So You Think You Can Dance

Cat Deeley hosts “So You Think You Can Dance.” Cat’s in a one-shoulder dress, looking very goddess like as she introduces the show. The dancers do a group number, choreographed by Dave Scott, to Nina Simone’s “Sinnerman.” They all have bowlers and black and white knee length shorts. I guess they are meant to represent sinners who can’t run.

Same judges from last night: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Debbie Reynolds. Debbie’s wearing another sparkly suit but this one’s in cream. And Mary’s wearing the best dress she’s had yet—both shoulders covered, but some filigree type black work along the top. It suits her.

And it’s the first three couples hearing their fate. Missy and Wadi are first. Wadi was the only one who got serious dance critique last night, for the Cha-Cha. Was he right to be so down-hearted? Yes, he was. They are in the bottom three.

Now for Sasha and Alexander, whose song about a soldier coming home made everyone cry and saved them from any actual criticism. And I’m still laughing at the white streaks on Mary’s face by her tears, because I am shallow. They are safe.

Nigel tells us that if they win they get a quarter of a million dollars. Last year Gator-Ade committed to recognizing dancers as athletes, and last year’s winner Lauren is starring with Twitch in an ad campaign. This year’s winner will also be featured in a campaign. And there’s a sequence of a nutritionist visiting all of their homes. And it seems kind of mean, these kids are like babies and they never stand still. Let them have their ice cream!! She lectures them about how much they sweat and talks about Gator-Ade. Nah, it’s not product placement! They all drink Gator-Ade and throw out junk food and laugh. That just made me feel sad.

And the second couple is—neither of them. Both couples are safe. All the dancers are in costume, in case they have to compete (I thought it was just for their moment on stage, but that was wrong!) Miranda’s was golden beige Roman slave girl and really beautiful.

Next up: Jordan and Tadd. To me, Jordan is always a split behind the beat, despite Debbie Reynolds’ extravagant praise. They are safe. Because there is no justice in the world.

Iveta and Nick did Bollywood, and they are not safe. She’s in a sparkly silver fringey two piece. Iveta and Nick are not. Because Iveta, for some reason, is not popular in the world.

Ashley and Chris did the Broadway jailhouse number. They’re safe. No big surprise there. I like the way both of them are wearing kind of normal clothes.

And this could go either way, but it’s Ryan and Ricky. Clarice and Jess are safe. Now that’s really interesting, because it’s not what the judges themselves would have done. OK, so maybe there’s some justice in the world after all.

But first, special guest act, dance company from age 8-18, Rage Crew. They dance to “Party Like This” by Colton B featuring Mauli B. It’s frantic and intense, with lots of tumbling. Good time to get something the nutritionist would hate. Though the closeup of the smaller kids doing the moves is really cute.

Missy dances to “Move (Metronomy Remix) by CSS. She leaps around and does some twirls. It seems way less impressive than her actual Cha-Cha last night. Her training isn’t showing in this routine at all. I’d cut her.

Nick dances to “Follow Me Down” by 30H!3 featuring Neon Hitch. And I just want to say it is really hard to get all the singer names in when so many are featuring someone and some kind of mix with an imaginary word. He taps and runs around and he’s really fun to watch. Save Nick!

Iveta dances to “Samba Rock” by Gennaro. She’s so good. Her footwork, her turns. She’s doing so much more than Missy was with her shoulder animal moves. “She looks incredible!” Cat says.

Ricky dances to “Riot Rhythm” by Sleigh Bells. He’s got no shirt on and he does a turn with his leg held up to his face and I have to say I’m impressed. Boy is flexible.

And finally, it’s Ryan, dancing to “Moving Mountains” by Usher. And she’s from the Missy school of dance, which means emote a lot and do some leaps, throw your long hair around And she’s still grinning!

And LMFAO are the musical guests, wearing stripped leggings that are very 1983, which is retro, and has been retro since 1987 if memory serves. The obvious lip-synching is \ annoying. The lyrics tell us that “hate is bad.” But there is a blonde in a midriff for male viewers, and spraying of a fire extinguisher for excitement, and I am so grateful not to be in the live audience and being made to stand up and clap my hands over my head as if I cared. Producers take note, that didn’t look in the least spontaneous. They were all doing it the same way!

Iveta has graced the show with her talent, he says. Whatever happens tonight they will always remember her routine. That sounds ominous.

Nigel says he doesn’t think Wadi has had time to show what he can do. He didn’t do well at the Cha-Cha, but his routine tonight wasn’t the best either.

And Ricky never danced better than he did tonight. It’s called “Dance for your life” because it’s your life on this program. They’re keeping him!

Which means Nick is going home. Heavy sigh. That was a tough call and I’m not sure I understand it. Seems as though the judges pick potential over training, as a general rule.