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Episode 20 Recap: Oldies But Goodies
We are in the homestretch — the final show is a week from tomorrow.
Tonight’s judges were Debbie Allen, Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe. Each dancer danced two different routines in two different styles with the same partner, plus a solo.
Pasha and Lacey
The first routine was hip-hop and was choreographed by Dave Scott to "In the Morning" by Junior Boys. When they were describing the number, the first thought that popped into my mind was Mannequin, a movie from 1987. This was a fantastic way to open the show, and the best number of the night as far as I am concerned. Did you see how Pasha looked like a geek?
The second routine was a smooth waltz choreographed by Hunter Johnson to "A Daisy in December" by Mick McAuley and Winfred Horan. This looked like a very classic dance, in very classic outfits (black and white). It reminded me of something I’ve seen in the movies.
Danny and Lauren
The first routine was in the contemporary style and was choreographed by Mia Michaels to "Then You Look at Me" by Celine Dion. I really don’t understand why the judges loved this routine. To me it seemed like all they were doing was fighting and running around the stage. And to top it off, it ended with a very cliché ending, a scene from Titanic.
Their second routine was a disco and was choreographed by Doriana Sanchez to "Don’t Leave Me This Way" by The Communards. While it was not the original by Thelma Houston, it was still a real disco song. This is probably the best performance we have seen all season from Danny and Lauren.
Neil and Sabra
Their first routine, a jazz piece, was choreographed by Mandy Moore to "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by The Eurythmics. I am pretty speechless about this one: All I can say is wow. I actually got the impression that Neil and Sabra were investment bankers on Wall Street.
Their paso doble was choreographed by Tony Meredith to "Espana Cani" by Juan & Gennaro. Are these the same two people that everyone thought would never make it into the top 20, let alone the top 10? Maybe they are androids?
The Solos
None of the solos actually drew me in, except for Pasha’s. Dancing with a mannequin was a great idea. It gave me the impression that he was not actually dancing alone. It's been ages since I heard Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”
My favorite numbers tonight were Pasha and Lacey’s hip-hop routine, Neil and Sabra’s jazz piece, and Danny and Lauren’s disco performance.
I think both Lauren and Danny will be leaving this week, which would leave the final four as Pasha, Neil, Lacey and Sabra. I think the winner will be either Pasha or Sabra.
I am also wondering if they will be taping the results show tomorrow night for broadcast on Monday. There is no episode tomorrow night; Fox is showing a preseason football game. We'll have three chances to watch next week: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
So guys and gals, what did you all think?
Use our Online Video Guide to search for your favorite moments from this season of SYTYCD.
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Aug 8, 2007 11:37 PM
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I agree with you about the Danny and Lauren Mia Michaels routine. It was...a lot of running. I understand that running full throttle and having control is impressive--like when she sprinted to Danny and he caught her and she ended up on the floor (on purpose and in the span of a second from when he caught her).
That was good...but overall the dance was blah. I definitely haven't been on the Mia Michael's love train for the past few weeks.
Now, hours later, nothing really stands out in my mind except Sabra and Neil's dance. I would have liked more movement across the entire stage...but overall I liked it. It was different. I think I like it when props are used in the routines.
I also didn't think Lacey did enough dancing in the mannequin dance. I thought she did a good job as a mannequin but the total time she spent actually moving her legs was, what, 10 seconds or less?
Overall the dancing is really good. But unlike Nigel who thinks the dancing/choreography couldn't get any better I'm thinking "this isn't it, is it?"
These may be better dancers than last year but by this time last year I had more "wow" moments after dances. Well, I suppose I can only blame the choreographers...
