Reliving the So You Think You Can Dance Tour -- 20 Photos!

Back in October, four friends and I headed out to Long Island, NY to catch the So You Think You Can Dance tour. Danny and Neil and Lacey -- oh my!

While I personally thought this year's concert didn't live up to the sensational show last year's group put on, it was still a treat to see my favorite dances from the season -- Lacey and Kameron's Contemporary, Sabra and Neil's Table Dance, Hok and Jaimie's Bird Dance and much, much more.

My good pal Karen took some amazing photos at the concert, and, due to time constraints, I never got a chance to post them. So, despite the fact that the tour is now over, I thought I'd take this opportunity to post a few of the photos -- they're just too good not to display.

Enjoy!

Ten Best Dances on This Year's SYTYCD

With less than 8 hours until the first part of this season's So You Think You Can Dance finale, I thought it might be a good time to reflect on some of the magnificent dances we've seen so far this season. Of course an exercise like this is subjective -- anyone whose been reading Idol Thoughts this summer knows I have a special affinity for Mia Michaels, so it should be no surprise her creations are prominently featured in this list. I'd love to know what y'all would rank as your favorite dances from the season.

Here's mine...

1. Lacey and Kameron, Contemporary (Top 20)

2. Lacey and Neil, Contemporary (Top 8)

3. Jaimie and Hok, Jazz (Top 18)

4. Sabra and Neil, Jazz (Top 6)

5. Lacey and Danny, Samba (Top 10)

6. Anya and Danny, Viennese Waltz (Top 18)

7. Lauren and Danny, Contemporary (Top 6)

8. Sabra and Dominic, Rumba (Top 16)

9. Sara and Pasha, Jazz (Top 12)

10. Pasha and Bette Midler (Top 16)

Honorable Mentions:

Jessi and Pasha, Jazz (Top 18)
Anya and Danny, Jive (Top 20)
Lauren and Neil, Hip Hop (Top 18)
Sabra and Pasha, Quickstep (Top 8)
Sara and Jesus, Jazz (Top 20)
Sabra and Dominic, Contemporary (Top 18)
Lacey and Pasha, Smooth Waltz (Top 6)
Sabra and Neil, Paso Doble (Top 6)
Lacey and Pasha, Hip Hop (Top 6)
Sabra and Pasha, Broadway (Top 8)

Thoughts?

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Ok, I Cried at SYTYCD -- Sue Me

I don't know what it was, maybe it was the fact that all of the hooting and hollering of the studio audience was absent, but when it was announced that Pasha Kovalev would not be a part of this year's Top 4 on So You Think You Can Dance, I cried.

I didn't weep, I didn't hurl myself around, but a tear dripped down my face. While I'm not surprised that the show elicited emotion in me (please, its been doing it all season!), I was taken aback that it was Pasha's ouster that caused the display of waterworks. I had predicted he would be the one to go, and I do think Neil and Danny will make for a more entertaining male component of the finale, but the guy's been so charming, so versatile, and shown so much talent all season long that I couldn't help but feel a tinge of genuine sadness.

Alas, I wasn't as sorry to see Lauren's name called -- despite stepping up her game big time in the past couple of weeks, she just couldn't hold a candle to the wonders that are Sabra and Lacey. Lauren is actually the season's biggest disappointment to me -- I thought this girl was going to dazzle, but she only rarely really hit it out of the ballpark.

Looking forward to the finale (less than 48 hours away!), I'm thrilled we have such an extremely talented and dynamic group. Just thinking about combos is exciting -- Neil and Lacey (who wow'ed in their Mia Michaels number), Neil and Sabra (whose Mandy Moore office dance was incredible), Danny and Lacey (who killed their samba a few weeks ago), and then the three couples who have yet to dance together -- contemporary wunderkinds Sabra and Danny; Lacey and Sabra; and Neil and Danny (mmmmmmm).

I literally can't wait!!

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SYTYCD Top 6 Part 2: Solo and Overall Rankings

Ok, I've ranked the partner performances, now it's on to the solos...

1. Danny
I hated his disco, but I gotta say -- his was my favorite solo of the season , hands down. It was gorgeous, soft vulnerable, perfectly in tune with the music. Loved it.

2. Lauren
Gotta give it up to the girl, she has pulled herself together since her first abysmal solo where she spent half her time walking onto the stage. This was fierce, and showed more actual emotion than she has all season.

3. Sabra
When she leaps this girl flies across the stage. I thought her solo tonight was lovely, but it didn't blow me away. When we can't see her face, and because she is so small, it's hard sometimes to read what kind of emotion she is bringing to the piece. Still, very well done.

