Humph.

I’m miffed at the producers of So You Think You Can Dance. Mighty miffed. First, they changed the set, and suddenly what felt like an intimate performance now feels like the telecast for the academy awards. And they also changed the judging. And it just doesn’t feel like my familiar fave show anymore. Sadness.

Can we take a minute to talk about the judging? Because this, really, is what I think has ruined the show. In season 6, instead of two permanent judges (Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy) plus an additional guest judge from amongst the ranks of the choreographers, we have three permanent judges: Nigel, Mary and Adam Shankman. And no guest judges. Which sucks. Now, it’s not that I don’t like Adam. In fact, I think he is one of the better judges. It’s just that I really appreciate the variety of opinions and styles that you get with a rotating third guest judge. And I’m not even going to mention the “Paula Abdul chair” gag. BARF.

There are a few positive changes this season, though: the first being the “Meet the Top 20″ episode, where dancers performed in groups, all in their own styles. The hip hop number was beyond good, and of course Wade Robson group numbers never disappoint.

I thought it was a great way to really showcase what the dancers can do in their own areas of strength and – let’s face it – don’t we all prefer to see people do well?

The second great positive change this year is the addition of two new choreographers from SYTYCD Canada! Last season contemporary choreographer Stacey Tookey (originally from Edmonton) joined the SYTYCD team from the Canadian show and has choreographed a number of excellent routines.

Stacey Tookey

And this year Sean Cheesman (Calgary-born Jazz, Contemporary, Theatre and Afro-Jazz choreographer) created an amazing Afro-Jazz number (was it really the first time Afro-Jazz has been featured on the US version of SYTYCD?) for Russell and Noelle. It rocked.

Sean Cheesman

Also joining Stacey and Sean was Gustavo Vargas (who, although not a Canadian by birth first choreographed for SYTYCD on the Canadian show). Gustavo choreographed Mollee and Nathan’s salsa number which, unfortunately, sucked. So sad for fan favourites Nathan and Mollee.

Gustavo Vargas

So, there are a few good things in this newer, shinier, glitzier version of SYTYCD, but it just doesn’t seem like the same old show. It’s like having an old friend move away and make it in the big city – you’re happy, and all, but it’s just never going to be the same.