So You Think You Can Dance - What Did I Miss? I'm Back And Ready To Recap!

Vance here again! I'm back (sort of, by the time you read this I'll be traveling for work again) and I've caught up with the THREE weeks of So You Think You Can Dance that I missed and all just in time for tonights Top 10! Wow, how much did I miss? Apparently a LOT. Remind me not to take a vacation during the summer next year. It almost ruined my vacation, knowing I was missing out on SYTYCD! It almost made me sick to my stomach, so I just had to stuff my face with German sausages to make myself feel better (sadly, that's not a euphemism. I'm talking actual sausages that goes straight to my belly).

And a big thanks again to Linz McC's and while I wrote my own grades separately first, you'll notice that we had very similar thoughts, and thus Linz made a great guest blogger (ha!)!!!

So I was shocked at a few results. Yet these were the weeks when the dancers were slowly differentiating themselves and one team in particular pulled ahead to be at the front of the pack as one of the front runners and we lost other favorites that just had some bad weeks. Plus, in a last minute injury, tonight's Top 10 will have Comfort back in and Jessica out.

So here are my thoughts on everything that happened in the last 3 weeks of So You Think You Can Dance that now brings us to this weeks Top 10:

Top 16 Performance Night

Kherington Payne and Twitch
Style: Hip Hop - Choreographed by Tabitha & Napoleon
Song: "Don't Touch Me" - Busta Rhymes

These two are a joy to watch, even when their dances aren't technically perfect. It was cute but I wish the costumes were not as baggy and I the song doesn't give it the oomph that would have been great to see them dance to,
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B


Courtney Galiano and Gev Manoukian
Style: Rumba - Choreographed by Tony Meredith & Melanie
Song: "Wishing on a Star" - Rose Royce

They still kind of look like kids trying to do this sultry dance but like Nigel said, Gev reminds me of Dominic from last year and the pairing actually reminded me of Dominic and Sara and you just couldn't help love them and I feel the same here.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: B


Comfort Fedoke and Chris Jarosz
Style: Jazz - Choreographed by Tyce Diorio
Song: "Beautiful People" - Marilyn Manson

It was okay. Could have been harder and wilder (like the judges said) but I thought it wasn't terrible.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B-
Vance's Grade: B-


Jessica King and William Wingfield
Style: Disco - Choreographed by Doriana Sanchez
Song: "Heaven Must Have Sent You" - Bonnie Pointer

William still carried the team but Jessica was pretty good here and it was the first disco in a while that I enjoyed, partly because of the choreography. (I still think Doriana has good weeks and bad weeks).
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: B+

Kourtni Lind and Matt Dorame
Style: Contemporary - Choreographed by Sonya Tayek
Song: "Wrestlers" - Hot Chip

That was great. This is the dance that makes me love Matt and Kourtni and I love the new choreographer so far. Bring in more fresh blood!
Linz McC's Original Grade: A-
Vance's Grade: A-


Chelsea Traille and Thayne Jasperson
Style: Quick Step - Choreographed by Heather Smith
Song: "You Can't Hurry Love" - Phil Collins

It wasn't terrible but it felt off for Chelsea and Thayne and part of it was watchable and part of it wasn't.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B-
Vance's Grade: B-


Chelsie Hightower and Mark Kanemura
Style: Hip Hop - Choreographed by Napoleon & Tabitha
Song: "Bleeding Love" - Leona Lewis

This gets a total standing ovation from me. One of those standout dances that will stand out from this season.
Linz McC's Original Grade: A
Vance's Grade: A+


Katee Shean and Joshua Allen
Style: Samba - Choreographed by Tony Meredith & Melanie
Song: "Baila Baila" - Angela Via

This team is solid and while I'm still trying to learn to love Katee, I will admit that she partners amazingly with Joshua.
Linz McC's Original Grade: A
Vance's Grade: A

Best of the Top 16 Week: Chelsie H. and Mark

Top 16 Results Night

Chelsea Traille - Solo Dance
Song: "A Song for You" - Donny Hathaway
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B+

Thayne Jasperson - Solo Dance
Song: "Always" - Bon Jovi
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: B+

Comfort Fedoke - Solo Dance
Song: "Just Fine" - Mary J. Blige
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B

Chris Jarosz- Solo Dance
Song: "After Tonight" - Justin Nozuka
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: B

Kourtni Lind - Solo Dance
Song: "Fire Door (Live)" - Ani Difranco
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B+

Matt Dorame - Solo Dance
Song: "I'm Yours" - Jason Mraz
Linz McC's Original Grade: A-
Vance's Grade: A-

I'm quite shocked that Chelsea Traille was kicked off, less so with Chris. Which seems to be most people's sentiments.


