it was ridiculous, Perkins.

I have to say that I for the most part agreed with the judges on the Ariana/Peter hip hop. The beginning was quite strong. I really liked the slow pace. There was nice synchronization between the two, and there was connection. But once the faster pace started, Peter started hitting much harder than Ariana. And frankly, he outdanced her. I was impressed with him. He pulled some b-boy moves that I didn't know he had. But they really did seem like they were dancing two separate routines. It was fine, but it could've been really good, because it really was some of NappyTab's better choreography.

ETA: Agreed on the ridiculousness of using Push It for the Cha Cha. But then again, they have had some terrible music choices for ballroom historically on this show.

Russell/Noelle-Melanie - Russell lucked out in getting to dance with Melanie because she is a fantastic partner. That said, I thought he was enchanting. There were definitely some technique issues, not the least the hinky steps Mary noted when Russell and Melanie were in closed hold. But this kid has real star quality. And some of the side by side work he put in was really lovely. And the character work was great. Overall, I am loving him still.

The more I see Victor, the more I'm completely blown away by him. He had moments in that Travis piece that were incredible. At one point, I think he did maybe a triple pirouette and he stepped out of it so smoothly. Just, boom, like it was nothing. And Travis choreographed the hell out of that piece. That little bit where Victor was walking while Bianca was doing rolls along the floor trying to hold on to his leg? Was so, so lovely. And they really sold the routine. There was another moment where he was in a deep plie, holding her facing him and she did a couple of body rolls and the whole moment was so sexy. I needed a cigarette. I loved the piece. I loved him. And I have to grudingly give it up to her. I saw what Adam was saying about watching the shoulders and the toe point and really finishing her moves, but I was really impressed with her. I didn't know she had it like that. Still hate her, though.

a deep plie

I read this as "deep pile." I'm warming up to Bianca. I want Ashleigh gone though. Their overpraise did it for me.

I liked the Legacy/Katherine piece. it was nicely goofy, and I thought they had good chemistry.

I thought Legacy and Kathryn absolutely destroyed that piece. I'm blown away by her. She was on fire. He was great, but he should've been great because hip hop is, if not his style, then at least style adjacent. And in general, I loved hte piece. Dave Scott hasn't always done his best work for SYTYCD, but he knocked it out of the park with that one. Great concept, good choreography to go along with it. Bonus points for the Missy Elliot. That almost makes up for using Push It in the Cha Cha. Almost.

Grrr. I think I'm going to miss the last half hour--Local News is having another special report.

Boo, special reports. Don't they know SYTYCD is on?

Blah blah bay bridge closed blah.

They showed some of Nathan and Mollee's dance, at least.

Why is Russell up for elimination? Not right.

I also hope they let Brandon try out again. I assume he will be going home, and it doesn't seem fair for this to be his one chance.