'So You Think You Can Dance': L.A. auditions this Thursday

So, you think you can dance, huh? Well, apparently you’re not the only one. According to Jeff Thacker, senior producer of “So You Think You Can Dance,” 1,200 people auditioned last season in Los Angeles alone. 

Well, it’s that time of year again; this Thursday, professional ballerinas and amateur cloggers alike will line up at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, awaiting their chance to thrill the judges. “You never know what will walk through that door,” Thacker tells me in a phone interview; he has auditioned belly dancers, sword swallowers, and everything in between.

The requirements are few; any 18-30 year old who can work in the U.S. can compete for the $250,000 prize. “We open our doors to everyone,” emphasizes Thacker. Last year, he groans, “it took me thirteen hours to see everybody.”

So here’s how the auditions work: First, each applicant gets thirty seconds to dance to a song chosen by the producers, meaning a ballerina could end up shaking it to Fergie. Survive that challenge, and you get to audition in your dance-style of choice. 

When asked for auditioning tips, Thacker answers, “dress to impress,” and also, “make yourself memorable…We don’t look for America’s best dancer. We’re looking for America’s Favorite Dancer.”

And after three seasons of looking for – and finding – America’s Favorite Dancer, the series is a bona fide stalwart of the dance world. Two choreographers have won Emmys for their work on the "So You Think You Can Dance," and thirteen countries have adopted their own versions of the series. Thacker couldn’t be more excited by the richness these twelve other countries bring to the franchise. “In Turkey, for example, the winner was a male belly dancer!” he exclaims.  “In Australia it is the biggest show on television.”

Which begs the question, who’s watching? “Young girls, young mums,” concedes Thacker, although he points out that plenty of men love the show as well. And although there are countless dance shows to choose from, Thacker thinks “So You Think You Can Dance” is different from the rest. The judges “are a bit more tender” towards the dancers, Thacker explains. Both Thacker and Nigel Lythgoe were dancers and choreographers themselves, so they know what the contestants are going through. “We are constructive, not destructive,” stresses Thacker. 

So, whether you’re a sword-swallower, a belly-dancer, a hip-hopper, or a ballerina, get thee to The Orpheum Theatre this Thursday. The judges will be nice to you – Jeff Thacker said so!  The rest of us will have to wait until May 22, when the show debuts, to join in the fun.

-- Stephanie Lysaght

(photo courtesy of Fox)

"So You Think You Can Dance," which just wrapped up its third installment, grows in popularity every season, which is a good thing because it might be the best competition show on prime-time television.  On what other program are viewers treated to a pool of talented contestants working as hard as they can on a beautiful art form, knowledgeable and caring judges, and noteworthy performances each and every week?

This season's winner, Sabra Johnson, typified everything that is wonderful about the show.  A powerhouse pixie who only began dancing four years ago, she brought sparkle to the stage with every performance, whether in a spicy disco routine, a moody hip-hop number or her joyous solo dances.  She may be most known for her petiteness, short Afro hairstyle or the way she leaped about the stage as if it had less gravity than Earth.  But her workhorse personality made her easy to root for. She may not have been the biggest goofball or diva or sexpot, but that was never a liability, which says a lot about her talent and the show.

Like any TV competition, though, the "So You Think You Can Dance" finale came with its low points as well as its highs.  We saw no shortage of clip reels and slow-motion tears, plus the obligatory useless celebrity cameo as judge Nigel Lythgoe gave a nod to one of his favorite dancers ... Paula Abdul (not surprising since Lythgoe also produces "American Idol" and Abdul did apparently dance once upon a time before she was famous for other things).

Many viewers were actually looking forward to the promised dance between Glamazon host Cat Deeley and wise-guy judge Lythgoe (who has a dance background), but were given the old bait and switch with a silly, not even funny Jibjab.com video. The episode ended abruptly in an explosion of confetti as Sabra was announced the winner, denying runner-up Danny Tidwell -- and the audience -- his moment of reflection upon the season: a handsome, graceful, proud dancer, he would have been perhaps the most touching to watch.

Perhaps the most egregious addition was the performance of Nicole Scherzinger from "The Pussycat Dolls."  It seemed like a slap in the face to the actual talented individuals on "So You Think You Can Dance" to have to share the stage with someone who mainly gave the audience stomping and heavy breathing.  It would be nice if such singers, meanwhile, at least tried to perform songs that didn't rely so much on heavy mixing and backup vocal tracks.  Even if Bette Midler didn't give it her all on "American Idol's" season finale, at least she seemed to be doing it live.

The stage looked awfully lonely Wednesday evening when only four contestants opened "So You Think You Can Dance," but the night certainly wasn't sparse.  As the dancers performed four routines apiece (one with each contestant, plus a solo), the $250,000 prize seemed rather paltry for how much work the contestants have put in this season.

But who will win?

At the beginning of the evening, it looked like the competition was Sabra Johnson's to take.  She appears to be a favorite among the fans, judges and choreographers alike.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe's advice to her at the beginning of the show was to "keep doing what you're doing," and choreographer Tyce Diorio proclaimed her to be a "master at everything."

Was it the producers' challenge to Sabra, then, or was it simply bad luck that she seemed to draw the most difficult lot, routine-wise?  Her first showing was a rather weak hip-hop performance with Neil Haskell, then a Wade Robson jazz number with Lacey Schwimmer that unfortunately didn't highlight the strengths of the dancers or their connection to each other, and finally a cha-cha with Danny Tidwell that received mixed reviews from all three judges.

None of the dances really catered to her expertise, while the other dancers did receive the gift of at least one complementary routine: Neil was able to use his gymnastic skills in a Lindy Hop with Lacey and shone in a fabulously conceived Mia Michaels fight-dance with Danny; Danny, too, played the Michaels routine to the hilt and showed his tremendous elegance in a waltz with Lacey; and Lacey has expertise in the more traditional dances she performed with the boys, which she executed with mastery.

This is not to take away whatsoever from the hard work and terrific performances of the other dancers and not to say that Sabra got the shaft, but it's a shame she didn't get a paired dance that really showed off her gifts.  Fortunately, she was able to bring the joy, lightness and power to her solo that her fans have come to love. 

Will America elect its first female favorite dancer this week?  In a special Monday results show, six contestants were narrowed to four, and with the sight of Lauren Gottlieb, Lacey Schwimmer and Sabra Johnson lined up against Pasha Kovalev, Danny Tidwell and Neil Haskell, the girls vs. boys dichotomy seemed clear.  Although each of the dancers has his or her particular strengths and weaknesses, the top three of each sex seemed to represent the contrasts.

Lauren predicted in this column that a girl would take the prize this year, and the women certainly have the chops.  With their dark hair and toned physiques, they share similar physical characteristics.  Sabra and Lacey danced consistently well throughout the competition, and Lauren and Sabra established their own particular dance personalities as the show progressed.  In individuality and on the floor, the three brought loads of spark and fun to their performances.

Danny, Neil and Pasha never seemed to have much in common until they stood next to each other for the cut.  They're all muscled, lean and tall (which became obvious when they stood next to host Cat Deeley, who is as tall as a redwood).  At first glance, all three seem rather stoic compared to Energizer bunnies such as Lacey and Lauren or goofballs like Dominic Sandoval, but they've all had their passionate, funny moments on the show.  All three specialize in genres that require a balance of grace and masculinity.

Up until last night, one of the best parts of "So You Think You Can Dance" was that, unlike on other results shows, drama still actually happened.  On Thursday nights, when the fallout from the audience's votes was revealed, the judges were able to intervene and make their decisions after dancers had been given one last shot to prove themselves in solos. But now, the eliminations are left entirely to the voters at home.

It's unclear what the benefit of this is at this point in the show.  Viewers have less reason to tune in to the results because the decision has been cast.  The final four dancers had one more chance to show off in their solos, but there was no point, competition-wise, because their performances wouldn't affect the outcome. 

One contestant who might have been at a disadvantage when it came to performing in the previous "dancing for your life" solos was 27-year-old ballroom/Latin dancer Pasha Kovalev, a Russian native who lives in New Jersey.  Last week, his ballroom counterpart Anya Garnis was sent home, partially because as a partner dancer she couldn't show off in her solos the way other dancers could.

Pasha talked about what it's like being the remaining ballroom dancer on the show. 

"The difference in ballroom is that you're showing off your partner more than yourself," he said. "That's how you make dance look beautiful and special, as opposed to the other guys on the show who are used to dancing by themselves.  The whole performance is about them and their tricks. We in ballroom don't really have those flips over our head or jumping splits.  Maybe it's not that appealing to the judges and they would like to see more flashy stuff.  I think ballroom dancers are strong in their performance and characterization of the dance and of the song, and it's really all about connecting to the audience and making them feel what you feel at the moment, with or without the tricks." 

Even though the dancers weren't dancing for their lives anymore, they still had to prepare their solos for the results show.  Pasha discussed what goes into a solo.

"It's all about trying to find the right piece of music," he said. "We have a short time to dance when we perform, just 30 seconds, so it's hard to tell the full story during that period of time. You just try to create beautiful pictures that people will relate to.  After I did my first dance in the bottom three contestants on the second week of the show, I decided what I'd do next and I've been preparing it since.  So far I haven't had the chance to dance it, and I hope I don't."

The top 10 dancers on "So You Think You Can Dance" performed with some format changes this week: The partners were changed around and each dancer had to perform identical solos. One of the contestants was Lauren Gottlieb, pictured, a 19-year-old from Scottsdale, Ariz., who last season was too young to audition for the show but assisted choreographer Tyce Diorio with putting together some of the routines. She was able to chat Wednesday morning between breakfast and a costume fitting about the changes, the judges and whom she think has the upper hand in the competition. 

Lauren's work in previous weeks with partner Neil Haskell, especially during last week's contemporary Mia Michaels routine (which she revealed was more about two people looking to score a fix than to fix a drain), garnered raves from the judges. However, she didn't seem to mind switching partners, especially because this week she was paired with Pasha Kovalev, who hasn't let down a partner yet. They turned out a technologically themed Shane Sparks hip-hop routine, a genre she's familiar with.

"It was my favorite performance so far. I'm still smiling from it!" Lauren gushed. "Switching up the partners was totally different, but we really clicked and I had a blast up there." She's diplomatic, however: "I would have picked anyone to dance with. I'm very familiar with the show, and in previous years the choreographers have had a hard time with some dancers. But this year everyone's doing amazing, so standing there picking our new partners' names from the hat, I had no worries. In fact, a lot of people say they wish it'd be split up from their old partners each week. It's cool to see how people vibe off different people now."

The mixed-up couples did prove as entertaining as they seemed they'd be. Sabra Johnson proved that her star can still shine without Dominic Sandoval, while Kameron Bink's days appeared to be numbered with or without previous partner Lacey Schwimmer. Lacey, meanwhile, continued to dominate the paired dancing, while Danny Tidwell could barely conceal his disdain for her larger-than-life personality.  Dominic brought a theatricality to the dance floor for Jaimie Goodwin that her previous partner Hok Konishi could not -- but too much, for the judges. Sara VonGillern's and Neil Haskell's fun disco routine proved that they're a strong couple but strong individual dancers as well, as pairs dancing isn't either of their fortes. But they sure made it look easy.

Like on "American Idol," the top 10 contestants on "So You Think You Can Dance" are guaranteed a spot on the image-raising and revenue-collecting postseason tour.  The eliminations are only getting tougher, so in predicting who would go home last night, it was helpful to remember this major perk.  Who seemed like they'd be an indispensable part of the tour?  Who wouldn't be missed?

The elimination of Anya Garnis was the least surprising of the girls. The ballroom/Latin dancer had a major disadvantage as a performer used to hoofing it with a partner.  Every Thursday she poured her heart out on stage in some absolutely amazing outfits, but as judge Nigel Lythgoe pointed out, in the end the show is about solo performers (although this raises the question of whether ballroom/Latin dancers should get more leeway if they automatically face such a large obstacle).  In an earlier episode, choreographer Mia Michaels noted that Anya was "the lady of the competition," which was an accurate and complimentary description.  Unfortunately, it didn't help the Russian.  The show's audience clearly gravitates toward a youthful, energetic and slightly wacky persona (as embodied by Lacey Schwimmer), and Anya wasn't a big enough ham for the show. 

Last night marked the final time that the top 10 couples on "So You Think You Can Dance" would perform together before being randomly paired off for the rest of the show.  How will the dancers fare after they're split up from their original partners?  Some predictions: 

Sabra Johnson and Dominic Sandoval:  These two will be interesting to watch once they're broken up, because they seem to be matched in physicality and spice, turning out equally cute and energetic performances week after week.  Sabra seems like she would have more to lose from the breakup because Dominic appears to tease some bonus personality out of her.  It's not hard to imagine Dominic continuing to thrive with the other women on the show, although his impishness would be an interesting contrast to Anya Garnis' sophistication or Sara VonGillern's toughness. 

