind. I love that, though she hides it well, she’s very insecure. I love her selfishness.
I love that in writing this novel, I get to help her discover who she really is.
Your turn!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Teaser Tuesday
Today, my goal is to reply to every comment that's been left on this blog. I feel so bad that I've fallen behind and haven't replied to you guys! First, though, it's time for another teaser from my WIP, "Building Forts." In this tease, Callie's spending the night with Chase in the hospital (she snuck in). Chase is in the hospital because he's paralyzed. Hope you like it!
---
It’s almost three in the morning, so we’ve exhausted all conversation topics from so, how do you use the bathroom when you’re paralyzed? to I like Chinese food, how 'bout you? to now, “There was a fire drill at school the other day.”
“We’ve had more of those since you started going here,” Chase says, then laughs at my dropped jaw.
I hit him, and wonder if he can feel it. “You’re a jerk.” The ultimate flirtation: hit a guy, and call him a jerk in a whiny voice while giggling. Chase smiles, so, of course, it worked.
“Speaking of school,” he says. “Isn’t this past your bedtime for a school night?”
I shrug. “I’ll skip tomorrow.”
“I’d love to go to school right now.”
“I’ll drink lots of coffee.”
The lull that follows isn’t the first of the night, nor is it the first time I use the silence to play the what-part-of-Chase-I-want-to-touch-the-most game. Anything below the belt is pointless because he won’t feel it, which is a weird twist of fate. The upper body is pretty foreign to me; Darren isn’t exactly one for foreplay, more of a get in then get out kind of guy. Chase has the abs for some foreplay, though.
There’s part of me that knows kissing him is ridiculous. There’s a bigger part of me that wants to kiss him.
So, I do.
It’s not a moment of bliss or ecstasy or anything that I felt with Darren. It’s awkward, a little wet, and we both keep our eyes open. I’m very aware—too aware—that we’re kissing. The world doesn’t disappear; we’re in a hospital, and no matter how much I want to, I don’t forget that.
I’ve never known a kiss to feel this real before. It’s nice.
I end the kiss, and wait for Chase to speak.
Apparently, he’s waiting for me to speak too, because his lips that were so active moments ago now are still as can be. “That was nice,” I try, even though it was better than nice.
“One word for it,” Chase says, and I want to hear the other words. “It wasn’t how I imagined it would be.”
That may be a bad thing, but he imagined it, and that makes me happier than it should. “What do you mean?”
“Well, it was my first kiss,” he says, and that surprises me. Guess everyone’s not as slutty as I am. “And I always thought I’d…walk over to the girl, take her face in my hands, and then kiss her. It was better than that, though. Kind of forgot about everything when you kissed me; we weren’t in a hospital anymore, it was just us.” He hesitates. “Also thought I’d be better at it.”
“You were good.”
“Thanks. You were amazing.”
“Practice makes perfect.” Right. Kiss a guy then imply that you’ve kissed many guys, many times, before. Way to make him feel good.
---
It’s almost three in the morning, so we’ve exhausted all conversation topics from so, how do you use the bathroom when you’re paralyzed? to I like Chinese food, how 'bout you? to now, “There was a fire drill at school the other day.”
“We’ve had more of those since you started going here,” Chase says, then laughs at my dropped jaw.
I hit him, and wonder if he can feel it. “You’re a jerk.” The ultimate flirtation: hit a guy, and call him a jerk in a whiny voice while giggling. Chase smiles, so, of course, it worked.
“Speaking of school,” he says. “Isn’t this past your bedtime for a school night?”
I shrug. “I’ll skip tomorrow.”
“I’d love to go to school right now.”
“I’ll drink lots of coffee.”
The lull that follows isn’t the first of the night, nor is it the first time I use the silence to play the what-part-of-Chase-I-want-to-touch-the-most game. Anything below the belt is pointless because he won’t feel it, which is a weird twist of fate. The upper body is pretty foreign to me; Darren isn’t exactly one for foreplay, more of a get in then get out kind of guy. Chase has the abs for some foreplay, though.
There’s part of me that knows kissing him is ridiculous. There’s a bigger part of me that wants to kiss him.
So, I do.
It’s not a moment of bliss or ecstasy or anything that I felt with Darren. It’s awkward, a little wet, and we both keep our eyes open. I’m very aware—too aware—that we’re kissing. The world doesn’t disappear; we’re in a hospital, and no matter how much I want to, I don’t forget that.
I’ve never known a kiss to feel this real before. It’s nice.
I end the kiss, and wait for Chase to speak.
Apparently, he’s waiting for me to speak too, because his lips that were so active moments ago now are still as can be. “That was nice,” I try, even though it was better than nice.
“One word for it,” Chase says, and I want to hear the other words. “It wasn’t how I imagined it would be.”
That may be a bad thing, but he imagined it, and that makes me happier than it should. “What do you mean?”
“Well, it was my first kiss,” he says, and that surprises me. Guess everyone’s not as slutty as I am. “And I always thought I’d…walk over to the girl, take her face in my hands, and then kiss her. It was better than that, though. Kind of forgot about everything when you kissed me; we weren’t in a hospital anymore, it was just us.” He hesitates. “Also thought I’d be better at it.”
“You were good.”
“Thanks. You were amazing.”
“Practice makes perfect.” Right. Kiss a guy then imply that you’ve kissed many guys, many times, before. Way to make him feel good.
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