Top 14 Performance Night

Jessica King and William Wingfield
Performance #1:
Style: Jive - Choreographed by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin
Song: "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" - Five Guys Named Moe

I'm sorry but while Jessica is a very good dancer, I still feel like she drags Will down but I feel that Will is basically pulling Jessica into the Top 10.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: B-

Performance #2:
Style: Lyrical Jazz - Choreographed by Mandy Moore
Song: "Alone" - Heart

I don't hate Jessica. Any other year she would be a top contender. I just like all the other girls more this season. That being said. She seemed awkward from one moment with the shirt in some twist but other than that, this was an amazing piece with a great performance.
Linz McC's Original Grade: A
Vance's Grade: A


Comfort Fedoke and Thayne Jasperson
Performance #1
Style: Broadway - Choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler
Song: "Cool" - Bernstein & Sondheim (from West Side Story)

I thought it was pretty good Broadway and while I think Thayne ended off the last seconds a bit weakly and the whole thing could have been just slightly punchier, but I thought overall it was generally pretty good.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B+

Performance #2
Style: Smooth Waltz - Choreographed by Edward Simon
Song: "Hov Arek Sarer Jan" - New Age Armenia

I actually didn't expect this to be as good as it was. It was quite beautiful and I couldn't take my eyes off Comfort.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B+


Kourtni Lindand Matt Dorame
Performance #1
Style: Hip Hop - Choreographed by Cicely & Olisa
Song: "How Do I Breathe" - Mario

While I've kinda of felt that the choreographers haven't been as strong as the dancers this season, this dance finally made me feel the dancer let down the choreographers because that should have been a wicked routine but it felt a bit soft and lumpy, and mostly from Matt's stiffness. Kourtni looked like she was trying all she could but Matt just didn't look right. Much to my dismay since I like this pair and thought Matt was finally loosening up in the past couple of weeks.
Okay, I just watched it again and Kourtni wasn't actually that great either. What happened? They were so good last week.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B-
Vance's Grade: C+

Performance #2
Style: Mambo - Choreographed by Alex DaSilva
Song: "Bon-Con-Tim" - Super All-Stars

There were technical difficulties but I actually thought it was quite entertaining and turned out better than the pre-video led me to believe it would.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B-
Vance's Grade: B


Chelsie Hightower and Mark Kanemura
Performance #1
Style: Jazz - Choreographed by Mandy Moore
Song: "Kiss Kiss" - Holly Vance

Holy Vance! What did you just see? Holy how much am I loving these two? I liked them early on but they were sort of blended with the pack. Another week I was gone though and another week they put out a great performance that just sparks with energy and sexiness. Chelsie and Mark just have that extra oomph and hits the marks just enough to give the performance a sharpness that makes it memorable.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: A-

Performance #2
Style: Foxtrot - Choreographed by Edward Simon
Song: "It's My Life" - Paul Anka

Always beautiful. I'm really loving these two now.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B+


Kherington Payne and Twitch
Performance #1
Style: Paso Doble - Choreographed by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin
Song: "Malaguena" - Brian Setzer 68 Comeback Special
I thought it was hot!
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: A-

Performance #2
Style: Contemporary - Choreographed by Mia Michaels
Song: "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" - John Mayer

It was a bit literal and I'm not sure if the whole dance was just bouncing off the mattress but it sure was entertaining and breathtaking and Kherington and Twitch seemed totally committed to their characters.
Linz McC's Original Grade: A-
Vance's Grade: A-


Katee Shean and Joshua Allen
Performance #1
Style: Contemporary - Choreographed by Mia Michaels
Song: "Hometown Glory" - Adele

I love Mia but I haven't been wowed by her stuff recently and maybe it was just because it wasn't executed perfectly? But I'm FINALLY WOWED NOW! Between a great piece and brilliant execution by Joshua and Katee and it made for a breathtaking piece that I think I may need a ventilator right now.
Linz McC's Original Grade: A
Vance's Grade: A+

Performance #2
Style: West Coast Swing - Choreographed by Season 2 Winner Benji Schwimmer
Song: "Shake It" - Brother Yosef

There were some brilliantly executed moments but then I thought there were a few lulls too where they seemed a bit tired (though I'm talking SOOOO minutely and detailed at this point) compared to their normal selves but still great.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B+


Courtney Galiano and Gev Manoukian
Performance #1
Style: Hip Hop - Choreographed by Cicely & Olisa
Song: "Lights, Camera Action!" - Mr. Cheeks

These two are so cute together but I think my surprise is that Courtney was so good!
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B+

Performance #2
Style: Broadway - Choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler
Song: "New York New York" - Bernstein, Comden & Green

