The TV King

Aired - 21 April 2010

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Who will be the most popular Australian dancer in 2010? This is the finale.

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Aired - 14 April 2010

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Tyce Diorio visits Australia and is the choreographer of the opening number of the top 4.

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Aired - 08 April 2010

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Top 6 Results

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Aired - 07 April 2010

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Top 6 Performance

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Aired - 01 April 2010

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Top 8 Results

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Aired - 31 March 2010

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Top 8 Performances

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Aired - 25 March 2010

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Aired - 24 March 2010

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Aired - 18 March 2010

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Aired - 17 March 2010

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Aired - 10 March 2010

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Aired - 09 March 2010

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Aired - 03 March 2010

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Aired - 02 March 2010

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Aired - 24 February 2010

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Aired - 23 February 2010

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Aired - 17 February 2010

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Aired - 16 February 2010

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Aired - 10 February 2010

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Aired - 04 February 2010

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Aired - 03 February 2010

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Aired - 02 February 2010

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Aired - 31 January 2010

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SYTYCD returns with a fresh batch of outstanding performers who are ready to step up and dance for your vote. Judges Jason Coleman, Bonnie Lythgoe & Matt Lee return with host Natalie Bassingthwaighte. But it will be the Australian public who will decide!

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Aired - 26 April 2009

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Six months after auditions began, 18 year-old Talia Fowler has been crowned the worthy winner of the 2nd season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia. A former dancer with Queensland Ballet, Talia pipped Dubbo Hip Hopper Charlie Bartley, 19, for the $200,000 winner’s cheque. Third place went to Gosford Lyrical dancer Amy Campbell and fourth place to Gold Coast Jazz dancer Ben Veitch. After a national tour with our Top 10, Talia will head to the States to perform on So You Think You Can Dance America. And not just any show. Nigel Lythgoe revealed tonight that Talia will dance on the Season 5 Finale before an audience of more than 20 million! A brilliant technician with extraordinary dramatic range, she will be a fantastic ambassador for Australia and Australian dance. Congratulations, Talia! Spectacular Kelley Abbey Opening Routine Kelley Abbey has produced some brilliant group routines this season but her spectactular opening number for our Grand Final put everything else in the shade. To the Global Deejay’s anthemic “Everybody’s Free”, a cast of Top 100 dancers provided a drop zone as our Top 4 descended on red silk banners, drawing shrieks of delight from the audience. Nigel Lythgoe & Mary Murphy spring a surprise Creator Nigel Lythgoe and special guest judge Mary Murphy dropped in from Las Vegas to give their congratulations to our Top 4. But they had an amazing surprise too. Tonight’s winner won’t perform on just any SYTYCD America show – they will dance on this season’s Finale!!! Top 4 Sarah Boulter Contemporary For the last time, Amy, Ben, Charlie and Talia danced together in a Sarah Boulter routine about the trials and tribulations of friendship. The track was “Broken Strings” from James Morrison (featuring Nelly Furtado). Selected Top 20 and Choreographers – “Kill Bill” Selected members of the Top 100 and the show’s choreographers performed a Nacho Pop and Juliette Verne routine to a number from the “Kill Bill” soundtrack. Leading ladies Lamb and Chanelle were supported among others by Don, Emmanuel, Sisqo, Pania, Danny, Max and Jesse, and by mentors Adam Williams, Travers Ross, Tiana Joubert, Nacho Pop, Marko, and Simon from Project Moda. NY Dance Company Pilobolus NY Dance Company Pilobolus might have appeared on Oprah and the Oscars but this will surely top that – a guest slot on the Grand Final of So You Think You Can Dance. Forever returns Jason’s favourite dancer from this season's auditions, Forever, returned for the Finale, supported by soprano Joseph Bourke and an extraordinary orchestra. Optus Dance Crew Winners Winners of the Optus Dance Crew competition received their $5,000 prizes in person from Kelley Abbey – and got a free dance lesson that one young girl said made it “the best day of my life”. The 3 lucky winners were the Newcastle Dance Academy, which lost its studios in the 2007 floods; Ipswich High, which desperately needs a demountable dance hall; and the Graham Academy of Dance in Innisfail for much needed air conditioning. We can’t wait to see one of these young dancers appear on the show in the coming years. Thanks Optus! Talia’s Old Company appears on Dance Talia left Queensland Ballet to pursue her Dance dream. On this most important night of her life, her old company was here to support her – backed by two percussionists from Taikoz. Last chance - Supple Top 10 Routine That crazy guy, Supple, choreographed our amazing Top 10 in a Hip Hop routine to “Bounce/Boom Boom Pow” by MSTRKRFT feat. N.O.R.E. /Black Eyed Peas. This was the Top 4’s last chance to impress the voters before the lines were closed for 2009. Australian Ballet “Nutcracker – The Story of Clara” They wowed us last time. They’ve done it again. This time dance legend Graham Murphy was the choreographer with his retelling of Tchaikovsky’s famous Nutcracker. The Australian Ballet Dancers were Danielle Rowe and Andrew Killian. Loredo & Talia’s “Love Story” wins Macca’s moment of the year We’ve had some amazing routines on this year’s show but few would argue with this result. Talia & Loredo’s “Love Story”, choreographed by Amè Delves is the winner of the McDonald’s “i’m lovin’ it" moment for the season. Congrats to Talia, Loredo, Amè – and Taylor Swift for the track. Amy & Damien – “Stepping Stone” Suitcase Rumba In Top 16 week, this was Amy’s “defining moment” – the routine that turned her from being a Bottom 3 dancer at Top 20 into a Top 4 contender for the title. Here she danced it again with partner, Damien. Did you notice the different ending? This time she left him. The choreographer was Jason Gilkison and the track was Duffy’s “Stepping Stone”. Ben & Pania – “Talk like that” Ben & Pania went back to the very beginning – to the very first routine from the Top 20 by Marko Panzic to The Presets’ “Talk like that”. You’ve come a long way, Ben. Talia & Loredo – “Love Story” Lyrical Jazz It was as good as we remembered. Talia & Loredo played Romeo & Juliet again in a Lyrical Jazz piece by Amè Delves to Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”. Can we see it again please? Penny & Charlie – “Single Ladies” The season ended as it began with Penny & Charlie bringing the house down with Tiana Joubert’s routine to Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies”. How hard did they pop? How good was it to see Penny dancing again? Bonnie joins Jason G in choreography Judge Bonnie Lythgoe joined Jason Gilkison to choreograph Damien, Ash-Leigh and other exquisite dancers in a ballroom extravaganza to Bond’s “Explosion”. Verdict time – Top 4 becomes Top 3 Our Top 4 were invited onto the stage to hear Australia’s verdict. Amy and Talia were singled out and found that they were safe. That left Charlie and a very nervous Ben. Unfortunately it was Ben who missed out and tears welled in the eyes of this beautiful man. Ben’s tearful farewell After viewing his incredible journey, Ben thanked everyone including the production crew – “Jenny and Carlos, you rock” – but reserved special mention for his Mum, and his beautiful girlfriend, Zoe. Chicago – “All that jazz” As Amy, Charlie & Talia were left to ponder how much further they were going in the competition, Caroline O’Connor and the cast of the Chicago came on to perform “All the jazz”. Top 3 Becomes Top 2 The first dancer through to the final round was Charlie, leaving Amy and Talia with a 50/50 chance of making Final 2. Alas, for Amy, she would go no further. But she did emulate exactly her role model, Kate from last year – making Top 3. Amy’s Farewell Her farewell package reminded us of all her fabulous work and then she thanked her Mum, Dad, her sisters and the collective Central Coast population. Top 2 Dance Jason Gilkison routine To take into account all possible outcomes, Jason Gilkison created and worked up three fabulous Top 2 routines and Talia & Charlie were the lucky ones who got to perform it. Nice work, Jason G. The ultimate verdict With just two wonderful dancers left, Natalie announced that the winner of Season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance was Talia. Talia said that this had been “the most amazing personal growth journey” for her and she was now going to do “anything” because she was over her "insecurities" and was so much more confident because of her Dance experiences. Matt said Talia had been “the dark horse” of the competition, Bonnie said that she would “wow” the States, and Jason said that he wanted the winner to be the person who would best represent Australia. He believed we had got that. Commiserations, Charlie. Congratulations, Talia! Well done, Australia. That was the season that was That’s it. Unfortunately, there is no more Dance for 2009. If you want more Dance kicks, you’ll have to catch our Top 10 on their National Tour – or relive the “Best Moments of Dance 2009”. Thanks for all your support. See you next year!

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Aired - 19 April 2009

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In the final night of competition dancing, Amy, Ben, Charlie & Talia kept raising the bar. All 4 dancers showcased their unique talents and any one of them could win. Talia captivated with her stunning technique and breathtaking dramatic range. Amy radiated performance maturity and girl-next-door appeal. Ben was Gene-Kelly smooth and glowed with warmth and generosity. And Charlie combined dazzling moves with his wacky wit to leave the girls screaming for Dubbo’s Dean of Dance. Their work is done. After being chosen from thousands of auditions and having survived a gruelling ten weeks since making Top 20, our dancers are now relying on you, Australia. They’ve thrilled, moved and entertained you. Now it’s time for you to reward their efforts. Who is your favourite dancer for 2009? Top 4 Sunday Night Summary Charlie & Talia put a stake in the ground with a profoundly moving Lyrical piece and our ballerina then did a seamless shift into sexy for a Tango with Mr Reliable, Ben. His Hip Hop with Amy misfired for Jason but the fault lay with the costumes and chorey. Amy regrouped for a cheeky Samba with Charlie that highlighted her professionalism and his personality. Chucky charmed again in a Gene Kelly tribute but Ben edged him in the dancing and won more fans with his generosity. Amy & Talia, wearing one high-heel and one pointe shoe, were impossible to separate in their duo before they all did solos that completely captured their 4 distinct personas. Each dancer performed 5 times and Matt said they’d “sleep well”. Possibly not until they find out how you’ve voted. Australia, get to it. Top 4 Group Routine – Supple Hip Hop The biggest show of our Final 4’s lives opened with a Hip Hop piece by Supple that was light and fun - in contrast to what our dancers were actually feeling. The judges declined to pass judgment on their individual performances but Matt urged them to “dance your butts off”. Talia & Charlie “Train Station” Lyrical Duffy performed on this very stage less than a month ago. For Top 4 night, Debbie Ellis Linnert took the Welsh singer’s “Warwick Avenue” and crafted an emotionally charged end-of-relationship Lyrical that included a spectacular leap by Talia off the platform seat into Charlies’ safe arms. All aboard! Bonnie said they were “wired so differently” but they’d both made “such a connection” and her heart was “pounding”. Jason “totally believed the journey”. He said Talia pulled off “partner angst very well” and her developé to second was “ballistic”. Charlie had taken ownership of the routine himself and “looked after Talia’s needs”. Matt said “the other guys are going to have to bring it ‘cause that was outstanding”. Talia & Ben “Whatever Lola wants” Tango Talia said in her blog that Ben and she had been wanting to do a Tango for weeks. Here they got their chance. Ben became libertine Juan Carlos hoping to conquer Talia’s Lola in a routine by Fabio Robles to a Gotan Project Remix of Sarah Vaughn’s “Whatever Lola wants”. Jason found Talia “very sexy” and felt she’d “really blossomed in the last 3 months”. The dance suited “the Ben pride thing” that he has going on but that he got left slightly behind by Talia’s intensity. Matt liked Talia’s footwork and said Ben was a great partner but would have liked “a little more passion”. Bonnie disagreed saying they had passion aplenty and she couldn’t split them. Ben & Amy Ice Princess Lyrical Hip Hop Amy went to Newtown High School of Performing Arts with her choreographer Travers Ross and worked with him in Top 18. Here she and Ben were performing a routine where his Ice Prince found her dead Ice Princess. Unfortunately, the reception was, in parts, a little frosty. Not from Matt, who found it “awesome”. He said Ben “really sat in that” and really believed his commitment while Amy’s performance experience allows her get out on stage and “sell it”. Bonnie asked whether she could believe in what was going, and she could. Jason said he wonders sometimes “if I’m watching a different show” because he “didn’t get the best out of that”. The costume and the chorey were fighting and Amy looked less an Ice Queen and more a Snow Bunny. “It didn’t grab” him and “it didn’t go anywhere”. But he thought they were both “amazing” and wished he had better news. McDonald's "i'm lovin' it" moment - Easter Special and for Season 2 Winner of the Macca's moment from the Easter Special was the Matt Lee-choreographed Top 4 "Womaniser" group routine. Nat announced that this week we want you to vote for your McDonald's "i'm lovin' it" moment for the year. You could win great prizes! Amy & Charlie “Mas Que Nada” Samba This was Charlie’s first Latin dance of the competition – Tango is not Latin apparently. It was also his first couple routine with Amy. And his first Ballroom routine NOT choreographed by Jason Gilkison. This time up it was Aleeta Blackburn who crafted a Samba to “Mas Que Nada” by Sergio Mendes featuring the Black Eyed Peas. Bonnie said the Samba required a lot of small steps and Charlie “wasn’t perfect” but they’d done “an excellent job”. Jason thought Amy was “a safe performer” whom he never feared wouldn't pull something off. Ballroom hadn’t produced Charlie’s finest moments but this was his best “by far”. Matt loved Charlie’s cheeky character and Amy was doing “such a fabulous job tonight”. Ben & Charlie Gene Kelly Mirror Image Broadway Ben said in his Blog that he grew up watching Gene Kelly movies so he was thrilled to get to re-enact one of the hoofer’s most memorable scenes from Cover Girl. Choreographer was Cameron Mitchell and the contrasting track was Billy Idol’s “Dancing with myself”. The crowd went off. Jason thought it was a fantastic routine and a great shame that Charlie had slipped off the stage at the end but it “didn’t spoil it”. He said Gene Kelly had been known for being effortless and Ben had conveyed that quality more than Charlie, but Charlie’s line had been superior. Matt said unison was important and they had been fantastic except for a turning jeté where Ben was “just behind the beat”. He loved Charlie’s precision and Ben’s elegance. Matt felt the Gene Kelly style was more Ben than it was Charlie, but in the turns Charlie had been better. Ben wanted to add how much he’d enjoyed working with Charlie because “you’re a great dancer and you’re a great person”. “Ditto” said Charlie. Talia & Amy “One High Heel, One Pointe” Contemporary Perhaps to give each girl at least half of their genre, Sarah Boulter put Talia & Amy in one high heel and one pointe shoe in a Contemporary routine to an Adam Freeland remix of Sarah Vaughn’s “Fever”. Amy said it was a little bit intimidating getting on pointe next to Talia but Matt said she had “no need to feel inferior” to the ballerina. Talia had beautiful extensions but Amy had the maturity. Bonnie thought it was “a great idea” and “really incredible, both of you”. Jason loved that the show’s “two strongest and most versatile dancers” were standing in front of him. He thought Talia’s line was “slightly longer” but Amy had more “performance maturity”. He felt that was because Amy was a decade older but she was quick to point out it was actually only 7 years. Top 4 Solos The Top 4 drew Solo songs from a hat and then had to craft their own choreography over the Easter weekend. Charlie was first up, performing a “Lyrical Rock Hip Hop” to Kings Of Leon’s “Revelry. In his blog, he was concerned it wouldn't show his clown side. He concern was entirely unnecessary. It was pure Chucky Cheese. Amy drew Miley Cyrus’s “The Climb” and said in her blog that the track had “grown” on her. Her solo was full of all the light, joy and technical excellence we’d expect of the Gosford girl. Having had a disastrous understated solo at Top 14, and a brilliant display of exuberance at Top 6, Ben opted for the latter course again here, playing with the crowd and enjoying himself as he said he would. Talia said in her blog that she’d spent 8 hours up in Brisbane choreographing her solo and it showed. Dancing to Rihanna’s “Take a Bow”, she sought to display not just technique but emotional depth and she transported the arena. Fab 4 get standing ovation Nat called our Fab 4 up on stage and the crowd stood as one to applaud not just their incredible performances tonight but to acknowledge their extraordinary achievement in having gone the distance. The crowd went, in Jason’s words, “sick”. Judges Final Comments Matt said the dancers could all “sleep well” knowing they’d done everything they could to get to number one. He had “nothing but love and respect” for all of them. Bonnie didn't know how Australia was going to decide but had goosepimples thinking about it. Jason said Charlie was a “reality TV dream” who had grown as a dancer and was a great guy loved by all. Amy was an “incredible, dedicated, disciplined, talented dancer” he had “the utmost respect for”. Ben was a “thoroughbred racehorse” with “fantastic male energy” who had “barely faulted in the competition”. Talia was a much better dancer than when she began and she had peaked, as a good athlete does, in the last few weeks, getting “better and better and better”. Australia: The Decision is yours For the dancers, the competition is over. While our Top 4 – and some other old favourites – will dance at our Finale on Sunday April 26, by that time the voting will be closed and the decision will have been made. Who will it be? Who deserves it most? Amy, Ben, Charlie or Talia? You’ve been watching the show. Who most deserves the title, “Australia’s favourite dancer”?

