After weeks of auditions and injuries, the introduction of the Top 20, and a week off for the Fourth of July, So You Think You Can Dance season 9 finally goes into competition mode … and it was nothing short of fabulous! The judges certainly picked the cream of the crop with this year’s dancers and it is going to be extremely tough to see any of them go home each week. And without the results show to give us an extra day to watch these people perform, it’s going to be even tougher to see someone leave. (And with the new format — voting for individuals instead of couples right off the bat — two girls and two boys will go home next week.) The first week is all about shining brighter than the last person who danced, because without having a chance to see someone go through several genres, the eliminations come down to who didn’t connect with the viewers. Most everyone shone brightly this week, but there are a couple who may be in danger. The show kicked off with a stunning Mad Men inspired number by Christopher Scott that only proved how talented the Top 20 are. So let the games begin …
Witney & Chehon — Samba; Louis Van Amstel. Definitely not Chehon’s style, no hip action, and Witney blew him away. Nigel told him to relax and let go of the ballet training. Mary already put Witney on the Hot Tamale Train, first class! This dance could put Cheon in the bottom three simply because he just didn’t master the Latin genre. But, if the voters are stereotypically young girls, then he could coast by on his good looks and great body. He really has to prove that he can dance outside of his personal genre.
Tiffany & George — Contemporary; Sonya Tayeh. Great form, lines and movement, and the whole thing was smooth like butter, just as Sonya wanted. They told a beautiful love story, and Mary said they completely surrendered to the choreography. Neither of them should be in danger.
Janaya & Brandon — Hip Hop; Napoleon & Tabith. Telling the story of alcoholism vs love should have packed an emotional punch. Janaya did a great backwards jump into Brandon’s arms, and they were both sharp and precise, but Janaya may have been smiling a bit too much for the seriousness of the story. Nigel thought the choreography gave Janaya a chance to cover some of her limitations in the genre. Mary wanted her to be grittier. Nigel wants more from them to stay on the show, which means we could see both of them in the bottom three next week.
Alexa & Daniel — Jazz; Sean Cheesman. Very technical and intricate dance, and I couldn’t take my eyes off them to take notes. Nigel thought it was too quick for them to connect with each other or the audience. I agree with the judges that I appreciated the skill involved, but I didn’t have an emotional response … and Daniel is already one of my favorite guys. I hope this doesn’t land him in the bottom three (but he seems to already have a vocal fan base).
Amber & Nick — Viennese Waltz; Jason Gilkison. This was Nick’s genre, so he really felt the pressure to deliver … and he did! Great lifts and an amazing spin that made me dizzy! (Guest judge Kenny Ortega even commented on the additional dancing from the Steadicam operator to capture that spin.) Nice flow, lines, and extensions. Nigel compared Jason, who surprisingly got a bit short with Nick in rehearsals (have we ever seen a choreographer snap at a dancer before?), to Dance Moms’ Abby Lee Miller … who just happened to be in the audience.
Amelia & Will — Hip Hop; Napoleon & Tabitha. Not really a typical hip hop number but it was a really charming performance and Will managed to keep it together (after cracking up constantly during rehearsal). It was quirky, fun and full of personality even if they were playing two amorous alley cats. Amelia is by far my favorite girl.
Janelle & Dareian — African Jazz; Sean Cheesman. The first move, a split where Janelle’s leg was parallel to her body, was awesome. To me it seemed that there were some starts and stops during the number, and some of the movements that should have been really sharp and powerful were a bit loose and gentle. It was still a good routine, but I think the judges way over-praised it. (Janelle and Dareian are so tiny next to Cat!) I could see this dance sending them both to the bottom three next week.
Eliana & Cyrus — Broadway; Tyce Diorio. A ballet dancer and an animator doing Broadway choreography?!?! They both did a fabulous job! It was bright and lively, a number you would love to see on a Broadway stage, and it just brought a huge smile to my face! Cyrus is my other favorite guy. He’s so far out of his comfort zone — any choreographed dance is out of his comfort zone — but, like Nigel said, he totally gives 100% and his personality just shines. Until he gets a really tough number … a waltz, perhaps … I don’t think he has to worry about being in the bottom.
Audrey & Matt — A Travis Wall piece (yes, he’s his own genre now). I don’t even know how to describe this performance that sets the bar for everyone. Just amazing choreography, it was powerful, athletic, musical, with great lifts and an amazing leap from the arm of the couch. Just superb. These two were given a gift in Travis, and they gave back to him and to the viewers with a stunning, stunning piece of art. No surprises if this is nominated — and wins — an Emmy next year.
Lindsay & Cole — Paso Doble; Jason Gilkison. The Paso is probably my favorite dance because it’s so powerful and electric, and this one did not disappoint. However, Cole completely dominated Lindsay, his martial arts skills serving him extremely well. Totally amazing, powerful, thrilling number. Nigel said it was the best Paso from a boy on the show ever. The judges also praised Lindsay, saying that without her, Cole would not have had a dance. True, but I could not take my eyes off of him and she just disappeared.
It’s tough to say who will go home next week, but I won’t be surprised to see Chehon or Alexa in the bottom. He didn’t pull off the samba, and she just may have a hard time connecting with the viewers, especially after her prolonged audition process. Who do you think will go home next week? Tell us in the comments below. (And Mr. Noble will return next week after his triumphant tour of Comic-Con.)
“Amelia, if we had a kitty like you, we would play with you all day long. And Will, you did a great job of playing with her.” — Kenny Ortega to Amelia after the “Love Cats” number
Clacked by Chuck Duncan 
on Jul 12, 2012 @ 00:08 EST5EDT
