Six Person Finale...eh

It’s finale time people! I am especially excited to see this episode because I was turned away from being at the taping after waiting almost 3 hours! BOO! From everything I’ve heard from people’s Twitter accounts, this is going to be an AMAZING show, so let’s get started! We'll have 9 dances tonight - all couples, no solos. I'm not a fan of this format at all, especially since we won't get to see them individually It's a little bit weird to not have a group finale dance either, plus the all girl and all guy dances last year were fun too! I do have to say this could be a cool twist to Season 7's top 6...do this instead of couples? Just a thought. Ok here we go!

Kathryn and Ryan – Samba, Jason Gilkison

Great song! Kathryn is smoking tonight! Her footwork is amazing and so tight. Her shakes were big enough to get the feel of the dance, but not too much to be cheesy. Love it! Ryan was fine and a good partner as usual, but I was watching Kathryn the whole time, obviously. The end move where Ryan threw her into a split leap and then onto his back was AMAZING though. Kathryn is always part of these cool end poses (like last week’s Cha Cha). Nigel called Kathryn his favorite girl this season. Mary loved it! Adam says the show should be called “The Rise of Kathryn” after that performance. Great number!

Ellenore and Jakob – Broadway, Tyce Diorio

This is like a super broadway number! They really are capturing the whole Fosse style her, and it’s fabulous. I love Jakob’s sideways pushups across the stage! I love Ellenore, and she is dancing damn well, but I can’t not watch Jakob! Does the man have bones? It seems like NO. Ellenore is awesome as well, and she really captures the Fosse feel of the piece. Nigel says it shows the pair of them off to their best. Adam called it gorgeous and said that Jakob was one of the most selfless partners he has seen because even with all that he can do, he still “gives it up” to his partner so they can shine as well.

Ashleigh and Russel – Lyrical Jazz, Sonya

Ashleigh you really don’t deserve to be here, I don’t care how many pretty dresses they put you in or how much your hair blows around in the wind machine. As Shanta just said, this is like the Russell show. He is amazing in this, and it may as well have been a solo. I can’t stand watching her anyways so it’s a good thing I don’t need to. Russell you were amazing. Even Nigel said “This whole routine was about Russell” and he couldn’t take his eyes off him. Mary stop talking about Ashleigh, she really didn’t do shit. At least now she is crying her eyes out for Russell. Adam said Russell kicked that dance’s asssssssss! Agreed.

Ellenore and Ryan – Jazz, Gary Stuart

This style is perfect for Ellenore. They are like robots, and she really could be one with how she’s moving…in a good way, of course! This is a routine I really would have loved to see the package for! It’s so interesting, but I don’t know why!. Ryan just seems stiff and awkward, whereas Ellenore seems to be playing her character to a “T”. I did like the pushup where Ellenore pushed Ryan down with her foot. Nigel thought it was too techo-esque for him to enjoy. Mary liked its uniqueness. Adam called Ellenore Gary’s muse for this piece, which is so true because it completely suited her. I wish it was a little more accessible to the audience and viewers though because I don’t think it helped Ellenore’s cause.

Ashleigh and Jakob – Foxtrot, Jean Marc

For a ballroom dancer, Ashleigh’s hands look pretty ugly half the time. Jakob is brilliant as usual, but this dance is so hard to get excited about. I was very impressed with Jakob’s footwork, and unlike Nigel, I don’t mind seeing Jakob j’ete at all! Throw some more in there, it’s fine by me! They work well together as a couple, but probably only because they are already comfortable with each other. Nothing really stood out, but it was pretty. Nigel didn’t think it was as good as others on the show tonight, but he thought it was good.

Ellenore and Russell – Paso Doble, Jason Gilkison

I love the silouhette start like from Mollee and Nathan’s Bollywood. And I also enjoyed the fact that Russell slid into view. I have to say, they are both getting really into this dance! I almost can’t watch their bodies/ feet because I drawn to the passion in their eyes. Another great show piece by Jason Gilkison. He really knows how to show off ballroom! Love it! Nigel thought Ellenore was very fiery and passionate, and he especially loved her in it. Mary praised Russell’s performance and said it made up for the technique that might have been a little lacking. Adam loved it as well.