There was so much heart in the performance that it made up for some missteps. It could have been more together but I'm sure if they were given a bit more practice time, they could have been perfect.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B+

Best Dance of the Top 14 Week: Katee and Joshua's Contemporary
Best Pair of the Top 14 Week: Kherington and Twitch


Top 14 Results Night

Kourtni Lind - Solo Dance
Song: "No Man" - Nina Storey
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: B

Matt Dorame - Solo Dance
Song: "Sweet Contentment" - Bradley James and the Roadies
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B+

Courtney Galiano- Solo Dance
Song: "What's Another Day" - Maria Mena
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B+

Gev Manoukian - Solo Dance
Song: "Everybody Loves a Carnival" - Fatboy Slim
Linz McC's Original Grade: A
Vance's Grade: A-

Comfort Fedoke - Solo Dance
Song: "Hit the Floor" - Twista feat. Pit Bull
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B

Thayne Jasperson - Solo Dance
Song: "I Want to Break Free" - Queen
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B+

Kourtni and Matt were kicked off and I was slightly surprised and slightly not.


Top 12 Performance Night

Chelsie Hightower and Mark Kanemura
Style: Salsa - Choreographed by Alex DaSilva
Song: "Fuego" - Joe Bataan

There were moments of magic and then moments of oh-my-god-i-need-to-catch-up-with-my-steps but they put so much passion into their performances you tend to let the flaws go.
Linz McC's Original Grade: A-
Vance's Grade: A-

Performance #2
Style: Broadway - Choreographed by Tyce Diorio
Song: "I'm A Woman" - Smokey Joe's Cafe (Original Soundtrack)

Well, if these two don't end up winning (or even if they do), they can always go dance on Broadway! They danced the heck out of a routine that I thought was only okay (sorry Tyce) but that just shows you what showpeople Mark and Chelsie are.
Linz McC's Original Grade: A-
Vance's Grade: A-


Comfort Fedoke and Thayne Jasperson
Performance #1
Style: Hip Hop - Choreographed by Napoleon & Tabitha
Song: "Can We Chill" - Ne-Yo

Comfort was in her element and looked... well... comfortable but Thayne seemed to soft. he did an admirable job as it wasn't bad but the whole thing didn't coalesce as much as it should have.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: B-

Performance #2
Style: Contemporary - Choreographed by Mandy Moore
Song: "A Different Corner" - George Michael

And in the second performance, Thayne looked like he was in his element while Comfort looked really awkward. I mean, I could never do what even Comfort did but at this point in the competition, it needed to be smoother and relaxed.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B-
Vance's Grade: C+


Jessica King and William Wingfield
Performance #1:
Style: Contemporary - Choreographed by Tyce Diorio
Song: "Silence" - Unfaithful (Soundtrack)

I really wanted to like this more but considering they were both half naked, it didn't really feel all that hot or passionate to me and I felt it should have been smoother. It was quite clunky to me... or to be exact, Jessica was a bit clunky. Will was amazing but I felt no passion between them, even though the judges did.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: B-

Performance #2:
Style: Quickstep - Choreographed by Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin
Song: "Bandstand" - Barry Manilow

Will is pretty awesome but again, I felt that Jessica felt lumpy and almost weighted down, plus her smile, persona and presence feels like that girl in high school that tried too hard to be everyone's friend. OMG, Mia actually said what we've all been thinking, that Will has carried her through to the finals. I knew there was a reason why I loved Mia (well, another reason).
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: C+


Courtney Galiano and Gev Manoukian
Performance #1
Style: Cha Cha - Choreographed by Anya & Pasha
Song: "Don't Stop the Music (The Wideboys Mix)" - Rihanna

I can't say it enough but I just love these two. They are so cute that you can't help love them no matter what. And yet, they totally have the skills to back their lovability, as that was a fantastic routine and they danced their little tushies away!
Linz McC's Original Grade: A-
Vance's Grade: A-

Performance #2
Style: Jazz - Choreographed by Mandy Moore
Song: "Standing There" - The Creatures

I'm not sure how these two are going to be when they get split up during the Top 10's but while these two are together, they are SO fun to watch.
Linz McC's Original Grade: A-
Vance's Grade: A-

Kherington Payne and Twitch
Performance #1
Style: Krump - Choreographed by Lil' C
Song: "2 Buck 4 TV" - Tha J-Squad

That was great! Kherington was great! Twitch was great!
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: B+

Performance #2
Style: Smooth Waltz - Choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereaux
Song: "Assassin's Tango" - Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Soundtrack)

Okay but not as great as these two usually are. It looked good but there wasn't that spark that these two usually have.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: B


