So You Think You Can Dance Recap: The Top 8 Battle It Out
by Elisa Camahort

And while I think this week's elimination is pretty predictable, after this it's anyone's guess.

This week they switched up partners again, danced two different styles and once again did a solo. Everyone may have their strengths and weaknesses, but they all have talent and charm. There's nobody I just can't wait to send home. In fact this whole season has been like that. There were only a couple of folks I was actively rooting for to go home.

Couple #1 was Will and Courtney

First, they danced a samba. I really liked it, particularly that exciting no-handed, spinning lift. Will got the hips moving (although I agree sometimes it was a bit studied, as opposed to smooth...Will should check out Josh's hips for some pointers!)

Second, they danced a "slow" hip-hop. I actually didn't love this as much as the judges seemed too. Courtney's costume was black and absolutely skin-tight, and I thought it revealed her being slightly off...not quite as sharp or on beat as Will. I also think that she is usually way more facially expressive than she was in this, especially given the subject matter (kind of a Demi Moore/Patrick Swayze "Ghost" theme.) I wanted to like this more than I actually did.

Will's solo totally broke any impressions of him as too serious. He did a James Brown inspired solo which rocked the house, made us laugh, and showed off that somewhat intangible "personality" they're always going on about that the dancers need to have.

Courtney's solo was more of the same contemporary flailing about you usually see, but as opposed to the Ghost hip-hop routine, she did seem very expressive and emotional...and had some more unusual moves to keep it interesting.

Bottom line:
I think Will is definitely safe. I mean, come one, James Brown had to win over the last remaining few who were not already wooed by Will's abs, right?
I think Courtney is at risk of Bottom Two-ness, although I actually think she's more likable than Katee and could elude it this week.

Couple #2 was Twitch and Katee

First, they danced a Mia Michaels contemporary routine piece, based around a door. This was sort of like the bed number earlier in the season...lots of banging on and around the prop and not so much dancing, especially for Twitch. The music was funk,y Katee was the one doing all of the tough stuff, and this worked for them. I still don't think Mia has been quite as amazing this season as in some seasons past, but no one else is copping to that on the show, that's for sure.

Second, they danced a Tyce Broadway routine. Katee has done Broadway three times now this season, and I'll say it again: I'm just not a fan of these numbers. I thought this was really boring and linear...just back and forth, back and forth. Having both of their numbers be about her pursuing him, and him rejecting her? Thematically boring, and actually off-putting for both of them. I actually don't think she is very expressive in these really upbeat, sparkly numbers. yes, she smiles, but she doesn't have that twinkle in her eye that both Josh and Twitch easily have.

Twitch's solo was clever and fun. But it didn't blow me away.

Katee's solo was really contemporary female dancer flail-y. I felt like I had seen it about a thousand times before.

Bottom line:
I think Twitch is still safe, but could definitely be Bottom 2
I think Katee may be the best technical dancer, but could still very easily end up in the Bottom 2

Couple #3 was Mark and Comfort

First, they danced a hip-hop routine. It was really very good. She seemed maybe a little tougher than he, and just a little better at being as quick and sharp as required. but the choreography was inventive and fun, so we really enjoyed this.

Second, they danced a Foxtrot. Oh dear. Other than a really nice spin combination at the end, this was just painful to watch. Slow and awkward, not light and frothy. She had stiff arms, he was uncomfortable leading. Foxtrot=new kiss of death dance.

Mark's solo was random, and since it's now lost its pleasant surprise element, it just looks like more of the same, and like he a Johnny-One-Note, with that one note being just a bit quirkier than other people's.

Comfort's solo was pretty good. She seemed to be taking a cue from Twitch's more humorous style, and it worked for her.

Bottom line:
This couple is Bottom 2, and probably going home. Both of them.

Couple #4 was Josh and Chelsie

First, they danced an Argentine Tango, which was awesome. They are my favorites at this point. Both of them. He is strong and sure and not afraid to break out the pointed toes and the peacock posture. She is just quick and fiery.

Second, they danced Disco. it really wasn't very good, in my opinion. I saw lots of missed handholds, awkward moments and rough entries to and exits from moves. Not their best, even if no one else would say so.