Kathryn and Jakob – Contemporary, Dwight Roden and Desmond Richardson

Words can not describe how good this was, you just have to watch for yourself. Everything about it was amazing. The transitions, the lifts, the flexibility, the musicalty, the fluidity – it all just worked perfectly. Both Kathryn and Jakob danced, performed, and emoted that whole piece beautifully. Nigel said they “stopped the show”. Nigel told Jakob to join a company because he needs to be in the company of dancers as good as him to grow.

The Dilellos – Contemporary, Travis Wall

At least they don’t have ballroom, that would have been so bogus. They do look really in love, and if I didn’t dislike them so much I would think it was cute. Ryan is so ungraceful, ick. The best thing about this is that we don’t have to see them attempt to act. Genuine emotion on their faces is actually a bit refreshing. The judges have like nothing to say aside from “how great for you guys to do this as a married couple”. No praise of any kind for the dancing. I think that’s a fair critique! After seeing an unbelieveable contemporary routine before this, it pretty much just paled in comparison.

Kathryn and Russell – Hip Hop, Nappy Tabs

They look so cute and happy, but damn they are hitting hard! I love this routine. So much fun, and it doesn’t even need any story gimmicks. They are perfectly insync, it’s awesome. I loved Kathryn’s “super crunch” from the flor to on top of Russell’s shoulders. There were a lot of cool lifts a la Nappy Tabs, and it was fantastic. I also really enjoyed Kathryn “surfing” on Russell’s back. The judges all loved it, and they praised both Kathryn and Russell for their versatility on the night.

My final thoughts on everyone individually, since we didn’t see them alone at all tonight! In my personal order:

1. Kathryn – She killed it tonight! I don’t know that I want her to win as much as Jakob or Russell just because she is a little bit too similar to Jeanine, but the girl is good! She did such a wide range of dances (Samba, Contemporary, Hip Hop) and she looked like she belonged in all of them! Plus, she really did grow and improve throughout the course of the season.
2. Jakob – I have been on Team Jakob from the very beginning, and that did not change tonight! He can do things that I have never seen, and I am constantly left speechless by his abilities. He also danced a wide range of dances tonight, but I think the Fox Trot was the one blip in the evening for him. Even though he was fabulous in it, there wasn’t enough to hang on too, plus it was with Ashleigh who I don’t like anyways.
3. Russell – He has been a dark horse through the whole competition, and I’m not sure why because he is SO DAMN GOOD! He can do anything, and he does it all with a huge beaming smile across his adorable little face! He is the best performer in the bunch, and he kicked butt tonight. He especially owned that lyrical jazz piece, but his paso and hip hop rocked as well!
4. Ellenore – She is so great and so unique, but I feel like she has stayed at the same level throughout the competition and not blossomed as some of the others. She has the coolest solos of all of them, but unfortunately tonight she wasn’t put in a position to really shine in the duets and there weren’t any solos. She’s still great, and I adore her.
5. The Dilellos – I can’t stand either of them and would be horrified if one of them won. Yeah, Ashleigh’s overcome a lot and Ryan is a good partner, but there is something so fake about them, and I can’t stand it. I would have liked Ashleigh a little more, but her disappointed face throughout the night as the judges pretty much only complimented her partners really put me off.

I’m excited for tomorrow night’s routines, and I’m hoping to see Kathryn/Legacy contemporary, Kathryn/Jakob contemporary again, Molle/Jakob Waltz, Ellenore/Jakob jazz, Ellenore/Legacy contemporary, and Ashleigh/Jakob cane dance, and maybe some tapping! What about you?

Pathetic.

I'm not even going to justify that travesty of a results show with a legit blog entry.

Elite 8!

I am extremely jealous that my friends Shanta and Tammy got to go to the show last night! Even though I didn't get any specific details, it seems like it was really good, so I'm excited to see the dancing AND look for them on TV cheering for Jakob and Ellenore!