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Aug 9, 2007 12:02 AM
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first off can Debbie Allen, Adam Shankman, and Wade Robson be the only guest judges next season? that would be great
now to the show
Pasha and Lacey:
hip hop - Pasha can dance!...he did very well but its a risky move on Lacey's part letting herself just stand there for most of of the routine this late in the game (i know thats the choreography but i'm sure the dancers have some input)
smooth waltz - it was ok...kinda dull as most ballroom dances are to me...again it was good but it just was no Danny/Anya smooth waltz
Danny and Lauren:
Contemporary - wow i was impressed...1) that was a thousand times better than Mia's routine last week...2) the speed and overall athleticism involved..they were flying across that stage...3) how intricate was that i mean the begining when they were entangled was highly impressive
Disco - i usually dont like the discos but the last 2 we've seen (this one and Neil/Sabra a couple of weeks ago) have been really good...there was actual DANCING in this one...not just pose/trick/pose/trick...again i was impressed by their athleticism
Neil and Sabra:
Jazz - not so much jazz as contempo IMO...but very very good...when Neil hopped over the table w/ that gymnast move, most impressive move of the night...and it was the first time i wasnt upset w/ Neil doing gymnastics in the dance...
Paso - it was OK...not spectacular (i thought jesus/sara did it better earlier this year)...but not disappointing either (would have been exceptional in the other seasons)
Oh wow thats it...ummm the solos:
Pasha...interesting...good gimmick...pasha is now the prop king
Lacey...i think we've seen this before and done better by her cousin Heide...idk it was good
Lauren...musicallity...she has it...it was good..a little to idk modern? for my taste
Danny..this boy can dance...thats about it...he's fantastic
Neil...freakin Neil...i have not been a Neil fan at all this season but the past couple of weeks he's really stepped his game up and has been quite impressive...freakin Neil...
Sabra...beautiful little girl...good solo...not spectacular (but i've never thought her solos were amazing)...she is a really good dancer
going home...WHO KNOWS?!?!?!?....w/ the dudes i think its a toss up...before last week i would have said Danny...but Neil was bottom 2 last week in a shocker so i dont know...and its not that they are all bad its that they are all so good none of them should be going home...for the ladies...i'd have to say Lacey...she had the only negative critism this episode and i dont think her solo was good enough but Lauren is vulnerable also....i'm pretty sure Sabra is the only person who is def. gonna be in the final 4
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Aug 9, 2007 12:46 AM
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I thought this was the best week they've had all season! I liked every single dance, from a choreography, music, and performance standpoint. I can't think of another week that six dances have impressed me.
Sabra and Neil's jazz was the best of the night for me, but I also loved both of Lauren and Danny's songs, and Lacey and Pasha's smooth waltz. The hip hop was neat, but I wanted more dancing. I think if it had been 30 seconds longer, I would have loved it. A few years ago, I saw a piece Jesselee Santos choreographed had the same concept, and in comparison, this one lacked.
The paso was just okay for me- I liked it, I didn't love it. I felt like this week was the truest to each choreography style, and it seemed pretty technically difficult across the board.
I was actually let down by Pasha's solo... I felt like the mannequin was a bit pointless- I couldn't tell if it was supposed to be funny or not. Lacey's solo was eons better than the solo she did last week, and I really loved all of the other solos.
I hope that Danny doesn't go home. I'm pretty sure Lauren will, but I'm happy that she's going out after three strong performances tonight. I just don't think she can beat the fanbases of Sabra or Lacey.
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Aug 9, 2007 12:50 AM
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So, I wasn't watching the same show... but here's what I thought:
I thought it was good that they dressed Pasha "geeky" in the first routine because it masked some of the awkwardness he showed doing the hip-hop. His facial expressions were right on though. I thought he was fantastic in the smooth waltz. And, Pasha's solo stood out to me only in that I found it weird and creepy. Maybe I'm just anti-pasha tonight, but the music didn't fit (I don't know what would except that song from the movie Mannequin, was that Jefferson Airplane?) the solo.
I think this was the first time that I liked Lacey, but then I realized that it was because her mouth didn't open and do the sex kitten lip tug and she couldn't do the stripper toe-touch. She was alright/good in the smooth waltz but her solo, while better than last weeks nightmare-riverdance, was HORRIBLE. When she did the booty show I was over it.
