The Top 14 were off to a slow start tonight on So You Think You Can Dance, but there were a few numbers that excited me. Last week, you voted for Noelle Marsh & Russell Ferguson’s Afro Jazz number as the best routine. What about tonight? Be sure to vote in the poll below! Videos of the performances (from MJ) and my recap NOW:

MY BOTTOM 3 COUPLES: Karen Hauer & Kevin Hunte, Noelle Marsh & Russell Ferguson, and Mollee Gray & Nathan Trasoras

Ashleigh Di Lello & Jakob Karr – Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - “Whatcha Say” by Jason Derulo (VIDEO): Mmmmm, whatcha saaay? Did Ashleigh & Jakob sell this number? I thought it was a very standard, angsty Tabitha & Napoleon Hip Hop routine on betrayal: pained, heartbroken looks of anguish, the “snow angel” arm swings out, the spazzy explosions of emotion - much like the famous “Bleeding Love” dance that Chelsie Hightower & Mark Kanemura did Season 4 (Re-watch it!). Now I’m not as in LOVE with Ash as the judges suddenly are (I mean they LOOOVE her now), but she was great at emoting the hurt expressions of “Ya good fer nuthin douchebag! I can’t believe you’re cheating on me!” They both did a good job and have become a couple that I look forward to watching.

Karen Hauer & Kevin Hunte – Broadway by Spencer Liff - “If My Friends Could See Me Now” from Sweet Charity 2005 Broadway Revival (VIDEO): Okay, so this was not good choreography or music. No disrespect to Christina Applegate who sang it, but it was just such a small, understated, simple song and the choreography was pretty blah to watch. I thought both dancers did fine with what they were given, but they were given a drab routine. Who is this Spencer Liff guy? He’s pretty cute, actually, but this was not an impressive choreography debut. I’m worried about them, well about Karen especially…

Noelle Marsh & Russell Ferguson – Foxtrot by Eddie Simon - “Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes)” by Michael Buble (VIDEO): The judges really went batty for this, but I thought it was another unmemorable number of the night. And Hair and Makeup did not do Noelle any favors because they managed to age her normally exhuberant smiley face into a matronly, Plain Jane look. Russell did have some lovely moments, but for me they were a bit sloppy in the choreography AND the choreography itself bored me.

Channing Cooke & Victor Smalley – Jazz by Tyce DiOrio - “Blackbird” by Bobby McFerrin (VIDEO): The rehearsal footage really reminded me about why I cannot stand Tyce DiOrio. He’s a a-hole with a gnarly dental floss-thin beard who relishes being an a-hole because…I dunno, maybe because he likes to imagine himself as some fabulous, brilliant, demanding choreographer like we see in movies. Ugh. TANGENT, sorry. Like Adam, I was really distracted by the song choice. I loooove “Blackbird”, but this version by Bobby McFerrin was too odd and the a capella styling didn’t bring any life to the otherwise quirky number. I also agreed with Nigel that this is the first time you could tell that Channing enjoyed the dance because you saw a glimmer of her (otherwise huge) personality come through. Dancers should be actors though, and if she can’t stop being so guarded, then I dunno if she should stay in the competition. I didn’t even notice Victor, really - but the judges did…they noticed that he may be plateauing in his talent, and want him to push harder to avoid getting lost in the crowd.

Kathryn McCormick & Legacy Perez – Paso Doble by Tony Meredith - “Pursuit” from Ka Cirque du Soleil (VIDEO): Whoa, what was that plotline, Tony Meredith? Did I hear that Legacy is an Admiral returning from sea and Kathryn is his concubine?? That is hilarious - I love it! I’ve said many times that I’m a Paso Doble fan cuz of the drama and the hot, hot heat sexiness. Well this dance should be an example to the previous choreographers that I griped to: the music was perfect for this routine. Legacy was really damn excellent in his role - very stern, brooding and shirtless (a shame his voice is high-pitched, but he’s growing on me - I admit it). Kathryn also hit her moves with a POW, flinging her dress around with the right amount of flair. Nigel pointed out that she redeemed herself for her cornball Broadway performance last week. Erin is pleased, si. Me gusta.

