So You Think You Can Dance - July 8, 2009

July 9, 1:39 AMDetroit Reality TV ExaminerSuzanne S

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Detroit Reality TV Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

All images from Fox.com

Only twelve dancers remain after last weeks performances, all of them hoping and praying to make it into the top 10.  Tonight is probably the most important performance of the season since the top 10 is always remembered more than those who get cut before that.  Each couple had to perform 2 dances tonight so it was a really jam packed episode.

1. Melissa (Ballet) and Ade (Contemporary)

First they performed Disco to Move on Up by Destination.  Their energy really came out from the first step and they looked great to me, although there were a few pauses in between some of the moves.  Nigel said it was an "incredible start" to the evening and it was exciting.  Mary said they gave her a "disco pick me up" and it was a lot of fun with tremendous lifts.  Tice said it was great as well, these three really loved it and I completely agree with them.

Second they performed a Waltz which looked to be a slow but controlled dance that was harder than it looked.  Their performance looked really smooth and pretty.  Nigel thought it was beautiful and the choreographer played to their strengths, but he had a few notes about their "rise and fall".  Mary said it was beautiful also but thought Ade needed to work on the power during the dance steps.  Tice thought it was well danced but gave them some notes for future improvements.

2. Kayla (Jazz/Contemporary) and Kupono (Lyrical/Contemporary)

First they performed a Mia Michael's Contemporary piece that was about addiction with Kupono being the addiction that Kayla is trying to get rid of.  Kupono got emotional about the performance because he dealt with friends with addictions before.  He did well playing the devil type character trying to trap Kayla as she tried to fight him off.  Nigel said it was very powerful and they danced it superb, but he would like to get her hair out of her face more so he could see her more.  I never understood the whole hair-in-the-face thing with these dancers!  Mary said Kupono stayed in a very intense character and Kayla was flawless.  Tice said they weren't only good dancers, but also good actors as they brought those characters out. 

Their second dance was a Joey Dowling Broadway number where the couple would have to portray a energetic "love at first sight" story.  I didn't think they played these characters as well as they did in their first dance of the night.  Nigel thought they "just danced it" and didn't really get into character.  Mary thought they did a really good job even though they didn't get the style very well.  Tice thought they didn't get into the world of the story enough, but agreed they danced it well. 

3. Caitlin (Contemporary) and Jason (Lyrical/Contemporary)

Tony and Melanie choreographed them in a Fox Trot for their first dance.  With elegant costumes, these two came out trying to sell this old fashioned dance, but I actually found it to be a bit boring.  Nigel said Caitlin made everything look easy and gentle and Jason's footwork was very good.  Mary thought it was tremendous and that it suited them well.  Tice said they both looked like stars but they could have glided more.

Mandy Moore taught them a lyrical/jazz routine for their second dance.  They were excited to show off their own styles more.  The music had a cool beat throughout and I liked the moves they had that followed that quick beat.  Mixed in with some unique lifts, it was a nice routine.  Nigel said it was beautiful choreography and the work was technically good but he doesn't really see chemistry between them.  Mary saw chemistry but didn't think it was "magic" tonight.  She thought it was good but not memorable.  Tice thought their lines were beautiful but they played it safe.

4. Jeanine (Contemporary) and Phillip (Popper)

Starting off with a Russian Folk dance, Phillip and Jeanine were learning something really different tonight.  It was really hard to judge this dance on first watching because I've never seen a Russian Folk dance before.  I can at least say they were together most of the time and tried to stay in character, but they didn't seem very confident.  Nigel wasn't sure they were given enough to work with and was too "folky".  He did have good things to say about Phillips leg-work on one of the parts.  Mary thought Jeanine was believable and made it look effortless.  She thought Phillip had some highlights too.  Tice thought they did very well.

They needed their second routine, the Jive, to make up for their first. They definitely know how to stay together and I was impressed with it because I didn't think Phillip could do those characters.  Nigel thought Phillip was the best he's been out of his own style even though it was obvious he was nervous.  He thought Jeanine is one of the best top 10 dancers.  Mary said she'd guarantee Jeanine would be there next week and said Phillip was a big surprise.  Tice said it was fantastic and Phillip made up for his lack of technique by his performance.  He also thought Jeanine was a star.

5. Randi (Jazz) and Evan (Broadway)

Randi and Evan's first routine was hip-hop with Tabitha and Napoleon.  Randi was playing a pregnant girl with her significant other and they are nervous about what to do.  They were together for the most part but and seemed to show the emotion that was needed for the story.  Nigel loved that Randi and Evan were able to be themselves and not try to be "urban".  He also said they are one of his favorite couples.  Mary was expecting a train wreck but thought they did a great job.  Tice thought Evan still needs to find more but Randi did a great job. 

Their second routine was a Samba which was out of both of their comfort zones.  They started right off with some nice tricks and seemed to somewhat fit the characters they were given.  Even though they were both worried about all the hip movements and shaking their butts, they did well with it.  Nigel said Evan was very strong but doesn't look like a "hot Samba king".  Overall he didn't think it was as Hot as he would have liked it.  Mary said there was a "slow sizzle" and it was a fabulous routine but they weren't fully committed.  Tice said Evan needed to get into character more and Randy carried the routine. 

6. Janette (Salsa) and Brandon (Contemporary)

Their first dance was the Argentine Tango, which was supposed to be a very Sexy dance.  It started off slow but there were a lot of good tricks in there that I really thought were neat.  It looked like they were pros at this style!  Nigel was speechless and instead gave them a standing ovation, and Mary and Tice joined him.  Nigel said it was "as close to perfection as I've seen on this stage ... ever!"  Mary thought it was hot and really outstanding.  Tice said they did the whole thing and it was unreal.

They finished off the night with a cartoon-like Wade Robson Jazz routine about two thieves.  The story was meant to be funny and I thought it was very entertaining and cute.  Nigel said "there isn't anything we can't throw at you that you don't do brilliantly".  He said he'd be surprised if they didn't get the most votes tonight.  Mary said they saved the best for last.  She said it was a "spontaneous combustion" and they stole her heart.  Tice said they "have that thing" and they can pick up any style. 

Who will go home tomorrow?

Well, it's really hard to say since the audience doesn't always vote for who the judges say is the best.  However if I had to guess, I'd say Evan and Phillip will be in the bottom three for the guys.  Not that they are bad, but so many of the other guys are great.  It's a toss up with the girls, but it might be between Randy and Caitlin.

Next Week: The Couples are split up!

Starting next week the top 10 will be mixing it up a bit!  No more couples!  Can they still hold their top spots when performing with different partners?  Tune in tomorrow to find out who makes it to the top 10, then tune in next week to see how they do!  Enjoy!!