So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 5 Verdict Show

Without the judges involvement this week, it was purely up to the audience's vote to see which conetestant go. From memory, I think this is different to the American version. In that version, they went down to the last four before the audience decided who wins.

Giving the audience the ultimate power is good in one way since ultimately this is a reality show about audience participation. What's the use of giving people power but then not letting them have the final say. In another way, the audience may have made their decision but not necessarily keep the best dancers. For good tv, you do need a mix of actual talent and characters. So the way the Australian version has done it is pretty good.

As for who went tonight, I was sad to see both Jemma and Anthony leave. Jemma and Anthony both seem like such genuine nice people and it was sad to see them leave. I think it was a fair enough decision as Anthony hasn't really wowed us with a particular routine yet and it was a close call between Rhiannon and Jemma. However, I'm sure both Jemma and Anthony will go on to bigger and better things. I'm not sure what it is but I like most of the contestants, unlike Australian Idol where usually I only like one or two people and want the rest to leave. Maybe dance does bring out the love in people hahaha.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 5 Live Show

After last weeks break, I couldn't wait for this weeks show. This week, instead of doing two routines like the American series, the dancers did one routine with a randomly chosen partner and a solo routine. The solo routine is good and bad. The good part is that they get to shine and not blame anyone else for their failing. The bad part is that the solo routines aren't as exciting as a partner routine. You just simply cannot do as many moves by yourself.

When Natalie told the contestants they would be doing solos, she said they could choose their own song from a movie soundtrack. Also, they would have the choice of three choreographers, Nacho Pop (Hip Hop), Paul Green (Ballroom) and Kelly Akyres (Jazz). I thought the choreographers would be choreographing the whole routines. But looking at the quality of the routines and the comments the judges made, it appears more that the contestants did their own choreography with some help from the experts. That's what I think anyway, because Jason was saying how he liked the way Jack decided to do a theme and stick with it and how Graeme decided to add a lot of tricks into his routine.

I'm going to adjust my scoring system slightly to rate both routines. I will rate each routine out of 5, and give a likeability out of 5 too, giving a total of 15.
Previous posts about the shows are here
Top 10 Live Show
Top 10 Verdict Show

Top 9 Live Show
Top 9 Verdict Show

Top 8 Live Show
Top 8 Verdict Show

Top 7 Live Show
Top 7 Verdict Show

Top 6 Live Show
Top 6 Verdict Show

Vanessa and Jack
Vanessa chose Jack randomly out of a hat this week. The routine they got was a contemporary routine, with a lyrical emphasis. I really enjoyed the routine and thought they were a great pairing. They are both great technicians and excuted the kicks and moves really well. I liked the fire between them as well.

Vanessa

For her solo, Vanessa picked the soppy ballad "How Can I Live", the Trisha Yearwood version rather than the Leanne Rimes version. As an aside, despite Trisha's version having way more success, I actually prefer Leanne's version, which is a bit edgier and less soppy. Vanessa's routine was ok, with a lot of her nice extensions throughout the routine, but it didn't really catch me.
Partner Routine: 4.5/5
Solo Routine: 3/5
Likeability: 4/5
Overall: 11.5/15

Jack

Jack's solo routine was performed to the "Mission Impossible" theme. His solo was one of two that I thought was good and entertaining. All the others I was a bit ho hum about. I didn't really like the rest or hate them. Jack's solo was dynamic and truly entertained. He kept the spy theme throughout the routine and I was engrossed in it for the whole minute.
Partner Routine: 4.5/5
Solo Routine: 4.5/5
Likeability: 5/5
Overall: 14/15

Kate and Rhys
Kate and Rhys performed the best routine of the night for me. I know that the judges thought Rhiannon and Henry's routine was the best, which I thought was really good, but I thought this was better. It's easy to think the other routine is better because the dancers were crying at the end and emotional sad pieces tend to catch the audience more. However, for me, joyous routines can be great too. Kate and Rhy's hip hop routine by a British choreographer called "Supple" is probably the best hip hop routine of the whole series. It was smooth at times, intricate and also sharp when needed. Kate and Rhy were dynamic in it.

