'So You Think You Can Dance' Recap - Auditions #2

On episode two of the season, we got many So You Think You Can Dance staples: emotional backstories, hard-hitting hip-hop, some sexy jazz numbers and a cute little kid joining his dad onstage. We only got an auditioner dancing to a Lonely Island song. Never thought I’d see that.

When we get to the live shows, I’ll recap and rate each performance but until then, I’ll just talk about the top five auditions in each episode, listed by appearance.

Christine Shepard (Team Stage)
Christine infused her cheeky jazz solo with a spicy African flavor that made her stand out tonight. Between a quirky personal style and strong musicality, Christine is surely something special.

Kenya “Standing O” Sutton (Team Street)
Given Stand O’s big personality in the pre-audition package, I was expecting a fun, goofy hip-hop routine. But instead, though, we got an intense animation routine that felt like a more feminine version of The Exorcist. Hard-hitting, rhythmical and telling a complete story, Standing O deserved one.

Kelly McCormick (Team Stage)
Kelly’s audition song had Celine Dion singing about a new day coming which felt apropos ‘cause Kelly’s audition felt like a fresh of fresh air. With lightness, gracefulness and a fresh-faced innocence, Kelly has the technique and beauty to go far.

Samantha Rayas (Team Street)
Samantha’s Expressive and rhythmic hip-hop freestyle told a complete story, a story of misspend youth that clearly comes out in her dancing. Perhaps more than the others I’ve talked about, Samantha has a ways to go in her training but judging by the way she interprets the music, Samantha’s journey will only get better from here.

Roydell Shannon (Team Street)
Performing a dance equivalent of gangsta rap, Roydell’s solo was hard-hitting, macho and frantic. Next time, I hope Roydell slows down a tad so we can really appreciate his krumping skills, but a super strong audition all around. Besides, I can’t wait for BamBam to join the SYTYCD family on Season 29.

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Others Who Got A Golden Ticket Included:

- Tyrell Noll (Team Street) who is not the best animator SYTYCD has ever seen but brought a strong performance and good musicality to the stage despite a lack of diversified moves that made his solo forgettable.

- Corey “Mission” Whitfield (Team Street) whose solo was just ridiculously entertaining – I can see why he dances at sporting events – although who knows how he’ll do when faced with choreography.

- Brooke Fong (Team Stage) who delivered a sultry, sexy routine despite a somewhat stereotypical song choice.

- Miranda Wilking (Team Stage), a newly-minted 18-year-old, whose athletic, intense choreography never quite connected with her smiley facial expressions.

- Mike Manson (Team Street) – I can’t claim to know good Jittin’ from bad, but I can tell you that was one fast-paced, entertaining solo.

- Kelsey Rose Young (Team Street) whose energetic, modern take on tap was commendable but who presented just a touch too pageant-y.

- Gaby Diaz (Team Stage) who brought a slinky, feminine side to tap.