Jaimie Goodwin and Hok Konishi:  Despite Jaimie's claims of having a crush on Hok, this couple appear to have the least amount of chemistry.  Hok at times appears to be out-and-out annoyed by Jaimie's personality, and although the two have their own skills as dancers, last night's uninspiring "Mr. Bojangles" routine showed they don't necessarily raise each other up technique-wise.  It would be interesting to see Hok paired with Anya, one of the other international dancers on the show, or Sara for some co-ed breaking.

Normally, plugs for television shows or movies on reality TV shows tend to go over with the grace and beauty of a lead balloon.  Audiences don't like having commercials sneaked in between commercials, and get irritated when the filler becomes especially unnecessary (like the Jimmy Kimmel segments on "Dancing With the Stars.")  Last night's tie-in to the movie "Hairspray," however, on "So You Think You Can Dance" was remarkably tolerable, nay, enjoyable. 

The seeds of goodwill were sewn last night with the knowledgeable and mouthy guest judge Adam Shankman, director and choreographer of the movie (which, of course, was adapted from the Broadway show which was adapted from the John Waters movie).  The opening dance for the results show, choreographed by Shankman with plenty of sass, was an effective advertisement for the movie.  Joyous, frothy and over the top, the dancers seemed to actually enjoy performing the number, which was the key to the dance. If the movie can re-create the same joy, then audiences are going to love it. 

One of the refreshing aspects of "So You Think You Can Dance" is that the program, and the people in it, appear to dwell in the real world.  Except maybe Danny Tidwell, who seems a little too proud that he spends a lot of money on expensive sunglasses.  SYTYCD seems to be one of the few TV shows that acknowledges its fans and their opinions -- on the show, not by making tweaks to appeal to focus groups.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe has previously mentioned, on air, online reactions to the show (Hi, Nigel!), and last night referred to a petition that was sent to the producers to protest the departure of Jessi Peralta two weeks ago.  Although the audience's plea couldn't undo the deed, it was listened to with respect, and Lythgoe explained, thoughtfully, his response and rationale.  It's encouraging to see the fourth wall broken down, and to see that viewers can make an impression in ways other than just calling pay-telephone numbers.  It makes the show seem more current compared to, say, "Survivor," where nobody comes out and says, "Well it's not like the producers are literally going to let us starve," or how on "American Idol" the website votefortheworst.com never got mentioned, despite its heavy influence in keeping Sanjaya Malakar on the show. 

It might have been a controversial results show, if it didn't seem that ultimately, in the end, the judges and America sort of got it right. 

Potential controversy No. 1: The "dream team" of Anya Garnis and Danny Tidwell was voted in the bottom three while Shauna Noland and Cedric Gardner, who the judges had all but assured would go home, were safe. Was it because America pitied Cedric for his dressing-down, or assumed that Anya and Danny would be safe because of their talent? Or did it have anything to do with Cedric's little speech? To his credit, when addressing the judges after their brutal evaluation of him, Cedric was gracious and didn't try too much to explain himself or mouth off like contestants do on other shows. However, one did wonder if other contestants thought it would be nice for them to plea their case as well.

Potential controversy No. 2: Because of a health problem, Jessi Peralta couldn't dance Wednesday night and, as explained by judge Nigel Lythgoe, would be forced to dance for her life on Thursday in addition to the three bottom girls (including the unexpected Anya.) Jessi got no pity points and was summarily dismissed by the judges, with no explanation or well wishes, which was unusual. What was up with that?

"So You Think You Can Dance" is not a good show for multi-taskers.  Those of us who like to wash dishes, clip coupons or flip through catalogs in front of the TV are forced to put down our other projects as early on in the show as the introduction, since we viewers risk missing something amazing if we look away even for a moment.

It was evident that Wednesday night's show was going to be good when Debbie Allen, "Fame" dance instructor diva (and, of course, sister to Phylicia Rashad) sat in as a judge. Is it weird to want to hire her as a professional life coach? Or at least to invite her out for a drink, maybe with Cat Deeley? It seems like hanging out with the two of them would do wonders for the self-esteem, or at least be good for a laugh.  Who doesn't like a famous woman who isn't afraid to admit that half the hair on her head is fake?

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

Sabra soars: America thinks you can dance

"So You Think You Can Dance," which just wrapped up its third installment, grows in popularity every season, which is a good thing because it might be the best competition show on prime-time television.  On what other program are viewers treated to a pool of talented contestants working as hard as they can on a beautiful art form, knowledgeable and caring judges, and noteworthy performances each and every week?

This season's winner, Sabra Johnson, typified everything that is wonderful about the show.  A powerhouse pixie who only began dancing four years ago, she brought sparkle to the stage with every performance, whether in a spicy disco routine, a moody hip-hop number or her joyous solo dances.  She may be most known for her petiteness, short Afro hairstyle or the way she leaped about the stage as if it had less gravity than Earth.  But her workhorse personality made her easy to root for. She may not have been the biggest goofball or diva or sexpot, but that was never a liability, which says a lot about her talent and the show.

Like any TV competition, though, the "So You Think You Can Dance" finale came with its low points as well as its highs.  We saw no shortage of clip reels and slow-motion tears, plus the obligatory useless celebrity cameo as judge Nigel Lythgoe gave a nod to one of his favorite dancers ... Paula Abdul (not surprising since Lythgoe also produces "American Idol" and Abdul did apparently dance once upon a time before she was famous for other things).

Many viewers were actually looking forward to the promised dance between Glamazon host Cat Deeley and wise-guy judge Lythgoe (who has a dance background), but were given the old bait and switch with a silly, not even funny Jibjab.com video. The episode ended abruptly in an explosion of confetti as Sabra was announced the winner, denying runner-up Danny Tidwell -- and the audience -- his moment of reflection upon the season: a handsome, graceful, proud dancer, he would have been perhaps the most touching to watch.

Perhaps the most egregious addition was the performance of Nicole Scherzinger from "The Pussycat Dolls."  It seemed like a slap in the face to the actual talented individuals on "So You Think You Can Dance" to have to share the stage with someone who mainly gave the audience stomping and heavy breathing.  It would be nice if such singers, meanwhile, at least tried to perform songs that didn't rely so much on heavy mixing and backup vocal tracks.  Even if Bette Midler didn't give it her all on "American Idol's" season finale, at least she seemed to be doing it live.

The stage looked awfully lonely Wednesday evening when only four contestants opened "So You Think You Can Dance," but the night certainly wasn't sparse.  As the dancers performed four routines apiece (one with each contestant, plus a solo), the $250,000 prize seemed rather paltry for how much work the contestants have put in this season.

But who will win?

At the beginning of the evening, it looked like the competition was Sabra Johnson's to take.  She appears to be a favorite among the fans, judges and choreographers alike.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe's advice to her at the beginning of the show was to "keep doing what you're doing," and choreographer Tyce Diorio proclaimed her to be a "master at everything."

Was it the producers' challenge to Sabra, then, or was it simply bad luck that she seemed to draw the most difficult lot, routine-wise?  Her first showing was a rather weak hip-hop performance with Neil Haskell, then a Wade Robson jazz number with Lacey Schwimmer that unfortunately didn't highlight the strengths of the dancers or their connection to each other, and finally a cha-cha with Danny Tidwell that received mixed reviews from all three judges.

None of the dances really catered to her expertise, while the other dancers did receive the gift of at least one complementary routine: Neil was able to use his gymnastic skills in a Lindy Hop with Lacey and shone in a fabulously conceived Mia Michaels fight-dance with Danny; Danny, too, played the Michaels routine to the hilt and showed his tremendous elegance in a waltz with Lacey; and Lacey has expertise in the more traditional dances she performed with the boys, which she executed with mastery.

This is not to take away whatsoever from the hard work and terrific performances of the other dancers and not to say that Sabra got the shaft, but it's a shame she didn't get a paired dance that really showed off her gifts.  Fortunately, she was able to bring the joy, lightness and power to her solo that her fans have come to love. 

Will America elect its first female favorite dancer this week?  In a special Monday results show, six contestants were narrowed to four, and with the sight of Lauren Gottlieb, Lacey Schwimmer and Sabra Johnson lined up against Pasha Kovalev, Danny Tidwell and Neil Haskell, the girls vs. boys dichotomy seemed clear.  Although each of the dancers has his or her particular strengths and weaknesses, the top three of each sex seemed to represent the contrasts.

Lauren predicted in this column that a girl would take the prize this year, and the women certainly have the chops.  With their dark hair and toned physiques, they share similar physical characteristics.  Sabra and Lacey danced consistently well throughout the competition, and Lauren and Sabra established their own particular dance personalities as the show progressed.  In individuality and on the floor, the three brought loads of spark and fun to their performances.

Danny, Neil and Pasha never seemed to have much in common until they stood next to each other for the cut.  They're all muscled, lean and tall (which became obvious when they stood next to host Cat Deeley, who is as tall as a redwood).  At first glance, all three seem rather stoic compared to Energizer bunnies such as Lacey and Lauren or goofballs like Dominic Sandoval, but they've all had their passionate, funny moments on the show.  All three specialize in genres that require a balance of grace and masculinity.

Up until last night, one of the best parts of "So You Think You Can Dance" was that, unlike on other results shows, drama still actually happened.  On Thursday nights, when the fallout from the audience's votes was revealed, the judges were able to intervene and make their decisions after dancers had been given one last shot to prove themselves in solos. But now, the eliminations are left entirely to the voters at home.

It's unclear what the benefit of this is at this point in the show.  Viewers have less reason to tune in to the results because the decision has been cast.  The final four dancers had one more chance to show off in their solos, but there was no point, competition-wise, because their performances wouldn't affect the outcome. 

One contestant who might have been at a disadvantage when it came to performing in the previous "dancing for your life" solos was 27-year-old ballroom/Latin dancer Pasha Kovalev, a Russian native who lives in New Jersey.  Last week, his ballroom counterpart Anya Garnis was sent home, partially because as a partner dancer she couldn't show off in her solos the way other dancers could.

Pasha talked about what it's like being the remaining ballroom dancer on the show. 

"The difference in ballroom is that you're showing off your partner more than yourself," he said. "That's how you make dance look beautiful and special, as opposed to the other guys on the show who are used to dancing by themselves.  The whole performance is about them and their tricks. We in ballroom don't really have those flips over our head or jumping splits.  Maybe it's not that appealing to the judges and they would like to see more flashy stuff.  I think ballroom dancers are strong in their performance and characterization of the dance and of the song, and it's really all about connecting to the audience and making them feel what you feel at the moment, with or without the tricks." 

Even though the dancers weren't dancing for their lives anymore, they still had to prepare their solos for the results show.  Pasha discussed what goes into a solo.

"It's all about trying to find the right piece of music," he said. "We have a short time to dance when we perform, just 30 seconds, so it's hard to tell the full story during that period of time. You just try to create beautiful pictures that people will relate to.  After I did my first dance in the bottom three contestants on the second week of the show, I decided what I'd do next and I've been preparing it since.  So far I haven't had the chance to dance it, and I hope I don't."

The top 10 dancers on "So You Think You Can Dance" performed with some format changes this week: The partners were changed around and each dancer had to perform identical solos. One of the contestants was Lauren Gottlieb, pictured, a 19-year-old from Scottsdale, Ariz., who last season was too young to audition for the show but assisted choreographer Tyce Diorio with putting together some of the routines. She was able to chat Wednesday morning between breakfast and a costume fitting about the changes, the judges and whom she think has the upper hand in the competition. 

Lauren's work in previous weeks with partner Neil Haskell, especially during last week's contemporary Mia Michaels routine (which she revealed was more about two people looking to score a fix than to fix a drain), garnered raves from the judges. However, she didn't seem to mind switching partners, especially because this week she was paired with Pasha Kovalev, who hasn't let down a partner yet. They turned out a technologically themed Shane Sparks hip-hop routine, a genre she's familiar with.

"It was my favorite performance so far. I'm still smiling from it!" Lauren gushed. "Switching up the partners was totally different, but we really clicked and I had a blast up there." She's diplomatic, however: "I would have picked anyone to dance with. I'm very familiar with the show, and in previous years the choreographers have had a hard time with some dancers. But this year everyone's doing amazing, so standing there picking our new partners' names from the hat, I had no worries. In fact, a lot of people say they wish it'd be split up from their old partners each week. It's cool to see how people vibe off different people now."

