Top 6 Perform, and the Final Four are Chosen

Opening number:  outstanding!  (And shocker that it was Sonya Tayeh.  NOT.)  And at first, I thought Chehon was Cyrus, so I’m thinking that says something about how the two were performing just then...  But I digress.  Let's get down to it, shall we?

Tiffany & Benji (YAY, Benji!!), Jean-Marc Genereux jive:  First of all, thank you SYTYCD producers for bringing ALL the bestest all-stars back this season! HI, BENJI!!  Second:  what a fantastic opening duet.  So fun, so full of energy, and so terrifying – those CARTWHEELS! Oy.  Now, that said, I do think Tiffany was probably a bit less sharp than she could’ve been, but holy Moses, between the tricks and the verve and the keeping up with Benji…WOW.  Spectacular!  

Witney’s solo:  Now, I know it’s hard to do ballroom dances without a partner.  And I give the girl props for taking on a paso doble-type number as a solo, which I don’t think has really been done (has it?).  But…that was…just…  Hm.  I didn’t particularly dislike it, but my husband was quick to point out the expressions on the judges’ faces when the cameras cut to them between numbers, and I have to agree that sorta summed it up.  Just kinda… o.O

Cole & Melanie, Sonya Tayeh jazz:  I have been hearing that song for months now, and every time I do, I think, “that is such a Sonya Tayeh song.”  ‘bout damn time she choreographed to it!  Now, for the dance:  I thought it was great.  Hubby was less impressed.  But even though I think Cole did really well and I enjoyed the number, I do think it might have a little trouble competing with the other numbers.  Yeah, I know, we’re only two numbers in, but if the opening jive was any indication, every number is going to have to be superb, and for me, this was just “really good.” 

Chehon’s solo:  Uh…was that choreographed by the same person who did Witney’s solo, by any chance?  ‘cause I kinda had the same reaction with this.  There were some great spins in the middle, but otherwise… Maybe it’s just because his last one was SO phenomenal, but… o.O

Eliana & Twitch, Christopher Scott hip-hop:  Wow.  Rarely does Christopher Scott disappoint me, but I did not care for that routine one little bit.  The whole thing rubbed me the wrong way – the music, the jazz/hip-hop combo, the moves, even the personality of it just…no.  It was danced well enough – although there were a couple of “meh” moments – but it wasn’t awesome.  Nigel pretty much nailed it for me.  The routine wasn’t the best exhibition of Eliana’s capabilities – nor did she make it moreso. 

Tiffany’s solo:  FINALLY.  Best solo ever?  No.  Considerably better than either of the others so far tonight, HELL. YES.  Thank you, Tiffany!

Chehon & Kathryn, Tyce Diorio contemporary:  That was gut-wrenchingly beautiful, Tyce, Chehon, and Kathryn.  Even as they stood and listened to the critiques, they still looked beaten and drawn, and had me on the brink just to look at them.  Fantastique!

Cole’s solo:  Now THAT was dancing for your life!  That was a terrific display of Cole’s unique style as well as his proficiency as a dancer, and I loved every second of it.

Witney & Marko (YAY, Marko!! But DUDE, where did your hair go??), Ray Leeper jazz:  Well, Marko nailed it, and Witney’s dancing was outstanding.  But I wasn’t completely convinced she was committed emotionally, at least not the entire way through.  I thought it was pretty darn good, and I’d happily watch it again (and probably will), but I’m not sure it’s at the level of Tiffany’s jive or Chehon’s contemporary, for example. 

Eliana’s solo:  I’m not sure that was all she was capable of, but it was quite lovely nonetheless.

Cyrus & Comfort, Christopher Scott dubstep:  Well, you know I love watching Cyrus do what he do, and boy, did he DO it tonight!  I’m sorry, but what other male dancer this season could’ve done what he just did with that number??  SYTYCD app fans apparently agree with me:  91% said, “BUCK!”  Yeah, I know, it still doesn’t mean he can do contemporary convincingly or could walk into a ballroom competition and walk out with a prize, but DAMN, he is just DA BOMB at what he does.  LOVED. IT.  !!!

Witney & Chehon, Jean-Marc Genereux cha-cha:  OOF.  That was my visceral reaction to the one missed lift.  And then it was just…okay.  I felt like it was underwhelming choreography for Witney, and yet too challenging for Chehon.  Witney did as well as she could with what she had to work with, but it just wasn’t enough to float this routine.  OOF.

Cyrus’ solo:  Meh, not his best work.  But his musicality is incredible, and that shines through even the more ordinary choreography.  Still love watching him.

Eliana & Cole, Mia Michaels contemporary:  Well that little bit o’ weirdness from Mia really worked.  It was unique and challenging and beautiful, and I was pleasantly surprised at how moving it proved to be.  Both of them danced it brilliantly (stop stealin’ my words, Nigel!), and were passionately expressive in all the right ways.  Tremendous.

Tiffany & Cyrus, Spencer Liff (gag!) Broadway:  Not one of Spencer’s worst, thankfully, and they nailed it.  So much personality, and just wonderful showmanship.  And boy, did they manage chemistry!  It was terrific on all counts, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

Interlude:  the Axis Dance Company – “WOW” just doesn’t cut it.  That was amazing and powerful, and I look forward to watching it again.

THE FINAL FOUR:

There was not going to be any single outcome here that wouldn’t sadden me, and yet I found myself cheering when Tiffany was the first announced through to the finale.  Of course, that meant either Eliana or Witney was going home, and either of those choices sucked.  And yet…kinda like the way if you toss a coin and have to declare while it’s in the air which side you’re hoping comes down, I knew while I was waiting that it was Eliana I wanted in the finale.  Good thing, because that’s who it’ll be.  I’m sorry to see Witney go, but I think the other two are better all-around dancers, and I’ve come to appreciate them both more each week.

Similarly, I found myself saying, “Not Chehon.  Not Chehon.” when it was the guys’ turn, like Harry Potter wishing to not be put in Slytherin.  And yet that was the first guy announced as through to the finale.  *sigh* I was, of course, thrilled when Cyrus turned out to be the other, but at the same time, I am truly sorry to see Cole not make it.  I am not entirely surprised, because I think based on judge’s commentary last week, that outcome was somewhat predictable since we’re now down to votes, which are often influenced by a single dance and its critiques, but I am still bummed.

But what a finale it will be.  Four fantabulous dancers, and then, we vote once and for all.  Who will your vote be for, America??