TV Recap: ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ “Top 8 Couples”

image courtesy of fox

 Tuesday night was the first episode the dancers were vying for the hearts of America as well as our votes.  After 2 weeks in Hollywood with the judges deciding the dancers’ fate, the results of the competition now lie in the hands of the audience.

This week’s dances were somewhat disappointing. With mixed reviews from judges, several of the couples didn’t push to their full potential.  In my opinion, only few dances were good enough to even grasp my attention for the full routine.

Karen and Kevin started the night off with the Hustle, which was somewhat fun to watch.  The judges enjoyed it and were surprised by Kevin’s transformation from hip hop to such a completely different style.

Ashleigh and Jakob did a jazz piece that used a cane as a difficult and interesting prop.  I thought the routine was alright but didn’t feature their talents well.  The judges loved it and are entranced by this couple’s talent.

Pauline and Peter did a less than impressive quick step, but saved themselves (at least from embarrassment) with the great performance in character.  Kathryn and Legacy performed a broadway piece in which the judges believed was great choreography for the two, but the character wasn’t brought out by Kathryn.

Channing and Victor, after losing their partners last week, paired for a contemporary piece that had what I thought of as a beautiful concept.  The choreography was amazing, the technique was fabulous, the chemistry was even great, but the judges thought the dancers didn’t carry out the right form of character for the dance.

Ellenore and Ryan did a hip hop routine that was definitely missing some swagger.  The choreography was not together at points and the judges were extremely disappointed.  I personally thought they looked like high school dancers at a talent show.

Mollee and Nathan also failed to impress with their salsa routine.  The judges thought it was off from the start.  I found that it seemed awkward, and that being sexy just isn’t in the cards for Mollee.  She’s too bubbly and cute.

Noelle and Russell ended the show with a very entertaining African Jazz routine.  The judges used words like fearless and joyful to describe their commitment to the characters.  I found this to be the best dance all around of the night.

My prediction for the couple that will get cut is Pauline and Peter.  I haven’t been impressed by them since they’ve arrived at Hollywood.  I feel like their fan base hasn’t grown enough to save them either like it will some of the other couples.

Tune in Wednesday November 11 at 8 to see who will be eliminated from the Top 8 couples!