The mixed-up couples did prove as entertaining as they seemed they'd be. Sabra Johnson proved that her star can still shine without Dominic Sandoval, while Kameron Bink's days appeared to be numbered with or without previous partner Lacey Schwimmer. Lacey, meanwhile, continued to dominate the paired dancing, while Danny Tidwell could barely conceal his disdain for her larger-than-life personality.  Dominic brought a theatricality to the dance floor for Jaimie Goodwin that her previous partner Hok Konishi could not -- but too much, for the judges. Sara VonGillern's and Neil Haskell's fun disco routine proved that they're a strong couple but strong individual dancers as well, as pairs dancing isn't either of their fortes. But they sure made it look easy.

Like on "American Idol," the top 10 contestants on "So You Think You Can Dance" are guaranteed a spot on the image-raising and revenue-collecting postseason tour.  The eliminations are only getting tougher, so in predicting who would go home last night, it was helpful to remember this major perk.  Who seemed like they'd be an indispensable part of the tour?  Who wouldn't be missed?

The elimination of Anya Garnis was the least surprising of the girls. The ballroom/Latin dancer had a major disadvantage as a performer used to hoofing it with a partner.  Every Thursday she poured her heart out on stage in some absolutely amazing outfits, but as judge Nigel Lythgoe pointed out, in the end the show is about solo performers (although this raises the question of whether ballroom/Latin dancers should get more leeway if they automatically face such a large obstacle).  In an earlier episode, choreographer Mia Michaels noted that Anya was "the lady of the competition," which was an accurate and complimentary description.  Unfortunately, it didn't help the Russian.  The show's audience clearly gravitates toward a youthful, energetic and slightly wacky persona (as embodied by Lacey Schwimmer), and Anya wasn't a big enough ham for the show. 

Last night marked the final time that the top 10 couples on "So You Think You Can Dance" would perform together before being randomly paired off for the rest of the show.  How will the dancers fare after they're split up from their original partners?  Some predictions: 

Sabra Johnson and Dominic Sandoval:  These two will be interesting to watch once they're broken up, because they seem to be matched in physicality and spice, turning out equally cute and energetic performances week after week.  Sabra seems like she would have more to lose from the breakup because Dominic appears to tease some bonus personality out of her.  It's not hard to imagine Dominic continuing to thrive with the other women on the show, although his impishness would be an interesting contrast to Anya Garnis' sophistication or Sara VonGillern's toughness. 

Jaimie Goodwin and Hok Konishi:  Despite Jaimie's claims of having a crush on Hok, this couple appear to have the least amount of chemistry.  Hok at times appears to be out-and-out annoyed by Jaimie's personality, and although the two have their own skills as dancers, last night's uninspiring "Mr. Bojangles" routine showed they don't necessarily raise each other up technique-wise.  It would be interesting to see Hok paired with Anya, one of the other international dancers on the show, or Sara for some co-ed breaking.

Normally, plugs for television shows or movies on reality TV shows tend to go over with the grace and beauty of a lead balloon.  Audiences don't like having commercials sneaked in between commercials, and get irritated when the filler becomes especially unnecessary (like the Jimmy Kimmel segments on "Dancing With the Stars.")  Last night's tie-in to the movie "Hairspray," however, on "So You Think You Can Dance" was remarkably tolerable, nay, enjoyable. 

The seeds of goodwill were sewn last night with the knowledgeable and mouthy guest judge Adam Shankman, director and choreographer of the movie (which, of course, was adapted from the Broadway show which was adapted from the John Waters movie).  The opening dance for the results show, choreographed by Shankman with plenty of sass, was an effective advertisement for the movie.  Joyous, frothy and over the top, the dancers seemed to actually enjoy performing the number, which was the key to the dance. If the movie can re-create the same joy, then audiences are going to love it. 

One of the refreshing aspects of "So You Think You Can Dance" is that the program, and the people in it, appear to dwell in the real world.  Except maybe Danny Tidwell, who seems a little too proud that he spends a lot of money on expensive sunglasses.  SYTYCD seems to be one of the few TV shows that acknowledges its fans and their opinions -- on the show, not by making tweaks to appeal to focus groups.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe has previously mentioned, on air, online reactions to the show (Hi, Nigel!), and last night referred to a petition that was sent to the producers to protest the departure of Jessi Peralta two weeks ago.  Although the audience's plea couldn't undo the deed, it was listened to with respect, and Lythgoe explained, thoughtfully, his response and rationale.  It's encouraging to see the fourth wall broken down, and to see that viewers can make an impression in ways other than just calling pay-telephone numbers.  It makes the show seem more current compared to, say, "Survivor," where nobody comes out and says, "Well it's not like the producers are literally going to let us starve," or how on "American Idol" the website votefortheworst.com never got mentioned, despite its heavy influence in keeping Sanjaya Malakar on the show. 

It might have been a controversial results show, if it didn't seem that ultimately, in the end, the judges and America sort of got it right. 

Potential controversy No. 1: The "dream team" of Anya Garnis and Danny Tidwell was voted in the bottom three while Shauna Noland and Cedric Gardner, who the judges had all but assured would go home, were safe. Was it because America pitied Cedric for his dressing-down, or assumed that Anya and Danny would be safe because of their talent? Or did it have anything to do with Cedric's little speech? To his credit, when addressing the judges after their brutal evaluation of him, Cedric was gracious and didn't try too much to explain himself or mouth off like contestants do on other shows. However, one did wonder if other contestants thought it would be nice for them to plea their case as well.

Potential controversy No. 2: Because of a health problem, Jessi Peralta couldn't dance Wednesday night and, as explained by judge Nigel Lythgoe, would be forced to dance for her life on Thursday in addition to the three bottom girls (including the unexpected Anya.) Jessi got no pity points and was summarily dismissed by the judges, with no explanation or well wishes, which was unusual. What was up with that?

"So You Think You Can Dance" is not a good show for multi-taskers.  Those of us who like to wash dishes, clip coupons or flip through catalogs in front of the TV are forced to put down our other projects as early on in the show as the introduction, since we viewers risk missing something amazing if we look away even for a moment.

It was evident that Wednesday night's show was going to be good when Debbie Allen, "Fame" dance instructor diva (and, of course, sister to Phylicia Rashad) sat in as a judge. Is it weird to want to hire her as a professional life coach? Or at least to invite her out for a drink, maybe with Cat Deeley? It seems like hanging out with the two of them would do wonders for the self-esteem, or at least be good for a laugh.  Who doesn't like a famous woman who isn't afraid to admit that half the hair on her head is fake?

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': Sabra rattling?

The stage looked awfully lonely Wednesday evening when only four contestants opened "So You Think You Can Dance," but the night certainly wasn't sparse.  As the dancers performed four routines apiece (one with each contestant, plus a solo), the $250,000 prize seemed rather paltry for how much work the contestants have put in this season.

But who will win?

At the beginning of the evening, it looked like the competition was Sabra Johnson's to take.  She appears to be a favorite among the fans, judges and choreographers alike.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe's advice to her at the beginning of the show was to "keep doing what you're doing," and choreographer Tyce Diorio proclaimed her to be a "master at everything."

Was it the producers' challenge to Sabra, then, or was it simply bad luck that she seemed to draw the most difficult lot, routine-wise?  Her first showing was a rather weak hip-hop performance with Neil Haskell, then a Wade Robson jazz number with Lacey Schwimmer that unfortunately didn't highlight the strengths of the dancers or their connection to each other, and finally a cha-cha with Danny Tidwell that received mixed reviews from all three judges.

None of the dances really catered to her expertise, while the other dancers did receive the gift of at least one complementary routine: Neil was able to use his gymnastic skills in a Lindy Hop with Lacey and shone in a fabulously conceived Mia Michaels fight-dance with Danny; Danny, too, played the Michaels routine to the hilt and showed his tremendous elegance in a waltz with Lacey; and Lacey has expertise in the more traditional dances she performed with the boys, which she executed with mastery.

This is not to take away whatsoever from the hard work and terrific performances of the other dancers and not to say that Sabra got the shaft, but it's a shame she didn't get a paired dance that really showed off her gifts.  Fortunately, she was able to bring the joy, lightness and power to her solo that her fans have come to love. 

Will America elect its first female favorite dancer this week?  In a special Monday results show, six contestants were narrowed to four, and with the sight of Lauren Gottlieb, Lacey Schwimmer and Sabra Johnson lined up against Pasha Kovalev, Danny Tidwell and Neil Haskell, the girls vs. boys dichotomy seemed clear.  Although each of the dancers has his or her particular strengths and weaknesses, the top three of each sex seemed to represent the contrasts.

Lauren predicted in this column that a girl would take the prize this year, and the women certainly have the chops.  With their dark hair and toned physiques, they share similar physical characteristics.  Sabra and Lacey danced consistently well throughout the competition, and Lauren and Sabra established their own particular dance personalities as the show progressed.  In individuality and on the floor, the three brought loads of spark and fun to their performances.

Danny, Neil and Pasha never seemed to have much in common until they stood next to each other for the cut.  They're all muscled, lean and tall (which became obvious when they stood next to host Cat Deeley, who is as tall as a redwood).  At first glance, all three seem rather stoic compared to Energizer bunnies such as Lacey and Lauren or goofballs like Dominic Sandoval, but they've all had their passionate, funny moments on the show.  All three specialize in genres that require a balance of grace and masculinity.

Up until last night, one of the best parts of "So You Think You Can Dance" was that, unlike on other results shows, drama still actually happened.  On Thursday nights, when the fallout from the audience's votes was revealed, the judges were able to intervene and make their decisions after dancers had been given one last shot to prove themselves in solos. But now, the eliminations are left entirely to the voters at home.

It's unclear what the benefit of this is at this point in the show.  Viewers have less reason to tune in to the results because the decision has been cast.  The final four dancers had one more chance to show off in their solos, but there was no point, competition-wise, because their performances wouldn't affect the outcome. 

One contestant who might have been at a disadvantage when it came to performing in the previous "dancing for your life" solos was 27-year-old ballroom/Latin dancer Pasha Kovalev, a Russian native who lives in New Jersey.  Last week, his ballroom counterpart Anya Garnis was sent home, partially because as a partner dancer she couldn't show off in her solos the way other dancers could.

Pasha talked about what it's like being the remaining ballroom dancer on the show. 

"The difference in ballroom is that you're showing off your partner more than yourself," he said. "That's how you make dance look beautiful and special, as opposed to the other guys on the show who are used to dancing by themselves.  The whole performance is about them and their tricks. We in ballroom don't really have those flips over our head or jumping splits.  Maybe it's not that appealing to the judges and they would like to see more flashy stuff.  I think ballroom dancers are strong in their performance and characterization of the dance and of the song, and it's really all about connecting to the audience and making them feel what you feel at the moment, with or without the tricks." 

Even though the dancers weren't dancing for their lives anymore, they still had to prepare their solos for the results show.  Pasha discussed what goes into a solo.

"It's all about trying to find the right piece of music," he said. "We have a short time to dance when we perform, just 30 seconds, so it's hard to tell the full story during that period of time. You just try to create beautiful pictures that people will relate to.  After I did my first dance in the bottom three contestants on the second week of the show, I decided what I'd do next and I've been preparing it since.  So far I haven't had the chance to dance it, and I hope I don't."

The top 10 dancers on "So You Think You Can Dance" performed with some format changes this week: The partners were changed around and each dancer had to perform identical solos. One of the contestants was Lauren Gottlieb, pictured, a 19-year-old from Scottsdale, Ariz., who last season was too young to audition for the show but assisted choreographer Tyce Diorio with putting together some of the routines. She was able to chat Wednesday morning between breakfast and a costume fitting about the changes, the judges and whom she think has the upper hand in the competition. 

Lauren's work in previous weeks with partner Neil Haskell, especially during last week's contemporary Mia Michaels routine (which she revealed was more about two people looking to score a fix than to fix a drain), garnered raves from the judges. However, she didn't seem to mind switching partners, especially because this week she was paired with Pasha Kovalev, who hasn't let down a partner yet. They turned out a technologically themed Shane Sparks hip-hop routine, a genre she's familiar with.

"It was my favorite performance so far. I'm still smiling from it!" Lauren gushed. "Switching up the partners was totally different, but we really clicked and I had a blast up there." She's diplomatic, however: "I would have picked anyone to dance with. I'm very familiar with the show, and in previous years the choreographers have had a hard time with some dancers. But this year everyone's doing amazing, so standing there picking our new partners' names from the hat, I had no worries. In fact, a lot of people say they wish it'd be split up from their old partners each week. It's cool to see how people vibe off different people now."

