So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 18

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Last week, we saw the top twenty battle it out and two dancers sent home on an elimination show that featured an appearance by Nelly Furtado and Timberland. This week we see the eighteen dancers left battle it out for America's vote with three judges looking to send them home tomorrow night. The judging line-up changes this week with Shane Sparks and Mia Michaels coming in to take over for Dan Karaty and Mary Murphy. This week, we also see the return of Hawk as he interviewed by Cat Deeley and his crew, The Sick Step Crew perform on stage before the competition gets underway for the week.

First up tonight are early favorites are Martha and Travis as they work with Lil C in the krump dance performance. This is totally out of the two contemporary dancers element. Even with the style and routine being out of the element, the dancers stood up to the challenge. Travis did amazing, and he won praise from the judges. However, Nigel did have to mention they were doing a simple routine for the style. Next up, we have Jaymz and Jessica working with Mary Murphy on an American Foxtrot routine. The routine is a little bit challenging for the pair, but Mary Murphy is confident in them, even though they were in the bottom three last week. Her confidence was well placed because the judges had nothing but praise for the dancers.

Third to perform are Ivan and Allison and they have chosen hip hop this week. This means they will work on a routine with Olisa and Cicely. Ivan is a hip hop dancer, while Allison is trained in contemporary jazz. The choreographers think she might just be the surprise of the night though cause of how well she picked up the style. Shane praised them, but Mia Michaels wanted more fireworks. As for Nigel, he has praise for Ivan and the choreographers. Fourth up was Dimitri and Joy as they work with Mark Weiss on a Samba. For me, I personally had some problems with the performance, especially with the ending. For the judges, they are tough on Joy, Mia Michaels especially. She tells Joy she thinks she wasn't ready for this competition. However, her partner received nothing but praise.

Fifth couple to perform is the one that was called one of the hottest couples last week, Natalie and Musa. The two pick up contemporary and they work with Tavaris Wilson on a routine. Natalie's style is contemporary, but Musa has no formal training, so this is definitely going to be a challenge for him. However, even with some problems Musa definitely did well for having no training. The chemistry between the two dancers definitely makes them stand out. Sixth up was Ryan and Heidi as they also work with Tavaris Wilson, but this time with a pop routine. Ryan might not have originally wanted Heidi as a partner, but after their performance last week he is eating his words. As soon as they hit the stage, I was focused on them. They totally entertained me, as Shane also said. Mia Michaels has some critique for Heidi. Nigel has some critique for both of them, so the judges are all over the board with this couple.

Ben and Ashlee are up next, and they were last week's worst performances in the mind of the judges. This week they will be working with judge and choreographer Mary Murphy on an American Jive routine. Neither of them are confident on the style, and Mary is just as not confident after seeing their disco last week. After watching their performance, I see a bit of improvement from last week, but the judges are harsh right off the batt starting with Shane. Following Ben and Ashlee we have Jason and Aleksandra with a hip hop routine that once again is choreographed by Olisa and Cicely. The two choreographers are immediately concerned with Aleksandra. However, she does okay. Not great. Like Shane said she danced like a white girl doing hip hop. Jason is praised, but Aleksandra is critiqued by all three.

The last couple of the night is Benji and Donelle. The two pick up the cha cha and once again we see choreographer, Mark Weiss. Even with the seriousness of latin dancing, Benji comes in with his usual joking behavior. However, when they take the stage there is no joking around at all. Shane calls them the best performance of the night, and I have to agree. They just did amazing, and the judges agreed. Nigel calls them the couple to beat following their performance.

With tonight's performances, it is very hard for me to pick a bottom three. All the dancers took the challenge, and where one partner failed, their partner did amazing. It is hard picking a couple because of this. I think for one we will see Joy and Dimitri in the bottom couples, but I don't think that is Dimitri's fault. Another possibility is Heidi and Ryan, but I personally loved their performance. If I was to pick one pair to go home this week it would be Ashlee and Ben, even with their improved performance. We will see who America votes into the bottom three tomorrow night as those six then dance for their life for the judges. Who will be going home?

Sick Step Crew: Canned Heat Jamiroquai
Martha/Travis: Clap Back - Ja Rule:
Jaymz/Jessica: Why don't you do right? - Sinead O'Connor
Ivan/Allison: Touch It - Busta Rhymes
Dimitri/Joy Mas Que Nada - Sergio Mendes feat. The Black Eyed Peas
Musa/Natalie: Closer - Goapele
Ryan/Heidi: Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson
Ben/Ashlee: Great Balls Of Fire Jerry Lee Lewis
Aleksandra/Jason Wrath of Kane - Big Daddy Kane
Benji/Donelle: Cuchi-Cuchi - Los Amigos Invisibles