So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 20 Revealed
It's difficult for any summer reality show to emotionally connect with the audience, because there's less effort to watch. Unlike American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance has no big dance related prize. Don't tell me that touring with Celine Dion is anywhere near a multi-album contract. Dancers will eventually have to retire because their bodies can't take it.The show finally made the cut from 32 to our top 20. I'm a little surprised how laid back Lil' C looks, and how he votes against these dancers. Most of the cuts were obvious and no one really has me emotionally tied at the moment, but I've made some snap decisions on what little impressions I got.
Favorites:
Asuka – She's bubbly and bright. Hopefully, she can survive without her partner Ricky. I can see her fly under the radar until top six.
Philip – If we want a real story about growth, it should be Philip (not Tony). He's likable and has a lot of potential past his pop/lock style. An infectious smile doesn't hurt either.
Kayla, Jeanette, and Jason – I can't pinpoint why I like these three, sans Jeanette's split kick lift during her auditions. I doubt that she can do that without the trust of her original partner. Either way, the three have caught my eye.
Middle Ground:
Brandon – What is up with Mia and Lil' C? Brandon will probably come back next week with either a) a really fake personality or b) become down to earth. It's not his dancing that's a problem, it's his personality.
Evan – The younger Kasprzak makes it through to the top 20. I want to see this Broadway guy do a samba for his first dance. We'll see how much hip action this guy can have.
Max – Max clearly took Ricky's spot for the Ballroom dancer, but like that other Maksim on that other dance show, he has machismo. He reminds me of Gev from last season, but with partner training.
Victolio – He has an interesting sob story and a very striking face. I don't recall his dancing being the best, but he has a lot of potential to grow.
Randi – I hate people who use the phrase "Words cannot describe," but I love people who can rock a unitard. Randi has the potential to be a sweetheart, but will it grate on America?
Already Over:
Tony – I don't see what is so special about this guy. He's a good looking guy who was placed to grow. That's all.
Kupono – Last season, Mark was so strong and manly. Kupono comes off a little too feminine. Oh and twist ties in ears is not a sexy fashion statement.
Caitlin - Generic blond. I liked her sister better.
Ade – I fear he'll get lost in the shuffle. I already looked him over and he was alphabetically first.
Reserving judgment for next week: Paris, Ashley, Melissa, Karla, Jeannine, and Jonathan.
Ranked 21-32:
Alex Wong – I appreciate that such a strong Asian male dancer showed up with the passion of dance. Unfortunately, contracts are something you can't just get out of.
Deena – There's that one mean moment where I wished that one girl would twist her ankle and Deena would replace her. The girl surprised me with the clip of her hip-hop routine.
Ryan – If he's fat, I'm obese. The guy was good, but his brother was physically stronger, younger, and better looking. I was a little surprised that they wouldn't put the older brother in so that the younger brother had another year to try out.
In the end, there's a strong set of dance genres represented. There's yet another ballerina (Melissa) and I feel nervous for her, seeing how ballerinas haven't done so well. Who do you think will get the first ticket to the hot tamale train?

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