Thanks for nuthin’, World Series. Because the game prevents a So You Think You Can Dance results show from airing, tonight’s episode crammed the Top 18 performances in and the judges (not viewers) chose the couple to eliminate. Did they make the right choice? Two tappers (Bianca Revels and Phillip Attmore) out in the blink of an eye. Recap of the Top 18 and videos of tonight’s dances (from MJ)…NOW:

Noelle Marsh & Russell Ferguson – Hip Hop by Jamal Sims - “Move Shake Drop Remix” by DJ Laz, Flo Rida and Casley (VIDEO): This was Noelle’s first week performing after her bum knee injury last week. While neither dancer did a bad job, the piece itself was a scrambly mess. It was a “tennis hip hop” dance and I thought the props and costumes were contrived and well, lame-o. It was watching like two yuppie squares try to Hip Hop - ick. Noelle hit the moves, but her performance was a little forced and hokey. The judges weren’t so impressed either.

Ashleigh Di Lello & Jakob Karr – Viennese Waltz by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin - “At Last” by Etta James (VIDEO): Ashleigh needs to cut her hair. Anyway, this was a sweet number - it was about a newly married couple having their First Dance as husband and wife. Sweaty Jakob got to score two kisses with equally sweaty Ashleigh - hope her hubby Ryan wasn’t threatened *wink, smirk*. It was nice to see Ashleigh more subdued because sometimes homegirl’s pulling all kinds of overly exaggerated “OOOO!” faces or “Ha-cha-CHA!” growls after her moves. She just needs to scale back and be more genuine in her performances.

Bianca Revels & Victor Smalley – Broadway by Tyce Diorio - “Maybe God Is Tryin’ to Tell You Something” from The Color Purple soundtrack (VIDEO): Y’know, now that I know the outcome of the show; that Bianca was eliminated, I am a bit peeved. I thought she carried this routine and I’m now realizing that I’ll miss her exuberant personality from the show. I agree with the judges that Victor was all kiiiinds of pent up in this number and he didn’t TAKE. IT. TO. CHURCH. He’s such a gorgeous dancer, I hope he shapes up and can be more committed in his performances. I disagree with Nigel that Bianca also needed to give more. I thought her performance was way better than Victor’s.

Mollee Gray & Nathan Trasoras – Bollywood by Nakul Dev Mahajan - “Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah” Jodhaa Akbar (soundtrack) (VIDEO): It’s the teenybopper couple! Nathan is still a cutie and Mollee is still acting like she’s 5 years old. I don’t get why the judges think she’s suddenly matured into a woman, because I don’t see it. Though he’s young, I think Nathan could soar with a partner who has more emotional depth. Mollee, with her lisp and her cornball giddiness, just ain’t gonna cut it. Needless to say, I tune her out during their performances. Nathan had a really really strong opening to the dance and I MAY have swooned a little during his go-on-forever “hopping pirouettes”. Give him a new partner please!

Channing Cooke & Phillip Attmore – Samba by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin - “Maracatu Funk” by The Samba Squad (VIDEO): This was not good. I don’t get it: Channing was obnoxiously bubbly during her audition, but since making the Top 20 (or Top 36 even) she just seems hard, rough, angry, dour - I dunno. What happened to that shining personality? This whole Samba pretty much stank. It was shaky, their lifts were “whooOOOAAA” wobbly, the technique was astrosh…yeah, no. And I agree that Phillip should’ve gone home.

Karen Hauer & Kevin Hunte – Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Ice Cream Paint Job” by Dorrough (VIDEO): Karen’s a flirty J-Lo look-alike who’s switchin’ her hips into an auto shop to work her feminine wiles on Kevin the car mechanic. This was waaay better than the Noelle & Russell tennis number. It was hard hitting, it was entertaining, it was borderline raunchy. I tell ya, Karen is winning me over, but like I said last week - I would like to see her soften up and get raw and emotional, like in a Contemporary number. If she can pull that off, then I’ll root for her 100%. Poor Kevin, he gets overshadowed by her all the time. He better step it up!

Kathryn McCormick & Legacy Perez – Contemporary by Stacey Tookey - “2 Steps Away” by Patti LaBelle (VIDEO): Okay, so this was a lovely number and yet I couldn’t help but feel like I’d seen it before…hmmm… This Contemporary dance was about Kathryn fighting “the Fear” (a.k.a. Legacy). Yeah, it was EXTREMELY reminiscent of last season’s powerful Mia Michael’s “Addiction” dance performed by Kayla Radomski & Kupono Aweau (VID). Though Legacy had some great tricks and it was nice to watch, I kept thinking back to Mia’s addiction piece and how strong it was and how raw Kayla & Kupono were in comparison. Watch it again!

Pauline Mata & Peter Sabasino – Jazz by Wade Robson - “Little Green Bag” by George Baker Selection (VIDEO): Oops, I missed this number. It looks interesting - typical Wade stuff. I’m glad they were safe. I think little Pauline is adorable.

Ellenore Scott & Ryan Di Lello – Argentine Tango by Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo - “Violent Tango” by Astor Piazzolla (VIDEO): Nigel is right - I had a hard time appreciating the complexity of this number, but apparently Ellenore & Ryan SMASHED IT. And Ellenore did so with her dress caught on her heel for a large portion of the number. Kudos, kudos.

The judges call the Bottom 3 couples: Noelle & Russell, Channing & Phillip and Bianca & Victor. The Bottom 4 dancers are Noelle, Bianca, Phillip and Victor. They must all DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES before the judges eliminate two dancers. Unfortunately, the tappers have a tough time making a strong impression, although Bianca puts more pizzazz into it than Phillip, imo. It’s clear to me that Victor’s strong Contemporary solo bested Phillip, but the gals are neck-in-neck for me…  VIDEO

ELIMINATED: Bianca Revels and Phillip Attmore. Awww, booo, so much for this HISTORICAL Top 20 with 3 Tap dancers that the judges boasted so much about. It’s only the second week and 2 out of 3 of the tappers are gone. Like I said, I’m bummed that Bianca is out because she was a lot of fun, but Phillip has bored me from the beginning. I will, however, admit that I got a little verklempt when he mentioned his dad’s recent passing and how moved he was that some of the Top 18 went to the funeral. Why, he even got Miss Cat Deeley crying! Very sad, but the show goes on.

Next week on So You Think You Can Dance, our Top14 perform and viewers can finally have a say in who’s eliminated.

The competition began tonight and already two dancers are cut! Farewell Ariana DeBose and Brandon Dumlao, we hardly knew ye!

So You Think You Can Dance threw our Top 20 right into it, but not before we got confirmation that 1) Yes, Contemporary dancer Billy Bell indeed withdrew from the competition due to illness. He was replaced by Hip Hopper Brandon Dumlao. 2) Noelle Marsh (a.k.a. Mollee Gray’s BFF) hurt her knee so she was also out for the evening (awaiting MRI deets). That meant her poor partner, Russell Ferguson had to dance with old– er “seasoned” flame-haired choreographer, Melanie LaPatin (awkwaaaaard).

This new cast has potential, but I wasn’t completely won over on many of the performances. Maybe that’s because the stupid local news kept interrupting the show on account of, oh I’unno, the Bay Bridge’s rod snapping. Ignorance is bliss - I want Dance, not breaking news! I’m guessing so do you so check out videos from tonight’s dances (from MJ) and my thoughts.

Channing Cooke & Phillip Attmore - Jive by Jason Gilikson - “Rockin’ Robin” by Jackson 5 (VIDEO): Meh. Channing discusses her tomboyish upbringing, and uh, I still see it. There is serious “dude” in her, and some times she reminds me of Melissa Etheridge so I think she can still work on the ladyness. I love the Jive, but this number was not that coo’. Their legs lacked the *snap* - even Phillip, who should’ve been amazing with his strong tap background. In my opinion, Phillip may have been one of the Bottom 2 guys. These two need to find chemistry ASAP. They seem pretty uncomfortable with one another.