Kate

Kate's solo to Whitney Houstons "Queen of The Night" was good in part and ok for most of it. Her kicks were good, but there were an awful lot of them and at times it just seemed to be an exercise in how many kicks she could fit into the routine.
Partner Routine: 5/5
Solo Routine: 3.5/5
Likeability: 3.5/5
Overall: 12/15

Rhys

Rhys performed his solo to "Born Slippy" by Underworld from the Trainspotting soundtrack. His solo was the other one that caught my attention. It was a very strong performance indeed and suited the song I thought.
Partner Routine: 5/5
Solo Routine: 4/5
Likeability: 4.5/5
Overall: 13.5/15

Demi and Graeme
Demi and Graeme did a really interesting contemporary routine. I thought it was so funny when they chose contemporary from the hat and Graeme breaks out in tears because he's worried the audience will pigeon hole him since he has done so many contemporary routines. If I were him, I would be ecstatic becuase you get to do something you are strong in and show your best each week. Their routine of insect movements was very dramatic and their moves really were out of this world. Demi was so good and showed how she can learn new things. I guess this style is new to Graeme too and he did great also.

Demi

Demi's solo to "Sex Machine" by the father of soul himself James Brown started off good, but then sort of just went into a typical break dancing routine. It started off so well with Demi doing this cheeky/sexy bend to pick up the hat and then she launched into all her tricks, without really linking it all together.
Partner Routine: 4.5/5
Solo Routine: 3/5
Likeability: 4.5/5
Overall: 12/15

Graeme

Graeme did his solo to "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. I thought this song would provide heaps of material to work with but his routine was another solo from the night that I don't really remember. It lacked any real highlight.
Partner Routine: 4.5/5
Solo Routine: 3/5
Likeability: 3.5/5
Overall: 11/15

Jemma and Anthony
Jemma and Anthony did a Cha Cha for their routine. Jemma actually did this after her solo and she was much better in this. Obviously as the judges said, this is her field and they expected more. She was good but not great. Being partnered with Anthony hasn't brought out the best in her. She must trust Rhys more and that connection was lacking. Anthony did a good job in the cha cha but again, no real highlight.

Jemma

Jemma performed her ballroom solo to "Shake a Tail Feather" by the Blues Brothers. It looked like a really lame jive. All her kicks lacked vigour and energy. It must be strange doing a solo as ballroom dancers always work in pairs, but this routine was really bad. She was on the verge of tears when the judges were criticising her. I've been a massive fan of Jemma's the whole series and its such a shame both her routines were bad.
Partner Routine: 3.5/5
Solo Routine: 2.5/5
Likeability: 4.5/5
Overall: 10.5/15

Anthony

Anthony performed his solo to "The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice. It's one of my favourite songs and I thought since the song is already so emotional, his contemporary routine would be great. It was pretty good but lacked the absolute smooth flow of an emotional contemporary routine.
Partner Routine: 3.5/5
Solo Routine: 3.5/5
Likeability: 3.5/5
Overall: 10.5/15

Rhiannon and Henry
Rhiannon and Henry did a jazz piece by Kelly Akyres. Kelly choreographed the piece about her own personal loss of a soul mate. When a choreographer does that, it tends to bring out a lot of emotions from the dancers. When Mia Michaels choreographed a piece about her own father who passed away in the American series, that brought out so much emotion from everyone. So it was fairly safe to assume that this routine would be good. It did turn out to be good and both Rhiannon and Henry were either in tears or near tears at the end. Rhiannon was great for me, more subdued compared to normal. Henry was also really good, bringing both the technical and emotional side to the routine.

Rhiannon

Rhiannon's solo to Amerie's "One Thing" was fun but a lot like the stuff she normally does in her dance for your life part. She's really good at that type of dancing but we haven't seen her do other things in her solos.
Partner Routine: 5/5
Solo Routine: 3/5
Likeability: 2.5/5
Overall: 10.5/15

Henry

Henry did a pose doble type dance to the theme from the movie "300". It was strong but seemed too rushed and a bit messy. He tried to cram too much in and instead of seeing the strong moves from the softer moves, it was a bit of a blur.
Partner Routine: 5/5
Solo Routine: 3.5/5
Likeability: 3.5/5
Overall: 12/15

It will be sad to see any of the dancers leave as they are all so great. But I hope my favourites of Jack, Demi, Rhys, Vaness and Jemma stay in the competition.

