By Esme Mazzeo, Staff Writer
On October 27, "So You Think You Can Dance" aired the first performance/results episode of its first fall season. No matter how much Nigel Lythgoe tries to exaggerate the talent of this season's dancers, it seems destined to be just another typical season of "So You Think You Can Dance." Here's a quick recap of the performances.
Channing Cooke (Contemporary) & Phillip Attmore (Tap)- The couple took on a jive to start off Season 6. The judges said the chemistry and technique of the dance needed work, but overall the viewers and judges can agree it was a solid effort. How much chemistry can be evoked by "Rockin' Robin," anyway?
Ashleigh Di Lello (Ballroom) & Jakob Karr (Contemporary)- A Broadway number was up next, which thankfully stayed away from jazz hands, moving in a more Chicago-esque sultry, sexy direction. Both dancers kept character and entertained the audience and judges, though Karr received more praise than Di Lello.
Ariana Debose (Contemporary) & Peter Sabasino (Tap)- This interesting attempt at action/reaction hip-hop choreography by Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo was executed horribly. The couple was not synchronized, and at times seemed to be doing two different dances. The costumes were the most exciting element of the piece, only because they were dressed as Androids. This disaster earned Debose a ticket back to her tractor in North Carolina.
Noelle Marsh (Contemporary) & Russell Ferguson (Krump)- Marsh was injured this week, so unfortunately for Ferguson, he had to perform a Foxtrot with his choreographer Melanie LaPatin. He was praised for his solid attempt and charisma, but just barely escaped elimination. Realistically though, who could shine doing such a boring dance with its creator, even if she does resemble an evil Munchkin from Oz?
Bianca Revels (Tap) and Victor Smalley (Contemporary)- This was the first memorable piece of the episode, a contemporary dance choreographed by Travis Wall, telling the tale of a jilted woman desperate for attention from her lover. The undeniable chemistry and beautiful chorography made the piece a hit with the audience and judges.
Karen Hauer (Ballroom) & Kevin Hunte (Hip-Hop)- Hauer definitely stood out in this Cha-Cha. Blinding dress aside, she is brilliant within her style, and her partner put on a surprisingly good performance, seeing as it was impossible to keep up with her.
Ellenore Scott (Jazz) & Ryan Di Lello (Ballroom)- This jazz routine featured twitchy, primal movement so strange it was hard to process. The dancers' deep commitment to the characters and choreography was a welcome surprise to the judges.
Pauline Mata (Contemporary) & Brandon Dumlao (Hip Hop)- Seeing as Dumlao only had about a day smooth waltz was an unfortunate style pick. The dance was boring and unremarkable, but it's hard to say if Dumlao's elimination was exactly fair.
Kathryn McCormick (Contemporary) & Legacy Perez (B-Boy)- This couple were hard-hitting cavemen in a second hip-hop routine, entertaining and surprising everyone as they were both technically dancing out of their comfort zones.
Mollee Gray (Jazz) & Nathan Trasoras (Contemporary)- The final routine, Disco, was definitely a crowd-pleaser, full of tricks. The judges liked it, but this sweet-faced couple is most certainly at a disadvantage if they don't learn the definition of "sexy" soon.
(Photo Courtesy of www.abc.net)