LOVED LOVED LOVED -- Sabra & Neil. She is such a beautiful dancer and he really stood out tonight. LOVED the Mandy Moore routine. Totally the best routine of the night. Sabra's solo was the best solo, I think, of the entire competition.
I'm not a Lauren fan, mostly because I find her constant smile during ALL routines SO distracting. I wasn't so impressed with the running routine. And, less so with the disco. I remember watching Sabra and Dominic do the disco earlier, or Lacey and what's his name doing the hustle, and I thought they danced, where I felt like Danny and Lauren were doing some cheerleading-stunt routine. Other than that, Danny's solo was nice. And, he seemed to really be "in character" tonight more than any other. Strategy?
I'm thinking Pasha and Lauren will leave, even though I think Lacey should, and Sabra for the win.
P.S. Random thoughts: Cat needs her roots done, I can't look at Nigel anymore now that I know he's dating Pricilla Presley (especially since Naked Gun was on this weekend), and Debbie Allen's necklace looked painful poking into that part on your neck/trachea that you're not supposed to poke on.
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Aug 9, 2007 12:57 AM
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Pasha & Lacey's Hip Hop - I thought it was good but I agree with Cruciatus...Lacey didn't do much in this routine.
Danny & Lauren's Contemporary - I have to admit that I hoped Danny would be paired with my other favorite, Sabra this week, but I was very pleasantly surprised and thought this routine was danced beautifully by both. I do agree that the ending could have been better. I thought it was weird that the people standing on the balcony didn't even bother to turn around as they ran behind them.
Neil & Sabra's Jazz - This was my favorite dance of the night. I thought it was unique, fun and danced perfectly by both of them. We were doing a Mary scream in our house for this one! 
Pasha & Lacey's Smooth Waltz - As much as Lacey annoys me, this was a very classic and lovely performance. Good job by both.
Danny & Lauren's Disco - I guess it was just me, but I was not feeling it. It wasn't the performance but the choreography itself that left a lot to be desired. I enjoyed the disco that Sabra (and Dominic?) did a while back much better. I give both dancers credit for the level of difficulty compared to the past discos.
Neil & Sabra's Paso Doble - Well done by both and Sabra really is a "revelation" in every dance she does. How cute was Neil pointing out that this is his first ride on the hot tamale train?
I thought all of the solos were good...nothing blew me away. If I had to pick a favorite it would be between Sabra and Pasha. It's tough to predict who will go home on Monday. My dream top 4 would be Danny, Sabra, Pasha and Lauren (only because I am not on the Lacey bandwagon). I love both Danny and Sabra so I'd be happy if either one of them won, but I'm leaning towards Sabra as my #1. She has danced every single dance beautifully and she deserves to win, IMHO.
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Aug 9, 2007 12:58 AM
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OH, and by the way, thanks Marc for continuing the blog!!
High five!
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Aug 9, 2007 1:10 AM
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I thought it was weird that the people standing on the balcony didn't even bother to turn around as they ran behind them.
k4lakers--I'm sure those people knew that Lauren and Danny would be coming up to the balcony and were told not to turn around. It would be a bit distracting for the viewers at home to see random people mugging for the camera while a dance was going on.
But then, on the other hand, it looked so strange that they were trying so hard NOT to turn around. I couldn't believe their restraint! But maybe they were told they'd have to leave if they interfered with the routine...or something.
And I agree about Pasha's mannequin being odd in his solo. Was it an homage to his routine from 30 minutes before? Can you honor something that JUST happened? I thought he'd actually USE it somehow in his routine--and was interested to see what he'd do with it. He danced around it and then left it behind...WTF?
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Aug 9, 2007 1:12 AM
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WOW, what a night! I thought that all the dancers were on their game tonight, and the routines were interesting, difficult, and well choreographed.
