by Gina Scarpa

 

Last night, the panel of judges on So You Think You Can Dance visited each of the dancers' homes who made it to the last leg of Vegas week to let them know whether or not they had made the Top 10. The Top 10 ended up becoming a Top 11 when the judges couldn't bear to part with contemporary dancers Robert Roldan and fan favorite Billy Bell. They'll be paired with all stars of seasons past and things get started tonight in Los Angeles, with a performance by the newbies and the vets to David Bowie's version of "Fame", choreographed by Wade and Amanda Robson.

 

Ohhh, it's so good to have So You Think You Can Dance back!

 

It's time to get to know the dancers a little bit better by watching them dance in their own styles.

 

Dancers: Lauren Froderman, Kent Boyd, Mark Kanemura (season 5), Kathryn McCormick (season 6)
Song: "Paris Is Burning" by St. Vincent
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Well, this first group number is pretty weird and it's hard for me to get too excited about it, despite the fact that two of my favorite dancers this season are in it. Travis says that the piece is about the dark and twisted people that come out at night in Paris in the 1920s. Adam calls it "sick" and "disgustingly good". I don't know that I loved it... or even liked it for that matter... I just know that I love Lauren and Kent.

 

Dancers: Alexie Agdeppa, Melinda Sullivan, Allison Holker (season 2), Lauren Gottlieb (season 3)
Song: "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This" from Sweet Charity
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
I love me some Fosse and some Sweet Charity so I was happy to see this piece tonight. It was full of energy and girl power! It's so great to see Alexie finally taking the stage, after four seasons of auditioning. You can't help but be impressed with Melinda, the tapper, who continues to prove that she can handle any genre. The judges seemed quite impressed, with Nigel saying that he couldn't distinguish the all stars from the new girls at times. That's quite a compliment!

 

Dancers: Jose Ruiz, Twitch (season 4), Comfort Fedoke (season 4), Dominic Sandoval (season 3)
Song: "Din Daa Daa (Districk 78 Remix)" by George Kranz
Choreographer: Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo
Before this even starts, I'm practically jumping out of my seat. You're talking about some serious talent on the stage. The tricks are amazing, the energy is through the roof, and it's definitely something I'd wanna go back and watch again on my DVR! I've really missed Dominic's ridiculous crush on Cat and it's great to see all of the hip hop stars back. Tabitha and Napoleon feel that Jose has been initiated into the SYTYCD family. Welcome!

 

Dancers: Christina Santana, Pasha Kovalev (season 3), Anya Garnis (season 3)
Song: "Work (Freemasons Radio Edit)" by Kelly Rowland
Choreographer: Jason Gilkison
These are 3 serious ballroom dancers! This number, about two women competing for the attention of one man, is exciting from start to finish. However, it was tough to take my eyes off of Pasha, and not just because he took his shirt off halfway through. Pasha has a star quality that took him far in season 3, but Anya and Christina aren't too far behind. The judges feel it's sexy, energetic, and overall - fantastic.

 

Dancers: Alex Wong, Billy Bell, Ade Obayomi (season 5)
Song: "The Bitter Earth/On The Nature of Delight" by Dinah Washington and Max Richter
Choreographer: Mia Michaels
Mia's piece is all about time, the journey of life, and how quickly it goes by. Before I say anything else let me say this: WELCOME BACK, MIA! WE'VE MISSED YOU! Mia doesn't do anything unless it has power and emotion behind it and this piece is just beautiful to watch, thanks largely in part to the three awesome dancers that brought her choreography to life.  The bar is set so high for Alex and Billy, they'll need to keep it up all season long, as Nigel points out.  

 

Dancers: Ashley Galvan, Robert Roldan, Adéchiké Torbert, Neil Haskell (season 3), Courtney Galiano (season 4)
Song: "Freak" by Estrelle featuring Kardinal Offshall
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh

Ah, the twisted mind of Sonya.  "Freak" is a perfect song to describe her style but I mean that in the best way possible.  In this number, it is definitely tough to tell the all stars from the new kids.  It is danced tremendously and Sonya can barely contain her excitement over the expectations that these dancers exceeded.  What a great way to close out tonight!

 

 

Watch the Top 11 dance for your votes on So You Think You Can Dance, Wednesday at 8/7c on Fox.

 

(Image courtesy of Fox)

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

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