By Lindsay Strouse

 

It’s hard to believe we’re only a week away from finding out the Top 10 dancers of So You Think You Can Dance. Each couple is given the opportunity to dance twice to win the hearts of America. Helping to decide our dancers’ fates this week on the judging panel is guest judge (and previous Broadway star) Jesse Tyler Ferguson from Modern Family. Also joining the panel this week is staple choreographer Sonya Tayeh. 

 

Here’s how the night went for the remaining 12 dancers:

 

Dancers: Sasha and Alexander

Style: Pasa Doble

Choreographer: Tony Meredith and Melanie Lapatin

Song: “Alley Dash/March of the Trolls”

These two start the night out with a dance of strength and power, and they sure left a fire burning (especially during their impromptu kiss). Both dancers harnessed their strength and characters, but the choreography did get a bit sloppy nearing the end. Some of the judges believe Sasha is continuing to overpower Alexander, and at times, I have to agree.

 

Dancers: Jordan and Tadd

Style: Contemporary

Choreographer: Travis Wall

Song: “Brotsjor” by Olafur Arnalds

Here we see a piece about women taking advantage of weak men—that seems to be the big theme this season. Even beyond Travis’s incredible choreography, Jordan and Tadd danced with strength and precision and told a clear story within their movements. Jordan’s arabesque and lines are out of this world and Tadd once again surpassed all expectations anyone could ever have of him. That was remarkable, beauty in motion.

 

Dancers: Ryan and Ricky

Style: Broadway

Choreographer: Spencer Liff

Song: “All I Need Is The Girl” by Frank Sinatra

Ryan had to capture the picture of old-time elegance and man did she nail it. She looked like a blonde Audrey Hepburn! But beyond the appearance, there was no sparkle to the performance. Nigel is worried about their connection with the audience and Mary thought they began losing the style by the end of the routine.

 

Dancers: Caitlynn and Mitchell

Style: Hip Hop

Choreographer: Chris Scott

Song: “Break The Chain” by Lupe Fiasco

Dancing a very important piece about refugees of the Congo, Caitlynn and Mitchell really impressed me tonight with the passion in their dancing. Props to Chris Scott for creating such amazing choreography. Many of the judges, on the other hand, felt quite differently than me. They noted how the dancers were not completely in unison and missed a few of the details, which drew away from the story.

 

Dancers: Melanie and Marco

Style: Tango

Choreographer: Louis Van Amstel

Song: “Triptico” by Gotan Project

They’ve never failed to impress before, so why start now? Busting out a sultry and sexy tango with a powerful ending, Melanie and Marco left America with their jaws on the ground once again. Mary acknowledged the incredible difficulty level in the steps and praised their growth from dress rehearsal to tonight’s performance. Sonya ends the stream of compliments by calling them “timeless dancers.”

 

Dancers: Jess and Clarice

Style: Lyrical/Hip Hop

Choreographer: Chris Scott

Song: “Just the Way You Are” by Boyce Avenue

I have to say, I’m really surprised at these two! Neither of them exactly scream out “hip hop,” but I was really impressed! Even with the tutting and the b-boying, it looked as if they’ve been dancing this style together for years. Jesse Tyler Ferguson shared his special love for both dancers and was blown away, along with all the other judges.

 

Dancers: Sasha and Alexander

Style: Jazz

Choreographer: Tyce Diorio

Song: “That’s Life” by Aretha Franklin

This may be the last time they’re dancing together, so they made sure to go out with a whole lotta style and a whole lotta love. Alexander finally came out of Sasha’s shadow and absolutely killed this number. There was so much conviction behind their movements, and Alexander had a break-through that couldn’t come at a better time.  

 

Dancers: Jordan and Tadd

Style: Broadway

Choreographer: Spencer Liff

Song: “Out Tonight” from Rent

This concept had the promise of a great performance, but it left me wanting more. Their strengths weren’t utilized to the highest extent and was missing the “quirk” the piece demanded. The judges were unanimously underwhelmed and were disappointed with the last dance between Jordan and Tadd. Hopefully their first piece is enough to get them through to the Top 10.

 

Dancers: Ryan and Ricky

Style: Cha Cha

Choreographer: Louis Van Amstel

Song: “Tonight” by Enrique Iglesias

That was hot, hot hot, and I’m not just talking about their bright orange costumes. Nigel and Mary agree Ryan was a little sloppy with her footwork, but Ricky lands himself a spot on the Hot Tamale. Jess Tyler Ferguson is proving to be a great judge tonight by providing both humor and useful critiques.

 

Dancers: Caitlynn and Ricky

Style: Jazz

Choreographer: Travis Wall

Song: “Piece of my Heart” by Janis Joplin

What a great concept: she’s a rocker who finds out her lover on the road is a married man. In addition to the fabulous concept was some fabulous dancing and chemistry. There were several tough moves and lifts in there and they nailed every single one of them. The only critique the judges could muster up came from Sonya and Nigel toward Mitchell: between the intensity of the dance he lost the intention in his face at times. Not that I noticed; I was hooked from the get-go.

 

Dancers: Melanie and Marco

Style: Contemporary

Choreographer: Dee Caspary

Song: “Skin and Bones” by David J. Roch

How perfect that two of the best contemporary dancers on the show get contemporary for their last dance together. Mind blown. Not to get all emotional, but dancers and dancing such as this is what helps me remember all the good there really is out there. These two are without a doubt the couple that will be missed the most once the dancers begin competing individually next week.

 

Dancers: Clarice and Jess

Style: Jive

Choreographer: Tony Meredith and Melanie Lapatin

Song: “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That’ by Robert Randolph

What a fun way to end the show tonight—full of rock n’ roll. Sonya loved it, but Nigel was still concerned about Jess during the lifts and thought they could have had a little more energy at parts. Mary praised Clarice on her performance from start to finish but thought Jess lacked a bit in animation (odd, considering he’s our resident Broadway star). 

 

Who is going to make it into the Top 10? Who is on our team of all-stars? Who is going to be dancing with who? So many questions - Find out the answers when So You Think You Can Dance returns tomorrow night on FOX at 8/7c.

 

(Photo courtesy of FOX)

 

Follow Lindsay on Twitter @LindsayStrouse