Cat is looking hot tonight, at least her hair and makeup do! Finally, no bedroom hair! Mary, on the other hand, looks like sparkly cranberries. Getting into the holiday spirit, are we Mary? Ok then. Ashleigh is out in a sling, and apparently she popped her shoulder out in rehearsal this morning (or yesterday morning I should say). She seems high when she’s talking to the audience telling them she’ll be ready for next week and it’s the doctors who won’t clear her. Pssh, woman please. You’re competing for a quarter million dollars, who cares what the doctor says! OUT. On to the real dancing!

Couple: Kathryn and Ryan

Dance #1: Disco, Doriana Sanchez

Thoughts: I already love this song, of course! Ryan’s outfit on the other hand, looks absolutely ridiculous. They’re doing a good job, and they seem like they’re having a lot of fun. Kathryn is a little bit awkward coming out of the first couple of lifts, but she got the hang of things! Ryan is annoyingly good at this style. It was really cute, but I’m not sure how much it will stick. Adam thought the style suited them perfectly. Mary loved them and said that Kathryn was peaking at the right time. Nigel told Ryan it was a little too straight and stiff for him and not funky enough.

Couple: Mollee and Jakob

Dance #1: Viennese Waltz, Jason Gilkison

Thoughts: This waltz is apparently very fast and modern, so let’s see how this goes. Wow, this IS really fast! They look really cute together, and they both danced it so elegantly, if that’s a word. The last turn/lift was so great, and I had no idea how he held her up! Adam said he could have watched that for two hours (I agree!). Mary loved it and complimented Jakob’s technique and Mollee’s growth. Nigel loved the constant flow of movement and the beauty in the dance’s simplicity. Good work, Jason Gilkison!

Ashleigh’s solo: Didn’t exist. Hope no one voted for her!!

Couple: Ellenore and Legacy

Dance #1: Contemporary, Travis Wall

Thoughts: So the story is very Mr. and Mrs. Smith with assasins hired to kill eachother! Travis is apparently using Legacy’s tricks to the extreme! THIS WAS AMAZING! I couldn’t even type through that because I was drawn to the screen the entire time. Adam said they MURDERED it! Mary said it was tailor-made for the two of them. Nigel loved how dangerous it was that Travis pushed them to the extreme, and he thinks this routine might get Travis an Emmy nomination! (His response to that was mouthing “Holy Moley”…so cute!)

Jakob’s solo - I can not believe the things his body can do. The beauty in his quality of movement is just beyond compare. I do think he might be hard for some people to connect with, but there is no doubt that he is one of the best dancers ever on this show!

Couple: Shane’s assistant and Russell

Dance #1: Hip Hop, Shane Sparks

Thoughts: Too bad we can’t see Shane turn Ashleigh into a booty shaker, hahaha! Ok, why is he using the same song that he used for Benji and Donyelle in Season 2? Ok beyond that, Russell is amazing! He is hitting everything, working the crowd, and killing it out there! I feel so bad for him because obviously the assistant was not prepared to dance this today. Adam loved how Russell attacked it. Mary thought Russell was great. Nigel thinks we’ll be seeing Russell (or Sunshine, his new nickname apparently) in the finale. Let’s hope so, Nigel!!!

Mollee’s solo – Again, I like how she fuses gymnastics and dance, but I don’t feel any real passion from her. Still, I want to see her in the finale instead of stupid non-dancing Ashleigh.

Couple: Kathryn and Ryan

Dance #2: Cha Cha, Jason Gilkison

Thoughts: The song really does make all the difference, I think. I couldn’t really get into it. The steps were all good, and their chemistry was good, but I just didn’t feel it for some reason. I think my bias against Ryan really hurt it for me. I do have to say that some of the tricks in that were really cool, especially the end with Kathryn dangling upside down. I liked the choreography from Jason. Adam said it was one of the best ballroom dances on the show, and he said Kathryn was surging. Mary said Kathryn was smoldering and put them both on the hot tamale train, first class! Nigel said Kathryn looked like a ballroom dancer with her hip and foot action and said they were magical together. I guess I need to watch this one again to appreciate it more because the audience and judges were crazy about it. Hmmmm.

Legacy’s solo – Amazing as usual! This time he did one handed headspins! Are you kidding me?! I did not appreciate his thing with the phone though. Cheap trick, buddy.

Ellenore’s solo – She is just so much fun! She can pull out all these unique tricks, but she never loses any technique!