Ashleigh Di Lello & Jakob Karr - Broadway by Tyce Diorio - “Hit Me With a Hot Note (and watch me bounce)” Sophisticated Ladies (original soundtrack) (VIDEO): The judges were just drooooling over Jakob. It’s no lie: boy is TALENTED (and so flexible!). Raise your hand if, as Adam was gushing, you filled in his pause as, “Jakob, you- were- meant- to- spread…YOUR LEGS!” I did! (He actually said something like “spread the gospel of dance” - I like my version bettah). Personally, I found this dull to watch though. I didn’t see the “man-woman” connection between these two. Jakob is superb, but still too delicate in this number to be a convincing partner for Ashleigh. I think Ashleigh should’ve been in the Bottom 2 gals, by the way. She’s lacking much more than Pauline Mata.

Ariana DeBose & Peter Sabasino - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Black & Gold” by Sam Sparrow (VIDEO): Yeah, I wanted these two to do well since they’re so cute, but they didn’t gel as well as they could’ve. Anyone else think Ariana looks like an older Sasha Obama (PIC)? Awww.

Noelle Marsh & Russell Ferguson - Foxtrot by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin - “Vagabond Shoes” by Vic Damone (VIDEO): Since Noelle was out of commission, Russell had to trot that old fox: Melanie LaPatin (hellooo, I went there!). He had some decent moments, but the pairing was reminiscent of watching a young boy dance with his aunt at a party. Or a student dancing with his teacher (er, I guess that’s literally what it was). Just…odd. The judges fawn over him still. I like Russell already, so they don’t have to keep up with the “OHMIGOD, but you’re a KRUMPER! How can you possibly dance other styles decently?!!? *mind explodes*” No need to pimp him out, judges. His talent and energy stand for themselves.

Bianca Revels & Victor Smalley - Contemporary by Travis Wall - “Wasted Time” by Me’Shell Ndegeocello (VIDEO): Victor has moments of hothot, manly heat, and moments where he reminds me of Ricky from My So-Called Life. It’s really confusing but I like him. Bianca did alright for this dance, although I agree with the judges that her hunched posturing wasn’t doing her any favors. Still, Travis’ detailed, intricate choreography was lovely to watch.

Karen Hauer & Kevin Hunte - Cha Cha by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin - “Push It” by Cast of Glee (VIDEO): This song was a very choppy, odd choice for this number. Trying to win the Glee fans over? I wasn’t impressed with Kevin in this number, but I mean how can you really focus on him when Karen was completely dominating with her sexy Latin ballroom skills? Karen loves to play up the sexpot card, which isn’t always rewarded in SYTYCD but she pulls it off and I think she has real potential. I’d like to see her in a deeper emotional piece (kinda like the above Travis Wall number) to see if she can be more than just hotsexyLatin (TM).

Ellenore Scott & Ryan Di Lello - Jazz by Sonya Tayeh - “Arcadia” by Apparat (VIDEO): Um, I like Ellenore but her proclamation that this could be one of the BEST dances in the history of the show was definitely off-base. Yes, I loved watching her do the bird-like, ticking movements and Ryan was good considering this is not his style, but this piece never came together for me. Ryan has this Hugh Jackman-ness about him. His ripped bod is easy on the eyes, but he doesn’t have the humility of Mr. Jackman and sometimes his confidence comes off as cockiness. I’m intrigued though, let’s see these two do Hip Hop.

Pauline Mata & Brandon Dumlao - Smooth Waltz by Jason Gilikson - “You Light Up My Life” by Whitney Houston (VIDEO): I agree with the judges on this. As much as I wanted Brandon to do well after being called in last minute to replace Billy Bell, he did Waltz like an amateur high school student. These two definitely had a very sweet and genuine chemistry that was bubbling through, but overall, no me gusta. However, Pauline did much better than the judges gave her credit for, in my opinion!

Kathryn McCormick & Legacy Perez - Hip Hop by Dave Scott - “On & On” by Missy Elliott (VIDEO): Oh wow, so Kathryn is the “crying girl” whose voice gets reallyreally high and wobbly when she’s emotional. Um, but I must say she really impressed me here! Sure her face/hair are sorta pedestrian and she can be annoying as heck when she starts boohooing, but this number was my favorite of the night! I could do without the repeated “grooming”/”eating grubs off your hair” pantomiming, but I will at least admit that these two surpassed my expectations by a ton.

Mollee Gray & Nathan Trasoras - Disco by Doriana Sanchez - “Turn the Beat Around (Pablo’s 12″ Remix)” by Gloria Estefan (VIDEO): Y’all know I find Mollee as supremely annoying as I find Nathan supremely cute, so you can guess that I’m bummed that they’re paired together. And Disco? Why are we saddling my boy down so early in the game? Yeah, as much as I adore Nathan, this wasn’t a stand-out dance. It felt too messy/frantic and Mollee clumsily launching crotch-first into Nathan’s face was, well, incredibly disturbing on so many levels. And I’m also concerned about Nathan’s wonky new hairstyle and his tendency to pander to the cameras. Please Nathan, I want to keep lurving your dimples and rouge-y cheeks, so don’t become those obnoxious contestants that mug in front of the camera. Leave that to Mollee.

The judges select their Bottom 4 who must DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES: Ariana DeBose, Pauline Mata, Brandon Dumlao and Russell Ferguson– WHAT THE WHAT?? Ok, I know they wanted to get rid of Brandon this week, so my thought is they chose Russell because he’s undeniably NOT worth going home and the audience wouldn’t hate them for booting Brandon if he was up against beloved, talented Russell. Just me? Anyway, I actually thought Ariana out-danced Pauline. I mean she poured her heart and soul into that brief solo. Lovely, pint-sized Pauline did a nice solo, but I didn’t feel the fight in her. Russell killed his solo - there was no doubt that Brandon was going home after that. VIDEO

ELIMINATED: Ariana DeBose and Brandon Dumlao. Nigel says he’ll try to allow Brandon to try-out again next season because the show basically forced him to replace Billy and then promptly kicked him out. Also, if Noelle doesn’t get well soon, Ariana will return next week. Random. Why not just boot Noelle off now and let Ariana continue on? Survival of the fittest, baby. VIDEO

Anyway, next week we’ll get our answers and watch the Top 18 perform. Who caught your eye (good way or bad way) tonight? Did the right folks go home? I’ll see you next week for… So You Think You Can Dance!

Mmm, child! Why didn’t Nigel do this “Meet the Top 20″ special in past seasons of So You Think You Can Dance? How long have we SYTYCD fans craved an episode dedicated to the dancers in their own element - meaning their own dance style and specialty - not a rushed, 1 minute DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES, or the unevenly edited vignettes during the audition episodes. Tonight’s show gave us a taste of that by grouping all like-styled dancers together.

That’s not to say this was perfect. My gripes?

1) The episode could’ve been two hours versus one to let each Top 20 dancer do a solo (I still can’t tell them brunette Contemporary dancer gals apart).

2) The new stage is AWFUL. It’s like the American Idol stage with massive video screens that display epileptic fit-inducing Windows screensavers in the background. Now, the dancers are swallowed up. It makes it so much harder to focus on their moves and feel the impact and emotion of their dances without being distracted. NIGEL, are you listening?? Go back to the old stage so I can freakin see the DANCER, not the lighting and special FX.

3) Some of the dances did not impress and I feel like the judges were too kind in their comments - almost like they were convincing themselves that they’d made the right decisions on some of these folks.

But enough about that - you are here for THE DANCE. Recaps of the numbers and videos (from MJ) below:

TOP 20 GROUP ROUTINE: Choreographed by Wade Robson - “Comanche” by The Revels (VIDEO): This was a super swanky, wah-wah start to the show: everyone dressed to the nines like they’re in some too-cool-for-school speakeasy, snapping and clapping and “aaahhh”ing around the dance floor. Wade lumped the dancers together by style whilst mixing in a stray Contemporary dancer here and there (since there are PLENTY to spare, despite all the judges’ talk of diversity this season). The way to win my heart is naturally to open with cutie patootie Nathan Trasoras leading a pack of Contemporary/Jazz dancers in his (dapper-bordering-on-dorky) white suit. Also a stand-out for me was Jacob Karr’s hot, sizzling entrance with the Hip Hop trio (Kevin Hunte, Legacy Perez and Russell Ferguson) - oh right, and gentle Contemporary boy Billy Bell. Energy something FIERCE, I tell you. I loved Wade’s choreography here - herky-jerky, funky, swanky, energetic - and what a song featuring that blaring trumpet and sax. Niiiice.