World's Greatest Shave - The Aftermath

Well here are the results after the World's Greatest Shave. I managed to raise over $200 so thank you to everyone that sponsored me. It's still not too late to put in a sponsorship. If you want to donate some money to the Leukaemia Foundation, follow the link.

Donate Money To Leukaemia Foundation

So here I am with a full head of hair.

And then there was none.

And in between I had this happening mohawk.

Golf - Driving Range

You must learn to walk before you run. So when we were talking about a playing golf, Adrian asked if we had ever played before. Both Justin and I hadn't. So Adrian suggested we go hit some balls at the driving range instead.

Luckily we did that, otherwise we could still be trying to finish one hole after 3 hours. I've always golf was for rich old people. And I still think that. Adrian's Mitsubishi 1980s wagon looked so out of place in the car part amongst the BMW's and Mercedes. But I have to give credit to people who play golf, it's not as easy as it looks.

We got 200 balls between the three of us. We were thinking that might not be enough, but after we finished, we agreed it was definitely enough. You see, the problem is that when you are crap, like we are, you tend to mishit the ball a lot. This sends a huge shock through your hands and arms and it's very tiring. Occasionally when we hit a good shot, it felt effortless and the club was doing all the work. We tried the woods and various irons that Adrian had brought. It was amazing how many shots we managed to skew, miss completely, hit the roof with, hit the side boards and even backwards. Ok technically Justin didn't hit it backwards. He had a few balls lined up and when he went to backswing for the first one, he hit one of the other balls on the ground and it went backwards.

It was a fun day and I'm going to go to the driving range more so that I can improve my swing. I like the challenge of hitting a good shot.

Do you like my style? Shocking swing isn't it?

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 6 Verdict Show

It really is getting harder and harder to watch someone get elminated each week. It seems that I'm even more deeply immersed in the stories of the dancers than the contestants of Australian Idol. Somehow dance just seems to be linked to a lot more struggle.

This week, again the audience more or less got it right. It always depends on who you like but I think the right choices were made. The clear favourites as I have said from about week 2 have been Demi and Jack and Jemma and Rhys. Jemma and Rhys have really been the surprise package for me. I didn't think Jemma would be so versatile and I thought Rhys would be a bit too camp. But that has not been the case and they have proven themselves to be the most consistent.

The third automatic safe spot was a toss up between Vanessa and Henry and Kate and Graeme. Support for Vanessa and Henry and Kate and Graeme have changed from week to week. I guess it must be really close between them.

With the girls "Dance For Your Life" or "Dance For Yourself" as Jason said, I really felt Kate's routine. You know you get into a routine when it feels way too short. Rhiannon's routine seemed all over the place. Equally, Camilla's routine was full of as many high kicks as she could manage. I thought Rhiannon might go as Camilla still had more to give I thought. But to be fair, Rhiannon has been dancing at a slightly higher level than Camilla so it was fair enough that Camilla went.

With the guys dance, I also agreed with the judges and felt Graeme should be safe. As for the choice between JD and Anthony, it could have gone either way for me. Anthony's solo probably saved him. JD's solos are just a tad too relaxed and need slightly more energy.

Both JD and Camilla gave amazing farewell speeches. They were so heartfelt and emotional. Had me slightly misty eyed. They both commented on how great it was that dance was in the limelight for once and I totally agree. Dance is the poor cousin to singing. Dance is the ugly sisters to singing's Cinderella. It's hard to showcase dance because there aren't as many opportunities to show it. We hear music everywhere and anyone can quickly sing a song. But to actually do a dance takes more skill to show the different emotions.

I'm torn between supporting quite a few couples and don't really want to see any of them go. Unlike Australian Idol where there is usually one clear favourite and people are passionate about that person, I think with this show, everyone is supporting everyone. This show is much more celebratory and less about a winner. They are all winners.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 6 Live Show

This weeks show really hotted up, both in terms of the dance routines and the interaction between the couples. There was so much stroking, touching and suggestive actions in the routines this week. I stand by my summation last week that some clear favourites are emerging. Demi and Jack are neck and neck with Rhys and Jemma for me at the moment. Those two couples have been consistently good in every routine they have done.
Previous posts about the shows are here
Top 10 Live Show
Top 10 Verdict Show

Top 9 Live Show
Top 9 Verdict Show

Top 8 Live Show
Top 8 Verdict Show

Top 7 Live Show
Top 7 Verdict Show

Kate and Graeme
Suprise Challenge
Kate and Graeme's self choreographed dance to Pump It by the Black Eyed Peas was very high energy and entertaining. I actually thought this dance was better than the one they were given.

