by Gina Scarpa

 

The race for the finale is heating up on tonight’s performance episode of So You Think You Can Dance.  Only six dancers remain and tonight is their last chance to prove to America why they deserve a spot in the final four.  The dancers will perform 4 times each: twice as a couple, once as a soloist, and once in a group number.  If there’s one thing this season has proven, it’s that things can get very unpredictable when left in America’s hands.  Here’s how tonight’s dances went down…

 

Dancers: Ade Obayomi, Evan Kasprzak, and Brandon Bryant
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Song: “True Romance” by She Wants Revenge
This piece, which had a Willy Wonka feel to it, was indeed strange but what else do you expect from the mind of Sonya Tayeh?  However, her choreography worked beautifully in that it showcased the strength of the three male dancers remaining in the competition.  This seemed like a routine that Evan would struggle in but he rose to the occasion and met the power and strength that Brandon and Ade have become known for.

 

Dancers: Jeanine Mason and Ade Obayomi
Style: Samba
Choreographer: Louis van Amstel
Song: “Love Game” by Lady Gaga
I’m the first to admit that I don’t know much about Latin ballroom technique.  I liked what I saw, though, from Jeanine and Ade on the dance floor.  The same can’t be said for the judges who ripped them both for being unable to nail the style.  Jeanine was complimented for her commitment to the piece and, as usual, her good looks… but a dancer needs to have more than a slammin’ body to win this competition.

 

Dancers: Melissa Sandvig and Evan Kasprzak
Style: Broadway
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: “Get Me To The Church On Time” from My Fair Lady
Evan is in an interesting position tonight.  He drew two styles that really show off what he can do but neither are ones that make people jump for the phones in order to vote.  Melissa has been able to embrace several styles this season… though I don’t remember her ever landing hip hop… and has been solid.  Evan has also been solid but just like a slammin’ body, solid won’t win you this competition.

 

Dancers: Kayla Radomski and Brandon Bryant
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Stacey Tookey
Song: “All I Want” by Ahn Trio
Not only was I excited that these two were paired up, but they also picked contemporary out of the hat!  Bonus!  This routine, about a man and his mistress, was emotional and beautifully danced.  What more can you say about these two, who never should have been in the bottom this season?  In their own way, each has been an underdog at some point this season and no one deserves to be in next week’s finale more than them.

 

Dancers: Jeanine Mason and Ade Obayomi
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Tabitha and Napoleon D’Umo
Song: “Move (If You Wanna)” by MIMS
Usually, I like what Tabitha and Napoleon do… actually, usually, I love it.  Tonight, I wasn’t feelin’ the love so much.  This piece, about two friends who get evicted from their apartment, was just okay for me and quite forgettable when you consider the routines that these two have choreographed over the last two seasons.  It was danced well and there’s no denying the punch that this pair packs but I still worry for them.  I do hope America picks up the phone for them because, for the most part, they have been quite impressive this season.

 

Dancers: Melissa Sandvig and Evan Kasprzak
Style: Quickstep
Choreographer: Louis van Amstel
Song: “As Long As I'm Singing” by Brian Setzer Orchestra
Oof, the dreaded quickstep.  It has been an enemy to many a dancer over the last few years on So You Think You Can Dance.  As I was saying earlier, it’s a style that really suits Evan.  That being said, my expectation was high and the number just started to drag about halfway through.  It seems that these are the two that will be headed home. Let me just say, though, that I have loved what Evan brought to the table this season.  Hey… they could still make it to the finale.  Maybe I spoke too soon.  Stranger things have happened.

 

Dancers: Kayla Radomski and Brandon Bryant
Style: Disco
Choreographer: Dorianna Sanchez
Song: “Dance Disco Head” by Sylvester
Now, I can understand why the judges were carrying on about these two tonight.  To go from an emotional contemporary piece to a high energy disco (and nail them both) is most definitely impressive.  I’m still partial to the disco routine that Brandon and Janette pulled off earlier in the season, though.  Regardless of which routine is actually better, these two should be safe tomorrow night if all goes according to plan.  My plan, that is! 

 

Dancers: Jeanine Mason, Melissa Sandvig, and Kayla Radomski
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Song: “Kick It” by Nina Martine
I like Sonya’s concept, about three butt kicking, superhero females.  Did anyone else find it interesting, though, that Jeanine and Kayla were featured in the dance while Melissa hung around in the background?  Believe me, I think that Kayla and Jeanine should be in the finale but Melissa should’ve been given her fair share when it comes to stage time to fight for a spot on next week’s show.  Side note: who else called Wonder Woman for Jeanine the minute the word “superhero” was uttered?

 

 

Don’t miss the live results, tomorrow night on So You Think You Can Dance, 9pm ET on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

For more So You Think You Can Dance Links visit Sirlinksalot.net