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Aired - 12 April 2009

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One week away from Final 4, our remaining quartet got to relax a little and welcome back old friends in some fabulous new pairings for a sensational Easter SYTYCD Special. One of the features of the Special was a replay of every opening group number, an insight into the rehearsals process and the thoughts of our Final 4 on that number. Kicking things off was that incredible Kelley Abbey Top 20 routine which Amy said “set such a high bench mark”. Damien & Ash-Leigh Jason Gilkison Rumba First Top 20 couple of the night were the two ballroom dancers, Damien & Ash-Leigh, in a Jason Gilkison Rumba to Christine Aguilera’s “Hurt”. Ash-Leigh said she’d improved by being exposed to other genres and Damien said it was a rare privilege to work with Jason G – “the best ballroom choreographer in the world”. We saw that amazing Top 18 Tango by Jason Gilkison again and Charlie said that when the great choreographer “looks into your eyes, you sweat”. Timomatic & Gianne Supple Hip Hop Timomatic got to play Steve Urkel chasing Gianne in a Supple Hip Hop routine to Jean Michel Jarre’s “Zoolookologie”. Nat wanted to know if Tim could “get those pants any higher” and our Hip Hopper said it was great to be appreciated for doing what you love. We revisited Tina Joubert’s Top 16 Tribal Hip Hop and saw how Gianne taught the other girls how to make that booty work. The dancers had been asked to choose an animal character and Charlie went with “sloth”. Stephen & Max Priscilla Broadway Jazz Priscilla: Queen of the Desert – The Musical has just opened in London’s West End and Adam Williams choreographed Stephen and Max in a routine from the show to Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff”. Max said they were a good combination because they were “both complete weirds” but Stephen said “Speak for yourself, Weirdo”. In reviewing the Top 14 Bushfire Contemporary piece, all the dancers talked of how much it meant to be able to express their grief for the victims of the tragedy. Pania & Emmanuel Nacho Pop Cats Hip Hop Real-life couple Pania & Emmanuel were paired on the dance floor, playing “two cool sexy cats” in a routine by Nacho Pop to Justin Timberlake’s “I’m lovin it”. Asked by Jason what it was like to dance with his girlfriend, Emman said that “when she corrects me I sort of have to like to be corrected”. After seeing those incredible dancers from the Australian Ballet again, we returned to Kelley Abbey’s Top 12 routine and Charlie said he had thrown himself “into that peacock madness”. Danny & Chanelle Sarah Boulter Contemporary Chanelle never got the chance to do her beloved Contemporary in competition so it was a dream come true for her to be paired with Danny in a routine by Sarah Boulter to “Oh oh child” by Nina Simone. Danny said it was great to be able to dance with Chanelle because “we don’t restrict each other”. We saw again the 70s-inspired Project Moda Top 10 routine and Amy said that it had been “the best way to celebrate all that we’ve achieved”. Charlie considers the choreographers to be “some crazy dudes”. Gianne & Loredo Adam Parson Afro Jazz Pebbles & Bam Bam Gianne was back again – because Penny is not up to couples work – and this time she was paired with Top 10 buddy Loredo in an Afro Jazz piece by international choreographer, Adam Parson. They played Pebbles and Bam Bam and Bonnie considered this “one of my favourite routines”. “Yabba-dabba-do!” We saw those amazing dancers from Wind of Shaolin again and Nacho Pop took us through the fun of his recent Road Trip. We got to enjoy again Jason Gilkison’s Top 8 routine and discovered how the master choreographer had the girls and guys switch roles in rehearsals so the guys had a better understanding of where they needed to place their partners. Jesse & Lamb Supple Backpacker Hip Hop Seasoned hip hoppers, Jesse & Lamb, were lost backpackers in another crazy routine by Supple – this time to a remix of Frank Sinatra’s “This town”. Matt noted Lamb had dreadlocks and she joked that she was so depressed after leaving the show that she hadn’t showered since. We took another look at the Nappy Tabs Top 6 routine and saw how this amazing team of choreographers encourages their dancers to contribute to the process. When Ben added a little trick, Napoleon said, ‘that was cool” and it was in. Penny & Charlie “You found me" The crowd was thrilled when our favourite cheerleader came on stage and Nat literally got to embrace the Penny. Still recuperating from her broken rib, Penny wasn’t up to dancing a new routine but we did get to swoon again at her amazing “You found me” contemporary with Charlie – another candidate surely for “Routine of the season”. Kat & BJ Jive Kat & BJ had worked with Leeanne Bampton before in the Godfather Foxtrot but this time they were more lighthearted in a Jive that had Elvis meeting Gidget. The track was “Rubberneckin’” by the King himself. Kat said her biggest challenge on the show had been facing the pressures of SYTYCD without her Mum, while BJ said that he was proof positive that if you pursued your dreams you could make them happen. So, of the eliminated dancers, who performed best? Damien & Ash-Leigh? BJ & Kat? Who do wish was in the Final 4? Get on the Forums and have your say. To close the show, Matt Lee choreographed our Top 4 in a Commercial Jazz piece to Britney Spears’ “Womaniser” that had us smacking our lips about what these four fabulous dancers might do next week. We saw again the New York dance company, Complexions, before hearing the judges’ summation. Matt told our Final 4 that the next few weeks would be stressful but “you’re gonna kill it”. Bonnie thought the Final 4 were “fantastic” and Jason C said not to let the pressure get to them. “Just turn up and be you”. Showtime – Final 4 This is what we’ve been building to, Australia. From thousands of auditions, we now have just 4 dancers remaining with a shot at the crown. Who will step up in our Final 4 and prove they are worthy of the title of “Australia’s favourite dancer”? While you’re waiting, remind yourself of how far each of our 4 remaining dancers has come in our special “How they made Final 4” series of articles. They’ll bring a tear to your ear and whet your appetite for the climax of this amazing season. “How Ben made Final 4” “How Amy made Final 4” “How Talia made Final 4” “How Charlie made Final 4”

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Aired - 06 April 2009

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After months of auditions, and 8 weeks of competition, there are 4 dancers left fighting for $200,000 and the title of “Australia’s favourite dancer”. Congratulations Amy, Ben, Charlie & Talia. May the best dancer win! The unlucky dancers to fall at the final hurdle were two of our youngsters: Kat & BJ. Kat will be disappointed, having produced her “best performance” in Top 6 week. But BJ will be devastated after he and Talia pulled off the “best routine of the season” and he won the McDonald's moment for a record 4th time. Clearly, they were great – the others were just stupendous. Now the countdown begins for our Top 4 show in 2 weeks and our Grand Finale on April 26. But before then we have our Special Easter Sunday show and you’re going to see some familiar faces. Our Top 20 are back in a jam-packed show that will whet your appetite for our finale. Don't miss it. Top 6 Group Routine with Napoleon & Tabitha To kick off the show, guest international choreographers Napoleon & Tabitha put together a Futuristic Hip Hop routine to “Robot Rock Mix” from Daft Punk. They brought the house down with a stunningly costumed piece that Bonnie said was “out of this world”. Girls’ Solos This week there was no Bottom 4. All the remaining dancers got a “last chance to dance” and the girls were first up. Kat delivered a “hard hitting” routine that she hoped would show how much she wanted to stay on this crazy ride. Talia said Top 4 was everything she’d been working towards and produced an elegant display that delighted her legions of fans. Amy said Top 4 would be the “icing on the cake” and her solo fulfilled her promise to “take another risk”. Boys’ Solos Looking like a boxer and dancing to the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris”, Charlie reminded us why he’s the only dancer who never had to dance for his life. BJ wanted to leave a memento of why he should have been in the Final 4, and produced an acrobatic display that did just that. Ben produced an explosive series of somersaults that took him dangerously close to the edge of the stage, but powered on in a routine that made his subtle Fosse solo a faint memory. “How do you separate those boys?”, asked Matt. Duffy Live on So You Think You Can Dance As the dancers wiped their sweat, Welsh soul singer and Grammy winner Duffy sang her new single “Rain on your parade” live in the studio. The dancers might have been wishing she was playing her previous smash hit “Mercy” because we were about to reach the sharp end of the evening. First Girl through to Final 4 Natalie called 3 very nervous girls up on stage to hear who was the first dancer through to our Final 4. She tried to engage Amy in conversation but our normally chatty Gosford girl strangely didn’t seem in the mood. Nat got down to it. The first girl through was … Talia. First Boy through to Final 4 Now it was the lads' turn. Who would be the first boy to hear he was among the last four standing? Nat sprung a surprise. The first guy with a shot at the biggest prize in Australian dance was the entirely loveable and totally genuine Ben. STOMP live in the studio The international theatrical phenomenon, STOMP, brought their totally unique brand of entertainment to the Carriageworks studio and only 4 people in the audience weren’t entirely captivated - our anxious dancers Kat, Amy, BJ and Charlie. Talia & BJ win McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” moment BJ did it again. For the 4th time he won the McDonald’s “i’m lovin’ it” moment, teaming with 3-time winner Talia in the Napoleon & Tabitha alcoholic hip hop piece that Matt said was “the best routine of the series”. Talia is through. Would this mean BJ was too? Amy joins Talia Who would join Talia in the final battle? “Amazing” Amy or “Pocket Rocket” Kat? It was the Jazz dancer. Amy was through and Kat was the unlucky girl to miss Top 4 by a hair’s breadth. Kat’s Amazing Journey Kat was as gracious as she is gorgeous and her journey revealed just how much she’d achieved. From the lyrical, disco and Joker Hip Hop routines with Danny, through the Little Red Riding Hood with Timomatic, the “best” Foxtrot with BJ, her Napoleon & Tabitha Hip Hop and her “best performance” – that Last Tango with Charlie. Kat gives thanks Kat wanted to thank “the man upstairs for all his blessings” then went on to thank the judges, and her fellow dancers before getting to the most important person in her life: her “Mama”. She said, “You are my rock and there is no way I would be here without you”. Which boy will join Ben? Charlie had never had to personally suffer the agony of a final 2 vote but for BJ it was familiar turf. Oddly Charlie had only won the Macca moment once whereas BJ had 4 bronzed burgers on his mantelpiece. Who would pass this final hurdle to join Amy, Ben and Talia? It was the boy from Dubbo, Chucky Cheese. BJ’s “fun” time We watched BJ’s journey and marvelled at how he has grown while, mercifully, his hair has not. There were those early days with Gianne – the famous Lyrical “Hat” routine, and the “soldier” hip hop – through to that gorgeous Lyrical Hip hop with Amy, that “best routine of the season” with Talia, and that Godfather Foxtrot with his old mate, Kat. He said watching it had reminded him what a fun time he’d had on the show. He thanked everyone and then gave a plug for his dance company, A Live Entertainment. Meet your Top 4 After farewelling the unlucky Kat & BJ, Natalie invited up our Fab 4 to be greeted by their adoring fans. Australia meet your Final 4: Amy, Ben, Charlie and Talia. Matt said they were “sensational”. Bonnie said they were “amazing”. Jason said that all of the country’s young dancers should look at them, note their technical excellence, and get along to class. Easter Special We’re already anticipating our Top 4 show where every dancer gets to dance with every other dancer. But before that feast, there is an Easter smorgasbord. Our Top 20 are back with 20 performances in a extra special show this Easter Sunday. What's more, our Top 4 will be choreographed by judge Matt Lee. Don’t miss it! Sunday 7.30pm. Did Australia Get It Right? How did BJ win 4 Macca's moments and not make Final 4? Kat seemed incredibly popular. Why didn't she make it? Who do you think will go on now and win it? Get on the SYTYCD Forums and have your say!

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Aired - 05 April 2009

Episode summary:

For the climactic Top 6 episode, dancers and choreographers amped it up to produce one of the best shows of the year and there are now no certainties. Which 4 dancers do you think deserve a place in our Final? Australia, the decision is over to you. Top 6 Sunday Night Summary There was no “standout couple” on Top 6 night – because all 3 couples and all 6 dancers were absolutely outstanding. Talia & BJ got a standing ovation for a Napoleon & Tabitha Hip Hop that was adjudged “the best routine of the season”. But Ben & Amy moved the audience to tears with a searing Lyrical routine and Charlie & Kat rocked the house with their own Napoleon & Tabitha Hip Hop. How do you decide who to vote for when they’re all brilliant and all deserving? #1 Boys’ Trio – Supple’s Cops & Robbers That clever boy, Supple, came up with a simply brilliant concept that had each male dancer playing both cop and robber to “King of the Beats” by Matronix. Matt thought they were “three really strong versatile dancers” but had no individual notes because he was “caught up in the story”. Bonnie said they’d all done a “good job” but liked BJ’s flip, warned Charlie not to let the prop rule the dance and watched Ben “every step of the way”. Jason thought “Ben owned that” and Charlie “popped a little harder than BJ”, who was “left behind slightly there”. #2 Talia & BJ – Project Moda 40s Beach Scene Jazz The ever-creative Project Moda boys came up with a 40s Jazz routine that had BJ playing a geek to Talia’s hard-to-get beach babe. The track was Yellow’s “How how”. Bonnie said the routine was “different to the extreme” but noticed BJ nearly dropped Talia towards the end. Talia said it was “kind of fun” but Jason saw her face and said it didn’t look like she was enjoying it. He loves Project Moda’s work but didn’t like the routine and found it hard to adjudicate because there was “so little dance content”. Matt agreed but loved Talia’s fuete into the attitude turn and thought BJ had “great comic timing”. #3 Kat & Charlie – Napoleon & Tabitha Magic Money Hip Hop Native Hip Hoppers Kat & Charlie nearly dropped dead when they found they’d not only scored their own genre – but that their choreographers were the world-renowned Napoleon & Tabitha from the US series of SYTYCD. They danced to "Arab Money Remix" by Busta Rhymes. Jason said they were both “absolutely fantastic”. Charlie really “sits into this stuff” and he just wished Kat hadn’t kept poking out her tongue. Matt “loved the unison”, thought Kat “killed it” and Charlie “nailed it”. Bonnie said Charlie had got his head together after last week and “kicked it through that door”. It was “on the money”. #4 Amy & Ben – Jason Gilkison Paso Doble The show’s “senior dancers”, Amy & Ben, teamed for the second time in the competition in a Paso Doble by the master himself, Jason Gilkison, to a track about another deity: “the Jesus Christ Superstar overture”. Matt loved the look on Amy’s face that said she was “in that place” but spent the routine watching “masculine” Ben. Bonnie “loved the routine” because of “proud” Ben and the way Amy “got right into character”. Jason C had huge expectations but was “left a little flat”. After the boos subsided, he said it “didn’t build, didn’t lift and didn’t go anywhere” – but hoped the audience would still vote for them. #5 Talia & BJ – Napoleon & Tabitha Addiction Lyrical Hip Hop The busy Napoleon & Tabitha had also choreographed a routine for Talia & BJ that had him playing an alcoholic to her long-suffering girlfriend. The track was “Dead and Gone” by T.I. (featuring Justin Timberlake). Bonnie said she “lived the story and it was “the top routine of the night”. Jason went further, saying it was “the highlight of my entire week, if not my entire year”. He loved the “honesty”, the “unison” and the “amazing ownership of the characters”. Matt went further still, saying it was “the best routine of the series”. Talia had “wiped the floor” and BJ had produced “the best dancing I’ve seen you do”. #6 Kat & Charlie – Jason Gilkison Tango Kat & Charlie not only got a Tango routine from Jason Gilkison – they got a pep talk from him about how they weren’t displaying the hunger to go further in the competition. Would this routine turn it around for them? The track was “Got to get through this” by Daniel Bedingfield. Jason C “loved that routine”. He told Kat “that’s the best performance I’ve ever seen you give” and that she showed “a maturity beyond your years”. He said she’d been off balance but Charlie gallantly took the blame. Matt also thought Kat was “sensational” and loved the “sharp footwork”. Bonnie said the sparks Jason G had been looking for had turned into “wonderful fireworks”. She also thought it was Kat’s “best performance” and didn’t know how Australia would separate the boys. #7 Amy & Ben – Divorce Papers Lyrical For the final couple routine of the night, Amy played a wife serving divorce papers on reluctant husband Ben. The Lyrical piece was by Ame Delves – who conceived the famous Romeo & Juliet “fabric” routine for Loredo & Talia – to “Fall for you” by Secondhand Serenade. Matt said they had “portrayed the characters brilliantly”. Ben was such a “great lyrical dancer” and Amy’s scissor lift was “sensational”. Bonnie loved Amy’s jeté turns and Ben is great “with everything he does”. Jason thought it was a great comeback and that this “brilliant routine” would resonate with the audience. “Great work, great commitment, great, great, great, great great”. #8 Girls’ Trio – Kelly Aykers Cabaret The show’s final number had all three girls dressed as Sally Bowles from “Cabaret” in a Jazz routine by Kelly Aykers to “Wilkommen” from the original soundtrack. Bonnie saw Kat fall off her final pirouette but thought Amy “hit those kicks” – as did Talia. Jason said Amy missed a beat at the top of the routine and was “devastated” for her. He also noticed Kat’s lapse so in his estimation, “Talia, you won”. Matt thought Kat was not the only one to come unstuck with the fuetes at the end, but had trouble differentiating who was who in their identical costumes. Overall he thought they’d done a “fantastic job”. Decision Time – 6 into 4 won’t go They were all great and we know none of them deserves to go home – but 2 have to. Which 4 dancers most deserve a place in our Final? Which 4 have been most consistent over the 8 weeks of the competition so far? Who has not only delivered in their own genre but killed the others as well? The dancers are counting on you, Australia. Please vote – and vote wisely. See you Monday night to discover who has survived what will certainly be a knife-edge vote.