My favorite routine of the night was Neil and Sabra's jazz routine (genius, Mandy Moore, genius!), and my favorite dancer of the night was Neil. That boy is definitely turning it up! He looked both athletic and refined tonight. I'm hoping he makes it into the final 4, he deserves it.
Danny is continuing his streak, also. He looked fantastic in the Mia Michaels routine, and while I've loved other Mia routines more than this one, I am bowled over by how well it was performed, especially by Danny. He's just amazing. His disco was good, also, and who'd have thought that he'd work the disco the way he did?
Pasha did a good job with the hip hop tonight, and also with his smooth waltz. But he's the weakest male, and his solo was odd, so I hope he goes home this week.
Ditto Lacey. She was less annoying tonight, for sure, and I actually appreciated her dancing more because I wasn't distracted by her face. But her solo was too stripper-ish and she needs to go home.
Am I the only person on this board who likes Lauren? I think she's great, and I find her far less grating than Lacey. She performed really well tonight in everything she was given, and I really liked her solo. I think she's earned a spot in the final 4.
So has Sabra. While she didn't really shine for me tonight (I found myself watching only Neil when the 2 of them performed), she is a beautiful dancer and is clearly the strongest woman.
Debbie Allen was a great judge tonight! I really enjoy her on that panel, just as much as I enjoy Wade Robson and Adam Shankman. Kudos on the judging this year! If I never have to see Dan Karaty again, I will be a happy camper!
I can't believe we have to wait until Monday to find out the results! I love this show and can't believe it's almost over.
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Aug 9, 2007 7:20 AM
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My favorites of the night from each couple were Pasha & Lacey's hip hop, Neil & Sabra's jazz (attention grabbing & done very well), and Danny & Lauren's disco. I also liked the smooth waltz and paso doble, but I kind of was hoping for a little more in each of them. I absolutely hated that Mia Michaels contemporary routine. All they did was run back & forth on the stage. It contained even less dancing than the ridiculous father-daughter, all emotion-little substance one the week before. I wish that she would find some other project for next season so that I didn't have to see that woman or her choreography again.
The solos were boring. At least they didn't do that distracting count down of time. I probably liked Pasha & Sabra the best. At least Lacey did some dancing this time, but I agree with the person who said she was not as good as Heidi was last season.
I would prefer for the final 4 to be the 3 boys & Sabra, but that can't happen. My favorite guys are Pasha & Neil. I think Danny is awesome as a dancer, but I like their dancing & personalities. My favorite girl is Sabra. The other 2 girls are annoying.
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Aug 9, 2007 7:22 AM
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Ok, here's what I thought about everything.
Pasha and Lacey's Hip Hop: I thought it was ok, but I actually found it boring. Pasha and Lacey are my least favorite dancers, so that might have played a part, but I think even if other dancers had done that routine I still wouldn't have liked it. I felt it hindered Lacey because she wasn't given much opportunity to actually dance and have complicated footwork.
Danny and Lauren's Contemporary: Although Mia's done better routines, I really, really loved this dance. I thought both Danny and Lauren were fantastic, and I could have watched that for several more minutes. Loved it!
Neil and Sabra's Jazz: This was most definitely the best routine of the night. I have loved Neil since day 1, and he continues to improve. Sabra is amazing too, and I hope both of them make the finale because they deserve it!
Pasha and Lacey's Waltz: I thought this routine, although not horrible, was the worst routine of the night. I instantly noticed Lacey's awkward hands, and was hoping one of the judges would say something because I don't believe they've ever criticized Lacey, and it was obvious that it wasn't perfect. Pasha was great in this dance however.
Danny and Lauren's Disco: I liked this routine, but I didn't love it. It was fun, and there was more dancing than other discos, but I still think the disco is kind of boring for me. I did feel that Danny broke out of his shell in that dance however, and I have to say that at the beginning of the top 20, Danny was my least favorite dancer because of his attitude, but I feel that he has changed so much, and now I like him so much more.
