All aboard the So You Think You Can Dance hot tamale train! While we look forward to a night of great performances, we also have to bid farewell to two more dancers. Last week, Mariah Spears and Dorian “BluPrint” Hector were cut from the competition.
This season has kept us on the edge of our seats with some elimination format changes and some surprising decisions from the judges. Cat Deeley, our hostess, has been reliably fashionable from week to week. It’s a tough gig, but somebody has to do it, right?
What will happen tonight? Is your favorite dancer safe? Put on your dancing shoes and grab some tissues.
This is the So You Think You Can Dance live blog!
First up is a dark and dramatic group contemporary dance choreographed by Sonya Tayeh and Dmitry Chaplin. Cat Deeley tells us that Curtis Holland injured his shoulder in rehearsal and cannot perform this week. As for the good news, tonight will also feature two group numbers.
Let’s welcome our judges! Resident judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy are joined at the judging table by actress and singer Anna Kendrick.
And now on to the results.
The Bottom 6 Dancers
Jasmine Harper
Alan Bersten
Alexis Juliano
Curtis Holland
Makenzie Dustman
Nico Greetham
Saved
Makenzie Dustman
None of the guys are safe, but the judges don’t need to see them dance and will make their decision later in the show.
Solos
Alexis Juliano’s solo lacks energy. In contrast, Jasmine Harper’s performance crackles with energy.
National Dance Day, which was July 27, was a smashing success again this year!
Jenna Johnson and Tucker Knox
Hip-Hop choreographed by Luther Brown
Tonight, we are learning about how the dancers discovered their love of dance. During Jenna’s first performance she sang during her dance routine. Tucker performed in a large white suit with a group of guys and girls. It strikes me as a bit off and lacking swag. Nigel Lythgoe thinks that it’s not memorable and is unconvincing. Mary Murphy scolds Nigel for being “harsh.”
Alexis Juliano and Nico Greetham
Contemporary choreographed by Sonya Tayeh
Alexis loved to dress up in girly outfits, but had to dress as a boy for her first dance performance. Nico was cast as a clown in his first performance. This routine is based on the end of a love affair. It is emotional, powerful and well-danced. Mary Murphy gives them both raves, as does Anna Kendrick. In this piece, Alexis really shines.
Hayley Erbert and Leonardo
Argentine Tango choreographed by Miriam and Leonardo
Curtis performed a Mexican hat dance for his first ever dance routine. Hayley was clumsy as a child dancer. Leonardo joins Hayley for this routine because Curtis is injured. Their tango is mesmerizing. Hayley earns a standing ovation from ballroom dancer Mary Murphy. Nigel Lythgoe tells Hayley she was stunning, and Mary Murphy loves the performance.
Makenzie Dustman and Paul Karmiryan
Jazz choreographed by Sonya Tayeh
Makenzie’s first performance was with her family. Paul’s first dance performance was when he was 18 years old in a Latin ballroom competition. Sonya Tayeh is bringing it tonight! This routine is athletic and amazing. Sonya is cheering from the audience. Nigel Lythgoe tells them both that they are brilliant, and he wonders why Makenzie is in the bottom six among the dancers again.
Jasmine Harper and Aaron Turner
Contemporary choreographed by Justin Giles
Aaron’s first performance was choreographed by Napoleon. In Jasmine’s favorite childhood performance, she wore a tux. This routine is based on the story of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Aaron and Jasmine are dancing with an apple as a prop, which looks incredibly difficult. I am impressed! Mary Murphy gives them kudos for using the prop so seamlessly. Nigel commends their work as partners.
Amy Yakima and DuShaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall
Hip-Hop choreographed by Chris Scott
Amy was too energetic during her first performance. Fik-Shun performed in a high school assembly battle with his friend. In this routine, Amy is a waitress and Fik-Shun is her customer. I love this performance! It is flirty and fun. Nigel Lythgoe tells them that they will be listed among the greatest So You Think You Can Dance couples. Mary Murphy gives them a first-class ticket again this week.
Malece Miller and Alan Bersten
Salsa choreographed by Jonathan Platero
Malece had an embarrassing incident before her first performance, and Alan first performed in a ballroom competition. Their salsa is steamy and starts off great. I think that Alan and Malece lose a bit of energy near the end of the dance. Mary Murphy enjoys it, and Anna Kendrick thinks that they should make a baby. (Yes, really!)
First Group: Malece, Nico, Jenna, Hayley, Alan and Makenzie
Broadway choreographed by Spencer Liff
The routine is set in a pool hall and is fun. I am relieved that no one is injured by a pool stick!
Second Group: Jasmine, Aaron, Paul, Alexis, Tucker, Amy and Fik-Shun
Contemporary choreographed by Bonnie Story
This group dance is about bullying. It is emotional and beautifully danced.
Now it is time for the results. Who is leaving the show tonight?
The Bottom 5 Dancers
Jasmine Harper
Alan Bersten
Alexis Juliano
Curtis Holland
Nico Greetham
Eliminated
Alexis Juliano
Curtis Holland
Two tappers, Alexis and Curtis, are cut from the show.
Next week, the bottom three guys and girls will be in danger of being eliminated, so don’t forget to vote to save your favorite dancer!
So You Think You Can Dance airs Tuesdays 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.
