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Lots of drama last night, and apparently lots of controversy ensued. And. Oh yeah. Good dancing.
The first thing host Cat Deeley springs on us is that fan and judge favorite Alex Wong is injured. And by all accounts, it sounds not good at all. They're hoping against hope he makes it back for next week, but in the meantime he's automatically in the bottom three this week -- and eliminated if he can't dance next week. And unlike American Idol, you can't exactly say, "Oh he'll be fine, he's gotten his break he can get a recording contract," etc. The dance world isn't quite the same.
I guess we'll find out tonight...but a busted Achilles tendon is not something you snap back from (no pun intended) in a week.
Le sigh.
And, leaving a teary Alex Wong behind, on with the show.
Each contestant danced once with an all-star and once with a fellow contestant, and here's how they did:
DANCING WITH THE ALL-STARS
1. Lauren and all-star Pasha danced a Jean Marc and France cha cha routine
Well. Wowsa. This girl is stepping it up a notch. This was her most connected, sexy, into-her-partner-not-the-audience, non-dance-team-y performance yet. It was really sharp, really smoldering, really sexy, really impressive. Yes, there were some rough spots in dips; places where I felt there might be a teensy lack of partner-trust. But overall: Excellent.
2. Jose and all-star Lauren danced a Mandy Moore contemporary routine
As Adam very rightly pointed out, Mandy played right to Jose's strengths. Which means he did a little floor work, and he did a LOT of lifts. But what Jose really pulled off was committing himself to the emotion and connection of the contemporary routine. I begin to wonder if it's a little patronizing how the judges are always so shocked and amazed and admiring when the B-boys can show emotion and, as they call it, "vulnerability." What are you trying to say, guys? Are all B-boys and street dancers thugs without a heart? It just really struck me last night that I was starting to get uncomfortable not, so much, with how much they love Jose, but perhaps with why. More on that in a minute.
3. Kent and all-star Comfort danced a Dave Scott hip hop routine
So, letting my petty side rule: I loved Kent's hat, because it hid his annoying facial expressions, if they were indeed on display. His moves were surprisingly good, and I bought the performance to a surprising extent. Way more than Billy's krumping, I'll just say that! Yes, he was a little too fluid. But he exceeded my expectations.
I will add this, though: SYTYCD, listen up! Enough with the fake kissing at the end of routines. It's just creepy. I actually have no idea nor do I care if this is something you choreograph in to try to combat some image of dancers (male dancers, that is). But it needs to stop.
4. Adechike and all-star Courtney danced a Mandy Moore jazz routine
Meh. It was fine, but a little too posey for me. How many times do we need to see these fine young dancers (the women, that is) bend over and stick their butt in the air? We get it; they have some exceedingly fine, tight buns. I'm jealous, honestly. But ...actually, I'm starting to sound like a prude, aren't I? You kids, get that fake kissing and butt demonstrating off a my lawn! I knew Adechike was going to get torn up on this one, although I didn't quite expect Mia's venom about it. More on that in a minute.
5. Billy and guest all-star Katie danced a Spencer Liff Broadway routine
Well, for once, I liked BIlly. This routine played well to Billy's lines and his kind of creepiness (yes, I find him creepy, so sue me). I had a little trouble with the fact that they weren't always synched up, but overall, this was fun and dynamic. PS-All-star Alison aggravated a rib injury, so that's why Katee was called in ... because all six guys are still in the competition, so all 6 female all-stars are used every time. Just in case you were losing track. I'm here to help.
6. Ashley and all-star Dominic danced a Napoleon & Tabitha hip hop routine
This was fun, and her moves were surprisingly good. She could have had a bit more menace when she executed moves like the kick to his groin, but overall, I liked
