I didn’t blog last week’s because I watched super late and tbh there was a ton going on. Basically, overall I loved everyone they chose for the Top 20, but I feel like they really breezed through Academy episodes, and I really didn’t get to know anyone.
Hannahlei - AMAZING. Major props to Oksana for some beastly choreography. Those lifts defied gravity! With better costumes, this could have been a number on the show. Hannahlei’s feet were quick and fiery; she performed well to the judges and her partner; and she showed a fun side of herself that contemporary dancers don’t always get to highlight. In my mind, she’s a lock.
Magda - I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again...MOAR BALLROOM DANCERS BELONG ON THIS SHOW. In my (amateur) opinion, Magda was phenomenal. Her legs went for days, her toes were pointed, and as Mary said, she gave a very honest performance. I loved it and think there’s no way she won’t make the live shows.
Dayna - First of all, I LOVE her hair and how she uses it in dance. I liked this performance, and Dayna definitely attacked it and danced it well. However, I don’t think it made the impression on me that the first two did. I think a lot of that was out of her control, but it was how I felt nonetheless.
Jenessy - This was a surprisingly good partnership, personality and dance-wise. I don’t feel like I got to know too much about her yet so far, but she danced well and I got to know her personality a lot through that short performance. She had a ton of fun, but she also hit hard when she needed to. A solid effort from a dark horse contestant aka my favorite kind!
Brianna - I really wanted to like this number from Brianna, but it just didn’t do it for me, unfortunately. I didn’t hate it as much as Nigel made clear that he did, but it just didn’t flow. I also didn’t feel much chemistry with her and Brandon, which was necessary for an emotional piece like this. I hate to think this way, but I feel like I would have liked the routine much more with another dancer in it.
Chelsea - I don’t know what it is about Chelsea, but I just love her! I think it’s probably that killer smile. Even with this stupid Daddy Yankee song (sorry Daddy Yankee fans), she really went all out and attacked every part of this. She didn’t have the crazy impressive lifts in hers that Oksana and Jonathan put in their first piece, but it was still fun to watch and Chelsea nailed it!
Stephanie - The similarity between Stephanie and Gina Rodriguez is uncanny to me, especially in this piece. They may as well have called the piece Jane the Dancing Virgin. It’s hard to dance next to Lex because he is so talented and so unique, but I think Stephanie really held her own. I agree that there wasn’t a standout moment in that, but I’d attribute that more to the choreography. Stephanie is definitely a strong contender.
Sydney - No offense to Sydney, but all this performance really showed me was how much I miss watching Paul. Her performance was a little uptight, and if I put the music on mute she may as well have been doing the foxtrot. I’m sure she’s a fun girl, but I didn’t feel like she had any fun in that performance when it should have been a blast. With only 5 spots for the live shows, it’s got to be about more than just the dancing.
Emily - I could watch these two dance all day! Fikshun is such a great performer, but she held her own with him the whole time. I definitely agree that she might be overly smiley sometimes, but I’m not going to complain about more joy in the world. I love watching her, and I think she’d be perfect in the live shows.
Jensen - Jensen is an absolute beast. She slayed that performance, and you can tell that she has grown so much since last season. She exudes confidence, professionalism, and passion. There’s no way they don’t put her in the live shows - they’d be stupid not to.
My pre reveal guesses (this is legit y’all) - Hannahlei, Magda, Jensen, Emily, and Chelsea
Well, I was pretty close! I have to say, I do think Jenessy was probably a better decision than Emily given the other talent, but I do hope she comes back net year. All of the Top 10 girls were fantastic, so it could have been any combination really!
NO idea how the guys are going to do next week, but I can’t wait to see. And a big bonus thumbs up for Chelsea Hightower back on the SYTYCD stage! We’ve missed you, girl!
dededos
kianamaiart
turnnoffyourmind
baratheonpilled
areudirty
romaincrisis
snowghoul