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Aired - 30 March 2009

Episode summary:

The two unlucky dancers who won’t be part of our Top 6 are Gianne & Timomatic. But after Tim’s stupendous Dance For Your Life, a lot of Australians will be thinking we got it all terribly wrong. However, their thoughts will quickly turn to our mouth-watering Top 6 match-ups. Read on to discover the 3 couples who'll fight it out for a place in our Final 4 this Sunday at 7.30pm. Top 8 in Top Hats for Jason Gilkison Guest judge Jason Gilkison confirmed his genius status by putting our Top 8 in Top Hats and Tails for a stunning ballroom routine to Robbie Williams’ “Ain’t that a kick in the head”. Looks like Chucky Cheese is now Champagne Charlie. So You Think You Can Dance Tour Dates Nat had some great news. The dates for the So You Think You Can Dance tour have been announced - it opens in Cairns on July 2. Click here to find where you can catch this incredible show with our Top 10 – including Penny. Time to get down to business. Who's going home, Nat? The girls hear their fate First up to hear a recap of their Sunday night performances were Amy and Talia. Both got raves from the judges – but was one of them in the Bottom 2? Amy looked like she thought she might be. But she’d have to wait to find out. That Nat is such a tease. She invited Gianne & Kat up to join them and Nat finally revealed that the two girls who’d have to dance for their lives were … Gianne & Kat. With that announcement, Talia’s Top 8 partner, Ben, looked relieved as did Amy’s boy, Timomatic, whereas Kat’s partner, BJ, looked disappointed. But they didn’t have much time for elation or regret. They were about to hear whether they were joining the Bottom 4. Ben or Tim in Bottom 2 Boys? Perfect partner Ben was joined on stage by Timomatic who, though he’s been a perennial solo performer on Monday nights, had just come off the “favourite routine of the night”. It still wasn’t enough. He would be dancing for his life for the 5th time. Charlie or BJ joining Timomatic? Charlie has been the favourite from the beginning but he was coming off a nightmare week and BJ, as Bonnie said, “had barely put a foot wrong in the competition”. Was Chucky finally going to have to dance for his life? No, it was BJ again. BJ & Kat win McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” moment Ironically, two of our Bottom 2 then discovered that they had won the McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” moment for their Godfather Foxtrot. This was a 2nd win for Kat and a record 3rd honour for BJ. Maybe their fans were too busy voting for the Macca’s moment and forgot the main game. Kaiser Chiefs Live As the dancers prepared for their “last chance to dance”, UK indie rock group, Kaiser Chiefs, performed “Never miss a beat” live in the studio. This is the track that was #25 in the Triple J Hottest 100 tracks for 2008 and get used to it – TEN is using it to promote the AFL this season. Bottom 4 Dance For Their Lives Kat, the “bubbly pocket rocket”, was up first, wanting to demonstrate her versatility and go out with a bang. Gianne definitely did not want to go home again, and the crowd loved her washerwoman who got the dance fever. But it was the boys who really stood out. BJ produced a spectacular routine that was possibly the best solo all season – if it hadn’t been immediately followed by a truly unbelievable Dance For Your Life from Timomatic. He got a standing ovation and his fellow dancers were in awe. If only we’d seen more of this in the couple work. Australian Ballet come to Dance As our Bottom 4 waited to hear the Australian public’s ultimate verdict, the Australian Ballet’s Robert Curran and Leanne Stojmenov performed Divergence pas de deux live on stage. Set to music by Bizet, this is one of the company’s most iconic works and, from the reaction, they might have found a whole new set of young fans. Girls’ Verdict Gianne and Kat had been here in this exact spot this time last week. Would the verdict be the same? The look on Kat’s face said she was expecting a reversal. But there was to be no second reprieve for Gianne. She had been eliminated again. Gianne had a nightmare Top 8 week. After being voted off, she was called back a day late to learn 3 tough routines and it was only her talent and incredible spirit that got her through. It just made us love her all the more. Nat thanked Gianne from the bottom of her heart for being such a trooper and presented a bouquet of flowers that reduced our lovely Brazilian to tears. She said she’d see us all very soon. Guys’ verdict The performers of the two best solos now faced the very real prospect of going home. Would it be BJ or the cool cat with umpteen lives, Timomatic? Unfortunately, after his best solo yet, Tim was finally saying goodbye. Timomatic says chase your dream The Canberra Hip Hopper was first invited to sing by Nat, and we’re sure the producers of Idol were listening. Expect a call, Tim. Timomatic went on to say that it had been “a long road, y’all”. He thanked everyone – especially his Top 20 dancers and the judges – and said that anyone who has a dream should follow it blindly. “Because you never know where you could end up”. Jason farewells Timomatic & Gianne Jason Coleman thanked Gianne again for stepping in and pulling off the impossible. He then said that Tim’s solo was “ballistic”. This was what a Dance For Your Life should be and he told the girls to lift their game. Kat’s solo, he said, had been “a little bit under”. Meet your Top 6 Combinations Our Top 6 then assembled onstage to find out who they’d be dancing with in the performances that would decide their Final 4 fate. BJ got to draw the first card from the hat, and the name on that card was “Talia”. Given her recent performances, he’ll be glad he’s got a ticket on the Hot Tamalia train. Ben was up next. Who would be lucky enough to pair up with Mr Perfect Partner? It was an old friend: “amazing” Amy. That left Charlie to hook up with the Pocket Rocket. Can Chucky Cheese help lift Kat out of the Bottom 4 and into the Final 4? Those Top 6 pairings again: BJ & Talia, Ben & Amy, Charlie & Kat. Don’t miss our Top 6 episode We are now just one week away from knowing the identities of the 4 dancers who will take part in our Season 2 Finale. It’s so close, the dancers can taste it. Don’t miss our Top 6 episode this Sunday at 7.30pm.

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Aired - 29 March 2009

Episode summary:

Top 8 week stressed our dancers like never before. Not only did they have to perform 3 routines instead of 2, they had to farewell Penny, one of the competition favourites. But the show must go on, and with Gianne back on deck, our Top 8 delivered 10 stunning routines that turned up a new favourite. Top 8 Sunday Night Summary The standout couple were Ben & Talia who, according to Matt, were “both on the train to the Finale”. “Amazing” Amy put on a master class in technique and, with Timomatic channelling MJ, delivered the “favourite routine of the night”. Charlie and Gianne did remarkably in a day less of rehearsals, with Charlie “brilliant” on hip hop home turf. Kat delivered a “sophistication” beyond her years and Jason Gilkison declared he had a “new favourite boy” in the competition. That boy was BJ. Farewell Penny The show opened with the devastating news that everyone’s favourite cheerleader, Penny, had a stress fracture of her rib and was out of the competition. The only girl who had never been in the Bottom 3, Penny had formed a power partnership with Charlie and won the hearts of millions of Australians. Jason Gilkison said she’d been a “breath of fresh air” and Matt said this was “a dancer’s worst nightmare”. Bonnie said Penny had made the show “so much richer” and Jason Coleman said that he, like the rest of Australia, “had embraced the Penny”. Penny bravely came on stage and through tears watched her Journey Recap – and what a journey it was. From that unforgettable “angry cheerleader” audition, to her tears on the Green Mile when she found she’d made Top 20, to the show-stopping “Single ladies” with Charlie, the breathtaking “You found me”, the moment she cracked up Mary Murphy by declaring “It’s all good!” as she squinted through her one good eye, to her beautiful bridal foxtrot, the revelation that she was leaving, and the floods of tears when Gianne appeared to replace her. But, as we all know, no-one will ever replace our Penny. She said it had been one of the hardest weeks of her life and Nat summed it up by saying, “You’re such a great chick”. Farewell, Penny. But we know we haven’t seen the last of you. #1 Boys Quartet Does Damn Yankees The Boys danced together for the first time this season in a Broadway routine choreographed by Adam Williams in a tribute to Bob Fosse’s legendary production of “Damn Yankees”. Jason G thought Timomatic was the “weakest technically” and “kept coming back to BJ”. Matt also thought Timomatic was behind the other boys and that Ben “got the character the most”. Bonnie said Tim didn’t have the technique but that meant he had to work twice as hard. Jason C said Timomatic was “out of your league” and he’d expected more of Charlie. BJ was “smooth” but “the actor within the dancer put that routine to Ben”. #2 Amy & Timomatic - Contemporary Back to School After 4 appearances in the Bottom group, Timomatic was paired with “star” Amy in a contemporary routine choreographed by Sher Manu to Newton Faulkner’s “To the light” in a schoolhouse setting. Matt thought Timomatic got to explore the Contemporary world a lot more, and that Amy had shown Australia what a “stunning technician” she is. Bonnie thought Tim had had “a really hard week” and that Amy “actually held it together”. Jason C thought Tim had “committed with no fear” and that Amy was “an amazing technician”. Jason G could see Tim calculating in his head but his improvement was “steaming along”. Amy “put layers onto a performance” and there was “nothing you can’t do in this competition”. #3 Ben & Talia – Hip Hop Diva Talia’s last outing in Hip Hop wasn’t a great success. Could she do better now she was paired with “perfect partner” Ben? They were dancing to Beyoncé’s “Diva” in a routine choreographed by Rosa Agius. Bonnie thought they were in unison the whole time, and that they both worked hard at everything they do. Jason C didn't think there was anything more Ben could have done, but that he’d been outdanced by a ballerina. “I actually didn’t know you had that in you, girlfriend”. Jason G said Ben wasn’t just a perfect partner but “a great dancer” and Talia was “hot”. Matt thought they both got it “spot on”. Talia was “killing every genre” and Ben “couldn’t have done any better”. #4 Gianne & Charlie – Disco Gianne & Charlie, the couple who’d had the most stressful week, had to come out and put on their happy faces in a Disco routine by Aleeta Blackburn to the classic “Le Freak” by Chic. Jason C pointed out that the couple had one day less to rehearse but that it looked like they were “fighting one another” on their pretzels. Disco “sat well” on Charlie but it wasn’t Gianne’s best performance. Jason G found Charlie “a bit cheesy” and that Gianne had been “quite heavy” coming in and out of the lifts. Matt thought they both looked tired but that they’d done a “fantastic job” in the circumstances. Bonnie disagreed with Jason G because she felt that “cheesy was very necessary” in this kind of routine. #5 Kat & BJ – Godfather Waltz Old hip hop buddies Kat & BJ were paired for the first time in the competition in a Foxtrot to “The Godfather” theme choreographed by Leeanne Bampton. What would the God of Ballroom make of it? Jason G thought it was “probably one of the best displays of foxtrot technique” he’d ever seen in the competition. The “lifts were effortless” and it was “beautifully danced”. Given Kat & BJ are just 18 and 19, Matt thought the “sophistication on the stage was A-mazing”. They had an “elegance” and he got “the dreaminess of it”. Bonnie thought Kat “became a woman” and that BJ “never put a foot wrong”. It was “romantic”, and “dramatic” and they maintained eye contact. Jason C loved the routine but wanted Kat to “pull those shoulders back” and would like to see her dance it in 10 years’ time. BJ was “amazing”, “passionate” and “on fire”. #6 Amy & Timomatic – The Wiz Hip Hop Timomatic is the king of locking so this Broadway Hip Hop to “Ease on down the road” from THE WIZ was right up his alley. But how would he go literally following the footsteps of the master, Michael Jackson. Choreography was by Project Moda. Matt had been worried whether Tim & Amy would gel but they had been “fantastic”. “MJ would be very proud” of Tim and Amy was going to have a “very long career” because she was “just brilliant”. Bonnie said Amy told a “different story every time she was on the floor” and she felt this was a rare occasion where Tim could relax. For Jason C, this was his “favourite routine of the evening so far”. Amy was “just fantastic” and Tim had recreated the master. “I loved it, loved it, loved it”. Jason G thought it was “phenomenal” and that “the whole place just erupted” to what was also his “favourite routine”. #7 Ben & Talia – Samba Quickstep For their second routine, Ben & Talia did a Samba Quickstep fusion by Natalie Lowe to Michael Bublé’s “It had better be tonight”. Bonnie said they “just hit it”, that Ben had a beautiful body line and that they had great eye contact. Jason C thought Talia had done more tonight that he thought she was capable of and that she was “ramping up and up and up". He said Ben had been a great partner and wanted the audience to understand that was a huge compliment. Jason G said Ben had done heel leads in the Samba and toe leads in the Quickstep when it should have been vice versa. He disagreed with Bonnie, feeling they hadn’t maintained eye contact and that it had been a bit “cruiseship-ish”. Matt said it was “at the top of the Richter scale” in entertainment and they were “both on the train to the finale”. "Oo-ah-Tahlia" went her cheer squad. #8 Gianne & Charlie – Supple Hip Hop Gianne’s greatest challenge in rejoining the show was to match Charlie in an unbelievably intricate Hip Hop routine by Supple to Broadway Project’s The Wobble (Orange advert). Jason C again reminded us of the pressures the couple had been under and thought Charlie was fantastic. “You’ve delivered, fella”. The “actor within the dancer” had served Gianne well and they’d both done a “great job”. Jason G thought the night was getting “better and better” and that this was the routine he needed to see from them. “Fantastic, really fantastic”. Matt said Charlie had been “absolutely brilliant”, Gianne was “fantastic” and that this was the routine that would make the audience remember them as a couple. Bonnie said the unison was perfect, that Charlie was “so getting it” and she had “always been a lover of Gianne”. #9 BJ & Kat – Sue Ellen Shook Jazz After 4 ballroom routines in 7 weeks, BJ finally got to show us what he can do in his native Jazz, teaming with Kat in a routine choreographed by Jason C’s teacher, Sue Ellen Shook, to Fatboy Slim's “Wonderful night”. Jason G thought it was another great performance even if the last lift had him on the edge of his seat. He’d have preferred Kat in high heels but BJ was his “new favourite boy in the competition”. Matt thought Kat was “cute” but he’d like to have seen her go a little further and they had been “a little slow on the spinner”. Bonnie said Kat was “so good and getting better” but she could let go a little more. BJ was a “great partner” and everything he did was “first class”. Jason C told Kat to push harder and extend herself because her competition were fierce and gorgeous. He said the problem with their grip change had been that they had stopped spinning but that was their only mistake. #10 Girls’ Quartet – Tiana Joubert Dancehall It was the girls' turn to team up in a Dancehall routine by Tiana Joubert to Sean Paul’s “Watch dem roll”. Matt said the problem with Dancehall was that it could look “hoochy” and that he liked it only in moderation. He also felt their search for aggression had put out their unison and that Kat had been the pick of the ladies. Bonnie decided to judge purely on personality, and on that basis Amy was the best. Jason C totally agreed with Matt. He wasn’t a fan of watching girls do that for 2 mins and that Kat been the best dancer because she stayed in the centre of the beat. Jason G was still blushing but the stand out for him was Gianne because she was “so natural and easy”. Vote to save your favourites With Penny leaving, and Charlie’s world turned on its head, the competition has been shaken to the core. No-one can assume they are safe and all 8 dancers may have danced their last couple routine. If you want to see your favourites make Top 6, make sure you vote. And be sure to tune in Monday night at 7.30pm to find out who's going home.

