'So You Think You Can Dance' season 14 auditions: From street-style salsa to an emotional tap dance, here are the top performances this week
Tonight on 'So You Think You Can Dance' season 16, the most impeccable set of auditions came to a close. While most contestants were lucky enough to make it to the next round after impressing the judges, some were even luckier as they received a golden ticket which allows them to go one step ahead in the competition.
During the June 24th episode of 'So You Think You Can Dance' we witnessed the judges be extra generous with the Golden Tickets and this week the judges were eager to see if the contestants would impress them as much as they did last week, and they sure did.
You might want to grab your box of tissues for the final auditions this week. While there were many contestants who impressed the judges with their routine, quite a few manage to go above and beyond. To make it easier for you, here are the top performances from this week that left the judges and audience wanting more.
Andrew Avila and Melanie Mercedes
Hailing from the Bronx both Andrew Avila and Melanie Mercedes are best friends who have been dancing together. After auditioning for the first time last year and not making it all the way, they were back this year to reclaim their spot with a brand new salsa routine. Not like the regular ballroom salsa we have witnessed till date, they added a street style twist to it with a little more pizzaz. Living up to what the judges expected they were fire on the dance floor. Apart from dancing, they pulled a few tricks that left everyone sitting at the edge of their seats. Left speechless the duo received a Golden Ticket each from the judges.
Michael Sales
Michael Sales who hails from New Jersey started dancing when he was 14. Sales revealed that he was bullied back in school for being a shy kid. After trying out for athletics and not being able to make it, he turned to dance. In 2017 he was placed as one among the Top 100 B-Boys in the world and he is here this season to prove more and make a name on the series. His moves looked so effortless and on point, he had everyone dancing in their seats and cheering for him. Not losing a beat throughout his entire performance, the judges were impressed with his performance. He even got a standing ovation from Dominic“D-Trix” and received heartwarming comments from the judges. Sales walked away to the next round with a Golden Ticket.
Maia Bliudnikas
Maia Bliudnikas is a 19-year-old dancer who hails from Leominster, Massachusetts. She started dancing when she was just 9-years-old. Performing a routine to Rain Dance, her body moved to the beat of the music like she was elastic. Without missing a beat she finished her performance gracefully, and after she was done she received a standing ovation from Nigel Lythgoe. Mary Murphy said, "You had one of the most perfect auditions this season." Receiving four yeses from the judges, Bliudnikas received a Golden Ticket.
Eddie Hoyt
SYTYCD is known for saving the best for the last. And this season it was Eddie Hoyt a 19-year-old tap dancer hailing from New Hampshire. Hoyt auditioned last year but sadly didn't make it through. He did come out Gay on national television and back again this year his audition performance didn't leave one dry eye in the room. Throughout his performance apart from acing his routine, he emoted everything he could making it his best performance. Hoyt received a standing ovation from all four judges who were choked as he neared the end of his performance. "I don't think I've ever cried over a tap dance before," Murphy disclosed. His performance got Dominic crying as well. Hoyt received four yeses from the judges and moves on to the next round.
'So You Think You Can Dance' airs every Monday night on Fox. Check your local listings for more information.