Russell’s solo – And he’s dressed as Santa. Hilarious! Krumping Santa! He is just the cutest! Sadly the dance had to end a little early so he could pull out a Christmas teddy bear.

Couple: Mollee and Jakob

Dance #2: Broadway, Joey Dowling

Thoughts: Very cute routine! I loved the synchronicity and the big movements. Both Jakob and Mollee really danced it well. I didn’t like the trench coats on them, but just as I thought that, off they came! There was amazing synchronized aerial toward the end that only these two could have pulled off! Adam praised Mollee’s growth and said his eye was on her throughout the whole piece. Mary thought they were great. Nigel said this dance brought Mollee into the realms of being a professional dancer and that she should go to Broadway. He thought it was outstanding.

Kathryn’s solo – She is such a gorgeous dancer. I love her fluidity and grace in everything she does. I don’t think she has the passion of Jeanine or the quirkiness of Ellenore, but she is gorgeous. I need her to be in the finale. Vote!!!

Couple: Ellenore and Legacy

Dance #2: Hip Hop, Nappy Tabs

Thoughts: This is going to be strange, perfect for Ellenore! I am liking the freezes from Ellenore AND Legacy. The song is a little weird, I have to say. Well this definitely was a strange routine. It started to heat up at the end with some really cool tricks, but then it ended so abruptly. I didn’t think this was a strong enough routine for the Top 8. Adam thought the piece didn’t push the dancers enough, but the dancing was good (not bad, not great). Mary was slightly disappointed in the performance and lack of synchronicity. Nigel thought the choreography/ concept overrode the dancing.

Ryan’s solo – Wow, ou did a back handspring. Great…zzzzzz. His solos have to be the worst ballroom solos I’ve seen on this show. It was better than last week, but that was horrid. I do not appreciate his asking America to vote for Ashleigh, nor do I appreciate his crying outburst.

Couple: Nukul’s assistant Alicia and Russell

Dance #2: Bollywood, Nukul

Thoughts: This dance has no story or characters – it’s raw Bollywood apparently! Again, I feel so bad for Russell having to dance with someone he just found out about that this morning. He is still working it though, as usual. He is so spirited and full of life, and his smile is lighting up the stage. Alicia is really damn good too; I’m happy to see her dance instead of Ashleigh. Adam loved his smile and joy and said he’s in the finale. Mary praised Russell for rising above all the things that have happened to him with his partners. Nigel said that his eye was drawn to Russell the whole time, despite the fact that Alicia is a trained Bollywood dancer.

This should be an interesting vote tonight. I really hope people don’t vote for the Dilellos. I’m sorry, but Ashleigh didn’t dance, and if I have to be subjected to yet another Ryan solo I might cry. Here are my predictions:

Bottom two girls: Ashleigh, Ellenore (I’m trying to think like the voters, she is my favorite girl!)

Bottom two guys: Ryan, Russell (only because the poor guy didn’t have a partner to connect with)

Eliminated – PLEASE LET IT BE THE COUPLE. I’m so scared for Ellenore though, and I don’t know why! Ok, back to voting now. See you tomorrow, g’nite!

Top 8 Feels Great!

Yes, I felt the urge to rhyme there.

Sorry this is a couple days late - Wednesday was unusually busy!

I'm not sure how much I liked Tyce's opening routine. I didn't like the lack of dancing. I didn't like the horrible camera angles, which I guess are not his fault, but don't they do camera blocking?! I didn't enjoy that he used the same song as the last guy Vegas audition song. I definitely didn't enjoy watching Ashleigh and Ryan's tongues attack each other in the middle of the stage. I guess I didn't really like this number at all, despite my excitement based on Janette and Jason's tweets. It did show off a dozen more ways that Jakob can jump though, so that was obviously great.

After an especially fabulous recap of Tuesday's especially fabulous show, we have the following bottom four: Noelle, Kathryn, Ryan, and Nathan. All of these are legitimate except for Kathryn. That's pure BS, America. The only explanation/ excuse I can offer is that she and Noelle are too similar in look and dancing styles, and people might get them confused. But alas, those are the bottom four, so we have to be subjected to Ryan's horrid solo yet AGAIN. Ugh.