Neil and Sabra's Paso Doble: Wow. They just blew everyone away tonight. I thought it was fantastic, and capped off by that "donut" lift and then drop, it was incredible! I loved Neil saying it was his first time on the hot tamale train, I thought it was really cute.
The solos were ok, I'd have to say my favorites were Danny, Neil, and Lauren's, and I did not like Pasha's (that mannequin was creepy and random) and Lacey's was far too sexual, as usual.
I think Pasha and Lacey should go home this week, but I'm guessing it will be Pasha and Lauren, as for some reason America does not seem to like Lauren very much. We'll have to see on Monday!
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Aug 9, 2007 8:03 AM
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I love this show! I also love AI, but what these kids are asked to do is so much more difficult!!
The dancing (and choreography) tonight was amazing. That being said, many contemporary routines don't do much for me, and Danny and Lauren's was no exception. I have also liked other disco routines much more than theirs. I would put Sabra and Neil's routines both at the top, followed by the hip hop of Pasha and Lacey.
Individually, Lacey's solo was weak. She didn't do much compared to the other two. I would very much like Sabra to be there at the end. I don't remember her getting the tiniest criticism from any judge ever. Among the guys, I would like to see Neil and Pasha make it to the finale.
My choices to leave this week would be Danny and Lauren or Lacey.
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Aug 9, 2007 8:07 AM
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Overall I thought the couples dances were fabulous, and the solos unremarkable. Apparently these kids have shown us all they can in their solos.
I hope there will be tons of spoilers from people who attend the results show taping tonight. I can't wait till Monday!
My favorite dance was Neil and Sabra's jazz - kudos to them, and to Mandy Moore. It was a total revelation, one of my favorite dances ever on the show. Mandy did a superb job of showcasing the strengths of each dancer - well, I'm convinced Sabra can do anything, but Neil not-so-much on the personality, but so athletic! so Mandy gave them characters who are kind of cold but the choreography was fast and tricky. Simply amazing. My mouth fell open when I heard the judges' comments on the paso. I thought Neil was rather weak. Nevertheless, I loved his observation that it was his first time on Mary's train. I really don't want any of the men to leave, but I think Neil is the least versatile of the remaining dancers. If he stays, the fans who are crushing on him keep him in.
Pasha and Lacey - I love Pasha more every week, and not as annoyed by Lacey as usual. I was glad she didn't have a chance to do the hoochy-koochy except in her solo. While it's true she didn't have much movement in the hip-hop, I'm sure her choreography was quite difficult. It reminded me of a dance from the TV show Fame - kinda surprised Debbie Allen didn't mention it. The smooth waltz was very lovely but, face it, a little boring. The best part was that Lacey was controlled and didn't mug it up. Pasha, of course, was in his element and fantastic. Interesting that after last week's very pointed comment that Lacey didn't look at her partner, she got two dances that basically did not require eye contact. I believe that Nigel's comment about Lacey's droopy hands in the smooth waltz was the only negative comment given by the judges all night. I also agree with the poster who said that Lacey's type of solo was done much better by Cousin Heidi all last season.
Danny and Lauren - I agree with those posters who didn't quite get the Mia Michaels dance. Except that I'm sure the choreography was quite difficult and obviously fast, it was basically a lot of running around with big smiles on their faces. I didn't see a lot of alien movements as mentioned in the preview, but that was a good thing. They did a nice job on the disco, but it wasn't my favorite disco of the season.
Of the women, Sabra is the only one I really want to see in the final. Either Lauren or Lacey could go this week, and I wouldn't care much - except I don't think Lacey's going anywhere.
Finally, didn't Cat seem more relaxed last night now that Dominic is gone? She can flirt a little with the guys without worrying one of them is going to jump on her. Although I read an interview with Dom somewhere (may have been here) in which he basically said he and Cat were a couple. Hard to believe, but he always seemed to live in a fantasy world anyway.
