It was a sad night for hip hop, as krumper Mariah and animator Blu Print were eliminated on Tuesday night’s episode of So You Think You Can Dance.
Both dancers had been repeat offenders in the bottom six, and after a clunky, low-energy performance of a Brian Friedman, Grecian-inspired jazz routine, the two were sent packing.
After ballroom dancer Jenna was sent to safety, Mariah faced off against contemporary dancer Mackenzie in the bottom. Mackenzie, an undisputed favorite among the judges, performed a 1930s hip hop routine with her partner Paul. An unusual style for a Dave Scott number, the two received rave reviews from the judges, who called it the sexiest number of the season. Mackenzie’s role as a pinup model in the number nearly solidified her place in the competition.
After deciding to send none of the bottom three boys to automatic safety, ballroom dancer Alan and tap dancer Curtis danced for their lives along with Blu Print. While Alan shined in his solo, complete with intricate cape work, his hip hop number with new partner Myleece left the judges underwhelmed. All expect for guest judge Carly Rae Jepsen, who gave the routine a standing ovation. Veteran judges Nigel and Mary felt Alan was too stiff throughout the number, while Myleece’s hard-hitting performance was a pleasant surprise.
After multiple appearances in the bottom, the judges were clearly getting sick of correcting Curtis. His contemporary piece with partner Hayley, which incorporated a 15-foot ladder, showed off his excellent partnering skills, although the judges felt his poor posture was his downfall. However, they had nothing but kind words for Hayley, who overcame her fear of heights to perform the piece.
Other highlights of the night included a high-flying Travis Wall contemporary number, performed by power couple Jenna and Tucker. As a women who’s lost self-control, Jenna was tethered to ribbons hanging down from the ceiling, a first for the show. Tucker and Jenna released the ribbons throughout the routine, and the emotional piece left Mary in tears and was declared one of Wall’s most well-choreographed routines.
The night also featured the season’s first quickstep routine, known on the show as the “kiss of death.” Contemporary dancer Jasmine and tapper Aaron took on the style, and although ballroom expert Mary noted minor flaws in their technique and posture, all the judges were pleased with the couple’s valiant effort and charisma throughout the routine.
Tune in next week as the top 14 perform and two more dancers are eliminated!
Photo courtesy of Fox.