Ellenore Scott & Ryan Di Lello – Contemporary by Travis Wall - “Your Ex-Lover’s Dead” by Stars (VIDEO): Sassy Ellenore and ripped Ryan gotta worrrrrk this because their Hip Hop stank so badly last week. This is more up their alley, and Travis Wall doesn’t disappoint. The camera work is more cinematic, Ryan’s shirt is off - this should be good. At first, I was enjoying the song more than the routine because it was just a mix of a bunch of Contemporary moves that I’ve seen before (she jumps into his arms and stops; he cartwheels slowly over her and lands so it’s like they’re doinnn it; etc). But THEN, it really picked up in the middle when the music crescendos (again, there’s so much credit to be given to musicality and song choice, choreographers!). I mean, these two just totally committed themselves and threw themselves into the synchronized dancing, ending with a bang as Ellenore made that gigantic leap (of faith) into Ryan’s arms. Wow. I gotta re-watch that. Ellenore is praised for being a chameleon and being uhh-mazing at everything. The judges love them and say they are one of the first “WOW” dances of the season.

Mollee Gray & Nathan Trasoras – Pop Jazz by Laurieann Gibson - “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga (VIDEO): Dear Tyce, follow Laurieann’s lead to see how a REAL diva choreographer acts. I love her with the shouting and the pink headphones, and the “Boom KAT!” beat counting. Whip these whippersnappers into shape, Laurieann! She wanted them to be fierce and give goosebumps. I didn’t get goosebumps, but it was an okay number. Not the worst of the night, but not really something to write home about. Nathan was wearing suspenders like a Newsie off of work and Mollee was wearing a bad 80’s party dress - wtf? The routine was also peppered by odd little moves like *piano playing gesture*, *boxing fists*, *hippity hoppity in one place*. And um, these two are the “youngest couple” and painted to be very PG-rated, so I threw up a smidge when I think they were simulating doggie style or some other such bedroom behavior. Grossssss. Can I just point out that for all of the judges’ talk that Mollee & Nathan are soo young and immature at barely 18 and 19, but hello? Jeanine Mason - yknow, last season’s winner? She was also barely 18 at the time and she was super fantastic and mature. So no excuses! Age ain’t nuthin but a number. I’m falling off the Nathan wagon, y’all…He’s so cute, but he’s been underwhelming. Boo.

Tomorrow night, one lad and one lassie will be cut from the competition on So You Think You Can Dance. Tune in and be sure to fill out the poll on your way out: WHICH TOP 14 COUPLE GAVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE?

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!

America got half of tonight’s eliminated couple right, but WHY did Ade go home? When will this lackluster season of So You Think You Can Dance end cuz I’m ready for the Fall season (Sept 9th!). It better freaking WOW me. I demand a rain check.

Recap and videos (by MJ) straight ahead, Dance lovers!

GROUP DANCE:

Choreographed by Tyce DiOrio - “Send in the Clowns” by Judy Collins - Oh my god, I’m so tyred of Tyce. Is it just me or are his boring jazz hands involved in every single episode? He has yet to impress me this season - not even after countless couple & group Broadway routines, last week’s Katie Holmes‘ dance, and now mopey, sad clowns shuffling around?  Waaah. PS - Jeanine was creeping me out by resembling the Black Dahlia murder victim *shudder* Enough Broadway numbers, dammit! Why not a group Disco number? Big hair, gold lamé, gyrations, girls being spun like tops - that’d be way more exciting! VIDEO

We get straight down to business with our Top 3 ladies and find out that Jeanine, her booty shorts, and her thighs are safe and in the finale (woooOOOO!). That means Kayla and Melissa will perform solos and DANCE FOR NO REASON before we learn which lady is heading home. VIDEO

Next, we get to watch the first of the four Season 4 Emmy-nominated dances:

Adam and Eve dance - “Silence” from Unfaithful - Contemporary choreographed by (AUUUUGH! Not again!) Tyce DiOrio - Featuring Jessica King & Will Wingfield. Wouldn’t it have been cool if the Season 4 alums got to do their own little “Iiiiit’s Jessiker!” solos to show how much more “X-factor” they have than this season’s cast? Take note, producers! VIDEO