Josh's solo was great. he showed he's not just strong, but also flexible.

Chelsie's solo was the same as most ballroom dancers' solos: Kinda boring. Ballroom dancers are at a disadvantage at this part of the competition. Only Benjy ever made it work for him.

Bottom line:
I think they're both safe.

Bottom line for the Bottom 2:

I would put Comfort, Katee, Mark and Twitch in the Bottom 2. and I would send Comfort and Mark home.

I think Comfort and Mark are going home, but I wouldn't be surprised if Courtney was at risk instead of Katee. Frankly, it is hard to call between Twitch, Josh and Will. I think they are all pretty well-matched with different strengths and weaknesses.

But what did you think?

Comments

 

Bye Mark...See ya Comfort

After last week's elimination, I said to my teenaged daughter (we are both quite taken by this show this summer) that there was no one left that I wanted to go home.  But after watching last night's performances, I think Mark and Comfort are on the way out.

I'm rooting for Josh and Courtney to be the final two.  They're my favourites, but it's not like I can vote to keep them there...I'm Canadian and they don't take our phone calls.

 

~Vicky B
Procrastamom

 

i mostly agree...

My SYTYCD viewing group also thinks that Mark and Comfort will go home, but we would all support Chelsie going home. It's that whole one-trick-pony thing. Sure, she is a really good ballroom dancer. But in the last few weeks, when people were really stepping it up , she's just been at that same level of meh -- "oh look, jiggly hips" and what not. Plus, and although this could be the editing of the backstage clips, her attitude sucks.

- Julie
battle of the ants

 

surprises...

wow..Will is in the bottom 2? bizarre! and Mark is not in the bottom 2? Not surprised about Comfort, and I doubt anyone would be... I personally don't like Chelsie...technically good, great legs as everyone says, but boring, as you mentioned. I personally think Courtney is much better than Chelsie. And Katie is my favorite, Mark is actually one of the best dancers I've ever seen. His dancing gives me chills. I think Twitch is ok but when they were introducing his history last night I knew he hadn't started dancing until his late teens--he doesn't have the flexibility or subtlty of what I'd consider a top-notch dancer. Joshua is a little heavy but he's adorable, strong, and an extremely capable dancer. I just think Mark is near flawless. I just stumbled upon your blog from Google. I was hoping to see someone blogging live : )  but this was almost just as good!  I agree with almost every single thing you say above...it's funny sometimes what the judges seem to miss or overlook. Thanks for blogging!

 

Well, color me surprised by Will's exit!

And that Mark wasn't even in the Bottom 2.

hey, is he from Hawaii? It could be like the Jasmine Trias effect from Season 3 of American Idol!!

Elisa Camahort Page
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elisa@blogher.com

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Are you kidding me?!?!

I am absolutely amazed - I honestly am wondering if there was some kind of mistake. I get that people might be annoyed with the judges drooling all over Will but he IS the best dancer and I was always impressed that he seemed so down-to-earth in the face of all the praise heaped on him by the judges. But that he was booted while Mark wasn't even in the bottom two is particularly f*ed up!!!

Btw, if you're on the east coast and are going to post anything about results, could you PLEASE not put spoilers in your subject line? Elisa, I saw your comment in the 'recent comment' column on the main Blogher page just before the show started on the west coast and it ruined it for me...

Jenn

http://quirkyeconomist.blogspot.com

 

Sorry Jenn! Usually I AM on west coast...I
forgot

Sorry, Jenn. I'm in Atlanta t attend Blogging While Brown, and didn't think about it. Usually I am on the west coast so I don't have to worry about spoiling it for anyone.

Won't happen again :(

Elisa Camahort Page
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elisa@blogher.com

My BlogHer profile truly shows you everything I do online...Check it out!!

 

No worries...

Yeah, I've always thought the downside of being a reality show fan
on the west coast is avoiding the temptation to go looking for spoilers
but as a blogger, I guess the upside is not having to worry about
spoiling things for others :-). Keep up the good work - I really enjoy
your summaries of the show!

Jenn

http://quirkyeconomist.blogspot.com