The mixed-up couples did prove as entertaining as they seemed they'd be. Sabra Johnson proved that her star can still shine without Dominic Sandoval, while Kameron Bink's days appeared to be numbered with or without previous partner Lacey Schwimmer. Lacey, meanwhile, continued to dominate the paired dancing, while Danny Tidwell could barely conceal his disdain for her larger-than-life personality.  Dominic brought a theatricality to the dance floor for Jaimie Goodwin that her previous partner Hok Konishi could not -- but too much, for the judges. Sara VonGillern's and Neil Haskell's fun disco routine proved that they're a strong couple but strong individual dancers as well, as pairs dancing isn't either of their fortes. But they sure made it look easy.

Like on "American Idol," the top 10 contestants on "So You Think You Can Dance" are guaranteed a spot on the image-raising and revenue-collecting postseason tour.  The eliminations are only getting tougher, so in predicting who would go home last night, it was helpful to remember this major perk.  Who seemed like they'd be an indispensable part of the tour?  Who wouldn't be missed?

The elimination of Anya Garnis was the least surprising of the girls. The ballroom/Latin dancer had a major disadvantage as a performer used to hoofing it with a partner.  Every Thursday she poured her heart out on stage in some absolutely amazing outfits, but as judge Nigel Lythgoe pointed out, in the end the show is about solo performers (although this raises the question of whether ballroom/Latin dancers should get more leeway if they automatically face such a large obstacle).  In an earlier episode, choreographer Mia Michaels noted that Anya was "the lady of the competition," which was an accurate and complimentary description.  Unfortunately, it didn't help the Russian.  The show's audience clearly gravitates toward a youthful, energetic and slightly wacky persona (as embodied by Lacey Schwimmer), and Anya wasn't a big enough ham for the show. 

Last night marked the final time that the top 10 couples on "So You Think You Can Dance" would perform together before being randomly paired off for the rest of the show.  How will the dancers fare after they're split up from their original partners?  Some predictions: 

Sabra Johnson and Dominic Sandoval:  These two will be interesting to watch once they're broken up, because they seem to be matched in physicality and spice, turning out equally cute and energetic performances week after week.  Sabra seems like she would have more to lose from the breakup because Dominic appears to tease some bonus personality out of her.  It's not hard to imagine Dominic continuing to thrive with the other women on the show, although his impishness would be an interesting contrast to Anya Garnis' sophistication or Sara VonGillern's toughness. 

Jaimie Goodwin and Hok Konishi:  Despite Jaimie's claims of having a crush on Hok, this couple appear to have the least amount of chemistry.  Hok at times appears to be out-and-out annoyed by Jaimie's personality, and although the two have their own skills as dancers, last night's uninspiring "Mr. Bojangles" routine showed they don't necessarily raise each other up technique-wise.  It would be interesting to see Hok paired with Anya, one of the other international dancers on the show, or Sara for some co-ed breaking.

Normally, plugs for television shows or movies on reality TV shows tend to go over with the grace and beauty of a lead balloon.  Audiences don't like having commercials sneaked in between commercials, and get irritated when the filler becomes especially unnecessary (like the Jimmy Kimmel segments on "Dancing With the Stars.")  Last night's tie-in to the movie "Hairspray," however, on "So You Think You Can Dance" was remarkably tolerable, nay, enjoyable. 

The seeds of goodwill were sewn last night with the knowledgeable and mouthy guest judge Adam Shankman, director and choreographer of the movie (which, of course, was adapted from the Broadway show which was adapted from the John Waters movie).  The opening dance for the results show, choreographed by Shankman with plenty of sass, was an effective advertisement for the movie.  Joyous, frothy and over the top, the dancers seemed to actually enjoy performing the number, which was the key to the dance. If the movie can re-create the same joy, then audiences are going to love it. 

One of the refreshing aspects of "So You Think You Can Dance" is that the program, and the people in it, appear to dwell in the real world.  Except maybe Danny Tidwell, who seems a little too proud that he spends a lot of money on expensive sunglasses.  SYTYCD seems to be one of the few TV shows that acknowledges its fans and their opinions -- on the show, not by making tweaks to appeal to focus groups.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe has previously mentioned, on air, online reactions to the show (Hi, Nigel!), and last night referred to a petition that was sent to the producers to protest the departure of Jessi Peralta two weeks ago.  Although the audience's plea couldn't undo the deed, it was listened to with respect, and Lythgoe explained, thoughtfully, his response and rationale.  It's encouraging to see the fourth wall broken down, and to see that viewers can make an impression in ways other than just calling pay-telephone numbers.  It makes the show seem more current compared to, say, "Survivor," where nobody comes out and says, "Well it's not like the producers are literally going to let us starve," or how on "American Idol" the website votefortheworst.com never got mentioned, despite its heavy influence in keeping Sanjaya Malakar on the show. 

It might have been a controversial results show, if it didn't seem that ultimately, in the end, the judges and America sort of got it right. 

Potential controversy No. 1: The "dream team" of Anya Garnis and Danny Tidwell was voted in the bottom three while Shauna Noland and Cedric Gardner, who the judges had all but assured would go home, were safe. Was it because America pitied Cedric for his dressing-down, or assumed that Anya and Danny would be safe because of their talent? Or did it have anything to do with Cedric's little speech? To his credit, when addressing the judges after their brutal evaluation of him, Cedric was gracious and didn't try too much to explain himself or mouth off like contestants do on other shows. However, one did wonder if other contestants thought it would be nice for them to plea their case as well.

Potential controversy No. 2: Because of a health problem, Jessi Peralta couldn't dance Wednesday night and, as explained by judge Nigel Lythgoe, would be forced to dance for her life on Thursday in addition to the three bottom girls (including the unexpected Anya.) Jessi got no pity points and was summarily dismissed by the judges, with no explanation or well wishes, which was unusual. What was up with that?

"So You Think You Can Dance" is not a good show for multi-taskers.  Those of us who like to wash dishes, clip coupons or flip through catalogs in front of the TV are forced to put down our other projects as early on in the show as the introduction, since we viewers risk missing something amazing if we look away even for a moment.

It was evident that Wednesday night's show was going to be good when Debbie Allen, "Fame" dance instructor diva (and, of course, sister to Phylicia Rashad) sat in as a judge. Is it weird to want to hire her as a professional life coach? Or at least to invite her out for a drink, maybe with Cat Deeley? It seems like hanging out with the two of them would do wonders for the self-esteem, or at least be good for a laugh.  Who doesn't like a famous woman who isn't afraid to admit that half the hair on her head is fake?

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': Battle of the sexes

Will America elect its first female favorite dancer this week?  In a special Monday results show, six contestants were narrowed to four, and with the sight of Lauren Gottlieb, Lacey Schwimmer and Sabra Johnson lined up against Pasha Kovalev, Danny Tidwell and Neil Haskell, the girls vs. boys dichotomy seemed clear.  Although each of the dancers has his or her particular strengths and weaknesses, the top three of each sex seemed to represent the contrasts.

Lauren predicted in this column that a girl would take the prize this year, and the women certainly have the chops.  With their dark hair and toned physiques, they share similar physical characteristics.  Sabra and Lacey danced consistently well throughout the competition, and Lauren and Sabra established their own particular dance personalities as the show progressed.  In individuality and on the floor, the three brought loads of spark and fun to their performances.

Danny, Neil and Pasha never seemed to have much in common until they stood next to each other for the cut.  They're all muscled, lean and tall (which became obvious when they stood next to host Cat Deeley, who is as tall as a redwood).  At first glance, all three seem rather stoic compared to Energizer bunnies such as Lacey and Lauren or goofballs like Dominic Sandoval, but they've all had their passionate, funny moments on the show.  All three specialize in genres that require a balance of grace and masculinity.

Up until last night, one of the best parts of "So You Think You Can Dance" was that, unlike on other results shows, drama still actually happened.  On Thursday nights, when the fallout from the audience's votes was revealed, the judges were able to intervene and make their decisions after dancers had been given one last shot to prove themselves in solos. But now, the eliminations are left entirely to the voters at home.

It's unclear what the benefit of this is at this point in the show.  Viewers have less reason to tune in to the results because the decision has been cast.  The final four dancers had one more chance to show off in their solos, but there was no point, competition-wise, because their performances wouldn't affect the outcome. 

One contestant who might have been at a disadvantage when it came to performing in the previous "dancing for your life" solos was 27-year-old ballroom/Latin dancer Pasha Kovalev, a Russian native who lives in New Jersey.  Last week, his ballroom counterpart Anya Garnis was sent home, partially because as a partner dancer she couldn't show off in her solos the way other dancers could.

Pasha talked about what it's like being the remaining ballroom dancer on the show. 

"The difference in ballroom is that you're showing off your partner more than yourself," he said. "That's how you make dance look beautiful and special, as opposed to the other guys on the show who are used to dancing by themselves.  The whole performance is about them and their tricks. We in ballroom don't really have those flips over our head or jumping splits.  Maybe it's not that appealing to the judges and they would like to see more flashy stuff.  I think ballroom dancers are strong in their performance and characterization of the dance and of the song, and it's really all about connecting to the audience and making them feel what you feel at the moment, with or without the tricks." 

Even though the dancers weren't dancing for their lives anymore, they still had to prepare their solos for the results show.  Pasha discussed what goes into a solo.

"It's all about trying to find the right piece of music," he said. "We have a short time to dance when we perform, just 30 seconds, so it's hard to tell the full story during that period of time. You just try to create beautiful pictures that people will relate to.  After I did my first dance in the bottom three contestants on the second week of the show, I decided what I'd do next and I've been preparing it since.  So far I haven't had the chance to dance it, and I hope I don't."

The top 10 dancers on "So You Think You Can Dance" performed with some format changes this week: The partners were changed around and each dancer had to perform identical solos. One of the contestants was Lauren Gottlieb, pictured, a 19-year-old from Scottsdale, Ariz., who last season was too young to audition for the show but assisted choreographer Tyce Diorio with putting together some of the routines. She was able to chat Wednesday morning between breakfast and a costume fitting about the changes, the judges and whom she think has the upper hand in the competition. 

Lauren's work in previous weeks with partner Neil Haskell, especially during last week's contemporary Mia Michaels routine (which she revealed was more about two people looking to score a fix than to fix a drain), garnered raves from the judges. However, she didn't seem to mind switching partners, especially because this week she was paired with Pasha Kovalev, who hasn't let down a partner yet. They turned out a technologically themed Shane Sparks hip-hop routine, a genre she's familiar with.

"It was my favorite performance so far. I'm still smiling from it!" Lauren gushed. "Switching up the partners was totally different, but we really clicked and I had a blast up there." She's diplomatic, however: "I would have picked anyone to dance with. I'm very familiar with the show, and in previous years the choreographers have had a hard time with some dancers. But this year everyone's doing amazing, so standing there picking our new partners' names from the hat, I had no worries. In fact, a lot of people say they wish it'd be split up from their old partners each week. It's cool to see how people vibe off different people now."

The mixed-up couples did prove as entertaining as they seemed they'd be. Sabra Johnson proved that her star can still shine without Dominic Sandoval, while Kameron Bink's days appeared to be numbered with or without previous partner Lacey Schwimmer. Lacey, meanwhile, continued to dominate the paired dancing, while Danny Tidwell could barely conceal his disdain for her larger-than-life personality.  Dominic brought a theatricality to the dance floor for Jaimie Goodwin that her previous partner Hok Konishi could not -- but too much, for the judges. Sara VonGillern's and Neil Haskell's fun disco routine proved that they're a strong couple but strong individual dancers as well, as pairs dancing isn't either of their fortes. But they sure made it look easy.

Like on "American Idol," the top 10 contestants on "So You Think You Can Dance" are guaranteed a spot on the image-raising and revenue-collecting postseason tour.  The eliminations are only getting tougher, so in predicting who would go home last night, it was helpful to remember this major perk.  Who seemed like they'd be an indispensable part of the tour?  Who wouldn't be missed?

The elimination of Anya Garnis was the least surprising of the girls. The ballroom/Latin dancer had a major disadvantage as a performer used to hoofing it with a partner.  Every Thursday she poured her heart out on stage in some absolutely amazing outfits, but as judge Nigel Lythgoe pointed out, in the end the show is about solo performers (although this raises the question of whether ballroom/Latin dancers should get more leeway if they automatically face such a large obstacle).  In an earlier episode, choreographer Mia Michaels noted that Anya was "the lady of the competition," which was an accurate and complimentary description.  Unfortunately, it didn't help the Russian.  The show's audience clearly gravitates toward a youthful, energetic and slightly wacky persona (as embodied by Lacey Schwimmer), and Anya wasn't a big enough ham for the show. 

