Ricky & Valerie, African Jazz – * * * * ½
If Pride Rock had a disco, this is exactly what I think I’d see. Fun, athletic, musical and incredibly difficult, this number was performed well by this year’s all-star couple. Were there parts that seemed messy and needed sharpening? I believe so (although, unlike Mr. Tyler Ferguson, I’m not an African Jazz expert), but that didn’t really take away my enjoyment of this piece.

Zach & Jessica, Broadway – * * * * ½
First of all, who knew Jessica’s last name was Rabbit? This fantastic routine wasn’t just Broadway, it was old-school, Golden Age of Broadway. Fosse Broadway. With style, sexiness and some steam heat (musical theater joke, FTW!), Jessica and Zach delivered one of the best numbers of their SYTYCD career and the best Broadway number all season.

Valerie & Zack, Contemporary – * * * * *
Wow. Just wow. I must admit, I was worried when I saw the red-tipped cane, as I often dislike “issue” dances (like the cancer or domestic abuse ones, dances that are good but are weighed down by their hefty meaning). But Tyce Diorio crafted a subtle (yes, I said Tyce and subtle in the same sentence!) routine that was light and lovely and oh so moving. But beyond the steps it was the little things that just made this a season-long highlight: the way Valerie perfectly acted the piece and never let her gaze settle in the right place, that moment when Valerie gleefully shuffled away from Zack and the absolute joy on her face when she felt her partner’s. Let’s not also forget this gorgeous piece of music. What else to say? It moved me, it gave me the “goosies” at JLo liked to say. It was magical.

Jessica & Ricky, Contemporary – * * * *
Unlike the last dance, this one just didn’t make me feel anything. It wasn’t especially emotional or sexy or fun. It was a technically tough number and, yes, these two are amazing dancers and, yes, they are great together. But at this stage of the game, when all the dancers are technically brilliant, you have to judge based on what the routine makes me feel. And this left me a little…blank.

Jessica & Valerie, Bollywood – * * * * ½
I love when the girls get to dance together (and vice versa for the boys) in the finale.
It really shows the competition side-by-side and makes the choreographers be extra inventive. This Bollywood number was fun and fast and feisty (lots of alliteration tonight!)

Ricky & Zack, Hip-Hop – * * * * *
Hip-Hop isn’t exactly Ricky and Zack’s strong points but they executed as perfect of a hip-hop number as I can remember on the SYTYCD stage. Wildly athletic and even quite dangerous at times, the number was incredibly fun and fierce. This is a fight to the death and while Ricky might be slightly ahead of the pack, it’s anyone’s game.

Duets With All-Stars:

Valerie & Aaron, Tap – * * * * *
I’ve often heard how tap dancers can tell a story just through the clicks of their shoes but this is perhaps the first time I have been able to flawlessly follow that dialogue. Part of that is due to the fact that Valerie and Aaron (who I am so happy to see back) are both great actors as well as dancers. But really, holy hell, this was a great number.

Ricky & Kathryn, Contemporary – * * * * *
Ricky is, without a doubt, one of the best, most gorgeous, emotionally honest and technically gifted dancers to ever be on the program. So is Kathryn McCormick. Their pairing is inspired and divine and didn’t disappoint. I am fairly speechless. So let’s just leave it at that.*

Zack & Aaron, Tap – * * * * ½
What a fabulous routine. I loved how exactly the taps fit into Billy Joel’s piano arrangement and how wonderfully it told a story. But I had to give it a slight deduction as Aaron out-danced and out-acted his partner just a hair. The whole thing was sensational but as Zack is the contestant, it must go that way.

Jessica & Robert, Contemporary – * * * * *
Robert elevated Jessica’s game. Beautifully simple and stark and authentic this was a brilliant piece of theater and a brilliant piece of dance.

Solos:

Ricky – * * * * *
The joy that just pores from every cell of his body when he dances is just magical.

Valerie – * * * * *
The best female tapper we’ve ever had on the show? Absolutely.

Jessica – * * * * ½
Jessica has always been a magnetic, wonderfully feisty and sexy dancer and tonight she was no exception.

Zack – * * * * ½
Zack’s musicality within his taps is unmatched. And as a drummer I greatly appreciate that. But he lacks just a little in his acting/performance skills. He’s still brilliant but not quite Aaron good.

Who Should Win Next Week:
Ricky

*I’m sorry to include something like this but it got my goat, so here it is: Nigel, I’m very sorry your friend committed suicide. I send my condolences. But suicide and depression is not stupidity, it is not reckless or God’s will. Suicide is a symptom of a serious medical condition that needs medical care and medication. It is not a whim or foolishness. That is all. Back to your regularly schedule programming.