TV Recap: So You Think You Can Dance - Top 12 Perform

It took awhile but this season of So You Think You Can Dance has finally hit its stride. With almost universally strong performances by everyone and a surprise standout routine by Kayla and Kupono the competition for America’s favorite dancer is heating up. On top of that Cat Deeley’s new look makes her a prime fit for 30’s England…perhaps sipping a cup of tea. Or something equally adorable.

This week saw more dancing in two hours than we’ve had all season with each couple having to learn and perform two routines. So lets get right to the action.

Melissa and Ade - Choreography by Doriana Sanchez: I hate disco. It’s so overly ridiculous. But these two were able to take the cheese of disco and execute it to perfection. Sure it was still silly, but Melissa and Ade proved that no matter what they can perform with the best of them.

Choreography by Ron Montez: A waltz by Melissa and Ade has the potential to be memorable. It was really nice to watch, and they really did dance it well. However the issue is that no one will ever remember this routine.

Kayla and Kupono - Choreography by Mia Michaels: “I’m going to cry,” my wife declared as the piece was coming to a close. Perhaps not cry, but Mia’s piece was deeply moving. Not only did it have an emotional effect on the audience, but my goodness are we all keenly aware of Kayla and Kupono’s talents. They’ve been overshadowed so far, but I’m looking for these two to make a strong run for the top five.

Choreography by Joey Dowling: I’m sure that Joey Dowling is a great dancer in her own right, but so far she’s rehashed old classic broadway routines to little positive effect. This was a boring and banal few minutes.

Caitlin and Jason - Choreography by Tony Meredith: I have to say that this was one of the better choreographed foxtrots in SYTYCD history. It was performed adequately, and I almost like Caitlin now.

Choreography by Mandy Moore: A lyrical jazz routine by Mandy Moore should be inspiring. And as far as the routine goes it was. But now I know exactly what is wrong each time Jason and Caitlin dance: there’s no chemistry. Nigel nailed the problem perfectly. This is one couple that could benefit greatly from the partner changeup starting next week.

Jeanine and Phillip - Choreography by Youri Nelzine and Lilia Babenko: The shocker here is Nigel absolutely crushing the choreographers, something he never does. In fact Nigel often sticks up for some awful and schlocky stuff if it represents something new. That aside I seriously felt like I was back in show choir watching as we prepared to do some silly dances of many nations routine, or whatever other lameness could be conjured up.

Choreography by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin: I’m not going to stop declaring Jeanine as one of the top females in the competition this season. She had the moves and the footwork, while Phillip was once again almost painful to watch. It’s time for him to go. I’d hate to have Jeanine at risk of elimination but he has to make an exit soon.

Randi and Evan - Choreography by Tabitha and Napoleon D’Umo: Fantastic choice of song for this number. Despite the praise from the judges this wasn’t as smooth as it should have been. But the performance was great, the choreography amazing, and the song made for a compelling routine.

Choreography by Pasha Kovalev and Anya Garnis: If you weren’t a fan of Pasha when he was on the show I think you can now appreciate his ability. This routine was perhaps a little bit better than getting punch in the taint. I will give credit to Evan for pulling off some truly “wow” lifts and maneuvers.

Janette and Brandon - Choreography by Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo: The problem with non trained tango dancers, as evidenced close to always on this show, is that it lacks the intricate detail and footwork you’d expect. Brandon and Janette blew that façade off with an incredible performance. They weren’t thrown one or two small sections of flick kicks, but instead had to do it constantly. And do it they did. This is the YouTube clip of the season so far.

Choreography by Wade Robson: How do you follow up a perfect Argentine tango? How about with the best choreography the season has seen without question? We haven’t heard much of the “Emmy winning so and so” stuff this season for some reason. But I’ve been waiting to see if something was going to standout. Mia’s addiction choreography earlier in the show had me thinking there was potential, but then Wade shows up and puts together an incredible piece. Far from the weird and kooky piece from a few weeks ago this was a work of art.