Ok, so I had been hearing about LXD (Legion of Extraordinary Dancers) on Twitter for a few days now, so I had high expectations already, but they were exceeded by about 3 miles! THAT WAS AMAZING. I can't even put into words, I just have to post a link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZApyius_3E . I had to watch it 3 times to take it all in! Everything about it was amazing. There were isolations, gravity defying jumps, people appearing on stage as if from nowhere, and perfect synchronicity, and it was all set to the Vitamin String Quartet version of "Yellow". I could not believe how much I loved it. Watch it! Then watch again and be re-impressed. You won't regret it.

Solos were the same as Tuesday's, but Noelle and Nathan changed theirs up a little bit. Noelle used a different cut of her song and wasn't as cheesy reaching for the rain. I actually liked it a little better. Ryan did the same stupid solo - next. Katherine was great again, but I don't know how unique she really is; I just really like her. Nathan put his heart out on that stage and left it there for everyone to see. You can tell how much he really loves dance, and he always seems to tell a story with his movements. Too bad being partnered with Mollee really killed it for him.

Then there a performance by Snoop Dogg, which I admittedly fast forwarded through, but only because it was almost 1 am and I was really tired and just wanted to find out the results. I will have to rewatch, so I can see my boy Dominic and Quest Crew perform! I'm sure they were sick - looked like it in fast forward at least!

Results - Noelle and Nathan are going home. So sad for Nathan! He really was benefitting from not having Mollee as a partner, and now he doesn't get a chance to show who he really is. Ryan should have been gone awhile ago, and I really have no idea who is voting for him, since he's pretty much last place on all polls I've seen so far. Oh well, he better be gone next week is all I have to say.

And last but not least, here are my predicitions for next week:

Jakob/Mollee
Legacy/ Ellenore
Russell/ Ashleigh
Ryan/ Kathryn

They better not put the married couple together, which could also be a possibility. But there's probably nothing on the show I'd rather see less than that. The Top 8 is always a hard show when eliminations come, at least for me. We lost Allison in S2, Dominic in S3, Will in S4, and Janette in S5. Not a good track record America, let's make sure we VOTE! Since it's a Top 6 finale this year, I'm hoping regardless of performance on Tuesday, the DiLellos get the boot. And that's it for me, I promise to blog on time next week. See y'all!

A Little Tour Preview Perhaps?

Top 10 show has finally arrived! I am resisting all urges to dress like my favorite dancer right now – I’ll save that for the finale show. It’s dancing time!

I may or may not have cheated already and looked at the pairings…ok I did, and I am stoked! I was almost right about all of them! I can’t wait to see how these new couples work out, and I also can’t wait to see some solos!

They’re saving time with no intros, so here it goes. *Disclaimer after having watched – I missed the explanation of the dances/ stories behind them!

Noelle and Ryan are up first with a NappyTabs hip hop. I miss our apartment’s usual “guess what song they’re going to use” game that results from NappyTabs descriptions, but oh well. They’re doing some kind of sexy office scandal dance, which is pretty cool. I thought Noelle was great, but Ryan was a little stiff for me. They did a lot of cool lifts (which of course played to Ryan’s partnering strengths), but I thought it was a little lacking in hip hop steps. Noelle hit the ones that were in there though – damn girl! Judges all loved it, although Nigel did mention that Ryan didn’t really get the feel of the dance as much as just the moves.

Ashleigh and Legacy are next with a contemporary routine (by Gary Stuart, he’s from Australia apparently). It’s a bit little “Karate Kid” at first, but they are both dancing very well. I love that they really showed off Ashleigh’s physical strength with her lifting him, Legacy jumping off her leg and back, etc. It was a little bit abstract, so I don’t know how much people will be able to connect to it, but it was definitely cool to watch. Legacy’s headstand at the end was crazy! It was a really physically demanding routine, as proven by the fact that they were both huffing and puffing during the entire critique. The judges all loved it and praised the choreography as well.

Mollee’s solo is up first. They’re doing little profiles on everyone, and they seem more indepth and intense than I’ve seen on this show before. Her solo was good, very fast paced and different. I liked it, but I don’t know how memorable it will be by the end of the show. I wouldn’t vote for her based on it, but I think that’s because I’m already a little biased against her.