HIP HOP TRIO ROUTINE: Russell Ferguson (Krump), Legacy Perez (B-Boy) & Kevin Hunte (Pop-Locker) - Choreographed by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Beggin’ (District ‘78 Remix)” by Madcon (Intro VIDEO & Dance VIDEO): These three guys aren’t really similar in their specialties but got plopped together into the “Hip Hop” umbrella. Still, they seemed really supportive of one another and had explosive spirit. I think Legacy was the weakest of the trio (that’s right, I’m judging already) and Russell Ferguson was the stand-out, especially during his mini solo after flying off-stage. I like his boom boom pow!

CONTEMPORARY QUARTET #1: Nathan Trasoras, Jakob Karr, Ariana DeBose & Channing Cooke - Choreographed by Tyce DiOrio - “Crying” by k.d. Lang (Intro VIDEO & Dance VIDEO): If you’re a regular reader, you know I’m NOT into Tyce, his overrated choreography, his rudeness and his air of self-importance. Needless to say I was bummed he was choreographing my two fave Contemporary dancers: Nathan & Jakob. I found the piece too “busy”. It’s about 4 people dealing with sadness in different ways, which means you have 4 dancers twitching and writhing around at different times and it was so frantic that I couldn’t focus on all of them. All I recall was that Nathan did pirouettes for days - he’s dreamy. “Meh” to you, Tyce - MEH.

TAP TRIO ROUTINE: Bianca Revels, Phillip Attmore & Peter Sabasino - Choreographed by Derrick K. Grant - “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Ella Fitzgerald (Intro VIDEO & Dance VIDEO): Sadly, this tap number did not translate to that big stage for me. My thoughts? Bianca’s got personality just bursting out of her, Phillip’s got a weird nose and Peter looks like Liev Schreiber as Sabertooth.

JAZZ TRIO ROUTINE: Pauline Mata, Mollee Gray & Ellenore Scott - Choreographed by Sonya Tayeh - “On a Cloud” by PPP (Intro VIDEO & Dance VIDEO): Mollee Gray STILL acts like a dorky kid and annoys me. Why do the producers pimp her out so much? More Ellenore! Actually, in this number I felt that Ellenore and Pauline stood out. But maybe that’s cuz I’m reverse biased toward (against?) Mollee. This number was ok. The lacey gloves and tutus were an odd costume choice.

CONTEMPORARY QUARTET #2: Victor Smalley, Kathryn McCormick, Noelle Marsh & Billy Bell - Choreographed by Mandy Moore - “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay (Intro VIDEO & Dance VIDEO): This dance was way similar to Season 4’s Top 4 “celebratory Scottish kilt” group dance by Mia Michaels — just me? I guess it’s the strings, the quartet of dancers, the jumpy/bouncy/fruity movements…I prefer Season 4’s routine. I still can’t keep track of which brunette girl is which, but I’ll get there… NEWSFLASH: we got sad news that Billy Bell withdrew from the show due to (mysterious-but-life-threatening) illness! Tragic because he was an early audience favorite and could make Adam Shankman blubber like a baby. He will be replaced by Bay Area Hip Hop dancer, Brandon Dumlao. I’m sad Billy’s out, but also excited that Brandon gets a chance: a Hip Hop dancer and also from my hometown!

BALLROOM ROUTINE: Karen Hauer, Ashleigh Di Lello & Ryan Di Lello - Choreographed by Jason Gilkinson – “Everything I Can’t Have” by Robin Thicke (Intro DANCE & Dance VIDEO): Three’s a crowd and Karen’s a firecracker. I want to see more of her - without the married couple.

Who rang your bell in the “Meet the Top 20″ special? Tonight, the “REAL” competition begins: a 2-hour premiere where the dancers partner up and pony up to take on a new dance style. The judges will boot out TWO dancers. Maybe one of the brunette Contemporary girls will get kicked off, who knows! Tune in to So You Think You Can Dance and find out!

So You Think You Have Enough Contemporary dancers? Sheesh. Tonight was a snoozy reveal of Season 6’s Top 20 dancers on So You Think You Can Dance, and the majority of them are all from the Contemporary style (where’s the diversity?). I really wished they’d show a lot more footage of each dancer in their element, but I guess they’re saving it for next Monday’s “Meet the Top 20″ episode.

Basically, tonight was just a bunch of backstage footage of the dancers burying their faces in the hands or hugging (with congratulations or sympathy). A right bore, if you ask me!  Which 10 guys and 10 gals made it? Watch this video to see all Top 20 dancers (vid from Rickey) and read below for details:

Nathan Trasoras (Contemporary) – My favorite so far - thank goodness he made it! Remember Nathan? He was too young last season, but Nigel gave him a free pass to this season’s Las Vegas week. Love his pirouettes and apple-y cheeks.

Kathryn McCormick (Contemporary) – Wow, do the producers want me to hate her already? They basically show a montage of this homesick Georgia native crying over and over and over again. And every time she starts crying, her voice becomes increasingly warbly and high-pitched like Stewie Griffin. The way they edited it, she just came off as being ridiculous - I mean even the judges were making fun of her! How am I supposed to take her seriously as a dancer when that’s all they show of her?

Channing Cooke (Contemporary) – The Bostonian ice cream parlor gal with a lot of personality. The judges say she lacks chemistry with her partners and needs to improve on that.

Ariana DeBose (Contemporary) – Dunno much about her. She made Mia cry with her Vegas audition, I think…

Ellenore Scott (Jazz) – I thought Ellenore had a great Vegas audition, but they never really showed her again. I hope she blows us away when given more screen time.

Billy Bell (Contemporary) – Little Billy is putting off his scholarship to Julliard to participate. Hope it’s worth it, Billy Boy… He’s a goofy-faced little guy, isn’t he?

Russell Ferguson (Krump) - The first Krumper to ever make the Top 20! *blow party horn* Does Russell HONESTLY have NO other formal dance training? I just don’t believe it because he’s just… TOO good at everything! I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, but if Youtube videos surface of him in advanced ballet classes, I will be sorely disappointed. Don’t let me down, Russell!

Kevin “K’Bez” Hunte (Hip Hop) - He makes it. I missed this part, but I don’t think they focused much on him.

Bianca Revels (Tap) – After three seasons of auditioning, Bianca finally makes it to the Top 20 and is the first Tap dancer ever to do so! It’s a night of history being made. Well, I guess that’s enough of that…

Phillip Attmore (Tap) – Oh wait, I guess they’re not done! Phillip is the SECOND tapper to make it! His face looks kinda weird - why? Tight and shiny. Apparently he was too defensive when given criticism and rubbed some of the judges the wrong way, but he gets another chance.

Peter Sabasino (Tap) – Yep, a THIRD tapper makes it. Well, now I’m over it. It’s weird though, the judges were like, “Yeah, you weren’t very good in your first Vegas solo… then you were so-so in other choreography… YOU’RE IN THE TOP 20!!!!!” I would’ve liked to see someone like Brandon Dumlao (VIDEO) make it instead of a third “so-so” tap dancer.

Victor Smalley (Contemporary) – He’s hawt. The judges hated his hair, so he cut it. Then they liked him. *sigh*

Jakob Karr (Contemporary) – Gumby-bendy Jakob makes it but they show hardly anything about him.

Mollee Gray (Jazz) – Blech! I’m sorry Mollee fans, but every time she opens her mouth, I say, “UgggGGGGH!” She just acts like a complete doofus and does NOT impress me with her dancing for the reason mentioned by the judges: she dances like a child and doesn’t ooze deep-seated emotion from her performances. Sure she’s cute, but I don’t want a sweet Shirley Temple on the dance floor - I want a fierce Bloody Mary.

Pauline Mata (Jazz) - Despite her ankle injury, tiny little Pauline makes it.

