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Which, because they didn't split up a single couple yet, was particularly poignant..at least to Cat, who brought it up a million times.
I wasn't quite as broken up about it as Cat, as I'm finding all the couples to be incredibly talented, but none of them being out of this world on the chemistry front. Maybe that's just me? I think we've established that my opinions are officially the product of Opposite Day to some folks :)
Last night each couple did two routines, and we were treated to two guest judges...one Sonya Tayeh, the wacky-mohawked choreographer (or Sonya is the new Wade, if you prefer) and one Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Cue scratching record sound (and for those of you who are younger than 25: A record is this flat black disc that you played by placing a needle on it. I know, right?).
So Jesse originated a role in that Spelling Bee show on Broadway, which is cool. But that show features exactly no dancing, which is not that cool. And I guess he did his time on cruise ships and theme parks...which is the least cool thing I've ever heard.
Now, as it turns out: Jesse was a delightful judge who really watches the show, was willing to criticize, and was overall kind of adorable. But still.
So, on to the two couples, whose two dances I will group together.
1. Sasha and Alexander
a. First they danced a paso doble routine by Tony and Melanie, to a song called "March of the Trolls." (Why yes, I did envision nasty commenters on the Internet, how did you know?)
Now unlike most pasos, this one involved two matadors. She was clearly stronger than him, which she has been since the beginning. And call me square, or anti-feminist, or whatever, but I missed the cape...where was the cape? While there was no cape, there were a couple of sloppy points where they seemed a bit out of synch and a bit unbalanced. I thought it was OK, but not awesome.
b. Then they danced a contemporary routine by Tyce Diorio, to "That's Life," sung by Aretha.
I completely agreed with the judges that this was the best Alexander has ever been. He owned the style and seemed more Sasha's match in this number than ever before. Of course that might be because there were a couple of literal stumbles, mostly hers, but why be mean? It had great energy and was perhaps my favorite routine they've done. And now they're being torn apart!!!!! Dramatic Sob!
2. Jordan and Tadd
a. First, they danced a contemporary routine by Travis, to a instrumental piece by Olafur Arnalds.
Wow, so we're all about the men triumphing over those evil women who dare to be strong tonight, eh? Since both the Sasha/Alexander paso that came before it and this routine ended with a strangled woman, it was a bit of a weird way to start the night. Just me? I've gone from anti-feminist to overly feminist? This was OK, but given that Nigel just gave Jordan feedback about over-relying on her monumental developpees, I thought it was funny that there were about 20 of them choreographed into this piece. Not her fault, I guess, but I was saying "OK, I get it already!" to the TV. Again, good, but didn't knock my socks off.
b. Then they danced a jazz routine by Spencer Liff, to "Out Tonight" from Rent.
I thought this was pretty terrible. First of all, it took a really long time to get going. If this were Dancing with the Stars, Len would have grumbled about that for about five minutes. Then once it got going, well, it didn't really get going. There wasn't a ton of stuff that felt like actual dancing, and overall the effect was amateurish and not interesting at all. One of the worst routines of the night for me.
3. Ryan and Rickey
a. First they danced a Broadway routine by Spencer Liff, to "All I need is the Girl" from Gypsy sung by Sinatra.
I liked it more than the judges. I thought it was nice and precise and very evocative. I did feel Ryan was a bit heavy on her feet, but I thought the two of them together were stylish...I didn't miss the style.
b. Then they danced a cha cha routine by Louis Van Amstel, to a tune by Enrique Iglesias
Oh, this was not so great. She seemed a bit behind the whole time. He had it going on,
