We’re down to the final 16, and I’m curious to see how everyone performs after the bloodbath of last week. While I had started to think the season 8 dancers were so flawless it would be impossible to pick anyone off, last week showed some flaws (albeit minor ones). Though I still believe this is probably the strongest cast yet on the show, I’m hoping we’ll get at least a glimmer of a clue as to which dancers deserve to go home -- not that that makes it any easier to watch.
Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Lil’ C are joined by guest judge Kristin Chenoweth. I have high hopes for Kristin, but I had high hopes for Debbie Reynolds, so I’m just going to take a wait-and-see approach to guest judges from now on. Oh, and Lil’ C is working on a rap album. I guess he needs a plug since Kristin is plugging her country album.
We kick things off with a group dance by Tyce Diorio featuring Miranda, Clarice, Ryan, Sasha, Marko, Chris, Tadd and Mitchell. It’s a battle of the beasts! Boys versus girls! I’m wondering if maybe we shouldn’t beat this theme over the head, as I think people are getting too invested in the idea that this season is going to the girls. I mean, it’s probably true, but there are some great guys on the show, too, people.
Sasha and Alexander
Cat informs us that each dancer will discuss their first ever performance to give us an excuse to see baby pictures. Well, at least she’s honest. Sasha was a tomboy who played a frog in Thumbelina. And now she hates frogs. Alexander had to wear bowties and first danced in a tribute to “The Lion King.” They’ll be dancing to a contemporary Dee Caspary routine. Sasha will be a memory of what Alexander lost. Dee says they need to tap into their souls.
Beautiful. Simply beautiful. Sasha brings incredible heart to every move she makes – you can literally see the emotion in her back, her arms, her legs. Even her hands, which are the only thing you see of her at the end of the dance, are practically clawing for connection to Alexander. The problem is, unfortunately, Alexander. He’s an excellent dancer, don’t get me wrong, but he seems frozen emotionally. The acting part is throwing him.
Nigel loves Dee’s idea. He thinks Sasha is a beautiful princess and he says Alexander needs to work on connecting to the audience. Mary loved the concept and she thinks the couple pulled it off. But she thinks Alexander needs to dig deeper. Oh, and Sasha will never have to be a frog again. She loves her stage presence and power. Kristin tells Sasha she’s amazing and she thought Alexander brought the acting. She loves everything! And everyone! Lil’ C thinks they’re the perfect representation of the mellifluousness of the piano keys. Fifty cent word alert! Alexander tries to lick Sasha. Okay, Alexander, save it for the floor.
Read the full recap, and learn about all these dancin' fools on Hitfix.com!
As for those kissing judges, see what happened here:
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