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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2007 > August > 16 > Entry
8/17: Congrats Sabra on SYTYCD
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Given the dynasty factor, I thought Lacey Schwimmer would bring home the crown on “So You Think You Can Dance” and join her brother Benji from season two. But surprise! She was out first among the top four. I was rooting for Sabra Johnson and she did end up winning the third season over Neil Haskell and Danny Tidwell.
What’s amazing is Sabra has had only four years of formal dance training. She shows such natural warmth, something I thought was missing from the runner up Danny, who arguably was one of the best technical dancers I’ve ever seen. I also enjoyed watching how she would change her hair around, sometimes an afro, sometimes straight.
Interestingly, Sabra is half black, half white —Â just like Jordin Sparks, winner of this past season’s “American Idol.”
CREDIT: Andy Sharp/AJC
And it was great the finale highlighted Kennesaw State student Brian Gaynor, 20, doing his robot to “Ain’t No Other Man.” The man has a spinal disorder, but it hasn’t stopped him. “Just being up here and dancing for everybody. Family, friends, judges. I mean, I was just pretty nervous being up here,” Gaynor said. Choreographer Shane Sparks wants to put him in a movie. Here’s a story we wrote about him a couple weeks ago..
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By One
August 17, 2007 7:19 AM | Link to this
Yaaaaaaayyyyyyyy Sabra!!! She was truly the best! And why is it interesting that she is “half” anything? That is very obvious when you look at her, but what isn’t obvious is why you felt compelled to put that in the article! Kinda ignorant to me!!!
Anywho……….Danny was very good too, and so were Lacey and Neil. The difference is that Lacey started out good, but never took it to the next level. Danny and Neil were both good starters too, and Danny managed to become more personable after being told he seemed kinda arrogant. But Sabra started out good, and just flew by the others to become great!! She really turned it up about midway thru the series. And I loved her attitude!!!! GO SABRA!!!!!! Again, I have to ask, why is it “interesting” that she is half black/white? That means nothing in regards to the topic!!!
By Hunni
August 17, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
I was pleasantly surprised and very happy for her. I was fine with any of the final four winning, but expected Danny or Lacey to take it. Although Danny was a better dancer, the vote was for favorite dancer…not best. I think that Sabra will become one of the darlings in the dance world. And she deserves it. Go Sabra!!
By David HR Hall
August 17, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
Good morning, after observing Bishop Long for years and hearing him personally, I believe his heart to be true, each Pastor of an Independent Church has its own pay schedule, usually by the board of elders. So be it, let him be worthy of his hire. The Safe House is a worthy outreach in the community to which the funds are earmarked. Those that resent this are hard hearted and really do not understand that one day before the Judge of Judges they will be accountable for their attitude and words. I ask for those to repent and listen to the Holy Spirit rather than their own skepticism or misleadings. In Christ, peace be with you.
By JAmie
August 17, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
SYTYCD is a great competition show because it’s main purpose is to highlight dancing - all kinds. When some one can’t dance all styles, they don’t insult them, they compliment them on what they can do well and encourage them to keep working.
Some competition shows seem to highlight the negative - and dramatize everything. Or make it all about the judges (AI) Who needs more drama?
They also use dancers from previous years to choreograph routines-which is really cool.
Also, spotlighting the amazing story of Brian Gaynor is another thing that sytycd does that is positive. They show us how hard the dancers have worked, who they are and where they came from…
And all of the top 4 where amazing enough to be #1, but Sabre’s natural beauty and grace made her my favorite girl from the start.
Cedric (don’t remember his last name) was an amazing story, too. I hope we see more of him!
By TC
August 17, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
I loved and enjoyed Sabra’s spirit when she danced. She put her heart into everything she did and it touched me to watch. I also was floored when Danny did his final solo performance with his amazing leaps! Awesome! the final 3, Lacey, Danny, and Sabra were all great! Last night performance by Brian really touched me, he is the “Robot King” of the ATL!! Go Brian…Go Brian…Go Brian!!!!!
By Hot Sauce
August 17, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
I knew Sabra would win from the beginning, she’s an excellent dancer and i wish her the best in life & her career!
By Tracy
August 17, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
I thought all 4 were fantastic dancers. But I’m going to disagree. I didn’t want Sabra to win. I was pulling for Danny first and then Lacey. Sabra was my third choice. It wasn’t that I didn’t think she wasn’t a great dancer. I just thought the other two were better technically and more consistent throughout the entire competition. I just liked them better. I know it’s about America’s favorite dancer but she wasn’t my favorite and I wish that it would be possible for the best dancer to win but it is a popularity contest. I was a little disappointed with the results. I didn’t expect her to win or even come close so I was way wrong. I wish her luck though and I’m sure the rest will ahve great careers too.
By Staceye
August 17, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
I was rooting for Sabra since day one. I was so happy when she won. Not to mention I always called about 10 votes per night for her.
CONGRATS SABRA!!! May your career flourish. To only have been dancing for four years…you look like you have doing since age 3. You are a natural!
By One
August 17, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
TC, the final 3 were Sabra, Danny, and Neil actually………Lacey was the 1st to be voted off from the final 4.
David, I think you posted on the wrong blog…….lol. But since you did, I think Eddie Long is just another “Pimp in the Pulpit”. I have nothing against The Word, and yes, I love the Lord, but characters like him and Creflo “The Crook” Dollar (and several others) give religion a bad name overall. Yes, while both can point out some good things they do for the community (good choice on Safe House for Long), for the lifestyles their “religion” affords them, they could and should do much, much more. Instead, they “pimp” around in ridiculously expensive clothing, driving and flying in ridiculously expensive vehicles, and live this lavish lifestyles that make them look more like drug dealers than men of God. Is all of that really necessary? NO! And I wouldn’t give one red cent to either………..my .02 cents!
By Carbon Footprint
August 17, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
How hot is Cat?
By ummm
August 17, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Interestingly, Sabra is half black, half white — just like Jordin Sparks, winner of this past season’s “American Idol.”
and the most asinine comment of the year goes to…
By Mark
August 17, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
The word of the day is “life”. you people need to get one….
By agentX
August 17, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Sabra was hotter than hell and overflowing with talent. She deserves to with the title…..all you haters get a life.
By Tina B
August 17, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
I loved Sabra, I loved Danny and I loved Lacey. Danny was the best technical dancer. His final solo was off the chain. But Sabra’s personally was at the top. She mastered WHATEVER style they threw at her. Even the funky ball room dancing. So the favorite dancer did win. Congrats to Sabra and can’t waint to see you in Atlanta.
By jbean3
August 17, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
SABRA IS THE ABSOLUTE BOMB!!!!!!!!
She never missed a step, never missed a performance, and was NEVER at the bottom three at any week. She is a very talented dancer and performer and it is hard to believe that she has only been dancing for 4 years.
I never doubted her for a moment. The other 3 did exceptionally well, but they were not consistent. I wish Sabra much success and happiness. Hopefully, she will be back next year as a choreographer.