So You Think You Can Dance kicked off its first week of live shows for its twelfth season this Monday (July 13) at CBS Studios in Los Angeles, Calif.
The Top 20 — Kate Harpootlian, Darion Flores, Edson Juarez, Marissa Milele, Moises Parra, Gaby Diaz, Hailee Payne, Derek Piquette, Jim Nowakowski, Alexia Meyer, Yorelis Apolinario, Jessica Rabone, Virgil Gadson, Ariana Crowder, Burim “B1” Jusufi, Jana “JaJa” Vankova, Megan “Megz” Alfonso, Eddie “Neptune” Eskridge, Lily Frias, and Asaf Goren — took the stage for the first time in front of a live studio audience to perform for America’s votes.
The show kicked off with a group performance from the Top 20 to Nathan Lanier’s “Revolt,” which showed off each dancer’s best dance moves. Following the group performance, Megz Alfonso, JJ Rabone, and Neptune gave it their all in a hip-hop routine to Far East Movement’s “The Illest” choreographed by Dave Scott. After Megz, JJ and Neptune brought the house down, Team Stage’s Gaby Diaz, Derek Piquette and Moises Parra performed a contemporary routine to Max Ritcher’s “Luminous” choreographed by the well-known Stacey Tookey.
Following Gaby, Derek and Moises’ performance, Asaf Goren, Burim Jusufi, Jaja Vankova and Lily Frias took the stage for an epic hip-hop performance to Son Lux feat. Lorde’s “Easy (Switch Screens)” choreographed by Christopher Scott. It was then time for Alexia Meyer, Hailee Payne and Marissa Milele to show America what they’ve been working on. The girls performed a jazz routine to SBTRKT’s “New Dorp, New York” choreographed by Brian Freidman.
After the commercial break, ballet dancers Darion Flores and Jim Nowadowski turned heads with an incredible sequence to Audiomachine’s “Blood and Stone” choreographed by Benoit Swan Pouffer. Still keeping the bar high, Ariana Crowder, Virgil Gadson and Yorelis Apolinario gave it all during their hip-hop performance to Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven,” choreographed by Pharside/Phoenix.
The final judged performance of the night was a contemporary piece to Tailor’s “Shaped Like A Gun” performed by Kate Harpootlian and Edson Juarez. The stunning number was choreographed by Team Stage mentor Travis Wall.
After the commercial break, resident judge Jason Derulo performed his new singles “Cheyenne and Get Ugly” for viewers in the studio audience and at home with the help of some all-star dancers. Following Jason’s mind-blowing performance, Team Stage Captain Travis Wall and Team Street Captain tWitch showed off their dancers with two group performances — Team Stage dancing to Queen’s “Body Language” and District 78’s “Ready Or Not Here I Come.”
SYTYCD host Cat Deeley returned to the stage to announce that next week will mark the 10th anniversary of So You Think You Can Dance, meaning there will be two new episodes next week. Also, elimination rounds will begin, resulting in two dancers’ journeys coming to an end next Monday.
Juliet is the founder and executive producer/host of Celeb Secrets and Celeb Secrets Country. When not reporting on the latest news in pop culture and country music, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, watching sports and exploring the latest fashion trends.
Juliet holds a B.S. in marketing from St. John's University.
Juliet is the founder and executive producer/host of Celeb Secrets and Celeb Secrets Country. When not reporting on the latest news in pop culture and country music, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, watching sports and…
