Right. You remember all the promise there was in the SYTYCD preseason warmup? Yeah. We’re finally getting it delivered with the new Top 10 pairings. That? Was a night of dancing. Each of the five couples did two routines each, and each individual dancer did a solo. And of all of those performances, there were very few misfires. Comparatively speaking with the rest of the season, they were all outstanding.

I wasn’t certain at first, in fact quite dismayed, as they announced the new pairs. I cringed, more than once. Each and every time, I was proven wrong. So you begin to realize how the obvious isn’t so obvious and how challenging it is to put these guys together in a way that is compelling for the viewer. Of the original 10 couples, I was interested–truly interested–in less than half. Of the new 5 couple pairings? I think they all have something to offer, and 4 of the 5 are ridiculous. In the best possible way.

So, Tuesday night was craziness. Loved it. I felt like my show was finally back. Memorable routines, and even the solos were truly dynamic. Shockingly, of the ten solos, one of the ones I liked best and wanted to continue watching far longer than the time allotted, of all dancers, was Nathan. I know! No one was more gobsmacked than me.

Okay, so pairs discussion is up next (and yeah, yeah, I’m MAC’ing the America Sends Dancers Home show, too. Much though I wish they got a pass for this week. Read on.)

Before I move on, might I say, fabulous music choices this week. Truly my favorite so far, all around.

First up we get Ryan and Noelle. Now, neither of these guys really moves me, but I like them okay. Together, however, I thought their dynamic was really good. In fact, as these two go, I think this is the best pairing they could have hoped for in terms of chemistry. I certainly felt it a lot more with them then with their previous partners, on both scores. They had a Nappy Tabs hip hop routine first up, which was sexy, sultry and playful and really started them off well. I enjoyed it a great deal. Of the solos performed across the night, theirs weren’t my favorites, but in both cases big improvements over previous solo installments. Their second routine was a smooth waltz, and pretty as it was, it didn’t rock me after watching all the first round routines. Sort of a slow kick off to Round 2 for the night, but still very well performed and underscored the good pairing between the two. I’d keep them in it for another week.

So, then we get Nathan & Kathryn. I was left kind of cold by this pairing, but they really surprised me. Their Broadway routine was fantastic. One of my faves. (Full disclosure: I’m a huge White Christmas fan, so dancing to Choreograhpy by Danny Kaye didn’t hurt any.) But it was really adorably done and I thought they did a fantastic job with each other as well as the routine. The judges were likewise pleasantly surprised. Then they had a rumba that was pretty darn sexy. The judges kind of panned their second effort a little and I thought they were both really good in that one, too. Like sssssteam good. Who knew? And then Nathan really brought it with his solo. Now, all his frowny/teary faces are getting old, but given the level of grief he’s gotten and his youth, I’m giving him a pass. As long as he cuts it out right now. She had a good solo, too, and though I’m still meh, overall, on Kathryn, always have been, I really like these two together. She’s cute with him. I’d keep em around and actually look forward to more.

Third up is Legacy & Ashleigh. This was the only pair that, overall, didn’t work for me tonight. They both lost a little with this pairing. The first routine was insane. It was an Aussie choreo’d exceedingly physical routine. I was mostly just blown away that they did it. It was really…well, insane is truly the only word. So I was really engaged by the action, but not sure about them as a couple. Hard to tell with that routine though, and it was pretty fascinating, so I went into round two hopeful. They got Dave Scott hip hop, so the hopes rose. And…well, I dunno what the heck that was, but yikes. Easily and profoundly the worst routine of the night (in a night filled with really good ones, it stood out even more harshly.) Just…wow. Legacy’s solo was really remarkable, all kinds of new stuff, and very watchable. Ashleigh, not so much. I wish they’d let the ballroom dancers solo with a partner or something. There’s just nothing for them to do, and she lost a little more traction with that, despite trying her hardest. Overall, my least fave pairing of the night. Will be interesting to see how America goes with this. I think Ashleigh is definitely in danger.

Fourth Couple: Jakob & Ellenore. This is THE power couple right here, y’all. I’ve admired Jakob all season long, but I’m not a huge Ellenore fan individually, and with Ryan her madd skillz were clear, but overall, I was meh. Not anymore, Dorothy. Dang, but watching these two dance is just pure pleasure in watching that level of skill work in tandem. Awesome in the true sense of the word. Their first routine was a quickstep and it was absolutely delightful. Truly, truly a joy to watch. Fun, playful, and at a very high level of difficulty. But their second routine, by Sonia Warrior Goddess, was truly the standout of the night and easily one of the most memorable routines of the season, if not the most. The skill level was unreal and the dance choreo even moreso. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Wow, those two, with the talent. And their solos? Also wonderful.

