SYTYCD Recap: Double the Routines Double the Fun
The couples had to enjoy their dances with each other this week on So You Think You Can Dance because it was their last ones together. So as to dull the pain of their eventual un-pairing, the couples were given two dances together instead of just one.
Starting the evening off was an upbeat Disco routine choreographed by Doriana Sanchez for Melissa and Ade.
Starting the evening off was an upbeat Disco routine choreographed by Doriana Sanchez for Melissa and Ade.
Verdict
Us: Ade's outfit was a bit ridiculous and this was far from being the couple's strongest performance. It seemed sloppy and Melissa seemed very uncomfortable with this dance style. Ade did a great job but should have toned it down a bit so that his partner's trip-ups weren't as noticeable. The routine was great, just not executed well (with the exception of the lifts which were awesome).
Nigel: Ok, so I'm not sure what routine Nigel was watching but he thought they were "tremendous".
Mary: Mary loved it so much she gave them a total of 3 "WOO" yells and 2 "Amen".
Tyce: I was hoping Tyce would be the voice of reason on the panel but instead he said, "That was friggin great!"
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 3
Amens: 2
Tyce "Friggin": 1
Kayla & Kupono were given a Contemporary piece by Mia Michaels.
Us: Ade's outfit was a bit ridiculous and this was far from being the couple's strongest performance. It seemed sloppy and Melissa seemed very uncomfortable with this dance style. Ade did a great job but should have toned it down a bit so that his partner's trip-ups weren't as noticeable. The routine was great, just not executed well (with the exception of the lifts which were awesome).
Nigel: Ok, so I'm not sure what routine Nigel was watching but he thought they were "tremendous".
Mary: Mary loved it so much she gave them a total of 3 "WOO" yells and 2 "Amen".
Tyce: I was hoping Tyce would be the voice of reason on the panel but instead he said, "That was friggin great!"
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 3
Amens: 2
Tyce "Friggin": 1
Kayla & Kupono were given a Contemporary piece by Mia Michaels.
Verdict
Us: I can't help myself, I love them so much. It's not that I feel they are even the best dancers but they do have a great chemistry together and Kupono surprises me with his ability every week. Kayla has amazing legs, but you knew that already, didn't you.
Nigel: He thought there was a lot of passion in the routine. While Kayla's dancing was great, her hair was in the way. He'd like to see more expression from her face. Kupono is surprisingly powerful.
Mary: These two are staying on the train!
Tyce: He said something a little confusing about how he didn't feel like he was watching dance - he was being entertained. He also called Kayla a beast - which I'm assuming she took in a nice way.
Us: I can't help myself, I love them so much. It's not that I feel they are even the best dancers but they do have a great chemistry together and Kupono surprises me with his ability every week. Kayla has amazing legs, but you knew that already, didn't you.
Nigel: He thought there was a lot of passion in the routine. While Kayla's dancing was great, her hair was in the way. He'd like to see more expression from her face. Kupono is surprisingly powerful.
Mary: These two are staying on the train!
Tyce: He said something a little confusing about how he didn't feel like he was watching dance - he was being entertained. He also called Kayla a beast - which I'm assuming she took in a nice way.
Jason & Caitlin were paired with Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin for a Foxtrot.
The final act of the evening came from Brandon & Janette who were given an incredibly unique Jazz routine from Wade Robson.
Verdict
Us: Jason looks incredibly dapper in his suit. Caitlin's dress wasn't doing her any favors but it wasn't terrible. The routine was a bit slow for my taste and the pair doesn't take characters on very well. When you go from watching Kupono and Kayla transform themselves into whatever is given to them and then you get these two, it's hard to forgive.
Nigel: He thought this was a great style for Caitlin. I must've been missing something. Jason's footwork was apparently great too. Maybe it's just me, but I have a hard time judging some of the footwork due to the camera angles we're given.
Mary: "You made it look easy and it's not!" "WOO!" Ahh, maybe that's my problem, it's not actually easy, they're just making it look easy.
Tyce: He thought that while they could have glided across the stage more, they both looked like stars.