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Aired - 24 March 2009

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In the first elimination decided by the public, Australia chose to say goodbye to our Brazilian beauty Gianne and our Jamaican lion Loredo. The dancers cried, Nat cried and so did our judges. They were choked up because, as Jason said, “We were you”. The public seemed to agree with the judges’ assessment that Gianne & Loredo had failed to “get” Travers Ross’s intricate Hip Hop. But was the chorey the real problem or was Jason right - "It wasn't good enough"? Have your say in the comments below. We’re disappointed to lose two more great dancers, but we have some great new couples for Top 8 – even if one of them looks very familiar. Read on to discover the 4 couples you’ll see this Sunday at 7.30pm. Top 10 Disco with Project Moda Guest choreographers Project Moda kitted out our Top 10 in fabulous 70s gear to dance disco to Madonna’s “Music Inferno”. It was a funky opening to a show where all ten dancers were going to be on edge. Loved the Afro, Loredo. Bottom 3 couples becomes Bottom 4 dancers Now we’re in Top 10 territory, the elimination format changes slightly. Instead of the voters deciding the Bottom 3 couples, you now decide the Bottom 4 dancers. The 2 boys and the 2 girls with the least votes have to dance for their lives before hearing the verdict. And now it’s not the judges who decide who ultimately leaves, but Australia. Penny & Talia hear their fates First up were Charlie’s old partner, Penny, and his new, partner, Talia. Which one would be in our Bottom 2 girls? As their fans shrieked their support, Nat revealed that Talia was safe. Poor Penny looked a little upset but Nat soon told her that she would be here next week too. Bottom 2 girls revealed That left three women who had all been in the Bottom 3 before: Gianne, Amy & Kat. The crowd went crazy with anxiety, but only one of their dancers could be safe – and that was Amy. So our Bottom 2 girls were Gianne and Kat. Which 2 boys would be joining them in the Dance For Your Life? Charlie or BJ in Bottom 2? Charlie has never been in the Bottom group but BJ knows what it feels like to dance a solo on a knife-edge. But it’s getting to be a faint memory – he’s safe and so is Chucky Cheese. Ben, Loredo or Timomatic? Of course, the great news for Charlie and BJ wasn’t so great for the remaining 3 guys. Only one was going to join them in safety. Who was that lucky man? It was “perfect partner” Ben. Loredo and Timomatic would be dancing solos for the 3rd and 4th times respectively. Amy & BJ win McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” moment again She’s won it before with Damien. He’s won it before with Gianne. Now they’ve each won it twice. Amy & BJ have won the McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” moment for their Marko-choreographed Lyrical contemporary piece. Congratulations, Amy & BJ! The Fray Live on SYTYCD Dance continues to deliver fabulous live acts on Monday night and this time it was international power pop group, the Fray. In the middle of their Australian tour, they sang their #1 hit, “You found me”, a track made more famous by Penny & Charlie in Top 16 week. Bottom 4 Dance For Their Lives Gianne was first up, dressed in gold – but not a lot of it – dancing her favourite African style and reminding us why she was once Queen of Rio’s Carnavale. Kat was up next, dancing her Pussycat Hip Hop, and sending her fans wild. Timomatic delivered a smooth, debonair hip hop and Loredo concluded with a routine that was also out of Africa – concluding with 5 monumental leaps that left the audience gasping. Girls’ Verdict Gianne looked a picture of serenity as she waited to hear her verdict while Kat looked a bundle of nerves. Our youngest dancer need not have worried. Our most senior contestant was going home. As you’d expect, Gianne took the verdict with grace and a beaming smile. Through tears, Nat said that Gianne had brought joy into all our lives during her incredible time on the show. Gianne thanked everyone and said that making the Top 10 had been an amazing achievement. . Guys’ verdict Timomatic and Loredo came on stage to hear their verdict, but after losing his most recent partner, our former Lion King dancer looked like he knew the writing was on the wall. Nat confirmed his worst fears. Loredo was going home. Loredo does it for his Mum Loredo said through tears that he had done it all for his Mum back in Jamaica. He said he’d had a tough journey and, without family or friends here in Sydney, he’d relied on the support of the dancers and the public. But, as he said in his Eviction Journey video package, “There is no losing in this competition. Every step is a winning step”. Judges choked up Matt said it had been much worse not knowing and that he felt quite “choked up”. Bonnie said she couldn’t ease the dancers’ pain, but said she felt they had travelled on the journey with them – before dissolving into tears. Jason said that the emotions the judges were feeling showed why Dance was a different sort of reality show. They cared about the dancers because, for 20 years, “we were you”. Meet your Top 8 Couples Our Top 8 then assembled onstage for the Hat Pick. If they drew a partner they’d had this week, they had to draw again. Penny was first up, and first name out was Ben. But she’d danced with him – and quite beautifully – this week. So she had to draw another card. This time it was Charlie. Even though she’s danced with him before, it wasn’t last week, so they are paired again for Top 8. Talia then drew Ben, which meant that Amy was with Timomatic because she’d danced with BJ this week. That left our Mr Versatile with the Pocket Rocket, Kat. Those Top 8 pairings again: Charlie & Penny, Talia & Ben, Amy & Timomatic and Kat & BJ.

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Aired - 22 March 2009

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Top 10 night delivered five brand new partnerships – and some exciting new chemistry. Three couples soared – but only 4 dancers are safe – so some great dancers are going to be feeling very anxious on Monday night. Make sure you vote for your favourites – and don’t miss Australia’s first elimination vote of the season. TEN Monday night 7.30pm. Top 10 Sunday Night Summary Three couples got raves from the judges. Amy & BJ's Lyrical was “a match made in heaven” and the favourite of both Jason and Bonnie. Ben & Penny’s Foxtrot matched them for Bonnie and all three judges loved Charlie & Talia’s cutting edge Contemporary. Kat & Timomatic were “fantastic fun” in their Little Riding Hood routine but Gianne & Loredo had a tough night at the office. They didn’t “get” Travers Ross’s distinctive Hip Hop and it was their “low point of the competition”. Were the judges right? Let us know in the comments. Brave New Top 10 world Natalie reminded everyone that the rules have changed now. The judges no longer decide who goes home. You do! You also no longer vote for couples. You vote for individual dancers and the rules are very simple. From now on, the boy and the girl with the lowest votes goes home on Monday. Have you voted yet? #1 Amy & BJ – Futuristic Hip Hop by Etienne Amy teamed up with BJ – her third partner in three weeks – for a Futuristic Hip Hop routine choreographed by SYTYCD first-timer Etienne Khoo to “Dance wiv me” by Dizzee Rascal & Calvin Harris. Matt was “loving this partnership”. He’d enjoyed watching Amy grow in Hip Hop and tonight she “hit it right on the head”. He wasn’t surprised BJ had “killed that” because was he was so “strong and versatile”. Bonnie thought they had “great chemistry”. Jason loved the Tutting, and the “fantastic unison” and thought they’d done a “brilliant job” – even if Amy still looked a little like “a Jazz dancer in a Hip Hop routine”. #2 Gianne & Loredo – Sarah Boulter Gangsters For the first time in the competition, Gianne wasn’t teamed with BJ. She was now paired with Loredo in a Sarah Boulter contemporary routine that had them playing gangsters to Max Sledgely’s remix of the “Peter Gunn” theme. Bonnie thought it was a “really difficult” routine and that they’d been a “great match”. Jason didn’t think it was very hard at all because it had fewer beats than most routines, which meant they had to be totally committed. He felt Gianne had done that but that Loredo in his own genre hadn’t pushed himself hard enough. Matt saw no fear in Loredo’s eyes and congratulated them on “not breaking character”. #3 Talia & Charlie – Jason Gilkison Quickstep Early favourite Charlie and rising star Talia were dream-teamed with the maestro himself, Jason Gilkison, for a Quickstep to Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” that had them starting in the audience. Jason found it “entertaining, light and fun” but he thought that Talia had possibly “adapted to the Quickstep a little better” than Charlie. Matt’s “guts almost jumped into my mouth” when Charlie tripped at the beginning but he’d covered it well. Talia was “such a contender in this competition”. Bonnie had been worried about Charlie being paired with a technician like Talia but she believed that he had “met her”. #4 Ben & Penny – Cameron Mitchell Broadway Jazz Australia has totally embraced the Penny. But this week she was being embraced by new boy Ben in a Cameron Mitchell Broadway Jazz piece to “If you hadn’t but you did” from TWO ON THE AISLE. Ben’s challenge was to dance while acting dead. Matt felt Penny’s lack of acting experience showed here, feeling she hadn’t found the character, while Ben was totally in his world. Bonnie thought Penny would struggle to take on a big character when she has such a large personality of her own. Jason said Penny had missed the gunshot at the opening and that she “hadn’t found the actor in the dancer”. Ben meanwhile had pulled it off because he’d simply played a “Broadway version of himself”. #5 Timomatic & Kat – Sandro’s African Samba Kat and Timomatic tackled a tricky tribal African Samba routine by Sandro Catalano to “Iko Iko” by The Belle Stars. Bonnie thought Timomatic had been “such a gentleman”. He just needed to be more accurate with his feet. Jason found it hard to adjudicate because “the costumes clashed with the music clashed with the steps”. Matt liked seeing Kat “totally transformed into someone that’s not Kat” and this was the first week where Tim hadn’t looked like a Hip Hop dancer out of his genre. #6 Amy & BJ – Marko Lyrical Contemporary Second time up, Amy and BJ were right in their genre with a Lyrical Contemporary piece by Marko Panzic to Beyonce’s “Halo”. Jason “loved it, loved it, loved it” and it was “my favourite routine so far”. Amy had “great feel, great lift and great unison”. He loved BJ’s dance break near the end because it was “big, hard, fast and perfect”. He thought “the other dancers should look out”. Matt loved Amy’s “crazy” layout and BJ’s pirouettes were just “amazing”. In his opinion, they’d had “a moment”. Bonnie thought it was “a match made in heaven”, and it was also her “favourite number of the night”. #7 Gianne & Loredo – Travers Ross Commercial Hip Hop Gianne & BJ had rocked to Tiana Joubert’s Hip Hop in Top 14 week. Could she do the same with Loredo in Travers Ross’s intricate Hip Hop style to Counting Crows’ “Mr Jones”? Matt wasn’t sure they had pulled off the choreographers “brave” vision, and the routine was “a square peg in a round hole” for him. The style “didn’t sit” on Gianne and Loredo “went too far” with his character. Bonnie said that sometimes you don’t get the chorey you want but they’d both been committed. Jason said “it wasn’t good enough”. There was “nothing Hip Hop about it”, “the acting wasn’t coming from truth”, and it was their “low point of the competition”. #8 Talia & Charlie – Larissa McGowan Abstract Contemporary The versatility of Chucky Cheese and our Brisbane Ballerina was tested in an abstract (very) contemporary piece by Australian Dance Theatre’s Larissa McGowan to “The Battery” by Boyz Noize. Bonnie said it was “smokin’ shit hot” - she really did - and a “brilliant combination”. Jason thought Talia had an “amazing line” and was an “incredible beautiful technician”. He thought Charlie might have been outdanced but “you owned that”. He again, “loved it, loved it, loved it”. Matt said they “absolutely killed that”. Talia had “the most attack” he’d seen and Charlie had been a “forklift” – but a “dancing forklift”. The choreographer had been lucky to get two great technicians. #9 Ben & Penny – Jason Gilkison Foxtrot Dressed in bridal wear, Ben & Penny looked a picture of recent matrimonial harmony, but how would they go in the bridal foxtrot? Fortunately they were being guided by Jason G to Frankie Knuckles’ remix of Michael Jackson’s “Rock with you”. Jason “latched onto it” from the moment Penny walked past Ben, and thought they had danced it “beautifully”. Matt thought it was “mesmerising”. Penny was “so elegant” and “perfect partner” Ben had “framed” her so well. For Bonnie, it had matched Amy & BJ’s routine for her favourite routine of the night. Jason added that, like Fred & Ginger, they’d made it look “effortless”. #10 Kat & Timomatic – Project Moda Little Red Riding Hood For the closing routine of the night, Kat was able to pour her great talent for character into Little Red Riding Hood to Timomatic’s Wolverine. They were dancing a typically quirky Project Moda routine to “Killjoy” by N.E.R.D. Matt thought it was “a really cute concept” and “fantastic”. Bonnie thought there was a little too much chasing at the beginning but Jason disagreed. She thought they’d had a problem with the somersault over the back but covered it well and Timomatic was “a brilliant wolf”. Kat was “everything a big bad wolf could want” according to Jason, and he was glad that they’d “got to do something that really popped”. Who’ll make Top 8? Since you’re voting for individuals for the first time, who knows how Monday night will turn out? Penny & Charlie have been hugely popular, but has one of them been getting more votes than the other? Everyone else has been in the Bottom 3 – and no one wants be there again. If you want to save your favourite dancers, make sure you vote!

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Aired - 17 March 2009

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Jason was “devastated”, the decision wasn’t unanimous, and ultimately it was a huge shock. But the dancers who won’t be part of our Top 10 dancers were Lamb and Danny. The Bottom 3 produced a big surprise. Lamb & Timomatic and Gianne & BJ had been here before but it was a first time for Kat & Danny. The Dances For Your Lives were again brilliant, with Kat possibly shading it among the girls but the guys were impossible to separate. The judges certainly couldn’t. Jason said it had been the judges' “most difficult decision ever” and in the end they couldn’t agree who should stay and who should go. But ultimately two had to leave. With “deep regret”, he revealed that the So You Think You Can Dance dream was ending for Lamb from Perth and Danny from Broken Hill. The sadness of their departure was countered by the excitement as our amazing Top 10 drew from the hat to find out who they’d be dancing with next week. Read on to find out who’s dancing with who. And don’t miss the Top 10 episode Sunday on 7.30pm. Top 12 Tango with Kelley Abbey It’s always a thrill to see the group performance and this week it was a special treat: our Top 12 opened with a Tango Jazz routine by this week’s guest judge, Kelley Abbey to “Mi Confession” by Gotan Project. Ben & Amy and Talia & Loredo hear their fates First up were new couple, Ben & Amy, and last week’s McDonald’s moment winners, Talia & Loredo. Nat kept them waiting an age before announcing that the couple who were safe were Ben & Amy. They couldn’t believe it. Talia & Loredo thought they must be in Bottom 3 – until Nat sprang a surprise. They were safe, too. Of course, what was good news for these two couples was bad news for the remaining four couples – because three of them would be dancing for their lives. Our Bottom 3 revealed Those four couples were Penny & Charlie, Kat & Danny, Gianne & BJ and Lamb & Timomatic. Could the competition favourites, Penny & Charlie possibly be in the Bottom 3 for the first time? Did they truly “come unstuck” in their Hip Hop? No, they didn’t. They were safe. So our Bottom 3 at this critical stage of the competition were Gianne & BJ who’ve been here before, Lamb & Timomatic who’ve been here twice before, and Kat & Danny who were in the Bottom 3 for the very first time. Now these 6 fabulous dancers have 30secs to convince the judges that they deserve to be part of our Top 10. Talia & Loredo win McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” moment again They won it last week. They’ve done it again. Talia & Loredo’s stunning Lyrical piece choreographed by Ame Delves to Swift Taylor’s “Love story” has won the McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” Moment again. Moment had? McDonald’s Moment had. Congratulations, Talia & Loredo. You’re the first couple to win 2 Macca’s Moments. Australian Idol Wes Carr Live Wes Carr’s new album THE WAY THE WORLD LOOKS is released this Friday but you got a sneak peek tonight. The current Australian Idol performed his anthemic new single, “Feels like woah”, and totally brought the house down. Find out more about Wes’s new album in our news article. Boys dance for their lives Timomatic got the first chance to plead his case with a typically energetic “tribute to the old school”. BJ “showcased his versatility” in a quirky fusion of dance styles. Danny was up last, with a “quite personal” solo inspired by the break up of a long-term relationship. Girls dance for their lives Lamb was here just last week. This time she chose to reveal her personality in a fun routine to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”. Gianne’s solo was about having a big dream and believing in yourself. The final dancer up was Kat, who chose to reveal a “more mature, more emotional” dimension in a Lyrical Hip Hop piece. Australian Dance Theatre goes ballistic As the judges went away to consider their final decision, special guests Australian Dance Theatre performed a short section from their work, ‘Held’. As promised it was truly ballistic choreography. Guys’ verdict – Farewell Danny Jason sincerely congratulated the 3 guys on making it this far, and then said the BJ could take a seat. He was in our Top 10. With Danny & Timomatic left, Jason said that this had been “the most difficult decision” ever and it was not unanimous. But the dancer whose dream was ending, was Danny. Danny “speechless” Like many in the audience, Danny was shocked and saddened. Handed the microphone, he was “speechless” but thanked everyone for “the best time of my life”. To his fellow dancers he said, “I love you all”. The pain he felt was shared by Jason and the judges, who said they were “devastated” for him. Girls’ verdict – Lamb leaves Having seen her loving partner eliminated, Kat now had to face up to her own verdict. It was going to go down to the wire, because Jason said the gorgeous Gianne was safe. That left the 2 Hip Hop girls: Kat and Lamb. But the Pocket Rocket was safe. The Dance dream was over, at the cruellest possible time, for one of our most loveable dancers: Lamb Chop. Lamb proud Lamb had said her package would make her cry but it had the opposite effect. She realised how far she’d come and how much she had to be proud of in reaching Top 12. She encouraged dancers everywhere to audition for the show so they could go on their own journey. Meet your Top 10 Couples Our Top 10 gathered on stage and drew from the top hat to find out who their partner was for next week. Here are the pairings for the Top 10 show: Charlie & Talia, BJ & Amy, Loredo & Gianne, Ben & Penny and Timomatic & Kat. As Jason said, “Those partnerships rock”. Now we’re really on our way to finding out who is Australia’s favourite dancer. Don’t miss our Top 10 episode this Sunday at 7.30pm.

