So You Think You Can Dance Review: Can’t Everyone Else Just Stay?

So we’re back again to watch these amazing young dancers take the stage, and all I can think is “who in the world are they going to kick off this week??”

Nigel said during judging that things are so tight the contestants can’t afford to have a single bad night, and I agree to some extent. Also, unfortunately, the dance style and choreographer play a big part in whether or not America votes for you.

I feel like I have to mention this week’s two guest judges, Travis Wall and Carmen Electra. One was adorable and humble and had excellent feedback for each dancer. The other spouted half-sentences and seemed to be confused as to what she was doing behind the judge’s table. I bet you all are smart enough to figure out which is which.

Melanie and Marko kicked off Wednesday night’s performance show with a Jazz number from Ray Leeper (to “Americano” by Lady Gaga). We’re seeing lots of new choreographers tonight and, I have to say, they really made the show feel fresh, interesting, and unexpected again. Melanie and Marko’s performance was outstanding and vivid and technically flawless, which is exactly what we’ve come to expect from them as a couple. It will be interesting to see them work with other dancers once we hit the top ten.

Clarice and Jess danced a beautiful Contemporary number to “Light Through the Branches” by Celeste Lear. The number, which depicted the complicated end of a relationship, was choreographed by Justin Giles and executed well by the young couple. It was my favorite performance from them to date, but they’re still probably my least favorite couple. Jess has toned down his personality since the beginning of this competition, but something about him still rubs me the wrong way. Tonight made me forget that I don’t care for him. The honesty of the movement and music swept me away and I felt only the truth in it.

Sasha and Alexander drew a Hip-Hop routine from another new choreographer, Shaun Evaristo. The dance (to “To the Moon” by Miguel), didn’t  feel much like a Hip-Hop routine at all, to be honest, and didn’t ask much of the couple, who had much more to offer. The judges criticized it for feeling like “hip-hop 101” or “hip-hop for dummies” which isn’t terribly fair since they danced the choreography they were given, but I didn’t enjoy the routine either.

Ashley and Chris, who surely felt as though they received a last minute stay of execution last week, had to have been devastated when they drew a Liz Lira Salsa from the dance style hat of doom. The routine was set to “Mambo Beat” by Tito Puente (anyone else think it’s a little weird to set a Salsa to a song about the Mambo?) and felt lackluster and dull from the beginning. They barely got into the movement, and Chris felt painfully awkward moving his hips and sticking out his butt and holding his arms gracefully and all the other feminine crap that goes along with male ballroom dancing. After their performance and critique it seemed to me there would be no other choice for the judges but the send them home.

Jordan and Tadd, probably my second favorite coupling dance wise (first favorite personality wise), were given a beautiful, flowing Smooth Waltz from Toni Redpath. They danced it well, lifting and fluttering across the stage to “Nocturne” by Secret Garden. The judges loved the performance and had only superficial notes on their ballroom technique. Still, I worried for them because, even though I personally love the Waltz in all it’s forms, the American audience doesn’t seem to care for ballroom numbers. It wasn’t their best performance, but it certainly wasn’t the worst one of the night, either.

Ryan and Ricky killed a weirder than all get out Jazz routine from a funny little man named Chucky Klapow (to “Fashion” by David Bowie). They had these amazing, eighties inspired costumes as they portrayed fashion zombies. I didn’t think I would enjoy the routine, assumed it wouldn’t be for me, but it was. They delved into the characters and turned in a shining performance that wowed the judges and the audience. I’m not sure what America doesn’t like about these two, or isn’t getting, but there is a disconnect that I don’t understand.

Caitlynn and Mitchell closed the evening with a bang as they danced the hell out of a beautiful, romantic, huge Contemporary piece from Mandy Moore while Celine Dion crooned “To Love You More” in the background. The tricks were big, the lifts were smooth, and their passion shone through their moves in what easily won this week’s spot as the performance of the week. Hopefully America felt the same way, because I’m sure these two would enjoy not having to dance for their lives for at least one week.

The results show loomed, and even though I love Chris and think he has more passion than at least half of the other male contestants, the judges would have a mutiny on their hands if they sent anyone but he and Ashley packing. The night began with a pretty awesome group Bollywood number, which I thought was fun and fantastic.

The bottom 3 couples were Ashley and Chris, Jordan and Tadd, and Ryan and Ricky. Jordan and Tadd I could almost understand, given their style and the fact that they weren’t even close to as good as they can be, but Ryan and Ricky? They turned in one of my favorite performances Wednesday night and the judges loved it too. The solos were danced and Chris, for me, was the best out of all six of them. He really went out there to prove to everyone he deserves to be on this show.

The special acts on Thursday night were a number from Cedar Lake Ballet (who you saw in The Adjustment Bureau) and Florence and the Machine stood up to sing “Cosmic Love” which sounded great but also just like every other song they sing.

When the judgment finally came, Ashley and a very emotional Chris were sent packing, as expected, proving once again that the dance for your life segment has absolutely no bearing on the decision or the ability to save you, no matter how well you do.

Jordan and the other dancers were issued a warning, though, that the judges and America has seen where they started and now they need to show us how they’ve grown. I agree, to some extent. Jordan especially pretty much does the same solo every week. They also warned Ryan and Ricky that even though they are dancing beautifully they aren’t connecting with America. They need to figure out how to fix that or the next time they find themselves in the bottom 3 might be their last.

What do you guys think? Was the decision made clear to you also? I’d love to hear!

For another opinion on this week’s episodes, check out Yes Sir, I Can Boogie by Inisia Lewis.

Season 8, Episode 12 and 13 “Top 14 Perform” and “Two of 14 Voted Off” (original airdate July 6 and 7, 2011)

So You Think You Can Dance airs Wednesday and Thursday nights at 8/7c on Fox.

Photos Courtesy of Adam Rose and FOX