4. Neil
He has certainly added a dimension to his solo performances that he didn't show off by just doing tricks earlier in the competition, but he just doesn't have the grace, or strength, of Danny, so he pales by comparison. Definitely not bad, just not spectacular.

5. Lacey
Somehow last season's Heidi managed to make solo performances work for her, but none of the female ballroom dancers have been able to manage the same feat this season. Unfortunately, Lacey fell flat again tonight -- if she doesn't step it up in her solos, she may miss out on a shot to win this thing.

6. Pasha
So Pasha has danced with Bette Midler, a B-girl, and now an actual mannequin? It screamed desperate, and was so distracting I couldn't watch his actual dancing. Bad move, Pasha.

Ok, now taking into account both couples performances and each individual's solo performance, here are my overall rankings:

1. Danny
Yes, he botched the disco, but he showed what he's really capable of in both Mia Michael's piece and his own solo. He is head and shoulders the best dancer in this competition-- the question is, does he have the personality, and the fanbase, to grab a victory?

2. Lauren
I'm as shocked as the next person that Lauren is so high on this list, especially because I've predicted she would be going home the last three weeks. But she brought her A game tonight in all three of her performances, possibly creating a challenge for a Lauren/Sabra finale. Could she pull of an upset and make it to the Top 4 based on the strength of her performances tonight?

3. Sabra
Sabra's star shines a little brighter each week, and while she may have plateaued a bit after several weeks of burning brighter than almost any other contestant, she still managed to stand out tonight. A Top 4 without Sabra would be a real shame.

4. Lacey
Last week she dazzled -- this week she fizzled a little. Not in her hip hop or waltz, where she was totally spot-on. Nope, it was her solo performance that disappointed tonight, and drops her below Sabra in the week's overall rankings. She could still end up winning the competition, but for the first time there's a real shot she might go home.

5. Pasha
Pasha's solo brought him down tonight, big time, but he stays out of the bottom spot thanks to the strength of his hip hop (loved it) and waltz (gorgeous). He's hands down the most versatile male ballroom dancer the show has ever had (eat your heart out Dimitri and Artem), and he could actually win this thing. But he's gonna have to figure out what to do when he's onstage by himself, because that mannequin ain't gonna cut it.

6. Neil
It kills me to see him here at the bottom, because he was really fantastic tonight in all three dances. And he's so freakin' cute!!!! But he's facing some stiff competition here, and unfortunately I don't think he quite cuts the mustard. The question is, will his ridiculously good looks propel him to the finals?

Check back tomorrow morning for my thoughts on who will be going home on Monday (!!) night.

Click here to read Part 1: Ranking the Partners' Performances

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So You Think You Can Dance Recap and Rankigs: Top 6

My god I love So You Think You Can Dance. And I am officially ready to say that I am enjoying this season better than I did this past season of American Idol. Yeah, I said it.

The thing is, this show makes me feel something. When I am tearing up at a Mia Michaels routine, or picking my jaw up off the floor after a surprisingly dazzling ballroom number, the performances tap into something in me as a viewer. I guess that is the power of dance, the way it leaves things open to interpretation, without imposing words on the feelings being embodied before us. We can feel what we want to feel, what these very talented kids, who we come to know and root for, make us feel.

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesy! But so true!

Ok, back to the business at hand...tonight's Top 6. I mean!!!! They were so great, I really have no idea who is gonna win this thing. In fact, I'd say pretty much everyone except Lauren (who was spectacular tonight) has a legitimate shot at the crown. With that said, here are my rankings of the couples, followed by rankings of the solos.

1. Danny and Lauren - Contemporary (Mia Michaels)
Michaels has done it again. At this point I am clearly biased (see my post Mia Michaels is a Genius), but her choreography gets me every single time. And this time, she had two brilliant technical dancers interpreting her work, and they danced the hell out of this. The sheer beauty of their bodies was breathtaking. While I was glad to experience a dance that was about the thrills of falling in love (as opposed to the drama of losing love), I didn't quite buy the emotion from either one of them. They both still have work to do on becoming truly vulnerable, but overall the piece was magnificent.

2. Pasha and Lacey - Hip Hop (Dave)
Pasha is one funky Russian! He carried the heft of the actual dancing in this routine, and he was off the hook. I've been a fan of his from the start, and I'm not sure I've ever liked him as much as I did in this routine. Lacey had a deceptively difficult task, and she pulled it off -- and then some! Is there nothing this girl can't do? And how about her booty? I loved this routine start to finish.

