So You Think You Can Dance": Performance Finale

“So You Think You Can Dance” has reached the performance finale and the final four take to the dance floor for six performances – one solo, one group dance, one dance with an all star, and three dances with their fellow competitors.

This week executive producer and head judge Nigel Lythgoe and judge Mary Murphy are joined by director, producer, and choreographer Rob Marshall at the judge’s table.

First on the dance floor were Eliana and Cyrus with a role reversing Paso Doble. This time around Eliana played the role of the matador and Cyrus was the cape. Nigel called the pair a magical combination with Eliana securing her place in the industry, and adding that Cyrus deserved to be there. Mary said the pair delivered, bringing passion and drama to the dance. Rob noted that Eliana had amazing technique but knew how to throw it away and just let it happen.

Next up Tiffany and All Star Will performed a Sonya Tayeh routine. Mary called Tiffany a fabulous dancer; adding that she loved it. Rob noted that Sonya did amazing work; adding that Tiffany had expression and extension. Nigel noted the strong lines; adding Tiffany was a strong dancer.

Ballet dancers Eliana and Chehon performed a classical ballet – the Pas de Deux from “The Nutcracker Suite”. The performance earned a standing ovation from the judges. Rob said the dance was gorgeous to watch that was beautiful. Nigel noted that the dance was choreographed by a former principle dancer with the Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia. Nigel said that he never dreamed that they would have two ballet dancers in the final four. He said that the pair made it look easy, was a wonderful classical piece, and was thrilled to see it. Mary agreed with Nigel ; adding that it was spectacular and a triumph for the show. She added it was a never forget moment.

The only pair to never be placed in the bottom two or three are Tiffany and Cyrus who performed a lyrical hip-hop routine to “Best Thing I Never Had” by Beyonce. Nigel congratulated the pair on their feat; adding that both dancers were incredible. Mary called it a fabulous routine; adding they did a great job. Rob said it was his favourite routine so far.

The group performance for this week was choreographed by Tyce Diorio. The Broadway/ballet piece was to “Eine Kleine Nacht Musik” and included a variety of dance styles.

Eliana performed her solo.

Chehon and All Str Alison performed a Contemporary routine by Emmy nominated choreographer Stacey Tookey. The pair received a standing ovation from the judges for their performance. After screaming, Mary said it was Stacey’s year and noted the freedom, strength, and extentions in the dance. Rob called Chehon’s height unbelievable. Nigel said that Chehon came alive with Alison in the performance.

Tiffany and Eliana performed a Broadway meets Burlesque routine that featured a pole to a piece from the musical “Chicago”. Along with a standing ovation from the judges, the girls almost gave Nigel a heart attack. Rob said the performance was unbelievable, extraordinary, and wondered how they did it. Mary called the performance extraordinary, magnificent, and crazy great. Nigel noted that it was hard to think of anything to say that wouldn’t get him in trouble; adding that the performance was fabulous and the last time he saw something like that he was with Randy Jackson.

Cyrus performed a solo that host Cat Deely said baffled and bamboozled her.

Tiffany performed a solo to “I Believe” by Fantasia.

Chehon and Cyrus performed a Sonya Tayeh routine that had all of the judges in agreement calling the performance fantastic to see. Nigel said that both of the guys inspired him. Nigel called Cyrus a remarkable person but Chehon is his favourite dancer.

The competitors got a bit of a breather when guest dancer Jean Sok performed. Jean is a dancer with only one leg.

Chehon performed his solo.

Eliana and All Star Alex Wong performed a Contemporary routine by Travis Wall to “Without You” by Harry Neilson. The performance had the judges on their feet. Cat said the pair made it look effortless. Rob called the performance poetry; adding that there is nothing Eliana cannot do. He said Eliana has beautiful extensions and is extraordinary. Nigel called the performance his favourite of the night and brought his favourites together and blew him away. Mary also called it one of her favourites of the night; adding that Eliana has extraordinary passion and extensions.

Tiffany and Chehon performed a Rumba choreographed by Dmitri Chaplin to “Love Me Tender”. Mary called the performance absolutely beautiful, a gorgeous routine, and fabulous. Rob called the performance sexy and beautiful. Nigel noted that the show finally bought Chehon a shirt but didn’t get any buttons.

The final performance of the night was the first ever Animation routine choreographed by Christopher Scott by Cyrus and All Star Twitch. By the end of the dance the judges were on their feet, the crowd was cheering, and Cat wanted more from the genetically altered superhero dancers. Rob called the pair two superstars that were exciting to see together; adding that it was amazing. Mary loved it; adding the dance was amazing; adding they smashed it, nailed it, and stole the show. Nigel loved the routine saying that both dancers are world class; but he apologized to Cyrus because he was casting his vote for Chehon…for his own personal reasons.

Next week a winner will be crowned.