Kate and Graeme did a jazz routine, which is in Kate's field. In terms of the dancing, I thought it was good. To find out that the live dance was the first time Kate had done that routine fully was amazing. It shows how good she is technically as a dancer. As for the whole dance, I didn't really understand it. The costume and song and moves didn't work that well together for me.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2.5/3
Overall: 7.5/10

Vanessa and Henry
Suprise Challenge
For the suprise challenge, Vaness and Henry chose Black and White from Michael Jackson. Their dance didn't reflect the lyrics but I don't a routine always has to reflect what the lyrics are saying. They had a story in their routine and the music was there to support that other story. I thought they did really great.

Vanessa and Henry did capoeira this week. I've seen this type of "dancing" before and it can be good. But it tends to be a bit stop start and is usually accompanied by drums and shakers rather than music. I think Vanessa and Henry did a good job in terms of performing the routine but I didn't really like the routine either. It didn't flow too well but that isn't their fault. The backwards lift was very spectacular.
Routine: 3/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 7.5/10

Camilla and Anthony
Surprise Challenge
The new pairing of Camilla and Anthony did a boxing dance routine to Kanye West's Stronger. I think the idea was good and most of the execution was good. But there were a bit of dead spots in the routine.

Camilla and Anthony were doing a lambada this week. The routine was fun enough and would have been great if it was a samba. The technique was ok, but I agree with Jason and was asking myself the same thing about the dance throughout, where is the sex. The lambada is suppose to be the dance of love and this dance just didn't have that feel.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 7/10

Jemma and Rhys
Surprise Challenge
Jemma and Rhys did a routine to Pony by Ginuwine. The were like horses and I really liked it. It was fun and entertaining. These two have not put a step wrong all competition.

Jemma and Rhys did a musical theatre number for their main routine. I think this dance was the best of the night. They were thoroughly entertaining and worked the crowd well with their theatricality. Rhys showed great technique and Jemma has shown how well she is adapting. I think they are the clear favourites in the show now, such is their high standards.
Routine: 4.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 9/10

Rhiannon and JD
Surprise Challenge
Rhiannon and JDs routine to Big Girls by Mika was very obvious. The idea of having Rhiannon in a fat suit didn't work for me.

Rhiannon and JDs hip hop routine was understated like the judges said. I think it work fairly well, but either needed to be a bit stronger or have a few more big moments for it to translate through to us watching at home. I liked JDs laid back style in this.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 1.5/3
Overall: 6.5/10

Demi and Jack
Surprise Challenge
Demi and Jack's routine to Crazy In Love by Beyonce was entertaining but needed a bit more. Beyonce has such a stage presence when she sings this song and just exudes attitude. They needed a bit more attitude to have made the song work.

Demi and Jack's contemporary routine was not the usual soft emotion charged routine. Theirs was like a normal contemporary routine on drugs. It was hardcore and fulls of lifts and flips. I think they both handled themselves really well and put everything into it.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 8/10

Unlike last week, there wasn't any truly excellent routine. However, having the contestants choreographed their own routine has been interesting. Although the show is not about who is the best choreographer, it does show which of them could keep evolving and one day choreograph their own routines. As I said, I think Jemma and Rhys musical theatre routine was the best of the night.

World's Greatest Shave - Sponsor Me

I will be taking part in the World's Greatest Shave again this year. The World's Greatest Shave is run by the Leukaemia Foundation and all money raised goes towards research into and helping out patients with cancer and their families.

So if you feel like sponsoring me to shave my head, please folllow the link below and make a donation. Any donations over $2 is tax deductible.

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR THANH DO TO SHAVE HIS HEAD

The Power Of Alcohol

It's amazing what effect alcohol can have on a person. Alcohol doesn't have to be a bad thing, if enjoyed in moderation. But once you have it in excess and lose control, it can totally destroy your life physically and mentally.