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Aired - 15 March 2009

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Under intense pressure to make Top 10, some dark horses excelled while the more fancied couples faltered. It’s up to you, Australia. Who are you going to vote into our elite Top 10? And get behind your favourites with Fan Messaging. Top 12 Sunday Night Summary Talia & Loredo were the standouts, finally having the “moment” Matt had been waiting for. Gianne & BJ delivered on both routines but everyone else was up and down. Penny & Charlie were “mesmerising” in Contemporary but “came unstuck” in Hip Hop. Kat & Danny were “gorgeous” in Contemporary but “under” on their Paso Doble. Lamb and Timomatic had a Hip Hop “highlight” but were “exposed” in the Waltz. And Ben & Amy recovered from their “pedestrian” Hip Hop to score with a manic Mambo that “no other couple could have pulled off”. Who proved they have what it takes to go on? You decide. #1 Talia & Loredo tackle Bollywood Fresh from their McDonald’s moment last week, Talia & Loredo were off to Bollywood in a blue-costumed routine choreographed by Ramona Lobo to “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire. Guest judge, Kelley Abbey, “loves this partnership” and her only criticism was that they needed to “earth” themselves a little more. Matt said “unison is the key” and they’d achieved that – even if Talia’s costume had got caught in one of the lifts. Bonnie was “there in that market square” and thought their lift onto the shoulder was “effortless”. It was “a great routine: so classical, so beautiful”. Jason has spent time studying Indian classical dance and said Talia did “a fantastic job of honouring that discipline”. #2 Kat & Danny – Sarah Boulter Contemporary Dressed in white and yellow to reflect the joyousness of their Sarah Boulter choreography, Kat & Danny danced to Eva Cassidy’s “Over the rainbow”. Matt said the routine was “all about trust” and he “didn’t see one hint of doubt” in either of them. The “unison was gorgeous” and it was “a highlight for you guys” while Bonnie was “just so wrapped in every single thing” they did. Jason loved the routine and told Danny that the lifts were much more complex than those he’d struggled with in the disco routine. He was “absolutely fantastic” and “owned it”. He said Kat’s “shoulders were up” but it was a “great routine, light and lovely”. Kelley agreed, saying it was “fresh, innocent and joyous” and Danny had delivered a “breathtaking moment”. “Divine”. #3 Lamb & Timomatic - Garden of Eden Hip Hop Finally in their own genre, Timomatic’s snake tempted Lamb’s Eve in a Tiana Joubert Hip Hop routine to Keri Hilson’s “Turnin’ me on”. Bonnie thought it was “so synchronised” and that Tim “became the snake” but said his backflip of Lamb had caused her to lose her balance. Jason “loved the routine” but disagreed with Bonnie because “the biggest fault was the unison”. Lamb was “a very very sexy lady” and Tim had done an “amazing job”. “It’s a highlight for you”. Kelley is a “big fan” of Lamb and Tim but also thought “the unison was the problem”. She had some technical notes for Lamb about stretching her knees and wasn’t sure the routine really “got to where it should have”. Matt was also worried about the backflip but thought Lamb “oozed sensuality” and that Tim had “really shone in this”. #4 Gianne & BJ – Jive to Metro Station’s “Shake it” For the 3rd time, Gianne and BJ were dancing Ballroom. This time it was a Jive choreographed by Sandro Catalano to Metro Station’s “Shake it”. Jason said Gianne had “sat into it absolutely beautifully”. He felt BJ had “overdanced” but that’s what Ballroom Boys have to do. They’d both done “a brilliant job”. Kelley said they had “great energy and attack”. She was “so impressed” with self-taught Gianne and BJ had “turned like a top”. But she warned BJ to make sure his facial expressions were “true to your heart”. Matt said BJ had done a “great job of encompassing the ballroom dancer” and Gianne was “gorgeous, fabulous and hot”. Bonnie was the lone dissenting voice, saying she “wasn’t so happy actually”. BJ was “totally where you should be” but Gianne’s “chassés weren’t as clean” as she would have liked. “Only OK from me, I’m afraid.” #5 Penny & Charlie – Debbie Ellis Linnert Lyrical Contemporary Penny & Charlie continued on their magical way in a Debbie Ellis Lyrical piece about best friends danced to Damien Rice’s “Elephant”. Kelley “just loved that” because “it really took me somewhere”. Penny was “so not a cheerleader” and Charlie – or “Chucky Cheese” – was “a hot contender in this competition”. Matt said they had the audience in the palm of your hand” and loved the way they had times when they “smacked it” and times when they “melted”. Bonnie said the audience was “mesmerised” and understood why they had never been in the Bottom 3. Jason said it was a “dancer’s responsibility to evoke emotion and you guys have certainly done that”. Penny was a “much better dancer” than when she started and Charlie had been so much better than in last week’s waltz. #6 Ben & Amy – Fairground Hip Hop For their first dance together, Ben & Amy were out of genre in a Hip Hop routine by Vince Calingasan about a girl playing hard to get in a fairground. The track was “You know what” by N.E.R.D. Matt had thought the partnership of these 2 great dancers would be hot but he was “underwhelmed”. Its “laid back style “didn’t get to me through the screen”. Bonnie disagreed, saying that she really liked its “relaxed feel”. Jason had one word for the routine: “pedestrian”. It had been too “middle of the road” and had “gone nowhere”. Kelley thought they were both “very strong confident” dancers and she liked the “cas” style but it “needed light and shade” to really resonate. #7 Talia & Loredo – Rapunzel Lyrical Jazz For their second routine of the night, Talia & Loredo danced a Lyrical Jazz routine choreographed by Amé Delves to Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” that reinvented the Rapunzel fairy tale. Bonnie said it was “totally magical” and loved the special moment where Talia landed on top of Loredo. Jason “loved it” and had no separate notes because you “danced so beautifully together”. Kelley said their “Indian routine was good. This was great!”. They were “two fine technicians” whose lifts and transitions were “smooth and effortless”. Talia had shown “emotional maturity” and Loredo had shown “more emotion” than he ever had before. It was “just fantastic”. Matt said last week that Talia & Loredo were yet to have a moment. “Moment had”. He said this was a routine Australia would remember, with his one technical note to Loredo to not let his knee drop during attitude turns. “But there’s your moment, guys. Congratulations!” #8 Kat & Danny – Paso Doble For possibly their final dance together, Kat & a black-haired Danny performed their first ballroom piece - a Paso Doble choreographed by Aric and Mascha to “Burly Brawl” by Juno Reactor vs Don Davis. Jason thought Danny did a “great job of encompassing the Paso Doble character” but Kat hadn’t “brought the fire” with her eyes. Kelley felt Danny’s training had his energy sitting in the top half of his body when he needed to “get earthed” a lot more. Matt said Kat had lots of energy but needed to extend her lines. Danny was “strong” but this “was not your greatest performance”. Bonnie again disagreed, thinking that Kat was “absolutely fantastic” and Danny was “proud and regal’. #9 Lamb & Timomatic – Viennese Waltz Having shed his snake skin, Timomatic teamed with Lamb in a Viennese Waltz by Leeanne Bampton to Coldplay’s “Sparks”. Kelley said they’d achieved the “float” but it was “a bit exposing” for Lamb because her flat shoes had emphasised her unpointed feet. For a self-taught dancer, Tim had done “an incredible job”. Matt thought that in coming out of a lift Lamb had had “an ugly moment”. Bonnie thought Timomatic had struggled with the ¾ time. Lamb was an “expert dancer” but was concerned about moments that “didn’t look extremely elegant”. Jason thought Lamb would be “disappointed” in her Developpe and she needed to point her feet. But Tim had done a much better job in the Waltz than Charlie. An emotional Lamb said she wanted to continue the journey but kept "stuffing up little things". #10 Gianne & BJ – Adam Williams Broadway Jazz For their 2nd routine of the night, Gianne & BJ were in the hands of Adam Williams, dancing a highly theatrical Broadway Jazz routine to “Arthur in the afternoon” by David Loud & Karen Ziémba. Matt said it was “one of my favourite routines of the night”. Gianne was “just a chameleon” and BJ was “such a strong dancer” who totally fitted into Broadway. Bonnie thought Gianne displayed her “versatility” and said it “took guts” for BJ to embrace the routine as he had. Jason said “that’s entertainment”. He didn’t’ even notice the dancing because he was so with Gianne’s character. He’d seen BJ’s little slip but he’d left it behind as dancers have to do. Kelley said they’d done a “fantastic job” but that towards the end she’d seen them thinking “here comes the tricky bit”. “But the rest of it was just fabulous.” #11 Penny & Charlie – Hip Hop Thieves Penny & Charlie have been the stars of the competition but in this Hip Hop routine by Yannus to 50 Cent’s “Get up” they slipped up. Jason said “there was very little unison”, and that either Charlie had overdanced or Penny had underdanced. Kelley is a big fan of them both but the “unison was out” so it “didn’t fire”. Charlie was “really good” but she wanted “more pop” from Penny. Matt thought they’d done “extraordinary work” to this point, but that this was their “first downfall”. They’d “come unstuck” and made it look like “hard work”. #12 Ben & Amy – Manic Mambo After their “underwhelming” Hip Hop routine, Ben & Amy had a chance to redeem themselves in a frenetic Mambo by Fabio Robles to “Para Los Rumberos” by Tito Puente. Jason said “the degree of difficulty on that routine was up there” and felt it should be like the Olympics where their scores were multiplied to reflect their achievement. Amy had “barely put a foot wrong” in the competition and Ben was “the best male partner”. Kelley agreed it was incredibly difficult and that they’d stayed “pretty clean”. Matt thought that “if anyone left in our Top 12 could have pulled that off, it could only have been you two”. Bonnie thought they did it “expertly”. Top 10 Countdown begins If you want to know how much Top 10 means to our dancers, read their blogs this week. Loredo is “stressed”, Charlie can “taste” it and Kat said it’s like “waving a dummy in front of a baby”. But now it’s out of their hands. Only you can decide who is safely through to the final stages of the competition. Make sure you vote – and be there at 7.30 on Monday night to find out who will have their dreams fulfilled.

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Aired - 10 March 2009

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It was an “impossible choice” and the decision wasn’t unanimous, but ultimately the judges farewelled ballroomer Damien and Hip Hopper Pania. To rub salt into the wound, they’d just learned from Mary Murphy that this year’s winner will perform on SYTYCD America – in front of 20 million people!!! Bottom 3 “veterans” Lamb & Timomatic and Amy & Damien were joined this week by first-timers Ben & Pania. The Dances For Your Lives were again critical with Jason saying it was no longer about commitment but about “choices”. Unfortunately, Pania failed to show anything new and joined boyfriend Emmanuel who was eliminated last week. Ben made an “interesting decision” to underplay his solo, but just managed to edge out 18 year old Damien, whose elimination produced a huge “No!!!” from the audience. Amy & Ben now have to forge a new partnership with an extra degree of difficulty – our Top 12 couples will each perform 2 routines this Sunday night! Who will survive and make our prestigious Top 10? Top 14 Contemporary Routine Our Top 14 showed us how much they’ve grown in a touching tribute to the Victorian bushfire victims choreographed by Juliette Verne to James Morrison’s “You make it real”. Mary announces huge surprise - winner to dance on SYTYCD America! Birthday girl Mary hinted last night that she had a surprise and what a surprise it is! The winner of this Season of SYTYCD Australia will not only go to Hollywood, and get to hang with Mary – they’ll get to perform on So You Think You Can Dance America in front of an audience of 20 million! Unbelievable!!!! Ben & Pania first into Bottom 3 The first 3 couples called onto stage to hear their fates were Gianne & BJ, Kat & Danny and Ben & Pania. Kat & Danny had their names called first but they could relax – they were safe. Would it be Gianne & BJ in the Bottom 3 two weeks running? No, it was a first time among the cellar-dwellers for Ben & Pania. Amy & Damien and Lamb & Timomatic complete Bottom 3 The remaining 4 couples took to the stage knowing that only two couples could escape having to dance for their lives. Penny & Charlie once again avoided the drop. Would Loredo make Bottom 3 three weeks running? No, with new partner Talia he was safe. That meant Amy & Damien and Lamb & Timomatic would be dancing for their lives. Loredo & Talia win McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” moment After losing their partners last Monday, Loredo & Talia had to tackle a frenetic salsa this week and compete against couples who’d been working together for a month. Loredo also had to deal with Mary Murphy’s critical comments of Sunday night. The public didn’t care. They voted their salsa this week’s McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” moment. Kaz James and Macy Gray live As the dancers prepared their solos, local boy made good, Kaz James and international superstar buddy, Macy Gray, took to the stage to sing his new single, “Can’t hold back”. One of those backup dancers looked familiar? Could that have been our Kate? Girls dance for their lives Pania’s solo was first up, and she seized the “opportunity to show herself” with a typically hard-hitting Hip Hop routine. Amy wanted to “change things up” and spread her wings to Edith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien” – obviously hoping to have no regrets whatever the outcome. Lamb wanted to show the judges she had technique in a rousing routine dedicated to the joy of her 6-week old baby nephew. Boys dance for their lives Ben got the first chance to impress with a Bob Fosse tribute that showed us how he feels when he dances. Damien in trademark black showed us he could be a “little bit hip” and a “little bit sexy”. Timomatic wanted to bring back the confidence and got one of his first genuine opportunities to show Australia what he can do. Impossible choice Mary said it was going to be hard, Matt said that whoever left would go onto bigger and better things, and Bonnie said that it was going to be “impossible”. Jason said that at this stage it was not about commitment but about “choices”. Who had made good choices and whose choices would condemn them to elimination? Girls’ verdict – Pania joins Emmanuel Jason said the girls had done a great job and could all leave with their heads held high. He spared Amy any more anxiety by announcing she was safe. He said Lamb had made a “brave” decision to move away from her Hip Hop origins in her solo while the judges needed to ask whether Pania had shown “anything different”? They chose to reward Lamb’s bravery and say goodbye to poor Pania. Pania says “Go hard or go home!” Nat said Pania had shown “style, class and finesse” and the former Kiwi gave thanks to Australia for their votes, and to the judges for the opportunity. She defended her choice of solo because she felt hadn’t had the chance to show her own brand of dance during the show, and encouraged the remaining dancers to “go hard or go home”. She had come so far. Guys’ verdict – Damien goes but Ben was close Jason cut to the chase and said that Timomatic was the guy who could take a seat. “Well done on your solo”. That left Ben and Damien – the oldest male dancer and the youngest. Jason told Ben that he was a huge fan of Bob Fosse – who inspired Ben’s solo – but that the Gold Coast dancer had made a “very very interesting choice” in underplaying his Dance For Your Life. With Damien, the question among the judges had been whether he had “done enough to show all of you”. Ultimately, the judges had been unable to all agree, but Ben could wipe his brow. Damien was leaving. Damien exceeds his expectations. Damien said everyone in the Top 20 were “amazing” and he didn’t know that it was possible to get so close to a group of people so quickly. He had originally only hoped to dance in front of the judges so in reaching Top 14 Monday he had exceeded his wildest expectations. Still, he left feeling he had more to give and more to learn. Check out his amazing journey! Next up – Top 12 go 2-up Amy & Ben must now try to match Talia & Loredo in forging a new partnership and elevating themselves out of the cellar and into the top tier of the competition. That just got a little harder. As the credits rolled, Nat announced that our Top 12 couples will have to perform not one dance – but two!!! Don’t miss it!!!

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Aired - 09 March 2009

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Two of our Top 14 dancers earned the ultimate accolade from visiting Queen of Scream, Mary Murphy, but one dancer left her “cold” – despite getting a standing ovation from the studio audience. Kat and Talia were the lucky dancers singled out by the SYTYCD America judge to board the Hot Tamale Express. Mary also liked “star” Amy, was “drawn to” Damien, and felt “nothing but love” for Lamb & Tim. Ben & Pania’s opening was “sheer genius”, Danny “won her over” and Penny & Charlie “created a dream-like state”. Gianne & BJ would have been on that train too but for some synch errors. Loredo’s salsa got the crowd stomping but Mary said it left her “a little bit cold”. Who will make Top 12? Have your say – and vote!!! #1 Amy & Damien – Ditched at the altar by Dan Karaty After her “defining moment” with Jason G last week, jazz dancer Amy couldn’t believe her luck when she discovered her choreographer this week was SYTYCD America guest judge and jazz dancing demi-god, Dan Karaty. Dancing to Pink’s “So what” in a routine that left the bride at the altar, Mary said “athletic” Amy was “a star out there” and couldn’t believe “strong” Damien was a ballroom dancer. “Good on you!”, she said, slipping into the local lingo. Matt was glad Amy was “starting to shine” and Damien had done “a very solid job”. Bonnie said Amy was “really going places” and told Damien not to ever doubt himself but warned him “not to over-act”. Only Jason C spotted Amy’s wardrobe malfunction but said she “made it work” and “that’s what I love about you”. However, they’d “lost unison” in places and he encouraged Damien to bring more control to his performance. “But, nice work, both of you”. #2 Lamb & Timomatic – Eternally connected by Dana Jolly Lamb and Timomatic had something to prove last week and lifted themselves out of the Bottom 3. This week they were again out of genre in a Contemporary piece to Regina Spektor’s “Real love” that required 17 lifts and demanded that they maintain physical connection throughout. Matt found it “sweet” but wanted “more highs and lows”. He also would have liked more dancing from Timomatic who’d been little more than a “forklift”. Bonnie had felt “real love” because they were “so together” and had sensed “hesitation” in only one lift. Jason agreed with Matt about Timomatic needing to dance through the lifts and was worried again about Lamb’s “line being a little short”. “But, great job”. Mary thought there was “something special going on in this partnership” even if “the technique was not quite there”. They were reinventing themselves and she was "ready to buy the patent". #3 Gianne & BJ – Hip Hop Soldier by Tiana Joubert Fourth week in, and BJ finally got to dance in his genre in a high-energy hip hop routine by Tiana Joubert that he said was “really me”. Bonnie couldn’t believe it was really Gianne in that camo costume and thought BJ was “solid” and “sharp”. Jason loved the top of the routine because Gianne had “taken ownership” and loved their sexy crawl across the floor – but hoped his niece was in bed. They had “oodles” of versatility and likeability”. Mary would have been “screaming at the top of my lungs” but there were “a couple of places where it wasn’t synchronised”. Matt always expects BJ to give “a solid performance” but Gianne was “the star” because she “hit that so hard”. #4 Penny & Charlie – Waltzing with Jason G Penny & Charlie were doing a Viennese Waltz with Jason Gilkison that our favourite cheerleader said was “the hardest thing I have ever done”. Jason said Penny was “as soft and lovely and beautiful” as her frock and Charlie had handled it “absolutely beautifully” except he had “stepped” rather than “floated”. They were both “serious contenders in this competition”. Ballroom queen Mary said they “portrayed it just right” even if the technique “wasn’t completely there”. Matt got “taken away” and said they were “just killing it on the floor”. Bonnie was concerned that Penny was crying but she just had mascara in her eye – in a comical scene that brought the house down. Bonnie summed it up by saying “the frame of the picture wasn’t perfect but the picture was”. #5 Ben & Pania – Angel meets Devil by Aleeta Blackburn After Krumping with the best of them last week, Jazz dancer Ben was right at home this week in a routine by Aleeta Blackburn to Kings of Leon’s “Crawl” – even if it meant he had to change his Dance For Your Life solo. Mary said “the beginning was sheer genius” even “if the energy did die a little” later. Pania was “fierce” and “sexy” while Ben had “nailed it”. Matt said he always expects them to deliver and tonight was no different. He wanted Pania to finish off her moves, but Ben was “just a great dancer and a great performer”. Bonnie and Jason had a very different take, both sensing that Pania hadn’t entirely committed to the routine. Jason believed she “hadn’t trusted” her choreographer and felt like she was “apologising” while she was dancing. However, Ben was “a great partner and fantastic performer”. #6 Kat & Danny – Nacho’s take on The Joker Kat was delirious to get a Hip Hop routine choreographed by Nacho Pop that asked her to play a victim to Danny’s Heath Ledger-inspired Joker. Matt said Danny had “flipped” last time he was out of genre but this time he’d been “gung ho”. Kat looked really “comfy” but it was a shame they missed the last lift. Bonnie felt Danny could have done it without the mask and Kat “always does a great job”. Jason’s “biggest problem was the unison”. Kat had been good as expected but Danny needed to “let go a little bit” and dance on the back of the beat to match his Hip Hop partner. Mary said Danny had “won me over” while Kat got the full-blooded Mary scream because “you just do it” and “you do it with excellence”. #7 Talia & Loredo – New partners tackle salsa After pairing up for the first time on Tuesday, Loredo & Talia danced a salsa by Luda and Oliver to The Potbelleez’s “Trouble, trouble”. Talia relished the challenge but could they match couples who’d been dancing together for a month? After Loredo & Talia delivered the night’s only standing ovation, Bonnie said they looked like they’d been “working together for weeks”. Jason felt Talia had done “what many ballet dancers can’t do” and that she was “a remarkable young dancer”. Loredo’s lack of lifting experience hadn’t shown because he was “well tuned”. Totally unmoved by the crowd reaction, Mary was “left a little bit cold”. Loredo was dancing on his toes when he needed to “get that centre weight centre down and get into it”. But Talia was “one hot cookie out there” and she got a first class ticket on Mary’s Hot Tamale train. “Yoo-hoo!!!”. Matt felt they were both yet to have “a moment” in the show and hoped they might soon get that opportunity. Nat goes Plat There was time for one more surprise. Jason congratulated host Natalie Bassingthwaighte on her debut solo album “1000 Stars” going #1 and Matt Lee came on stage to present her with Gold and Platinum records. Way to go, Nat! Who will make Top 12? Few dancers emerged unscathed from the judges this week so everyone’s in danger. If you want your favourites to be spared the agony of leaving so close to their Top 10 dream, you know what you’ve got to do. Get on those phones Sunday night and vote!