Last night marked the final time that the top 10 couples on "So You Think You Can Dance" would perform together before being randomly paired off for the rest of the show.  How will the dancers fare after they're split up from their original partners?  Some predictions: 

Sabra Johnson and Dominic Sandoval:  These two will be interesting to watch once they're broken up, because they seem to be matched in physicality and spice, turning out equally cute and energetic performances week after week.  Sabra seems like she would have more to lose from the breakup because Dominic appears to tease some bonus personality out of her.  It's not hard to imagine Dominic continuing to thrive with the other women on the show, although his impishness would be an interesting contrast to Anya Garnis' sophistication or Sara VonGillern's toughness. 

Jaimie Goodwin and Hok Konishi:  Despite Jaimie's claims of having a crush on Hok, this couple appear to have the least amount of chemistry.  Hok at times appears to be out-and-out annoyed by Jaimie's personality, and although the two have their own skills as dancers, last night's uninspiring "Mr. Bojangles" routine showed they don't necessarily raise each other up technique-wise.  It would be interesting to see Hok paired with Anya, one of the other international dancers on the show, or Sara for some co-ed breaking.

Normally, plugs for television shows or movies on reality TV shows tend to go over with the grace and beauty of a lead balloon.  Audiences don't like having commercials sneaked in between commercials, and get irritated when the filler becomes especially unnecessary (like the Jimmy Kimmel segments on "Dancing With the Stars.")  Last night's tie-in to the movie "Hairspray," however, on "So You Think You Can Dance" was remarkably tolerable, nay, enjoyable. 

The seeds of goodwill were sewn last night with the knowledgeable and mouthy guest judge Adam Shankman, director and choreographer of the movie (which, of course, was adapted from the Broadway show which was adapted from the John Waters movie).  The opening dance for the results show, choreographed by Shankman with plenty of sass, was an effective advertisement for the movie.  Joyous, frothy and over the top, the dancers seemed to actually enjoy performing the number, which was the key to the dance. If the movie can re-create the same joy, then audiences are going to love it. 

One of the refreshing aspects of "So You Think You Can Dance" is that the program, and the people in it, appear to dwell in the real world.  Except maybe Danny Tidwell, who seems a little too proud that he spends a lot of money on expensive sunglasses.  SYTYCD seems to be one of the few TV shows that acknowledges its fans and their opinions -- on the show, not by making tweaks to appeal to focus groups.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe has previously mentioned, on air, online reactions to the show (Hi, Nigel!), and last night referred to a petition that was sent to the producers to protest the departure of Jessi Peralta two weeks ago.  Although the audience's plea couldn't undo the deed, it was listened to with respect, and Lythgoe explained, thoughtfully, his response and rationale.  It's encouraging to see the fourth wall broken down, and to see that viewers can make an impression in ways other than just calling pay-telephone numbers.  It makes the show seem more current compared to, say, "Survivor," where nobody comes out and says, "Well it's not like the producers are literally going to let us starve," or how on "American Idol" the website votefortheworst.com never got mentioned, despite its heavy influence in keeping Sanjaya Malakar on the show. 

It might have been a controversial results show, if it didn't seem that ultimately, in the end, the judges and America sort of got it right. 

Potential controversy No. 1: The "dream team" of Anya Garnis and Danny Tidwell was voted in the bottom three while Shauna Noland and Cedric Gardner, who the judges had all but assured would go home, were safe. Was it because America pitied Cedric for his dressing-down, or assumed that Anya and Danny would be safe because of their talent? Or did it have anything to do with Cedric's little speech? To his credit, when addressing the judges after their brutal evaluation of him, Cedric was gracious and didn't try too much to explain himself or mouth off like contestants do on other shows. However, one did wonder if other contestants thought it would be nice for them to plea their case as well.

Potential controversy No. 2: Because of a health problem, Jessi Peralta couldn't dance Wednesday night and, as explained by judge Nigel Lythgoe, would be forced to dance for her life on Thursday in addition to the three bottom girls (including the unexpected Anya.) Jessi got no pity points and was summarily dismissed by the judges, with no explanation or well wishes, which was unusual. What was up with that?

"So You Think You Can Dance" is not a good show for multi-taskers.  Those of us who like to wash dishes, clip coupons or flip through catalogs in front of the TV are forced to put down our other projects as early on in the show as the introduction, since we viewers risk missing something amazing if we look away even for a moment.

It was evident that Wednesday night's show was going to be good when Debbie Allen, "Fame" dance instructor diva (and, of course, sister to Phylicia Rashad) sat in as a judge. Is it weird to want to hire her as a professional life coach? Or at least to invite her out for a drink, maybe with Cat Deeley? It seems like hanging out with the two of them would do wonders for the self-esteem, or at least be good for a laugh.  Who doesn't like a famous woman who isn't afraid to admit that half the hair on her head is fake?

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': Breaking news! Pasha Kovalev likes dancing with hot girls

Up until last night, one of the best parts of "So You Think You Can Dance" was that, unlike on other results shows, drama still actually happened.  On Thursday nights, when the fallout from the audience's votes was revealed, the judges were able to intervene and make their decisions after dancers had been given one last shot to prove themselves in solos. But now, the eliminations are left entirely to the voters at home.

It's unclear what the benefit of this is at this point in the show.  Viewers have less reason to tune in to the results because the decision has been cast.  The final four dancers had one more chance to show off in their solos, but there was no point, competition-wise, because their performances wouldn't affect the outcome. 

One contestant who might have been at a disadvantage when it came to performing in the previous "dancing for your life" solos was 27-year-old ballroom/Latin dancer Pasha Kovalev, a Russian native who lives in New Jersey.  Last week, his ballroom counterpart Anya Garnis was sent home, partially because as a partner dancer she couldn't show off in her solos the way other dancers could.

Pasha talked about what it's like being the remaining ballroom dancer on the show. 

"The difference in ballroom is that you're showing off your partner more than yourself," he said. "That's how you make dance look beautiful and special, as opposed to the other guys on the show who are used to dancing by themselves.  The whole performance is about them and their tricks. We in ballroom don't really have those flips over our head or jumping splits.  Maybe it's not that appealing to the judges and they would like to see more flashy stuff.  I think ballroom dancers are strong in their performance and characterization of the dance and of the song, and it's really all about connecting to the audience and making them feel what you feel at the moment, with or without the tricks." 

Even though the dancers weren't dancing for their lives anymore, they still had to prepare their solos for the results show.  Pasha discussed what goes into a solo.

"It's all about trying to find the right piece of music," he said. "We have a short time to dance when we perform, just 30 seconds, so it's hard to tell the full story during that period of time. You just try to create beautiful pictures that people will relate to.  After I did my first dance in the bottom three contestants on the second week of the show, I decided what I'd do next and I've been preparing it since.  So far I haven't had the chance to dance it, and I hope I don't."

The top 10 dancers on "So You Think You Can Dance" performed with some format changes this week: The partners were changed around and each dancer had to perform identical solos. One of the contestants was Lauren Gottlieb, pictured, a 19-year-old from Scottsdale, Ariz., who last season was too young to audition for the show but assisted choreographer Tyce Diorio with putting together some of the routines. She was able to chat Wednesday morning between breakfast and a costume fitting about the changes, the judges and whom she think has the upper hand in the competition. 

Lauren's work in previous weeks with partner Neil Haskell, especially during last week's contemporary Mia Michaels routine (which she revealed was more about two people looking to score a fix than to fix a drain), garnered raves from the judges. However, she didn't seem to mind switching partners, especially because this week she was paired with Pasha Kovalev, who hasn't let down a partner yet. They turned out a technologically themed Shane Sparks hip-hop routine, a genre she's familiar with.

"It was my favorite performance so far. I'm still smiling from it!" Lauren gushed. "Switching up the partners was totally different, but we really clicked and I had a blast up there." She's diplomatic, however: "I would have picked anyone to dance with. I'm very familiar with the show, and in previous years the choreographers have had a hard time with some dancers. But this year everyone's doing amazing, so standing there picking our new partners' names from the hat, I had no worries. In fact, a lot of people say they wish it'd be split up from their old partners each week. It's cool to see how people vibe off different people now."

The mixed-up couples did prove as entertaining as they seemed they'd be. Sabra Johnson proved that her star can still shine without Dominic Sandoval, while Kameron Bink's days appeared to be numbered with or without previous partner Lacey Schwimmer. Lacey, meanwhile, continued to dominate the paired dancing, while Danny Tidwell could barely conceal his disdain for her larger-than-life personality.  Dominic brought a theatricality to the dance floor for Jaimie Goodwin that her previous partner Hok Konishi could not -- but too much, for the judges. Sara VonGillern's and Neil Haskell's fun disco routine proved that they're a strong couple but strong individual dancers as well, as pairs dancing isn't either of their fortes. But they sure made it look easy.

Like on "American Idol," the top 10 contestants on "So You Think You Can Dance" are guaranteed a spot on the image-raising and revenue-collecting postseason tour.  The eliminations are only getting tougher, so in predicting who would go home last night, it was helpful to remember this major perk.  Who seemed like they'd be an indispensable part of the tour?  Who wouldn't be missed?

The elimination of Anya Garnis was the least surprising of the girls. The ballroom/Latin dancer had a major disadvantage as a performer used to hoofing it with a partner.  Every Thursday she poured her heart out on stage in some absolutely amazing outfits, but as judge Nigel Lythgoe pointed out, in the end the show is about solo performers (although this raises the question of whether ballroom/Latin dancers should get more leeway if they automatically face such a large obstacle).  In an earlier episode, choreographer Mia Michaels noted that Anya was "the lady of the competition," which was an accurate and complimentary description.  Unfortunately, it didn't help the Russian.  The show's audience clearly gravitates toward a youthful, energetic and slightly wacky persona (as embodied by Lacey Schwimmer), and Anya wasn't a big enough ham for the show. 

Last night marked the final time that the top 10 couples on "So You Think You Can Dance" would perform together before being randomly paired off for the rest of the show.  How will the dancers fare after they're split up from their original partners?  Some predictions: 

Sabra Johnson and Dominic Sandoval:  These two will be interesting to watch once they're broken up, because they seem to be matched in physicality and spice, turning out equally cute and energetic performances week after week.  Sabra seems like she would have more to lose from the breakup because Dominic appears to tease some bonus personality out of her.  It's not hard to imagine Dominic continuing to thrive with the other women on the show, although his impishness would be an interesting contrast to Anya Garnis' sophistication or Sara VonGillern's toughness. 

Jaimie Goodwin and Hok Konishi:  Despite Jaimie's claims of having a crush on Hok, this couple appear to have the least amount of chemistry.  Hok at times appears to be out-and-out annoyed by Jaimie's personality, and although the two have their own skills as dancers, last night's uninspiring "Mr. Bojangles" routine showed they don't necessarily raise each other up technique-wise.  It would be interesting to see Hok paired with Anya, one of the other international dancers on the show, or Sara for some co-ed breaking.

Normally, plugs for television shows or movies on reality TV shows tend to go over with the grace and beauty of a lead balloon.  Audiences don't like having commercials sneaked in between commercials, and get irritated when the filler becomes especially unnecessary (like the Jimmy Kimmel segments on "Dancing With the Stars.")  Last night's tie-in to the movie "Hairspray," however, on "So You Think You Can Dance" was remarkably tolerable, nay, enjoyable. 

The seeds of goodwill were sewn last night with the knowledgeable and mouthy guest judge Adam Shankman, director and choreographer of the movie (which, of course, was adapted from the Broadway show which was adapted from the John Waters movie).  The opening dance for the results show, choreographed by Shankman with plenty of sass, was an effective advertisement for the movie.  Joyous, frothy and over the top, the dancers seemed to actually enjoy performing the number, which was the key to the dance. If the movie can re-create the same joy, then audiences are going to love it. 

One of the refreshing aspects of "So You Think You Can Dance" is that the program, and the people in it, appear to dwell in the real world.  Except maybe Danny Tidwell, who seems a little too proud that he spends a lot of money on expensive sunglasses.  SYTYCD seems to be one of the few TV shows that acknowledges its fans and their opinions -- on the show, not by making tweaks to appeal to focus groups.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe has previously mentioned, on air, online reactions to the show (Hi, Nigel!), and last night referred to a petition that was sent to the producers to protest the departure of Jessi Peralta two weeks ago.  Although the audience's plea couldn't undo the deed, it was listened to with respect, and Lythgoe explained, thoughtfully, his response and rationale.  It's encouraging to see the fourth wall broken down, and to see that viewers can make an impression in ways other than just calling pay-telephone numbers.  It makes the show seem more current compared to, say, "Survivor," where nobody comes out and says, "Well it's not like the producers are literally going to let us starve," or how on "American Idol" the website votefortheworst.com never got mentioned, despite its heavy influence in keeping Sanjaya Malakar on the show. 

