Another Top 10 Best So You Think You Can Dance Performances
One list just isn't enough for So you think you can dance! For this list we've included dances from Du-Shaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall & Amy Yakima, Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rockey, Benji Schwimmer & Heidi Groskreutz, Jeanine Mason & Phillip Chbeeb, Lauren Froderman & Pasha Kovalev, Melanie Moore & Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Amy Yakima & Travis Wall, Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi, Marko Germar & Melanie Moore and Courtney Galiano & Mark Kanemura.
#10: “After Party” (2013)
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Du-Shaunt ‘Fik-Shun’ Stegall & Amy Yakima
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Some seasons of this show had two winners instead of one, and in Season 10, they were hip-hop dancer Fik-Shun and jazz dancer Amy. In a routine choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo, also known as “Nappytabs”, they played bell-hops with a penchant for hip-hop. Using their luggage cart as a prop, they turned work into a party by getting down and being cheeky (Amy, we’re looking at you!). Fik-Shun’s incredible isolations were on display as Amy “directed” his movements like a puppet, and they both seemed like they were enjoying the playful number. It was fun for dancers and audience alike!
#9: “I Won’t Give Up” (2014) Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rockey
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This lovely Viennese waltz was performed by contemporary dancer Ricky and tap dancer Valerie, who were the winner and runner-up of their season. Choreographed by former contestant Lacey Schwimmer, it was pure elegance and romance, and saw Valerie wearing a gorgeous dress with skirts that seemed to float around her as she turned. Even though neither dancer was doing their own style, they seemed to move with remarkable ease, gliding across the stage together like they’d been partners forever. The steps, the song choice, and the expressions on their faces all combined to create a very joyful experience.
#8: “Black Mambo” (2006) Benji Schwimmer & Heidi Groskreutz
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You know the number is going to be crazy when it kicks off with one performer wearing the other like a belt! Swing dancer Benji and his cousin Heidi, a Latin and swing dancer, were in their element when they were tasked with the Latin dance known as the mambo. This super-fast, high-energy twirling extravaganza was peppered with tricks, splits, and fancy footwork. Heidi turned and turned like a spinning top, Benji ran and slid halfway across the stage, and they both looked liked they were having a blast. It was the type of routine that just puts a smile on your face.
#7: “Mad” (2009) Jeanine Mason & Phillip Chbeeb
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Married choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon may have drawn on their own experience for this lyrical hip-hop number about an arguing couple who can’t go to bed angry. Expert popper Phillip was more comfortable with the style than contemporary jazz dancer Jeanine, who expressed doubt about her hip-hop skills. But clearly she had no need to worry, because they both nailed it, and had good chemistry too. Their movements were always expressive, whether they were sharp or smooth, and it was particularly sweet when they made up. The routine really allowed Phillip to showcase his incredible ability to undulate his body. Now that’s a reason to go to bed smiling!
#6: “Telephone” (2010) Lauren Froderman & Pasha Kovalev
Ballroom dancer Pasha impressed us when he did hip-hop with partner Lauren Gottlieb in Season 3 (xref), but when he returned as an All-Star in Season 7, he partnered with a different Lauren for a sexy cha-cha that really blew us away. Choreographed by married couple Jean-Marc Généreux and France Mousseau, it started quietly before the music picked up and things got spicy. Contemporary dancer Lauren worked every tassel on her tiny costume, holding her own with Pasha as she flipped her hair, struck poses, and shook her hips. Both precise and passionate, this entertaining routine was a total treat to watch.
#5: “Roman’s Revenge” (2011) Melanie Moore & Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss
“Nappytabs” strike again, bringing us Little Red Riding Hood with a hip-hop twist! Contemporary dancer Melanie proved that you can’t judge a book by its cover, or a dancer by their style, when she got buck with her All-Star partner tWitch. As the initially-sweet Little Red, she showed us her wild, animalistic side while going toe-to-toe with tWitch’s Big Bad Wolf. By the time they got to the final sequence of perfectly coordinated moves, there was no doubt about who should be afraid of who. The concept was fun, the music unique, and the performances convincing. Didn’t Melanie look utterly badass with that newly-tamed Wolf at her feet?
#4: “Wicked Game” (2013) Amy Yakima & Travis Wall
The first time former contestant Travis choreographed a contemporary routine for the show, he came up with his “Locket Dance”, and when he returned as an All-Star in Season 10, he delivered yet again with this wickedly stunning number. Depicting the games people play at the beginning of a relationship, this dance took place under a spotlight on a darkened stage and paired beautifully with the music - an acoustic cover of Chris Isaak’s signature song. Not only were the movements graceful, but they were also imbued with such passion by both dancers. You could sense the longing, especially from Amy, and when she bent over backwards in one fluid motion, we almost forgot to breathe.
#3: “This Woman's Work” (2009) Melissa Sandvig & Ade Obayomi
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This contemporary piece choreographed by Tyce Diorio portrayed a woman struggling with breast cancer, and was performed by ballet dancer Melissa and contemporary dancer Ade. Because of the subject matter, it was one of those dances where the emotions were so powerful that they transcended the steps. Beautiful and delicate, yet filled with a quiet strength, it had Ade’s character constantly supporting Melissa’s, and ended with him quite literally lifting her up and carrying her forward. It was a truly touching moment, one that unsurprisingly got the judges and the audience all choked up.
#2: “Turn to Stone” (2011) Marko Germar & Melanie Moore
Contemporary dancer Melanie and lyrical jazz dancer Marko were the couple to beat in Season 8, as there was nothing that they couldn’t do. For their first performance as partners, they played a pair of statues come to life in a contemporary piece by aforementioned Season 2 runner-up Travis Wall. Upon waking, the statues moved slowly, striking pretty poses again and again until the climactic section where they danced together exuberantly. It ended on a tender note as they connected with an embrace. The routine was equal parts strength and grace, or, as host Cat Deeley called it “a living, breathing work of art.” We’re inclined to agree! Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Tetsujin” (2009) Brandon Bryant & Jeanine Mason “Dibidy Dop (Swing Mix)” (2015) Gaby Diaz & Zack Everhart, Jr. “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” (2012) Eliana Girard & Alex Wong
#1: “The Garden” (2008) Courtney Galiano & Mark Kanemura
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What do you get when you mix choreographer Sonya Tayeh’s distinctive style, jazz dancer Mark’s quirky movements, and contemporary dancer Courtney’s ability to do, well, anything? A wonderfully weird and sinisterly sexy burlesque-inspired jazz number. Described by the dancers as “raw” and “dark”, and by Sonya as “lusty and aggressive”, it was filled with unique flourishes like Courtney headbanging with one fishnet-clad leg in the air and a curled-up Mark biting his knuckle as Courtney walked over him while twisting her hips. The performance was as captivating and memorable as the pulsating beat of the song it was set to.
