So You Think You Can Dance
on FOX
By Ally Matteodo
As fall approaches and the new
television season begins, So You Think You Can Dance: Top 15 Dances is a
perfect treat for the family and is the Best TV Show of the Week.
Airing at 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, September 2nd, So You Think
You Can Dance featured the show’s best dancers performing dance routines in
a plethora of different styles, including rumba, ballroom, hip-hop,
contemporary, and disco to name a few. This recap show was hosted by Nigel
Lythgoe, one of the judges for So You Think You Can Dance, and also one
of the program’s executive producers. This episode consisted of Nigel’s picks
of the top 15 dances across the five seasons, ending with his all-time favorite
performance.
The program started off with a
routine danced by Destini and Jamille titled “Shake,” followed by Melody and
Rich in a number choreographed by Tyce Diorio to the musical favorite “All That
Jazz.” Following this was a rousing mambo number by Heidi and Benji, and then a
lyrical, moving routine with Ivan and Allison. Number five was a dance
choreographed by Mia Michaels during Season 2 that won an Emmy, and involves the
ingenious use of a bench as a prop, with Travis and Heidi performing. Another
Emmy winner followed, with Jaimie and Hok performing a routine called “The
Hummingbird and the Flower,” with Jaimie depicting the flower and Hok depicting
the hummingbird. Season three contestants Sabra and Neil follow this with a
reenactment of a board room tirade in a number choreographed by Mandy Moore to
the music of “Sweet Dreams are Made of These.” Viewers then observed Lacey and
Danny dancing to “Hip Hip Chin Chin,” followed by Lauren and Pasha in a hip-hop
routine called “Transformer.” Mark and Courtney from season four performed a
contemporary routine called “The Garden,” followed by an Emmy-nominated routine
“Bleeding Love” with Mark and Chelsie choreographed by husband and wife team
Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo. Katee and season four winner Joshua performed
“Hometown Glory,” followed by season five vets Brandon and Janette in a disco
routine. Another Mia Michaels number was performed by Kayla and Kupono to Sara
Bereilles song “Gravity,” followed by the awe-inspiring contemporary number
danced by Jeanine and Jason and choreographed by season two contestant Travis
Wall. Nigel’s favorite routine was then revealed to be the season five
performance by Melissa and Ade to “This Woman’s Work” and choreographed by Tyce
Diorio. This piece was inspired by one of Diorio’s friends suffering from
breast cancer, and her battle with the disease. These performances were all
vibrant, diverse, multi-faceted, and inspiring. They ranged from slow,
haunting, and moving to fast, dynamic, and electrifying. The creativity
involved in the choreography is admirable, and it is a boon that So You Think
You Can Dance not only pays attention to the dancers, but also lauds its
choreographers. The synthesis of the choreographer’s vision with the dancers’
elegant, incredible movements makes this show a true gem and a delight to watch.
Best TV Show
of the Week
The Parents
Television Council -
www.parentstv.org