I have to say that this post isn't about me preaching that you shouldn't drink and how its bad for you. In fact, I enjoy a drink occasionally myself. I rarely drink on weekdays and only do so if I've had an extremely bad day and need to relax or I've gone out for dinner with friends. Otherwise, I enjoy a wine or spirit on a weekend.

I will usually have a wine with my meals out in the company of friends. There is nothing better than enjoying a good wine with good food and good company. The wine just helps to give that extra kick and makes everyone more relaxed. And when people are relaxed, they open up more and you find out a lot more about them as a person. People will reveal a lot about themselves that they may normally be hesitant to tell. But with less inhibitions, you get to really learn what another person is like.

I also enjoying having some quiet drinks with friends where we just relax and not much needs to be said. You know you're in the presence of good friends when you can keep silent. It's actually very uncomfortable to be silent with people you don't know well and don't trust. But when you can keep silent and only talk when there is something to say, then you know the company is good.

But like I said earlier, if you overdo it with the alcohol, you can also see the very ugly side of people. I think most people realise the point when they start to get drunk a little. That point is actually very enjoyable. But if you take it further and keep drinking, you will so regret it later. Some people turn into monsters when they are drunk. Some become very funny. And others like me, become all introspective and quiet. Whatever the reaction, it may not always be good. There's also that massive splitting headache and possibly some violent visits to the toilet. So keep your drinking in moderation and enjoy yourself. Ask some probing questions next time and find out even more about your good friends. You'll feel even closer to them due to it.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 7 Verdict Show

I think the audience are voting for the best dancers each week now as we clearly saw the weakest couples for the weeks show in the bottom three.

With the girls solos, Camilla's solo wasn't particularly strong. There were some good parts but also some bad transitions from one thing to another. Laura's solo was even weaker for me. She looks to be in slow motion sometimes. I thought Rhiannon's solo was really strong and didn't agree with the judges that she overdanced. It was a slightly angry song and she showed it. I think the deicsion to get rid of Laura was the right one. She had been underperforming in all her routines and was clearly surrounded by better dancers.

With the guys, I have to agree with the judges and say they were all repeating solos they had done before. Sermsah's solo may have been set to dance music, but it was the same thing he did at his audition but lacking that emotional content. Anthony has done the near exact solo before as well. JD's solo looked a lot like his previous weeks too. I don't understand what the judges are seeing in JD. Personally I would have let him go and given Sermsah one more chance. But it was still a fair enough decision to let go of Sermsah. It has been a good journey that we the audience has had with Sermsah. His swearing at the end was hilarious as well. He is just a genuine person.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 7 Live Show

This weeks show really hotted up, both in terms of the dance routines and the interaction between the couples. There was so much stroking, touching and suggestive actions in the routines this week. I stand by my summation last week that some clear favourites are emerging. Demi and Jack are neck and neck with Rhys and Jemma for me at the moment. Those two couples have been consistently good in every routine they have done.
Previous posts about the shows are here
Top 10 Live Show
Top 10 Verdict Show

Top 9 Live Show
Top 9 Verdict Show

Top 8 Live Show
Top 8 Verdict Show

Jemma and Rhys
Finally, Rhys and Jemma have been able to prove themselves in a genre other than ballroom. I really thought Jemma was going to struggle a bit in their hip hop routine, but I was so glad to be proven wrong. They started the show with such a high energy hip hop routine. There moves were sharp and strong, and as usual, their interaction was fantastic. Jemma, like Stephanie is a ballroom dancer at heart. But not only is Jemma a much better ballroom dancer than Stephanie, she has proven that she is so versatile as well. There isn't any excuses, just genuine emotions. I'm really warming to Jemma and her gentle spirit. Rhys has excelled at everything he has done, and he was excellent in this hip hop routine. When they both did the splits was my favourite moment of the night.
Routine: 4.5/5
Technique: 2/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 9.5/10

Demi and Jack
Demi has shown how versatile she has been too. She out of everyone, has surprised me the most, just purely because she is a break dancer and you wouldn't have expected her to do half the things she has done. Demi and Jack's Rumba routine was half there. They had the emotional side going, but it lacked the full effect as their body movements were silky enough I thought. It didn't have the usual slow curvy rumba lines that just exudes sensuality and lust. It was hilarious though when Demi surrendered herself in by saying that not wearing heels was her idea rather than letting Paul the choreography take the blame. She is definitely very genuine and I like that.
Routine: 3/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 7.5/10

