Top20 Group Dance

An explosive, Mad Men-esque, Christopher Scott routine started the show.  I hope Scott becomes an even more familiar face on the show because his work is truly amazing. To create a routine that was so strong and beautiful for 20 different dancers with such diverse backgrounds is truly incredible.

Music: “Architect of The Mind” by Kerry Muzzey

Welcome to So You Think You Can Dance—The Flub Ups

This episode got off to a bit of a silly start as the voice-over man started too soon and then repeating himself. When Host, Cat Deeley, came out she makes a quick joke about it and then messes up herself! She goes to call Mary, Mia!! After 8 seasons though, I think that they can spare a few goofs

After the judge’s introductions, Nigel reminds viewers of the new format this year: there will be two winners, America’s Favourite Boy & Girl. This means, that at the end of every episode you should vote at least twice! Nigel also informs everyone that 4 people will be eliminated next episode. From America’s voting the bottom three boys and girls will each be left to the judge’s discretion, then two of each will be sent home.

The dancers are all coupled up and, as always, they draw their routines. Before we get to see the rehearsal process however, the dancers get 8 (whole!) seconds to tell us about themselves. The idea seemed cute, but kind of got repetitive, a little annoying, and not at all relevant…. I really don’t care if Whitney can make a flower with her tongue; I already know that George is “the second” and that his dad is “George the first”.

Witney & Chehon

These two dynamic dancers pulled a samba; fabulous for Ballroom dancer Whitney, but difficult for our Ballet-Boy Chechon. The judges started by pouring out the compliments and weren’t too hard on Chechon. Nigel did warn Chechon that by trying to fight his classical training he’s over compensating and causing new problems. He tells him to “start to enjoy the routines more. You can, this isn’t classical now…”  Whitney, now, must have been on cloud nine. Nigel called her a star, Mary put her on her Hot-Tamali train – again—this time giving her a first class ticket, and Kenny compared her to Marilyn Monroe—only hotter.

Choreographer: Louis Van Amstel
Music: “Jump” by The Cube Guys & Lucinana

Tiffany & George

These two were lucky and pulled a Sonya Tayeh routine. The style of this routine differs from Sonya’s usual repertoire. As Nigel noted, her choreography has shifted from quirky to romantic. It will be exciting to see how Sonya evolves as a choreographer – if this is any indication it’s worth sticking around to watch.

Mary told the couple that they were breathtaking, Nigel predicted that America will love the two, and Kenny insists that the two brought him back to his youth and the beauty of youth, he adds “You spilt it.”

Music: “Turning Page” by Sleeping At Last

Janaya & Brandon

Pulled a Tabitha and Napoleon Hip Hop routine! A very pregnant Tabitha I might add. The two received some technical advice but overall the judges’ verdict was that they need to bring it even harder because the standard of excellence this year is extraordinary.

Music: “Take Care” by Drake feat. Rihanna

Alexa & Daniel

Drew the difficult Choreographer: Sean Cheesman. The routine looked exceptionally physically demanding – they never stopped their fast and intricate moves for a second. Though the two executed it flawlessly, it seemed just that: a practiced execution of moves instead of a performance. I say this especially since it was supposed to be sexy and I didn’t even feel like the two had a connection. Nigel made a point to remind the audience how difficult Cheesman’s choreography is, but Kenny really said it best: “though I was impressed with the exercise, I wasn’t as impressed with the performance.”
Music: “Hey Hey” by Dennis Ferrer

Continued