3. Neil and Sabra - Jazz (Mandy Moore)
This was a fantastically clever routine that was extremely well executed by these two. The stakes felt high, and every intricate move was loaded with meaning. If I had one complaint it's that they did a little bit more dancing, but when they did break away from the table they were so exciting to watch I'm certainly not going to hold it against them.

4. Pasha and Lacey - Smooth Waltz
I always expect to hate the waltz, but when a couple dances it as beautifully as these two did tonight, I can't help but swoon. It was elegant, gorgeous, subtly sexy, with amazing lifts and lines. While it didn't quite live up to Anya and Danny's spellbinding Top 18 number, but it was just beautiful.

5. Neil and Sabra - Paso Doble
You can tell it was a good night of dancing because this was far better than a #5 performance. It had power, it had technique, and it had a final move that may be the best lift we've seen on the show this season. I felt it was a bit lacking in passion, and I didn't quite feel the chemistry between the two, but overall this was a very strong showing.

6. Danny and Lauren - Disco
I don't know what the judges are smoking, but I thought this performance kinda blew. And it wasn't Lauren's fault -- she looked amazing, like a disco princess, and she had pretty much the right energy for the number. Nope, it was Danny who brought it down for me -- he looked like a ballet dancer doing disco steps with a phony smile pasted on his face and no hop in his step. When Season 1 champ Nick Lazzarini danced disco, he was busting out of his pants. Danny -- not so much.

Click to continue reading Part 2: Solo and Overall Rankings

Spoilers for this Week's SYTYCD Top 6

After a short sabbatical, Idol Thoughts is back, and our first post of the week is...SPOILERS!!!

Don't read 'em if you want to be surprised!!

1) Pasha and Lacey
Hip hop
Smooth Waltz

2) Danny and Lauren
Contemporary (Mia Michaels!)
Disco

3) Sabra and Neil
Jazz
Paso Doble

Thoughts???

Dominic and Sara Run Out of Tricks on SYTYCD

What a strange ride Dominic had on this season of So You Think You Can Dance. When the show started this year he seemed destined to be a one-trick wonder who would last at most a few weeks, especially since we've all seen what's happened in the past to B-boys on the show. But something funny happened along the way -- he got good. Like, really good. He nailed contemporary. He nailed the rumba. And all of a sudden, it seemed like he might go all the way in this competition.

Alas, that is not to be. After a couple of shaky weeks, the man known as D-Trix was sent packin' last night, along with fellow breaker Sara, who herself has had quite a remarkable journey. Billed as the only female dancer with no training (which may or may not actually be true), she pretty much nailed every style of dance that was thrown at her, completely obliterating her "exclusively a B-girl" image. Despite having less technical acumen, she was dazzling almost every week, and I am genuinely sad to see her go.

Especially when Lauren, who despite stepping up her game the past few weeks has still yet to really shine, is still around. After three straight near-eliminations, Lauren should feel very, very lucky to still be around.

As for Dominic, thought, it was his time to go. His personality, which could be charming at times, had crossed the line into a bit of obnoxiousness (leave Kat alone!), and while his solo was probably the most dynamic of the bunch, he just doesn't have the chops or versatility of Danny, Neil or Pasha. Still, a job well done, and several of his dances with Sabra will be remembered as some of the best of the season.

Time to start gettin' psyched for next week's Top 6!!

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Who is Going Home Tonight - SYTYCD Top 8

It's getting harder and harder to try and predict who will be eliminated on So You Think You Can Dance, especially because so much depends on partners, styles, and choreographers. But that's not gonna stop me from trying!

Here goes...

Eliminated Boy: Dominic

Neil's brava performance in the Mia Michaels piece, coupled with his shirtless display in the Latin Jazz number, means he will most likely be safe. Same goes for Pasha, who delivered two spot-on performances last night.

Which leaves Danny and Dominic as the likely members of the Bottom 2. Danny had a less-than-spectacular evening last night, with neither his Argentine Tango or his Hip Hop showing him off to his full effect. Without a brilliant solo to fall back on, he is definitely in danger.

But not as much danger as Dominic, whose personality has been wearing thin the last few weeks, and who failed to wow in either of his numbers. Will his smooch with Lauren gain him new fans, or will it be the nail in his coffin? I'm guessing it is going to be the latter, and we will be bidding him adieu this evening.

Eliminated Girl: Lauren

Lacey and Sabra are the two clear favorites in the competition, and both ladies should sail through to the Top 6.

