The Top 20 will be revealed tonight on So You Think You Can Dance. Plus, the contestants are introduced to viewers as they dance choreography created especially for them, in their specialty.
Tonight is the night you MAY find your fav. Stick with me as I LIVE BLOG the action.
HOLY COW. Was tonight’s show GREAT or WHAT? Once again, Nigel Lythgoe–you sly little devil–KUDOS for putting on a GREAT show. Combining the reveal of the Top 20 with the introductory performances was perfect. It kept the show from bogging down. As soon as a dancer was in, they had the opportunity to show us what they got.
And boy, is this a talented group! I can’t think of one dancer who doesn’t deserve to be there. Not only were the dancers superior, but the choreography was over-the-top awesome. Travis Wall, Sonya Tayeh, Christopher Scott and Dave Scott I BOW TO THEE.
I am super-excited for the season ahead. How about you?
Cat Deeley! WE LOVE HER. Thirty one dancers were still in the running for the Top 20. Once they are revealed, they will perform in their style in “Nine electrifying routines for us.”
Robin Antin, Lil’ C, Tyce Diorio, Mary Murphy, Debbie Allen and Nigel Lythoe are on the panel. The all-stars will be introduced at the Top 10 says Nigel.
The contestants are in a holding area. They’ll take a long walk to the judges table where they will learn their fate. I like this better than the trips the judges took to the hopefuls houses to deliver the news. Too much reality and not enough show, that was. Glad we’re back to doing things the old way.
Rickey Jaime – Contemporary – is first. Ha ha. There’s little Rickey busting a move at his mom’s wedding! Rickey says he learned a lot in Vegas. “I’m not giving you bad news, ” says Nigel, “You’re in our Top 20.” IN
Miranda Maleski – Contemporary – IN
Melanie Moore – Contemporary – IN
Abigail does not advance. Neither does Caitlyn.
Natalia and Sasha Mallory – Contemporary Natalia is CUT. Sasha is IN.
Sasha, Melanie, Miranda and Rickey dance a Stacey Tookey contemporary routine – “This Shirt” by the Irrepressibles – BEAUTIFUL. Nigel says it’s thrilling to see such wonderful technique. “This creative process needs great dancers–it challenges the choreographer. Well done you four. Keep up the good work.” Tyce says, “Great choreography, great dancers, great passion coming together in one place. We are going to celebrate dance this summer. You are going to inspire and motivate.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BL9qXoV-qg
Hip hop dancers are next. Seven dancers are left.
Chris Koehl – Hip Hop – it’s the second time he’s made the Green Mile. This year, he says, there is so much competition. Mary says, “Never ever be discouraged when a door shuts. But this year, the door isn’t shut. We love you. We loved that you worked so hard. Your hard work has paid off.” IN
Wadi Jones – Hip Hop – IN
Tadd Gadduang – Hip Hop – IN
Virgil “Lil O” is eliminated.
Robert Taylor Jr. – Hip Hop – He’s 30 years old, but nevertheless he makes the Top 20 IN.
“The Professor” is eliminated.
Robert, Chris, Wadi, and Tadd, perform a Dave Scott Hip Hop routine – “Everyday (Coolin’) Swizz Beatz feat. Eve – Sharp, fun. Loves it. Cat dancing with the boys in a chorus line! Ha. Lil C agrees that it’s a chorus line of bucness. “Power, performance, passion, personality, percussion. Dave Scott just served up a hip hop. souffle, ” he says. Robin sees the uniqueness and character in the dancers. Fierce and light as a feather she says. Exciting and sexy.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIyjnCW2hac
8 dancers are through! Ballroom is next. 2 were left at the end of Vegas.
Lenny is cut.
Iveta Lukosiute – Has been cut in Vegas twice before. She’s a 10x European champion. This is the last year she can compute due to age restrictions. Mary admires her for putting herself out year after year. Mary tears up. “Sometimes I’m asked to deliver bad news. But I will not be the one to put you in danger. America is the only one who will put you in danger, because you have finally made it.” IN
Iveta will perform a Jason Gilkerson routine with PASHA! – “On The Floor” by Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull – Yay. HOT HOT HOT. “There sure was a party going on right now, ” screams Mary! She’s thrilled to have a dancer on stage who has won world championships in TEN DANCES. “Your technique is ridiculous sister. And Jason’s routine showed you off.” Nigel says, “I don’t think I’ve been as excited since Pasha and Anya danced. We need to find a guy who can live up to this standard. You’re a world champion, yet you’ve humbled yourself. We’ve learned the error of our ways and here you are.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IetNeh3lECU
Jazz is next!
Clarice Ordaz and Bridget wait together backstage.
Clarice Ordaz – Jazz – Mary says they’ve had so many amazing stunning jazz dancers this season but….SHE MAKES IT! IN.
Bridget and a few more dancers are cut.
Marko Germar – Jazz – Tyce tells him that he’s got a lot to teach people (Marko is the guy with a bullet in his arm), and that’s why they are putting him through to the Top 20. IN.
