So You Think You Can Dance: New York and Denver Auditions
It was the season premiere of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and there were a few familiar faces on the show that has now become the minor leagues for “Dancing with the Stars.” Faina, from Season 3, showed up as the partner of Maksim Kapitannikov. After going through the choreography round, Maksim made it through to Vegas. So did Nobuya Nagahama, who I thought was going to be a joke, but was actually quite good. Chimezie Nwosu made it after choreography as did Igor Zabrodin, but his partner Nina Estrina didn’t make it through.
Those making it straight to Vegas were Gabi Rojas (who was incredible), Peter Sabasino (strictly on his tapping), Arielle Taylor (who had made it to Vegas in Season 3, but the stress was too much for her), Kellen Stancil (who was so touching with his tribute to his dead Aunt), Kayla Radomski (whose whole family had sacrificed to help her dance career), Natalie Reid (whose roommate Katie got in last year over her), and Brandon Bryant (who lost out last year to Gev). Brandon brought Mary to tears with his performance and Sonya almost hyperventilated after seeing Natalie dance. Look for these two to make the Top 20!
Of course, there was the touching and the just plain odd. Tiffany Geigel has a spinal disorder that causes her to look like her head was squashed into her shoulders. I thought she really did well considering her condition and she obviously took dance seriously, but Nigel said while her bravery was stunning, she was just not right for the competition. She did get a standing ovation from the judges and crowd though.
The odd was the same sex ballroom dancers. Misha Belfer, who is gay, and Mitchell Kibel, who is straight, danced together. I am all for guys dancing, but together was just weird. Nigel was almost speechless, but all the judges agreed their styles were good. However, Nigel feared they would alienate the audience. After going to choreography, neither made it through to Vegas.
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