It's Vegas callbacks baby! We're just that close to our Top 20, from whom we'll choose America's Favorite Dancer.
Our expanded judging panel includes resident judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, joined by Debbie Allen, Adam Shankman, Tyce Diorio, and Robin Antin, with an assist from Jason Gilkinson.
Right off the top we go from 160 to 114 after just one solo. Hip hop, Broadway, and Jive take us down to 74 leading into the group round. The groups are organized by the judges and are non-negotiable. I like this approach instead of letting the dancers choose their own groups.
It's unusual for group round to be so good that just a handful of dancers get cut, but I think it's a tribute to the quality of dancers we're likely to see in Top 20 this season. If you've never watched this show, this might be the summer to check it out.
Then...Contemporary. I love when the B-Boys and street dancers handle this choreography well. You can see the wonder and emotion in them as they learn how much they are capable of. You cannot hide in Contemporary, but sometimes you can find yourself. And if a dancer doesn't quite measure up, he or she can learn how to take the next steps to improve.
That's what I love about this particular show. It isn't just about the result...it's about the journey.
Then from 55 survivors, we go to 31.
Next cut...Top 20.
Tonight we'll meet them and see them dance, without judgment, in their own styles.
Cue music gang.