Jordan Casanova – Jazz – Debbie Allen says, “You have a powerful presence when you dance and you are only 18 years old. We could give you a little more time. But why wait? We all want you. You are in the Top 20.” IN.
Missy Morelli – Jazz – Thinks she’ll be cut because she is so much like Jordan but she’s IN
Marko, Jordan, Missy and Clarice dance a Sonya Tayeh routine – “Vanguard” by Steed Lord – LOVE HER. Tyce is so excited he’s standing, “We’ve put you all through to the Top 20. A force to be reckoned with. You guys killed it sick. Amazing. Sick.” “You were like caged animals. Fierce.” says Robin. “It was hot. Sexy. Sex. Sexy.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yQSNOodY-w
Tap dancer, Nick Young and Broadway dancer Jess LeProtto are next.
Jess LeProtto – Broadway – He’s the only Broadway dancer left, but he still doesn’t feel confident. Nigel says, “We’re worried about some of the other styles. Also, you’re a little arrogant.” Jess says he felt uncomfortable in Hip Hop. Nigel says, “You’re going to need them all, because you’re in the Top 20.” IN.
Nick Young – Tap – “It was fun to watch you dance. That personality is what put you through to the Top 20” says Robin – IN
Nick and Jess dance a routine by Christopher Scott – “Funkier than a Mosquito’s Tweeter” by Nina Simone – WOW That was AMAZING. Such fun. It’s a battle! SUCH TALENT. Nick is HOTTTT. I might be in love with him. He brings Cat a rose. Nigel says, “This warms the cockles of my heart. Fabulous to see. The musical dancer against the street dancer. 4 girls can tap this year!” ooooh. There might be tap routines this year! Maybe Nick will last longer than 2 freaking minutes. Tyce says, “This piece goes to show that dancers can be stars.”
http://youtu.be/360qdLktnIE
Only 4 girls are left
Caitlynn Lawson – Contemporary – Nigel told her several times she was his favorite. Debbie says, “One thing that has not been said about you…that you’re not going to make the Top 20. You’re in like Flynn!” – IN
Ashley Rich – Contemporary – IN
Mitchell Kelly – Contemporary – He feels like he deserves to be in the Top 20. He’s confident. Tyce says, “Mitchell…keep smiling because you’re in the Top 20.” Mitchell thanks them. IN
Jeremiah – Feels he deserves to be in the Top 20 but he’s eliminated.
Alexander Fost – Contemporary – Is really really nervous but he’s IN.
Ryan Ramirez and Alexa Anderson are left. Alexa says it’s hard to operate under fear. Ryan doesn’t think she showed her full potential when she vied for a spot last year.
Alexa is cut.
Ryan Ramirez – IN
Ryan, Alexander, Caitlynn, Mitchell and Ashley dance a Travis Wall routine – “Moth’s Wings” by Passion Pit – The dancers perform on a leaf-strewn floor. So incredible. Joyful BEAUTIFUL. Gah. Love Travis. Robin says, “That’s what I call a celebration of dance. It’s like you choreographed the leaves to move with the dancers. Strong. Fluid. Soft at the same time. Moving.” Mary says, “Holy smokes. It was like this beautiful fall breeze. It was defying gravity. 5 well seasoned dancers. Travis Wall has grown into this amazing choreographer. MAGIC.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVh3EKQbK28
Top 10 Boys dance a Hip Hop routine – “Velocity” by Nathan Lanier – Choreographer, Chris Scott mixes in contemporary elements, much to the relief of the contemporary dancers. He choreographs for LXD (I just saw them with GLEE. Incredible. And yes, they incorporate elements of all types of dance). Lil C says, “Chris Scott is the master of C when it comes to mixing styles. He does everything. You never know what you’re going to get. You looked like an episode straight out of the series.” Nigel says, “It was like the Matrix to me. Guys. You’re all terrific this year. But you are going to have to be unique and different. The girls are beasts. They don’t just favor boys here like some OTHER SHOWS.” What could NIGEL POSSIBLY BE TALKING ABOUT? Lulz.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxGu2EeVhZw
Top 10 Girls – “Pop Drop and Roll” by Chonique Sneed & Lisette Bustamante – Sonya Tayeh choreographs and freaks them out! She’s going to push them until she can’t push them any more. Sonya says it’s the strongest set of girls they’ve ever had. The girls explore the “other side” of being a Geisha. Mary says, “We’re not worthy. They’re beasts! What a night we’re having tonight. We’re going to have to make some room on the Hot Tamale train! Bring it on. Dream team of dancers!” Lil C says, “When it comes to Sonya…S is for synergy. O is for obstacles. N is for never. Y is for YES. A is for abstract. You guys are the epitome of Sonya.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMPo3olJgJQ
The Top 20 dance a Tyce Diorio routine – “Little Bird” by Annie Lennox – Nigel says the dancers have to figure out how to stand out. He mentions there will be online voting for the first time. Viewers will be allowed up to 50 votes online.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss187ON5cGg
Your Top 20!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68A8Y2Tqi4s
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