We’re down to the top 10!! Which means all new partnerships. I love this stage because I feel like you get a better feel for people’s talents and they are judged much more on their own merits rather than their partnerships. Can’t wait to see what is in store.
First we start off with some group dances. Girls will be doing Bollywood. And what wasn’t there to like about that? High energy, super fun and everyone looked gorgeous. No one particularly stood out which I think is a success story, because no one should in a group number like that. They were all totally in sync and looked really strong. The judges were all very impressed and complimentary.

Kayla and Evan: Well let’s just get the obvious out of the way. There is a massive height difference here. And they got the Viennese Waltz which could be quite difficult considering she will be in heels. Although when they appear, the costumers have put Evan in lifts and Kayla in flats which helped a ton. I thought Kayla looked very strong, graceful and her legs are just amazing. I thought this dance showed Evan’s weakness in that he didn’t look near as graceful and didn’t seem to glide very much. The judges seemed mostly impressed, but Mary, like me, seemed to want a bit more out of Evan.

Jeanette and Ade: Super cute idea behind the dance that Ade is hypnotizing Jeanette into being a hip hop dancer. They both were really strong and totally embraced their characters. I still think Jeanette outshines most of the people she dances with with her energy. But in general, they both deserved all the praise they got from the judges. One of my favorites of the season.
Jeanine and Jason: Travis Wall is back as a choreographer which is really fun to those of us who have been fans of the show for many seasons. And they need to use them again and again!! That dance was one of my favorites I have ever seen on this show. It was incredibly moving and I have never seen the two of them dance better. I hate to say it but I think they were being held back by their previous partners. They got a standing ovation from the audience and all 3 judges. Absolutely AMAZING!!
Randi and Kupono: To me the whole dance felt a little off and a little awkward. I just kind of kept hoping it would end. The judges agreed and had a lot of harsh criticism for the pair of them. Not a whole lot to say about that one cause I am just going to subscribe to the “If you can’t say something nice…”mantra here. I will say that with that brunette wig on somehow Randi looked like Jennifer Aniston. Anyone with me on that one?
Melissa and Brandon: Very cool number. I thought the choreography highlighted Brandon a little more than Melissa, but they both danced it really well. And the choreographer did a good job of using both Melissa’s ballet and Brandon’s gymnastic in the dance. The judges all praised their dancing and the choreography unanimously. They nailed it.
The show ended as it began with a group number except this time with the guys doing an African number. Unlike the girls though, I thought Brandon and Ade really stood out as the two who most embodied this style of dance. Not that I speak from any dance knowledge, but they just seemed the most powerful while Jason, Kupono and Evan just seemed way too graceful and fluid. I guess I just expected more rawness and Brandon and Ade seem to have that. The judges seemed to disagree and specifically pointed out that no one stuck out.
Solos: Brandon is such a standout and has so much power to his dancing. Randi was very beautiful and graceful (and as always, cute as a button). Kupono is so unique in his dance style; there is really no one else like him in the solo dances. Melissa is so fun to watch dance on pointe since we haven’t gotten to see much of that on SYTYCD in the past. She is so strong. Evan’s charm is so contagious and his solo was absolutely adorable. And finally, Kayla. Her extension in her legs is just off the charts. So gorgeous. Ade did a backflip that was crazy high. He is so powerful. Jeanine used music that allowed her to distinguish herself from the other contemporary females with some really cool movements. Jason finally showed some personality in his solo and had some fun with it which was refreshing for him I think because he hasn’t shown a ton so far. Jeanine rounded out the bunch and I think even though it is really hard for a ballroom dancer to do solos, she was very entertaining. This top 10 is off the charts talented!!
What did you think? I thought the show was amazingly strong. Based on tonight alone, Kupono and Randi should probably be heading home, but it is anybody’s guess. Who do you predict will go home?