'So You Think You Can Dance': Meet the Top 5 women who used their fabulous routines to work their way into the live shows
Last week when 'So You Think You Can Dance' season 16 aired with the Academy Rounds part 2, we got to see the final Top 10 men and Top 10 women contestants. And now back again this week, the Top 10 women will take the stage once again.
Partnered with an All-Star male, the Top 10 women had to do a choreographed duet that was outside their own style. Competing against each other, in order to get one step closer to become America's favorite dancer, the Top 10 women battled it out in the 'Final Cut- Top Ten Girls' episode.
Thought this format cuts back on the performances, and we won't get to see half of the contestants again, fans and viewers were really looking forward to seeing who would make it through to the Top 5. The stakes have never been higher, as each contestant was forced to come out of their comfort zone.
While we have to wait till next week to see who among the Top 10 men make it through to the live shows, here are the Top 5 women who made it through to the live shows.
Mariah Russell
Mariah Russell was paired with All-Star Jonathan Platero. The duo did a salsa routine, nailed their technique from start to finish. Russel had a firm grasp and did not lose grip during any of their tricks. Their performance had the sass it needed and left the judges and audience impressed with the one-legged somersault and the final flip. We can't wait to see what she brings to the live shows.
Stephanie Sosa
Stephanie Sosa who is a ballroom dancer was paired with All-Star Robert Roldan. The duo had to perform a contemporary routine and aced it. Their routine had the grace and emotions it needed; the judges themselves couldn't take their eyes off their performance. Well, no doubt she hit the lottery with this routine, cause they had none other than Mandy Moore choreograph it for them. Though she aced her routine, Laurieann Gibson said, that she “danced it well but what was missing was you surrendering to the vulnerability — and I need that from you.” Now that she is in the Top 5, we can't wait to see what Sosa does next.
Anna Linstruth
Anna Linstruth was paired with All-Star Marko Germar for a Jazz routine. Being a hip-hop dancer, Anna had to come out of her comfort zone for this routine. The duo had Ray Leeper as their choreographer. She is one among the few diamond-in-the-rough dancers this season, and even though this routine was new for her, and she did have minor fallbacks while performing, Anna aced it. Though their technique wasn't strong enough compared to the other four contestants who made it through, it was enough to get her to the live shows.
Sophie Pittman
From being a contemporary dancer, Sophie Pittman, and her All-Star partner Kiki Nyemchek danced their way through an amazing cha-cha routine. Though Pittman found it difficult last week doing the cha-cha, she managed to improve her posture and not hold back as much as she did before. You could see a little tension in her body still linger while she danced, but Pittman did improve a lot since her first performance. No wonder the judges pushed her through to the live shows. But she still needs to work more and not hold back.
Madison Jordan
Madison Jordan has been an inspiration to many ever since she first auditioned for the series this season. Performing a cha-cha routine with All-Star Kiki Nyemchek she had her moves on point but she didn't look too comfortable even though she was smiling throughout the routine. Now that she has moved on to the live shows, she needs to soften and loosen things up if she wants to stay in the competition longer.
Next week when SYTYCD airs, the Top 10 men will battle it out against each other to covet a spot in the Top 5.
'So You Think You Can Dance' season 16 airs every Monday on Fox. Check your local listings for more information.