That leaves Lauren and Sara as the girls most likely to take center stage tonight. Lauren has vastly improved over the past few weeks, but she's still not as spectacular as her early auditions indicated she might be. Sara, on the other hand, consistently impresses with her versatility and performance ability. While Lauren probably possesses stronger technical skills, at this point in the competition that doesn't really mean much -- and I think she'll be going home tonight.

Thoughts? Agree? Disagree?

Click to read SYTYCD Top 8 -Rankings and Recap and Mia Michaels is a Genius

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SYTYCD Top 8 - Rankings and Recap

You may have seen my post from last night about the genius of Mia Michaels, which also included my personal endorsement for who should win this year's competition. But that certainly doesn't tell the whole story of last night's show...there were also nonsensical and long-winded ramblings from guest judge Adam Shenkman, a kiss between Lauren and Dominic, and tears from Nigel and Mary.

Here, as always, are my rankings for the evening's performances.

1. Neil and Lacey, Contemporary
I said most of what there is to say about this here. Absolutely brilliant.

2. Sabra and Pasha, Broadway
Such energy! It was a great song to dance to, and these two more than met the tone set by the pulsing music, performing with a showmanship I didn't know either possessed. It seems Sabra can do just about anything, and Pasha's versatility is truly remarkable.

3. Sabra and Pasha, Quickstep
Yep, they had the 1-2 punch last night, with not one but two high energy numbers. They flew around the stage during this one, with Sabra seeming at times like she was floating. Loved it.

4. Lacey and Neil, Latin Jazz
When jazz combines with the Latin styles, magic can happen (think Heidi and Ryan's African Rumba last season). This number didn't have quite the spunk of previous jazz hybrid triumphs, but it was well performed by the pair (not to mention Neil's body is out of control). I think the judges (or "jidges," as Kat might say) were spot-on in suggesting that Lacey performs out to the audience, while Neil was very focused on her. It's one of the only things she needs to work on.

5. Sara and Danny, Argentine Tango
Ivan and Allison tore up the Argentine Tango last season, making the viewer believe they were really playing this sexy cat-and-mouse game with each other. Sara and Danny, on the other hand, looked gorgeous, and Danny's spins are undeniably thrilling, but there was no heat and no fire.

6. Lauren and D-Trix, Rumba
Okay, let's get the dancing out of the way -- I'd give it a solid "B," but it was nowhere near as hot as D-Trix's earlier rumba with Sabra. But now let's get to the real juice -- the kiss. My take is that the kiss was not planned or rehearsed, and that Dominic threw it in at the last moment. It was so awkward, because it seemed like Lauren was slightly caught off guard by it, and didn't know if she should kiss him back. They are both hot, but I don't need to see them making out -- they are already wearing skimpy outfits and grinding up on each other, let's leave a little bit to the imagination.

7. Sara and Danny, Hip Hop
Embarrassing. Maybe it was the costumes, but I couldn't take this dance seriously. Sorry Shane.
8. Lauren and D-Trix, Krump
Also embarrassing. There was no power, and no synchronicity, in this performance.

Here are my individual rankings:
1. Lacey
2. Sabra
3. Pasha
4. Neil
5. Danny
6. Sara
7. Lauren
8. Dominic

Check back in a little bit for my predictions as to who will go home.

Click for more So You Think You Can Dance, including Mia Michaels is a Genius

Spoilers for This Week's SYTYCD - Top 8

We're getting down to the nitty gritty now on So You Think You Can Dance, with the Top 8 each performing two dances this week.

SPOILERS -- if you want to be surprised, stop reading now.

Here are the pairings and dance styles for this week's show:

Danny and Sara:
Argentine Tango
Hip Hop

Dominic and Lauren:
Krump
Rumba

Lacey and Neil:
Latin Jazz
Contemporary (by Mia Michaels!)

Pasha and Sabra:
Broadway
Quickstep

A few thoughts:

-This is the second time both Lacey and Neil will have gotten to work with Mia -- an unfair advantage?
-This is also the second time Dominic will be tackling the rumba
-Pasha should be able to nail the quickstep, but how will he take to the razzle-dazzle of Broadway?
-Danny and Sara should be an interesting pairing -- he's got tons of techinical experience, and she's got practically none.

Thoughts?

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Who is Going Home Tonight on SYTYCD?

This is the week on So You Think You Can Dance when we see who has been coasting by on their previous partner's popularity (say that 3 times fast!), and who truly has a sizable fanbase of their own. Should be interesting!