Then, the Top 3 lads await their fate. We learn that *(no) surprise* Brandon is safe and deservedly in the finale. That means Evan and Ade will DANCE FOR NO REASON. I was thinkin’ Evan *best* be going home because Ade is so much more diverse in his skills and strength… VIDEO

The Door dance - “Mercy” by Duffy - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - Featuring Katee Shean & Twitch: I love these two and was a huge Katee fan last year. They danced it stronger than last year, although there were some odd camera angles and the prop door was faulty (wouldn’t shut) which distracted a bit. Still, sooo wonderful to see them dance again (I wish a Katee & Joshua dance had been nominated!). VIDEO

Sexy Sexy Tango dance - “A Los Amigos” from Forever Tango - Argentine Tango by Dmitry Chaplin - Featuring Chelsie Hightower & Joshua Allen: Besides Katee, I also loooved Joshua! He cut his hair, but still has the same buff, stocky bod. How I’ve missed him and his charisma. Great dance w/Chelsie. Omg, I’d love to see a dance-off between Joshua and Brandon. Brandon’d get served - no doubt about it!  VIDEO

Melissa and Ade DANCE FOR NO REASON. Melissa was pretty though a li snoozy, but Ade’s spins? They never fail to amaze me (or the producers, who practically showed a montage of Ade’s SpinsTM for his exit package). VIDEO

*fangirling* Aaah! The JabbaWockeeZ perform to “Freak.a.Zoid” by Midnight Star. Had the typical “What- what- whaaat did I just see?” wow-ability. They’re like watching a lava lamp: I could stare for ages, hypnotized. Their choreography, creativity and musicality (I’m starting to feel like Lil C) are superb. VIDEO

Why Don’t You Love Me Like You Love Yer Job, Baby? dance - “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - Featuring Chelsie & Mark Kanemura: One disappointment? That they kept Chelsie in that weird rollerskating leotard over jeans outfit. Other than that, these two did a fab job being ultra angsty. (But psst, I would’ve preferred Katee & Joshua’s “No Air” dance more). VIDEO

Solos from Kayla and Evan. Same ol, same ol solos from last night. Evan’s got a spring in his step, but it bugs me that he’s still here. VIDEO

Sean Paul performs “So Fine”. The number ends with a fizzley blast of fire extinguisher smoke, hissssssing away like my interest during the number. I still like you alright, Sean da Paul, but I’d rather just listen and not have to watch you on TV. VIDEO

ELIMINATED: Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi. VIDEO

Ok, so sadly, I agree that it was Melissa’s time to go even though I love her cobwebby, ancient, 29-year-old ballerinosity (j/k aboot her age, but I really found her to be the most likeable lady). But Evan staying over Ade?? That is some kind of bullshizz! I mean any sane person knows that Brandon v.s. Evan is no contest (let alone Ade v.s. Evan). If Evan does take the title, it’s only because he has an irritatingly huge, rabid fanbase. Argh. Grimace. Furrow brow. Grind teeth. Tense shoulders. Raar. Annnd *sigh* …acceptance. Ade, I will miss your adorabibbleness, upper torso, spins and your hair pik o’ funk. Melissa, you were a delight. Stay fierce in your old age, try to stop burping so loudly and keep in touch.

Who do you want to win? If justice is served, Brandon (or Kayla, or Jeanine) should make it to the end in next week’s So You Think You Can Dance Top 4 FINALE. Whine as I do, you know I’ll be watching, relieved when it’s over and eagerly anticipating the next season in two months. Meet ya there!

Who’s ready for some So You Think You Can Dance Top 6 SPOILERS?  Read forth for the inside scoop on this week’s new couples (ahem, I called it last week), new dances and *squee!*-worthy guests for Thursday’s results show (from MJ):

NEW COUPLE PAIRINGS

Melissa Sandvig & Evan Kasprzak - Broadway by Tyce DiOrio AND Quickstep by Louis Van Amstel - All signs point to this couple leaving this week (and I haven’t even seen them dance yet!). But if we’re basing the contestants on the strength of their dancing, then these two likeable kids need to shoo shoo! Who knows though, America might keep annoying me and keep Evan around.

