Can you believe we already know our Top 20 dancers? They really keep things moving on So You Think You Can Dance! It was a jam packed episode and if it felt like a whirlwind for us viewers, I can’t imagine what it was like for the competitors.
On the first day, the hopefuls were given a hip hop routine from Tabitha and Napoleon. Before the competition even begins, a shocker takes place. The best popper we have ever seen in our lives, Robert, withdraws himself from the show because he doesn’t think he can do it.
Come one dude! I was so disappointed in him. After an amazing second solo and the encouragement of the judges, he just gives up. Whatever. So after the hip hop number, the group of over 200 is cut down to 129.
Day Two arrives and the dancers dress “sexy and sassy” to prepare for a Broadway routine from Tice DiOrio. Beauty pageant contestant Paige Jones’ outfit almost made me gag. As my previous recap begged, I am sooo happy she was cut later in the day! After this round, the list is now down to 94 dancers. Next, the competitors are back to learn a ballroom routine from Jean-Marc Genereux and before the night ends are then are broken into groups make up choreography to a song they draw out of a box.
On Day Three, the dancers perform their group pieces from the previous night and if three judges ask an individual to take a step back, they are out of the competition. Most of the choreography is horrible but only 4 dancers are cut in this round. Later in the day, our favorite drill sergeant, Mia Michaels, is back to whip the dancers into submission with a contemporary routine. After three days of intense performance, many people looked totally exhausted and Mia wasn’t going easy on them at all. After they perform for the judges, only 47 dancers remain to do their solos with the hopes of making the Top 20.
And drumroll… here’s the list:
Comfort Fedoke (hip-hop)
Gevorg Manoukian (breaker)
Mark Kanemura (contemporary)
Katee Shean (contemporary)
Chelsie Hightower (ballroom)
Chris Jarosz (contemporary)
Susie Garcia (latin)
William Wingfield (contemporary)
Thayne Jasperson (contemporary)
Kherington Payne (contemporary)
Kourtni Lind (contemporary)
Jamie Bayard (west coast swing)
Matt Dorame (ballet)
Chelsea Traille (jazz)
Marquis Cunningham (contemporary)
Jessica King (contemporary)
Joshua Allen (hip-hop)
Rayven Armijo (ballet)
Stephen “Twitch” Boss (hip-hop)
Courtney Galiano (contemporary)
First off, there are a TON of contemporary dancers this season. I can’t believe how few ballroom peeps there are! Also, there are many dancers who were not featured in the audition rounds, so I have no clue who my favorites will be yet. I know I’m very excited about Joshua Allen and Chelsie Hightower, so hopefully they do well next week. And I am SHOCKED that Susie Garcia (the sexy schoolteacher) made it into the Top 20! Especially since the amazing Kelli Baker (daughter of choreographer legend) got sent packing! One more thing, who else is happy Debbie Allen can;t be a judge since she is a mentor to one of the Top 10 guys. I know I am! I was so annoyed with her last season. And finally, the best quote of the episode, “I mean, I not gonna get like, plastic surgery so I’m pretty enough for So You Think You Can Dance, sorry.” Classic.
Comments? Early favorites? Let’s discuss the show instead of say, the Ape’s commenting abilities… 
I was so bummed that Robert left…he was so great.
I just want to point out, while this is a reality show about a dance competition, I really am impressed by the way the judges actually JUDGE the people and don’t try to play to the audience watching at home. At least this far.
When you watch Idol, you can almost sense it’s half a performance to the TV audience, where as these guys in SYTYCD are all about getting the best dancers, period.
My fav line of the night:
“I’m going to plead the Fifth Amendment, and I just want to say that Jesus Christ has a plan for me.”
Followed by (same contestant for all of you non-SYTYCD readers):
“You don’t fail. And if you do fail, you don’t cry. And if you do cry, you do it in your room by yourself.”
Where are the clips?
I missed the show last night.
Man, I can’t believe Kelli Baker didn’t make it. I can’t believe I missed the show.
I’m glad Courtney Galiano made it. I really liked her in her first audition.
I’m not a big fan of contemporary dance. I’m thinking some of these guys are going to have a hard time with some of the stuff they’re asked to do later on. It should be fun to watch.
@Jina – Yeah, that was my favorite part too
@ Nicky – ROTFL – nice jab at the end – I’m just glad I made the article when I know I can’t dance!
The Trousered Apes last blog post..Who was Jesus of Nazareth? Parts 5 thru 10 of 10 with Dr. Craig
well i had to find a way to include you Ape! haha.
jina- i loved those quotes too. that was so weird. but very good pageant answers!
jason and ana- no DVR?! don’t miss next week!
Nickys last blog post..Update from my bed.
I’m a bit late on this, but a fun read. Thanks