SYTYCD

Air Date: 10/26/09
View Date: 10/31/09

This was a special episode that showcased the top 20 dancers as a means of America meeting them before having to vote on them. We got to see the dancers perform in their own style in a non-elimination round. The set is new for the regular season but was used for the finale of last season. There have been mixed fan reviews about the new set, especially because it looks very large and does not have stairs or anything the dancers could use.

The first dance was choreographed by Wade Robson and was conceived by him and his wife, Amanda. I always loved the chosen song, especially after it was used in Pulp Fiction. The costumes were amazing, and the choreography really showed off the dancers with them being split into relatively small groups for the majority of the number. No one was really out there or stood out like a sore thumb. It was a great way to start the show.

The dancers were split into small groups based on their individual styles. First up were the hip hop dancers, where we had a krumper, a pop and locker, and a B-boy, three totally different styles that don't rely on choreography. The routine was choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon, who had a lot of fun at the beginning of rehersals dancing with people who were well-versed in their own style. The individual styles were fantastically highlighted, and the dancers really shown. Legacy was more amazing than I thought he would be after watching him through the auditions, and Russell was wonderful as usual. Kevin was very good, but to me he just doesn't stand out as much as the other two yet.

The first of two contemporary numbers was choreographed by Tyce DiOrio and included Channing, Nathan, Jakob, and Ariana. It was a very lovely routine, and reminded me of a Mia Michaels number. Again, it showcased the dancers technical skills as well as their grace, everything that contemporary dancers are known for.

Next to dance were the tappers, Bianca, Phillip, and Peter. Derick K. Grant, a new choreographer, was brought in to create this style that has not been seen on this show before. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love tap. These guys were amazingly in sync, and were showcased in really fun solos. I'm surprised at how well Peter did, as we really didn't see much of him during the auditions. It was a very nice routine by a new choreographer. Nigel made a good point that, because tap cannot be taught in such a short amount of time, the tappers will need to perform everyone else's styles of dance, but no one would be performing theirs.

Jazz was next, with Mollee, Pauline, and Ellenore performing a Sonya number. This was designed to be a sexy number, mostly expressed through confidence, and these ladies definitely were that. Of all of them, I thought Pauline really brought it, but the other girls did admirably as well. This was one of the most “normal” routines ever designed by Sonya, and it was a nice change.

Victor, Billy, Noelle, and Kathryn were our second set of contemporary dancers, choreographed by Mandy Moore. A truly beautiful piece with some nice partnering. Being that I watched this after it aired, I know that Billy had to drop out of the competition, and Noelle injured herself and may not be able to continue to compete. The show will be seriously be hurt by losing those two dancers, Billy in particular.

Finally, the show ended with the the Latin ballroom dancers, including Ryan, Ashleigh, and Karin. The routine was choreographed by Jason Gilkison, who at first didn't realize he was working with the show's first married couple. Ryan is one hot beast, and Ashleigh has improved over Vegas week. But by far, the better girl is Karin.

10 words or less: Looks like it will be a great season.