So You Think You Can Dance Review: How Could I Dance With Another?

This week’s So You Think You Can Dance auditions kicked off in Salt Lake City with Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, and Robin Antin, the creator of the Pussycat Dolls. It was her first time as a guest on the show, so I’m interested to see if she does any choreography during the live performance rounds. What category would she fall under? Sexy slink? Burlesque? Stripper-esque?

Then, it was on to New York City, more specifically Brooklyn, which Cat noted is “the home of hip-hop, Broadway and the craziest people on Earth.” Amen, sister. Jason Gilkison joined Mary and Nigel for a second round of critiquing. Next, we headed to Los Angeles with Nigel, Mary and Tyce, a place where dreams become reality, although the dancers may have a harder time breathing. Here’s some of the best talent of the week to look out for come the Vegas rounds.

Devon McCullough and Micah Clark, 20 & 21 – Step – Salt Lake City – I adore this show for many reasons, and showcasing stepping is one of them. These two were power, synchronized and sharp, all key step components. I preferred Micah’s performance style but also noticed he looked to Devon for the lead, who was just a little more on with his steps. They both go to choreography where Micah looks completely out of place, but Devon actually shines and is off to Sin City.

Chyna Smith, 19 – Contemporary – Salt Lake City – I didn’t think that Chyna was as stunningly talented as the judges dubbed her, but her personality definitely popped during her interview. On stage, she clearly understands how to create a character, and we all know it’s not all about skill but that special spark, which I believe she has. Plus, personality goes a long way in this competition. She also seems to know a lot of ex-contestants. Allison Holker from Season 2 choreographed her routine. Guess that’s enough to go straight to Vegas.

Tadd Gudduang, 25 – Hip-Hop – Salt Lake City – Humor is Tadd’s best quality, poking fun at himself the entire routine and charming the judges. He even scaled down a flight of stairs while upside down on his hands. A lot of time was spent walking into places, and his floorwork wasn’t too seamless, but he garnered a standing ovation and “Vegas” chants from the crowd. He was on his way.

Chase Thomas, 22 – Contemporary – Salt Lake City – A lot of time was spent on Chase’s jilted past, but I didn’t feel much emotion in his performance. He made up for it, however, with beautiful lines, extensions, leaps and a deceptively strong upper body. He awed the judges straight to Vegas.

Samara “Princess Lockeroo” Cohen, 24 – Contemporary – New York – Whacking is very in with the House dance style, though you have to laugh at the idea that Princess Lockeroo is inspired by “anything that spins really, really fast like helicopters or propellers.” With her spy theme and some fun, suspenseful spy music, she put on a good show. I thought I was in for a laugh when we met her, and I was pretty amazed with her rapid-fire arms by the end. Her uniqueness sent her straight to Vegas.

Brandon Jones, 26 – Contemporary – New York – I’ve never heard an audience root for the competition so loudly. His competitors LOVED this guy. Not that I didn’t either. He should have lost all the jazz hands, but his power, his lines and his breadth, as Nigel pointed out, were beautiful. Jason appreciated that he was a strong yet soft dancer. It’s his love for his deceased father that drives him, and his ticket to Vegas was no surprise.

Brian Henry, 22 – Krump – New York – Brian started with a lot of attitude, busting on past winner Russell and yapping about how Lil’ C brought krump to the mainstream while he’s underground. It’s a big turn off, and I love that Mary called him on it. It’s undeniable, though, that he’s a fantastic krumper. I think he was even good enough to go straight to Vegas, if he hadn’t been such an ass, so the judges wanted to see more in choreography. Even I couldn’t believe how well he picked up such a different style, and it was nice to see his emotion as he realized he would have the chance to show his stuff again.

Mary Kate Sheehan, 18 – Irish – New York – Growing up, I had an unhealthy obsession with Lord of the Dance. Yes, I even took some classes, so I smiled the entirety of Mary Kate’s routine. The judges can’t be sure she can loosen up that upper body so she’s sent to choreography. The transition wasn’t effortless, but she’s off to Vegas, even though the vote wasn’t unanimous.

Virgil “Lil O” Gadson, 23 – Hip-Hop – New York – I like a jack of all trades. Virgil could krump. He could break. He killed isolations and tricks. He knows how to perform. Overall, the guy could dance. Could he partner? Who cares, or as Nigel put it, “Screw that, crap!” He went straight to Vegas.

Robert “Now or Never” Taylor, Jr., 30 – Hip-Hop – New York – Robert had one of the more memorable numbers of the New York rounds. He was full of personality, liveliness and humor. Robert didn’t move around the stage very much, but in his little corner, he did every kind of move possible. Off to Vegas.

Jess LeProtto, 18 – Jazz – New York – Jess proved himself a showman, but the judges didn’t see the joy of dance on his face, even in an extremely joyful kind of performance. Technically, he’s fantastic. As a short man, he appears six feet tall when he dances. He goes through to choreography and appears even weaker to me there, but he goes through to Vegas.