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Aired - 04 March 2009

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After the “best ever” Top 16 show left judges with an “impossible” decision, Chanelle & Emmanuel were edged in the Dance For Your Life and sadly won’t be part of our Top 14. For Chanelle, it's the end of a dream. But for Emman, it also means parting with girlfriend, Pania. Elimination episodes don’t come any tougher than this. Australia again delivered surprises with Gianne & BJ and Talia & Emmanuel joining last week’s survivors Loredo & Chanelle in the Bottom 3. All 6 produced “committed” routines that Jason said were so much better than last year’s solos. But Emmanuel failed to deliver any new tricks and Chanelle lost her core strength “in the last 10 seconds” and, amid tears, they said their final farewells. Showman Emmanuel told his beloved second family that there was always a bed for them in Orange. Chanelle had experienced “two huge miracles in the last week” and felt “so blessed”. Partner Loredo wasn’t the only man who fell to his knees and wept but he’ll have to dust himself off and get acquainted with new partner Talia – because they’re now in a life-and-death battle to make Top 12. Bring it on! Top 16 Hip Hop with Tina Joubert Our Top 16 got the show off to a Hip Hop start with a routine devised by the amazing Tina Joubert – the choreographer who came up with Penny & Charlie’s unforgettable Vampire routine in Top 20 week. Dressed in tribal costume, they got down and primal to Kevin Rudolf’s “Let it Rock” – and our elimination episode was under way. Top 16 show the “best ever” Bonnie felt that last night our Aussie dancers proved they were every bit as good as dancers on the American show – and just hoped that Australia had got it right. Jason C believed the Top 16 show had been the “best ever” – but unfortunately that wasn’t going to stop them sending two unlucky dancers home. Chanelle & Loredo make Bottom 3 again Four couples were called up to hear their fates: Penny & Charlie, Amy & Damien, Lamb & Timomatic, and the surprise couple of last week’s Bottom 3, Chanelle & Loredo. It was no shock to hear that Penny & Charlie and Amy & Damien were safe after their moving performances last night. But some would have been surprised that Chanelle & Loredo were once again among the three lowest polling couples. Chanelle was a “bit nervous” but said that at least they “get to dance” and “that’s what we love”. Gianne & BJ and Talia & Emmanuel bottom out Our remaining four couples took to the stage knowing that only two couples could escape having to dance for their lives. Ben & Pania were the first to hear they were safe, and then Kat & Danny learned their Assassins routine had killed it: they too would be merely spectators during the Dance for your Life. That left Gianne & BJ and Talia & Emmanuel in a battle with Loredo & Chanelle to make into our Top 14. Who would survive? Amy & Damien take the Macca moment and Lily Allen has "The Fear' Given the quality of last night's show, the voting must have been tight. However, Amy & Damien were able to turn her "defining moment" into a McDonald's "I'm lovin' it" moment. That was the icing on the cake. Lily Allen then performed her single "The Fear" live in the studio - supported by a couple of familiar looking dancers, including Hilton from last season's Top 20. Out back, 6 even more familiar dancers were preparing for perhaps their final performance of this season. Boys dance for their lives Loredo revealed a “more cheeky” side this week by performing an Invisible Man routine. BJ’s piece was about a break-up and revealed both his Hip Hop skills and Jazz training. Emmanuel got the biggest crowd reaction with a Hip Hop routine that included some jaw-dropping downrock and a spectacular somersault. Girls dance for their lives Chanelle performed a delicate yet acrobatic piece to Destiny’s Child’s spiritual “Amazing Grace”.Gianne danced an African-inspired routine about freedom she dedicated to her husband. Talia wanted to come from a deeper place and leave her heart and soul on the stage. Impossible choice Matt said they faced an impossible choice and offered his seat to anyone in the audience. Bonnie said the dancers were under huge pressure but that even if this page closed, “a fresh chapter would open tomorrow”. Jason said that “the solos this year were so much better than last year” and commended all the dancers on their commitment. As they considered their verdict, NY contemporary ballet company, Complexions, performed their edgey routine - as six dancers got even edgier. The Queen of Scream returns Surprise special guest on Top 16 Elimination night was the "Queen of Scream", Mary Murphy. She'll be our guest judge for Top 14 week, and told Nat that deciding which fabulous dancer you're going to send home is the worst part of an otherwise dream job. Guys verdict – Emmanuel goes Jason said that this choice was “pretty clear”. He said one of the dancers could sit down because they had not only shown “commitment and technique”, they had also revealed “new skills”. That dancer was BJ. He said that neither Loredo nor Emmanuel had shown “any new elements” and so the Dance dream would end for one of the them. Unfortunately, the dancer going home was the show’s “entertainer”, Emmanuel. Emmanuel says goodbye Natalie said that it couldn’t be easy leaving his girlfriend, Pania, behind but Emman continued to beam his trademark smile, and waved to his cheering nephews. He told dancers “not to worry about the haters” and to “do it just because you love it”. He told the judges they “rocked”, and told his SYTYCD family they would always have a bed in his hometown of Orange. He had “enjoyed this whole experience”. Girls verdict – Chanelle’s time has come Jason said that all the girls had been committed in their Dance For Your Life but that one of the dancers, in the last 10 secs of their routine, had "lost their core strength". Gianne and Talia looked blank, but Chanelle was nodding. She knew he was talking about her, and her Dance dream was over. Do you agree? Check out Chanelle's Dance For Your Life and see if you notice any loss of core strength. Chanelle’s spiritual farewell As Loredo fell to the floor and wept, Natalie said Chanelle was not only beautiful but a “beautiful dancer”. However, Chanelle said she had had “the most amazing experience” of her life and that she’d experienced “two huge miracles in the last week”. She felt “so blessed” and the Amazing Grace song she’d danced to had been hugely significant for her. It was time for her to go. They’ll both be sadly missed. Next up – Top 14 Gianne & BJ and Talia & Loredo have survived another week but it doesn’t get any easier. Next week, our Top 14 will undoubtedly deliver 7 more “amazing performances’ – yet, this time next Monday, two more talented dancers will be going home. Watch Sunday night and make sure you vote to save your favourites!

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Aired - 02 March 2009

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After an outstanding Top 16 night watched by special guests, Jack and Kate, who knows who’ll be leaving Monday. Early favourites, Penny & Charlie, Ben & Gianne and Kat & Danny again delivered stellar routines but other contenders are now nipping at their heels. Ben & Pania krumped their way into the leading pack, Emmanuel left his b-boy behind and Amy was guided by Jason Gilkison to a “defining moment”. Who will you save? Who will they cut? Have your say and vote! #1 Chanelle & Loredo – Aladdin and his Genie Dancing out of their genres once more, Chanelle & Loredo opened the show with an Aladdin-themed Hip Hop routine by Andrew Sears where Chanelle “again had to be sexy”. Genie Chanelle rubbed the lamp and wished she could produce a killer routine that was the best of the night. Would her wish be granted? Matt didn’t think being sexy could be difficult for Chanelle when she was “so gorgeous”. However he wanted her to stop thinking and lose herself while Loredo had “hit everything”. Bonnie said Chanelle was “just a beautiful dancer” and she should “stop worrying”. A couple of moments of unison troubled Jason, and he felt Chanelle might have been pushing too hard. He said her partner had a lot of “performance mojo” and that she should be careful he didn’t outdance her. “Loredo, you owned that!” #2 Penny & Charlie – Touching without touching Everyone’s been waiting to see whether Penny & Charlie could translate their high energy appeal into a more sensitive genre and tonight we found out. Dancing a Kelly Aykers’ Contemporary routine to The Fray’s “You found me”, they had to be touching without physically touching. Bonnie thought their floorwork was “beautiful” and felt “quite choked” with emotion. Penny was “so not just a cheergirl” and it was “intoxicating”. Jason C had a minor technical criticism for Penny but “loved it, loved it, loved it” and “so embraced the Penny”. Matt “totally felt it” and said this couple hadn’t failed once. Penny had impressed him so much and Charlie was “just killing it”. #3 Gianne & BJ – Spicy Salsa They won last week’s McDonald’s moment. But could Gianne & BJ deliver again with a Csaba Szirmai-choreographed Salsa that required 19 year old BJ to play a sexy macho man - and included a mammoth final lift? Jason could see his own determination in BJ’s eyes but felt that the young dancer had harnessed it well. He thought it “fabulous – up until the last 10 secs” when the final lift seemed “laboured”. Matt totally agreed, feeling the style suited Gianne, but he’d crossed his fingers during the lift. Bonnie said Gianne was like Salsa – spicy and saucy - and they’d done a “great job”. #4 Kat & Danny – The assassins kill it This week, Kat had to leave her natural bubbly energetic personality behind and join partner-in-crime Danny as lookalike assassins in a routine by old-boy Marko to “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. Matt felt she’d succeeded in taking on the character but for Danny to do well in his own genre he would need to be exceptional – fortunately he was. Bonnie loved that Kat was as physical as Danny and found it “pretty brilliant”. Jason commended Marko on the routine, loved the surprises, and thought that individually they were “fantastic”. He wondered whether Danny had overbalanced on the ponche but said they’d had “great commitment to a great routine”. #5 Talia & Emmanuel – Broad smiles on Broadway Having struggled with Hip Hop last week, Talia & Emmanuel took on a genre entirely foreign to both of them. Talia had to forget about technique and Emmanuel had to leave behind his b-boy roots in a Broadway Jazz routine by Adam Williams. Bonnie found it “really expressive”. She warned Emmanuel that he had to “watch those counts” but his “comedy and flair” more than compensated. Talia was “the loveliest dancer” but Bonnie wanted more “face”. Jason “slammed these guys last week” and his expectations were high because he’d seen David Atkins perform the same piece, but thought they were “both fantastic”. Emmanuel had “crossed a line” and was no longer just a b-boy. He also felt highly-trained Talia needed to be acknowledged for having to work with untrained Emmanuel. Matt thought Talia “redeemed” herself and that if the show was So You Think You Are Committed, Emmanuel would win hands down. He “totally bought it”. Jack’s plans and Mary Murphy’s surprise return Nat found Jack and Kate in the audience and last year’s champion revealed he now had an apartment in New York and would be moving there to live – and fulfil his dream – in April. Nat also revealed that our guest judge next week would be original Hot Tamale train driver, Mary Murphy. Can’t wait! #6 Amy & Damien – Defining Moment When he pulled Ballroom from the hat, and scored Jason Gilkison as choreographer, Damien thought it was his chance to shine. But it was a very different sort of Rumba and ultimately it was his partner, “Amy from Gosford”, who seized this heaven-sent opportunity. Jason C declared Jason G “a genius” for an “amazing” routine about an addictive love danced to Duffy’s “Stepping Stone” that didn’t leave a dry eye in the house. He took Damien to task for saying he was “just an 18 year old boy” and said he’d been outdanced in his own genre. Amy “owned the routine” and was “amaaaaazing”, “exquisite” and “fantastic”. Bonnie thought the routine “was in a class of its own” and “just the best ever”. She was “entranced” by Amy and disagreed with Jason’s assessment of Damien. She had seen a man not a boy. Matt agreed that he was “very masculine” but warned him not to just tell us what he thought we wanted to hear. He thought the routine was “Wow … wow … wow … wow-wow-wow-wow-wow” and that for Amy this was her “defining moment”. (Read why Jason Gilkison found it so rewarding to work with Amy & Damien on this routine) #7 Ben & Pania – Hunk of Krump Pania had been thrilled to pull Hip Hop from the hat but devastated to learn she was dancing a Krump routine – a style she’d never danced before. But with Nacho Pop pulling the strings, and hitting to “Show me the Money” by Petey Pablo, they wiled out and got one of the best crowd reactions of the night. Pania had said she wanted to hit like the boys and Matt said she had. He’d been nervous for Ben but he’d risen up and “got ghetto” on him. Bonnie felt Ben had grown “a new skin” and “reinvented” himself while Pania had given Australia an opportunity to get to know her better. She thought they’d “nailed it” but that Ben – the Jazz dancer – had been “just a little bit better”. Jason said their unison was “fantastic” and said that Ben physically had looked like a different person. It had been a “Nacho routine that went Pop”. #8 Lamb & Timomatic – All that jazz Having survived the Bottom 3, Lamb & Tim got the chance to win Australia over again with a Jazz routine by Squared Division to Kelly Clarkson’s “My life would suck without you”. Bonnie felt Lamb was putting the effort in but that it wasn’t necessarily coming across. She identified some technical flaws for her but felt Tim was “doing so good”. Jason said they had delivered a “Hip Hop Jazz” but that just showed they were putting themselves into everything they did. He warned Lamb to watch her line but thought they’d done a “great job”. Matt said this made it 8 fantastic routines on the night. Lamb was “really impressing” him even if she did have some technical flaws. Tim was “amazing”, had totally encompassed the character, and was becoming a more versatile dancer. “Congratulations to both of you”. Who won’t make Top 14? How do you separate those couples? There wasn’t a single low-light and some, like Amy, pushed their way into Top 10 calculations. It’s going to be close, so if you don’t want to see your favourite dancers in tears on Monday night, show them you care in the only way that really counts. VOTE!!!

