The show kicked off with an amazing Nap and Tabs Hip Hop routine performed by Ashleigh and Jakob. Napoleon's and Tabitha's hip hop routines are usually easier to take on than, say, a Shane Sparks or Lil C routine. But Ashleigh and Jakob's sharp, hard hitting movements showed that the pair probably could have taken on a harder hip hop routine. Not only was their dancing perfect, but they really got into the passion of their characters. Mary Murphy said it all: "How tight, how down, how hard-hitting, and how believable your passion was in that dance."
As Jakob continues to grow and grow, the judges are sure that he will have a place in the Top 10. As for Ashleigh, Adam said he was one of the judges that didn't believe in her...well, he takes it back now, saying, "Your sense of hit and rebound and your total commitment to this type of movement was so gripping." Definitely one of my favorite pieces of the night. (And Ashleigh remains my favorite female dancer this season.)
Who else gave a stunning performance?
- Noelle and Russell (Foxtrot) - This was actually the first genre the couple pulled out of the hat, but it was the first time they danced the foxtrot together (Noelle had an injury that week, so Russell performed the routine with the choreographer.) The couple looked very sophisticated performing this routine (and they looked like they had a lot of fun too - "The key thing to underline in that piece was 'joy,'" said Adam.) Nigel said that Russell significantly improved since his first foxtrot performance and that Noelle makes herself known next to a star like Russell.
- Channing and Victor (Jazz) - Amazing routine by Tyce Diorio. Killer performance (as blackbirds) by Channing and Victor. The couple continues to show their blossoming chemistry, and Channing showed more confidence than usual in this piece. Nigel even said that this was the first week where Channing looked like she actually enjoyed herself. "Consequently," he said, "I enjoyed your performance." Adam added to that saying the she is finding her way into the show, and "If you keep growing, using this as your springboard, you'll do great."
- Kathryn and Legacy (Paso Doble) - I'm a huge fan of the Paso Doble; its intensity in passion (in the choreography and the music.) Did Kathryn and Legacy bring that intensity? Yes! Kathryn definitely made up for her weak performance last week, bringing out that vixen that Nigel had been looking for. Nigel said that she brought the intensity and passion tonight as well as the maturity she didn't show last week. Basically, "Kathryn, you killed it." (Nicely said, Adam.) As for Legacy, "Your passion, hunger, and need for knowledge is what's going to push you into the Top 10," Nigel said.
- Ellenore and Ryan (Contemporary) - This was my second favorite after Ashleigh's and Jakob's. (And yes, it's partly because it was choreographed by SYTYCD veteran Travis Wall and was danced to one of my top five favorite songs: "Your Ex-Lover is Dead" by Stars.) Ellenore's and Ryan's contemporary routine was the judges' favorite of the night, and according to Nigel, the couple "cemented their place again this week" with this performance.
I am deeply saddened to say that Karen and Kevin did not bring it, as usual, with their Broadway routine. I'm also sad to say that I was bored. (Yes, I was bored watching Karen and Kevin, two of my favorite dancers on the show!) Nigel said that this style requires humor and personality, which Karen didn't bring to the piece...but she brought more than Kevin. He also said that their usual chemistry just wasn't there. However, though Mary said it was disappointing, she also said that it's just a bump in the road. (On another light note, Adam pointed out, "It was amazing that Kevin was at least able to get through the piece."
And finally, Mollee's and Nathan's pop jazz routine didn't do much for me either. (Ok, I'm pretty sure this has a lot to do with the fact that I don't like this couple.) The pair did do much better this week. Mary thought the pair gave an intense performance, and Adam said their sync "was beautiful"...but he hopes they find more "nuance" to their chemistry so the audience falls for more than their cuteness (you know, like, their dancing, performance, technique...what the show is ACTUALLY about?) Mary said Mollee was sharp. Nigel said it's her commitment and passion that's going to take her far in her career. As for Nathan, "You have got to grow," Nigel said. He said that Nathan has the potential to be one of "the best dancers on this series" (Um...sorry, Nigel, I know you're the professional, but...no. And I'm not just saying that because I don't like him. Seriously.), but he's worried Nathan's immaturity might be his downfall.
Well, I completely forgot to vote, but I would have voted for every couple except Karen/Kevin and Mollee/Nathan.
Who do I think will be in the bottom three? Honestly, I can't make that prediction this week. The only couple I know for sure will be in the bottom are Karen and Kevin (unfortunately.) The judges said the same. Beyond that, I'm clueless. It's definitely getting to that point in the season where they're all getting so good, it's tough to place anyone in the bottom three.
Watch the results episode tonight at 7 p.m. to find out which couple will be leaving the competition.
(And hopefully, I can get some videos up this week. I found some last week, but they were deleted by Youtube the next day, so I couldn't post them.)
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