Kayla Radomski & Brandon Bryant - Contemporary by Stacy Tookey AND Disco by Doriana Sanchez - Two of the strongest dancers this season and the judges’ favorites. Contemporary and Disco should be a piece of cake for them, and I’m troubled by the fact that I’m excited to see the Disco routine. They’ve been pretty awesome this season.

Jeanine Mason & Ade Obayomi - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon AND Rumba by Louis Van Amstel - Jeanine & Ade have a lot of potential. Both have gained a lot of (Hot Tamale train) steam the past weeks. They’ll be the couple I’m rooting for, but a Rumba? Bleccccch and *yawn*!

RESULTS SHOW SPOILERS

On Thursday night, we’re in for a treat or two, or six. First of all, the musical guest is the always energetic Sean (da) Paul. THEN, I hope to have my dance socks rocked off by an appearance from MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew Season 1 winners: the JabbaWockeeZ!

But that’s not all! We’ll FINALLY see SYTYCD Season 4’s alumni perform the four Emmy-nominated routines (they should’ve been allowed to last week):

“Mercy” - Contemporary by Mia Michaels - featuring Katee Shean & Twitch
“Adam & Eve” - Contemporary by Tyce Diorio - featuring Jessica King & Will Wingfield
“Bleeding Love” - Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon - featuring Chelsie Hightower & Mark Kanemura
“A Los Amigos” - Tango by Dmitry Chaplain - featuring Chelsie & Joshua Allen

Hurrah! I love any excuse to see Katee & Joshua again (too bad, none of their amaaaazing dances together were nominated). Prepare to be reminded of how vanilla this season’s contestants have been. Tune in to SYTYCD tomorrow and Thursday night - the finale is almost upon us!

Ooh la la! The pressure was on in tonight’s episode of So You Think You Can Dance: a lot of the dancers got their own styles or genres that weren’t too much of a stretch AND guest-judging was “love you or hate you” Contemporary choreographer, Mia Michaels. Like everyone else, I couldn’t wait to hear if she still couldn’t stand Brandon Bryant for no reason besides his face “annoys the sh!t” out of her…could he win her over? Let’s find out! Thoughts on tonight’s dances and videos (courtesy of MJ) below:

MY BOTTOM 3: Randi & Evan, Caitlin & Jason and Karla & Vitolio

Janette Manrara & Brandon Bryant - Cha-Cha - Jean-Marc and France Genereux - “Hush Hush; Hush Hush” by The Pussycat Dolls (VIDEO): Can these two do any wrong?? Guess that applies to both couples: Brandon & Janette AND the best ballroom choreographers evs, Jean-Marc & France. The dancers nailed this Cha-Cha and, to use Mary Murphy terminology, they were two spicy sexpots waiting to board the first class coach on THE HOT TAMALE TRAIN - YES THEY WERE - WOO WOOO!! Nigel said it was the best Cha-Cha ever on the show and they were so good that Mia did some furious backpedaling and pretended that she was only an outright bitch to Brandon during auditions because she “saw soooo much potential in him.” It was sort of like those made-for-TV movie moments when the drunken husband slurs, “I’m sorry! I only beat ya cuz I loves ya, baby!” Whatevs, I still think she was out of line with her personal attacks during his auditions (not critiquing his dance technique, but his FACE? Come on.). So far, Brandon definitely has what it takes to win this entire show, BUT can he and Janette win enough fans over? Also, will their egos get the best of them?

Kayla Radomski & Kupono Aweau - Jazz - Sonya Tayeh - “Eyes on Fire” by Blue Foundation (VIDEO): This was a perfect number for “Kaypono” - another bizarre, angsty, ragdolly Sonya number. The pair were moody, broody and sexy vampires and it worked. They were totally into their characters and their movements were so together. They looked ever so loverly (y’know, for a dance about death and bloodsucking immortals) and the judges finally gave my boy Kupono some props for his talent! He reminds me more and more of last season’s resident Hawaiian dancer, Mark Kanemura, with his style and embodiment of characters, but he’s sexier to look at. Love ya, Kupono! Hey producers, BTW, can we get some more shots of Kayla’s teddy bear of a grandpa? I miss him.