Laura and Anthony Again, Laura and Anthony had a totally forgettable routine. They either are really unlucky or just haven't made enough of their routines. Either way, I can only seriously remember their disco routine. Everything else they have done has been extremely boring and underwhelming. This weeks Contemporary routine didn't really feel like a contemporary routine. I didn't understand the story at all. I think Laura's lack of versatility is really starting to show. She was again very average for me. I still am undecided about Anthony. Her has all the technique and strength to do a lot, but hasn't been given the right choreography yet. He is extremely likeable though, and what he said about making the most of the choreography at the end was spot on.
Routine: 1.5/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 4.5/10

Camilla and Sermsah
At the start, I was really drawn towards Sermsah in this partnership. But of late, my allegiance has been shifting to Camilla more and more. She is clearly the better dancer in this pairing so far. Sermsah hasn't been able to recapture those fantastic emotional dances that he did during the Top 100 auditions. Again this week, he was found lacking in the hip hop and Jason gave him some good tips about how to change that. Hopefully he will improve as I like him.
Routine: 3/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2.5/3
Overall: 7/10

Vanessa and Henry
Last week I said that Vanessa and Henry hadn't had a breakthrough dance yet. Well this week, I can now change that. Their Jason Gilkison choreographed Samba was probably the best dance this season so far. If not, it would be a close call with Jason's other choreographed Waltz for Jemma and Rhys. These two dances have moved me the most so far. Vanessa was excellent in this dance. Her beautiful lines and extensions were used to their fullest in the dance. But like the judges said, it was the way she attacked the dance and that fire in her eyes and movement that made it exceptional. Henry was in his element but still managed to draw attention his way. The sharp hair cut and shaved chest probably helped.
Routine: 5/5
Technique: 2/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 10/10

Kate and Graeme
Like I said last week, I'm really starting to like Kate more. She did herself no harm this week by performing a fantastic Contemporary routine. What a difference in this contemporary routine than that which Laura and Anthony did. It really is the luck of the draw sometimes and which choreographer and which routine they give you. This routine was very moving and Graeme was so good in all the lifts. Kate's usual brilliant lines were there for all to see. The judges thought it was the best contemporary routine they have seen all season. I don't disagree with that, but it wasn't totally perfect for me. I have seen better contemporary routines from Mia Michaels in the US series so I can't mark this full marks.
Routine: 4.5/5
Technique: 2/2
Likeability: 2.5/3
Overall: 9/10

Rhiannon and JD
After last weeks disastrous Tango, Rhiannon and JD have bounced back well this week. Their jazz routine was full of energy and very clever with how the hats were worked throughout the routine. However, good was not good enough this night. With three other spectacular routines from Jemma and Rhys, Vanessa and Henry, Kate and Graeme, this routine was lost a bit at the end. JD did a lot better this week but I still spotted quite a few technicial errors from him.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 1.5/3
Overall: 6.5/10

Quality wise, this episode has clearly been the best so far. There were so many highlights throughout the night. From what I have seen so far, I think that Laura and Anthony are the only definites that should be in the bottom three. All the others are up in the air and it really depends who the audience votes for.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 8 Verdict Show

I wasn't completely surprised at the bottom three couples, as two of them were in my bottom three in terms of scores. I thought that Rhiannon and JD would be there since they messed up their routine. But they must have got a lot of sympathy votes, or they just have a lot of fans.

For the solo "dance for your life" routine, I actually thought Marko's routine was the best. Shows what I know about dance eh? I really thought his solo was really entertaining and disagreed with Jason that all the couples really connected with the solos this week. I thought they had all done better solos. Vanessa's solo last week was way better, as was Henry's.

I think the judges definitely got it right by sending Stephanie home. I had been saying for weeks that her dancing isn't that strong. Her solo Samba was really messy. I've watched enough dance shows to see that the "twisty" move part of her samba where she is putting one leg behind the other was really bad. She lost it in the middle part of that. I also had enough of all her excuses.