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 4
Hot Tamale Train Riders: 2
Amen: 2
Tyce saying "Friggin": 1
Jeanine & Phillip were up next with a traditional Russian Folk routine choreographed by Youri Nelzine and Lilia Babenko
Us: Jason looks incredibly dapper in his suit. Caitlin's dress wasn't doing her any favors but it wasn't terrible. The routine was a bit slow for my taste and the pair doesn't take characters on very well. When you go from watching Kupono and Kayla transform themselves into whatever is given to them and then you get these two, it's hard to forgive.
Nigel: He thought this was a great style for Caitlin. I must've been missing something. Jason's footwork was apparently great too. Maybe it's just me, but I have a hard time judging some of the footwork due to the camera angles we're given.
Mary: "You made it look easy and it's not!" "WOO!" Ahh, maybe that's my problem, it's not actually easy, they're just making it look easy.
Tyce: He thought that while they could have glided across the stage more, they both looked like stars.
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 4
Hot Tamale Train Riders: 2
Amen: 2
Tyce saying "Friggin": 1
Jeanine & Phillip were up next with a traditional Russian Folk routine choreographed by Youri Nelzine and Lilia Babenko
Verdict
Us: Nyet Nyet Nyet and an added "Oy Vey". I love Phillip and everything but he looks incredibly awkward doing any other dance than his own style. Jeanine on the other hand, always knows how to play the part and make it her own.
Nigel: Finally Nigel can agree with me, we need a lot more vodka to get us through this routine. He says it isn't their fault as much as the style of dance isn't something we're ready for.
Mary & Tyce: Both struggled to find nice things to say that weren't already said. They agreed that Jeanine was fabulous though.
Evan & Randi were given a loveable Hip-Hop routine from Tabitha & Napoleon.
Verdict
Us: I'm ready for Randi to get a different partner. Evan seems like such a sweetheart and can definitely dance the heck out of a Contemporary or Broadway routine but Hip Hop is no friend of his. Randi, much like Jeanine, can really take on almost any role. Both of them should have hit it harder though, the movements were a little too smooth for this style of dance.
Mary: "WOO!" Her eyes were drawn to Randi the entire time.
Tyce: He thought the routine was great, NappyTabs put together some great storytelling. He loves Randi but Evan needs to give more of himself to the routines.
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 5
Hot Tamale Train Riders: 2
Amen: 2
Tyce saying "Friggin": 1
Janette & Brandon were ready to heat things up with an Argentine Tango courtesy of Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo.
Verdict
Us: These two can do no wrong. They are by far the strongest dancers of the entire competition. The routine was incredible.
Nigel: At first he was speechless and could only stand up and lead everyone else in the audience in a standing ovation. He went on to say, "That was as close to perfection as I've seen on that stage ever. If that train isn't coming there's going to be trouble.
Mary: "WOO! WOO! WOO!" The temperature was rising with that routine and Janette was flawless. "WOO! WOO!"
Tyce: Not to be outdone by Mary, Tyce gave the couple some shimmies. He also said something about making orange juice...perhaps to go with the vodka from Phillip and Jeanine's routine.
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 10
Hot Tamale Train Riders: 4
Amen: 2
Tyce saying "Friggin" and/or shimmy: 2
The second round of dances, the final one for each couple to dance together, started with a Waltz from Melissa & Ade. The piece was choreographed by Ron Montez.
Verdict
Us: Sure, it wasn't the greatest of their routines but I love them and the fact that Kupono is going to miss Kayla's sweaty feet and hands because they bring him comfort. It's both gross and endearing at the same time.
Nigel: "It was missing a tightness". He needs more.
Mary: She thought they did a really good job even if they didn't nail it.
Tyce: Wanted them to get into the floor more but thought they danced very well.
Caitlin & Jason were back again with a Mandy Moore Lyrical Jazz routine.
Jeanine & Phillip got to take on a Jive from Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin for their final dance as a couple.
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 16
Hot Tamale Train Riders: 6
Amen: 2
Tyce saying "Friggin" and/or shimmy: 3
Us: Nyet Nyet Nyet and an added "Oy Vey". I love Phillip and everything but he looks incredibly awkward doing any other dance than his own style. Jeanine on the other hand, always knows how to play the part and make it her own.
Nigel: Finally Nigel can agree with me, we need a lot more vodka to get us through this routine. He says it isn't their fault as much as the style of dance isn't something we're ready for.