It might have been a controversial results show, if it didn't seem that ultimately, in the end, the judges and America sort of got it right. 

Potential controversy No. 1: The "dream team" of Anya Garnis and Danny Tidwell was voted in the bottom three while Shauna Noland and Cedric Gardner, who the judges had all but assured would go home, were safe. Was it because America pitied Cedric for his dressing-down, or assumed that Anya and Danny would be safe because of their talent? Or did it have anything to do with Cedric's little speech? To his credit, when addressing the judges after their brutal evaluation of him, Cedric was gracious and didn't try too much to explain himself or mouth off like contestants do on other shows. However, one did wonder if other contestants thought it would be nice for them to plea their case as well.

Potential controversy No. 2: Because of a health problem, Jessi Peralta couldn't dance Wednesday night and, as explained by judge Nigel Lythgoe, would be forced to dance for her life on Thursday in addition to the three bottom girls (including the unexpected Anya.) Jessi got no pity points and was summarily dismissed by the judges, with no explanation or well wishes, which was unusual. What was up with that?

"So You Think You Can Dance" is not a good show for multi-taskers.  Those of us who like to wash dishes, clip coupons or flip through catalogs in front of the TV are forced to put down our other projects as early on in the show as the introduction, since we viewers risk missing something amazing if we look away even for a moment.

It was evident that Wednesday night's show was going to be good when Debbie Allen, "Fame" dance instructor diva (and, of course, sister to Phylicia Rashad) sat in as a judge. Is it weird to want to hire her as a professional life coach? Or at least to invite her out for a drink, maybe with Cat Deeley? It seems like hanging out with the two of them would do wonders for the self-esteem, or at least be good for a laugh.  Who doesn't like a famous woman who isn't afraid to admit that half the hair on her head is fake?

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': A chat with Lauren Gottlieb

The top 10 dancers on "So You Think You Can Dance" performed with some format changes this week: The partners were changed around and each dancer had to perform identical solos. One of the contestants was Lauren Gottlieb, pictured, a 19-year-old from Scottsdale, Ariz., who last season was too young to audition for the show but assisted choreographer Tyce Diorio with putting together some of the routines. She was able to chat Wednesday morning between breakfast and a costume fitting about the changes, the judges and whom she think has the upper hand in the competition. 

Lauren's work in previous weeks with partner Neil Haskell, especially during last week's contemporary Mia Michaels routine (which she revealed was more about two people looking to score a fix than to fix a drain), garnered raves from the judges. However, she didn't seem to mind switching partners, especially because this week she was paired with Pasha Kovalev, who hasn't let down a partner yet. They turned out a technologically themed Shane Sparks hip-hop routine, a genre she's familiar with.

"It was my favorite performance so far. I'm still smiling from it!" Lauren gushed. "Switching up the partners was totally different, but we really clicked and I had a blast up there." She's diplomatic, however: "I would have picked anyone to dance with. I'm very familiar with the show, and in previous years the choreographers have had a hard time with some dancers. But this year everyone's doing amazing, so standing there picking our new partners' names from the hat, I had no worries. In fact, a lot of people say they wish it'd be split up from their old partners each week. It's cool to see how people vibe off different people now."

The mixed-up couples did prove as entertaining as they seemed they'd be. Sabra Johnson proved that her star can still shine without Dominic Sandoval, while Kameron Bink's days appeared to be numbered with or without previous partner Lacey Schwimmer. Lacey, meanwhile, continued to dominate the paired dancing, while Danny Tidwell could barely conceal his disdain for her larger-than-life personality.  Dominic brought a theatricality to the dance floor for Jaimie Goodwin that her previous partner Hok Konishi could not -- but too much, for the judges. Sara VonGillern's and Neil Haskell's fun disco routine proved that they're a strong couple but strong individual dancers as well, as pairs dancing isn't either of their fortes. But they sure made it look easy.

Like on "American Idol," the top 10 contestants on "So You Think You Can Dance" are guaranteed a spot on the image-raising and revenue-collecting postseason tour.  The eliminations are only getting tougher, so in predicting who would go home last night, it was helpful to remember this major perk.  Who seemed like they'd be an indispensable part of the tour?  Who wouldn't be missed?

The elimination of Anya Garnis was the least surprising of the girls. The ballroom/Latin dancer had a major disadvantage as a performer used to hoofing it with a partner.  Every Thursday she poured her heart out on stage in some absolutely amazing outfits, but as judge Nigel Lythgoe pointed out, in the end the show is about solo performers (although this raises the question of whether ballroom/Latin dancers should get more leeway if they automatically face such a large obstacle).  In an earlier episode, choreographer Mia Michaels noted that Anya was "the lady of the competition," which was an accurate and complimentary description.  Unfortunately, it didn't help the Russian.  The show's audience clearly gravitates toward a youthful, energetic and slightly wacky persona (as embodied by Lacey Schwimmer), and Anya wasn't a big enough ham for the show. 

Last night marked the final time that the top 10 couples on "So You Think You Can Dance" would perform together before being randomly paired off for the rest of the show.  How will the dancers fare after they're split up from their original partners?  Some predictions: 

Sabra Johnson and Dominic Sandoval:  These two will be interesting to watch once they're broken up, because they seem to be matched in physicality and spice, turning out equally cute and energetic performances week after week.  Sabra seems like she would have more to lose from the breakup because Dominic appears to tease some bonus personality out of her.  It's not hard to imagine Dominic continuing to thrive with the other women on the show, although his impishness would be an interesting contrast to Anya Garnis' sophistication or Sara VonGillern's toughness. 

Jaimie Goodwin and Hok Konishi:  Despite Jaimie's claims of having a crush on Hok, this couple appear to have the least amount of chemistry.  Hok at times appears to be out-and-out annoyed by Jaimie's personality, and although the two have their own skills as dancers, last night's uninspiring "Mr. Bojangles" routine showed they don't necessarily raise each other up technique-wise.  It would be interesting to see Hok paired with Anya, one of the other international dancers on the show, or Sara for some co-ed breaking.

Normally, plugs for television shows or movies on reality TV shows tend to go over with the grace and beauty of a lead balloon.  Audiences don't like having commercials sneaked in between commercials, and get irritated when the filler becomes especially unnecessary (like the Jimmy Kimmel segments on "Dancing With the Stars.")  Last night's tie-in to the movie "Hairspray," however, on "So You Think You Can Dance" was remarkably tolerable, nay, enjoyable. 

The seeds of goodwill were sewn last night with the knowledgeable and mouthy guest judge Adam Shankman, director and choreographer of the movie (which, of course, was adapted from the Broadway show which was adapted from the John Waters movie).  The opening dance for the results show, choreographed by Shankman with plenty of sass, was an effective advertisement for the movie.  Joyous, frothy and over the top, the dancers seemed to actually enjoy performing the number, which was the key to the dance. If the movie can re-create the same joy, then audiences are going to love it. 

One of the refreshing aspects of "So You Think You Can Dance" is that the program, and the people in it, appear to dwell in the real world.  Except maybe Danny Tidwell, who seems a little too proud that he spends a lot of money on expensive sunglasses.  SYTYCD seems to be one of the few TV shows that acknowledges its fans and their opinions -- on the show, not by making tweaks to appeal to focus groups.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe has previously mentioned, on air, online reactions to the show (Hi, Nigel!), and last night referred to a petition that was sent to the producers to protest the departure of Jessi Peralta two weeks ago.  Although the audience's plea couldn't undo the deed, it was listened to with respect, and Lythgoe explained, thoughtfully, his response and rationale.  It's encouraging to see the fourth wall broken down, and to see that viewers can make an impression in ways other than just calling pay-telephone numbers.  It makes the show seem more current compared to, say, "Survivor," where nobody comes out and says, "Well it's not like the producers are literally going to let us starve," or how on "American Idol" the website votefortheworst.com never got mentioned, despite its heavy influence in keeping Sanjaya Malakar on the show. 

It might have been a controversial results show, if it didn't seem that ultimately, in the end, the judges and America sort of got it right. 

Potential controversy No. 1: The "dream team" of Anya Garnis and Danny Tidwell was voted in the bottom three while Shauna Noland and Cedric Gardner, who the judges had all but assured would go home, were safe. Was it because America pitied Cedric for his dressing-down, or assumed that Anya and Danny would be safe because of their talent? Or did it have anything to do with Cedric's little speech? To his credit, when addressing the judges after their brutal evaluation of him, Cedric was gracious and didn't try too much to explain himself or mouth off like contestants do on other shows. However, one did wonder if other contestants thought it would be nice for them to plea their case as well.

Potential controversy No. 2: Because of a health problem, Jessi Peralta couldn't dance Wednesday night and, as explained by judge Nigel Lythgoe, would be forced to dance for her life on Thursday in addition to the three bottom girls (including the unexpected Anya.) Jessi got no pity points and was summarily dismissed by the judges, with no explanation or well wishes, which was unusual. What was up with that?

"So You Think You Can Dance" is not a good show for multi-taskers.  Those of us who like to wash dishes, clip coupons or flip through catalogs in front of the TV are forced to put down our other projects as early on in the show as the introduction, since we viewers risk missing something amazing if we look away even for a moment.

It was evident that Wednesday night's show was going to be good when Debbie Allen, "Fame" dance instructor diva (and, of course, sister to Phylicia Rashad) sat in as a judge. Is it weird to want to hire her as a professional life coach? Or at least to invite her out for a drink, maybe with Cat Deeley? It seems like hanging out with the two of them would do wonders for the self-esteem, or at least be good for a laugh.  Who doesn't like a famous woman who isn't afraid to admit that half the hair on her head is fake?

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': Top 10 list

Like on "American Idol," the top 10 contestants on "So You Think You Can Dance" are guaranteed a spot on the image-raising and revenue-collecting postseason tour.  The eliminations are only getting tougher, so in predicting who would go home last night, it was helpful to remember this major perk.  Who seemed like they'd be an indispensable part of the tour?  Who wouldn't be missed?

The elimination of Anya Garnis was the least surprising of the girls. The ballroom/Latin dancer had a major disadvantage as a performer used to hoofing it with a partner.  Every Thursday she poured her heart out on stage in some absolutely amazing outfits, but as judge Nigel Lythgoe pointed out, in the end the show is about solo performers (although this raises the question of whether ballroom/Latin dancers should get more leeway if they automatically face such a large obstacle).  In an earlier episode, choreographer Mia Michaels noted that Anya was "the lady of the competition," which was an accurate and complimentary description.  Unfortunately, it didn't help the Russian.  The show's audience clearly gravitates toward a youthful, energetic and slightly wacky persona (as embodied by Lacey Schwimmer), and Anya wasn't a big enough ham for the show. 

Last night marked the final time that the top 10 couples on "So You Think You Can Dance" would perform together before being randomly paired off for the rest of the show.  How will the dancers fare after they're split up from their original partners?  Some predictions: 

Sabra Johnson and Dominic Sandoval:  These two will be interesting to watch once they're broken up, because they seem to be matched in physicality and spice, turning out equally cute and energetic performances week after week.  Sabra seems like she would have more to lose from the breakup because Dominic appears to tease some bonus personality out of her.  It's not hard to imagine Dominic continuing to thrive with the other women on the show, although his impishness would be an interesting contrast to Anya Garnis' sophistication or Sara VonGillern's toughness. 

Jaimie Goodwin and Hok Konishi:  Despite Jaimie's claims of having a crush on Hok, this couple appear to have the least amount of chemistry.  Hok at times appears to be out-and-out annoyed by Jaimie's personality, and although the two have their own skills as dancers, last night's uninspiring "Mr. Bojangles" routine showed they don't necessarily raise each other up technique-wise.  It would be interesting to see Hok paired with Anya, one of the other international dancers on the show, or Sara for some co-ed breaking.

Normally, plugs for television shows or movies on reality TV shows tend to go over with the grace and beauty of a lead balloon.  Audiences don't like having commercials sneaked in between commercials, and get irritated when the filler becomes especially unnecessary (like the Jimmy Kimmel segments on "Dancing With the Stars.")  Last night's tie-in to the movie "Hairspray," however, on "So You Think You Can Dance" was remarkably tolerable, nay, enjoyable. 

The seeds of goodwill were sewn last night with the knowledgeable and mouthy guest judge Adam Shankman, director and choreographer of the movie (which, of course, was adapted from the Broadway show which was adapted from the John Waters movie).  The opening dance for the results show, choreographed by Shankman with plenty of sass, was an effective advertisement for the movie.  Joyous, frothy and over the top, the dancers seemed to actually enjoy performing the number, which was the key to the dance. If the movie can re-create the same joy, then audiences are going to love it. 

