By Lindsay Strouse

 

Tonight was by far the best night for the dancers of So You Think You Can Dance. The Top 12 danced two numbers each for the last time with their regular partners. Starting next week, each dancer will randomly pick a new dance and partner for each performance show. Good luck guys! I was floored by the fantastic quality of tonight’s performance from all 12 dancers—here’s how each did.

 

Dancers: Ryan Di Lello and Ellenore Scott
Style: Lindy Hop
Choreographer: Carla Heiney
Song: “I’ve Got To Be A Ruge Cutter” by Duke Ellington
The Lindy Hop is back everyone! These two could not have been cuter if they tried. The couple worked so well together and fed off each other’s energy throughout the entire piece. I thought a few of the steps seemed a bit messy in the beginning, but I think I just may not be that good at understanding this style of dance because the judges LOVED it. They received a rave review on everything from the steps to the performance. Apparently Ryan hurt his back during rehearsal, but I would have never known from the stellar performance he put on. Now that’s a professional for you.

 

Dancers: Kathryn McCormick and Legacy Perez
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Song: “So Deep” by Hot Chip
This is what I call SEXY. Both Kathryn and Legacy put everything they had into the routine and it more than paid off. Sonya integrated their different styles to compliment each other, making the dance a complex and intriguing thing to watch. Legacy’s B-Boy skills were really shown off, which will probably help him a lot in getting phone calls. Beyond Legacy’s crazy tricks and Kathryn’s fabulous lines was their exceptional musicality and chemistry. This is one couple I’m sad to see part.

 

Dancers: Karen Hauer and Victor Smalley
Style: Tango
Choreographer: Tony Meredith and Melanie Lapatin
Song: “Montserrat” by Orquesta Del Plata
To be quite honest, I’m upset this is yet another sultry and sexy piece. I have no doubt that Karen is a phenomenal dancer, but I would like to see her try characters other than the sensual one. However, I must say she did rock the Tango. Victor aided in making the number extremely tight and connected. The couple has only been together for this week and already the chemistry is forming and blossoming on stage. I was quite impressed with Victor’s poise in the Tango, for I was a little wary about how he would handle the new style. Never to fear with these two though—both myself and the judges give them two thumbs up.

 

Dancers: Mollee Gray and Nathan Trasoras
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Jamal Sims
Song: “Ring-A-Ling” by the Black Eyed Peas
While I want to pinch Mollee’s cheeks just as much as anyone else, I shouldn’t feel this way during a hip hop routine. Unfortunately, that is how I felt. It was obvious that she put a lot of effort into making it work, but the whole time she seemed uncomfortable and like a “happy-go-lucky” little girl. In addition, she had a few bobbles here and there from an injured ankle. Nathan, on the other hand, really showed his enjoyment while performing hip hop. Sure he could have hit harder and gotten lower down, but he put in all he could and it showed—specifically by the rip in the back of his pants. I will say I am excited to see this couple split up and experience dancing with new, more mature partners. I think it will help both of them grow in the competition.

 

Dancers: Noelle Marsh and Russell Ferguson
Style: Samba
Choreographer: Tony Meredith and Melanie Lapatin
Song: “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira
From the clips of the couple in rehearsal, it seemed like they were having a bit of trouble getting the steps down right. During the performance, they did the right steps…but something just wasn’t right. Noelle’s hips were certainly shaking as they should be, but they didn’t match her body language or her attitude. Both dancers were criticized for being “too nice” for the number, Adam saying he would have liked to see them get a bit “dirtier” (Adam’s being saying that quite a bit this season…). However, the performance level was fantastic and Russell yet again wowed the audience with his ability to adapt to new styles, despite having no formal training.

 

Dancers: Ashleigh Di Lello and Jakob Karr
Style: Lyrical Jazz
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Song: “Time Flies” by Likke Li
I DON’T WANT TO SEE ASHLEIGH AND JAKOB BREAK UP! They are perfect for each other, their chemistry and dancing styles flow so gracefully with each other I can’t imagine them with anyone else…except maybe I can see Ashleigh and Ryan together. The dance was so extremely beautiful I didn’t want it to end. They worked together to create gorgeous lines, pictures and lifts throughtout the entire piece. It’s these kind of dances that leave one speechless. By this time it is clear that Jakob is a technical genious and Ashleigh will continue to improve and impress each week. They have both given each other something very special and I’m sure I’m not the only one to see them part. Basically, the ONLY negative thing you can say about their performance tonight was Jakob’s god-awful stretchy purple pants. Good call, wardrobe people.

