The talented dancers who made it into the So You Think You Can Dance top 20 will perform live for the first time tonight. We will also learn a bit more about the dancers, which is always fun. Did your favorite dancer win a spot in the live competition?
The dancers will perform tonight for your votes, and the first elimination of the season is next week. Gulp.
We are also celebrating the fact that this episode is the milestone 200th episode of So You Think You Can Dance. Our resident judges, Nigel Lythgoe and Mary “Hot tamale train” Murphy, will be joined by guest judge, singer and dancer Jason Derulo, who will also perform with Snoop Dogg.
Get ready, dance fans. This is the So You Think You Can Dance live blog!
We kick off with a top 20 group dance, choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. It is moody and dark. I love it!
Our hostess, Cat Deeley, looks fetching as usual. I am shocked she is not in a sparkly frock, though. The dancers will be dancing in their own style tonight, and the couples will be mixed up next week. That is an interesting change.
The winner of the competition will receive $250,000 dollars, as well as a part in the new Broadway production of “On the Town.” I am not clear whether there will be only one winner, or one male and female winner like last season. There is one other major change: all of the voting is online or through the Fox Now App.
Brooklyn Fullmer and Serge Onik Cha-Cha choreographed by Dmitry Chaplin
Brooklyn loves eating popcorn and watching television shows about sharks. Serge was born two months prematurely and loves cheese. Their routine is steamy and very fast. Mary loves it, but points out that Brooklyn was a bit nervous at the beginning. Nigel compliments Serge on his hard work.
Emily James and Casey Askew
Contemporary choreographed by Travis Wall
So what are Emily and Casey’s favorite things? Emily enjoys spearfishing and is a fedora enthusiast. Casey hates the rain and loves Disney. Their physically demanding dance about a stormy relationship is mesmerizing and lovely. Jason is impressed, and Nigel calls it “superb.”
Valerie Rockey and Zack Everhart, Jr.
Tap choreographed by Anthony Morigerato
Valerie makes a great omelet and loves pigs. Zack hates cereal but loves listening to rap music. This routine utilizes stairs as part of the performance. This routine is energetic and entertaining and is my favorite so far. Mary gives them a standing ovation, and Nigel is nearly speechless. Wow!
Bridget Whitman and Stanley Glover
Contemporary choreographed by Bonnie Story
Bridget used to be a rock collector and loves peacocks. Stanley likes Tae Kwon Do and would like to be a model. This dance is about a troubled relationship. I really responded to the emotional performance and the dancer’s graceful movements. Mary calls their routine “authentic” and she commends Stanley on his leaps. Jason comments on the ease of Bridget and Stanley’s movements.
Jourdan Epstein and Jacque LeWarne Ballet choreographed by Marat Daukayev
Jacque talks really fast and has a fondness for pistachio ice cream. Jourdan loves her kitten and has a pre-med degree. Their performance is beautiful and graceful. Nigel critiques the dancers’ techniques, and Mary is excited to see how the girls will perform next time.
And Now For Something Completely Different
Jason Derulo hits the stage to perform his single “Wiggle.” He dances a lot in his performance, and it is fun. Snoop Dogg pops by for a brief moment.
National Dance Day
National Dance Day is July 26, 2014, and So You Think You Can Dance has created two routines so that everyone can get their dance shoes on. Christopher Scott has created a hip-hop routine for experienced dancers, while Nigel Lythgoe and the ever-so-shy Adam Shankman have created a dance for beginners.
Malene Ostergaard and Marcquet Hill
Samba choreographed by Louis Van Amstel
Malene grew up in a small village in Denmark and she adores chocolate. Marcquet is afraid of ants and is named after a university. Their routine is sexy and entertaining. Nigel gives them both raves. Mary loves the samba rolls, and their energy.
Carly Blaney and Rudy Abreu
Contemporary choreographed by Stacey Tookey
Carly’s favorite food is Cheerios, and she likes to wear tee-shirts. Rudy is a fan of both country music and junk food. This routine is about enjoying life. Their connection is excellent and the routine is beautiful. Mary reminds Rudy to keep his shoulders down, and points out how much heart Rudy has. Nigel compliments Carly’s technique.
Teddy Coffey and Emilio Dosal Hip-Hop choreographed by Christopher Scott
Teddy gives his age and name in song. Emilio is from Texas and has a weakness for Hispanic ladies. This dance utilizes a mop and bucket. I love everything about this number! It is entertaining and both dancers display their personalities. Jason thinks the routine is fantastic. Nigel points out how much he likes Emilio’s tricks.
Jessica Richens and Ricky Ubeda
Contemporary choreographed by Sonya Tayeh
Jessica thinks sloths are really cute, and she hates tomatoes. Ricky has a love for Cuban coffee and power naps. Jessica and Ricky’s performance is hypnotic. It is dark and physically demanding, and is my favorite routine of the night. The judges feel the same way as they give a standing ovation. Nigel feels it is “otherworldly” and on a different level from all the other performances. In fact, Nigel thinks it is one of the best dances that he has ever seen. Mary also points out their excellent technique.
Tanisha Belnap and Nick Garcia
Cha-Cha choreographed by Louis Van Amstel
Tanisha comes from a large family and is allergic to chlorine. Nick loves his dog, Roxie, and sports. The performance is flirty and breezy but I do feel like there is a lack of connection between Tanisha and Nick. Mary and Nigel really like it and think it is a great performance. Tanisha and Nick kiss during the routine. Could this be a blossoming romance? I wonder.
It was a great first show. Next week, the bottom three girls and guys will be in danger of being eliminated. You can go to Fox.com/Dance for information on how to vote to save your favorite So You Think You Can Dance competitor.
So You Think You Can Dance airs Wednesdays 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.
