Both Team Stage and Team Street kicked off the fierce live shows on So You Think You Can Dance by taking no prisoners. Nearly all of the dancers rose to the occasion, and it was an incredible night of dancing.
This time, the dancers will face a variety of styles of dance and will be out of their comfort zones. Sadly, this is also the first elimination episode, so we must bid farewell to one dancer from each team. Will your favorite stay to dance again or be headed home?
Break out the tissue, people. This is the So You Think You Can Dance live blog!
We kick off with a creepy opening routine where all the dancers have skeleton faces. That said, I sort of like this number, which was choreographed by Christopher “Pharside” Jennings and Krystal “Phoenix” Meraz.
Cat Deeley, looking posh in red, reminds us that the show’s celebration of 10 years of dance airs Tuesday, July 21 at 8pm. Travis Wall also was nominated for an Emmy, as was Sonya Tayeh and Spencer Liff for their work on the show. Cat was also nominated for her hosting role. Kudos!
The dancers were put in groups and picked a dance style at random. Now let’s welcome our judges: Paula Abdul, Jason Derulo and Nigel Lythgoe.
So You Think You Can Dance Predictions: Which Two Dancers Will Leave the Top 20? >>>
Real-Time Twitter Save
So You Think You Can Dance fans can vote to save one Team Street dancer and one Team Stage dancer from elimination through a real-time vote on Twitter once Cat announces the bottom six dancers.
Yorelis, Darion and Hailee
Salsa choreographed by Oksana Dmytrenko and Jonathan Platero
What should be a spicy and sexy trio is difficult to watch. Although there is a great lift with Hailee and Darion, there are a lot of times that it looks like Darion is losing his grip during the lifts. Jason calls Darion out on it and commends Yorelis. Nigel thinks that both ladies were “spicy.”
Results
Yorelis and Hailee are safe, but Darion is in danger.
Derek and Ariana
Jazz choreographed by Ray Leeper
This routine is about the heartbreak of losing someone that you love. Derek really shines here, but I feel a lack of connection between this duo. Paula loves the routine and thinks that both dancers performed well. Nigel is pleased with Ariana’s performance, and he reminds Derek to change his facial expressions.
Results
Ariana and Derek are both in danger.
Alexia, Virgil and Megz
Contemporary choreographed by Dee Caspary
This routine is about how two women control Virgil’s life. This moody and dramatic piece is a revelation, and I am especially impressed with Megz and her elegance. Nigel singles out Alexia for her work. He also loves Megz and Virgil’s performances. Jason tells Virgil that he “became one of the top contenders.”
Results
Megz, Virgil and Alexia are all safe.
A Word with Ryan Seacrest
Cat chats with Ryan about his new show, Knock Knock Live, which premieres on Tuesday, July 21 on FOX.
So You Think You Can Dance Nominated at 2015 Emmy Awards >>>
Lily, Burim, Gaby and Edson
Bollywood choreographed by Nakul Dev Mahajan
I really like this energetic routine. Nigel feels that the girls really stood out. Paula likes the performance and gives Gaby some extra love.
Results
Gaby, Burim and Edson are safe. Lily is in danger.
Kate, Neptune and Asaf
Broadway choreographed by Spencer Liff
This song is about a group of musicians whose body is their instrument. tWitch has to take Asaf aside to speak with him about how easily he gets frustrated. I really like this number, and I think that Kate and Neptune are stand-outs. Paula thinks that Asaf is the “most improved,” and she tells him not to fight against the choreography process. Jason wants a bit more of something from Kate, but I am not sure what.
Results
Kate and Asaf are safe, but Neptune is in danger.
National Dance Day
Get ready to lace up your dance shoes on Saturday, July 25 and join the dance celebration!
Jim and JaJa
Hip-Hop choreographed by Christopher Scott
This routine is about a man’s compassion for a woman. JaJa and Jim kill it! This is my favorite routine of the night by far. Jim can have a place on Team Street if he wants. The judges agree and give the dancers a standing ovation. Nigel gets emotional about seeing ballet and hip-hop melded together and he is moved almost to tears. Paula tells them she is “proud” of their performance.
Results
Jim and JaJa are both safe.
Moises, Marissa and JJ
Jazz choreographed by Ray Leeper
This piece is about a two-timing guy who is confronted by two women. This sexy dance is fun and entertaining. Jason likes it but thinks that Marissa and JJ’s facial expressions weren’t appropriate for the number. Paula thinks that the facial expressions are appropriate since they were hurting a cheating man.
Results
JJ and Marissa are safe, but Moises is in danger.
So You Think You Can Dance Recap: The Top 20 Perform >>>
Twitter Save Now!
Now is the time to take to Twitter to save your favorite dancer. Use #Save(dancer’s first name).
The Bottom Six Dancers
Team Stage:
Moises
Darion
Derek
Team Street:
Neptune
Ariana
Lily
Team Street Group Routine
Hip-Hop choreographed by Christopher Scott and Phillip Chbeeb
This routine is about balance and they are using see saws. Yikes! It is intricate and very entertaining.
Team Stage Group Routine
Contemporary choreographed by Travis Wall
Travis’ piece is about gods at war, and it looks physical and demanding. The number is mesmerizing and beautiful.
Twitter Save
Neptune
Moises
The Bottom Four
Ariana
Lily
Derek
Darion
Safe
Derek
Ariana
Going Home
Darion
Lily
Voting Information
Vote for your favorite dancer with the FOX Now App, at Fox.com/Dance or by text message at the close of the show.
And tune in on Tuesday, July 21 at 8pm for the So You Think You Can Dance anniversary celebration!
So You Think You Can Dance airs Mondays at 8pm on FOX.
(Image courtesy of FOX)
Contributing Writer, BuddyTV
Kim has been covering television entertainment since 2013. She is addicted to Real Housewives, Pump Rules, Dancing with the Stars, and many more shows.
