So You Think You Can Dance Heads to the Academy – 5 Top Picks
We have to endure a week off from So You Think You Can Dance so this seems like a great time to catch up on what you’ve missed. Four weeks of auditions have produced some pretty jaw-dropping moments and word on the street is that we are back to a top 20 format. With that in mind, and in no particular order, here are the first five of my Top Ten Favorite Auditions. Check back for part deux.
Emily Carr:
Emily started following her older sister to dance classes at the age of two and has been at it ever since. Her adorable smile and grounded technique remind me a lot of a young Sasha Mallory. This 18-year-old, Springfield, New Jersey girl already has a spot in my top 10. What do you think?
Victoria Neukom:
Victoria’s family owns orange groves in Dade City, Florida but I’m not sure how that has helped this girl develop her immense talent. I sometimes get tired of the parade of contemporary girls that run through audition week but Victoria stands out with strength, poise and really great feet according to Nigel. I’m already anticipating Taylor dancing with Robert Roldan. Like now.
Ryan Green:
Ryan auditioned for season 12 but was cut during the Hip-Hop round. (I know… what?) His self-titled style is called “visual intoxication.” Not sure what that means but it’s amazing. My SYTYCD sense tells me Ryan goes deep because he’s got a cool personality and he is so “other level” at what he does. It will be interesting to see how he navigates other styles but I like his chances.
Arcadian Broad:
Arcadian is a 22-year-old member of the Orlando Ballet, having joined at the age of 16. So yes, he is a bit of a protege in the ballet world. His audition shows more of a contemporary approach to ballet and goodness the way he can turn! I think he needs to give a little more in the personality department but I can’t wait to see him dance with Emily or Victoria. Let’s not forget, one of my favorite contestants ever was a young ballet star (@alexdwong) and remember how that turned out! (Well, he actually got injured so don’t remember that part. But you know what I mean.)
Jay Jay Dixonbey:
Okay, so Jay Jay probably has a pretty good shot at making the top 20 given that he has toured with Travis Wall’s Shaping Sound company and that’s usually like a FastPass to the Hot Tamale Train. But who cares if he jetés his way to the head of the track! He’s so good and I am in love with his smile and his power. Since I’m already matching power couples in my mind, I can’t wait to see Jay Jay and Alexis Gilbert together! “Who is Alexis Gilbert?” you ask. Check back on Wednesday when I cover the next 5 of my top 10 favorite auditions.
What do you think? Who are your favorites so far? Any power couple predictions? Share them in the comments and we’ll see you in a couple of days with another five great auditions!
New episodes of So You Think You Can Dance returns Monday, July 9th at 7 PM ET on Fox. And for added fun, be sure to download your official SYTYCD bingo cards!