SDC fan's guide to Algger- Part 1
Sadly, Algger didn’t make it to the SDC finals. I’m sure his performance would have been bizarre and overproduced, since the finals always are, but I still would have liked to see it. As befitting his stature, he battled valiantly to the end, delivering one last surprise (krump???). I respect Algger’s indomitable spirit. Considering the SDC trajectories of his close collaborators and Hello Dance comrades, Derek and ZIV, this was as foreseeable as it is regrettable.
SDC is a notoriously uncharitable venue for both choreographers and jazz dancers, so I’m proud of Algger for making it as far as he did! I’m so glad his talents will be shared with a wider audience because of his participation on the program. I am a bit disappointed that we never got to see the full force of Algger’s choreographic skills– perhaps his introduction dance ‘I am AngAng’ was the closest we have– but there were several very beautiful, entertaining, and successful pieces presented nonetheless. It was a delight to see Algger interact creatively with a new set of dancers, choreographers, and aesthetic sensibilities.
The show didn’t properly appreciate Algger’s allure. But you do, don’t you, dear reader? If you liked Algger on SDC, I have compiled this handy guide to some of his other incredible choreographies.
If you loved the first group piece Algger performed alongside his Hello Dance and O-Dog comrades: You have excellent taste. This technique of matching his characteristically madcap choreography with a slower tempo of song is something that Algger has kept coming back to over the course of his career, usually to excellent effect. Most recent was his surprisingly thrilling Worth It choreography, which is all the more exciting against the languid backdrop of the music.
2022 has been such a year of revival for Algger, he’s really coming into his potential. Lucky for us! I will write thousands of words about Worth It someday, but for now, I’ll just mention that it’s a top 5 all-time best Algger piece. Everyone should see it, repeatedly, but especially if you liked his Slow Down choreography, in which he plays with some similar ideas, including elements of animation and contemporary dance.
Close viewers will also notice several moves that appeared in Lonely Warrior, though interpreted differently, which is lovely and fascinating to watch.
Dong was also incredible in this performance. He’s really great, and he deserved much more screentime on SDC! He features in Hello Dance’s most popular video on Youtube, with Jen.
Dong has an entrancingly silky, tactile texture to his dance, which contrasts beautifully with Algger’s molten and untouchable style when they perform together. You should watch this handsome Dong choreography (featuring Algger, ZIV, and Derek!) to really experience his majesty.
I am AngAng → Remix (2019)
This introductory choreography is full of quintessential Algger features: fast tempo, thick with sound effects, lip sync, threat, and campy flirtation. If this iconic performance drew you in, you have to see Algger’s other most famous choreography, an edgy homage to his influences and collaborators, the dance/pop group Tokyo Gegegay.
There are several similar moves between the two choreographies, though the Tokyo Gegegay remix is much older, so one can also appreciate Algger’s evolution as a choreographer and dancer.
There are clawed hand details, animation-style movements, extraordinarily fast musicality, and just a touch of that bizarre sexiness that makes Yibo’s face go:
The face of a man who's feeling very heterosexual, probably
For completionists, you should really also watch this iteration of the same “I am AngAng” choreography, which is the stronger version, I think. It has more power, it’s cleaner, and the vibe overall is just better.
Dans la maison (Thème) -> 不屑完美
I always love an Algger-ZIV joint. The two of them have such perfectly complementary aesthetic sensibilities. Horny pansexual imp + gothic gender mystery is a top-tier combination wherever it arises, and these two do it well. Of course, this performance was a bit toned down for the SDC audience and production sensibility. It was ZIV who delivered my favorite moment of the trio with Algger, ZIV, and Siwen: I love his fluttery arm wave, so delicate and light.
One of the best moments of the season, really! If you liked this collab but were hoping for a bit more charge, watch this trio dance with Algger, ZIV, and Derek. It’s sillier, bigger, more conceptually varied, and, of course, gayer. The interweaving of Algger’s ineffable details with ZIV’s long, languid power is very good in this performance. There’s also a charming group design that takes some of the same ideas of the SDC piece in a different direction.
Legend of the Demon Cat -> Black Cat
If this was your favorite of Algger’s performances on SDC: Why? Seriously, this choreography was such a heartbreak to watch. Kyoka and Algger are two of the most impressive dancers alive right now, but this collaboration was ass. Maybe you just want to see Algger dance like a cat some more? In that case, here’s a cute little cat dance.
Bonus: my favorite Kyoka battle, with her partner Maika. She’s so cool.
Les Twins are extraordinary here as well– it’s just a great battle all around.
That's where I'll leave it for part 1! Stay tuned for recs based on the rest of Algger's SDC performances, or whichever ones I feel like, in the future! I do take requests, also. :)
