Aired: 8/10/11
Three Contemporary dancers and a B-Boy walk onto a stage . . . they've come from all over the globe and have made it to the Top 4. There's the soft-spoken Marko; the fun-loving B-Boy, Tadd; Melanie, who has yet to miss a step; and the "Warrior Princess," Sasha. They've endured three months of competition and eliminations just to get to this moment. Tonight is their time to celebrate how far they've come, and it's our night to celebrate the Season 8 finale of "So You Think You Can Dance"!
The Top 4 walked onstage where they welcomed host Cat Deeley. Cat explained that tonight the competitors would each dance five numbers: one with an All-Star, one solo, and three routines with one another. She also reminded us what's at stake in the competition: America's top dancer will not only win a quarter of a million dollars but will also grace the cover of Dance Spirit magazine, and he or she will be the new star of Gatorade's G-Fit campaign. Then Cat introduced the finale's judging panel: director Kenny Ortega, actress and friend of the show Katie Holmes, plus regular judges Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe.
First up were Melanie and Marko, reuniting for a lightning-quick Doriana Sanchez Disco dance. Sanchez explained that she'd packed a lot of lifts into the routine to make it the best Disco ever. The couple performed to "I Feel Love," by Donna Summer.
Kenny praised Doriana for keeping Disco alive and called the number fun, sizzling, and electric. Katie observed that the couple is strong and beautiful and watching them makes her want to dance. Mary said that she adores Disco, adores Doriana Sanchez, and adores the pair of dancers. She did critique them however, stating that they danced in and out of the style during the routine's lifts. Nigel agreed with Mary but praised Marko's strength while lifting Melanie straight-armed, and he said he hoped that both of them would get better throughout the night.
Sasha's first performance was a Sonya Tayeh number that the choreographer described as an ode to the "Warrior Princess," showcasing her journey and strength. Sasha danced the routine with Season 4 All-Star Mark Kanemura to "Raise Your Weapon," by Deadmau5.
Katie called the number powerful and said that the dance was "totally Sasha"‚"strength and beauty and power"‚ and she called Sonya a wonderful choreographer. Mary began by stating how great both dancers looked, and then she noted how far Sasha has grown and how everything she has learned this year will help her throughout her career. Nigel said that they've called her a warrior since the beginning of the season, and she's been fighting her way through all the way to end. He also joked that she just beat up Lady Gaga's principal dancer. Nigel said that she just threw the gauntlet down to the other three dancers. Kenny called Sasha what everyone already knows she is: a dance warrior princess.
Next, Tadd teamed up with Season 4 champion Joshua Allen for a routine from the King of Krump and all things buck, Lil' C, who promised that the number would hit hard and would be full of swag. The pair danced to "Hustle Hard," by Ace Hood.
Mary said that Tadd's most difficult challenge in this dance was his innate sweetie-pie factor that he had to hide during the performance, which he did. Nigel said that Lil' C delivered "a magic of a majestic magnitude," and he said that the number was "down and dirty on the knees." Nigel added that the number wasn't as strong as he would've liked, however. Kenny praised the All-Stars for helping to elevate the contestants. Katie said the routine highlighted how fast a dancer Tadd is.
Next up was Melanie and Season 7's Robert Roldan in a Stacey Tookey Contemporary routine. The choreographer wanted Melanie to pull viewers into her emotions with this dance, which was set to "Sacrifice," by Sinead O'Connor.
Nigel said Sasha might have thrown down the gauntlet, but Melanie picked it up and slapped her with it‚ challenge accepted. Kenny said that he would fight to get to the front of the line to work with Melanie; he mentioned that he's remaking "Dirty Dancing," and Cat may have persuaded him to cast Melanie. Katie said that whenever Melanie dances, she feels her emotions in her belly. Mary joked that Melanie must've felt like Yogi Bear with a picnic basket when she drew her own style, Robert as a partner, and Stacey as a choreographer. Mary said she felt privileged to watch Melanie's journey this year.
After that, Sasha and Marko danced a Spencer Liff Broadway routine, in which Marko played a waiter and Sasha was a lonely diner who wants a little "some-something" that's not on the menu. "Whatever Lola Wants," by Ella Fitzgerald, was the soundtrack for this routine.
Kenny said the number was great fun and praised Marko's transformation from leading man to character actor and Sasha's change from warrior princess to sophisticate, who leaves everything on the stage and is spent after each performance. Katie admired Sasha's strength and compared her to Cyd Charisse. Mary said it could be dangerous to try and pull off comedy with dancing, but she thought that they did a good job of performing it. Nigel rained on their parade and said he wanted to see much stronger characters out of a Broadway number.
Cat interviewed Melanie about her favorite moment of the show: when she performed her death-defying leap into Neil's arms. Her best friend throughout the competition was Ricky, but out of the performers still on the show, she is closest with Marko. Melanie also accused Marko of being the one to kiss her during one their memorable numbers. In order to make a character convincing, you have to pull from experiences you've had, and she is able to do that during her numbers. She danced her solo to "Song for Viola," by Peter Bradley Adams.
