It’s finally time for the So You Think You Can Dance Top 20 to perform live and strut their stuff. How exciting! Unfortunately, one dancer had to drop out of the competition because of an injury, and we will finally learn who has dropped out and which dancer will earn a spot after facing rejection at The Green Mile. It is always sad when an injury sidelines a dancer.
The So You Think You Can Dance competitors will perform to earn your votes, with the first elimination coming up next time. Is your favorite dancer in the Top 20?
Buckle up, dance fans. This is the So You Think You Can Dance live blog!
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We kick off with Team Stage and Team Street battling it out in an opening number that combines many different dance styles. The routine, which is choreographed by Christopher Scott and Jessica Lee Keller, is really fresh and interesting. I must confess that I like the new Stage versus Street twist a lot.
Our favorite hostess, Cat Deeley, lets us know that Jason Derulo will also hit the stage later to perform a new song, and he takes the opportunity to get a little flirty with Cat. Cat also clues us in that we will hear from First Lady Michelle Obama. There is also a brand new, sparkly stage. Wow — that’s a lot of firsts for one evening!
Team Street also has a new member: Hebrew breaker Asaf. He is taking the spot vacated by Alain “Hurrikane” Lauture. I really like Hurrikane, and I am not sure how I feel about Asaf.
Now let’s welcome our esteemed judging panel: Nigel Lythgoe, Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo.
Right now, Team Stage and Team Street will perform in their own styles, and next time they will face any type of dance style imaginable.
Team Street: Megan “Megz” Alfonso, Eddie “Neptune” Eskridge and Jessica “JJ” Rabone
Hip-Hop choreographed by Dave Scott
This routine is about superheroes keeping the streets safe. I love this trio. Their personalities really shine through. Nigel quizzes Neptune and JJ about their nicknames. He wants Neptune to show more of his personality. Jason is “let down” by the performance.
Team Stage: Gaby Diaz, Moises Parra and Derek Piquette
Contemporary choreographed by Stacey Tookey
Team Stage answers back with a routine about finding the inner gift that each of us has to offer. The dance is lyrical, graceful and emotional. Paula loves everything about it and all the performances. She does single out Gaby for some extra praise, and Jason agrees about Gaby’s performance.
Team Street: Lily Frias, Burim “B1” Jusufi, Jana “JaJa” Vankova and Asaf Goren
Hip-Hop choreographed by Christopher Scott
I do like this routine, but my eyes keep going to Lily and JaJa. Their presence seems to overwhelm Asaf and B1. The group gets a standing ovation. Jason calls the performance “beasty.” (Yes, really!) Nigel compliments Lily on her dancing and Asaf on his charisma and ability to entertain. Asaf thanks the rest of his group for all their hard work.
Team Stage: Alexia Meyer, Marissa Milele and Hailee Payne
Jazz choreographed by Brian Friedman
This routine is a tribute to film noir, with the dancers portraying femme fatales. Since the girls need to wear stilettos, Brian dons his own pair. The girls are wearing trench coats with black lingerie outfits underneath. This number is sexy and the confidence displayed by this trio is amazing. Nigel suggests that they hold back a bit of the sexuality so it isn’t just overtly sexual. Paula agrees and points out how difficult the choreography is.
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Team Stage: Darion Flores and Jim Nowakowski
Ballet choreographed by Benoit Swan Pouffer
Travis calls this routine possibly the most difficult one that has ever been done on the show. Yikes! The piece is moody and dramatic, yet also graceful and elegant. Jim and Darion garner a standing ovation for their amazing performance. Paula calls them both “tremendous dancers.” Jason states that the performance is memorable.
National Dance Day
July 25 is National Dance Day, so get ready to bust a move, people! tWitch will showcase the beginner’s routine, while Travis demonstrates the more advanced moves.
Team Street: Virgil Gadson, Yorelis Apolinario and Ariana Crowder
Hip-Hop choreographed by Christopher “Pharside” Jennings and Krystal “Phoenix” Meraz
This number is about a man standing at the gates of heaven and must choose between an angel and the devil. I think that Yorelis really steals the show in this routine that features lots of intricate movements. Nigel and Jason were worried that Ariana would be overshadowed by Yorelis and Virgil, but she isn’t. Paula gives some criticism about sparkling during quiet or transitional moments.
Team Stage: Kate Harpootlian and Edson Juarez
Contemporary choreographed by Travis Wall
This routine, about a destructive relationship, is mesmerizing and resonates with emotion. Nigel feels that the dancing was lovely, but he doesn’t understand the emotions or what it was about. Ouch! Paula thinks that something is holding back Kate and Edson emotionally.
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.
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A Chat with First Lady Michelle Obama
Cat asked the First Lady some questions when they visited the White House with the All-Stars to celebrate the fifth year of her Let’s Move Initiative. The First Lady confesses that she likes to dance to Beyonce and that her dream dance partner is Michael Jackson. She also admits that she loves So You Think You Can Dance and marvels at how talented the dancers are.
The Vocal Stylings of Jason Derulo
Jason hits the stage to perform with the All-Stars. He sings and dances during a theatrical performance.
Team Stage Group Number
Broadway choreographed by Warren Carlyle
This number features props such as canes, hats and chairs. The routine truly has it all, ranging from tapping to amazing lifts. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Team Street Group Number
Hip-Hop choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo
This number is about a squad of soldiers. Asaf struggles and gets a pep talk from team captain tWitch. I love this number because of its swag, energy and fun vibe. The judges agree with a standing ovation for Team Street.
A Very Special Episode
On Tuesday, July 21 at 8pm, there will be a special episode to celebrate the 10th anniversary of So You Think You Can Dance!
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.
