by Lindsay Strouse

 

Our Top 8 dancers return this week on So You Think You Can Dance to prove once again why they deserve our votes. And luckily for us, Lady Gaga and Broadway legend Rob Marshall sit in as guest judges for the night. Clad in a red plastic suit and blue hair, Lady Gaga will certainly provide a little extra entertainment on the panel.

 

Dancers: Sasha and Pasha (all-star)

Style: Quickstep

Choreographer: Jonathan Roberts

Song: “Putting on the Ritz” by Terry Snyder

This was far from your ordinary samba, but it was full of fun and great musicality. Sasha looked stunning and danced with a technique and form that usually takes years to master. It’s no surprise the judges loved her—so much so that Nigel named her his favorite dancer of the competition.

 

Dancers: Caitlynn and Ivan (all-star)

Style: Hip-hop

Choreographer: Marty Kudelka

Song: “Let Me Love You” by Mario

Caitlynn seriously impressed me tonight! I was really surprised at how well she was able to keep up with Ivan’s sharpness and technique (which, if you don’t know, is beyond amazing). The overall critique was that Caitlynn should lose herself a bit more in the music and not worry about the presentation as much.

 

Dancers: Jordan and Ade (all-star)

Style: Jazz

Choreographer: Tyce Diorio

Song: “Nutbush City Limits” by Tina Turner

There’s no denying Jordan’s extensions are out of this world, but I’m quickly losing interest in her. The choreography was fantastic, her dancing was great, but for some reason I don’t feel a connection anymore. Looks like I’m the only one though—the judges loved her tonight and all gave rave reviews.

 

Dancers: Melanie and Neil (all-star)

Style: Contemporary

Choreographer: Mandy Moore

Song: “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler

From having Mandy Moore as a choreographer to having Neil as an all-star, there’s no way Melanie could take a wrong step. So many people don’t realize the incredible strength and athleticism it takes to pull that kind of dancing off. The pair received a standing ovation from the entire audience and judging panel. There’s something magical about Melanie’s dancing, so much so that even Gaga wants her dancing for her.

 

Dancers: Ricky and Anya (all-star)

Style: Jive

Choreographer: Jason Gilkison

Song: “River Deep, Mountain High” by Celine Dion

Anya is phenomenal…and Ricky ain’t too bad himself! This piece was a celebration of dance and Ricky truly lit up the stage with his smile. There was one part in the dance where Anya flipped Ricky over her back like he weighed nothing, and I loved it! His ballroom technique may not be perfect, but his passion was enough for me.

 

Dancers: Jess and Lauren Gottlieb (all-star)

Style: Hip-hop

Choreographer: Nappytabs

Song: “Take a Bow” by Rihanna

Uh oh, looks like Jess cheated on his hubby Lauren and is looking for a little forgiveness.  She may not forgive him, but I certainly do. I am continually surprised by Jess’s ability to dance so well outside his style. The judges compliment him on his progress week after week and I couldn’t agree more.

 

Dancers: Tadd and Lauren Froderman (all-star)

Style: Jazz

Choreographer: Mandy Moore

Song: “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen

That would have been so great if only he didn’t lose his hat! But even without the hat, Tadd picked up and excelled in this Michael Jackson-esque style. Both Tadd and Lauren had a really cool style that fitted them and the choreography perfectly. My hat goes off to you, Tadd (pun intended).

 

Dancers: Marko and Allison (all-star)

Style: Contemporary

Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh

Song: “I Know It’s Over” by Jeff Buckley

I don’t think I could take my eyes off them if I tried. This receives the second standing ovation of the night and leaves both dancers, Sonya Tayeh, Mary Murphy and Lady Gaga in tears. This was perhaps the most emotionally moving dance and moment out of all the seasons thus far. If you missed the show tonight, make sure to YouTube this breathtaking piece.

 

Dancers: Caitlynn and Tadd

Style: Foxtrot

Choreographer: Jonathan Roberts

Song: “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” by Ella Fitzgerald

Jonathan Roberts gives us some classical Foxtrot with this piece, and both Caitlynn and Tadd make sure to serve up the charm. Yet even with their individual charm, something felt a bit lackluster for me. They had it tough coming after that powerful Sonya Tayeh piece, but they certainly did a respectable job (especially for a b-boy and a jazz dancer).

 

Dancers: Marko and Ricky

Style: Hip-hop

Choreographer: Nappytab

Song: “Bad Boy for Life” by Diddy

Talk about a fun number! It left Mary on her feet and me with a big smile on my face. Though I did find my eye wandering over to Marko more often than not, they actually worked really well as a team. Nigel has some reservations about whether Ricky will find himself in the bottom, and I do find myself wondering the same thing.

 

Dancers: Jordan and Jess

Style: Rumba

Choreographer: Jason Gilkison

Song: “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele

Though this dance was meant to be filled with passion and heat, there was almost no chemistry between Jordan and Jess. Gaga didn’t agree with Jason Gilkison’s choreographical point of view, but thought they danced well for what they were given. Mary thought it was missing the sensuality of international rumba, but still thought they made it look beautiful.

 

Dancers: Sasha and Melanie

Style: Jazz

Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh

Song: “Game On” by District 78

The top beasts finally came out for a duo tonight. Yet another standing ovation from the judges! It’s almost scary how good Sasha and Melanie are together. In the dance community, it’s a tradition to throw your shoe at the stage after a great performance—and following tradition, Lady Gaga threw one 2 foot red shoe right to Sasha and Melanie and the other toward Sonya. That was THE number of the night, without a doubt. Sonya Tayeh, you are a genius.

 

Tune into So You Think You Can Dance tomorrow night at 8/7c on FOX to find out which dancers will make it through to the Top 6. You don’t want to miss this!

 

(Photo courtesy of FOX)

 

Follow Lindsay on Twitter @LindsayStrouse