Noelle Marsh (Contemporary) – She’s BFFs with Mollee. They squeal and hug a lot. *eye roll*

Legacy (B-boy) – The breakdancer with the high-pitched voice makes it. I personally miss b-boy Jean Lloret with the braids and dimples…

Paula Van Oppen (Contemporary) – She makes the Top 20, but committed to a movie in between Vegas week and whenever they filmed this episode. Rumor has it that the movie Paula accepted is 2010’s “Burlesque” (slated to star Kristen Bell, Christina Aguilera and Cher among others). Sounds like a sweet gig for a dancer, but Paula is bummed - too much good stuff happening at once.

Ryan Di Lello (Ballroom) – Huge, muscular hottie Ryan has long been a judge favorite, so it’s no surprise that he makes it in. But will his less stellar wife Ashleigh join him?

Karen Hauer (Ballroom) – Well, Karen is pit against Ashleigh. I was scared they’d keep Ashleigh solely for the husband/wife drama, but Karen has a lot more natural, genuine stage presence and rightfully makes it through… but WAIT FOR IT…

Ashleigh Di Lello (Ballroom) - …Ashleigh also makes it! She takes Paula Van Oppen’s place. Better to be 2nd banana than none at all, eh Ash? She gets to join her husband, Ryan, in celebrating. The first married couple to be in the Top 20 together!

A real night of “firsts”, huh (first tappers, first hubby and wifey, first krumper)? So that’s the Top 20 of So You Think You Can Dance Season 6! Are you excited or disappointed in the judges’ selections? At this point I’m most intrigued by Nathan Trasoras, Ellenore Scott, Russell Ferguson and Jakob Karr. The guys seem stronger - is it too soon to predict that a male dancer will win the title of “America’s Best Dancer” this season? Well, I just did it. Your turn!

Next Monday, Nigel’s put together a “Meet the Top 20″ special which will only feature the Top 20 dancing in THEIR genre. It will include some trios (like TAP trios?) and other group dances - I’m excited. This will give us a better peek at each dancer so we aren’t realizing halfway through the season that Jeanine Mason deserved much more limelight than her partner Phillip Chbeeb ever did (errr, for example).

So You Think You Can Dance is still in Vegas, weeding out one sweaty, muscle-aching, dream-crushed dancer after another - trying to find le grand Top 20 for Season 6. Video clips (by MJ) and recaps below:

Things are getting intense as the dancers must all stretch (haha, get it?) outside of their comfort zones and rapidly pick up new choreography day after day in Sin City.

The first round is from scary-intense Jazz choreographer, Laurieann Gibson. She lays on the pressure thick and is unforgiving of the dancers who pick it up too slowly, but she Cracks. Me. Up! “A five, six, seven, EIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!” She’s wild and I love it.

Karen and Matthew Hauer, the first married ballroom couple to make it to Vegas (by way of Boston) unfortunately get split: Karen does a good job on the Jazz routine, but her hubby falters and gets cut. Nigel makes some weird comment like, “Matthew, you’re Latin, I expected some FIRE from you,” which is sort of stereotyping, isn’t it? I mean it’s not really a negative one, but c’mon Nigel - put more creativity in your feedback! VIDEO

Jazz proves to be as tough as Laurieann’s teaching style, and Nigel gets very frustrated with the dancers. We see lovely-but-mature-faced champion ballroom dancer Iveta Lukosiute and Willem de Vris, the same-sex male ballroom dancer, nixed from the group.

Again, the producers fueled my theory that they REALLY want us to love young, blondy Mollee Gray, whose family packed their shizz and uprooted from Utah to LA to further her dance career (hmph) because they showed waaaay more footage of her being bubbly and weird than many of the other dancers. I can totally see why people would find her cute as a button, but she hasn’t really stood out on the dance floor imo, and is kind of annoying in her loopy teenspeak. The judges feel she doesn’t dance with enough maturity, but she passes to the next round. Then *shock, tears*, she sprains her ankle and is taken to the hospital. Will she be able to continue competing? (Spoiler: yes).  VIDEO

Everyone’s favorite Krumper, Russell Ferguson, amazes the judges again and passes the Jazz round.

The exhausted dancers are pushed to work through the night on the next challenge: to choreograph a Group dance based on music drawn randomly from a hat. Russell and his group dance a Broadway number that really impresses the judges. Russell Ferguson can’t lose! VIDEO

Mollee returns from the hospital and has to quickly learn her group’s choreography. She is annoyed that they’re babying her because even though she’s injured, she wants to shine for the judges. They do a hip hop-ish routine but the judges think it is way lame. But they all make it to the next round so I guess there’s potential. *shug* VIDEO

Next? The dreaded-but-exciting Contemporary choreography round with Mia Michaels. The dancers are very intimidated, but this season it seems the show wants to shed her in a better light, so we watch as Mia purrs at the dancers and leads them in a peaceful, centering prayer of sorts. The dancers are edited/shown to calm around her and engage in the transcendental experience of dancing Mia’s choreography. Too bad she is apparently leaving after this season of SYTYCD???

Kevin “K’Bez” Hunte, the Hip Hop dancer from Boston, astounds the judges with his technique and passes the round. VIDEO

Legacy, the famous b-boy, is struggling, but finishes Mia’s choreography and breaks down. He smoochy smooches her bum, talking about how he was completely changed by her choreography and wants to learn more. Mama Mia (hello!) soothes him and says the judges “see him” and love his perfect imperfections, or something. He makes it through. VIDEO

*jazz hands* Don’t rest yet, dancers - time for a male and female Broadway routine from Tyce Diorio! Wheee…

Pauline Mata, a Contemporary dancer who almost made last season’s Top 20, falls on her ankle wrong at the end of her Broadway number. Her ankle blows up to the size of a tennis ball and we all wince. Like Mollee, she’s sprained it. Unfortunately, her sprain is worse and she can’t dance for two days - will the judges still consider her or put her down like a lamed horse?  It’s hard out there for a dancer. VIDEO

Ashleigh and Ryan Di Lello, the husband and wife ballroom couple from Salt Lake City, are featured next. Ashleigh’s constantly been in her husband’s shadow (of DANCE), I’m amazed that she doesn’t let it get to her (or doesn’t show it getting to her). But finally a silver lining: she really improves during the Broadway round and the judges praise her and want her to continue. Finally someone gave this poor gal a bone. VIDEO

Her hottie, shirtless husband, Ryan, is up next and blows the judges away with his dancing and glistening, rock hard abs. The judges pass him through and the Di Lellos are stoked to be in it together. VIDEO

Dominic Pearson, a Contemporary(?) dancer who did very well in Season 4 auditions before getting taken away by an ambulance is very cocky and sure he’ll make Top 20.  He doesn’t, and then immediately breaks down sobbing and curling up in the fetal position on stage. He gets zero sympathy from Nigel and America cringes for him. VIDEO

Finally, the dancers each perform a solo again for the judges. I wish we could see all their dances, but we only get to see most of cute little Billy Bell, and then a bunch of slow-mo to fast-mo clips of the other dancers. Billy’s dance totally reduces judge Adam Shankman to a trembling mess of tears. It looks like he’s having a religious experience and the Holy Spirit of DANCE has overcome him. VIDEO

And then, the cliffhanger: gotta wait until next week we find out which dancers pass through to the Top 20 of So You Think You Can Dance Season 6! It promises to be dramatic and full of surprises.

Hey Dance fans! Seems I just stopped the late-night So You Think You Can Dance recaps and yet here we are, a month later, about to do it all over again for the new Fall season of SYTYCD (Season 6, y’all)! It all starts next Wednesday, September 9th, on FOX!

To whhhhet our appetites for next week’s premiere, Nigel Lythgoe hosted a delightful filler episode of his Best 16 Routines from all 5 seasons (rerun-style, no one returned to re-perform them). Check the vids below (by MJ) and enjoy!