I'm not entirely sure how they are going to identify who is going home, or if they will call out a Bottom 3, but here is who I think is most in danger this evening:

Eliminated Girl: Lauren Gotleib
I'm guessing Sabra and Lacey are both safe -- both were great last night, and both seem to have a lot of fans. I'm also thinking Sara's dynamic disco performance will be enough to keep her around another week.

Which leaves Jaimie and Lauren. While Lauren probably gave a better overall performance last night, Jaimie has been stronger throughout the competition, and is more clearly in danger after her disastrous Viennese Waltz with D-Trix, and as we all know from American Idol, when the viewers smell danger they start dialing -- a lot. Because of this, I'm predicting Lauren will be the one to go.

Eliminated Boy: Danny Tidwell
Pasha -- safe. He's charming and people love him.

D-Trix -- one bad week won't be enough to get him eliminated.

Neil -- the audience clearly loves him, and his disco further cemented his appeal. He's safe.

Which leaves Kameron and Danny. Clearly the judges would like to see Kameron given the boot, but his emotional solo, and the look on his face when the judges praised his solo, may be enough to save him. Could Danny, easily the most talented dancer on the show, be given the boot tonight? The show will be less because of it, but I think he's going to be the one sent packin'.

Agree? Disagree? Thoughts?

Rankings and Recap for SYTYCD's Top 10

Ok, I'm gonna come out and say it -- last night's So You Think You Can Dance was weird.

Maybe it was the fact that the partners were all switched up, or maybe it was the shortened routines (was it just me, or did they each seem like they were at most 1 minue long?), or perhaps it was the fact that each of the dancers had to dance the exact same solo, but something about the whole exercise last night felt a bit rushed and disjointed.

Having said that, let's get to the rankings:

1. Sabra and Kameron
Wow, the judges really aren't that into Kameron, are they? I thought this was a beautiful routine, and I thought it was well executed by both partners. Easily my favorite of the night.

2. Sara and Neil
Disco is never my favorite style, and I think it usually comes off as cheesy and amateurish, but Sara and Neil committed to it so completely I couldn't help but be charmed. Is there a style Sara can't do?

3. Lacey and Danny
With this being Lacey's specialty, and Danny being, well, Danny, I expected to be blown away by this samba, but the disjointed choreography prevented me from getting into it as much as I might have liked to. However, these kids did provide some heat, so I'll give them that.

4. Lauren and Pasha
There was nothing wrong with this performance -- it just didn't seem to go anywhere. Pasha continues to surprise me with his versatility, and Lauren definitely stepped it up a notch, but it's hard for me to imagine this routine had people running to their phones.

5. Jaimie and D-Trix
Was that a Viennese Waltz or a Paso Doble? Whichever it was, it wasn't very good.

As for the solos, which all blended into one another in my eyes, I'd give top honors to Danny, Lauren, Sabra and Kameron, with D-Trix and Pasha definitely showing their limitations.

Overall, here's my individual rankings:
1. Sabra
2. Danny
3. Lacey
4. Sara
5. Kameron
6. Neil
7. Pasha
8. Lauren
9. Jaimie
10. D-Trix

Check back soon for my thoughts on who will go home tonight.

Spoilers For This Week's SYTYCD Top 10

You know the drill...if you want to be surprised, STOP READING NOW!

This is the week where they change up the partners on So You Think You Can Dance, so we'll get the chance to see who has been coasting on the strength of their partner, and who has what it takes to survive in this cuthroat competition.

Here are the partners and dance styles for this week's show:

Lauren and Pasha — Hip-Hop
Sabra and Kameron — Contemporary
Lacey and Danny — Samba
Jaimie and Dominic — Viennese Waltz
Sara and Neil — Disco

In addition, each of the dancers will be performing a solo to “Waiting For the World To Change,” choreographed by Wade Robson.

Thoughts?

Who is Going Home Tonight on So You Think You Can Dance?

I'm doing things a little backwards this morning -- look for my SYTYCD Recap and Rankings a bit later this afternoon.

But for now, let's look at who is likely to get the boot at this crucial point in the competition, just before the Top 10, which is the group that will get to go on the national tour. With such a talented group this year it's a shame that two will miss out on the fun -- who's it gonna be?

