SYTYCD

View Date: 12/8/09

Tonight, the top eight dancers performed two dances and a solo, trying to earn America's votes and stay in the competition. The partners were switched up again, and each couple would have one of their tracks specially remixed just for them. Also, Ashleigh separated her shoulder during practice today, and has not been cleared to dance tonight and won't be competing.

Kathryn and Ryan #1: Doriana Sanchez Disco. Samantha Ronson remix of Last Dance. This was OK, but their timing was off at certain points throughout this routine. There was definitely some hesitancy on Kathryn's part whenever they had to do any partnering, most likely due to a lack of confidence in her own ability to do lifts. Somehow, the judges thought very differently from me and really liked the routine., although Nigel did give Ryan some criticisms.

Mollee and Jakob #1: Jason Gilkison Viennese Waltz. I never would have known this was a waltz if I hadn't been told, which in my mind is a good thing. Mollee keeps growing throughout the season, particularly now that she is no longer dancing with Nathan. The lift at the end was beautiful and something I had never seen before.

Ashleigh solo: No dance, but we can still vote for her? Also, why are they saying next week is the finale?

Ellenore and Legacy #1: Travis Wall Contemporary. The theme is basically a Mr. and Mrs. Smith number with lots of acrobatics and flying through the air. This was probably the least Travis-y routine that Travis has done yet. Love it when they use props, and these guys had four to use. The tables are becoming the best props on this show. Loved it, and it couldn't have been done by anyone else on this show. Loved seeing Legacy flip over the table, and the work on top of the table was stunning. There was so much passion in it, so much risk, and so perfect.

Jakob solo: He has beautiful lines and dances with passion. But compared to the other guys dancing this season, will he be able to stand out?

Ashleigh and Russell #1: Shane Sparks Street Hip Hop. With Ashleigh not dancing, Russell performed to a Bobby J special remix with Shane's assistant Rachel. I feel bad for the guy, considering this is the second time this has happened to him this season. Don't know if she was purposely toning it down a bit to let him shine, but it's like he was made for this routine. It is probably the closest to his style that we have seen yet, and still worked OK with a different partner.

Mollee solo: Of the female dancers, she gives some of the best showmanship in her solos. This week was weaker than in the past, but still energetic.

Ryan and Kathryn #2: Jason Gilkison Cha Cha. Interesting end pose, but I'm just not feeling this couple. Decent routine, but I felt nothing between these two. The chemistry just isn't there, but the judges think differently yet again.

Legacy solo: Didn't need the phone, but it was OK as a shtick. Great opening move, and more dancing in his solo than we usually see from him.

Ellenore solo: I love her quirkiness and that it really shows in her solos. However, you also can see just how great a dancer she really is.

Russell solo: A Santa outfit! Props in a solo! And it goes with the song chosen. Maybe not the best routine, but definitely memorable.

Mollee and Jakob #2: Joey Dowling Broadway. Samantha Ronson remix of Easy Street. I can so totally see these two as Rooster and his girlfriend in Annie. They had a bench prop that was used well but not overboard. Strong dancing and great performances.

Kathryn solo: It looks like she learned from last week. The music was still snore-worthy, but the dancing was more energetic.

Ellenore and Legacy #2: Tabitha and Napoleon Hip Hop. District 78 remix of People are Strange. Not really sure what to make of this routine. It was very clever and quirky hip hop, but something was a little off. They were out of sync in parts, but the tricks were interesting. Kinda torn about this number.

Ryan's solo: I know it is hard for ballroom dancers to perform solo, but there were points that he just looked like Steve Martin dancing in My Blue Heaven, or even one of Martin Short's characters. When he lost the form in his arms, it just looked really sloppy. That and his heartfelt encouragement for his wife just rubbed me the wrong way. I don't think I was supposed to laugh at that number, but I did.

Russell and Ashleigh: Nakul Bollywood. Russell got to dance with Nakul's assistant Alicia this time due to Ashleigh's injury. This routine was so fast! Aside from Russell's overly-large smile, this routine was really good. I thought Russell's smile looked a bit stiff at points during the routine, almost like he was in pain. Otherwise, great number. I think he may have lucked out not dancing with Ashleigh on this one.

10 words or less: Send the married couple home!