So You Think You Can Dance 2022 Recap: Top 8 Revealed!

Host Cat Deeley and contestants Carter and Anna on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CR: Michael Becker

It’s time for the Top 10 to take the stage on So You Think You Can Dance! 

After dance partners Virginia and James were eliminated last week, tonight’s theme is “around the world” and the Top 10 will compete for a spot in the Top 8, with two more contestants being sent packing.

Cat Deeley announces what’s going to be their “biggest, most ambitious” episode yet, while also stating there will be brand new parings.

Carter & Anna – Salsa

Anna and Carter dance a Salsa routine on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CR: Michael Becker

Anna and Carter are going on a “Cuban vacation” with their Salsa. Anna says this dance is all new to Anna, while Carter feels the lifts haven’t been clicking for them.

Anna got the sexy part down, but she kept looking like she couldn’t believe she was nailing each step. Might have even held Carter back a bit. Also, this isn’t a critique against the contestants, but I’ve seen much better Salsa routines. And y’all don’t want to know what I blurted out during that final pose…

Leah says it was the way to start out the show and Carter had an amazing job of bringing the energy. JoJo says she appreciates how Carter engaged with Anna, the judges and the audience. tWitch says Anna should be proud of how she attacks each character every week, then criticizes Carter for not bringing enough attitude.

Waverly & Essence – Bollywood

Waverly and Essence dance a Bollywood routine on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CR: Michael Becker

Waverly and Essence go to Bollywood with their dance. Essence says she hopes she and Waverly have a good connection.

This girl can dance anything. Waverly is really god at flowy movements. But in my professional opinion, it seems hard to me to mess up a dance like this one…

tWitch says there was no shortage of energy or character. Leah says Essence owned the stage and Waverly was the leading man. JoJo compliments Waverly’s knee spins and that Essence looks like a goddess.

Beau & Jordin – Viennese Waltz

Beau and Jordan dance a Viennese waltz routine on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CR: Michael Becker

Because Jordin wasn’t feeling well, she couldn’t attend rehearsals with Beau. This routine is being choreographed by DWTS’ pros and real-life couple Sasha Farber and Emma Slater.

Was this Beau’s first attempt at ballroom?? That was absolutely beautiful on his part. I was more impressed by him this week than ever! For not feeling well and having little rehearsal, Jordin killed it!

Before judging Jordin admits that she learned the dance the day before within three hours, whoa!!

JoJo says while Jordin probably doesn’t feel 150%, she made it look like 110%, then says she gets chills every time she watches Beau dance. tWitch says it was a beautiful moment, and that Jordin finally found a way to stand out. Leah says Leah brought it when it mattered and hopes Beau will embrace being a leading man a little bit more.

Keaton & Ralyn – African Jazz

Ralyn and Keaton dance an African Jazz routine on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CR: Michael Becker

Keaton says he has zero experience in African jazz. Ralyn admits she has a “baby crush” on Keaton.

While it was a fun dance to watch, and I’m sure a fun dance to learn and perform, I don’t think it showcased anything unique about either of their talents. That one two-person somersault thing was incredible though!

Leah says, “WOW!!!” and says it was like watching art. JoJo teases Ralyn about her crush being exposed, and says the power behind the number was insane. tWitch says Ralyn was mighty and Keaton has progressed week after week.

Thiago & Alexis – Broadway

Alexis and Thiago dance a Broadway routine on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE  CR: Michael Becker

Alexis says it’s pressure because Broadway is an iconic style to America. Thiago says he hopes to bring out the Broadway essence.

I can tell from the very first few steps that Broadway is not Alexis’ style. Thiago killed it. He’s always been a very theatrical dancer with large movements, so this dance suits him well.

tWitch says they were technically beautiful and he loved watching it, but there’s something he didn’t connect with. Leah says Thiago needs to believe in himself more. JoJo says she saw a duo of two dancers who were clean, precise, and did exactly what they were supposed to do.

The audience now votes for their favorite dancer of the night…

The four dancers in danger are… Thiago, Jordin, Carter and Alexis.

The dancers leaving are… Jordin and Thiago.

Sad to see those two go, especially Thiago. Next week’s episode will be a repeat, so I’ll be back on July 13th when the Top 8 perform!

About Ashley Amber 86 Articles
Ashley Amber is a 29-year-old writer, author and dancer. When Ashley isn't live-blogging shows like The Voice and Dancing With The Stars for MJ's Big Blog, she works as a writer for Happy Productions and a contributor at The DIS, and previously published over 300 articles for Collider. Ashley has also authored a self-published fantasy/romance series of novelettes, and made her poetry debut in 2021's LGBTQIA+ anthology Deviant: Chronicles of Pride by InkFeathers Publishing. As a former pro ballroom dancer, when she's not writing, you can find Ashley on Youtube and TikTok where she posts dance videos featuring her own choreography and tutorials.