Bottom 3 Couples
Hok and Jaimie
Danny and Anya
Pasha and Sara

This is tricky, and, after batting 100% in my predictions last week, I'm less sure than I've been all season in my picks this week. One thing I do feel confident in -- Lacey and Kameron will be safe, and Hok and Jaimie are the most likely to have to dance for their lives tonight. I think it's possible Neil and Lauren could replace either Danny/Anya or Pasha/Sara, but the fact that they danced a number choreographed by the beloved Mia Michaels may keep them out of the bottom. Danny and Anya were stunning (my favorites of the night), but after two straight weeks in the Bottom 3, will they be able to rejuvenate their audience support?

Eliminated Boy: Hok

I love him, the audience loves him, and it'll be a damn shame if he doesn't get to tour, but Hok is clearly the weakest male contestant left in the competition. I think the judges would actually prefer to get rid of Kameron, but since it's unlikely he and Lacey will be put in the Bottom 3, expect to say goodbye to the very entertaining B-boy.

Eliminated Girl: Sara

I'd probably send Lauren packing if I had the chance, but if Mia Michaels stunning work keeps her out of danger, Sara's lack of technical training is likely to be her downfall. Her only saving grace would be Anya flubbing another solo routine, or Lauren slipping into the Bottom 3.

What do you think? Who is most in danger of going home tonight?

Click for more So You Think You Can Dance, and check back in a little bit for my rankings and recap from last night's show

Spoilers: So You Think You Can Dance Top 12 Dance Styles

Once again, I've come across the dance styles for this week's So You Think You Can Dance. If you want to be surprised, STOP READING NOW!

Here we go...

1. Dominic & Sabra - Jive (Tony Meredith)
2. Hok & Jaimie - Broadway (Tyce Diorio)
3. Pasha & Sara - Jazz (Mandy Moore)
4. Neil & Lauren - Contemporary (Mia Michaels)
5. Danny & Anya - Foxtrot (Tony Meredith)
6. Kameron & Lacey - Hip-Hop (Dan Karaty)

Initial thoughts:
-D-Trix and Sabra could be in for a challenge, but they've proven they can connect and deliver, so I definitely wouldn't count them out
-Hok and Jaimie should be able to pull of a Broadway routine -- Hok is certainly theatrical enough
-Pasha and Sara will get through this, but it ain't gonna be pretty
-Neil and Lauren + Mia Michaels should be a match made in heaven. Here's hoping it turns out that way
-Danny and Anya have triumphed with ballroom styles in the past, I think this will be a chance for them to return to their former glory
-Kameron and Lacey might not have the edge to be able to pull this off -- it'l be interesting to see how the competition's most versatile couple does

Your thoughts?

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Who is in Danger This Week on So You Think You Can Dance?

We're down to the Top 12 on So You Think You Can Dance, which means there is just one more week where the judges get to decide who stays and who goes, before America takes over the reins completely. What will happen during this crucial week?

Even more so than on American Idol, the style of dance that the contestants choose can dictate whether they stay or go. Performing a Mia Michaels or a Wade Robson piece, for example, is almost a sure-fire way to stick around, while having to dance the waltz could very easily lead to a trip to the Bottom 3. Thus, making predictions is a difficult exercise...but I'm gonna try and do it anyways!

The couples left in the competition are:
Lacey/Kameron
Anya/Danny
Jaimie/Hok
Lauren/Neil
Sara/Pasha
Sabra/D-Trix

The only one of these couples to never spend time in the Bottom 3 is Lacey and Kameron, so I'm guessing the audience will continue to shower them with love and they will cruise on into the Top 10. Ditto Sabra and D-Trix, who have put up two stellar performances in a row, and seem to be gaining momentum weekly. I'm also thinking Danny and Anya will make it through this week -- two straight Bottom 3 appearances doesn't bode well, but if they choose a style that let's them shine, their natural gifts should allow them to be just fine.

Which would leave Jaimie/Hok, Lauren/Neil, and Sara/Pasha as the Bottom 3 couples. If this turns out to be the case, who would be most in danger of getting the boot?

If history proves to be an accurate guide, the judges will take this final opportunity to determine who is the most versatile and promising individuals. As such, expect Jaimie to be given a spot in the Top 10, leaving Lauren and Sara to battle it out for the final girl's spot. Lauren's last solo was far from impressive, but I think she'll step it up a notch and show enough technical proficiency to merit moving forward, meaning B-girl Sara, who has admirably risen to every challenge thrown at her all season, will be the one to leave.

As for the boys, it's a little more unclear. Hok is clearly the least trained dancer, but he's also arguably the most charismatic fellow left in the competition. Pasha is great at what he does, and has had moments of genius in other styles, but his solo is likely to be underwhelming. And then there's Neil, adorable Neil, who can do all sorts of crazy tricks, but is too inconsistent in his partner dances to be considered a shoo-in. While I think the judges would probably like to send Kameron packing, the fact that he is unlikely to have to "dance for his life" means the decision will be between these three young men, and I'm thinking Neil is most in danger of getting the boot.