Randi Strong-Evans & Evan Kasprzak - Broadway - Joey Dowling - “Rich Man’s Frug” from Sweet Charity (VIDEO): This dance was a little too much like last week’s “Butt Dance” (boy-chasing-girl) at first and I thought the music was all wrong and understated for the choreography. I disagree with the judges and blame the choreographer for this underwhelming number. Evan & Randi had some strong moments, but overall I was not really into the number and Evan did come off looking weirdly feminine in some of his movements. It’s getting really hard to pick “Bottom 3″ couples this week because we’ve got some fantastic dancers this season, but Team Short Stuff is on my list for the week.

Caitlin Kinney & Jason Glover - Pop Jazz - Brian Friedman - “Creator” by Santogold (VIDEO): Caitlin played an alien who destroyed mankind and was trying to impregnate Jason, the last human on Earth. Very Xenu. I am still not in love with this couple, but they both did their best to commit to the ridiculous roles given to them, so props for that. Jason even had a few leaps in the dance that were beautiful and impressed me more than he normally does, but overall it was a very strange number and like Mia, I was way distracted by Caitlin’s outfit - something resembling a vacuum-sealed garbage bag coiled with aluminum foil. FASHION POLICE. Poor Caitlin - another pair for the Bottom 3.

Jeanine Mason & Phillip Chbeeb - Hip Hop - Tabitha and Napoleon - “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West (VIDEO): Wow these fools lucked out by getting another Tabitha & Napoleon number!  No Shane Sparks er anything to possibly screw them up. The dance literally chained Jeanine & Phillip at the ankles to represent their partnership on the show — funny how for me the chain came to symbolize how I’ve been stuck with Phillip on my TV, wonking up dance after dance and sending better dancers home. Sorry Chbeeb lovers, I’m sick of his one-note, over-pouty, fish stank face. Yes he’s a talented hip hop dancer, but even in his own genre, his performance (a.k.a. his character) always sucks and he doesn’t emotionally connect. Unfortunately for me, this dance was a success so I guess he’s safe for another week. SIGH.

Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi - Pas de Duex - Thordal Christensen - Romeo & Juliet (VIDEO): I was glad to see Melissa, our sole ballerina, get to do this dance. I still really root for this couple! Definitely not Ade’s strongest dance, but it was far from a disaster and what these two lack in technique they made up for in emotional connection and chemistry. But I wonder if audiences will vote for a classical ballet number…? I hope they stay safe!

Karla Garcia & Vitolio Jeune - Quickstep - Jean-Marc and France Genereux - “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Rufus Wainwright (VIDEO): I put these two in my Bottom 3, but honestly thought they did a really excellent job and enjoyed their spunky Quickstep moreso than Melissa & Ade’s Pas de Deux. But Mia was right that sometimes Karla wasn’t fully in her character and had a stunned facial expression that took a little away from their dance and lost some points from me. HOWEVER, I am also really rooting for this couple because Karla & Vitolio were, IMHO, anchored down by weaker partners in the past weeks and this dance alone showed that they have a lot more to offer. Overall it was a fun, quick-changing Quickstep! I mean, Karla’s dress totally transformed in the middle of the number, and that’s gotta be a crowd-pleaser. Will it be enough though?

Tomorrow night we get a performance by “AUUGH KELLY CLARKSON!” and find out which gal and guy are leaving us. Who will they be? Tune in to So You Think You Can Dance at 9pm on FOX!

Did the right dude and dudette get cut from the Top 18 on So You Think You Can Dance’s elimination show tonight? Results recap ahead (videos de MJ’s).

