Here we are once again boarding the So You Think You Can Dance hot tamale train. Makenzie Dustman and Nico Greetham were cut from the competition last week, so we are down to the top eight dancers: Jenna Johnson, Tucker Knox, Paul Karmiryan, Jasmine Harper, Aaron Turner, Amy Yakima, DuShaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall and Hayley Erbert. It is such a close contest this season!
This week, for the first time, the competitors will be dancing with All-Stars in routines choreographed by … the All-Stars! Maybe next week the judges will make the dance costumes. (Just kidding.)
Is your favorite dancer in jeopardy? How sparkly will Cat Deeley’s dress be tonight?
Get ready, dance fans. This is the So You Think You Can Dance live blog!
We begin with a group routine that is very strange indeed. I am not sure if the dancers are puppets, dolls or creepy clowns. So your guess is as good as mine!
Now it is time to welcome the JUDGES! Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy are joined by actress and classically trained dancer Jenna Elfman tonight at the judges table. Ready for some results? Here we go!
The Bottom 4 Dancers
DuShaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall
Jenna Johnson
Tucker Knox
Hayley Erbert
Solos
Fik-Shun’s solo is fun and energetic. Hayley’s performance is elegant and dreamy. Jenna’s routine is high energy as well. And Tucker’s solo is athletic and amazing.
Aaron Turner with All-Star Chelsie
Jive
Aaron reveals that his biggest inspiration is his best friend who died after a car accident. This routine is set in the 1950’s. It is energetic and showcases Aaron’s personality. Mary Murphy says that there were a few technical issues. Nigel Lythgoe is surprised that the style did not suit him, but thinks that Aaron has done enough during the competition to become a finalist.
DuShaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall with All-Star Allison
Contemporary
Fik-Shun shares that he is inspired by his parents and their belief in him. This piece is about discrimination. It is mesmerizing and hauntingly beautiful. Jenna Elfman raves about how Fik-Shun can do no wrong. Nigel tells him that he has a quality about his work that cannot be dismissed.
Tucker Knox with All-Star Courtney
Jazz
Tucker’s inspiration is his dad, who supports his dancing dreams. This jazz routine is about Romeo and Juliet. It is incredible, athletic and crackles with chemistry. Nigel tells Tucker that both he, and Courtney, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, are inspirations. Nigel leads a standing ovation for Courtney. An emotional Mary Murphy tells this duo that their performance was “gorgeous.”
Paul Karmiryan with All-Star Comfort
Hip-Hop
Who is Paul’s inspiration? His coach, who is like a brother to him. This number is about a graffiti artist. The routine is fun, and Paul has swag! Mary praises Paul’s versatility and gives him a ticket on the hot tamale train.
Hayley Erbert with All-Star Dmitry
Rumba
Hayley’s inspirations are her dance teachers, who have helped her believe in herself. This rumba is about a long-term engagement derailed by cheating. This is one steamy rumba! Jenna Elfman flirts shamelessly with Dmitry, and who can blame the woman? Nigel praises Hayley’s performance, and Mary agrees.
Jenna Johnson with All-Star Mark
Jazz
Jenna tells us that her inspiration is her cousin, Shannon, who passed away from muscular dystrophy. This routine is about style and is wonderfully weird. I like this routine, and it is bringing out a new side of Jenna. Jenna and Mark earn a standing ovation from the judges. Nigel calls the routine “phenomenal” and commends Jenna’s talent. Mary loves the creativity of the routine.
Jasmine Harper with All-Star tWitch
Hip-Hop
Jasmine’s mother is her inspiration. This number is about super heroes. Jasmine and tWitch have insane chemistry. Mary Murphy and Jenna Elfman both give raves. Nigel Lythgoe states that Jasmine has stolen his heart from Makenzie.
Amy Yakima with All-Star Travis
Contemporary
Amy’s biggest dancing inspiration is her cousin, who is a Rockette. This number is about lies and relationships. It is gorgeous and haunting. The judges give a standing ovation. Jenna Elfman says that Amy is technically perfect yet conveys emotion so well. Nigel tells Amy that she is a beautiful dancer, and goes on to call Travis a genius, and Mary agrees that they have witnessed something special on stage. It is spectacular.
Now on to the results!
The Bottom 4 Dancers
DuShaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall
Jenna Johnson
Tucker Knox
Hayley Erbert
Eliminated
Jenna Johnson
Tucker Knox
Tonight, Jenna and Tucker leave the competition. Next week, your votes decide who will go home when the girl and guy with the least amount of votes will be cut from the competition just shy of the finale. So vote to save your favorite dancer!
So You Think You Can Dance airs Tuesdays at 8pm on FOX.
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Compete in Fantasy TV: Make your picks on who you think will be going home. Hurry, you have until August 27 at 12pm PST to cast your vote!
(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.
