So You Think You Can Dance Review: The Art of the Anticlimax

Though the dancing still entertained, Kent still made me smile, and Mia still made me want to kick her in the face, this week’s So You Think You Can Dance felt a little like watching The Sixth Sense or Shutter Island when you know the ending. Ho-hum. Did ANYONE think going into this week that Melinda wouldn’t be leaving? Not if you have a brain. No offense.

Adechike finally managed to find a sliver of personality in a Dave Scott Hip-Hop routine with Lauren and the judges praised him for the transformation. Frankly, the guy is talented and he has a nice smile but still leaves me feeling like nothing else lurks inside him. He’s like a dead soul. Or something.

Ashley, the judges darling as far as the girls are concerned, drew yet another contemporary number (this time choreographed by Dee Caspery), which she danced with Ade. They were amazing, with good chemistry and even better technique. When coupled with the stunningly good concept and choreography, this easily turned into one of the best routines of the night.

Robert, he of the bottom three last week, returned to dance a Sonya Tayeh Jazz routine with Courtney. The dance showed off his strength and lines, the raw power of his dancing. He’s still terribly goofy, and I believe it’s his personality that’s holding him back and not allowing him to connect. I knew a guy like him once, and he was super nice. He also hardly ever got the girl because he was just too weird.

Melinda, the poor thing, forced herself through the paces of a Salsa alongside Pasha. She tried hard, which she always does, and her personality held the routine afloat, but even I could see it wouldn’t be enough. The judges, in my opinion, used their position of authority to ensure she would be in the bottom three by telling her – LIVE – that they regretted not sending her home last week. This felt unprofessional, uncalled for, and downright rude. Melinda handled the criticism with far more poise and grace than the judges handed it out.

Lauren picked Neil and a Broadway routine by Joey Dowling, both of which seemed like they would fit her well. The concept, in which Lauren danced as a 1940′s pinup daydream, was cute and old school Broadway – really enjoyable. Watching Neil is always a treat. Lauren’s strap broke toward the end, nearly causing a shocking, live television wardrobe malfunction the likes of which have not been seen since Janet Jackson in that halftime performance. The judges praised her, but also provided criticism. It’s clear to me that they are promoting Ashley as the more talented female at this point.

Billy finally managed to grab a Contemporary routine and an excellent partner in Kathryn, and I expected this to be a WOW week for him. The routine, choreographed by Stacey Tookey, should have held magic. Kathryn brought magic and emotion and pain to the stage. Billy brought…technique. Nothing more. Nothing less. Yawn.

Jose, poor darling, grabbed another ballroom routine alongside Anya but performed with his typical panache and charm. Again, the judges mentioned his general lack of skill but forgave him immediately due to the joy that exudes from him onstage. It’s not that I don’t agree with them. I do. It’s just not fair the way they choose to pick some dancers and routines apart while letting others slide through with little or no comment.

Kent was blessed with a Jazz routine (by Mandy Moore) and one of the best dancers on the show, Allison, for a partner. Once again, he was asked to connect, to develop chemistry in a sexy, dominant way. Once again, I thought (along with his partner) that he did. Once again, the judges trashed him, kicked him, pummeled him for something he has no control over – his baby faced exuberance at doing what he loves. He – and me too – is getting a little sick of people questioning his manhood. I do agree that he needs to focus more on his dancing and connection and less on basking in the cheers from the audience.

Alex has done something never before attempted on So You Think You Can Dance. He performed a Napoleon and Tabitha Hip-Hop routine…alongside Twitch. And you know what? He pulled it off with shocking agility and grace. He amazed the judges, the audience, and I think even himself. The routine was great – one of the best of the night, if not the season, without question.

The results show dragged on for an agonizingly long time, as usual. Finally, the bottom three are set: Robert, Billy, and Melinda…none of which came as a surprise. The entire show I sat thinking – why are we even going through this, everyone knows Melinda is going home.

Melinda did go home, again handling the situation with so much grace it astounded me and made me like her even more than I already did. She’s truly a professional, a trait which I believe will continue to serve her well.

This is where things begin to get interesting. The remaining 8 are, without question, talented. This upcoming week they will dance two routines, one with an all-star and one with one of their fellow competitors. Yay. Just like old times. Or something.

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Season 7, Episode 10 & 11: Top 9 Perform & 1 of 9 Voted Off (originally aired June 30 and July 1, 2010)

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Photographs courtesy of Fox and IMDbPro