Katee Shean and Joshua Allen
Performance #1
Style: Viennese Waltz - Choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereaux
Song: "Iris" - The Goo Goo Dolls

I really love Joshua but I barely noticed him and his slightly klunky foot movements here because this was the week Katee won me over.
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: A-

Performance #2
Style: Bollywood - Choreographed by Nakule & Marla
Song: "Dhoom Taana" - Om Shanti Om (Soundtrack)

Linz McC's Original Grade: A-
Vance's Grade: A

Best Dance of the Top 12 Week: Katee and Joshua's Bollywood
Best Pair of the Top 12 Week: Katee and Joshua closely followed by the tied teams of Courtney and Gev and Chelsie and Mark


Top 12 Results Night

Top 12 Group Performance
Hip Hop- Choreographed by Tabitha & Napoleon
Song: "Closer" - Ne-Yo
I haven't commented on the group performances in this post but this one was the first GREAT one and Tabitha and Napoleon are really doing such a great job and are such a great addition to the show! Plus, I was wondering how long it would take this show to use the song "Closer" since the first time I heard it, all I could think was, this would be PERFECT for a SYTYCD dance! Now I'm just waiting for them to use Jesse McCartney's "Leavin'".


Comfort Fedoke - Solo Dance
Song: "Oh Timbaland" - Timbaland
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: B

Thayne Jasperson - Solo Dance
Song: "Come Home" - One Republic
Linz McC's Original Grade: A-
Vance's Grade: A-

Jessica King- Solo Dance
Song: "Best for Last" - Adele
Linz McC's Original Grade: B
Vance's Grade: B

William Wingfield - Solo Dance
Song: "Daraijan" - Kodo
Linz McC's Original Grade: A-
Vance's Grade: A

Kherington Payne - Solo Dance
Song: "All We Are" - One Republic
Linz McC's Original Grade: B+
Vance's Grade: A-

Twitch - Solo Dance
Song: "We Gonna Win" - Miri Ben-Ari
Linz McC's Original Grade: A-
Vance's Grade: A-

So, it's the end of the road for Comfort which was slightly expected but as Nigel inadvertently said, Jessica should have gone instead of Thayne because all the boys were amazing.

So there you have it. Our Top 10 Dancers remain and new pairings begin this week!!!

And uh, with the exception of Jessica, I love them all and I can see ANY of the dancers winning at this point.

I wanted to list the dancers in order of my favorite to least but it is SOOO hard that it's basically a general tie but here it is (at this point in time) anyways:

Pairs in order of Favorite to Least:

Joshua and Katee
Chelsie and Mark
Courtney and Gev
Kherington and Twitch
Jessica and Will

Individual dancers in order of Favorite to Least

1. Mark
2. Katee
3. Joshua
4. Chelsie
5. Kherington
6. Gev
7. Twitch
8. Will
9. Courtney
10. Jessica Comfort

but PLEASE take into account that basically that there is a HUGE gap between 9 and 10 spots (when Jessica was still in, lesser with Comfort, even though I think she'll be out right away again this week) and Mark and Katee could interswitch and 3-9 could be all switched around and I could totally agree. This is going to a tough next few weeks and it will be interesting to see who does well with new partners.

Can't wait for tonight!!!

For More So You Think You Can Dance:
Check here for the most Recent current postings and Latest News on SYTYCD

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 4:
Top 12 Performances, Results 12 to 10 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 14 Performances, Results 14 to 12 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 16 Performances, Results 16 to 14 - Guest Blogger Linz McC
Top 18 Performances, Results 18 to 16
Top 20 Performances, Results 20 to 18
Introducing the Top 20

Auditions:
Callbacks in Las Vegas - The Top 20 Revealed - What Happens In Vegas
Milwaukee, WI - How The Midwest Was Won
Charleston, South Carolina and Washington D.C. - S.C.D.C. The New Electric (Boogaloo) Term!
Salt Lake City and Dallas - Yeehaw Utah!
Los Angeles - It's Time To Put On Those Dancing Shoes Again Kids!

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 3:
Live Tour - Toronto, Pasha's Solo Video, Neil's Solo Video
Finale - Winner Result
Top 4 Performances - Finals
Top 6 Performances, Top 6 Results
Top 8 Performances, Top 8 Results
Top 10 Performances, Top 10 Results
Top 12 Performances, Top 12 Results
Top 14 Performances, Top 14 Results
Top 16 Performances, Top 16 Results
Top 18 Performances, Top 18 Results
Top 20 Performances, Top 20 Results

For So You Think You Can Dance Season 2:
Favorite Video Clips
Song List Live Tour 2006 - Toronto
Live Tour 2006 - Buffalo, Pics, More Pics