Finally, it’s time for the audience to vote for their favorites. Season 5 dancers who are on tour also join the audience this evening. And, there is no more chair for Abul, great!
The show starts with introducing the top 16 dancers, some of the costumes they choose are very awful, especially the red cha cha fringe pants of Ashleigh.
This evening, we are also greeted by quite a few new faces in the choreograhpers’ panel. The dances are as follow.
First couple, Kevin and Karen, Hustle, by Maria Torres. New style, and new choreographer. But that can’t stop Kevin and Karen. They are still on the Tamale Train. Great performance, great reviews from the judges. If they could pull off a contemporary routine next, I believe nothing could stop them till the top 10.
Second, Ashleigh and Jakob, Jazz, by Mandy Moore. One of Mandy’s best routine, Nigel even compares it to the “table dance” performed by Neil and Sabra in season three. The dance is a trio between Ashleigh, Jakob and their cane. Both dancers commit to the characters, the cane’s doing its job quite well too. Amazing performance, and convincing chemistry. The judges should be thankful to the girl that turned down the position of top 20, Ashleigh has improved continuously in this whole show.
Third, Peter and Pauline, Quickstep (kiss of death), by JT and Thomas. This is the first time that we see a story in a Quickstep routine, this is a story about a Navy man becoming entranced with a Hawaiin Hula dancer. Technically, they are dreadful. But the performance has made us forget about the missteps. It’s joyful to watch them.
Fourth, Kathryn and Legacy, Broadway, by Andy Blankenbuehler. Broadway is a style that requires lots of energies to get hold of the audience, otherwise it’s a bit boring to watch. This one, however, fails because of Kathryn. She is adorable, but there is no chemistry in this piece until they kiss at the end (it seems like there are a lot of romance going on in this season’s dancers?). Legacy, is praised by the judges of his growth though, calling him an “inspiraton to choreographers” of his ability to adapt and incorporrate his own style.
Fifth, Channing and Victor, Contemporary, by Stacey Tookey. This is their own style, so everyone’s expecting much more from them. But they fail. There is no doubt of their great techniques. However, the lack of chemistry and failure of committing in the characters make the dance emotionless. It’s a good dance, not great.
Sixth, Ellenore and Ryan, Hip Hop, by Lil’ C. This surely is not both dancers’ safe zone, they are too nice to get into the “dirty” Hip Hop. This piece needs timing, swagger and synergy to work. But right from the beginning, everything’s not working. Ryan can’t bend his knees and get low to the ground, both fail to hit harder, certain spots are not synchronized. They both worked great in other styles, but it’s not enough this evening.
Seventh, Mollee and Nathan, Salsa, Gustavo Vargas. Worst dance of the night. Both seem to be uncomfortable in this dance, their weaknesses are exposed when they are struggling to perform. Poor techniques, bad performance. Mary even says the dance is “French fried” instead of “sexified”. If their fans can’t make them to the safe zone, I’d guess they’ll be sent home.
Last couple, Noelle and Russell, Afro-Jazz, by Sean Chessman. Russell is definately the best choice for this routine, his raw style works amazingly in it. Both of them manage to pull on each other’s strengths and weaknesses to form an impressive dance. (Kudos to Sean, we want more Afro-Jazz!). What’s great to hear is that Russell’s got put on the Tamale Train. Congrats!
Before the voting starts, Cat Deeley asks the judges who they think would be in danger. Nigel picks Ellenore and Ryan, while Adam and Mary choose Mollee and Nathan.
