We were completely WOWED by this new season of So You Think You Can Dance. Ultimately, we saw new judges, new dancers and a whole new structure for the show, full of new challenges every week. And did we mention the contestants’ new living conditions in front of the camera?
This week saw the top 8 take on a Broadway-themed challenge with the help of some of our favorite musical theater choreographers. As a bonus, we even got some hints about a show in the making.
In case you missed last night’s episode, we’ve rounded up all the best dance and drama for you. Broke a leg!
Our top 8 dancers spent the week working with iconic Broadway choreographers Al Blackstone and: Sarah O’Gleby of their musical theater performances. Unlike last week, they didn’t get any reshoots or replays. We’re doing it live, folks!
The dancers were divided into two groups to begin. The first group working with Al was made up of Anthony Curley, Dakayla Wilson, Jaelyn Sanders and Madison Rouge Alvarado. The second, working with Sarah, featured Braylon Browner, Easton Maggiarditi, Maria Hawkins and Roman Nevinciani – the latter of whom admitted he had never seen a Broadway show before.
But Roman (and the other dancers) had to quickly catch up because the choreographers held nothing back. Sarah started her group on: Cabaret-inspired number as Al led his band through a routine reminiscent of: In the city:. Both choreographers emphasized that while the dancers perform in group routines, it is important for them to be individual and stand out.
After learning some of the choreo, the dancers took a short break and put on a little show. Back at the house, Dakayla admitted to the other girls that she had a “baby crush” on one of her group members. Anthony: Hear screams.
The next day, the dancers went from the studio to the stage, and some of them struggled. Roman cited mental and physical challenges with the Broadway routine, but he drew inspiration from his fellow Ukrainians to push through. “People in Ukraine motivate me so much. They don’t give up,” Roman said. “I want to make my country proud.
With rehearsals over, it was time for the dancers to perform. Al’s team stepped up first. The judges seemed to enjoy it, but expressed concern that the dancers weren’t emotionally connected enough – and that they got a little too goofy at times.
Next up was Sarah’s group. Aside from concerns about the timing issue that led to a literal head-to-head between Braylon and Mariah, the judges loved the performance and gave it a standing ovation. Easton was even congratulated by judge Jojo Siwa for dancing so hard it caused a wardrobe malfunction. “I have a little word,” Jojo said. “You won’t be fulfilled until you split your pants.”
Then it was time for results. The judges chose the four dancers who were voted safe, leaving the other four in jeopardy. At risk of elimination? Anthony, Dakayla, Roman and Braylon. Just like last week, each dancer had the chance to perform a solo in hopes of proving they deserve to stay in the competition.
The judges seemed impressed by several of the solos, although Anthony’s was the only one that received a standing ovation. And in the end, he and (potential showmanship partner) Dakayla made it to the next round. Unfortunately, that meant Braylon and Roman were going home.
With that, our top 8 has become our top 6 — and we’re one week closer to finding out who America’s Favorite Dancer will be.