Cat's dress was also not good. It looked like swinging '60s London but cutesy or something.

I liked SYTYCD tonight, but the choreographers' explanations for the routines were way more convoluted than usual. I was like "huh?" about half the time.

Yeah, I'm about ready for someone to bust out "It's two people -- dancing!" again. So refreshing.

I so miss the first season, when the intros were all explanations of the style and how you did it properly. And then the couples just danced, generally without props or back story.

I feel old.

SYTYCD: I'm really getting tired of all the dances having stories. Why not just ... dance for the sake of dancing?

I guess I missed the first season - I would like having something with less backstory. Maybe it would get the wardrobe people to calm down.

And the pirate paso doble? I liked the dance (Alex!) but the whole story left me kind of ... meh.

Also, paso doble? Built in story, you do not need another one!

Season 1 was 45% ballroom styles so by default there was less backstory, but if you look at the contemporary (lyrical) pieces, they are clearly not "backstory" pieces either: [link]

ETA: That link is to a YouTube playlist of all Season 1 dances.

Face Off: I'm disappointed that last night was just a 2 hour introduction to the new season, but I am intrigued by the idea of new people competing against previous contestants.

MasterChef: I don't know if I'm getting cranky in my old age or what, but the fact that they're smashing perfectly good dishes just because the eggs aren't cooked right is sort of offensive. You want to be dramatic, flip the egg at the wall or something.

Wait, Amy is in the bottom? And Jasmine and Aaron aren't? What show did those people watch?

And the judges send Nico to safety?! WTF? I mean, if they were going to get rid of Tucker automatically that would be one thing, but I don't think that makes sense. Silly judges. I'm hoping and praying this means Malice is going home (I know that's not how she spells her name, but…) Ooh, liked Amy's solo. Different. I admit, I like how Malice looks on stage--her spindly little limbs come off neat. And yet…no. Oh, Alan, I can't hear this song without thinking of SYTYCD…but better than you are. Even though you're trying very hard. Ballroom dancers are so handicapped by this format.

Nico/Haley Broadway: Dang, that lift was cool but the leadup to it was so awkward it wasn't worth it.

Alan/Malece Jazz: You've never seen Gene Kelley? I buy never having seen a whole movie, but…clips? You're a 19 year old DANCER, dude. THe dance is cute, but I just dislike her so much I don't want to watch.

Jenna/ALEX WONG! paso doble: OK, but …he's not a latin dancer. So that's a little random. Though accurate, I suppose, since neither is Tucker. Damn, Alex has a pretty chest. But some of those slights looked slightly awkward. Honestly, I have no idea how good that was or not because I was all 'Squee! Alex!" (I liked the last lift/twirl).

Mackenzie/Paul-contemp: Mandy being non-80s! There's a little more REACH FOR NOTHING in the choreo than I'd prefer, but I like it. Helps that I like the song. And the last few seconds were great. Paul is definitely growing on me.

Amy/Fikshun-waltz: Well at least they're dancing to a song that's actually in 3/4 time. Some of the waltzes on this show are to terrible music. Amy's costume is awful. But they're still adorable, even waltzing. Dang, so cute!

Aaron/Jasmine-hiphop: Wait, I actually like this. Even though it's NappyTab. Is there something wrong with me? There's a few moments where he's not selling it, but mostly it's good. And I don't hate the choreo. WTF?

Guys number: Meh. I definitely hate the "flannel tied around waist" look, take it back 1990s!

Girls number: I hate Malice even more for using the word "impactful". This is cool but I kinda want to watch it be danced by older women…in their 30s or 40s. Less "I'm 18 so CLEARLY I'm young and beautiful now!" and more poignant. Hmm.

YAY Malice going home! But Alan? Huh. Weird. OK.

And now reading y'alls reactions:

What the hell kind of dancer has never seen Gene Kelly? BLASPHEMY!!!

HAHAH. Exactly.

I so miss the first season, when the intros were all explanations of the style and how you did it properly. And then the couples just danced, generally without props or back story.

Yeah, I'd love to see them explain some of the footwork and shit (and maybe show professionals doing it). And less story. Sometimes it's good but it's too much.

I liked the Bollywood opening number. I mean, I couldn't tell you if it was a particularly good one, but I always like it when there's a whole stage full of people dancing that style.