This week on So You Think You Can Dance, the top 8 contestants delivered unforgettable performances, as mentor Travis Wall breaks down in his insightful recap. It was a night of spectacular solos and challenging routines, leading to a bittersweet elimination. As we reach this crucial stage of the competition, every performance highlights why these dancers deserve to be here and why viewers at home are passionately voting for their favorites. The solo performances, in particular, served as powerful reminders of each dancer’s unique talent and journey. Let’s dive into Travis Wall’s expert analysis and explore how you can stream these standout moments.
Virgil: A Fusion of Styles and Height-Defying Lifts
Virgil, a consistent favorite, once again showcased his exceptional talent. His African Jazz routine was a revelation, presenting a style previously unseen from him. While judge Jason mentioned a comical aspect in his attempts at sinister expressions, Travis Wall strongly disagreed, praising Virgil’s commitment and seamless execution. Wall specifically noted the remarkable partnership and how the height difference between Virgil and his partner became virtually unnoticeable due to their captivating performance. The lifts were executed flawlessly, leaving Wall incredibly proud. For fans wanting to witness Virgil’s growth throughout the season, streaming past episodes of So You Think You Can Dance is the perfect way to appreciate his journey.
Derek: The Quest for Emotional Connection
Derek and Jaimie presented a beautiful routine, yet Travis Wall pointed out a recurring theme for Derek throughout the season: finding a deeper connection to the choreography. This was Derek’s final performance as he was eliminated, but Wall hopes he internalizes this crucial feedback. While acknowledging Derek’s incredible technical skills and facility, Wall emphasized the importance of emotional investment – dancing with intention and feeling. This note, Wall observed, applies to many contestants this season. Only a select few, like Gaby, Jaja, and Virgil, naturally infuse their performances with emotion from the outset. Wall suggests that future seasons of So You Think You Can Dance might benefit from incorporating an acting coach to help dancers explore intention and emotional depth. For aspiring dancers watching at home and streaming So You Think You Can Dance, this highlights a vital lesson: technique is essential, but emotional connection elevates dance to an art form.
Hailee: The Chameleon of Dance
Hailee continues to impress as a true chameleon, effortlessly adapting to diverse styles. Despite being on a rival team, Travis Wall openly acknowledges Hailee as a favorite since her early auditions, where he witnessed her talent firsthand, even choreographing for her in the Vegas round. He lauded her work ethic and versatility, emphasizing that there are few styles beyond her reach. Luther’s choreography, in particular, resonated with Wall, sparking a desire to join Hailee on stage. Hailee’s performances are prime examples of the versatility celebrated on So You Think You Can Dance, and streaming her routines allows viewers to study her adaptability and skill.
Megz: Battling Through Challenges
Megz faced a significant challenge this week with the Paso Doble, a demanding style requiring intensity and experience. Travis Wall acknowledged the difficulty of this style for dancers without prior exposure but commended Megz for giving her best effort. He recognized the mental toll of consistently being in the bottom group and urged her to maintain strength. Like Derek, Megz received notes on intention, but Wall understands the complexities of managing intricate choreography, especially when incorporating props like capes and challenging lifts. Looking ahead, Wall advised Megz to elevate her solo performances, especially when competing against exceptional soloists like Jaja and Virgil. Megz’s journey exemplifies the resilience required in dance competitions like So You Think You Can Dance, a journey fans can follow by streaming episodes online.
Neptune: A Farewell with Growth
Saying goodbye to Neptune was tough, but his departure was marked by significant growth and memorable performances. He showcased his solo and a jazz piece that highlighted his development throughout the competition. While judges noted his lack of formal training, the progress he demonstrated was undeniable. Travis Wall emphasized the importance of viewers getting to know Neptune’s personality and appreciating his focused and positive attitude. Neptune’s journey on So You Think You Can Dance proves that passion and dedication can bridge the gap in formal training, a powerful message for viewers streaming his performances for inspiration. Importantly, Neptune’s journey continues as he will join the So You Think You Can Dance tour, signaling that this is just the beginning of his dance career. Wall and Nigel agree that with further refinement, Neptune has a promising future as a professional dancer.
Jim: Courage Beyond Comfort Zones
Jim faced a formidable challenge embodying the street style and hip-hop feel, genres vastly different from his trained background. Travis Wall highlighted the difficulty of adapting body posture and footwork nuances inherent in hip-hop, contrasting with Jim’s usual styles. However, Wall emphasized that So You Think You Can Dance is about pushing boundaries and venturing outside comfort zones, especially under the scrutiny of a large audience. Jim’s willingness to embrace this challenge, despite internal struggles, exemplifies courage. Even though this hip-hop routine was arguably Jim’s toughest, he persevered, reminding everyone why he earned his place in the competition with a compelling solo. Jim’s experience resonates with the core message of So You Think You Can Dance: growth through challenge, a narrative readily available for viewers to stream and witness.
Gaby: Stunning Duets and Welcoming Back Mandy Moore
Gaby’s duet with All-Star Robert was described as absolutely stunning. Travis Wall praised the piece as a perfect welcome back for choreographer Mandy Moore. He declared it his favorite Stage piece of the night, second only to Hailee’s performance. Gaby’s natural performance quality and connection consistently shine through, making her routines must-watch moments for anyone streaming So You Think You Can Dance.
Jaja: A Star with Stamina to Build
Travis Wall declared Jaja a star, drawing comparisons to Amy Adams in certain shots. He playfully noted Jaja’s contrasting personas: a fierce krumping soloist and someone unfamiliar with pop culture references. Jaja’s versatility and captivating stage presence are undeniable. Looking ahead, Wall identified stamina as an area for Jaja to focus on, anticipating multiple routines in the upcoming weeks as she progresses towards the top 4. Jaja’s dynamic performances and chameleon-like ability make her a standout contestant, and streaming her journey on So You Think You Can Dance is a captivating experience.
Team Performances and the Road Ahead
Travis Wall lauded Tessandra’s Team Stage group number and consistently enjoys watching the Street dancers in their element. He noted social media feedback requesting deeper concepts in Team Street routines and agreed that this week might have benefited from a stronger conceptual element, especially as it was the last time these four dancers would perform together. However, he praised all the dancers for consistently giving their best and enjoying the collaborative aspect of the competition.
Voting Matters Now More Than Ever
Travis Wall expressed pride in all the dancers, who have emerged from hundreds of hopefuls to reach the top ranks. He thanked America for their votes, acknowledging the team’s recent winning streak after initial setbacks. At this critical juncture, every single vote counts. Wall urged viewers to get creative in their support – hosting voting parties, engaging friends and family, and utilizing social media through memes and GIFs. With the competition intensifying, viewer engagement is paramount in determining who will be crowned the winner of So You Think You Can Dance.
Stream So You Think You Can Dance and Catch Up
Want to witness these incredible performances and the entire Season 12 journey? So You Think You Can Dance is available for streaming on various platforms. Check your local providers and online services to relive these top 8 moments and support your favorite dancers. Don’t miss out on the dance magic – start streaming today!
As told to Kelly Connolly
- So You Think You Can Dance mentor blog: Travis Wall on the routine we didn’t get to see
- So You Think You Can Dance mentor blog: Travis Wall reveals the question he asked his top 5 dancers
- So You Think You Can Dance mentor blog: Travis Wall on that ‘uncomfortable’ Twitter save
WANT MORE EW? Subscribe now to keep up with the latest in movies, television and music.
