So You Think You Can Dance 2008 recap: The Top 16

Week 3 of the competition and I already have my favorite couples picked, do you? Although as a bedazzled- glamour-shots Mary Murphy commented, this season does seem a bit more equal on the playing field than last season. Most dancers are performing very well and giving a high level of effort each week but that doesn’t mean a few of them haven’t grabbed a seat on my own personal “hot tamale train” already. (Don’t worry, I promise not to scream like Mary at this point.) Here’s the recaps of this week’s couples:

Couple 1 was Kherington Payne (contemporary) and Stephen “Twitch” Boss (hip hop). They performed a hip hop routine by Tabitha and Napoleon. Now don’t get me wrong, I like this couple a lot. And obviously the judges do too. But this week I felt their raving and praise was a little thicker than deserved. The routine was good, but I saw lots of sloppy execution that was barely mentioned by the judges. And Kherington really should watch the facial expressions, going between a super smile and hammy “gangster” face is not believable to me. But seeing how popular they are with the audience and judges, I have a feeling they’ll be safe for a long time to come.

Couple 2 was Courtney Galiano (contemporary) and Gev Manoukian (hip hop). They performed a Rumba by Tony Meredith. I definitely feel the spark between these two. Every week I feel they bring a ton of passion and connection to their dances. Nigel’s love of Courtney’s half of a dress was a bit creepy, but I agree the routine was super sensual and well executed. The judges had positive feedback and overall I really enjoyed them.

Couple 3 was Comfort Fedoke (hip hop) and Chris Jarosz (contemporary). They performed Jazz by Tice DiOrio. I felt this was another instance of the choreography being a little blah. Yeah, the dancers could have given more power and authority to the moves, but the music and mood were so intense and it didn’t seem to match up with the lack of aggression in the actual dance either. Maybe these two are just struggling to capture attention and emotion in their performances? Seems like it to me and the judges gave similar criticism. I hope they have a chance to step it up next week.

Couple 4 was Jessica King (contemporary) and Will Wingfield (contemporary). They performed a disco routine choreographed by Doriana Sanchez. Don’t freak out but I actual enjoyed a disco. I know, I’m shocked too. They did a great job at making it fun and full of personality. The little mistake of Will’s at the end that Jessica tried to match was too cute. But do you think they talked enough about how Jessica is not Will’s shadow? We all can see Will is extremely talented and now the show is REALLY trying to tell us that Jessica is just as good too. I’m still not too convinced but I think they both earned a safe spot this week.

Couple 5 was Kourtni Lind (contemporary) and Matt Dorame (contemporary). They performed a contemporary routine by new choreographer Sonya Tayeh. Wow, this one was kinda strange. I guess it matched the choreographer’s crazy mohawk mullet. All that aside, I really think Kourtni and Matt have amazing technique and made this quirky number more convincing than many couples could have. Hopefully the audience will get it enough to vote for them because they are both so talented and finally brought some personality this week.

Couple 6 was Chelsea Traille (jazz) and Thayne Jasperson (contemporary). They performed the Quick Step by Heather Smith. Has the fire just been stomped out with this couple or are do they just have horrible luck in the dances they’ve drawn since their fabulous cha-cha? It seemed so plastic and boring to me and the judges agreed. It didn’t feel effortless or look very comfortable at all. After last week, I expect they’ll be in the bottom again.

Couple 7 was Chelsie Hightower (ballroom) and Mark Kanemura (contemporary). They performed a hip-hop routine by Tabitha and Napoleon. I loved this one! Week after week, I think this couple is bringing it strong. And the choreography was great and told a touching story at the same time. Great job! The judges were wowed and excited about their technique and emotion, I think we can guarantee they will sail through to next week.

Couple 8 was Katee Shean (contemporary) and Joshua Allen (hip hop). They performed the Samba by Tony Meredith. Another couple with killer chemistry! They always bring big personality, technique and a believability to their routines. As evidence, Mary finally put them on her hot tamale train- and first class tickets no less. This couple was hot without bringing the cheese factor, kept my attention and continued to win me over with their great attitudes. Love it!

My picks from this week are again Chelsie Hightower and Mark Kanemura with hip-hop, Courtney Galiano and Gev Manoukian with the Rumba and Katee Shean and Joshua Allen with a Samba. Are you sensing a week to week theme here?

Chelsie Hightower and Mark Kanemura

Courtney Galiano and Gev Manoukian

Katee Shean and Joshua Allen

So who is on your radar as an early favorite? Did anyone step it up or really disappoint you this week? Are you happy that Nigel tamed his Bee Gee wisps this week? Are you annoyed like me that guest judge Adam Shankman can be both totally insightful and annoying at the same time? Let’s hear it!