What do you think -- who is most in danger of being eliminated this week?

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So You Think You Can Dance Top 14 - Who is Going Home Tonight?

You can read my recap and rankings from last night's show here, but here are my predictions for the Bottom 3 couples of the evening, and which male and female dancer will be sent packin'.

Bottom 3 Couples:
Cedric and Shauna
Hok and Jaimie
Danny and Anya

Cedric and Shauna seem to be a no-brainer -- if they are not in the Bottom 3, there is something seriously wrong with America. Hok and Jaimie have yet to put in an appearance at the bottom yet, but waltz doesn't tend to be an audience favorite, and the fact that it wasn't executed to perfection means they will probably be making their first trip to the "dance for your life" zone this evening. As for the third couple, I would have put Sara and Pasha here, but based on some of the comments of Idol Thoughts readers (as well as the raves from the judges), it seems like they will be spared. Which leaves D-Trix/Sabra, Neil/Lauren, Lacey/Kameron, and Danny/Anya, and I think it's the latter couple, whose routine left me (and Adam Shenkman) a little cold, that will be forced to prove they deserve to stay for the second straight episode.

Eliminated Guy: Cedric

As long as he and Shauna are in the Bottom 3, he's gone. If he somehow manages to avoid having to save himself tonight, expect Hok to say bye-bye.

Eliminated Girl: Shauna

Jaimie has dazzled the past two weeks, and the judges seem to have a big soft spot for Anya, which means Shauna is the likely evictee. Last time she was in the Bottom 3 she danced her face off and saved herself -- will she be able to do it again? If somehow she manages to stay, it's possible Jaimie's extension will work more effectively than Anya's partner-less ballroom, and the Russian diva may get the boot.

Thoughts?

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So You Think You Can Dance Recap and Rankings: Top 14

So You Think You Can Dance, how I have missed thee.

Guest judging tonight is Hairspray choreographer and director Adam Shenkman, who, like Debbie Allen before him, has a lot to say. That"s the thing about these choreographers and directos -- they like to tell people what they think about what they are doing. Mary, on the oher hand, has completely lost her mind. A silent scream that can be heard in Tokyo? Okay, honey, time to take the pills.

On to the performances, listed in the order of favorite-to-least-favorite.

1. Dominic and Sabra
After their disastrous disco the first week, who knew I would be loving these two so much. This dance was hot, and so sharply executed that I literally sighed at the end of it. D-Trix looked mighty fine in those red pants, and his moves were extraordinary -- he looked like he was ready for a music video. And Sabra matched him every step of the way, never betraying the fact that she's not a hip hop girl at heart. Loved it.

2. Neil and Lauren
It seems as though "jazz" is being used as a catch-all to mean whatever the hell the choreographer wants it to mean. As long as the choreographer is Wade Robson, I'm cool with that. These two had a lot to prove this week, since they've only given one halfway decent performance, and last episode saw them fall to the Bottom 3. They delivered this week big time,fully committing to their characters and showing some real chemistry. I thought this was the best they've been so far, and they showed they deserve to be here.

3. Lacey and Kameron
These two entertain every single time, but I'm starting to think that has a little more to do with Lacey than it does with Kameron -- she really pops, in a way that he doesn't. Having said that, he is adorable, and he never lets her down as a partner. But all in all I loved this performance, which is a bit surprising considering disco is never my favorite style. It'll be interesting to see what happens when Kameron has to dance with a different partner -- perhaps Lacey's star is just a bit too bright for him, and when he get out of her shadow he'll really shine.

4. Danny and Anya
I would have thought these two dancing a contemporary routine would have easily topped my list this week, but as Adam Shenkman was trying to explain, there is something about Danny's demeanor that prevents he and Anya from really connecting and bringing true passion to the dance floor. Lacey and Kameron would have eaten this routine up, while Danny looked like a sensational dancer going through the motions, and Anya looked like a woman alone on the stage. It was beautiful on the surface, but it had no depth. If they keep this up, they're in trouble.

5. Hok and Jaimie
Even though I think Jaimie is dumb as a box of nails, I found her quite entertaining during her intro clip, as she hemmed and hawed over whether there was something going on between her and Hok (did anyone else notice the little kiss she gave him after their performance?). Yes, Hok was out of his element, but he was present and engaged, and I give him a lot of credit. And Jaimie was gorgeous -- the second episode in a row that has been the case. I guess I'm gonna have to reconsider my stance on this one.

