Top 8

A few notes before we break it down. I am not sure what the point of Ellen was, but I did crack up. This night of dancing had a few highs, but mostly some big choreography lows. Hopefully tomorrow night will blow us away! Let's do this.



GROUP

"Let It Rock," Kevin Rudolf f. Lil' Wayne (Contemporary, Travis Wall)
This had great energy and was a lot of fun, although I am not sure I saw the individuality from each dancer within the piece as was discussed during the rehearsal. I thought it was a great group number from Travis, and I am thrilled to see him out there in the audience making his mark.

COUPLES

Janette & Evan
"Move (Metromoney Remix)," CSS (Jazz, Sonya Tayeh)
This was a really interesting piece and I was so blown away by Janette that I have to be honest, I really didn't focus that much on Evan. I am just amazed at how this salsa dancer keeps growing and rising to every challenge. I love this girl.I loved Sonya's choreography, I am just bummed that this is the first dance of a long night. I hope folks remember it.

"Heartless," Kris Allen (Rumba, Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin)
I thought they did a nice job with the chemistry, but this music killed me. I kept wanting it to speed up so they could wow me with something. It certainly was not the dancers (or Kris Allen's) fault, but I was pretty bored.

Jeanine & Brandon
"May It Be," Hayley Westenra (Waltz, Hunter Johnson)
UGH. Haven't we had enough waltz's already??? This was not either of their best performances, and I actually saw a wobble in the beginning lift, which never seems to happen to Brandon. Not good enough, but even if it was, who cares? Between the Lord of the Rings music and that God awful yellow dress, even Brandon and Jeanine couldn't make this one interesting for me.

"Battlefield," Jordin Sparks (Pop-Jazz, Laurie Ann Gibson)
Now this was more like it, hard hitting and very synchronized, although I would have enjoyed much more partnering in the choreography. Too much side by side dancing and not enough use of stage. I didn't quite get the judges raving about it, except that the rest of the evening has been so off they might have had some pent up cheering to do.

Melissa & Ade
"Yeah (Gomo Gaza Mi Morena)," Chino Espinoza y Los Dueños Del Son (Cha-Cha, Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin)
Neither of these two can wiggle their hips. It was not sexy and it was not very good choreography. I was underwhelmed. The music tonight is just killing me. Can they not get an up tempo song approved tonight?

"This Woman's Work," Maxwell (Contemporary, Tyce DiOrio)
This piece of art made me fall back in love with these two dancers. Melissa brought that perfect combination of frailness and strength and Ade was absolutely gorgeous. I was moved. I actually watched this a second time while I was alone so I could fully appreciate those quiet moments in the dance. Having been touched by cancer with way more people than I care to get into, this piece came from an honest place and it will be one of those dances that I always remember. Although the list of family members and friends who I have watched battle (some win, some lose) with cancer is long, it was my beautiful niece's struggle that I saw in that dance, and Ade became my sister-in-law in that quiet strong place that I so admired during her daughter's ordeal. Thank God Melanie will be able to call me later and tell me what she thought of the dance.
I could have done without all of the boo-hooing, although I did get a kick out of Mary's make-up running down her face. Heartfelt tears or not, I am not one for the sharing of all that emotion. It was awkward. This is probably why I am an accountant.

Kayla & Jason
"Mr. Monotony," Kim Criswell (Broadway, Tyce DiOrio)
Loved, loved, loved it! This style of dance never gets old for me. It was pure entertainment. As far as Mia's comments about Jason's frame-didn't see it.

"They're Everywhere," Izza Kizza (Hip-Hop, Shane Sparks)
I thought this was awesome, thank God Shane got in a piece that had some good comments this season, because I am not going to lie, in the video before the danced I was getting worried. They captured the characters without losing the hard hitting style. I loved Kayla pulling that black make-up down her cheeks. It had quite the MJ feel to it.

SOLOS

Kayla Radomski - "The Moment I Said It," Imogen Heap
Not one of my favorite Kayla solos. I felt like she was trying too hard.

Jason Glover - "...Slowdance on the Inside," Taking Back Sunday
I didn't enjoy this week's solo as much as last weeks, but I do love to watch him dance.

Janette Manrara - "Seduces Me," Celine Dion
Aside from the leap, which looked like an intermediate jazz class move, I thought she did a great job of showing her versatility, and for not having any training aside from this show-she showed so much growth!

Ade Obayomi - "Hater," Various Productions Artist
I loved this solo-it was SO much better than last week. Great energy and interpretation of the music.

Melissa Sandvig - "Heads Will Roll," Yeah Yeah Yeahs
This solo was miles beyond last week as well. She showed an edge that has been missing week to week.

Evan Kasprzak - "Old Devil Moon," Jamie Callum
I love this kid, and every time he gets to perform in his style, I remember why he is here. He is so unique and just brings back that Hollywood dance magic. Loved it.

Jeanine Mason - "Let the Drummer Kick," Citizen Cope
Fantastic. She is so strong and controlled. Jeanine is the total dancer package. She had strength and control and great musicality. This girl is fierce!

Brandon Bryant - "Ain't Nothing Wrong With That," Robert Randolph & the Family Band
What a powerhouse, and the tumbling didn't even seem to leave him out of breath. Brandon is an unbelievable dancer, even if he had an off night with that God awful waltz. He is going to be in that finale.


Who Goes home?
I have no idea, but it could be Jason or Evan and Kayla or Janette. I don't want either, but after that breast cancer piece I think Melissa earned herself another week.
Tune in for the 100th episode tonight!