 

Dancers: Ellenore Scott and Ryan Di Lello
Style: Broadway
Choreographer: Spencer Liff
Song: “Razzle Dazzle” from Chicago
The good ol’ puppet routine—it never gets old. Ellenore’s precision made me believe she really was a puppet, something not easily achieved. Ryan once again put on a great performance despite his injury and nailed the routine. They both used their character to the fullest extent and filled all the spaces. According to the judges, Ellenore has the “it” factor they always look for. Her quirkiness and technicality combined creates the perfect dancer they have been looking for.

 

Dancers: Kathryn McCormick and Legacy Perez
Style:Vietnamese Waltz
Choreographer: Jean Marc Generaux
Song: “Your Guardian Angel” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
This dance melted my heart a little. Kathryn acted as Legacy’s guardian angel, helping him through life and making sure he keeps hope. By the end of the routine, Legacy was in tears (happy tears!). He sent out a special message that everyone should always keep up hope and anyone can do what they want if they set their mind to it—he proves this as a living example. Even though his steps weren’t perfect, he was passionate and inspirational in his movements. Kathryn helped him greatly throughout the dance creating a routine that leaves a smile on your face.

 

Dancers: Karen Hauer and Victor Smalley
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Laurieann Gibson
Song: “Moving Mountains” by Usher
As seen by the song, this routine was all about moving our own personal mountains. Although it had a good mix of fluid and sharp movements, it did not measure up to the Tango they did earlier in the night. It was a very passionate routine and they both danced it well, but judge Mary Murphy didn’t find it to be a “memorable dance.” It was unclear whether this was Laurieann or the dancers fault, but that never really matters to America. I guess it’s a good thing they show recaps of the dances at the end of the show to remind fans what a fabulous job they did with the Tango.

 

Dancers: Mollee Gray and Nathan Trasoras
Style: Can Can
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: “Can Can Suite” by Offenbach/Pionchielli
I couldn’t have picked a better couple for the first Can Can in So You Think You Can Dance history. Within the first 30 seconds it was obvious how much stamina is required to complete the dance, and Mollee and Nathan had just that. Their technique and strength was really showcased throughout the whole number, especially in a few specific moments. I don’t think I have ever seen someone come out of eight fouettes with such control as Nathan did. It was like he started going in slow motion (I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped down to the floor at this point). Even with Mollee’s hurt ankle, her leg extension promenade was great. The couple danced this number with all the energy and enthusiasm it demanded…and then some! I never thought I would say this, but I can’t wait for them to put more Can Can on the show!

 

Dancers: Noelle Marsh and Russell Ferguson
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: “A Case of You” by Diana Krall
Beautiful. Simply beautiful. I would never have known Russell was a krumper from this dance. In fact, the judges are almost started to forget he’s a street dancer he’s doing so well! Both dancers moved so well and gracefully together I didn’t take my eyes off the screen for a moment. They had so many gorgeous moments of stillness and created such beautiful pictures with their bodies. The amount of confidence Noelle must have in Russell to just throw her body and trust him with it is astrounding. I have no doubt we’ll be seeing Noelle and Russell in the Top 10.

 

Dancers: Ashleigh Di Lello and Jakob Karr
Style: Cha Cha
Choreographer: Jean Marc Generaux
Song: “Cha Cha Heels” by Rosabel
It was so great to see Ashleigh back in her element tonight doing some Latin Ballroom. For once, Jakob was the fish out of water—not that he looked that way whatsoever. Sure, his feet weren’t perfect, but he did an extremely respectable job and was there for Ashleigh every step of the way, allowing her to shine in her own style. Basically, this is Ashleigh’s world and we’re all just here for a vist. In short, this is the couple of the night. No, this is the couple of the SEASON. I’m willing to bet right now both Asheigh and Jakob will land a spot in the Top 4.

 

See which of your favorites make it to the Top 10 on tomorrow night’s live result show of So You Think You Can Dance, November 25 at 8 PM ET!

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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