Russell is next for his bio/ solo extravaganza. His parents are absolutely adorable despite the extremely staged clip of them watching him on the show from 6 inches away from the TV. Um hi, did he just take his sweatshirt off with his foot? Yes I think he did. He is just insanely good. And the way he plays to the crowd and just performs and entertains everyone? AMAZING. He is a true star!

Kathryn and Nathan are the next couple, and they’ll be doing a Spencer Liff Broadway routine. This is cute and classic Broadway choreography! Kathryn looks gorgeous, and I could see her on a Broadway stage for sure. She has this perfect, pretty, classic look that would be great for the stage. Nathan looks like a new dancer without Mollee on stage with him. He FINALLY looks like a man, not a little boy! This number was really cute and light and fun. I really enjoyed it! Nigel put it best when he said that they found the style perfectly, but he said the chemistry wasn’t there as much as he would have liked.

It’s Noelle’s solo turn now. I have to say, the heavy makeup look just doesn’t work on her. This solo is reminiscent of her first fight for her life solo, but not as good in my opinion. It was still really impressive, but I thought the reaching for the sky parts of it were a little cheesy.

Jakob and Ellenore (POWER COUPLE, I totally called this!) are up next with a Quickstep by Tony and Melanie. I’m thinking this will not be the kiss of death for these two. I also really like that the choreographers are now adding a story to these dances! OK this definitely won’t be the end for either of them because ith is just too much fun! They are so bouncy and light on their feet! I loved when they both leaped across the stage together, perfectly in unison. Usually the guy just guides the girl in that move, but they are both such good dancers they can handle anything! Also, I have to say, nothing looks better than a man in a tux. Mmmmmm…Jakob! Ellenore looked gorgeous tonight too! Judges loved it, although apparently Jakob’s feet were a little turned out. Whatever, that was fantastic. Mary especially praised the fact that they stayed in close-hold.

Ryan’s solo is up next. Ugh, I hate his solos, and let’s be honest, we’ve seen a lot of them. He really just like to show off his strength/ muscles, and yes, there’s a lot to show off, but this solo might be his worst yet. There was pretty much no dancing, just some weird sliding on the floor and arm waving. I think he might be the one I want gone the most out of the Top 10.

The spotlight is on Kathryn now for her solo. We haven’t seen one yet, so I’m excited to see what she can do on her own. Man, there are a lot of tears on these video packages. I like her purple dress! Her technique and lines are just gorgeous, but I would have liked to see a little more passion. It was definitely good, but definitely something we’ve seen before.

The last couple to perform is Mollee and Russell, and they’re starting off the night with a Mandy Moore lyrical jazz. Mandy is back to her 80’s power ballad best, and I love it. She just keeps it coming with new lifts every time! This is definitely the most I’ve ever liked Mollee; she finally looks like a competitor on this show. Nigel was right, she and Nathan just needed new partners. Both Mollee and Russell were absolutely amazing in this routine. The chemistry was really believable to me, and I especially loved the look in Russell’s eyes as he looked at her. He’s a great actor too, I have to say! Nigel loved it and praised them both, Molle for her maturity and Nathan for his partnering and strength. Mary and Adam loved the piece as well, as gave well deserved praise to the pair and to Mandy.

Let’s find out about Nathan, shall we? Ok! Well we know that he’s danced with Twich because he makes a guest appearance in the package! The dance world really is a small one! Nathan has this unbelievable power to suck you in with his dancing. It’s like I don’t want to blink. It’s like this whole buildup, and it ended so soon! And now Nathan’s crying – looks like he took what Adam said last week to heart.

Noelle and Ryan are dancing a JT & Thomas smooth waltz for the second number. I have to say I am loving the ballroom outfits this year. The girls all look like angels. Noelle has really good ballroom carriage for a contemporary dancer. I’m totally buying it. Ryan is in his element in movement and partnering, so he looks especially impressive to me right now. I still don’t like him, but the man can waltz. It was a beautiful dance, but I didn’t really feel the chemistry that much. Nigel praised Ryan’s carriage but wanted a little more softness. Mary loved Noelle’s movement, footwork, and grace. Adam loved it and called them a power couple? Not sure about that one, but ok then.

