So You Think You Can Dance Season 2 Episode 16 Top 10 Perform
- TV-14
- July 19, 2006
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8.2 (34)
In the sixteenth episode of season two of So You Think You Can Dance, titled Top 10 Perform, the remaining contestants showcase their talents in hopes of advancing to the next round. With only ten contestants left, the competition is fiercer than ever, and the judges are looking for nothing less than perfection.
The episode kicks off with an energetic group number, choreographed by Wade Robson, that sets the tone for the rest of the show. The judges - Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, and guest judge Brian Friedman - are impressed by the performance, but remind the dancers that they will be judged individually for the rest of the night.
The first pair to perform is Heidi Groskreutz and Ryan Rankine, who take on a sexy salsa routine. The judges praise the chemistry between the two, but also note some technical flaws in their performance. Next up is Dmitry Chaplin and Joy Spears, who tackle a contemporary routine by Mia Michaels. The judges are blown away by the emotion and artistry of the dance, and praise Dmitry for his strong partnering skills.
Following Dmitry and Joy is Ivan Koumaev and Allison Holker, who perform a hip-hop routine by Shane Sparks. Despite their different dance backgrounds, the two merge seamlessly to create a high-energy performance that impresses the judges. Musa Cooper and Natalie Fotopoulos are next, taking on a sensual rumba. The judges are pleased with the chemistry between the two, but note that Musa needs to work on his technique.
Benji Schwimmer and Donyelle Jones follow with a Broadway routine, and the judges are ecstatic. Nigel tells the duo that they are his favorite couple this season, while Mary cries tears of joy. Jessica Fernandez and Jaymz Tuaileva perform a disco routine next, and while the judges appreciate their energy, they note that the dance lacked some technical elements.
The final couple to perform is Travis Wall and Martha Nichols, who take on a contemporary routine by Mia Michaels. The judges are left speechless by the emotional performance, and Brian Friedman even gets up from the judges' table to give the two a standing ovation.
After all the couples have performed, the contestants switch partners to perform in groups of three. The first group, comprised of Benji, Musa, and Dmitry, performs a hip-hop routine by Shane Sparks. The judges are impressed with the trio's synchronicity and energy. Next up is Natalie, Heidi, and Donyelle, who take on an elegant jazz routine. The judges love the performance, but note that Natalie needs to work on her technique.
The final group to perform is Ivan, Ryan, and Travis, who perform a contemporary routine by Mia Michaels. The judges are blown away by the emotional performance, and praise the three for their technical skills as well.
At the end of the episode, the judges deliberate over which dancers will be leaving the competition. It's a tough decision, as all of the remaining contestants have proven themselves to be strong performers. Ultimately, though, two dancers must go home, and the judges tearfully announce the results.
Overall, Top 10 Perform is an exciting and emotional episode that showcases the talents of the remaining contestants. With such a high level of competition, it's anyone's guess who will come out on top - but one thing is for sure: each of these dancers has what it takes to be a star.