Mary & Tyce: Both struggled to find nice things to say that weren't already said. They agreed that Jeanine was fabulous though.
Evan & Randi were given a loveable Hip-Hop routine from Tabitha & Napoleon.
Verdict
Us: I'm ready for Randi to get a different partner. Evan seems like such a sweetheart and can definitely dance the heck out of a Contemporary or Broadway routine but Hip Hop is no friend of his. Randi, much like Jeanine, can really take on almost any role. Both of them should have hit it harder though, the movements were a little too smooth for this style of dance.
Mary: "WOO!" Her eyes were drawn to Randi the entire time.
Tyce: He thought the routine was great, NappyTabs put together some great storytelling. He loves Randi but Evan needs to give more of himself to the routines.
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 5
Hot Tamale Train Riders: 2
Amen: 2
Tyce saying "Friggin": 1
Janette & Brandon were ready to heat things up with an Argentine Tango courtesy of Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo.
Verdict
Us: These two can do no wrong. They are by far the strongest dancers of the entire competition. The routine was incredible.
Nigel: At first he was speechless and could only stand up and lead everyone else in the audience in a standing ovation. He went on to say, "That was as close to perfection as I've seen on that stage ever. If that train isn't coming there's going to be trouble.
Mary: "WOO! WOO! WOO!" The temperature was rising with that routine and Janette was flawless. "WOO! WOO!"
Tyce: Not to be outdone by Mary, Tyce gave the couple some shimmies. He also said something about making orange juice...perhaps to go with the vodka from Phillip and Jeanine's routine.
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 10
Hot Tamale Train Riders: 4
Amen: 2
Tyce saying "Friggin" and/or shimmy: 2
The second round of dances, the final one for each couple to dance together, started with a Waltz from Melissa & Ade. The piece was choreographed by Ron Montez.
Verdict
Us: The routine was beautiful and Ade is incredibly strong. I liked it a lot but am looking forward to seeing more of Ade with another partner.
Nigel: Overall it was beautifully danced.
Mary: "It was beautiful for me, I have to say, yes it was! Melissa is mesmerizing, yes she is!" Apparently Ade could've done better.
Tyce: Seemed a bit underwhelmed with this performance.
Up next with a Joey Dowling Broadway routine were Kupono & Kayla.
Us: The routine was beautiful and Ade is incredibly strong. I liked it a lot but am looking forward to seeing more of Ade with another partner.
Nigel: Overall it was beautifully danced.
Mary: "It was beautiful for me, I have to say, yes it was! Melissa is mesmerizing, yes she is!" Apparently Ade could've done better.
Tyce: Seemed a bit underwhelmed with this performance.
Up next with a Joey Dowling Broadway routine were Kupono & Kayla.
Us: Sure, it wasn't the greatest of their routines but I love them and the fact that Kupono is going to miss Kayla's sweaty feet and hands because they bring him comfort. It's both gross and endearing at the same time.
Nigel: "It was missing a tightness". He needs more.
Mary: She thought they did a really good job even if they didn't nail it.
Tyce: Wanted them to get into the floor more but thought they danced very well.
Caitlin & Jason were back again with a Mandy Moore Lyrical Jazz routine.
Verdict
Us: Any excuse to get Jason shirtless is a good one. I'm not a huge fan of either one of them but I'm excited to see them with new partners to see if it brings anything else out in them.
Nigel: Oh good he agreed with me. Nigel doesn't always see the chemistry between the pair.
Mary: She sees chemistry but not a lot of magic.
Tyce: "Mandy does a great job." Their lines were beautiful but they need to take it further.
Us: Any excuse to get Jason shirtless is a good one. I'm not a huge fan of either one of them but I'm excited to see them with new partners to see if it brings anything else out in them.
Nigel: Oh good he agreed with me. Nigel doesn't always see the chemistry between the pair.
Mary: She sees chemistry but not a lot of magic.
Tyce: "Mandy does a great job." Their lines were beautiful but they need to take it further.
Jeanine & Phillip got to take on a Jive from Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin for their final dance as a couple.
