'So You Think You Can Dance': Your Top 20!

Oh, "So You Think You Can Dance," I love you and I hate you.

As was the case in yesterday's episode, Mia Michaels, Lil' C, Debbie Allen, and Adam Shankman are on hand to help break the news with Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe.

Janette, the Latin Ballroom dancer who did that crazy flip during the initial audition with partner Romulo, is the first up and she's the first through. She's had a crappy couple weeks - she was in a car accident and her boyfriend broke up with her - so she's extra glad. Diana Varden, a Contemporary dancer who hasn't gotten a lot of face time up to now, is not as fortunate. Not a surprise though since dancers we haven't seen before rarely make it through. Regardless of the judges saying lots of nice things about her, it doesn't make her feel any better.

Vitolio is the first male dancer up. He's from Haiti, has a wonderful spirit...and is the first guy to move on. The judges let him know that he's really got to show his personality from the beginning. I just want to hug him.

After three dancers are let go, Kayla (who auditioned in Denver and had great control) broke the bad news streak. Mia gave her props saying she's one of the few female dancers she's immediately connected with.

Kapuno, who cut his hair which is why I didn't recognize him until now, is next to find out his fate. He's got this little to do list for the day - the last two being "breathe" and "make the Top 20." Neither of us are sure about the "breathe" but consider the other one done.

The next five dancers to make it in (two guys, three girls) were ones we've seen before but the spotlight wasn't on them very brightly. Next up is Brandon. The judges get in a bit of a dust up over him. Mia's not a fan but Debbie is. Lil' C is still waiting for him to be impressive. Mary is ticked to hear people tear him down, specifically that Mia thinks he's cocky. I don't think I've ever seen Mary react that strongly in defense of a dancer.

But, despite all that static, he's on the show. When Mia asks what'll happen when they're in the same room, Brandon replies, "Oh, it's gonna be on." He also can't wait to be choreographed by Lil' C if he's fortunate enough to get the opportunity. That bit of fire seemed to earn a little respect from those sour pusses.

After an up and down week, Tony is up to find out his fate. Nigel starts out by saying his technique isn't great but recognizes that his charisma is off the charts. He's in the Top 20 based on the judges wanting to watch him grow.

Ashley Vallerio has tried out for four times for the show and has finally made it over the last hump. This may be the first time I remember actually seeing her. Randi Evans, who we've only seen flashes of, is also through. Mia said the word "unitard" like 80 times while telling her she's in. That was pretty darn hilarious.

At this point, there are 17 dancers in the Top 20. The amazing Alex Wong steps before the judges next. Sadly, the director at the Miami Ballet won't let him out of his contract to be on the show. Booooooooooooooo!!!!! Alex is so disappointed he cries because he really wanted to express himself through forms other than ballet. The judges are very supportive and tell him to return as soon as his contract is up.

Four more dancers, two males and females, are not in including Latin dancer Ricky Sun. There's only three spots left and three men and two girls to vying to fill them. Phillip Chbeeb is called up and, statistically and based on the show's history, I wouldn't bet against him. Sure enough, he's in.

The only dancers left in the waiting room are The Kasprzak Brothers, Asuka, and some chick I don't recognize. While I don't know if Ryan or Evan will be in, the fact that I know only one of the girls' names before Cat Deeley's voice over says it should make the impending results obvious. Theoretically.

As I expected, Asuka is in while the other girl - Dina (not sure of the spelling) - is out. I appreciate that Debbie let her down in a gentle way.

Can I just say how much I hate the producers for putting the Ryan and Evan up against each other? I mean it's probably the worst thing they've ever done. Ever. It sucks giant donkey balls. Nigel explains that they thought there was only room for one dancer in their style on the show this season and that dancer is Evan. He tells Ryan that he should be proud that his choreography helped get him in. Adam is cover his face with his hands - I think he's trying to keep from crying. All the judges express love for Ryan though which is some consolation and he admits that his broken through the fear that's kept him from going for it for four years.

Rounding out the Top 20 are:
Ade - Male, Contemporary
Jason - Male, Contemporary
Jeanine - Female, Contemporary
Jonathan - Male, Contemporary
Karla - Female, Contemporary
Max - Male, Latin/Ballroom
Melissa - Female, The "Naughty Ballerina"
Paris - Female, Contemporary

Overall Thoughts: You know what I don't get? Why they couldn't have put Ryan Kasprzak in the Top 20. Granted he and Evan have similar styles but Ryan has tapping in his bag of tricks which would've been a nice bit of fresh air amongst the glut of Contemporary dancers. I wasn't surprised they took Evan since he just barely didn't make it last year, I just think it's dirty pool to put them up against each other. Ryan better be on the show in the Fall. For reals. Overall, I'm happy with the 20 based on what we were shown. I'm looking forward to seeing more than just a peek of Karla, Vitolio, Max, Ade, and Paris off hand. Jonathan isn't doing much for me right now - and yes, I realize him getting in is the first we've really seen of him. Also, I'm sad Alex won't be in - I was really looking forward to seeing what he could do. There's always the Fall I guess.

What do you think of our Top 20? Of the dancers we haven't seen much of up til now, are you intrigued by anyone? Have any projections on pairings? Can't wait for next week!