6. Pasha and Sara
Honestly Benji? Get a job. I'm a little over seeing you on the show every week. And can I just say how pissed I am that Heidi was not acknowledged during the whole segment (except briefly by Kat at the end). I realize she didn't win the contest, but she did come in 4th place, and the viewers probably remember her. Just rude. Anyways, I didn't like this performance. Maybe it's because the only people I've ever seen do West Coast Swing are Benji, Heidi, and Lacey, and these two didn't look anything like them. Whatever the reason, it seemed rushed and awkward to me, and quite frankly I can't understand how the judges got so worked about it. Sorry Benji, not my thing.

7. Cedric and Shauna
I think the judges are trying to use reverse psychology with the viewers, because what I saw was absolutely horrible. I was starting to like Shauna after her Mia Michaels performance, but she brought her game down to Cedric's level tonight, and that's not a good thing. I mean, it looked like the final performance in a local amateur class. Yes, by the end they had stepped it up a little, but the whole thing left me disappointed in Shauna and just blatantly annoyed that Cedric is still in the competition. Please, America, do the right thing and send this boy home...or at least to Debbie Allen's dance academy.

Individual Rankings:
1. Dominic
2. Neil
3. Lacey
4. Sabra
5. Lauren
6. Jaimie
7. Kameron
8. Anya
9. Danny
10. Hok
11. Pasha
12. Sara
13. Shauna
14. Cedric

Check back tomorrow morning for my thoughts on who will go home.

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Spoilers for Tomorrow's So You Think You Can Dance - Top 14

Is anyone else experiencing So You Think You Can Dance withdrawl? I'm not okay with this 2 week break!

Luckily, our favorite dancers are back tomorrow night for some action.

SPOILERS -- Don't read if you want to be surprised!

Here are the dance styles that will be performed...

1. Lacey and Kameron — Hustle
2. Shauna and Cedric — Mambo
3. Anya and Danny — Contemporary
4. Sara and Pasha — West Coast Swing (choreographed by Benji Schwimmer!)
5. Sabra and Dominic — Hip-Hop
6. Jaimie and Hok — Waltz
7. Lauren and Neil — Jazz (choreographed by Wade Robson)

In addition, Hairspray director Adam Shenkman will be a guest judge, and will choreograph a group number for Thursday's show to the film's "You Can't Stop the Beat." Hilary Duff will also perform on Thursday's show.

Several interesting things here, including Benji's debut as a choreographer, Jaimie and Hok attempting the waltz (that should be interesting), Lacey and Kameron bringing their off-screen hustle to the stage, Danny getting to perform in his own style, and D-Trix getting to tackle hip hop. Personally, I'm most looking forward to Lauren and Neil -- if they can't bring it this week, in a number choreographed by Wade Robson, then there is no hope for these two, no matter how pretty they are.

Your thoughts?

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So You Think You Can Dance Top 16 - Who is Going Home Tonight?

Another Thursday, another elimination. After two straight weeks of surprises (Ricky and Faina, we hardly knew ya), who's it going to be this week?

You can read my full recap and rankings of last night's show here.

Bottom 3 Couples:
Sara and Jesus
Neil and Lauren
Shauna and Cedric

While it's entirely possible Danny and Anya could slip into the Bottom 3, I'm guessing the fact that Sara and Jesus performed first might put them in jeopardy tonight, along with the still underperforming Neil and Lauren, and the trainwreck that is Cedric. What could save Cedric? Mia Michaels' brilliant choreography, for one, along with the fact that about five minutes of time last night was devoted to debating the merits of keeping him in the competition. Will Debbie Allen's generous offer to provide him with a scholarship to her dance academy mean people won't feel bad about sending him home, or will it mean that they'll want to keep him around for his uniqueness and the drama he brings to the show? If somehow Cedric and Shauna manage to avoid a Bottom 3 showing, expect Danny and Anya to fall to the bottom.

Eliminated Boy: Cedric
As long as he and Shauna are in the Bottom 3, he's going home, no two ways about it.

Eliminated Girl: Jessi
Who knows if baby oil girl will have recovered enough to make it back for tonight's elimination show? Even if she does, I'm guessing she's going to get the boot tonight. If, somehow, she manages to recover in time and save herself, prepare to say goodbye to Ms. Shauna.

Read my full recap and rankings of last night's show here.

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