by Lindsay Strouse

 

I think this is the first year on So You Think You Can Dance that I have been absolutely clueless to who will take tomorrow night’s title as America’s Favorite Dancer. The show starts off with short opening statements from the Top 6 explaining how important the competition is to them. However, with only a one-hour time slot, there was no time to spare for frills. Every dancer was given three chances to perform with three different partners. Here’s how the epic night went down:

 

Dancers: Kathryn McCormick and Ryan Di Lello
Style: Samba
Choreographer: Jason Gilkinson
Song: “Magalenha” by Sergio Mendes
Well, I’ve never seen a tribal-like samba before. That’s not to detract from their dancing, however, because that was great! While I do think they could have put on a bit of a better performance, both I and the judges loved the dance. Kathryn has such great control in all her movements and Ryan is, of course, great in his style. I have to say, my favorite part was Kathryn’s toe touch onto Ryan’s back. I didn’t even know that was humanly possible. Adam Shankman closes his comment by saying the show should be renamed “The Rise of Kathryn.” I’d watch that anyday.

 

Dancers: Jakob Karr and Ellenore Scott
Style: Broadway
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: “I Gotcha” from Fosse 
I will probably never be disappointed with anything Jakob or Ellenore do on this stage (or any stage for that matter). They are always dancing to impress and performed with perfect Fosse style and performance energy. The choreography was fantatic and worked their strengths and personalities wonderfully. Jakob’s flexibility continues to amaze me and Ellenore’s smoldering look pretty much left me speechless. Bravo, guys!

 

Dancers: Ashleigh Di Lello and Russell Furguson
Style: Lyrical Jazz
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Song: “Angel Standing By” by Jewel 
I know everyone sounds like a broken record player saying this, but Russell’s growth is uncomparable. I am so unbelievably impressed with the level of his talent considering the fact he has never been formally trained. Sorry Ashleigh, but Russell COMPLETELY owned this piece. His extensions and pointed toes came out of nowhere! So we don’t completely overshadow Ash, her passion was undeniable and she truly left her heart on the stage. The pair of them made Mary Murphy cry for she has “never watched someone grow as much as Russell has.”
 
Dancers: Ellenore Scott and Ryan Di Lello
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Gary Stewart
Song: “Kontact Me” by Boys Noize
Sorry, this was just weird. Both Ellenore and Ryan performed the piece as well as they could, but I just didn’t like and/or connect with the odd robot theme. It’s no surprise that Ellenore’s lines were exquisite and Ryan’s partnering was extremely strong, but I just didn’t find myself liking the dance. Maybe it was the stiff style of the dance, but at times Ryan didn’t fully straighten his legs or really throw himself into a move. Despite all this, they are true actors on stage and keep my eyes glued to the TV set.

 

Dancers: Ashleigh Di Lello and Jakob Karr 
Style: Fox Trot
Choreographer: Jean Marc Generaux
Song: “Let the Good Times Roll” 
Can I just say how happy I am to see this partnership back in action? I think I can safely say we all are. It’s so obvious how much fun and enjoyment they are getting out of dancing on stage which makes them all the more loveable. Jakobs is always an outstanding partner and puts himself out there selflessly so Ashleigh can radiate. Even though the dance wasn’t as strong as the others already performed tonight, I really don’t think it will affect their chances of getting votes.

 

Dancers: Russell Ferguson and Ellenore Scott
Style: Paso Doble
Choreographer: Jason Gilkinson
Song: “Village Attack” from the Blood Diamond soundtrack
Woah, talk about passion! From the beginning of watching Ellenore’s silhouette move in the dark to the fire in Russell’s eyes, I was mesmorized. Both dancers were quite precise in their footwork despite being way out of their comfort zone. Sure, they could have improved in some areas, but they commanded so much attention in their movement and facials that I didn’t care if a step was off here or there. I mean, Russell is a krumper  and Ellenore a contemporary dancer doing the paso doble. I think we can give them some wiggle room.

 

Dancers: Kathryn McCormick and Jakob Karr
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson
Song: “At This Moment” by Michael Buble
I’m not afraid to say that I was crying at the end of this dance. And I am definitely not the only one—Kathryn and Jakob’s contemporary dance brought on the first and only standing ovation of the season. They have such amazing…everything, there is truly nothing to criticize. I have never seen anything as sincere and emotional as that dance and I really do feel honored to have been able to watch them. They are two of the most selfless, beautiful dancers I have ever watched and I cannot wait to see what they do after this show.

 

Dancers: Ashleigh Di Lello and Ryan Di Lello
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Song: “I’m There Too” by Michelle Featherstone 
I have been waiting all season to see the married couple dance together! After dancing with so many different partners, I was worried they might be losing their spark. Man, was I wrong. Maybe I’m a sap, but I was crying at the end of the this one two. Throughout the entire dance I had a smile on my face because I could see the happiness and sincere emotion exuding from both Ryan and Ashleigh. They are absolutely beautiful together and make such an amazing partnership. The tenderness of the dance brought both husband and wife to tears which completely changed my opinion of Ryan (in a good way, of course). At times, I felt him arrogant on stage, but I completely eat my words after watching that.

 

Dancers: Kathryn McCormick and Russell Ferguson
Style: Hip Hop
Choreographer: Tabitha and Napoleon D’Umo
Song: “I Can Transform Ya” by Chris Brown
Now that was hot. I was expecting Russell to be great because this is in his style, but Kathryn was right up there with him! They were so hard-hitting and uninhibited that every movement they did was over and beyond what I could have expected. Watching Kathryn perform hip hop is so refreshing because it brings such a strong reminder about how adaptable all these dancers are to different styles. I really hope this dance makes it on the tour.

 

 

You’re not going to want to miss the 2 hour season finale of So You Think You Can Dance for a night of jam-packed performances and the crowning of Season 6’s America’s Favorite Dancer!

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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