With the guys, I thought it was a really tough choice. Henry has been good, and Anthony has so many spectacular moves and is so likeable. In the end, I guess Marko just wasn't as versatile as the others.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 8 Live Show

After three live shows, you can really start to get a feel for who the favourites are. In terms of dancing ability and likeability of contestants, I think some clear favourites are starting to emerge.
Previous posts about the shows are here
Top 10 Live Show
Top 10 Verdict Show

Top 9 Live Show
Top 9 Verdict Show

Demi and Jack
Demi and Jack opened the show with a fantastic and energetic jazz routine. They were good this week but the routine did lack that extra little bit of spark from Demi. Jack was really good and all his moves were strong. Some of Demi's moves lacked that extra punch. But overall it was still a good routine and they are still so likeable.
Routine: 4/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 8.5/10

Vanessa and Henry
I still like Vanessa and Henry but think they haven't really had a breakthrough performance yet. This has affected their likeability in my eyes as they really haven't impressed yet. Their contemporary disco routine was rather strange. I didn't really get it either. I thought Vanessa's dancing was excellent and she shone more than Henry this week.
Routine: 3/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 6.5/10

Camilla and Sermsah
Finally, Sermsah has arrived at this competition. Camilla has been dancing well already, but Sermsah matched her this week. Their contemporary routine was excellent. The opening lift and slow drop really caught me. The middle section was good, but since I have watched so many Chinese action flicks, I found the martial arts bit a little weak. The story through the routine was good.
Routine: 4/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2.5/3
Overall: 8/10

Jemma and Rhys
Jemma and Rhys have gone from strength to strength each week. It has helped that they have been given good choreography, but they have been shown themselves to be versatile dancers. Rhys in particular has really impressed. In both their standout performances, Week 1's Waltz, and this weeks Paso Doble, Rhys has shown how well he has adapted to ballroom. Their paso was so powerful and really really had me hooked.
Routine: 5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 9.5/10

Stephanie and Marko
If I had my way, Stephanie would be gone from this competition. I think that dancing wise, she really has shown that she is not that good. Also, I just don't like her. She is constantly giving excuses. And I think I'm not the only one that doesn't like her. In Marko's pre dance interview, he was saying how its really hard to work with the same person and keep pulling them up each week. You would think that working with the same person each week would be a benefit as you start to develop trust and understanding. Again, Marko was good in their krump and Stephanie terrible. The routine itself wasn't great and was rather disjointed.
Routine: 2/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 1/3
Overall: 4/10

Laura and Anthony Their Soul Swing routine this week did nothing for me. I wasn't really laughing or swinging along at any stage. I still like Anthony's enthusiasm in each routine, but he needs to be given more complicated routines as he is capable of so much more. Laura has long limbs but yet her lines are nowhere near as elegant as Kate or Jemma's.
Routine: 2/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 5/10

Rhiannon and JD
Rhiannon and JD's Tango routine started off so great. I really thought they were doing a great job and I was involved. Then I wondered what happened as the routine was really bad in the middle. JD was looking downwards and his shoulders were slumped. I thought that the choreography was awful. It was only when the judges pointed out that they had lost the routine did my untrained ballroom mind finally click. The first half of the routine was strong and showed so much, but the end half undid all that. Rhiannon was still fantastic and her leg work was so strong. JD needs to lift his game or he will be going home soon.
Routine: 2/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 1.5/3
Overall: 4.5/10

Kate and Graeme
I'm really starting to like Kate more and more. Despite her being in the bottom three each week so far, I think she is actually one of the best dancers in the competition. Her Bollywood routine this week with new partner Graeme was very entertaining for me. I was bouncing along with them the whole way. I thought her partnering with Graeme this week has been the best so far from her. Graeme has also increased his likeability from me more.
Routine: 4/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 7.5/10

As I wrote in the intro, I think there are now some clear favourites in this competition, well for me anyway, I don't know what the rest of Australia think. I think that Demi and Jack are clear crowd favourites. Their fun personalities and great dancing so far has endeared them to me. A surprise for me has been Jemma and Rhys. I always thought Jemma is a great ballroom dancer with fantastic lines but she has shown she can do other things too. Rhys has surprised me the most as I didn't really rate him highly during the auditions. But he has won me over with his strong dancing. Another crowd favourite is Camilla and Sermsah I think. Sermsah probably had most of the audience during his audition stages with his emotional story. And finally with tonights good performance, he has proven to be a worthy contender.