Verdict
Us: Watching Phillip do some of these routines is a bit painful. It's not so much his moves as much as his facial expressions. He makes it seem like everything is a chore, or like he's counting in his head all the time. Jeanine is fantastic - love her, can't wait for her to be paired with someone like Ade or Brandon.
Nigel: Apparently Nigel got some vodka during one of the breaks because he thought Phillip was great in it. We can agree that Jeanine is one of the best dancers though.
Mary: "WOO WOO" for Jeanine, she's on the Hot Tamale Train! "WOO! WOO! WOO!"
Tyce: "I say call 1-888-friggin-fantastic!"
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 15
Hot Tamale Train Riders: 5
Amen: 2
Tyce saying "Friggin" and/or shimmy: 3
Evan & Randi danced their final number together and it was a Samba choreographed by Anya Garnis & Pasha Kovalev.
Us: Watching Phillip do some of these routines is a bit painful. It's not so much his moves as much as his facial expressions. He makes it seem like everything is a chore, or like he's counting in his head all the time. Jeanine is fantastic - love her, can't wait for her to be paired with someone like Ade or Brandon.
Nigel: Apparently Nigel got some vodka during one of the breaks because he thought Phillip was great in it. We can agree that Jeanine is one of the best dancers though.
Mary: "WOO WOO" for Jeanine, she's on the Hot Tamale Train! "WOO! WOO! WOO!"
Tyce: "I say call 1-888-friggin-fantastic!"
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 15
Hot Tamale Train Riders: 5
Amen: 2
Tyce saying "Friggin" and/or shimmy: 3
Evan & Randi danced their final number together and it was a Samba choreographed by Anya Garnis & Pasha Kovalev.
Verdict
Us: He doesn't do it for me but Randi continues to do well. The girls seem a lot stronger than the guys this season.
Nigel: Evan isn't a hot Samba king but Randi is hot. The routine wasn't performed as hot as he would have liked it.
Mary: There was a slow sizzle. Evan didn't fire it up but Randi hit everything. "WOO!" Randi is on the train.
Tyce: Randi carried the routine.
Us: He doesn't do it for me but Randi continues to do well. The girls seem a lot stronger than the guys this season.
Nigel: Evan isn't a hot Samba king but Randi is hot. The routine wasn't performed as hot as he would have liked it.
Mary: There was a slow sizzle. Evan didn't fire it up but Randi hit everything. "WOO!" Randi is on the train.
Tyce: Randi carried the routine.
Hot Tamale Train Riders: 6
Amen: 2
Tyce saying "Friggin" and/or shimmy: 3
Verdict
Us: Simply amazing. By far one of my favorite routines of the entire season. Wade Robson is so creative and made such great use of the stage. The costumes were great, the story being told was interesting, the music was great and Brandon and Jeanette are just perfect.
Nigel: "There is nothing you don't do brilliantly. You were the best of the night."
Mary: "They saved the best for last! WOO! Brandon you are my champion! WOO!"
Tyce: "You guys just have that thing."
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 18
Hot Tamale Train Riders: 6
Amen: 2
Tyce saying "Friggin" and/or shimmy: 3
Tonight's elimiation should be really interesting. If I had to guess who will be in the bottom three couples I'd have to go with Randi and Evan, Jason and Caitlin and Kupono and Kayla (only because it seems like they have a hard time getting votes for some reason). What did you think of last night's episode? Do you agree with who is on the Hot Tamale Train? Let us know in the comments!
Us: Simply amazing. By far one of my favorite routines of the entire season. Wade Robson is so creative and made such great use of the stage. The costumes were great, the story being told was interesting, the music was great and Brandon and Jeanette are just perfect.
Nigel: "There is nothing you don't do brilliantly. You were the best of the night."
Mary: "They saved the best for last! WOO! Brandon you are my champion! WOO!"
Tyce: "You guys just have that thing."
Mary Murphy Scream Count: 18
Hot Tamale Train Riders: 6
Amen: 2
Tyce saying "Friggin" and/or shimmy: 3
Tonight's elimiation should be really interesting. If I had to guess who will be in the bottom three couples I'd have to go with Randi and Evan, Jason and Caitlin and Kupono and Kayla (only because it seems like they have a hard time getting votes for some reason). What did you think of last night's episode? Do you agree with who is on the Hot Tamale Train? Let us know in the comments!