SYTYCD? Top 18 Performance Recap

Another competition week of So You Think You Can Dance?, and another day the Paula Abdul chair goes unfilled.  *sigh* Poor Nigel.

Noelle & Russel
Hip Hop by Jamal Sims
Tennis and hip hop, really? Hmm.  So, this new choreographers work isn’t too bad.  I’m not loving it really, which is a shame because the show REALLY needs better hip hop routines, but I shouldn’t judge the man on one routine.  Adam had a point saying it was overwhelming; it seemed a bit too fast, especially for Noelle who had trouble keeping up with Russel.  Girl isn’t good at hip hop at all, but she did well considering her injury.

Jakob & Ashleigh
Waltz by Tony Meredith
This routine had a wedding theme, so I guess they had no choice than to use “At Last”, since pretty much every couple has their first dance to that.  It kind of lacked creativity, and I’m not a fan of Ashleigh or Jakob in the least bit so….I’d say my opinion is a bit biased.  The technique was there, but that was about it.

Mollee & Nathan
Bollywood by Nahkul
Nice one!  I loved the opening and ending of this routine with the sun on the screen.  But the most impressive part was when  Nathan spun around for like 10 hours and then stopped on one foot…nice.  And Mollee was surprisingly mature, as the judges mentioned.  Still, they kind of annoy me because they seem so oriented to the under 12 set.

Phillip & Channing
Samba by Tony Meredith
So, Tony and  Melody said that this was a competition Samba, and obviously it was a bit too complicated for the two of them.  Channing did have good hip movements but I’m not sure her arms were supposed to be that straight.  And Phillip had good lines, but all their lifts were a bit too slow.

Kevin & Karen
Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon
I don’t know, maybe it’s me, but Im really not feeling any of the hip hop.  But, despite not caring for the routine as a whole, I loved the dancing…if that makes ANY sense.  They both attacked it, ESPECIALLY Karen.  She’s just so confident, and a lot of the other contestants could learn a lot from her about performing.

Legacy & Kathryn
Contemporary by Stacey Tookey
Wow, I didn’t expect that kind of versatility from Legacy!  He was a little bit rigid, but man, as the judges said, he’s grown.  And of course, his partner Kathryn did a great job, and probably didn’t get enough credit because everyone is shocked by Legacy.  I definitely like them a lot better this week than last.

Peter & Pauline
Jazz by Wade
I was liking the inspiration of this routine but when it got on the stage, with Starry Night in the background (a painting I have irrational hate for…but thats another story) belt I thought it got a little bit too literal with the stage background, and that took me out of the routine.  Nigel had it right when he said it wouldn’t “do anything” for them.

Ellenore & Ryan
Tango
This reminded me a little bit of Mark and Chelsie’s tango last year…. and it was great.  This is the second week this pair has impressed me, and I NEVER would’ve expected to be saying that!  Ellenore did well even with her dress caught in her heel during half the routine. Standing ovation from all three judges.

Eliminated – Bianca & Peter

Wow, Bianca faught for 3 seasons to get on the show, then as soon as she does…cut on the 2nd episode.  Ouch.  I can’t say I’m sad to see her go though; what was that solo? Tootsie roll — seriously?  And I wasn’t a fan of Peter either but poor guy, considering his dad dying a week and a half ago