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Aired - 23 February 2009

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In a tight vote, the unlucky bottom 3 were Stephen & Ash-Leigh, Lamb & Timomatic, and – in a huge shock – Loredo & Chanelle. All 6 produced desperate, spectacular dances for their lives – the “best ever” according to Jason Gilkison. Faced with a “very very hard decision”, the judges split their votes for both girls and guys, but ultimately the unlucky couple to miss out were Stephen & Ash-Leigh. Ash-Leigh said through teary eyes that she’d had “the most amazing experience” and had “learnt so much”. Then, in a breaking voice, Stephen implored our Top 16 to “kill it every week”. Did Australia get it right? Did the judges? Let us know by leaving your comments at the bottom of the article. Top 18 Tango with Jason Gilkison The show got off to an electric start with our Top 18 performing a sensational Tango, choreographed by the master himself, Jason Gilkison. “These guys are so fantastic to work with”, he said. Matt loves coming to work Monday because he gets to see our dancers demonstrate their collective talents but he was also nervous. “I just hope Australia has got it right”. Stephen & Ash-Leigh make Bottom 3 again The first 3 couples called up to hear the verdict were last week’s crowd favourites Penny & Charlie, last week’s judges’ darlings Kat & Danny, and Lamb & Timomatic. Penny & Charlie were the first to hear they were safe, then Lamb & Tim’s names were called. Were they in the clear too? No, they were first into the Bottom 3 – but both were “excited” to be dancing for their lives. Amy & Damien safe - Loredo & Chanelle in danger The next couples called to hear their fate were Loredo & Chanelle, BJ & Gianne and one of last week’s Bottom 3 couples, Amy & Damien. Would they be in our Bottom 3 again? No! They were safe, and instead it would be Loredo & Chanelle dancing for their lives. Lamb & Timomatic make 3 The final 3 couples called on stage were Talia & Emmanuel, Ben & Pania and the other remaining couple from last week’s bottom 3, Stephen & Ash-Leigh. After their much more encouraging comments last night, surely they were safe? No, they weren’t. But, again, Stephen put a brave face on it: “It’s going to be fun”. As the unfortunate dancers went backstage to prepare to dance for their lives, Nat announced what we all suspected – that BJ & Gianne had won the McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” moment from last night with their inspired nostalgic Debbie Ellis routine. After special guest, Cassie Davis, made her TV debut with chorey by Project Moda, the 6 dancers in jeopardy returned to the stage to perform – possibly for the last time on So You Think You Can Dance. The Ladies dance for their lives Lamb performed an “aggressive” routine because she had “amazed herself” and couldn’t wait to see what else she could do. Chanelle danced a “love story” with some spectacular moves that fulfilled her desire to “shine”. Ash-Leigh overcame her natural shyness to deliver a routine with “fire” and “sexiness”, giving herself every chance of being able to continue conquering her fears. The guys turn it on Now it was the turn of the guys. Tim rocked the house with his groundwork because if he left now it would be with “so much more to show”. Loredo started “in a shell” and then “burst out” to reveal who he was. Stephen produced a characteristically flamboyant routine dedicated to his mad cycling father. Jason G declared it the “best male dance for your life ever”. Was he talking about Stephen? Or the 3 guys? Matt said they could only work with what they had been given. Bonnie said “Great dancers would go home and great dancers would stay”. Jason C commended all the dancers for having “given your all”. As the judges retired to consider their verdict, the Chinese Martial Arts Dance spectacular Wind of Shaolin brought gasps of disbelief from the audience. Would the crowd soon be doing the same thing when the judges delivered their elimination decisions? The Verdicts The girls were called up. Jason Coleman said it had been “a very very hard decision”. In fact, the 4 judges had been in a “bit of a lock” and they’d had to go to a “count back”. Still, they couldn’t come to a unanimous decision. But “the journey ends tonight for you, Ash-Leigh”. As she’d said in her package, she had been “a fighter to the end” and she should be “proud to have reached this far”. The decision was even harder in relation to the guys. The judges had to consider their “whole journey” to this point. Jason then said he would send one dancer back to safety - the dancer staying was Timomatic. The Hip Hopper fell to the floor in relief, but Loredo and Stephen looked sick with anxiety. Jason said that he hated being in this position and sitting there gave him “chills”. But it was his job and the dream was ending for Stephen. Distraught but dignified, Stephen encouraged dancers who were “different” to “believe in what you think is great dancing”. Turning his attention to the teary Top 16, he said he wanted to “thank all you guys over there”. They had opened his eyes up to “so many things”. Then with the kind of emphatic gesture you’d expect from our freaky deaky Stephen, he said that those remaining had to “kill it every week”. Next up – Top 16 Of our remaining 8 couples, 3 have been exposed to the fearful experience of being in the Bottom 3. Will it drive Amy & Damien, Lamb & Timomatic, and Loredo & Chanelle to reach new heights? Will Penny & Charlie continue as favourites? Have Ben & Pania begun their run for the title? Watch our Top 16 on Sunday night at 7.30pm to find out.

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Aired - 23 February 2009

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After the shock departure of Jesse & Max, our Top 18 were painfully aware they could be just one bad performance from elimination – and it showed. Some stepped up while others faltered but the judges were divided on who had advanced and who had faded. The Bottom 3 is bound to be tight. If you want to save your favourites, you’ll need to vote! Judges agree to disagree Everyone loved Gianne & BJ’s Contemporary routine, and Ben seemed the unanimous choice for “best male partner” but after that opinions were as diverse as the genres danced. Loredo & Chanelle’s salsa wowed everyone – except Jason Coleman. Three judges felt Talia had dipped but Bonnie disagreed. Jason C thought Damien excelled while Amy disappointed but Jason G thought the opposite. If the experts can’t agree, how will Australia decide who deserves to make it through to our Top 16 #1 Kat & Danny – “The most difficult job"” While they pulled off some more spectacular lifts, Kat & Danny were unable to reach quite the same heights this week with an Aleeta Blackburn-choreographed Jazz/Disco routine. Guest judge Jason Gilkison felt they had “the most difficult job” this week but he’d “enjoyed every second of it”. Bonnie thought it was “absolutely great” but sensed Danny hadn’t been completely happy and encouraged him to “work with your partner”. Matt thought they had great energy and looked “very comfy” together – an observation reflected in Danny’s blog this week. Jason C thought it was “really good stuff” but could see them preparing for their lifts “from the looks on your faces”. #2 Gianne & BJ – “Like dancing through fields of flowers” A few misplaced tassels aside, Gianne & BJ performed strongly last week and followed it up with a Debbie Ellis contemporary piece that seemed to win dance of the night award from both judges and the studio audience. Featuring a hat that could easily have caused concerns, the routine transported Matt back in time and he imagined them “dancing through fields of flowers”. Bonnie had been “nervous” about Gianne tackling the Contemporary genre but said “You are sunshine” and felt it was “just beautiful, beautiful, beautiful”. Jason C too had been surprised by Gianne, saying “Your line is more than I knew about you as a dancer” and thought BJ had been “light, lyrical and lovely”. In fact, he had “no faults at all with it” while Jason G felt it had been “mesmerising”. #3 Lamb & Timomatic – Fuelling the rumours Last week, Lamb & Timomatic had been so convincing with their romance, Bonnie and Nat were sure something was going on. According to Lamb's blog, they're not. Dancing to Ne-yo’s “Miss Independent”, the couple’s Cha Cha routine will only add fuel to the fire. Bonnie declared her “Miss Sultry Lamb” and felt they still looked “very cosy”. Jason C said connection was important and “you two have got that going on”. He queried whether it was a Cha Cha and Jason G said it was more of a “Reggaey Samba with a bit of Tango”. However that was not their fault but the “discrepancy” of the choreographer, Michael Glikman. He liked the way Tim used his “soft body” but was concerned that he “lost his personality” in the partner work. Lamb, however, could “transfer easily over to the Latin side” because she was “sexy, strong and sassy”. Matt also thought Lamb was a “verry verry sexy lady” and that they were “charismatic” but wanted “more attack”. #4 Stephen & Ash-Leigh – “Better news this week” Stephen and Ash-Leigh “copped a caning” last week and Matt was pleased to report he had “much better news this week”. Dressed in period costume and dancing a contemporary piece choreographed by SYTYCD old-boy Marko, these survivors from our first Bottom 3 finally found the chemistry that had been sadly lacking last week. Jason G liked their mix of “quirkiness” and “elegance” and Matt thought Stephen was “fantastic”. Bonnie felt Ash-Leigh had “gone so far forward” and Jason C thought there was “excellent commitment to that routine” and there was “nothing I can pick on”. Bonnie also felt that Stephen was a “fantastic partner” and Ash-Leigh agreed that he’d “helped me so much this week”. #5 Chanelle & Loredo – Magic or a “mess” Loredo was delighted to be injury-free coming into week 2 but their rapid-fire salsa chorey by Oliver & Luda had totally “freaked” Chanelle. However everyone seemed to think they had pulled off a spectacular success – except Jason C. Jason Gilkison could “not believe this is only the 2nd week” and said salsa dancers “spent a lifetime” trying to perfect what they just did. While Loredo had been sure that the audience would have eyes only for Chanelle’s hot pink “OMIGOD” dress, Jason G said he was “the stand out”. His “energy” and “rhythm” had been “sensational”, while Chanelle, he felt, needed to be careful not to “take the lead”. Matt thought it was one of the most difficult routines we’d seen this season and he had “totally bought it – amazing!!!”. Bonnie loved it – particularly an element where Chanelle fell onto Loredo’s heel and he flicked her up – which had taken 4 hours to perfect. The one dissenting voice was Jason C who thought it was “a bit of a mess” but Loredo had “come out of it better than Chanelle”, who had failed to hold her upper body. Who was right? Was it magic or a mess? #6 Amy & Damien – One was good but which one? Dancing to a Hip Hop routine by Travers Ross, Amy & Damien were both way out of their element. The choreographer had been “pretty worried” in rehearsals but Matt was again pleased to report “better news”. “There was nothing contrived” about Amy’s performance and he’d absolutely “loved it” but warned Damien to finish off his moves. Bonnie thought Amy looked “sensational” and that they’d done “a really good job” considering it was out of their world. But the two Jasons – for the second dance in a row – had wildly divergent views. Jason C thought Damien had done “nice work” but had wanted Amy to “go harder” whereas Jason G thought Damien had been “a little contrived” and “annoying” while Amy had been a “powerhouse”. Not only was she sexy – her sexiness had “subtlety”. Who was right? Mr C or Mr G? #7 Ben & Pania – Good News and Bad News Ben & Pania moved into a more tender space this week with a Rumba by Brendon Humphreys. Bonnie loved the music – Cyndi Lauper’s take on “Walk on By” – and the way Ben “held those moments” but had good news and bad news for Pania. She is a “great dancer” but “Australia doesn’t actually know you yet”. Jason C was concerned there was “no joy” in this “dance of love” but Pania explained it was about two people who can’t be together. He felt that the “toughest Hip Hop chick” had been on an “amazing journey” and had watched her a lot - which was a credit to Ben because that is “the job of a good male partner”. Jason G said the Rumba was more “the dance of lust” and declared Ben “the best partner in this whole competition”. Matt agreed: “All the girls that get to dance with you should feel very very lucky”. He also felt Pania was “the one to watch for this competition”. #8 Penny & Charlie – Flying High Penny & Charlie were always facing an uphill battle to match last week but their frisky pilot and hostie Jazz routine still managed to maintain their crowd favouritism. Jason C thought Charlie was “fantastic” and that he’d shown his Jazz training while Penny had revealed her “lack of core strength”. Jason G said it hadn’t had the impact of last week because “I could see you thinking” but their “infectious personalities” had made it “wonderful to watch”. Matt encouraged Penny to find more “light and shade” but felt the routine had been “all about Charlie”. Bonnie warned Charlie that during the Bob Fosse elements he needed to be “as masculine as you are”. #9 Talia & Emmanuel – “Fingers crossed” With a Hip Hop routine by Nacho Pop, Emmanuel was on home turf while ballerina Talia couldn’t have been more out of her element – and, according to three of the judges, it showed. Jason G thought Talia had a “brilliant grasp of technique” but she had to learn “how to deconstruct yourself”. Matt had never felt Talia had looked like a ballerina trying to cope with other genres – until now. Emmanuel was “great” once he got into his character but Matt had been “watching Talia with my fingers crossed”. Bonnie disagreed, feeling that this “wonderful ballet dancer” had relaxed into it and that Emmanuel had such “wonderful charisma”. Jason C had been unconvinced by the routine, feeling that “nerves got the better of Talia” and he had “musicality issues” with Emmanuel. He wasn’t “sitting in the music” and that was now “two weeks in a row”. Who will stay? Who will go? The Top 18 performances were much more even than the first week of the Finals, ensuring that the voting will be incredibly tight. Absolutely no couple is safe and if you want to ensure your dancer’s jaw doesn’t drop like Jesse’s did last week, you need to show the love and vote.

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Aired - 17 February 2009

Episode summary:

When the polls closed at 7.15pm, Australia had decided that the bottom 3 couples were Amy & Damien, Stephen & Ash-Leigh and Max & Jesse - and these six talented performers then had to dance for their lives. The judges’ decision was not unanimous but ultimately they said a reluctant farewell to the feisty Max & the popular Jesse. We now have our Top 18. Jesse was the first to learn his fate and looked shocked – his jaw visibly dropping. However, Nat said “we love you” and Jesse said that he’d had a “fantastic time” and “it was a shame to have to go”. Jason then told Max that she was the unfortunate dancer who would be leaving with Jesse. Nat asked whether it was hard to be the first to go but Max said "it would hurt no matter when it happened" but she “loved those guys”. Jason said the process had been “nerve-wracking”, Bonnie said it was “sad” but Matt said it was a reminder that “this is a competition”. The show opened with our Top 20 performing another fabulous Kelley Abbey Jazz routine - and Emmanuel doing an amazing headstand - but there was no getting away from the fact that we were here to send two dancers home. Matt was “really nervous” and Bonnie said that on the basis of last night’s show you’d have thought the couples "had been dancing together for 10 weeks". Jason thought it was pretty clear who the bottom 2 couples would be but was unsure who would join them. The first 3 couples called on stage were Penny & Charlie, who had been the “pop routine” of Sunday night, Chanelle & Loredo who’d survived a fall and Stephen and Ash-Leigh who had been Jason’s “low light”. It came as no great surprise when Stephen & Ash-Leigh were invited to dance for their lives but Stephen was “pumped”. The next 4 couples to learn the public’s verdict were Talia & Emmanuel whose characterisations had won over Bonnie, Lamb & Timomatic who “had something going on”, Amy & Damien whom Matt had thought were “contrived” and Kat & Danny who had been Jason’s “favourite routine” of the entire Top 20. Again, Amy and Damien must have known they would be joining the bottom three because she was “so ready”. Last to discover the nation’s judgement were Ben & Pania who had provided a “fantastic start”, Gianne & BJ who had performed the “best quickstep ever”, and Max & Jesse whose routine had been “disjointed”. Jesse knew he’d performing for his life and Max would be joining him. Australia had done their job. Now it was up to the dancers – and the judges. After Grammy-nominated Sam Sparro performed ”21st Century Life” live with our Top 20, the 3 men returned to perform the most important solos of their lives. Stephen was as flamboyant as expected, giving us an homage to his dance roots in Dame Edna glasses which “felt amazing”. Damien performed an energetic routine “for a very special girl” which he thought was “awesome”. Jesse was feeling “vulnerable” but said it was good to get up and show what he could do. Matt thought they’d been “so varied” but “had they done enough?” Ash-Leigh wanted to dispel that idea that she had no emotion by dancing a sexy number in an equally provocative dress. Amy chose to just be herself because she did “me really well” and Max just chose to “have fun”. Bonnie had been “surprised” Amy was in the bottom 3, said Max had been a “tough cookie” and that Ash’s solo was “great”. As Sydney Dance Company performed an excerpt from Rafael Bonachela’s cutting edge work “360°”, the judges retired to make their difficult verdict. When they returned, Damien, Stephen and Jesse were called on stage to hear whether they would survive beyond the first week of the competition. Jason said they had been “brave” to put themselves in this environment and told them the decision had not been unanimous – but that Stephen could sit down. He was safe. That left Damien and Jesse - who was a far more seasoned dancer. So when Jason said that the dancer whose dream was ending would be Jesse, the Hip Hopper from Sydney was not the only one whose jaw dropped. A class act, he said Dance had taught him to "have fun, keep it real and to chase those dreams”. Now it was the turn of the ladies. Jason said his fellow judges had a lot of pride in their roles, and a "huge responsibility" so he didn’t want to prolong the agony for these fabulous talents. “It’s you, Max”. Nat said it had been a rollercoaster for Max and her farewell package captured it all – her failure in Sydney, her ticket in Brisbane and her triumph on the Green Mile. She’s been a huge personality and we’ll miss her. Jason said he hated making that decision and it had got him “all sweaty”. Bonnie said that the dancers had become like family but ultimately it was a competition to find Australia’s favourite dancer - and there could “only be one winner”. If you want that winner to be your favourite, you’ll need to vote!!! Next up – Top 18 Our surviving dancers have the advantage of retaining their partnerships and tackling fresh choreography this Sunday night in our Top 18 episode. Will Penny & Charlie hit the same heights? Will Stephen & Ash-Leigh rebound from their near-death experience? Don’t miss it – Ten Sunday 7.30pm

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Aired - 15 February 2009

Episode summary:

