Grab a ticket for the hot tamale train as So You Think You Can Dance speeds toward the finale. Next stop? The performance finals, where the fantastic four of Amy Yakima, Jasmine Harper, Aaron Turner and DuShaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall will dance to win your votes ahead of next week’s finale.
It was sad to say goodbye to Hayley Erbert and Paul Karmiryan last week when, for the first time, America had total control of the vote.
The dancing talent has been phenomenal this season, and I am sure that tonight’s performances will be no exception. I am also sure that our hostess, Cat Deeley, will be glamorous, as usual.
How well will your favorite dance tonight?
Get ready, dance fans! This is the So You Think You Can Dance live blog!
Cat looks fetching in another sparkly ensemble. The top four dancers will perform solos, with each of their competitors and with an All-Star. Wow! I am exhausted after just typing that!
Our judges, Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, are joined by dancer and choreographer Paula Abdul and Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas. What a fun panel!
Amy Yakima and Aaron Turner
Jazz choreographed by Ray Leeper
This athletic dance has a primal feel. Nigel Lythgoe tells them that he is happy that they both made the finale. Gabby Douglas loves their “spunk and attitude.” Paula Abdul commends what a wonderful partner Aaron is for Amy.
DuShaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall and Jasmine Harper
Contemporary choreographed by Travis Wall
This routine is about a couple pulling apart while adrift in the ocean. Their slow graceful movements are mesmerizing. Jasmine looks as if she is floating! Mary Murphy is out of her seat for a standing ovation and loves their pairing. Paula reminds us that Fik-Shun was part of her show, Live to Dance, and how proud she is of his journey. Nigel congratulates Fik-Shun on his technique, such as his extensions.
Aaron Turner with All-Star Melinda
Tap choreographed by Anthony Morigerato
Aaron selects tap for his style choice. The performance is emotional and moving. I love it! So do the judges, who give Aaron and Melinda a standing ovation. Paula tells Aaron that he is this season’s “storyteller.” Nigel thanks Aaron for being the first tapper through to the finale.
Just a quick reminder that the top 10 dancers will be hitting the road for the So You Think You Can Dance tour this fall.
Jasmine Harper with All-Star Comfort
Hip-Hop choreographed by NappyTabs
Jasmine chooses hip-hop, not contemporary, for her style choice. This routine features both Jasmine and Comfort with bikes. Their routine about girl power is entertaining and brimming with swag. Cat Deeley wants to hang with them. Nigel praises Jasmine’s decision to perform outside her genre. Mary states that Jasmine performs as if she choreographed the routine. Gabby thinks that Beyonce should give Jasmine a call.
Amy Yakima and DuShaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall
Argentine Tango choreographed by Miriam and Leonardo
This is a tango blended with a paso doble. It is steamy and dramatic. The lifts are gorgeous. Nigel tells Amy that she did a great job but that Fik-Shun had some technical issues. Mary states that Amy is “one of the most dominating dancers” of any season, and points out that Fik-Shun did well partnering Amy. Paula tells Amy that she is perfection.
Jasmine’s Solo
What has this journey meant for Jasmine? She lets us know that her confidence was low after her break-up with Cyrus but that Vegas brought it back. She also performed in one of Ciara’s music videos, but rejected the chance to be one of her traveling back-up dancers before even learning that she had made the top 20. Way to have faith! Her solo shows her self-confidence. It is beautiful. Nigel reveals that Jasmine was not in the original top 20 dancers until Cat Deeley said that she should be. Really? That’s a shock!
Jasmine Harper and Aaron Turner
Samba choreographed by Dmitry Chaplin
This duo is back together again! This is not one of my favorite dances tonight. It is fun, but the tempo is odd. There is also a minor dress snafu. Mary feels that the routine was not danced well. She remarks that some of Aaron’s technique was lacking, and that Jasmine also suffered some technical issues. Nigel tells them that he is disappointed with their performance.
Fik-Shun’s Solo
Fik-Shun reveals that he was not aware of what happens in the Vegas rounds. He lets us know that after his first contemporary routine with Amy Yakima, he felt that he could do anything. He credits his partnership with her for keeping him in the competition. Fik-Shun’s solo is pure energy and fun! Nigel Lythgoe tells Fik-Shun that he is this season’s best entertainer. Gabby Douglas tells him that she loves his personality.
Amy’s Solo
What has this competition meant to Amy? Amy was afraid to audition, but having her family there gave her the confidence. Her connection with Fik-Shun helped to bring out her personality in her performances. She calls dancing with Travis Wall unforgettable. Amy’s solo scores a standing ovation. She receives raves for her strength, technique and the emotion she expresses.
DuShaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall with All-Star tWitch
Hip-Hop choreographed by Luther Brown
Fik-Shun chooses hip-hop, and writes down that dancing with tWitch would make his life “awesome.” This routine is amazing. Fik-Shun holds his own with tWitch. I could watch this routine for hours! Paula Abdul thinks this routine is fantastic. Nigel tells them it is “tremendous.” So has dancing with tWitch made Fik-Shun’s life awesome? “Yeah, baby!” he exclaims while jumping up and down.
Aaron’s Solo
Aaron has been hooked on performing as he grew up in a musical family. He made it to the Green Mile in season 9 and was cut. He made the top 20 this year after another dancer was injured. He flew out last minute to join the competition. His tap solo is full of joy. Paula congratulates him on his performance and his drive. Nigel feels that fate brought him into the competition this season. Mary Murphy raves that he “killed it.”
Amy Yakima with All-Star Robert
Contemporary choreographed by Stacey Tookey
This routine is about love and poor timing. The performance is emotional and dramatic. They earn a standing ovation from the judges. Paula states that it is her favorite routine of the night. Nigel is nearly speechless (really!), and calls the routine “intoxicating.” He tells Amy that she has stepped into his lead spot tonight.
DuShaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall and Aaron Turner
Broadway choreographed by Tyce Diorio
This number is set in a big city. It is breezy and fun. It scores a standing ovation from Paula. Nigel commends their performance. And Mary loves it and calls it “the cutest thing ever!”
Amy Yakima and Jasmine Harper
Jazz choreographed by Mark Kanemura
This routine is about lip-syncing with your body while being alien Siamese twins. (Yes, really!) It seems odd to me, and not in a good way. I guess it’s not my cup of tea. Mary Murphy thinks it is a bit crazy and quirky, and she loves it! Gabby Douglas enjoys the humor in the routine. And Paula Abdul loves it, too.
Don’t forget to vote for your favorites, and tune in next week to see which male and female dancers will be crowned the season 10 champs!
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.
