In the finale of Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, the four remaining dancers faced several twists to throw them off their feet before the season two winner was announced.
McKaylee, Trinity, Kalani, and Gianna were nervous when they were called onto the main stage to face all three judges for their challenge. The judges started by asking them what their two favorite dances of the competition that they’ve done so far have been. After the competitors answered, the judges had them choose just one that they would be performing as an encore right there and then. Adding to their stress, this week there wouldn’t be a challenge winner, but instead a challenge loser! One of the four would be eliminated after the challenge.
McKaylee decided to perform her Les Mis number, Trinity her “Down n Dirty” hip hop dance, Gianna her funky zombie solo, and Kalani “Rhinestone Cowgirl.” Abby wanted to see if they could retain choreography that they learned weeks ago and also if they would make improvements to their dances based of the judges’ critiques. Each dance was just as awesome as I remember them being the first time. That is, until Kalani fell on her butt at the end of her routine!
The judges told McKaylee and Gianna that they were safe, first. They weren’t pleased that Trinity did a hip hop dance instead of showing her softer side or that Kalani fell. The judges decided that Kalani, Abby’s favorite, would be sent home.
Now, the three remaining dancers would prepare for a group routine as well as their solos. They headed to rehearsal for the group routine first, the theme of which would be boxing. To add to the number, the eliminated dancers would be coming back to join them. The dancers were all thrilled to see each other again, but, the moms, not so much!
After the group practice, McKaylee, Gianna, and Trinity went off to learn their final solos, which would all be contemporary. They all struggled to find strength in vulnerability to show true emotion in their performances. Gianna channeled the divorce her parents are going through, Trinity wanted to dedicate her dance to her grandfather who just passed away, and McKaylee related her routine to the pressure she’s feeling in this competition.
Backstage before the final staged performances, the pressure was on. Abby added to it when she appeared in the dressing rooms to introduce a fourth judge who would be also be helping to decide the winner – Davis Robertson from Joffrey.
While the competitors were putting the finishing touches on their hair and makeup, the audience got to see some special performances. First, Maddie from Dance Moms performed a solo. Then, Richy did a fierce hip hop number with his eight dancers. And lastly, Rachelle danced and sang in a sparkly leotard.
After the special guest performances, the competitors were up with the group dance, “The Contender.” The three finalists portrayed boxers while the eliminated dancers were their crew. The dance mixed genres with hip hop and a ballet section. I thought it looked great, and even Abby called it “exemplary.” Watch the full dance in the video below.
Trinity’s solo, called, “Stellar” was up first. She impressed me with an amazing turn sequence and a back tuck, and I thought she definitely showed a softer side. Richy thought she was “the dancer, the gymnast, and the star” in the dance, and Rachelle called her “bottled lightening.” Davis thought she lacked confidence in the first half of the number, though.
Gianna’s solo, “Falling,” was right after Trinity’s. It was my favorite dance from Gianna so far, and, as Rachelle pointed out, she gave a great performance while just being herself instead of a character. Davis said, “You laid your entire self out from beginning to end.”
The last performance of the night was McKaylee’s solo, “So Perfect.” I thought it was lovely, but Abby and Richy didn’t think it was the best. Rachelle and Davis were impressed, though.
After the judges spent a long time discussing who deserved to be Abby’s Ultimate Dancer, the girls and their moms were called back out. They eliminated Trinity first, so it was down to just Gianna and McKaylee. Abby said she was proud of both of them before she announced McKaylee as the winner!
What do you think of Abby’s newest Ultimate Dancer? Comment below!
Image: Youtube Screenshot