by David McAlpine

 

Tonight, on So You Think You Can Dance, the Top 14 put on their dancing shoes and compete for America's vote.  After Kayla and Kupono successfully avoided the bottom 3 last week, all eyes are on the newest couple, Karla and Vitolio to see if they can do the same thing.  Last week's bottom three was comprised of couples that had all been there before--can that change tomorrow night? Only America decides!

 

Dancers: Janette Manrara and Brandon Bryant
Style: Cha Cha
Choreographer: Jean Marc & France Genereaux
Song: "Hush Hush" by The Pussycat Dolls
First off, I want to say this song is my jam. I loved that they used it on the show! Anyway, Janette and Brandon, I think, nailed the dance again. This is obviously Janette's element, and you really couldn't tell that it wasn't Brandon's. They were incredibly in sync and brought that energy to the stage that is really unparalleled by the other couples. Nigel says their dance was world championship caliber, while the couple leaves Mary, literally, screaming in the other judges' faces. Plus, Mia Michaels complimented Brandon so much that he cried; how cute! There is no doubt in my mind that these two are well on their way to the Top 10, and, going out on a limb here, but probably to the finals, too.

 

Dancers: Kayla Radomski and Kupono Aweau
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Song: “Eyes on Fire" by Blue Foundation
Ashley and Kupono drove the waltz home last time after being together for less than a week, so I'm interested to see if they can keep it up. The theme of the dance seems to require some intense chemistry, which they clearly had. Not only was the chemistry between them there, but both Kayla and Kupono showed the intensity in their faces and their movements. It didn't particularly stick with me, but I think it'll get people voting. The judges love the partnership and they attest to how great it's made their performances.

 

Dancers: Randi Evans and Evan Kasprzak
Style: Broadway
Choreographer: Joey Dowling
Song: “Rich Man's Frug" from Sweet Charity
Judging by the way Joey Dowling was treating them, you tell that she expected a lot. At the same time, you couldn't tell if they weren't following through, or if she's just being harsh. The dance itself was a little less over the top than many of the Broadway routines we tend to see on the show, but it was still very well executed by Randi and Evan. The one thing that seemed to be missing was their sparkling personalities, because, like Nigel said, the choreography was simplistic, so they really needed to shine through. The word that comes to mind is forgettable, so whether or not America will pick up their phones and votes for them remains to be seen.

 

Dancers: Caitlin Kinney and Jason Glover
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Brian Friedman
Song: “Creator" by Santigold
These two have fallen in the bottom three two weeks in a row, and I think they've both been deserved. Obviously they're both fantastic dancers, because their solos have blown the judges out of the water. It kind of bothered me that they were blaming their trip ups moreso on the choreographers than themselves, so I was ready to see how they would interpret their "unique" jazz dance. I think that they do get the short end of the stick because they get weird dances, but they really did a good job with this one. They made it entertaining to watch and memorable to viewers, but I still don't know if it's enough to keep them safe because of the other competitors. It'll probably help that Nigel called Caitlin a "dancing condom."

 

Dancers: Jeanine Mason and Phillip Chbeeb
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo
Song: “Love Lockdown" by Kanye West
Having nailed their hip hop routine during the first week, it's nerveracking to watch them attempt again, because their expectations will be heightened. In addition, the chain seems to be giving them trouble in practice, which could spell issues for them. Though once they get out on stage, it's all energy and movement and no trouble. These two really give Janette and Brandon a run for their money in both vibes and pure talent, especially Janette. I smell finals for her! Props to them for an amazing encore!

 

Dancers: Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi
Style: Classical Pas de deux
Choreographer: Thordal Christensen
Song: “Romeo and Juliet" from "Romeo and Juliet"
When I saw that Melissa and Ade had this style, I was worried because it's not very popular with the voters, so I felt they already had something working against them. In addition, because it's ballet, there are so many technical points to look for that it seemed like the couple had a very uphill road, even with Melissa having ballet training. Melissa rocked it once she got out on stage, but Ade seemed to fall a little short in the technical department, which I also felt lost a lot of their chemistry. They seemed lie two people dancing together, rather than one couple and it was very odd. The judges said nice things, but again, nothing memorable, which I think puts them at risk for dancing solos tomorrow. 

 

Dancers: Karla Garcia and Vitolio Jeune
Style: Quickstep
Choreographer: Jean-Marc & France Genereaux
Song: “Puttin' on the Ritz" by Rufus Wainwright
Finally, the newest couple of the competition gets to show America how they've been able to adapt over the past week. Vitolio seemed really shaken up after nearly getting eliminated last week, and it was clear in practice that he has something to prove. When the music started, you could tell that they were both nervous, but after Karla's kick ass costume change, the dance seemed effortless. Both Karla and Vitolio seemed like new people after their graces with elimination last week and they have a playful vibe between on another. I loved it, as did the judges. Score two for Jean-Marc Genereaux, and maybe safety for the new couple.

 
Be sure to tune in tomorrow night to So You Think You Can Dance for the live results show, airing at 9/8c on FOX.

 

Sidenote: According to Nigel, watch out for Katie Holmes on the July 23rd episode of So You Think You Can Dance!
 
(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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