This week on So You Think You Can Dance (Season 9, Episode 7), the Top 20 dancers partner up and perform for America’s votes. Read Kidzworld’s recap of the “Top 20 Perform,” which aired on July 11, 2012, to discover what you missed.
Guest judge Kenny Ortega joined Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy on the judges panel this week as the Top 20 picked their season 9 partners and performed for the first time together on the SYTYCD stage.
The Performances
First up was Witney and Kehon who performed a spicy Latin Samba choreographed by Louis Van Amstel. Nigel called Witney a star, although she lucked out by drawing her own dance style. He also complimented Kehon’s performance though he critiqued his ever-problematic feet.
Tiffany and George teamed up for a romantic contemporary piece by Sonya Tayeh. Mary Murphy loved how they both surrendered to the beautiful choreography and left her breathless. In her opinion, George definitely lived up to his high expectations.
Janaya and Brandon performed a hip hop routine about an alcoholic who was forced to chose between his drink and the love of his life. Kenny Ortega loves how hip hop is becoming a deeper language and he believed every word of their story.
Alexa and Daniel tackled a strange jazz number by Sean Cheesman. Nigel commented on how the piece was so overloaded with intricate moves that it was difficult for the dancers to make a connection with the audience and with each other. Part of that was probably the choreographer’s fault.
Amber and Nick performed a Vienese Waltz. Because ballroom is Nick’s style, he struggled with adapting to someone else’s choreography and timing, but it all came together like a dream on the stage.
Amelia and Will performed a memorable hip hop routine about a street cat pursuing a house cat. Nigel loved their partnership because both of the dancers are so quirky and crazy.
Janelle and Dareian landed an African jazz number with Sean Cheesman. But because Janelle is so accident prone, they nearly didn’t make it beyond rehearsals. Fortunately, the performance went smoothly, and the judges loved their energy.
Eliana and Cyrus tackled a Broadway piece in which choreographer Tyce Diorio adapted a scene from Hairspray. The judges were impressed by how well b-boy Cyrus pulled it off given that he’s never learned choreography before.
Audrey and Matthew performed a Travis Wall contemporary piece which was set on the Titanic. The judges gave their first standing ovation of the night, and Nigel dubbed it his favorite routine of the season so far.
Lindsay and Cole closed the show with, according to Mary, “the best Paso Doble ever on this show.” Kenny called it mesmerizing and electrifying and Nigel took back what he said about Lindsay’s friend Witney having a little extra spark than Lindsay.
Have Your Say
Which was your favorite performance of the night? Tell us in our comment section below!