One of the refreshing aspects of "So You Think You Can Dance" is that the program, and the people in it, appear to dwell in the real world.  Except maybe Danny Tidwell, who seems a little too proud that he spends a lot of money on expensive sunglasses.  SYTYCD seems to be one of the few TV shows that acknowledges its fans and their opinions -- on the show, not by making tweaks to appeal to focus groups.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe has previously mentioned, on air, online reactions to the show (Hi, Nigel!), and last night referred to a petition that was sent to the producers to protest the departure of Jessi Peralta two weeks ago.  Although the audience's plea couldn't undo the deed, it was listened to with respect, and Lythgoe explained, thoughtfully, his response and rationale.  It's encouraging to see the fourth wall broken down, and to see that viewers can make an impression in ways other than just calling pay-telephone numbers.  It makes the show seem more current compared to, say, "Survivor," where nobody comes out and says, "Well it's not like the producers are literally going to let us starve," or how on "American Idol" the website votefortheworst.com never got mentioned, despite its heavy influence in keeping Sanjaya Malakar on the show. 

It might have been a controversial results show, if it didn't seem that ultimately, in the end, the judges and America sort of got it right. 

Potential controversy No. 1: The "dream team" of Anya Garnis and Danny Tidwell was voted in the bottom three while Shauna Noland and Cedric Gardner, who the judges had all but assured would go home, were safe. Was it because America pitied Cedric for his dressing-down, or assumed that Anya and Danny would be safe because of their talent? Or did it have anything to do with Cedric's little speech? To his credit, when addressing the judges after their brutal evaluation of him, Cedric was gracious and didn't try too much to explain himself or mouth off like contestants do on other shows. However, one did wonder if other contestants thought it would be nice for them to plea their case as well.

Potential controversy No. 2: Because of a health problem, Jessi Peralta couldn't dance Wednesday night and, as explained by judge Nigel Lythgoe, would be forced to dance for her life on Thursday in addition to the three bottom girls (including the unexpected Anya.) Jessi got no pity points and was summarily dismissed by the judges, with no explanation or well wishes, which was unusual. What was up with that?

"So You Think You Can Dance" is not a good show for multi-taskers.  Those of us who like to wash dishes, clip coupons or flip through catalogs in front of the TV are forced to put down our other projects as early on in the show as the introduction, since we viewers risk missing something amazing if we look away even for a moment.

It was evident that Wednesday night's show was going to be good when Debbie Allen, "Fame" dance instructor diva (and, of course, sister to Phylicia Rashad) sat in as a judge. Is it weird to want to hire her as a professional life coach? Or at least to invite her out for a drink, maybe with Cat Deeley? It seems like hanging out with the two of them would do wonders for the self-esteem, or at least be good for a laugh.  Who doesn't like a famous woman who isn't afraid to admit that half the hair on her head is fake?

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': Breaking up the band(s)

Last night marked the final time that the top 10 couples on "So You Think You Can Dance" would perform together before being randomly paired off for the rest of the show.  How will the dancers fare after they're split up from their original partners?  Some predictions: 

Sabra Johnson and Dominic Sandoval:  These two will be interesting to watch once they're broken up, because they seem to be matched in physicality and spice, turning out equally cute and energetic performances week after week.  Sabra seems like she would have more to lose from the breakup because Dominic appears to tease some bonus personality out of her.  It's not hard to imagine Dominic continuing to thrive with the other women on the show, although his impishness would be an interesting contrast to Anya Garnis' sophistication or Sara VonGillern's toughness. 

Jaimie Goodwin and Hok Konishi:  Despite Jaimie's claims of having a crush on Hok, this couple appear to have the least amount of chemistry.  Hok at times appears to be out-and-out annoyed by Jaimie's personality, and although the two have their own skills as dancers, last night's uninspiring "Mr. Bojangles" routine showed they don't necessarily raise each other up technique-wise.  It would be interesting to see Hok paired with Anya, one of the other international dancers on the show, or Sara for some co-ed breaking.

Normally, plugs for television shows or movies on reality TV shows tend to go over with the grace and beauty of a lead balloon.  Audiences don't like having commercials sneaked in between commercials, and get irritated when the filler becomes especially unnecessary (like the Jimmy Kimmel segments on "Dancing With the Stars.")  Last night's tie-in to the movie "Hairspray," however, on "So You Think You Can Dance" was remarkably tolerable, nay, enjoyable. 

The seeds of goodwill were sewn last night with the knowledgeable and mouthy guest judge Adam Shankman, director and choreographer of the movie (which, of course, was adapted from the Broadway show which was adapted from the John Waters movie).  The opening dance for the results show, choreographed by Shankman with plenty of sass, was an effective advertisement for the movie.  Joyous, frothy and over the top, the dancers seemed to actually enjoy performing the number, which was the key to the dance. If the movie can re-create the same joy, then audiences are going to love it. 

One of the refreshing aspects of "So You Think You Can Dance" is that the program, and the people in it, appear to dwell in the real world.  Except maybe Danny Tidwell, who seems a little too proud that he spends a lot of money on expensive sunglasses.  SYTYCD seems to be one of the few TV shows that acknowledges its fans and their opinions -- on the show, not by making tweaks to appeal to focus groups.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe has previously mentioned, on air, online reactions to the show (Hi, Nigel!), and last night referred to a petition that was sent to the producers to protest the departure of Jessi Peralta two weeks ago.  Although the audience's plea couldn't undo the deed, it was listened to with respect, and Lythgoe explained, thoughtfully, his response and rationale.  It's encouraging to see the fourth wall broken down, and to see that viewers can make an impression in ways other than just calling pay-telephone numbers.  It makes the show seem more current compared to, say, "Survivor," where nobody comes out and says, "Well it's not like the producers are literally going to let us starve," or how on "American Idol" the website votefortheworst.com never got mentioned, despite its heavy influence in keeping Sanjaya Malakar on the show. 

It might have been a controversial results show, if it didn't seem that ultimately, in the end, the judges and America sort of got it right. 

Potential controversy No. 1: The "dream team" of Anya Garnis and Danny Tidwell was voted in the bottom three while Shauna Noland and Cedric Gardner, who the judges had all but assured would go home, were safe. Was it because America pitied Cedric for his dressing-down, or assumed that Anya and Danny would be safe because of their talent? Or did it have anything to do with Cedric's little speech? To his credit, when addressing the judges after their brutal evaluation of him, Cedric was gracious and didn't try too much to explain himself or mouth off like contestants do on other shows. However, one did wonder if other contestants thought it would be nice for them to plea their case as well.

Potential controversy No. 2: Because of a health problem, Jessi Peralta couldn't dance Wednesday night and, as explained by judge Nigel Lythgoe, would be forced to dance for her life on Thursday in addition to the three bottom girls (including the unexpected Anya.) Jessi got no pity points and was summarily dismissed by the judges, with no explanation or well wishes, which was unusual. What was up with that?

"So You Think You Can Dance" is not a good show for multi-taskers.  Those of us who like to wash dishes, clip coupons or flip through catalogs in front of the TV are forced to put down our other projects as early on in the show as the introduction, since we viewers risk missing something amazing if we look away even for a moment.

It was evident that Wednesday night's show was going to be good when Debbie Allen, "Fame" dance instructor diva (and, of course, sister to Phylicia Rashad) sat in as a judge. Is it weird to want to hire her as a professional life coach? Or at least to invite her out for a drink, maybe with Cat Deeley? It seems like hanging out with the two of them would do wonders for the self-esteem, or at least be good for a laugh.  Who doesn't like a famous woman who isn't afraid to admit that half the hair on her head is fake?

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': An unmovable, shellacked bouffant of joy

Normally, plugs for television shows or movies on reality TV shows tend to go over with the grace and beauty of a lead balloon.  Audiences don't like having commercials sneaked in between commercials, and get irritated when the filler becomes especially unnecessary (like the Jimmy Kimmel segments on "Dancing With the Stars.")  Last night's tie-in to the movie "Hairspray," however, on "So You Think You Can Dance" was remarkably tolerable, nay, enjoyable. 

The seeds of goodwill were sewn last night with the knowledgeable and mouthy guest judge Adam Shankman, director and choreographer of the movie (which, of course, was adapted from the Broadway show which was adapted from the John Waters movie).  The opening dance for the results show, choreographed by Shankman with plenty of sass, was an effective advertisement for the movie.  Joyous, frothy and over the top, the dancers seemed to actually enjoy performing the number, which was the key to the dance. If the movie can re-create the same joy, then audiences are going to love it. 

One of the refreshing aspects of "So You Think You Can Dance" is that the program, and the people in it, appear to dwell in the real world.  Except maybe Danny Tidwell, who seems a little too proud that he spends a lot of money on expensive sunglasses.  SYTYCD seems to be one of the few TV shows that acknowledges its fans and their opinions -- on the show, not by making tweaks to appeal to focus groups.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe has previously mentioned, on air, online reactions to the show (Hi, Nigel!), and last night referred to a petition that was sent to the producers to protest the departure of Jessi Peralta two weeks ago.  Although the audience's plea couldn't undo the deed, it was listened to with respect, and Lythgoe explained, thoughtfully, his response and rationale.  It's encouraging to see the fourth wall broken down, and to see that viewers can make an impression in ways other than just calling pay-telephone numbers.  It makes the show seem more current compared to, say, "Survivor," where nobody comes out and says, "Well it's not like the producers are literally going to let us starve," or how on "American Idol" the website votefortheworst.com never got mentioned, despite its heavy influence in keeping Sanjaya Malakar on the show. 

It might have been a controversial results show, if it didn't seem that ultimately, in the end, the judges and America sort of got it right. 

Potential controversy No. 1: The "dream team" of Anya Garnis and Danny Tidwell was voted in the bottom three while Shauna Noland and Cedric Gardner, who the judges had all but assured would go home, were safe. Was it because America pitied Cedric for his dressing-down, or assumed that Anya and Danny would be safe because of their talent? Or did it have anything to do with Cedric's little speech? To his credit, when addressing the judges after their brutal evaluation of him, Cedric was gracious and didn't try too much to explain himself or mouth off like contestants do on other shows. However, one did wonder if other contestants thought it would be nice for them to plea their case as well.

Potential controversy No. 2: Because of a health problem, Jessi Peralta couldn't dance Wednesday night and, as explained by judge Nigel Lythgoe, would be forced to dance for her life on Thursday in addition to the three bottom girls (including the unexpected Anya.) Jessi got no pity points and was summarily dismissed by the judges, with no explanation or well wishes, which was unusual. What was up with that?

"So You Think You Can Dance" is not a good show for multi-taskers.  Those of us who like to wash dishes, clip coupons or flip through catalogs in front of the TV are forced to put down our other projects as early on in the show as the introduction, since we viewers risk missing something amazing if we look away even for a moment.

It was evident that Wednesday night's show was going to be good when Debbie Allen, "Fame" dance instructor diva (and, of course, sister to Phylicia Rashad) sat in as a judge. Is it weird to want to hire her as a professional life coach? Or at least to invite her out for a drink, maybe with Cat Deeley? It seems like hanging out with the two of them would do wonders for the self-esteem, or at least be good for a laugh.  Who doesn't like a famous woman who isn't afraid to admit that half the hair on her head is fake?

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': We are more than just numbers!

One of the refreshing aspects of "So You Think You Can Dance" is that the program, and the people in it, appear to dwell in the real world.  Except maybe Danny Tidwell, who seems a little too proud that he spends a lot of money on expensive sunglasses.  SYTYCD seems to be one of the few TV shows that acknowledges its fans and their opinions -- on the show, not by making tweaks to appeal to focus groups.  Judge Nigel Lythgoe has previously mentioned, on air, online reactions to the show (Hi, Nigel!), and last night referred to a petition that was sent to the producers to protest the departure of Jessi Peralta two weeks ago.  Although the audience's plea couldn't undo the deed, it was listened to with respect, and Lythgoe explained, thoughtfully, his response and rationale.  It's encouraging to see the fourth wall broken down, and to see that viewers can make an impression in ways other than just calling pay-telephone numbers.  It makes the show seem more current compared to, say, "Survivor," where nobody comes out and says, "Well it's not like the producers are literally going to let us starve," or how on "American Idol" the website votefortheworst.com never got mentioned, despite its heavy influence in keeping Sanjaya Malakar on the show. 

It might have been a controversial results show, if it didn't seem that ultimately, in the end, the judges and America sort of got it right. 

Potential controversy No. 1: The "dream team" of Anya Garnis and Danny Tidwell was voted in the bottom three while Shauna Noland and Cedric Gardner, who the judges had all but assured would go home, were safe. Was it because America pitied Cedric for his dressing-down, or assumed that Anya and Danny would be safe because of their talent? Or did it have anything to do with Cedric's little speech? To his credit, when addressing the judges after their brutal evaluation of him, Cedric was gracious and didn't try too much to explain himself or mouth off like contestants do on other shows. However, one did wonder if other contestants thought it would be nice for them to plea their case as well.

