Top 20

Who will be in the top 20?

You know that it has been said (by non other than Nigel) that they aren’t just picking the best dancers, but casting the show. So it’s always interesting to see who they pick and why? I feel that after watching the show for a few years when it comes down the final night I am rarely surprised because they are looking for various types of dancers - so I think I predicted pretty well who was in and who wasn't. Not always the best dancers, but who the judges feel are the best dancers for the show. Often that’s a big difference!


So here we go….(I hope you guys appreciate my commitment to this -the Pens games was on and I knew I needed to fulfill my duty to the Sisterhood. But thankfully the score was the same before and after the show -so it's all good! Go Pens!)...my thoughts (rarely in complete sentence form) and recap of tonight's episode.

Janette…latin ballroom who auditioned in Miama and did the cool jump split flip. She’s the first one in!

Diana –Brought a monkey with her. Haven’t seen much of her…it’s a no. Lil'C says to own it and say “I wasn’t good enough”. Rough.

Vitolio – Haitain, have we seen him before? Some back story, In an orphanage…on his own since 15. Untrained, danced in the street…He’s in! His personality stood out the production team -

A bunch of no’s…many nameless…so glad they have Cat to comfort them.

Kayla – We saw her audition in Denver. Her grandparents supported her and were really cute.…don’t remember much of her in Vegas
Mia likes her...and she’s in!

I just told Matt that the naughty ballerina is still there and he laughed!

Kupono – Hawaiian – reminds us of Mark! I think he’d be good in the top 20. What do the judges think? Yay – he’s in, despite early criticism (I thought his earlier hair was cool, but the new look really changes his whole look, I think for the better)

All yes's (again totally making up the spelling and not taking the time to check)
Paris Toerre
Jeanine Mason
Ade
Karla Garcia
Johnathan P.

Brandon? Mia just dislikes him so much. Wow, she’s letting him have it! Debbie is sticking up for him. Wow, it’s almost a fight between the judges. GO Mary! He’s in…..and he brought it back to Mia pretty good! What is up with that? Anyone else see what Mia sees in his personality (or doesn't see in his dancing)? I think he just doesn't seem as loud or extroverted as the others. Not funny or goofy - just good. I like his nice smile.

The brothers are coming and I’m dreading it. Ugh.

Tony B is up. Reminds me of Ivan from season 2. He’s in and shocked! He’s one of those out on a limb dancers – in there for the growth!

Max ballroom. He’s in
Caitlin (sister) in – b/c she’s a cute blonde? Still bitter about Natalie.
Melissa – naughty ballerina . She looks fun.
Jason Glover – he’s in, hasn't had much air time, but I can tell he's a good looking guy from what little I've seen.
Ashely Ballerio – 4th time auditioning. She’s in. Can’t wait to tell mom!
Randy Evans – horrible outfit. Matt may have uttered the words "Camel Toe". I can't believe I just typed that. Her love of the unitard is talked about. And.....she’s in. A lot of blondes in this year. Or is it just me?

Alex Wong – seems awesome for what little we’ve seen of him. Similar in styles to others though. Contract with Miami Ballet Company – won’t let him go. Wow – didn’t see that coming. Wow – how did that happen? Did he not think to ask before he went? I'm surprise the Ballet Co. wouldn't let him go, but when you see the beating these dancers go through I'm sure they are just protecting him.

3 spots left.
Philip is next…which means for sure both brothers won’t make it. I like Phil, but not as much as the brother duo. But they still need someone like him – he’s for sure in. And I’m right!

Why do they do this to the brothers. They don't need to narrow it down to the two of them. I for one would like to see both of them in. I think it would add and interesting dynamic. Why….it just seems so cruel and heartless (Kanye, Kris!)? I don’t like feeling like my emotions are being toyed with. Hmmm...perhaps I am a bit too invested in this show? Nahhh....never!

Final two girls
Asuka and Dena – Asuka was my pick to go through - she seems to have a great personality to go with her dance ability. Such an awkward moment, so hard to be happy when the person next to you is devastated.

Final two boys
Evan and Ryan - both are in tears as they process that one of them is through and the other isn't. Seriously this bring me to tears. Especially listening to Evan talk about why he was often counted out as a dancer, too short, too bald - I think he would have been neat on the show and would have been a good support for the younger dancers. But as it turns out, the big brother got his little brother through. I said this earlier that I liked Ryan last year and was pulling for him to make it. But Evan's personality and creativity had me wishing that this was his time. Being older maybe he won't have another chance.

So that's it - I'm thankful this was only one hour long. Looking forward to next week when we really get to know the dancers and actually see them dance!

What do you think of the top 20? Happy? Sad? Mad? Don't care because you know we'll fall in love with them in a few weeks and think it's the greatest season ever? You have all week to discuss! See you next Wednesday!