SEASON 1 ROUTINES

Destini Rogers & Jamile McGee - Hip Hop by Shane Sparks (“Shake” by Ying Yang Twins feat. Pitbull) – VIDEO
Melody Lacayanga & Nick Lazzarini - Chicago - Jazz by Tyce DiOrio (“All That Jazz” by Ute Lemper) – VIDEO

SEASON 2 ROUTINES

Heidi Groskreutz & Benji Schwimmer - Mambo by Alex Da Silva (“Black Mambo” by Angel & The Mambokats) – VIDEO
Allison Holker & Ivan Koumaev - Contemporary by Tyce DiOrio (”Why” by Annie Lennox) – VIDEO
Heidi & Travis Wall - Bench Routine - Contemporary by Mia Michaels (“Calling You” by Celine Dion) – VIDEO

SEASON 3 ROUTINES

Jaimie Goodwin & Hok Konishi - The Hummingbird and the Flower - Jazz by Wade Robson (“The Chairman’s Waltz” from Memoirs of a Geisha soundtrack) – VIDEO
Sabra Johnson & Neil Haskell - The Boardroom Battle - Contemporary by Mandy Moore (“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by The Eurythmics) – VIDEO
Lacey Schwimmer & Danny Tidwell - Samba by Dmitry Chaplin (“Hip Hip Chin Chin” by Club Des Blugas) – VIDEO
Lauren Gottlieb & Pasha Kovalev - Transformers - Hip Hop by Shane Sparks (“Fuego” by Pitbull) – VIDEO

SEASON 4 ROUTINES

Courtney Galiano & Mark Kanemura - Jazz by Sonya Tayeh (“The Garden” by Mirah) – VIDEO
Chelsie Hightower & Mark - Hip Hop by Tabitha and Napoleon (“Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis) – VIDEO
Katee Shean & Joshua Allen - Contemporary by Mia Michaels (“Hometown Glory” by Adele) – VIDEO

SEASON 5 ROUTINES

Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant - Disco by Doriana Sanchez (“Loving is Really My Game” by Brainstorm) – VIDEO
Kayla Radomski & Kupono Aweau - Addiction - Contemporary by Mia Michaels (“Gravity” by Sara Bareilles) – VIDEO
Jeanine Manrara & Jason Glover - Contemporary by Travis Wall (“If It Kills Me (The Casa Nova Sessions)” by Jason Mraz) – VIDEO
Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi - Breast Cancer Routine - Contemporary by Tyce DiOrio (“This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell) – VIDEO

Wahooo! I’m ready to recap if you’re all ready to gather ’round your tellies and watch with me. Who needs sleep when there’s dance, dance, DANCE to be had? Do you care that they’re moving one of the best Summer shows to dreary ol’ Fall? Guess we’ll see how it plays out next week on the new So You Think You Can Dance season!

I am at peace, readers. Ommm (nom, nom, nom)…

Yes, all is right in my little world of So You Think You Can Dance. It’s amazing, really. Apparently I’ve wanted sarcastic, dedicated, chunkily-proportioned underdog: JEANINE MASON to win this deflated season for some time and now that she has? I’m satisfied.

Sure, runner-up Brandon Bryant “deserved” it - he’s an absolute powerhouse, but I haven’t connected with him in the heart parts, and it seems that counts for a lot among us viewers.

Tonight we revisited this season’s “memorable dances” whilst whittling the Top 4 down to the sole possessor of the “America’s Favorite Dancer” title and the $250,000 smackeroon prize.

Miss the finale or want to re-watch the dances? Video’s below, y’all (by MJ)!

TOP 20 GROUP NUMBER (Reprise): “A Brand New Day” from The Wiz - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio. VIDEO

On the judging panel tonight? Uh, basically every single SYTYCD judge evs: Lil C, Mia Michaels, Tyce DiOrio, Debbie Allen, Adam Shankman, Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe himself.

ADAM SHANKMAN’S PICK: Couple Resolves Fight Before Beddy Bye - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Mad” by Ne-Yo - featuring Jeanine Mason & Phillip  Chbeeb. VIDEO

NIGEL LYTHGOE’S PICK: Hot, Kicky Argentine Tango by Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo - “Libertango” from Forever Tango - featuring Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant. VIDEO

DEBBIE ALLEN’S PICK: Vitolio’s Sad, Flowy Waltz by Louis Van Amstel - “Dreams are More Precious” by Enya - featuring Asuka Kondoh & Vitolio Jeune. VIDEO

MARY MURPHY’S PICK: Childhood Friends Get It On/Necklace Contemporary by Travis Wall - “If It Kills Me” by Jason Mraz - featuring Jeanine & Jason Glover. VIDEO

MIA MICHAELS’ PICK: Kayla’s Pink Fringe Samba by Louis Van Amstel - “Jum Bah Day” by House of Gypsies - featuring Kayla Radomski & Max Kapitanniko. VIDEO

KHERINGTON PAYNE in Fame: Season 4’s blonde sweetheart, Kherington, gives the Top 4 a sneak peek at her new film: a revamp of the classic Fame. Plug, plug. VIDEO

DEBBIE’S 2ND PICK: Top 16 Group Ballroom and Hip Hop by Dmitry Chaplin and Tabitha & Napoleon - “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” by Pit Bull. VIDEO

TALIA FOWLER JAZZ: Choreographed by Sonya Tayeh - “Shot You Down” by Audio Bullies - featuring Talia Fowler, a ballerina and winner of the second season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia. VIDEO

LIL C’s PICK: Bollywood by Nakul Dev Mahajan - “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire - featuring Caitlin Kinney & Jason. VIDEO

FIRST ELIMINATION: Kayla Radomski gets cut. She is undoubtedly a gorgeous dancer. Especially loved her in the “Addiction” dance (coming up below), and she was almost consistently amazing as a performer in each number. I will miss her sweet, sobbing grandpa most of all. VIDEO

ADAM’S 2nd PICK: The Butt Dance - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - “Koop Island Blues” by Koop ft. Ane Brun - featuring Randi Strong-Evans & Evan Kasprzak. VIDEO

MARY’S 2nd PICK: Matrix Paso Doble by Louis Van Amstel - “Tetsujin” from The Matrix Revolutions - featuring Jeanine & Brandon. VIDEO

SECOND ELIMINATION: Evan Kasprzak gets the cut. Thank you, jeebus. VIDEO

NIGEL’S 2nd PICK: Addiction dance - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - “Gravity” by Sara Bareilles - featuring Kayla & Kupono Aweau. (Side note: I effin’ love Kupono’s performance in this number). VIDEO

RAGE BOYZ CREW: Cute lil boys do Hip Hop by Tiffany Burton - “Feel It” by Colby O’Donis & Mauli - . VIDEO

TYCE DIORIO’S PICK: Fastest Disco Number Ever by Doriana Sanchez - “Loving Is Really My Game” by Brainstorm - featuring Janette & Brandon. VIDEO

MIA’S 2nd PICK: Breast Cancer dance - Contemporary by Tyce DiOrio - “This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell - featuring Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi. VIDEO

TOP 8 GROUP DANCE (Reprise): Broadway by Mia Michaels - “One” from A Chorus Line - SURPRISE!!! All of the judges (except Lil C) come out from behind the mirrors at the end in tuxes and do a few jazzy steps. Adorable! VIDEO

WINNER RESULTS: It’s down to Jeanine and Brandon…who has been voted as the winner by America? Iiiiiiiit’s… JEANINE MASON!! VIDEO

My final thoughts:

1) I’m fine - even happy - with the outcome. How about you? Do you agree that Jeanine should win?
2) Is this terrible encouragement to stage mothers across the world to force their children to take up things like dance, even when they’re miserable like Mama Mason did to Jeanine? Something to think about.
3) Why wasn’t Janette in the Top 4 again? She’s a HOT TAMALE, YES SHE IS!
4) Congratulations, Jeanine, for sneaking by and swiping that crown!

Wondering where you’ll get your next dance fix from? Never fear! Season 3 of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew premieres this Sunday, and in just one month, So You Think You Can Dance will be back with its 6th Season (September 9th on FOX)!

Buy a ticket for the Hot Tamale Train and join me then, won’t you? Until that time comes though, I’m gonna enjoy the month of extra sleep on Wednesday and Thursday nights when I won’t be recapping! This is me, *jazz handsing* off-stage. Erin out!

Tonight our Top 4 dancers performed for the last time (for viewer votes) on So You Think You Can Dance! Wow, are we really at the end of this road?

Yep! It’s Night One of the finale so I hope YOU’RE AS STOKED AS CAT DEELEY IS TO BE IN THE KODAK THEATER!!! (Sers, she was so giddy). The place is packed, the judges and audience are cracked out and our guest panelist is one of my faves: Mr. Adam Shankman.

