We're still waiting for that spark from this batch of So You Think You Can Dance finalists.  I mean, there are standouts and there are surprises, but we've yet to be wowed--and especially last week, when some dancers exhibited their weaknesses (Mollywood, yes) and the influence of the fans became pretty evident (Mollywood again, yes).  Is this week the best time to hope for something wonderful?

Again, through the amazing folks at SYTYCDism, here's what we could see on tonight's performance show.  One wrong pick or one bad turn of the foot might mean two dancers lose a shot at the Top 10.  Yes, we're that close, but first, seven pairs of dancers.  To the details, then, in alphabetical order as always:

Ashleigh Di Lello and Jakob Karr: Hip-hop (Tabitha and Napoleon)
Seems the judges love this couple: Jakob's still amazing, and Ashleigh's finally keeping up.  Hip-hop certainly is a genre far away from their specializations, but with Nappy Tabs at the helm, I'm not that worried.  Looks like Ashleigh's safe from the unfortunate krumping fate that befell her husband Ryan last week.

Channing Cooke and Victor Smalley: Jazz (Tyce Diorio)
I imagine this routine would do wonders for Victor, and only because Jakob (who is, let's face it, much better) is doing hip-hop this week.  I'm hoping they get their chemistry right this time: I still think their performance last week was a little heavy, and this routine will surely demand better synergy.

Ellenore Scott and Ryan Di Lello: Contemporary (Travis Wall)
After their disastrous showing last week, seems things are looking up for these two.  It's something closer to what they do, of course (and more so for Ellenore, who really does contemporary).  And then there's Travis, who gave us perhaps one of the best dances of the last season.  This week, season 3's Jaimie Goodwin is assisting him.

Karen Hauer and Kevin Hunte: Broadway (Spencer Liff)
Another new choreographer, it seems!  I've read up a bit and some are excited about Spencer's routine, but what I'm looking for is whether Karen and Kevin can recover from their showing at the bottom three last week.  And note, they were there only because Mollee and Nathan (or specificially Nathan) were saved by the fans.  Not that I'm begrudging anything, but here's hoping that these two get the credit they deserve.

Kathryn McCormick and Legacy Perez: Paso doble (Tony Meredith)
Man, does Legacy get thrown all these challenges every week!  He's grown a hell lot since he joined, and that's impressive, but this could be his biggest challenge yet: a paso doble.  Lately this dance hasn't gone well for other contestants, and a part of me thinks it isn't going to look as good as it should, but judging from their performances the past weeks, I'm willing to be surprised.

Mollee Gray and Nathan Trasoras: Pop jazz (LaurieAnn Gibson)
Mollywood's lucky that, after their bad (and clueless, I must add) salsa last week, they get something closer to their alley this week.  Perfect to showcase their youthful exuberance, yes?  While I still expect the fans to support them in droves, at least their dance this week could justify that... unless, of course, it turns out differently.

Noelle Gray and Russell Ferguson: Foxtrot (Eddie Simon)
My other power couple this season is coming off a strong showing last week, which earned Russell a slot at Mary's Hot Tamale Train.  It'll be weird seeing him a bit more reserved in this routine, but that could do well for Noelle, who has yet to shine in her performances.  And yes, that's Eddie Simon returning.

As always, things might be slightly different from what's written here, but more or less, I think we have it down pat.  Possible controversies aside, what do you think will happen tonight?





- Henrik Batallones, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
(Image courtesy of Fox)