Thursday, August 14, 2014

So You Think You Can Dance: Top 8

This was Michael Jackson week on So You Think You Can Dance.  There was some great music showcased, and it was a lot of fun.  The Top 8 also became the Top 6, and that was not as much fun.  But more on that later!

The show opened with the Top 8 performing a futuristic dance choreographed by Travis Payne to "A Place With No Name."

The judges were introduced, and this week Jenna Dewan Tatum sat in with Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe.  Jenna's critiques are not as detailed as some of the other judges, but she is pleasant and thoughtful, and what she says is always constructive.

Tanisha danced a solo to "Warrior" by Havana Brown.

Ricky and Jaimie danced a Travis Wall number about best friends.  It was beautiful, and Ricky was, as always, superb.  The song was danced to Michael Jackson's "Smile."  (All the pairs performances were danced to Michael Jackson songs.)  Ricky learned he was safe, and he will dance with Anya next week.

Valerie and Ryan danced a samba battle choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux.  It was danced to "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'."  It had a nice energy, but Valerie's movements were not as sharp and crisp as one might wish.  Valerie found out that she was safe, and will be dancing with Twitch next week.

Casey performed a solo to "Outre" by M83.  This was followed by Rudy's solo to "Warrior" by Drehz.

Casey and Comfort performed a hip hop routine choreographed by Pharside and Phoenix.  The number, set to "Xscape," was about a spider (Comfort) who had the kiss of death.  It was danced against a giant spiderweb.  Nigel said that Casey is growing as a dancer - and I agree.  Casey learned he was in the bottom 2 guys.  I was surprised to see him in the bottom 2.

Jacque danced a solo to "Nocturne in C Sharp Minor" by Lento (Lazic and Wispelwey).

Tanisha and Nick danced a Stacey Tookey number about love lost and regrets to "She's Out of My Life."  It was a lovely number.  The judges praised Tanisha's strong core but Nigel said she needs to show more vulnerability.  Tanisha learned that she is in the bottom 2 girls.

Jessica danced a solo to "Taking Chances" by Celine Dion.

Rudy and Allison danced a Ray Leeper number to "Dirty Diana."  Allison stole the show!  Rudy learned he was in the bottom 2 guys.

Valerie did a solo to "Dance With Me Tonight" by Olly Murs.

Zack and Makenzie did a Spencer Liff choreographed Broadway number about a new girl in town. (They are pictured in the photo above.)  It was danced to "The Way You Make Me Feel."  The costuming was retro, with a 1940's look, and the dance was reminiscent of old time Broadway.  I loved it, and have to say that Zack is becoming my favorite dancer who is not Ricky in this competition.  Broadway is a good genre for him.  Zack learned he was safe and will dance with Fik-shun next week.

Ricky danced a solo to "Haegt, Kemur Ljosio" (Olafur Arnalds).  There is such an ease to his dance!

Jacque and Twitch danced a Dave Scott hip hop number to "Slave to the Rhythm."  The stage was littered with trash and a street setting;  it was distracting and drab.  One of my friends commented that Jacque looks a lot like Lea Michelle, and I agree.  (I had not noticed that before.)  Jacque learned that she was in the bottom 2.

Jessica and Will danced a Mandy Moore number and earth and mankind to "Earth Song."  The judges praised her growth.  While I think she is a good dancer, the judges are much more enthusiastic about her than I am.  Jessica learned she was safe and will be dancing next week with Ade.

Tanisha and Rudy learned they will be going home.  I was really shocked that Tanisha is leaving, as she has seemed like the most consistent of the girls, and she is very versatile.

Casey learned he will dance with Makenzie next week, and Jacque learned she will dance with Will.  Next week Christina Applegate will be returning as a judge.

What did you think of last night's show?  Were you surprised who went home?  I would love to read your thoughts in the comments section, below.