Our 4 dancers will be swingin’ this evening. No, I don’t mean in the “big band swing dancing” way, I mean the “doing it with multiple partners” swinging - he-llooo! Each dancer will get a chance to perform together. Dance routine videos (from MJ) and recaps ahead!

MY TOP GUY & GAL: Brandon Bryant & Jeanine Mason (the best balance of technique and personality)

TOP 4 GROUP NUMBER: Pop Jazz by Wade & Amanda Robson - “Boys Boys Boys” by Lady Gaga (VIDEO): The dudes are football players (snicker) and the girls are cheerleaders. It’s easily classified as a “fun” dance, but I expect so much more from Wade’s choreography. I got hypnotized by the stage lighting and background screen instead - very 1987 Star Search in decor.

In case you’re already feeling SYTYCD withdrawal, we’re reminded that Season 6 is just one month away(!!!) by an overly intense preview with blaring music and Sin City-style fast-fast-sloooow-fast cuts of the audition footage. It’s impressive and I’m ready for it (and I’m not just saying it because my eyes, ears and brain are bleeding from that sensory overload). I’m excited about “meeting” new dancers who’ll actually win my heart over (no pressure, Nathan Trasoras - VIDEO).

Jeanine Mason & Evan Kasprzak - Jazz by Sonya Tayeh - “Heartbreaker” by MSTRKRFT ft. John Legend (VIDEO): Once again, Ms. Jeanine shows more adorable, sarcastic personality in her interview package (Kayla, you’s got work to do in that department - oh, er, too late). My real problem with this dance was they were lacking some energy or something because the massive stage really swallowed Jeanine & Evan up. The dance was ok, the dancers were fine - though it’s clear that Jeanine is the stronger one and all eyes invariably end up fixed on her over ol’ heavy-lidded Ev-dawg.

Brandon Bryant’s solo - “Dies Irae” by Karl Jenkins (VIDEO): He’s so strong and can moooove, but put in a lot of flips and it came off smidge frantic (Adam agrees with me - twinsies in the making!). I am not into his McDonald’s Hamburglar black and white striped shorts. It’s weird, Brandon says he isn’t confident but he did have a very noticeable, haughty, “Take THAT, biaaatch!” sneer afterward. The judges make it no secret that they have a full blown crush on him.

Kayla Radomski & Brandon Bryant - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio - “Bye Bye Life” from All That Jazz (VIDEO): Boo, the two most technically skilled dancers get saddled with the choreographer who annoys the bajeebus out of me. We open immediately with serious *JAZZ HANDS* movements. Kayla is looking good in a black bondage-y, gothic-y leotard thing. Brandon is stuck wearing a jacket of disco ball skin. The music is stupid, in my opinion - it doesn’t fit the vibe and movements on-stage and the piece isn’t cohesive… a waste of two of the best dancers. The thing that DID rock pretty hard was the simultaneous pirouettes they pulled off. Nigel makes a good point that, unlike Jeanine & Evan’s dance, these two actually possessed the energy and charisma to fill the humongous Kodak stage.

Jeanine Mason’s solo - “Por Una Cabeza” by The Tango Project (VIDEO): It’s troubling to learn in that Jeanine has a serious stage mom who (repeatedly) shoved her into dance. But more disturbing was that her makeout with Jason after their Travis Wall Contemporary piece wasn’t planned. He’s a lil creep, that Jason (yeah, I’m not really a Jeanine+Jason ’shipper). She does a Tango-styled solo with these waaay slow, controlled pirouettes (it’s the night of pirouettes!). The audience are on their feet afterward and give her a lot of love even though she had a fake flower in her mouth the whole time - muy dorky, senorita!

Brandon & Evan - Pop Jazz by Laurieann Gibson - “Nasty” by Janet Jackson (VIDEO): Laurieann is back with her crazy pink headphones around her neck. She’s interviewed for the rehearsal footage, but all I can recall her saying is something like, “Boom boom hah! Cah! Cah! boom… Boom hah! Hah! Cah boom!”  Brandon really owned this number because Evan doesn’t seem to really “go for it” like Brandon. It’s not just me: Evan isn’t nasssstay or gritty enough for the judges either (maybe it’s a compliment for his personality off-stage, but we wanted you to make us feel grrrr and dirrrtay, Evan!).

Jeanine & Kayla - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - “The Four Sections IV: Full Orchestra” by Steve Reich (VIDEO): The ladies make birdie-like movements in this dance about their journey on the show. Throughout the piece, they shed layer upon layer of skirts. Ohhh, symbolism. That’s deep. It’s a serious number but I’m wondering where the frat boys are to chant, “Take it off! Take it off!” I’m mature. Overall, there are times when it feels like Jeanine is giving more, and others when Kayla seems to hit harder. It’s a neck-in-neck race to the finish for these two women! Lovely to watch, although I don’t know if I agree with Mary that these two are the strongest Top 2 ladies ever on the show…

Evan Kasprzek’s solo - “The Best is Yet to Come” by Michael Buble (VIDEO): Same old, same old Broadway charm. Evan (a.k.a. Pit Stains McGee) doesn’t totally win over all of the judges because this was very similar to his audition routine. Some may say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” - that Evan knows what his fans like from him, but I wonder… why not bring something riskier (or at least new) to the finale to show you’re not just gonna phone it in? Nigel verbally poops on Evan. Truth hurts, so they say.

Kayla & Evan - Jive by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin - “T.R.O.U.B.L.E.” by Travis Tritt (VIDEO): The jive is usually my favorite Latin dance to watch and this doesn’t cut the mustard.  Their kicks don’t snap enough (remember Nigel’s snake tongue retraction demo earlier this season for hm, oh yeah, Evan?). Although, maybe if Kayla took off those big fat cowboy boots it would’ve helped. I did think their “slow motion” lifts were cool, but hated the huge, blinding spotlight in the background that kept blocking out the dancers. The audience chants, “Evan! Evan! Evan!” when he doesn’t win stellar remarks over Kayla and I try to keep my eyes from rolling. Ok, I get that we like an underdog, but how about rooting for Jeanine, who has spent the season fighting her way out of Phillip’s shadow and then Kayla and Janette’s? She’s really clawed her way up the totem pole of DANCE.

Kayla Radomski’s solo - “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics (VIDEO): They re-show Grandpappy Radomski’s crybaby moments and I fall in love with him all over again. Her solo is alright…at least the judges love her. Unofficial POLL: Do you think Kayla or Season 4’s Katee Shean would win a dance off? Both are gorgeous dancers, but both lack some personality. Katee was a little more fun and “girl next door” friendly, but I wonder who would win that cage match? Hmm…

Jeanine & Brandon - Paso Doble by Louis Van Amstel - “Tetsujin” from The Matrix Revolutions (VIDEO): I’m all into the Paso Doble’s fiery, sexy McHotness and these two don’t disappoint. They’re in appropriate scanty, black Matrix outfits and have intense furrowed brows. Kinda odd music choice but there’s some good musicality in Louis’ choreography. They’re passionate and give it their everything. The dance earns them a standing ovation from the audience, eardrum-bursting screams from Mary and perverted comments by Nigel about wanting to “do stuff” to Jeanine. He dares to wager that Jeanine & Brandon are the Top 2 of the night. Will that rally Evan and Kayla voters and jinx them?

I wouldn’t rule anyone out at this point. Certainly Brandon, Kayla and Jeanine have equal pros and cons in terms of technique, passion, personality and growth. Evan is still the odd man out and the weakest for me, but America seems to like- nay- adore him so I can’t ignore that he could still win the whole thing…and that I will throw something at my TV in rage if he does. *sigh* I want justice, but I must remember that the winning title isn’t “America’s Best Dancer,” it’s “America’s Favorite Dancer.”

Soooo… tomorrow night is IT: the season finale of So You Think You Can Dance! Besides finding out who Season 5’s “Favorite Dancer” crown goes to, we’ll also be treated to a reprise of the Mia Michaels’ A Chorus Line mirror routine with the Top 8 and the season’s judges! Also, performances by Talia Fowler (Season 2 winner & of SYTYCD Australia) and The Rage Boyz Crew.