Potential controversy No. 2: Because of a health problem, Jessi Peralta couldn't dance Wednesday night and, as explained by judge Nigel Lythgoe, would be forced to dance for her life on Thursday in addition to the three bottom girls (including the unexpected Anya.) Jessi got no pity points and was summarily dismissed by the judges, with no explanation or well wishes, which was unusual. What was up with that?

"So You Think You Can Dance" is not a good show for multi-taskers.  Those of us who like to wash dishes, clip coupons or flip through catalogs in front of the TV are forced to put down our other projects as early on in the show as the introduction, since we viewers risk missing something amazing if we look away even for a moment.

It was evident that Wednesday night's show was going to be good when Debbie Allen, "Fame" dance instructor diva (and, of course, sister to Phylicia Rashad) sat in as a judge. Is it weird to want to hire her as a professional life coach? Or at least to invite her out for a drink, maybe with Cat Deeley? It seems like hanging out with the two of them would do wonders for the self-esteem, or at least be good for a laugh.  Who doesn't like a famous woman who isn't afraid to admit that half the hair on her head is fake?

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': the nontroversy

It might have been a controversial results show, if it didn't seem that ultimately, in the end, the judges and America sort of got it right. 

Potential controversy No. 1: The "dream team" of Anya Garnis and Danny Tidwell was voted in the bottom three while Shauna Noland and Cedric Gardner, who the judges had all but assured would go home, were safe. Was it because America pitied Cedric for his dressing-down, or assumed that Anya and Danny would be safe because of their talent? Or did it have anything to do with Cedric's little speech? To his credit, when addressing the judges after their brutal evaluation of him, Cedric was gracious and didn't try too much to explain himself or mouth off like contestants do on other shows. However, one did wonder if other contestants thought it would be nice for them to plea their case as well.

Potential controversy No. 2: Because of a health problem, Jessi Peralta couldn't dance Wednesday night and, as explained by judge Nigel Lythgoe, would be forced to dance for her life on Thursday in addition to the three bottom girls (including the unexpected Anya.) Jessi got no pity points and was summarily dismissed by the judges, with no explanation or well wishes, which was unusual. What was up with that?

"So You Think You Can Dance" is not a good show for multi-taskers.  Those of us who like to wash dishes, clip coupons or flip through catalogs in front of the TV are forced to put down our other projects as early on in the show as the introduction, since we viewers risk missing something amazing if we look away even for a moment.

It was evident that Wednesday night's show was going to be good when Debbie Allen, "Fame" dance instructor diva (and, of course, sister to Phylicia Rashad) sat in as a judge. Is it weird to want to hire her as a professional life coach? Or at least to invite her out for a drink, maybe with Cat Deeley? It seems like hanging out with the two of them would do wonders for the self-esteem, or at least be good for a laugh.  Who doesn't like a famous woman who isn't afraid to admit that half the hair on her head is fake?

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': Ooh, child!

"So You Think You Can Dance" is not a good show for multi-taskers.  Those of us who like to wash dishes, clip coupons or flip through catalogs in front of the TV are forced to put down our other projects as early on in the show as the introduction, since we viewers risk missing something amazing if we look away even for a moment.

It was evident that Wednesday night's show was going to be good when Debbie Allen, "Fame" dance instructor diva (and, of course, sister to Phylicia Rashad) sat in as a judge. Is it weird to want to hire her as a professional life coach? Or at least to invite her out for a drink, maybe with Cat Deeley? It seems like hanging out with the two of them would do wonders for the self-esteem, or at least be good for a laugh.  Who doesn't like a famous woman who isn't afraid to admit that half the hair on her head is fake?

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': Everyone's a Critic

This might be a good time for the producers on "So You Think You Can Dance" to allow the judges a bit of time to explain to the non-dancers at home what exactly they look for when they evaluate the contestants.  From the booing presented at last night's episode when Jessie and Pasha were placed in the bottom three, it became evident that there might be a disconnect between what the viewers at home think (Jessi and Pasha are not that great) and what the judges and live audience thinks (Jessi and Pasha are the best!) 

After all, it's likely that America goes more with its gut than its eye.  Some sassy choreography or some clicking chemistry, or 'leaving it all' on the floor will go very far with us yokels and we won't notice how well the samba was executed.  It's a bit hard to predict what the judges think, and it might make the viewers feel more involved if they had an idea ahead of time. 

In the end, though, Jessi and Pasha  were safe as Faina and Jimmy were sent home, so America has another chance to prove itself as being on the same page as the judges.

-- Claire Zulkey

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': Chemistry class

A few weeks ago, it was suggested in this Show Tracker that "So You Think You Can Dance" is a gay-friendly show, at least for the FOX network.  A commenter on a blog that linked to the piece  disagreed with this statement, saying, "Until there's a same-sex couple dancing on this show, it's just another straight show."

True or not, last night's episode demonstrated how difficult it can be for the (opposite-sex) couples to generate real chemistry, gay or straight.  As demonstrated on "Dancing With the Stars," the couples who most seem to enjoy each other's company, who respond to each other's work habits had a gigantic advantage--it makes for better dancing and more general entertainment.

For dancers who were relative strangers to each other a few weeks ago on "So You Think You Can Dance," to get together on the floor with a new routine, to make the dance and the rapport look easy, seems to be no easy feat. 

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': Break it down again

The judges on "American Idol" may get booed a lot, but they often, and rightly so, hide behind the excuse that it's the fans, not the judges who make the controversial decisions that would keep less talented but oddly popular contestants on the show in lieu of more talented ones.  It used to be the spark of the show, the "anything can happen!" aspect that kept the program from being little more than a glorified talent show.  But then, America caught on and the last season was tinged with the feeling that the country had broken through the fourth wall and could mess with the show and make it as fake as they wanted.  It feels more and more that if the best man wins, it might just be a coincidence.

The results show on "So You Think You Can Dance," like most reality shows, still feels at least as twice as long as it needs to be, but the selection process at least is a refreshing change from other shows.  Based on the performances on Wednesday night, America voted their favorites and each dancer in the three bottom couples had to dance individually, and then the judges chose from each of the three girls and boys who would go home. 

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': The action begins

If the last few weeks of "So You Think You Can Dance" have mimicked "American Idol," last night's episode kicked off the part of the show that most parallels "Dancing with the Stars."  While on AI this would be the equivalent of the first set of vote-offs on the small stage, like in DWTC, the contestants are paired off, asked to perform different dances that have nothing necessarily to do with their own particular specialty, and then get voted off the next day-as couples. 

SYTYCD is such a good show that minor weaknesses show through at this point where on a lesser show they might be hidden by other negative traits.  For instance, decent-length dance routines (they seemed at least twice as long as those on DWTS) along with backstory on each dancer and a behind the scenes look at their practice for the week grew a little long into hour two.  And it's almost a little general, entertainment wise right now-the line between excellent dancing and the efforts of an excellent dancer who didn't do a great job but tried very hard is actually very thin for us non-dancers at home.  We have a feeling the action is just going to maintain a steady temperature for the next few weeks and then start to sizzle as the very good dancers are voted off and the excellent ones remain. 
 

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': A visit to the 20

Guest So You Think You Can Dance tracker Richard Rushfield stepped in for a visit with the Top 20.

On a Sunset Strip rooftop of the Hyatt Hotel, with a 240 degree view of the LA basin showing off an only slightly hazy late morning, the next superstars of dance prepared for their coming out.  The Top 20 contestants of “So You Think You Can Dance”, having arisen from the auditioning masses,  survived Hollywood week, learned to salsa, ballroom and dance on their heads and finally walked the Green Mile to stand before the judges – at last they have made it to this rooftop where they will take their first group photo and meet the press.

In a room off the rooftop, the twenty sit in make up chairs, getting their hair done, trying on outfits and seemingly at every possible opportunity, grabbing each other to break into a quickie tango.  Outside, hotel guest sun poolside while the crew fixes up a 20 foot platform to look like a gritty rooftop – with fans, air vents and floor scrapple – on top of the actual glamorous rooftop.  In various corners, crews from Fox news and Access Hollywood hide under makeshift umbrellas. 

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': Your top 20

If there's anything negative to be said about "So You Think You Can Dance," it's that its second night of programming each week (Thursdays) is thus far superfluous. Last night's episode showed us the top twenty contestants, the ten boys and ten girls who Americans will be casting their votes on, and it could have easily been absorbed into Wednesday night's episode. We understand, however, that network programming is not necessarily about making the most of its viewers' time, and compared to, say, "Dancing with the Stars," it wasn't a completely heinous extra hour of television. It's just that SYTYCD has begun its season with such a promising beginning that any slip in tension or talent feels like a disappointment. The main problem with last night's episode is that it featured no real new dancing or challenges, but did at least continue to promise viewers that sentimental favorites are never safe, as the majority of the remaining human-interest-story contestants were eliminated (so no more "dancing for my dying mother" or "I'm doing it to prove that you can have a dream after losing a limb.") But one of the ways that SYTYCD has again set itself apart from other talent shows is the handful of dancers with ties to prior contestants: we have several siblings and one dancer who assisted a show choreographer last season. What does this mean? That dancing is a small world after all? That it's a talent passed down in the genes? Or that the producers are hedging their bets and making sure that there will be a little extra drama thrown in just in case the dancers don't provide it themselves? Regardless, next Wednesday's show will prove to be exciting. Hopefully, Thursday's will, as well.

(Photo courtesy Fox)

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': No chicken dance

If there was any question about why the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” are relatively mild compared to their counterparts on other reality/talent programs, last night’s episodes answered it: any additional pressure on the contestants would be out and out cruelty.

Every reality TV show has plenty of tears: tears of joy, tears of anger, tears of exhaustion, tears of sadness, and for the most part, they’re over the top pleas for attention. During callbacks this week though on SYTYCD, each and every one seemed warranted. This round in the show is similar to the first week in Hollywood on “American Idol,” when the original crop of contestants to make it through the first round is trimmed down through a series of more intense tryouts.

 

How intense? Consider that it was difficult to grasp the choreographers’ moves from the comfort of a couch and with the benefit of Tivo, let alone having to learn and perform them on the fly and to have to do it again and again in order to pass through. The dancers were quickly taught new steps in hip hop, Latin and contemporary dance. If they succeeded at one genre, they moved on. If not, they were either eliminated or had to dance one more time to prove they were worthy of moving on to the next challenge. And then, finally, the remainders were not allowed to continue unless they were able to expertly perform a group number that was choreographed overnight.

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': The thinking man's reality TV dancing show

It’s early in the season, so all this potential goodwill has lots of room to be spoiled, but “So You Think You Can Dance” seems to insult its audience’s intelligence much less than the average reality TV show. While there are times where the viewers at home are being overly played to (did we really need two contestants who managed to power through with false limbs?), in large part the show seems to treat its fans and participants with a healthy amount of respect. Maybe they have a small budget or something.

A few reasons why “So You Think You Can Dance” isn’t as guilty a pleasure as it might first seem:

1) The judges. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and whoever is sitting in the third seat (it’s been rotating these last two episodes) have no catchphrases, no eye-rolling, no slurring. They tell the dancers when they’re good but moreso, tell the dancers when they’ve been entertaining. They don’t sugarcoat the bad news but at the same time don’t make a point of sticking the dagger as far as it can go just for entertainment’s sake (we’re looking at you, Simon Cowell). A good example was the overweight young man who tried out in L.A. in the first hour: while Nigel chided him for his build and astutely pointed out the audience was being patronizing when they cheered for him, the judge admitted that he actually had potential and to keep going. The result? An out of breath, yet dry-eyed contestant who promised he’d try again.

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.

'So You Think You Can Dance': So you think you're ready for more reality TV?

So you think you can write off “So You Think You Can Dance” as being a lesser “Dancing with the Stars”, or an even lesser “American Idol”? So you might be right, but it’s still fine summertime fare, as the show is just different enough to make it entertaining.

Here’s how the show is like “American Idol:” It was made by the same people. Three judges, one a woman, one British tour the country as amateurs try out in front of them to make it to Hollywood—no wait, Las Vegas—and go through additional winnowing processes until they are presented on a call-in vote-off show. The unattractive/overweight are at a disadvantage.

Here’s how the show is like “Dancing with the Stars:” The contestants are dancers instead of singers. Sometimes there is ballroom or Latin dancing like on “DWTS,” but we also see jazz, tap, breakdancing, hip hop, ballet, what looks like gymnastics and a hundred other things.