And then, if that wasn’t amazing enough, the final couple is? Russell and Mollee. I know! I was SO cringing. I hated that Russell got stuck with Giggle Me Barbie. And then, the most amazing thing happened. They came out and did an emotional contemporary Mandy Moore piece, which should have been all kinds of death for both of them individually much less as a pair, and I was like, “wow, down in flames, right before my very eyes.” Except, miracle of miracles…it was good. And they were great. Russell was stronger, more masculine and Mollee…I have NO idea where she pulled that from. Because the crap she’s been doing with Nathan never hinted at any depth, much less that kind of depth. It was beautiful. And I was hopeful. Both solos were solid, especially Russell’s, who I could have kept watching all night long, and then we had that performance I just discussed above, with Jakob/Ellenore. And I hated that my new fairy couple was going to get hit with the afterbuzzkill of coming on after a standing O routine like that. Only? They were fabulous! It was a fun, flirty, and all kinds of adorable jive (thank you Pasha and Anya for that routine!) with great music, just the thing to follow with, and I’m still in love. I think this pair is one of my favorites. Color me awesomely amazed! Whereas watching Jakob and Ellenore is entertaining because of the otherworldly amounts of talent they both have, this pair is just purely fun to watch. Their dynamic is suprisingly strong.

As a close to this already dynamic show, this left me in very high spirits. In fact, for the first time this season, on a performance night, I went back and rewatched a few of the routines.

And then? We move on to Sending Dancers Home.

For the girls, for me, I would be worried for Ashleigh, though she has strong crowd support. Also in danger is Kathryn, not because she deserves it after last night (she doesn’t at all) but she seems to have little to no crowd support. Up to me? Noelle goes home with Ashleigh in danger.

For the guys, really it has to be Ryan. He’s great fun to watch and all, but I think the other four are more dynamic. Legacy is the only other one, based on performance, that might be in trouble, because of that ridiculous vampire/Scott hip hop, but I otherwise wouldn’t have him in the bottom this week.

So, Ryan/Noelle is the easy guess, but it could get interesting!

What happens next? Well, first off, dayum Cat Deeley with the 50’s siren red lips and dress.

Opening number wasn’t my favorite, but entertaining. (Not a huge Billy Joel fan here, sorry.) We get Snoop Dogg tonight - another opportunity to get snacks - until Cat said that Quest is dancing while he sings and what? You mean as in HOK? Well, now I’m super excited.

Right off we find out who the bottom two girls are. To no surprise, it’s Noelle and Kathryn (with Ashleigh almost but not quite.) I’d have swapped Ash with Kathryn, but having heard the almost absent crowd support for her in the audience, it’s not a surprise. Not warranted on last night’s performances, but given my personal meh attitude with her, not surprising others feel the same. However, I’m guessing it’s Noelle going home.

(And can I say I cannot wait for Sherlock Holmes? Yowza.)

On the guys side, we find out that Ryan is in the bottom (no surprise, especially since his partner is already there) and joining him is either Legacy or Nathan. Should have been Legacy, but it’s Nathan. (So Ash and Legacy get off the hook for the worst dance of the night - by far!)

So, it’s two couples in the bottom, even though we could vote individually. I think it will be a couple going home, too. I think Ryan/Noelle are outta here. We’ll see. First we have all the guest performers.

Okay, so the League of Extraordinary Dancers was wild. Loved them. Wished the music had been more engaging, but they were fun to watch! (Wonder how many dancers and choreographers were scribbling notes as they watched them.) As for Snoop and Quest…all I have to say is what a phenomenal waste of Quest. Bring them back and let them perform by themselves, show. Yeesh.

Time to find out who goes home. On the girls side…it’s Noelle. On the guys side, it’s - wow - Nathan. The teenyboppers got tired of The Face, too! Surprise! Ryan lives to see another day, and will presumably be paired with Kathryn, which should be a really good deal for them both.

Looking forward to next week! Down to 8 already. Yikes!

Top Chef Finale MAC tomorrow!

But right now? Time to DISH!! Did you agree on the ousters? Who’s your fave guy, fave girl? Who do you want to see win at this point? For me…I love Russell, but think it belongs to Jakob. I don’t have a strong affinity for any of the remaining girls, but Ellenore certainly is the most talented of the bunch.

Tags: Writing //