Who deserves to win? Who will take the title? ….hey, is it time for Season 6 yet?? Until tomorrow, friends!

Did you catch tonight’s dancing fisticuffs between the Top 6 of So You Think You Can Dance? I did and you know I loved that Nigel echoed my complaint that this season’s contestants have totally boring personalities. I hear ya, Lythgoe!

Anyway, loquacious Lil C was back as the guest judge and our dancers picked new partners. Hey, what are the odds that the ladies all managed to draw the names of guys they haven’t been paired with yet? Huh! Whodathunkit?
*coughRIGGEDcough*

Que sera, no? Links to dance videos (from MJ) and my recaps below!

MY BOTTOM GUY & GIRL: Evan Kasprzak and Melissa Sandvig (they’re just the weakest of the night *shrug*)

GUYS GROUP ROUTINE: Jazz by Sonya Tayeh - “True Romance” by She Wants Revenge (VIDEO): Ah, another weird, stompy jazz number by Sonya that’s supposed to have a Willy Wonka theme. I was pretty captivated (as I usually am with Sonya’s numbers), but I had trouble getting past the dorky golf outfits and yellow day-glo gloves. What’s so “Willy Wonka” about that? Sonya was pleased as punch with the dance, but I think it would’ve have a stronger impact if their costumes were tricked out more. Like why not full-on Wonka tuxedos and hats or canes? Anyone catch the girl who yelled, “Yeaaaah, rock it!!”? I wondered if it was an audience member, or Mary Murphy?

Jeanine Mason & Ade Obayomi - Samba by Louis Van Amstel - “Love Game” by Lady Gaga (VIDEO): This couple had so much potential to sex this shizz right up, but Ade was the weak link. His smile is amazing but became too cheesy for this routine - he should’ve been smoldering and intense instead. He was also a little too wiggly-suave (which he does well), rather than show command and flirtation. The judges agree (and harp about his techinical faults too). Jeanine they loved (as usual). She was shaking it and caused her dress’s @ss plumage to fly everywhere.

Jeanine & Ade - 2nd Dance - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Move (If You Wanna)” by MIMS (VIDEO): Hm, Jeanine may end up having the most likeable personality of everyone if her interviews are anything to go by. I’m starting to root for her despite her over-the-top, barely there outfits. This had all the elements of being a crowd-pleaser: NappyTabs + Props (boxes) + Theme (eviction) + Possibility that Jeanine would fall on her ass = w00t w00t! It was fun to watch, and while she didn’t fall, Jeanine was a little slippity sloppy in her hippity hoppy (hi-yooooo!) over Ade’s leg. Still, the judges loved it and it was one of the better routines of the night. Lil C said it was “buck”, so… there you go.

Melissa Sandvig & Evan Kasprzak - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio - “Get Me to the Church On Time” from My Fair Lady by Matt Dusk (VIDEO): Now I love Melissa but why is her hair always a hot, rat’s nest mess in her rehearsal footage? Poor gal. This number is about a couple who are rushing to the church for their wedding and is built for Evan’s Broadway skills. Quick question: Why are they getting married in their underwear? Moving on. I blame Tyce for these boring Broadway numbers. There’s nothing in the imagery he creates that is really memorable. Also, I agree with Lil C that they should’ve been more exaggerated in their movements and *jazz hands*. It was lacking a bit, although not for Mary, who came up with the corniest line of the night, “‘Get me to the church on time?’ How about ‘Get me to the finale on time!!’” She loved them.

Melissa & Evan - 2nd Dance - Quickstep by Louis Van Amstel - “As Long As I’m Singin’” by The Brian Setzer Orchestra (VIDEO): So, to all you Evan fans who try to tell me that he’s the beeeeest everrrr: did you catch in the rehearsal footage that both Melissa and Louis didn’t fully trust him? If they don’t trust Evan as a performer, why should I? I’m just saying… Anywho, that was a quick, Quickstep (harhar) and you really couldn’t help but notice how Melissa was taller (and stronger) in the number. The judges didn’t completely go over the moon about it and worry for Mel & Ev. Or MelVan.

Kayla Radomski & Brandon Bryant - Contemporary by Stacey Tookey - “All I Want” by Ahn Trio (VIDEO): This should’ve been amazing since it featured the two strongest Contemporary dancers this season. Not really an original theme (she’s a mistress trying to break up with his married man). Brandon is shirtless and hot, but I wish they’d turn on the freaking lights! The stage is so shadowy that I could barely catch their angsty “Stay away! Come back to me.. No! Yes… NO!” facial expressions and that would’ve added more to the drama. Ah well. I’ve seen better Contemporary numbers, but the judges looooooooooooove it - it’s clear which couple they’re all pimping to be in the final 4.

Kayla & Brandon - 2nd Dance - Disco by Doriana Sanchez - “Dance (Disco Heat)” by Sylvester (VIDEO): Doriana has been kicking sweet tail this season. It’s unbelieveable that I look forward to her dances almost as much as Mia Michaels’ or Sonya’s numbers. Kayla already has Boogie Nights-era hair and looks the part. These two put a bunsload of pop and zing into it: beads and sequins are flying everywhere and Brandon tosses Kayla like a ragdoll with some shocking lifts. These two are brave. Now, I liked the Disco numbers from Janette & Brandon and Melissa & Ade more, but this is undeniably impressive. It’s clear to me that someone’s definitely on the Hot Tamale Train and that’s Ms. Doriana Sanchez, YES IT IS! Catch the judging section when Lil C rambles about “pockets of music,” Mary has a psychotic, squealy-shrieky episode over Brandon’s confession that he has low self esteem and Nigel does the finest fake-out with a stern review-turned-screaming and dancing celebration over their talent. According to the judges, these two need to survive this week.

GALS GROUP ROUTINE: Jazz by Sonya Tayeh - “Kick It” by Nina Martine (VIDEO): Another fun theme (lady  Superheroes!). I was pretty amused by the rehearsal footage, including Jeanine accidentally punching Kayla in the face (where was Grandpappy Radomski with his shotgun?). Sadly, this dance lacked energy for some reason. It was caught between a dark tone and a very kitchsy, campy theme. And then it started looking like an aerobic workout. Did these girls rehearse enough? I prefered the guys’ group dance much more. Lil C articulates what I’m thinking and feels the ladies were holding back to be “courteous” to the one another. Okay, I forgive you for the “pockets of music” speech now, Lil C (or as Mary called him “Lil Buck”). I totally agree.

SOLOS

Kayla Radomski’s solo - “You Found Me” by The Fray (VIDEO): The beginning felt sloppy, but she picked up momentum at the end. Wouldn’t it be great if the dancers stop being predictable and bopping “sassy-like” to the final beats of the “So you think you can… dance… dance… dance…” music? Ick.

Ade Obayomi’s solo - “18th Floor Balcony” by Blue October (VIDEO): I’m still into that baby smooth Ade chest. HAWT, but is it enough to win more votes? I hope so! Did you see those millions of spins he did? I lurve it!

Melissa Sandvig’s solo - “I Put a Spell On You” by Nina Simone (VIDEO): Omg, I just figured out that Melissa looks like Julia Stiles! Anyway, she busts out the “naughty ballerina” ‘tude that got her on the show in the first place, but let’s be honest, ballet is kinda boring and so is her solo.

Brandon Bryant’s solo - “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana (VIDEO): Practically naked, Brandon repeats his SYTYCD audition number that originally made me love him. For me, this was not AS strong as it was then, and I thought Ade brought something really special to his own solo tonight, but Brandon was gorgeous - like a Greek statue - and the audience and judges ATE. THAT. UP. (Standing O from all three judges).

Jeanine Mason’s solo - “Feedback” by Janet Jackson (VIDEO): She showed a lot more character than the other ladies, so this was the strongest female solo of the night.

Evan Kasprzak’s solo - “Lady is a Tramp” by Sammy Davis Jr. (VIDEO): More “aw shucks, ain’t I cute?” personality and Broadway energy. I must begrudgingly admit, it was one of his best solos (which he needed, since his two pairs dances tongiht were not that great).