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Aug 9, 2007 8:10 AM
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Was anyone else annoyed by the obviously faked "random" drawing of dance partners? It was already pretty well established that they would be teaming up people who had never danced with each other before, so it was kind of obvious who the couples would be. And, once I read that Neil and Sabra were partners, the other two easily fell into place. But, they still went through a "charade" of having them draw.
Also, the stories they make up for these dancers to give them histories are starting to wear thin. When they let Lacey in at the beginning, they did it even though they already had other "ballroom" dancers. And, they push all of her ballroom experience; then, last night, they say she only dances Latin and hasn't actually done ballroom.
Sara was a "b-girl", and they focused on that and were just so amazed that she could do all of the other styles. But, if you read her interview on the Interviews and Features, she actually has had training in a variety of styles.
And, I knew Sabra was just too good for someone who has only been dancing for 4 years. In the audience last night after her solo, they showed a group holding up a sign for a gymnastics academy. It would make complete sense that she has spent years doing gymnastics, witht he dance training and performing that go along with it, but for some reason 4 years ago switched to just dance.
And, I guess this year's prize is only monetary, with no dance job lined up (I know Benji opted not to take the Celine gig, but maybe this year's winner would have appreciated a chance to dance?), so what does that mean for the winner? They get a bunch of money but still have nowhere to dance?
I really think Danny is extremely talented, but am not sure that he will win. I was very tepid on Neil until the last 2 weeks, when he seems to have stepped it up. Pasha is my least favorite of the guys.
For the ladies, I do like Lacey more than I thought I would, but I am tired of her doing that pouty sexy thing, and then her antics when she's giving out her phone number. But, Lauren really bugs me even more, just as other people have said, due to her constant smiling and eye squinting. I don't know why it bugs me -- we should like happy people -- but it just does. Sabra is a good dancer, but she has never wowed me the way she does the judges.
I would like to see Danny as the final guy, but I'm not sure if I want him to win, just because it would be nice to have a lady win. And, I guess either Sabra or Lauren, not because I don't think Lacey isn't good, but because it just would be too wierd to have her win after having Benji win last year.
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Aug 9, 2007 8:15 AM
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So Pasha was dancing with a mannequin of Anya's dress. Completely awkward for me.
Just a few things...
I'm not sure why everyone loves Pasha? I know the judges are all about him, but I feel like you're being nice because all they have left are contemporary/ballet guys and they want some variety for the finale. I think he can do the steps okay but it's his character that really masks his inability and lack of technique. I think it showed a lot with his hip hop routine last night.
I love, love, love Lauren. I know a lot of people get annoyed when she smiles all the time and many think she tries too hard to be funny but I've loved her from the beginning. Her style is a lot like Allison's from last year and I thought she should have won the whole competition. Lauren's movement isn't as smooth as Sabra's but I love that about her. I especially think it showed with the Wade Robson solos from a few weeks back. Her musicality and ability to hit each movement is so unbelievable.
Sabra...she is amazing. If she doesn't win the whole thing I'll be very surprised. I can't believe she's only been dancing for 4 years. Her and Danny need to dance together next week. That would be the best thing EVER.
So I think the final four should be: Sabra, Danny, Neil, and Lauren. I'm pretty sure Lacey will be there because she's riding on the coat tails of Benji buuuut we'll see. Also can you imagine if 4 contemporary/modern/classically trained dancers were in the finale?! That would be awesome. Mia Michaels, Mandy Moore, and Wade could just choreograph the whole night.
On a side note...does anyone know why Brian Friedman hasn't been around? He was in the audience one night sitting behind Wade, but he hasn't choreographed or been a judge? I mean his outfit was heinous when he judged the season finale last year, but we all make mistakes.
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Aug 9, 2007 8:15 AM
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If you would like to find Sabrina's blog entries about the earlier episodes of this season, please go here: http://community.tvguide.com/blog/TV-Show-Blog/Think-Dance/700004070
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