It was another exciting week of auditions on So You Think You Can Dance, as the judges saw the best talent that Boston had to offer. There were some diva attitudes, but there was also a lot of family support, and most of all, a lot of incredible dancing.
Early Standouts
Katlyn Rodriguez
Katlyn Rodriguez got some help from her 16-year-old brother Jeremy after her original partner dropped out at the last minute. Jeremy learned the dance in 3 hours and stepped in as his big sister’s partner onstage. The judges were touched by his show of support, and very impressed with Katlyn’s dancing. She earned herself a place on Mary’s hot tamale train, a pass through to choreography (where she eventually made it through to Vegas), and Nigel told Jeremy that they’d love to see him back here auditioning in three years when he’s old enough.
Jennifer Jones
Jennifer Jones grew up wanting to be a ballet princess, and in the process of trying to maintain perfection in the ballet world, she developed an eating disorder and damaged her relationship with her family. Once she stopped trying to be perfect, she changed her focus to jazz, and it made her much happier. The judges loved her dancing, her expressive eyes, and said she was “so So You Think You Can Dance.” Jennifer was off to Vegas in no time.
Tommy Tibball
Tommy Tibball has auditioned for SYTYCD in the past, and this time the dance teacher is hoping to make it through to the top 20. His dancing, and his feet in particular, as Nigel pointed out, are very reminiscent of previous contestants Jakob Karr and Billy Bell. He brought guest judge Adam Shankman to tears, and he said “I want you to be on this show so bad, I want those choreographers to take you and rattle the beep out of you and make you the dancer I believe you can be.”
Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd grew up in a rough neighborhood in Baltimore, but found dance as his way out. After placing fifth in the Dance Olympics in Germany last year, he decided he was ready to tackle SYTYCD, which had been a goal of his for a long time. His incredible animation routine ended with a hand reached out toward the sky. Nigel asked him to hold that pose, and without a word, all three judges came up onstage and placed tickets to Vegas in that outstretched hand.
Shannon “Shizzy Shake” Tarantino
Wacky Shannon Tarantino, with her shaved head, is nicknamed “Shizzy Shake” because she never stops dancing. She is not as crazy as you would expect from her personality, and her dancing is actually quite beautiful. Nigel called her “a sheep in wolf’s clothing.” She wowed all the judges, Adam Shankman saying she has something all of the best dancers have: a sense of effortlessness when she’s dancing.
Alexis Juliano
Alexis Juliano wanted to prove that tappers can express emotion and tell a story with their dancing, and not just hypnotize people with their feet. Her performance wasn’t all about her feet, it was about her expressions, and the personality she brought to it. And though her feet were amazing, the judges praised her for not throwing in trick after trick. By ending her dance simply, they were able to appreciate her musicality, and her discretion.
Kate Kapshandy
Ballroom dancer Kate Kapshandy had the help of season 5 contestant Maksim Kapitannikov for her audition, but she certainly didn’t need it. She’s already won 4 U.S. titles, and is looking to make the title of America’s favorite dancer her next accomplishment. A ballroom expert herself, Mary Murphy said she’s been waiting all season for someone like Kate. Adam, for his part, said Kate was “sex on a stick,” which turned into a lesson in American slang for Brit Nigel.
Toshihicko “Toshi” Nakazawa
Toshi likens his particular style of hip hop and animation to a video game. Dressed in a bright gold and silver outfit with bright red shoes, he certainly looked the part, and his dancing absolutely lived up to the video game promise. He was an excellent storyteller with his dance, and his routine was very funny and entertaining. After overcoming a bit of a communication barrier, the judges put him through to Vegas.
Tune in next Tuesday at 8/7c to see the Memphis auditions with first-time guest judge Wayne Brady.