So you know what I thought - do you agree that Melissa & Evan should go home? Be sure to tune in to So You Think You Can Dance tomorrow night at 9pm for the results AND because there will be some GREAT guest dancers!

Tonight our Top 8 dance-dance-DANCED for us on So You Think You Can Dance. We got Mia Michaels as a guest judge along with “who invited her to the party?” talk-show host, Ellen DeGeneres. K, I like her, but just cuz Ellen does goofy dancing on her show doesn’t mean she’s an expert for the panel. Sers! We got new couples and the judges all refused to use adverbs proper(LY), but let’s move on to the dancing.

Each pair did two numbers and then all 8 dancers did a solo. Videos (from MJ) and recaps below:

MY BOTTOM GUY & GIRL: Evan Kasprzak & Melissa Sandvig (she’s actually one of my faves but I’m being objective here)

GROUP ROUTINE: Choreographed by Travis Wall - “Let It Rock” by Kevin Rudolph ft. Lil Wayne (VIDEO): The dancers are all doing some hippity Contemporary to this rock/Hip Hop song, wearing Lite Brites and glowing Geordi LaForge visors in the dark. It was aight, can’t complain.

Janette Manrara & Evan Kasprzak - Jazz by Sonya Tayeh  - “Move” by CSS (VIDEO): For me, it’s Evan’s time to go home this week. He just doesn’t bring enough passion and ownership of the dances compared to the other three guys. He has the “aw shucks”, shrugged shoulders attitude which may work for old fashioned Broadway style dancing, but makes his other performances so pedestrian. I was focused on Janette during most of this number cuz she hit the moves like boom, boom, pow(!), and Evan, well, he was there in the background…

Janette & Evan - 2nd Dance - Rumba by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - “Heartless” by Kris Allen (VIDEO): Wow, this song sounded way better when Kris “Monkey Jaw” Allen sang it on American Idol. Again, Janette stole the spotlight and I thought I saw Evan falter in the beginning and at the end on some steps, but the judges didn’t mention it so maybe I’m cuhrazeh? I preferred Melissa & Ade’s Rumba from a few weeks ago to this one. A little dark and empty for me.

Jeanine Mason & Brandon Bryant - Waltz by Hunter Johnson - “May It Be” by Hayley Westenra (VIDEO): Wow, SNOOZE CRUISE alert! Poor Jeanine got stuck wearing this totally unflattering canary yellow dress. The judges weren’t too pleased with this Waltz and neither was I. It was so uninteresting, especially coming from two of the strongest dancers of the season. I thought these two would be a dream couple, but this Waltz did them ZERO favors. Yeech. Skip it!

Jeanine & Brandon - 2nd Dance - Pop Jazz by Laurieann Gibson - “Battlefield” by Jordin Sparks (VIDEO): This dance was a big improvement, but I was NOT feeling it as much as the cracked out judges. Nigel was suddenly raving like a mad man about how much he loved it, and he sort of peer pressured Mary into Hot Tamale Train-ing the dance. What I liked was the energy and strength, but I had problems with the fact that Jeanine was slightly ahead of Brandon’s moves in parts of the dance! Right? Who else caught that? They definitely weren’t that together so I was distracted - it was like the “boot camp” rehearsals with Laurieann effed with Jeanine’s head so she was overcompensating to keep up with her partner. Still, they got the judges’ love and methinks America loves them too - should be safe tomorrow.

Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi - Cha-Cha by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - “Yeah (Como Goza Mi Morena)” by Chino Espinoza Y Los Dueños Del Sol (VIDEO): I was so happy to see Melissa & Ade reunite, but yikes, this dance wasn’t good at all. Love her old ass as I do, Melissa was really weak in the Cha-Cha. She didn’t possess much fire or hip action and looked uncomfortable attempting to do so and that was all I could focus on. Unfortunately, because this was one of the weakest dances, I think Melissa may be going home tomorrow. The other three gals are just incredibly strong and deserve to stay longer. The only highlight was Ellen’s tongue-in-cheek comment, mocking the terrible puns that usually come from Mary and Nigel, “Are you two carpenters? …Cuz you NAILED it!” (Note: Ellen didn’t have anything bad/constructive to say about any dance tonight, so her reviews don’t really count).

Melissa & Ade - 2nd Dance - Contemporary by Tyce DiOrio - “This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell (VIDEO): So this emotional dance about breast cancer had every judge on the panel in absolute tears (except Ellen). Yes, that means Nigel was choked up and crying, Mary’s tears left tracks in her make-up and Mia was absolutely sobbing during her critique. I love this song, I love this couple, I loved the emotion Melissa brought to it, I loved Ade’s sweet strength, but I was honestly more moved by the judges’ reactions than by the dance itself. Maybe I just had really high expectations because I’d heard rumors that it was so powerful… but I’m not sure I agree with Nigel that this is one for the SYTYCD history books. I’ll remember it for breaking down the judges, but the dance itself wasn’t too memorable for me.

Kayla Radomski & Jason Glover - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio - “Mr. Monotony” from Jerome Robbins Broadway by Kim Criswell (VIDEO): This was a swanky, smooth number. I appreciated Kayla’s dancing tonight more than the other girls - she has grace, style and performs really well as each “character”. Her personality off the dance floor? Well, that’s another story (a.k.a. bor-ring!). Grandpappy Radomski was back in the audience just splitting at the seams with pride and, as I always say, he’s the real reason why I like watching Kayla dance.

Kayla & Jason - 2nd Dance - Hip Hop by Shane Sparks - “They’re Everywhere” by Izza Kizza (VIDEO): After his previous Hip Hop numbers failed this season, I’m sure Mr. Sparks was out for redemption. Luckily, he had strong dancers as a resource and made a Michael Jackson Thriller-esque zombie dance. It was very entertaining and Kayla & Jason have good chemistry together. I do wonder how Tabitha & Napoleon felt after hearing Nigel say he’d been disappointed in the Hip Hop this season? Back-stabbed!

SOLOS

Kayla Radomski’s solo - “The Moment I Said It” by Imogen Heap (VIDEO): One of Kayla’s better solos in the past weeks. She showed a lot of control, really breathed into her movements and hit some beautiful lines.

Jason Glover’s solo - “…Slowdance On The Inside” by Taking Back Sunday (VIDEO) - Pretty boring, actually. Just lots of split leaps and stuff.

Janette Manrara’s solo - “Seduces Me” by Celine Dion (VIDEO) - She slowed it down and I really missed her quick, hot Salsa solos. It was okay, but not much of a stand-out for me.

Ade Obayomi’s solo - “Hater” by Various Artists Production (VIDEO) - A much, much improved solo from last week’s. His musicality was way stronger on this number and he was unique, a little odd, and did some powerful leaps and spins - please keep Ade, America! How can you resist that cheshire cat smile?

Melissa Sandvig’s solo - “Headless” by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs (VIDEO) - Totally more interesting than last week’s slooow ballet solo. It came off a bit 80’s and Flashdance-y, but that’s not really a bad thing. I just don’t know if it’s enough to save her. Waaah.

Evan Kasprazak’s solo - “Old Devil Moon” by Jamie Cullum (VIDEO) - He dropped his prop hat and had crazy armpit sweat stains, but I thought he was charming and loved the flip he did. (That doesn’t change the fact that I want him to go home already.)

Jeanine Mason’s solo - “Let the Drummer Kick” by Citizen Cope (VIDEO): Vewy intewesting. Man, Jeanine is thick, isn’t she? It’s sorta distracting, but that’s not to say she isn’t very talented. Nice song selection on her part, and was one of the best girls’ solos of the night.

Brandon Bryant’s solo - performed to “Ain’t Nothing Wrong with That” by Robert Randolph and the Family Band (VIDEO): Brandon is a pack of dynamite. I could watch him dance for hours. Keep this mofo around, even if he’s kinda annoying in rehearsal footage.

Tomorrow night is the big, FAT 100th So You Think You Can Dance episode EXTRAVAGANZA! We’ll be graced with Wade Robson, famous routines from past seasons (I hope they’ll be re-danced by previous contestants, but I won’t hold my breath) and Katie Holmes dances a tribute to Judy Garland. Plus, we find out which guy and gal get sent home - it’s getting tough to predict… Be sure to tune in!