I’ve watched So You Think You Can Dance a long time and tonight’s audition show – in Los Angeles – had some of the best solos I’ve seen in a long time. So let’s get to it!
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 in order of appearance.
Asaf Goren (Team Street)
Thank HaShem this isn’t So You Think You Can Shofar! As it was, I really dug Asaf’s blending of hip-hop tropes with traditional middle eastern dance. Fast and furious, flopping around the stage like a fish out water, Asaf’s movement was assured and incredibly athletic. Also, I give him points for being the first dancer I’ve ever seen to include a tallis into a b-boy routine.
Avo Karapetyan (Team Stage)
This Armenian-born ballet dancer was technically brilliant, with elevations that would make Stanley Glover jealous. Would I have loved a little more feeling in his perfect movement? Yes, a little more heart wouldn’t have hurt but that’s stretching to find some kind of criticism.
Jana “Jaja” Vankova (Team Street)
I’ve watched this show a long time. Like a really long time – I remember when Travis was a contestant for Gods sake! And I can’t remember an audition more entertaining than Jaja’s. An incredibly magnetic performer, Jaja’s unique style of street dancer features some incredible isolations and a real knack for visual storytelling.
Jim Nowakowski (Team Stage)
Muscular, fierce and with a flawless technicality, Jim brought a taste of his Korean heritage to the language of ballet to create one of my favorite solos this season. Yes, he reminded me of Alex Wong but also of Cole Horibe, another martial arts-infused dancer. Now this guy has a future on SYTYCD!
Brandon Armstrong (Team Stage)
I remember Brandon when he was Lindsay Arnold’s audition partner but was too young to compete. Now he’s back with Lindsay’s adorable sister to perform a wildly entertaining routine. With firecracker energy and springy, energetic moves, Brandon executed a really fun, memorable routine. I was glad, though, that Nigel mentioned the overuse of his “ballroom face.”
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Others Who Got A Golden Ticket Included:
- Allen Genkin (Team Stage) who energetic swing definitely brought Benji Schwimmer to mind.
- Illijaz & Burim Jusafi (Team Street) who were not the best b-boys I’ve ever seen, but brought a solidly entertaining duet.
- Mary Kate Levoir (Team Stage) -- Yes for Mary Kate’s ultra sexy jazz routine, no to whatever the hell her father did.
- James “BDash” Derrick (Team Street) whose articulations and isolations are one of the best I’ve ever seen.
- Jacy Jordan (Team Stage) whose solo showcased a deep emotional maturity and extra special X factor to her solo, inspired by the scars and struggles of her youth.
- Jessica Rabone (Team Street) who brought a fun, feminine touch to the usually rough-and-tumble style of krump.
- Kareem Ali (Team Street) whose solo was extremely athletic and, yes, quite hypnotizing.
*(While I usually only comment on those who survived with a ticket to Vegas, a brief mention of auditioner Cody Carlson is needed. I was skeptical of the treatment Cody would get on the show but I must say it warmed my heart to see him get such a warm reception. As someone who is currently leading a singing group made up of individuals not unlike Cody, I can attest to the power of the arts)
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