So You Think You Can Dance 2008 recap: The Top 18

Well dear SYTYCD watchers, we’ve arrived at week two of competition! For me, it’s making the long hot summer much more enjoyable and taking some of the bore out of my pregnancy bed rest. If only I could get off the couch and try to copy some of the dance moves like I usually do. I bet you’d all pay to see that, huh?! Anyway, let’s recap the couples from last night’s performances.

Couple 1 was Chelsea Traille (jazz) and Thayne Jasperson (contemporary). They performed a jazz routine by Mandy Moore. And I have to be honest, I was not a fan. Nigel commented on their silly costumes (which was in no way their fault) and all the judges dissed them on their demeanors during the dance (which was slightly lacking.) But in my opinion, there was nothing much they could do because the dance was not all that. I know they hate to criticize the professional choreographers on the show and I usually love Mandy’s stuff but this routine seemed simple and blah to me. Anyone agree?

Couple 2 was Chelsie Hightower (ballroom) and Mark Kanemura (contemporary). They performed the Argentine Tango by Alex Da Silva. We knew Chelsie was going to excel at this one, which made me even more impressed how well Mark lead her. The judges all loved it and I completely agree! The only thing they didn’t mention that I found a bit distracting was that Chelsie looked down at her feet frequently, but that may have been because her pinkie toe was sticking out of her shoe until host Cat Deeley fixed it!

Couple 3 was Jessica King (contemporary) and Will Wingfield (contemporary). They performed a hip hop routine by Olisa and Cecily. I loved the choreography! After last week’s more “softer” hip hop, it was nice to see harder hitting moves. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel the dancers really hit it that hard. Especially Jessica, it seemed a little boring to me. The judges mostly felt the same and pimped Will like he was already the winner (I mean he is fab but it was a bit weird to me…)

Couple 4 was Kourtni Lind (contemporary) and Matt Dorame (contemporary). They performed the Foxtrot choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux. The judges reviews on this one were all across the board- liked it, loved it, wanted more, etc. Technically speaking, I thought they were very good but I just didn’t really believe the performance. They may be at risk again this week since they were in the bottom last week. They really needed to ace this number and sadly, they did not.

Couple 5 was Courtney Galiano (contemporary) and Gev Manoukian (hip hop). They performed a contemporary routine by Mandy Moore. I thought it was beautiful. They had amazing chemistry, Gev really showed his strength as a partner for being a B Boy and the dance kept my attention the whole time. The judges were mixed again on this one too. But I think this couple will be safe for next week though so I wouldn’t worry too much.

Couple 6 was Katee Shean (contemporary) and Joshua Allen (hip hop). They performed a Broadway piece by Tice DiOrio. Awesome! They are fast becoming my favorite couple, I adore their personalities, technique and adaptation to so many styles. The judges raved- Nigel was out of his seat, Mary screamed (of course) and Mia gave great positive feedback. With these high levels of performance, they should be safe for a long time to come!

Couple 7 was Susie Garcia (latin) and Marquis Cunningham (contemporary). They performed a Salsa choreographed by Alex Da Silva. Umm, to be blunt, this stunk. Susie should have been in her element and she lacked passion, sass and basic technique. I have no clue why she is even there. Am I alone on this? She needs to go. And Marquis was not a strong partner either. The judges said it looked labored and they expected more. I agree but I think even that is too kind for this horrible performance.

Couple 8 was Kherington Payne (contemporary) and Stephen “Twitch” Boss (hip hop). They performed a Viennese waltz by Jean-Marc Genereux. I loved hearing the personal side of Jean-Marc, it was so touching. I thought they did a lovely job and honored Jean-Marc’s daughter in a uplifting way. Mia and Nigel argued a bit about whether Kherington should have smiled the whole time but I don’t think that took away from this strong showing from this couple.

Couple 9 was Comfort Fedoke (hip hop) and Chris Jarosz (contemporary). They performed a Krump routine by Lil’C. Obviously Comfort did well and Chris really tried but he is very far from gangster! She outshined him in passion and hitting, which made it all feel a bit unbalanced. And wasn’t Nigel so bizarre in his comments? Talking about The Hulk, having to go pee and his gangster grandma all in one. I guess he wanted a little more ‘tude from them but wow.

Overall, my top three picks this week are: Chelsie Hightower and Mark Kanemura with the Argentine Tango, Courtney Galiano and Gev Manoukian with contemporary and Katee Shean and Joshua Allen with Broadway. Here’s some vids in case you missed them:

Chelsie Hightower and Mark Kanemura

Courtney Galiano and Gev Manoukian

Katee Shean and Joshua Allen

On to my random thoughts of the night…Were you creeped out by Mary Murphy’s cat lady tramptastic get up? Do you love Mia’s new hair do as much as I do? And had you ever heard of the “dance belt” before? I never knew there were special man thongs for dancers, gives me a whole new level of respect for the guys if they’re wearing those things. And how cute is Joshua Allen’s voice? I just love him. Anyway, so what did you all think about this week? Let me hear it!