Time for us to learn a little more about Ellenore! I love her music choices. This quirky bluegrass beat is perfect for her. She finds a new movement for every single note. I love her! There really is no one like her, and it’s so refreshing to see her dance!

Ashleigh and Legacy are doing a Dave Scott hip hop routine. His routines are usually really hard hitting and musical. They are super out of sync, despite some really slow choreography. I also really hate the song. Legacy’s cape is ridiculously distracting, and I think it’s preventing him from doing his thing. I agree with Nigel yet again – he didn’t feel it, and neither did I. He also pointed out that the musicality wasn’t there. Mary and Adam weren’t feeling it either. These two could both be in trouble tonight if that’s their lasting impression.

Kathryn and Nathan are doing a Tony/Melanie rumba next. They always put the girls in blue in the rumba - Chelsie, Courtney, Sabra…right? This song is a little too fast for me, and not as smooth and sensual as I would expect from a rumba. Nigel felt that the chemistry wasn’t there, and I kind of agree. Mary praised the technical aspects of it, especially for Nathan and his rumba back walks, but she wasn’t feeling the chemistry either. Adam loved that Kathryn was really competing in this dance. Poor Nathan looks so broken and sad up there, I just want to give him a hug! This was just so-so for me.

Legacy is up next for his solo. I really can’t believe he didn’t start B-boying until he was a teenager! I also love his friend “Flea” and his mullet. Oh man. WOW that was an amazing solo! The stuff he can do really does defy gravity. It also defies description because I don’t even know what to say! Definitely worthy of a phone call…

Ellenore and Jakob are up with their second routine, and it’s a Sonya contemporary one. Could there be a more perfect choregrapher or these two? Um NO. This is fantastic! It has the feel of her Courtney and Mark garden piece, but the technique is just on so much higher of a level. The audience reaction says it all – they can not shut up! That was incredible. They were mesmerizing. Ellenore’s quivery movement, Jakob’s flexibility, Sonya’s “poses” that completely showed off everything that is great about these two dancers. I am in awe. All three of them are like artists. I think they give the Katee/Joshua/Tyce holy trinity of SYTYCD a run for their money! Nigel loved it, Mary loved it, Adam loved, and they were all screaming like nut jobs! THAT WAS SO GOOD OMG.

Now it’s Ashleigh’s turn to try and impress me. She’s going to have to work hard, especially after that Dave Scott dance. I’m glad she explained a little more about her illness – a rare parasitic infection – because I was not enjoying her vague comments about some mystery illness. I have to say, that was definitely a better attempt at a ballroom solo than her hubby’s. She actually showed off her…I dunno…dancing skills?!?! It wasn’t the best ballroom solo I’ve ever seen (that honor stays with Heidi and her flying feet), but it was definitely decent.

Anya and Pasha are choreographing Mollee and Russell’s jive! And I love this song! These two are so good together! There are so many adorable Anya “shake your booty” moves in this, you can just picture Anya and Pasha doing it! I hope that was enough double bounce for Nigel because I loved it! Russell was a total charmer and worked the audience, worked his partner, and worked the camera perfectly, Mollee was so cute, and in no way annoying! She definitely won me over tonight. Nigel said they were the only ones that could have followed the amazingness that was Ellenore and Jakob’s routine, and he’s totally right. This is an amazing partnership – they should have been together from the start. Mary and Adam loved this as well, and consensus was that Mollee is back!

It’s Jakob’s turn to shine, and I hope they double his solo time because I could watch him forever. That was just pure beauty. What that boy can do with his body will never cease to impress the crap out of me! That was a truly great solo. He manages to put in so many jumps and turns without it seeming too cramped.

Wow, I need a minute to soak in the gloriousness of that show. In my opinion, it was one of the best overall episodes across all six seasons. My predictions for the bottom:

Girls: Ashleigh, Noelle

Guys: Nathan, Ryan

My HOPE to go home – Ryan and Noelle

My actual predicition – Nathan and Noelle

I won’t have time to watch the results until late tomorrow night, so nobody tell me anything, ok?! Can’t wait to find out the Top 8!