The Top 18 open the show with a dramatic, zombie-slouchy Mia Michael’s dance to “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder while wearing hot black suits and Maori face paint. What the hell is going on? It’s like the music video for Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love,” with the tight ponytails and hulking, bobbing movements. But is it about rock stars, or fame? I am perplexed and intrigued all at once. It’d be nice if we could get some backstage clips to understand what these strange group numbers are about. And to see if Mia and Brandon Bryant still don’t see eye-to-eye. (VIDEO)

Instead we got this fun-but-waste-of-time montage of Lil C’s long-winded critiques. Eh. (VIDEO)

Onto the results. Melissa and Ade are thankfully safe - they’re really growing on me. Caitlin and Jason are in the Bottom 3 after their hokey Hip Hop number and amazingly, Jeanine and Phillip are safe despite their flawed Tango. I tell ya, that Chbeeb owes a lot to his fans who must be voting like mad for him. Caitlin and Jason prep to (get ready for it) DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES. (VIDEO)

Next we have Janette and Brandon who killed their super-speed Disco number last night (the good kinda “kill”). America agrees and the power couple are safe to see another week! Next, cutie patootie couple Karla and Jonathan escape being in the Bottom 3 again (and rightly so) after their emotional Contemporary dance. I’m stoked - now let’s give Karla some Hip Hop to “wow” us with (assuming Jonathan can keep up). That unfortunately puts one of my fave couples, Ashley and Kupono, in the Bottom 3. But not surprising since their Hip Hop routine was sloppy. Like Cat, I’m selfishly happy that I get to watch Kupono do a solo. I could watch him forevs. (VIDEO)

Then Cat gives us a surprise: footage from the Fall SYTYCD 6 auditions (going on now). Older “Broadway Brother” Ryan Kasprzak taps his way back to the audition stage and we find out he makes it to Vegas! C’mon, they’ve gotta let him through right? He’s 29, America loves him, he’s a genius choreographer and has personality to boot. Should we assume he’ll be in the Fall’s Top 20? Yeah. (VIDEO)

“Fun Fun Fun” couple Randi and Evan are safe as are Asuka and Vitolio. Unfortunately, that leads to the shocker that judge’s #1 favorite lady Kayla Radomski and partner Max are in the Bottom 3. That’s a shame - I really liked their Pop Jazz/de-throned princess routine last night. They must DANCE FOR THEIR LIVES. (VIDEO)

We get a lot of strong solos: Caitlin does her usual limber, flowy choreography; Jason is way more interesting to watch in his own genre (Contemporary). His leaps and extensions are wild. Ashley’s next (looking very Ashley Judd, actually - PIC) with a solid solo. Finally, it’s my guy Kupono who still reminds me of fellow Hawaiian dancer, Mark Kanemura, from last season. I like his connection to the music. Save him, judges! (VIDEO)

Finally we get solos from Kayla, who makes lovely leaps which fit her song, “Walking on Air,” but it seems a bit rushed (curse that countdown adding pressure!) and Max who does an impressive, fast-steppin’ jive (take notes, Randi and Evan) to “Footloose”. I’m into it. (VIDEO)

The judges run backstage with their notes and newcomer Kristina Debarge sings “Goodbye”. Fast forward! (VIDEO). Then a crazy-fast footwork professional dancer from India jingle jangles all over the stage and manages to make it look easy. (VIDEO)

ELIMINATED: Ashley Valerio and Maksim “Max” Kapitanniko (VIDEO)

It was not unanimous for the judges (which makes me sooo curious about which judge voted for whom…), but they are two dancers who, while talented, don’t have as much of a following by viewers as some of the others. It’s a shame, but we’ll survive.

This means next week, Kayla and Kupono will pair up. Two of my favorites to watch, but after seeing Kayla sob over Max’s departure I wonder if she feels like Kupono should’ve left instead of her partner! Will it make things awkward for them, or will they knock my socks off with their combined Contemporary stylez? So You Think You Can Dance, you always keep me guessin’! Until next week, dance lovers!

Last night on: So You Think You Can Dance. The show took us to the West Coast where LA impressed and Seattle depressed. I’ll just focus on the good dancers - videos below thanks to MJS Big Blog:

Bianca Revels - Tap (VIDEO): Bianca is a stellar tap dancer who nearly tippity tapped her way to the Top 20 last season, but fell short. Man, these kids just don’t quit do they? She’s back with fancy footwork and a cheeky smile - all enough to earn her a ticket straight to Vegas.

