Tonight’s judges were Nigel, Mary, Sonya and guest judges Lady Gaga and Rob Marshall. (Yes folks, Lady Gaga was in the house tonight!)
The contestants did two routines tonight one with an “All Star” as a partner and the other a routine with one of the other contestants as a partner. The “All Star” dancers are past competitors from previous seasons of SYTYCD.
Tonight’s highlights in order of performance partnered with All Star (AS = All Star):
1] Sasha and AS Pasha – Style: Two Step Song “Putti’n on the Ritz”
The dreaded Two Step is usually a ho-hum style but tonight this pair was amazing. Sasha did an excellent job with the style and “nailed” this routine in all aspects.
2] Caitlynn and AS Ivan – Style: Lyrical Hip-Hop Song “Let Me Love You”
The routine itself was not to our liking because it did not challenge Caitlynn, but she did a good job with what she was given, especially because she was out of her speciality.
3] Jordan and AS Ade – Style: Jazz Song “”Nutbush City Limits”
This was the best Jazz Style routine we have seen in many weeks. Jordan absolutely “nailed” the technique, power, and danced fearless.
4] Melanie and AS Neal – Style: Contemporary Song “Total Eclipse of the Heart”
Week after week Melanie delivers outstanding performances and this was another outstanding one. It was simply amazing and beautifully danced. Melanie is another fearless competitor that knows how to “bring it”.
5] Ricky and AS Anya – Style: Jive Song “River Deep – Mountain High”
The main theme of this routine required fast paced steps and Ricky did a pretty good job with it. He did have one lift that was messy, but overall it was a good job.
6] Jess and AS Lauren Gottleb – Style: Hip-Hop Song “Take a bow”
Last week Jess was great and this week he topped it. Jess was way out of his specialty and showed he has the “swag” required for this style.
7] Tadd and AS Lauren F. – Style: ? Song “Another One Bites the Dust”
We think this was Tadd’s best performance of this season. Every week Tadd whos specialty is “B-Boy” takes on and conquers the style of the week. He always surprises us with his excellent dance technique and performance.
Note: The “?” above for style is because Cat Deeley once again neglected to announce the style prior to the routine.
8] Marko and AS Allison – Style: Contemporary Song “I Know Its Over”
“Wow!” What a great performance and beautifully danced by Marko and Allison. This performance brought tears to Lady Gaga’s eyes and many others. This was one of those special dance moments and we are honored to have seen it happen. Sweet!
Tonight’s highlights in order of performance partnered with other contestant:
1] Caitlynn and Tadd – Style: Fox Trot Song “Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails”
Another boring style made entertaining by this pair. Both dancers sparkled.
2] Ricky and Marko – Style: (Soft) Hip-Hop Song “Bad Boy for Life”
Both dancers showed “swagger” and “nailed” this routine.
3] Jordan and Jess – Style: Rumba Song “Set Fire to the Rain”
The chemistry seemed to be missing but both dancers did a good job with this style.
4] Sasha and Melanie – Style: Contemporary Song “Game On”
This performance received a standing ovation from all the judges and audience, which was rightly so. This was a double “Wow!” performance. It had power, great technique, strength, and energy. A perfectly danced routine created by the one and only Sonya.
Our top three best routines tonight
***** Melanie / Neal * Marko / Allison * Sasha / Melanie *****
Tomorrow night will be the results from tonight and two dancers will be going home.
We have nothing else to report except to comment on Lady Gaga’s judging ability and we think she was one of the best ever guest judges. Her comments were exactly “spot” on. What we liked best was when a dancer did not have the exact technique as judged by Nigel and Mary, which point out when a dancer does not do the moves according to the strict “ballroom” rules, she pointed out that the dancer was expressing himself / herself and they were making the style current. We totally agree with that assessment and applaud her for her comments on this subject. Have you ever noticed that if you want to see “ballroom” dancing its usually only on public television? That’s because it not current and requires stringent rules in the techniques based on “stone age” thinking. Maybe, just maybe, the “ballroom” community should do a little rethinking and update the rules to allow the dancers a smidgen of creativity. That might just bring Ballroom to the mainstream on major television outlets.
By the way Lady Gaga will not be on the judging panel tomorrow night but she will be performing. Bravo!
See all of you out there in cyberland tomorrow for the results and we hope you voted for your favorite dancer.
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