SYTYCD

View Date: 11/10/09

The top 16 dancers competed tonight, and America got its first chance to actually vote for their favorites. We also got a lengthy description of a new Dizzy Feet Foundation dance show being held in LA at the end of the month. On a completely different note, Cat's dress reminds me a lot of the original series V (I haven't seen the new version yet).

Karen and Kevin: This couple took on a Maria Torres hustle. To me, this looked kind of like a slow disco. It was executed well, but didn't really grab me. I'll have to see how this routine compares to the ones to come later. This couple keeps growing on Karen's strength, and Kevin improves every week.

Ashleigh and Jakob: Mandy Moore choreographed a jazz number utilizing a cane for this couple. This reminded me, in a very good way, of Sabra and Neil's table dance from several seasons ago. This was very well done, and the stark black and white appearance went really well with the music. This couple continues to grow and the competition goes on. Nigel nailed his comparison of Jakob to Joel Grey on the head.

Pauline and Peter: This duo got saddled with the quickstep tonight, created by new choreographers JT and Tomas. The story and the dance were both very cute, and Pauline was able to pull off a hula girl well. The performance seemed to make up for any technical issues in the judges' eyes. Peter impresses me more and more each week, while Pauline is still in the middle for me.

Kathryn and Legacy: Andy B choreographed a Broadway number for these two which included both a chair and a hat as props. Legacy followed up his phenomenal performance from last week with another unbelievable number. This couple could be almost unstoppable if allowed to proceed, especially if Legacy continues to improve by the leaps and bounds as he has. The judges and I will just have to disagree about this dance, particularly Kathryn's performance.

Channing and Victor: This new pairing danced a Stacey Tookey contemporary routine. This was a very pretty routine, and I like Stacey Tookey more every time she's on the show. Will I remember this number for years- no. That makes me wonder if I'll remember this by the end of the night.

Ellenore and Ryan: This week, this couple received the task of a Lil' C hip hop number. I found the routine boring, and Ryan didn't get into it as much as was required. Worst routine of the night so far.

Mollee and Nathan: Salsa was the dance picked by this couple, who worked with choreographer Gustavo Vargas, another new choreographer to the show. This was definitely her dance. When she was dancing alone, she was great and looked like almost a different person. He, on the other hand, looked awkward, and didn't partner her well at all. There was a definite lack of trust during this routine.

Noelle and Russell: An African jazz routine was designed for this duo by choreographer Sean Cheesman. This was a nice routine, and a good way to end the night. Both members of the pairing really lived up to this dance, which was lively and interesting to watch. I am a little confused by the judges' take on Russell this season. They say that he is a king and a star of this season, and yet they have been close to eliminating him each of the past two weeks. He is another who surprises every week, and continually improves every time we see him.

10 words or less: Not a great show, but some standouts.