Calico Sequeira - Lindy Hop (VIDEO): Ok, so Calico is not a very good dancer, but she had a really spunky attitude and this video is only worth watching because guest judge Adam Shankman goes up to dance with her and pokes fun at the whole audition process.  PLUS, we get to see last season’s stars: Joshua Allen, Katee Shean and Comfort Fedoke make an appearance and tease him! Cuh-yootness.

Asuka Kondoh and Ricky Sun - Latin Ballroom (VIDEO): The judges were totally enamored by this couple, and by Miss Asuka in particular. I’m not sure if I’m 100% sold on them, but they were solid enough to skip choreography and head straight to Vegas. So there’s that.

Nathan Trasoras - Contemporary (VIDEO): Oh my gosh, I looooooved this kid! He is such an incredible dancer - very graceful and strong. The judges note that he has a very good “center” meaning he can spin and spin and spin like the dickens without losing balance. He’s too pretty - crazy long limbs that go on for days and excellent movement.  Unfortunately, Nathan won’t be 18 before the show starts, so he was ineligible! Blue balls. Like me, Nigel hearts him so much that he wrote an “IOU” pass to Vegas for Season 6 of SYTYCD (coming this fall)! Now I definitely have to tune in to next season in hopes that Nathan continues to amaze.

Sammy Ramirez - Pop Locker (VIDEO): Sammy has the CUTEST face, with twinkly eyes and a grin from ear to ear. He’s a really entertaining pop locker and also proves that he can handle learning choreography so he makes it to the next round.

Amanda Kerby - Contemporary (VIDEO): I’m not sure what to think of Amanda. I thought she was an alright dancer (also has a “good center”), but not perfect - even shaky in some parts. My parents were outraged that she made it through at all, and blame it on the fact that’s she’s just pretty. I think they’re haters - what do you think about Amanda?

Phillip Chbeeb and Arielle Coker - Pop Lock and Contemporary (VIDEO): I’m new to SYTYCD, so I have no idea who this Chbeeb character is, but people seem to adore him. He’s a pop-locker whose missed a few chances to get to the finals, so this year he got a ticket to Vegas, no questions asked. As it turns out, he’s also a partner for contemporary dancer, Arielle. The judges were impressed with their choreography but seem way more excited about Phllip than Arielle. We’ll see if they both make the cut. 

Kelsea Taylor - Contemporary (VIDEO): Kelsea came to the judges after a day of horrendous Seattle auditions. She’s very quirky and creative, although her hair style screamed, “Amy Winehouse” to me. I’ll forgive her because I found myself really locked in to her performance.

Kuponohi’ipoi Aweau - Contemporary (VIDEO): A dancer from Hawaii who reminded me just a tad of Mark Kanemura from last season. Mary was “eh” because some parts of his performance were too lady-like, but I loved watching him. Very emotional and all accented by the delightful swishiness of his hair. He passes the choreography test, however, and gets that golden ticket to Vegas.

Woohoo! So the 6-hours of auditions for So You Think You Can Dance are over! Fun as they can be, the last couple of episodes were spending way too much time on really horrible dancers. But now we’re down to 169 dancers who will duke it out in Vegas during next week’s episodes. They’ve got to suffer and toil through multiple routines by this season’s choreographers. It’s gonna be ROUGH. I’m there.

Dear Reality TV gods,

I implore you to make this summer’s So You Think You Can Dance season worth watching. Shouldn’t be too hard because I’m already stoked for tonight’s 2-hour premiere. I only ask for dancers to fawn over (preferably with funny artsy names like Thayne, Comfort, Kherington and Twitch), routines that give me chills, goofy judges and crazy choreography. Do it to it!

If you make this happen, I’m willing to put the following grievances behind me: Joan Rivers winning Celebrity Apprentice, Shawn Johnson beating Gilles Marini on Dancing With the Stars, Taj getting back-stabbed on Survivor: Tocantins, and American Idol kicking off Allison Iraheta too soon.

Sincerely,
Erin

Readers, whet your appetites with these videos - the SYTYCD Season 5 promo and last season’s cast on Ellen, respectively:

Ooh, I can’t hardly wait! Tune in to So You Think You Can Dance tonight at 8pm on FOX!