Cat's interview with Marko was next. She congratulated him on reaching the finale. He said he couldn't believe he's on the show, and he talked about how, because he's from Guam, he'd had to watch the show online. He said that winning the competition would mean everything to him. "The Fear You Won't Fall," by Joshua Radin, played as Marko performed his solo. His parents were in attendance, standing up and cheering for their son. Marko said that it's an extra boost for him having his family present for the finale.
Sasha and Tadd then danced a Mark Ballas Cha-Cha. Ballas said he hoped that the number would be fast, sexy, and hard-hitting. The couple performed the routine to "Raindrops," by Basement Jaxx.
Katie thanked both dancers for the pleasure it's been to watch them all season. Mary agreed but also said that this number did not work and the dancers' chemistry wasn't there. She thought both struggled, and she said that she was happy there were more numbers from them during the evening. Nigel agreed with Mary and spoke of how difficult it is to pull off this kind of stylized routine when both dancers are out of their elements. Kenny said that the number might have been too ambitious for the evening and advised the pair to shake off this performance and come back stronger.
Marko teamed up with Season 7 champ Lauren Froderman for a Tessandra Chavez Contemporary number, which promised to be emotionally and physically challenging. "Shirk," by Me'shell Ndegeocello, played during the routine, which took an emotional toll on Lauren, who tearfully left the stage when it ended.
Mary also fought back tears as she praised Marko's ability to thrust greatness into every dance; she said that she loved how his every routine showcases the second chance he's been given in life. Nigel said that he's been a little disappointed by the numbers tonight, but with this routine, Marko just gave the finale an amazing performance. Kenny remarked about the gift that Tessandra's choreography was for Marko, adding that wherever Marko is in his head right now, he should stay there because it's working. Katie said she was so grateful that she got to see this number live and that his folks got to see it in-person as well.
Cat interviewed Tadd and spoke about his journey on the show. Tadd said that he thinks America has connected most with his solos and that's when he shows who he is. He said his favorite number of the season was Travis Wall's "Vulture Dance" with Jordan. Cat and Tadd joked about the online fan club, "Please Keep Your Shirt Off, Tadd." He then praised his parents' work ethic and said he wouldn't be here if not for them. Tadd's unusual choice of solo music continued as he danced to "Mamma Knows Best," by Jessie J.
Speaking of fans wanting to see Tadd topless, they also got to see him in only his boxers, as he and Melanie teamed up for a Ray Leeper routine about a woman catching her boyfriend cheating. "Show Me What You're Working With," by Sista Monica, played as Melanie whooped her cheating dog of a boyfriend.
Nigel said he just woke up with that great performance and praised both dancers for having characters before they even started dancing. Kenny said that Melanie had him hooked before she even started, and he thought Tadd redeemed himself with his performance. Katie said it was fun to watch something so new and different. She admired how everything in the dance successfully led up to the end when Melanie rips Tadd's pants off. Mary said that they brought sexy back and loved the number; she said that redemption is best medicine. She also praised Melanie for her strut across the stage.
Cat interviewed Sasha next. Sasha said she loved that she started this journey with her sister. Her favorite moment was when Lady Gaga threw her giant shoe at her, and her favorite performance was with All-Star tWitch. She explained why the routine with Kent was so emotional for her: because she had to go to a dark place and she had put her journey into that dance. It meant a lot to her to make people cry with her dancing. Sasha then danced her solo to "Be Be Your Love," by Rachael Yamagata.
The "beastly" women took to the stage next. Sasha and Melanie collaborated with Stacey Tookey for a number about a pair of oppressed 1950s housewives. "Heart Asks Pleasure First," by the Ahn Trio, helped the dancers "break free."
Kenny thought Stacey loved creating this routine with two "actresses" who can also dance. He said he wanted to reach in and break them free, adding that it was a beautiful piece, beautifully executed. Katie said she loves to see these two together and loved the number and their outfits. Mary also thought it's always beautiful to watch them dance together, and she said that no matter who wins, both dancers are very much loved. Nigel said that before the routine Sasha and Melanie had embraced and wished each other luck, and he is proud of the camaraderie among the dancers this season. He also thought either of the girls could, should, and would grace any company with her presence.
The evening closed with a unique gun-boot Step routine, featuring Marko and Tadd. The dance was choreographed by Chuck Maldonado, who explained that the style originates from South Africa. The boys did battle to the apropos sounds of "B.O.B." by OutKast.
Katie said that she loved everything the boys did all season long and she admired how they gave it their all tonight. Mary added that the dancers looked like they were mining for gold and they found it. She thought that they were amazing. Nigel remarked how great a journey it has been all season. He thought that right from the beginning a girl would win the competition, and despite the guys' best efforts, he still thinks that a girl will win. Kenny praised all four dancers for their efforts.
Are you as out of breath watching the Top 4 dance a whopping five routines each as the dancers probably are from doing them?! Who's going to win the title of "America's Favorite Dancer"?
