Ariana DeBose and Peter Sabasino - Hip Hop
Choreographer: Nappy Tabs
Song: "Black & Gold" by Sam Sparro

It's going to be a robot hip hop dance. Maybe a sexy robot hip hop dance. Alright, we have the first crazy costume of the night and I am oh so sorry Ariana. The routine takes a while to really get started, which makes me loose my interest more than it would if it just got started. The pairs synchronicity is a little bit off at points, but their chemistry and connection is great. Neither are hitting it hard enough for a hip hop routine, and Peter looks quite unrefined in his lines and follow through. For two people who claim to be peas in a pod, they looked awfully mismatched. 

Judges Say:

Adam says it was a little rough. Basically, the choreography was better than the performance. Mary loved the beginning, but thought the middle was sloppy. Nigel felt like the pair never "found it." (And Nigel, I agree.) Nigel thought that Peter got hip hop more than Ariana and says the routine left him feeling disappointed.

Noelle Marsh (who won't be dancing) and Russell Ferguson - Foxtrot
Choreographer: Tony Meredith and Melaine La Patin
Song: Vagabond Shoes by Vic Damone

Here is to hoping we do not see Noelle's knee in jury in graphic detail, ala Pauline's ankle injury. Yucks. Thank GOODNESS we do not.

Tonight Russell will be dancing with Melanie La Patin, which should be very strange indeed.  Russell is a fricking star. He looks surprisingly comfortable in the hold and with the smoothness, which is surprising considering his krump background.No surprise, his quick heel flicks and sailor shuffle, he looks great. He's not letting the strange pairing get him down, sure, it's a little awkward. (Especially when you can see Melanie's spanks when she spins) But Russell did his best considering and really sold it. And big ups to Melanie for stepping in at the last minute.

Judges Say:

Adam says: you continue to defy expectation and you lived your character.  Mary says that Russell did a respectable job and that he has the it factor. Nigel says that Russell is living proof why kids should be exposed to the arts. Technique wise, he says his rise and fall was off, but that his lines were great. He ends the criticism by saying that Russell is an inspiration, and if I were a betting girl, I'd say a top contender for America's Favorite Dancer.

Bianca Revels and Victor Smalley - Contemporary
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Song: Wasted Time by M'shell Ndegeocello

Is it bad that I am more excited to see Travis' choreography than the dancers?

Wow, astonished by Bianca, she looks every bit the part of a contemporary dancer, with gorgeous lines and full commitment. No surprise, that Victor looks great in his own style. The choreography is a bit broken and jerky, which is a nice change from the flowing contemporary. The performance was evocative and full of emotion. Worked perfectly with the music. And completely made me a believer in Bianca. It wasn't a perfect performance, but full of promise.

Judges Say:

Adam says that Bianca was at a distinct disadvantage and that she needs to get a long neck, and bad toes. He says that Victor was a revelation. Mary says that Bianca conquered the style and she was sold by the pair's passion and chemistry. She thought Victor took it to another level tonight. Nigel thought the pair was the best partnership thus far. He thought it demonstrated growth with both of them and he especially appreciated the confidence they both demonstrated.

Karen Hauer and Kevin Hunte -Cha Cha
Choreographer:  Tony Meredit and Melaine La Patin
Song: Push It -- Glee Cast Version

OMGLEEK!  I call for even more Glee cast version songs.

Karen, no surprises here, is selling it and is handling the cha cha like a pro. (Because she is one.) Kevin isn't too bad either, there are some moments of awkwardness and where he needs to extend his arms and legs more, but for someone with a lack of partnering, he does quite well. They get a little tied up on the lifts, it was a little awkward and slow. However this certainly cannot be called a tepid cha cha. It is sexy to the point of raunchy

Judges Say:

Says Adam Shankman: "God love you Kevin, but it was impossible not to watch Karen. And for those of you who know me, that's not really my thing." Karen gets the first ticket on the Hot Tamale Train from Mary Murphy. Mary says that Kevin needs to work on the sharpness, but he was on the platform of the Hot Tamale Train with packed bags. Nigel thought that Kevin danced that "very well indeed" and that he was performing really well. Nigel says that Karen only has to walk across the stage for him to go ga ga and that she is a vision. And hes right. Karen is pure fire.

Ryan Di Lello and Ellenore Scott - Contemporary Jazz
Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh
Song: Arcadia by Apparat

Sonya says the pair have inspired her more than anything she's ever done on So You Think You Can Dance. Wowza...let's see this.

Chills within the first few moments. Great sign. Ellenore's line and strength is incredible. While Ryan looks quite comfortable with the contemporary movements and he's really grounded in the character. Man, these two are giving it their all in a way that no one save Jakob Karr has yet. I knew I was going to love this pairing and I DO. The commitment to the quirk, characters, and Sonya's movement is laudable. Great great first routine and pairing.

Judges Say:

Adam says that Sonya rocks his world and that things "just got incredibly exciting." The routine made him rethink Ellenore and Ryan, and that now they're two of the top dancers in his book. He wishes they danced with slightly more abandon. Mary thought the chemistry between the pair was crazy. She was especially proud of Ryan and his devotion to the character. Nigel says he has to agree with the compliments and that the pair brought a completely new style. He says the routine was pure enjoyment and that Ryan took him by total surprise.

I Say:

I hate to objectify Ryan Di Lello, but he is possibly Thor. Especially with some dead animal on his shoulder...or maybe He-Man. That body is ridiculous.


NEXT >>

<< PREVIOUS

--Abbey Simmons, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image Courtesy of FOX)