Kristen Dobson, 23 – Ballroom – New York – Kristen was one of the first of the very few ballroom dancers on the screen this week. From the small snippets of the others, she definitely didn’t appear to be the best. I didn’t get a lot of energy from her, though she was very sexy. Justin felt a vibrant personality, but didn’t feel a connection with her partner. After learning she’s only been dancing ballroom for three years, their respect for her swelled a bit. After choreography, where she partnered with Jess, she’s off to Vegas as well.

Jordan Casanova, 18 – Contemporary – Los Angeles – Jordan pulled off the sexiest audition to ever grace the SYTYCD stage, causing Tyce to yell uncontrollably the entire performance. Nigel’s eye brows were at his hairline the whole routine as well. Where was Robin Antin when she could really use some of her expertise? In all seriousness, Jordan’s extensions and flexibility were pretty awe-inspiring despite all the naughty floor writhing. Still, I have a hard time labeling what Jordan did as contemporary when all I could think was that she’d be the best stripper ever. And what better place for her to go next?! Vegas, baby!

Derion “D.C.” Chapman, 23 – Hip-Hop – Los Angeles – In a truly memorable, hip-hop performance to Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” Derion mixed a funky combination of isolations and body contorting, lyrical moves and various contemporary dance crazes. He also had the opportunity to really show off his personality with an extended interview with the judges where he taught Nigel how to do the “cat daddy,” some hip, new dance sweeping the country, I suppose. Adding a cherry to that pie, he also has a baby on the way, and he went straight on to Sin City.

Arielle Coker, 18 – Contemporary – Los Angeles – Arielle has been auditioning since season four. I don’t remember her one bit, but apparently she’s gotten oodles and oodles better. From what I saw, it’s hard to imagine this enchanting, powerhouse could have ever not been a star. Plus, I’m a fan of dancers who embrace a little bit of oddity when they get their chance to shine. I would have voted for Vegas after the first 10 seconds, and I think the judges made up their mind just as fast.

Hero McRae, 26 – Hip-hop – Los Angeles – Best. Living. Robot. Ever. Amazeballs. You had me at “konichiwa,” Hero. I would have killed Nigel had he made her suffer through choreography.

Alexis Mason, 18 – Contemporary – Los Angeles – Being past winner Jeanine Mason’s sister must be rough when both of your dreams are to dance. I really didn’t see the big deal at first, but I saw the power and emotion in her towards the end. Nigel’s “thrilling?” Not so much, but straight to Vegas. I guess I can concede to that.

Patty Anne Miller, 28 – Hip-hop – Los Angeles – Watch out for this androgynous one. She can krump and do that ridiculous popping/vibrating move. Nigel rarely uses the “love” word while watching an audition, and he said it twice about this one. He also pointed out her “secrets.” She graduated from Berkley School of Music, where she majored in drums on a full scholarship. Go on and join Hero in Vegas, Patty Anne.

Natalia and Sasha Mallory, 18 & 23 – Contemporary/African Dance – Salt Lake City – Sure they used each other as one another’s blankies, but they were pretty adorable while doing so with their joint audition. Natalia has more meat on her bones, and you’d expect her to be the clear loser in a head-to-head battle, but they both were fantastic. She leapt just as high and was just as well-rounded technically. They impressed the judges as well. Both didn’t look particularly great during the choreography round, but I was happy to see them both sent through to Vegas.

ALMOST FAMOUS

Samantha Hiller, 18 – Hip-hop – Salt Lake City – My jaw literally dropped when Samantha told the story of fainting, hitting her head and knocking herself into a state of amnesia. She’s a good dancer, but not a great dancer, and her struggle won’t get her much more than some well wishes and gaping mouths. They send her to choreography but tells her she needs to work on her elevation and lines.

YER SO BAD

Brittany Starr, 26, a.k.a. the real, original Ringo Starr’s daughter and Lady Gaga’s S could, maybe, possibly, get 15^th place in jazzercise/down ‘n’ dirty competition, but Mary stated it best when she called her “delusional.” Things turned from bad to worse when we went back with Brittany to her hometown where we met her so CLEARLY “delusional” dad. The outfit, the dancing, the self-made documentary about the “real” Ringo were borderline sad.

Joe “Big C” Doyle, a.k.a. Demented Dancing Santa has scarred all thoughts of presents and the North Pole for me. It might have been ripping off his shirt so that his flab could jiggle around freely, or his six pack (“That was more like a kegger.” – Mary) or that white, spray paint facial hair. On the bright side, he’s probably a star in the club.

Best Judges’ Compliment of the Week – “He lost his clothes…Thank God.” – Mary Murphy about Chase

Do you smell a Beatles conspiracy? Were you happy to see all the familiar dance faces in the L.A. auditorium? Must be a good sign that they’re all still trying to make it in Hollywood. Could you spot a frontrunner? Was L.A. the best audition round ever in the history of So You Think You Can Dance? The judges certainly seemed to think so. And are you excited for Vegas? Join me and the remaining 160 contestant still in the running there next week!

For more on these episodes, read Los Angeles Brings the Heat by Trisha Leigh.

Read more on So You Think You Can Dance here.

Season 8, Episodes 2 and 3: Auditions #3 and #4 (originally aired June 2, 2011)

Photos courtesy of Fox and IMDbPro.