With an electric build-up, our quest to find Australia’s favourite dancer began in earnest with our Top 20 pairing off and performing for the very first time. After a late scare for Loredo, there were standout performances from Danny & Kat and clear crowd favourites, Penny and Charlie – while Amy had to apologise to her Dad for her barely-there cossie. Top 20 Couple #1: Pania & Ben Hip Hopper Pania was matched with professional Jazz dancer Ben and their first routine was a Contemporary piece to The Presets’ “Talk like that” choreographed by Marko from our First Season Top 20. Matt said it was a “fantastic start” and great to see a contemporary routine that wasn’t “sad and soppy”. Bonnie loved their floorwork, and Jason said there was “no doubt” in their lifts. He encouraged Pania to let go of her doubts. “You scored, darlin’”. Top 20 Couple #2: Talia & Emmanuel In a contrast of styles, Brisbane ballerina Talia was paired with Hip Hopper Emmanuel from Orange and first up they would be dancing a Cha Cha routine crafted by the master himself, Jason Gilkison. Bonnie found Emmanuel to be “Cha-cha-charming” and commended the “gorgeous” Talia on her “neat” footwork. Jason said Emmanuel “was ballistically good” despite not getting all the moves, while Matt thought Talia’s “extensions and kicks” were just amazing. Top 20 Couple #3 – Lamb & Timomatic Perth’s Lamb was paired with Timomatic who is also from the West – West Africa. They performed a Lyrical piece by Travers Ross to the evocative “Rainbow” by Elisa. Jason said there was “a lot of feeling” but worried whether it would translate to those at home and Matt had the same concerns. Bonnie felt there was something “going on” between the two dancers and Nat agreed – “There is so something going on in this room!”. Top 20 Couple #4 – Amy & Damien Star of Top 100 week, Amy, drew the Broadway dance genre and must have been concerned when partner Damien asked, “What’s Broadway?”. She danced in a costume so revealing that she felt she had to apologise to her father: “Sorry, Dad. I’m a bit nude”. Matt found the Adam Williams routine “a little old fashioned” and that Damien had looked “strained” with the lifts. Bonnie said they’d used their personalities to win over the audience while Jason commended Damien on a “really good job”. He said Amy’s kicks were “powerful”, her “line was incredible” and she had totally owned it. Top 20 Couple #5 Ash-Leigh & Stephen Country girl Ash-Leigh grew up in Bunbury while partner “freaky deaky” Stephen likes to bring an “animalistic” flavour to his dance. They danced the Rumba – home turf for Ash - with Chorey by Sandro Catalano that featured a big pash at the finale. Bonnie thought that Ash doing the Rumba would be brilliant but “it just lacked togetherness”. She felt Stephen had “held it together” and got her “growth award” for the night. Jason found it “contrived” and criticised Ash’s leg extensions. “This is the low light of the evening for me. I’m sorry”. Matt agreed, saying it had looked “a bit amateurish”. Top 20 Couple #6 Penny & Charlie “Angry cheerleader” Penny considers herself “the underdog” while partner Charlie from Dubbo is keen to see “how far a country boy can go.” With chorey by Tiana Joubert, they played Hip Hop vampires to Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” and totally rocked the house. Nat said it was “the best response” they’d had and Jason said it might have been the ‘pop’ routine of the night”. He was worried when he saw they were going to try to outdo one of the best video dance clips ever made but they had totally pulled it off. Matt was similarly enthusiastic: “OMIGOD – That was hot, hot, hot, amazing!!!” and Bonnie absolutely agreed, saying they were “personality A plus”. Jason thought Penny & Charlie had given the other couples two reasons to be worried – they had delivered a “kick-arse” routine and they were “the most likeable characters in the competition”. Top 20 Couple #7 Kat & Danny Hip Hopper Kat was matched with Danny from Broken Hill and their first assignment was to dance something that was right up Danny’s alley – a Contemporary piece by Debbie Ellis. It was set to Angelo Badalamenti’s “LLorando”, which is a version of Roy Orbison’s hit, ‘Crying” – but with no music, only lyrics - and they’re in Spanish! Matt felt it was a “beautiful” first performance that really drew him in but warned Kat not to catch flies with her mouth. Bonnie said she had “totally believed” in their performance and that Kat had a “wonderful way”. Jason said Danny’s technique was “totally sick” and this was his “favourite routine of the night”. Top 20 Couple # 8 – Max & Jesse Popular Max was paired with fellow Hip Hopper Jesse and their first routine was a playful piece by Shaun Parker that had them playing “Rock Paper Scissors” to MGMT’s “Kids”. Unfortunately, it “wasn’t playful enough” for Bonnie but Jesse had done better than Max. Jason said that instead of going wild, the audience had gone “mild”. He “didn’t buy” the acting but thought Jesse’s work was “clean and crisp”. Max’s line in the lifts was “way under” because she had “no core strength” and coming in and out of the lifts was “really sloppy”. Matt felt it “just wasn’t a ‘pop’ routine”. Top 20 Couple #9 - Gianne & BJ Brazilian Gianne was paired with BJ – real name William – whose mother had enrolled him in dance classes to help him overcome shyness. Dancing on national television should complete the cure. They danced the Quickstep to a routine by Leeanne Bampton. Jason loved the snake through the legs at the start – “very smooth” – and was a “big fan” of BJ’s. It was one of Matt’s “favourite routines of the night” and he said Gianne was “joyous” . Bonnie found it “rewarding” to see two people from last season’s Top 40 back performing together, while Jason concluded by saying it was “the best quickstep we’ve ever had on the show”. Top 20 Couple #10 – Chanelle & Loredo Former rhythmic gymnast Chanelle missed out on the Olympics by a hair’s breadth but looked thrilled to be paired with Loredo who left Jamaica to perform in “Lion King”. They were to dance a Jazz routine by Project Moda that was inspired by the controversial film, “Clockwork Orange” and required them to attack one another with baseball bats. It involved a radical new lift called “the slinky” but unfortunately during rehearsals Loredo had fallen 3 times, badly injuring his neck. At one point, it looked like he might not be able to perform but he got the all-clear, took off his neck brace and went on stage to perform their routine – minus the slinky. Dancing to Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face”, they didn’t miss a beat. Matt couldn’t tell that Loredo was injured, nor that anything was missing, and thought they’d done a “great job”. Bonnie loved the chorey and so did Jason because it wasn’t just about dancing – “It was about entertainment”. He didn’t miss the slinky and thought Chanelle was dancing so much better than last year. “Fantastic, both of you!”. Vote for your favourites – or risk losing them! The sad thing is that two of these fabulous 20 dancers will be going home tomorrow night. Vote for your favourites or risk not seeing them here next Sunday!

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Aired - 12 February 2009

Episode summary:

Of our 50 remaining dancers, 10 would be cut after Jason Gilkison’s African Samba challenge, leaving 40 nervous dancers to await their fate at the end of the Green Mile. The tears started early and didn’t stop – as dancers discovered whether they were in our Top 20 – or had to try again next year. The biggest shock was Christian not even making Top 40. Gabriel made the cut but then tragically injured himself. The judges had to break the hearts of Don and Jamie but brought tears of joy to Penny, Loredo and Chanelle. Max made it – though her tongue almost cost her again - while slipping under the radar was Amy – named Top Female dancer of Top 100 week. Look out! Jason Gilkison’s African Samba Dance Challenge Last year, Henry and Vanessa delivered one of the best performances of the season with a Jason Gilkison choreographed African Samba. Our final 50 had to try to match them, knowing that 10 would be cut heartbreakingly close to the Green Mile. Penny and Charlie get off on the wrong foot Ballroom was a huge leap for Penny and Charlie and their hearts were in their mouths when Nigel said they’d started the routine on the wrong beat – and stayed that way. Luckily their second take was better – and they were part of our Top 40. Ann Maree and Eli take the charisma by-pass Bonnie said she loved the charisma of Ann Maree and Eli, but wondered whether they’d worked well as a couple? Yes, they had. They were through. Gabrielle and Renee know their left from their right Jason G said it was fantastic to see Gabriel back after his literally bone-jarring departure last year. Gabe felt he’d grown exponentially and the judges agreed. He and Renee – not the dyslexic one – had made it to the last stage. Christian gets cut We ran a poll about who was guaranteed to make Top 20 and Christian received nearly half the votes. So it came as a huge shock when Jason Gilkison said he wouldn’t even make Top 40. Jason 2 said that Christian was “exceptional” but that he hadn’t brought the same quality to his partner work. Christian took the bad news graciously, saying he’d had the “best time of my life” and that we’d see him again, “Somewhere huge”. David – Confusing confidence and arrogance David talked up his chances in the Samba, saying that he and his partner were “two hot people so it should be a hot dance”. Nigel didn’t feel the warmth and David wouldn’t make the Green Mile. Hilton’s brother felt that the judges had mistaken his confidence for arrogance but if that was the case, most of Australia had made the same misjudgement. Heath hobbles through, Amy flies under the radar Jason G had been told that Heath was struggling with a bad ankle and that Amy had been flying under the radar. This was a concern because they needed dancers who stood out. Jason had been told all this – and found it hard to believe. He thought they’d both been fantastic – and worthy of our Final 40. A celebration cut short It was no surprise that the 40 dancers who’d made it this far would want to leap for job. Unfortunately for Gabriel, his celebration would stop him going any further. He’d leapt onto a beanbag but missed and hit the rock hard floor. He initially felt it wasn’t serious, but he was to be cruelly disappointed. Top 40 Final Solos – and Gabriel’s teary farewell The dancers had just one last chance to impress before the judges decided their Final 20. But the first dancer up was Gabriel – on crutches. He’d torn his sartorius muscle and would be taking no further part. “How do you feel?” asked Jason C. “Crushed” said Gabriel before breaking down completely. Jason said Gabe had had a “really solid week” and that if he didn’t show up in Brisbane next year, he’d come and hunt him down. Showing how much he had grown in the last year, Gabe said that it had been “a pleasure to meet them all”, and told them to “Rip it up!”. Class act. Some like Amy and Danielle did just that, delivering what Jason said were “ballistically” good solos but others let themselves down at the worst possible moment. Matt was especially underwhelmed by Loredo and Nigel said that if Philippe’s routine was dance then he would give up the business. Ouch! Green Mile – the end of the line It was finally here: decision time. After a torturous Top 100 week, 40 dancers could congratulate themselves on having survived this far but only half would get the cigar. Who was in and who was out would be revealed on the Green Mile. Don the Entertainer disappointed First up was Don who would probably have won the People’s Choice Award for most loveable guy. He’d had an amazing journey, said Bonnie, progressing further than he had last year. But, this year he’d go no further. “You are so entertaining”, said Jason. “Go away, add some strings to your bow, and come back not as a hip hop dancer, but as a dancer”. Don said he’d take the advice and “maybe smoke it next year”. But through his brave smile, you could tell that his big, beautiful heart had been broken in two. Ash-Leigh and Dannial – one partner misses out Dannial wasn’t going to audition for Dance but thought he might as well take a crack and had almost made it. Almost but not quite. The judges had room for just one of them, and Ash-Leigh, his fiancée, was to be the first member of our Top 20. Charlie’s personality goes walkabout Matt thought our boy from Dubbo had had a strong week but that he didn’t show enough personality. This was news to the viewing public – Charlie had seemed like a total character. Matt was worried that no-one would vote for him - but they were willing to take that chance. Charlie was through to Top 20. “Oh, my heaven”, he said, before racing off to call his Mum. Heath and Gemma miss out Heath was also now on crutches – he’d been dancing on a broken foot – but there was to be no spot for him in any event. Bonnie felt that Gemma was “a winner” in everything she did. But this was not her year. Put money on her making it next year. Philippe, Brenton and Nina miss out Philippe didn’t make the cut because he “lacked the right foundation”, Brenton had done some fantastic work but “it wasn’t going to be his year”, while Nina had proved herself more than a cheerleader – but not enough to force herself into our finalists. Penny the angry cheerleader gets a reason to smile From the moment she dispensed with her pom-poms in Melbourne, Penny has had a special place in our hearts. But would her lack of versatility count against her? Not a bit. “You are so in our Top 20” said Bonnie. “I love her!”, said Jason. Don’t we all. Brazilian Gianne goes one better Last year Gianne had gone oh, so close. This year had been huge already. She’d got married for starters. Bonnie told her that she should go tell her husband that his wife had made Top 20. If Gianne hadn’t already won their approval, her celebration dance would have clinched it. She’ll shake up the competition – literally. Lamb gets second time lucky Lamb was another who had returned after failing in Season 1. Matt said that she’d improved in the last 12 months and that they were all going to be “having Lamb for dinner”. At least on Sunday nights. She’s in our Top 20. Danny gets teased Jason thought that between Danny’s audition solo and Final 40 solo, the judges had forgotten what he was capable of. This was a bit of a worry. But the boy from Broken Hill was through. “You cheeky bugger”, he told Jason. Ben’s still alive Ben’s danced with Hugh Jackman on The Boy from Oz. Yet, Top 100 Week had taken him to new places. “It’s been like Opening Night every 2 hours. I feel alive and privileged to be able to do this”. The judges were unanimous. Ben totally deserves a shot at the title of Australia’s favourite dancer. Leigh-Anne, Sally and Melanie miss out Nigel said Leigh-Anne had brought a ”maturity” to the group chorey but Jason couldn’t find a spot for her in the Finals. Nor one for Sally. Melanie had been good in all genres but had failed to shine in her own discipline, Jazz. “You needed to stand out”. That’s why she’ll have to try again next year. Will Pania and Emmanuel be separated? Would Pania and Emmanuel’s relationship survive the stress of just one of them achieving national celebrity? We’ll never know. They’re both in. Pania was thrilled but Emmanuel was overcome. He’d wanted to be cool – “be the tough man” – but making Top 20 got the better of him. He cried like a baby. Inseparable best mates, Jesse and Stephen Jesse and Stephen are best mates but that would be tested if just one of them made it. Matt said Stephen had done a solid job, but “needed to learn to take direction”. Was there room for both of them? Yes, there was. “Why scare us like that?” It’s my job, said Matt. Jamie misses by millimetres When she saw video of herself, Jamie cried. “I can’t believe that’s me.” She’d been totally overwhelmed last year but had come back and won over the judges. “I’m a big fan of yours”, said Matt. “So it breaks my heart to tell you it’s not your year.” It can never be easy to tell a dancer they haven’t made it but you got the sense this one hurt more than most. Dad’s legs carry Sammy far Surprise packet of the competition had been 18 year-old Sammy from Adelaide, who Jason had said was “unemployable”. However the legs she inherited from her father had carried her within a whisker of the Finals. She broke down but insisted they weren’t tears of sadness. She’d had a ball and would be back. Loredo gets lucky Loredo had disappointed Matt with his final solo and must have been a bundle of nerves. Wearing lucky red, he heard Bonnie say he was a fabulous dancer, and she loved his look. But was he right to be in their Top 20? Abso-bloody-lutely!!! Damien gets his ticket to the ball He’d already suffered the pain of losing partner Jessica. Would Australian junior ballroom dancing champion Damien suffer the same fate? It looked like it. Jason said he should leave feeling proud. So Damien did - before Jason called him back to welcome him to the Top 20. YES!!!!! Chanelle’s back better than ever The cheerleader who’d defied her doctor to join Top 100 week wowed the judges when she walked in with her purple dress, high heels and gorgeous smile. Jason said it had been a joy having her on the show – and hoped she enjoyed the rest of it. She’s in. She’s going to break some hearts this one. Pray her back holds up! Timomatic struggles to stay cool Green Mile nerves can crack the coolest customer – and Timomatic’s normal sangfroid was shot to bits. He needn’t have worried. He’s through. Separating Danielle and Amy The judges loved both Jazz dancers, Danielle and Amy, but could take only one. There was just a hair between them. Unfortunately, it wasn’t Danielle’s year – but Amy was in for the ride of her life. Not only had she made it - she was their unanimous choice as the strongest female dancer of the week. “You were on fire!”, said Jason. 4 spots remain – Is Talia’s name on one of them? Talia could feel herself starting to shake as she walked down the Green Mile. “This verdict could change your life”. How had she enjoyed the week? “I haven’t had this much fun dancing in a long time”. The fun is set to continue. This ballerina is in. “I’m going to be on TV. I watch TV. I don’t perform on TV”. Mack misses out Candidate for father of the year, Mack had improved immensely since last year but not quite enough. If he keeps it up, next year could be third time lucky. Kat beats Michelle for second last woman Michelle was crying even before the judges delivered their verdict – perhaps because she knew they would find Kat’s charms entirely irresistible. The 18 year old Katrina raced off to phone her best friend and her Mum – fortunately for her it would take just one call. BJ scrapes in ahead of Eli Second season veteran, Eli, was “the most improved dancer in the competition”, but it wasn’t enough to hold off BJ from claiming the last male spot in our Top 20. Bonnie had said last year that BJ “would be a star. Let’s hope you’re a star this year”. And then there was one – Ann Maree or Max? Who would get the last spot out of the 2 besties, Ann Maree and Max. Jason wanted to know what Max had done differently this year? “I found out who I am”. Jason said he wasn't the nasty guy she thought he was. “I don’t think you’re nasty. I just think everyone has a nasty streak.” You still haven’t quite mastered this diplomacy thing, have you, Max? The judges thought Ann Maree had done an incredible job in losing 20kg, but the final place in our Top 20 was going to her mate, Max. “You made me cry”, said the tough little Hip Hopper. “You haven’t made me cry all week”. With that our Top 20 was complete!

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Aired - 09 February 2008

Episode summary:

As our last 70 dancers collaborated overnight on group chorey, some rose to new heights while others fought, many faltered, and the foolish chose to vent their frustration on the judges. By Episode’s end, 50 faced the daunting prospect of mastering Jason Gilkison’s African Samba to make Wed night’s Final Top 20. The first major climax of Season 2 is in sight. Highlights of Top 100 Week Part 2 were commanding performances from Loredo, born-again lady Lamb, and hot ballerina Talia. Stephen clashed with Damien, series favourite Christian hung on by the skin of his teeth, and we saw the last of Omar, Drumstick and dyslexic Renee. Carlo won’t match sister Demi this year, while Max’s brother Sisqo would still be with us – if only he’d just kept his big mouth shut. Aching for Gianne, glued to Gemma The second phase of Top 100 Week kicked off with more dancers facing the 3rd dance challenge of Sarah Bolter’s chorey. Brazilian Gianne looked like she’d come to the end of the road when Jason said “I don’t know how to say this … “, but he was teasing. “I a-a-ache for you”, he said. “You’re doing such a good job." Bonnie told ballerina Gemma, “I couldn’t take my eyes off you”. She wasn’t the only one. Carlo sent back to school Demi’s brother, Carlo, had reached a similar stage last year and Jason Coleman wanted to know what technical classes he’d done since then. None, said Carlo. “You just answered why I’m sending you home”, said Jason. Carlo said he came back this year to make it clear that he wasn’t just Demi’s brother. How could he have hoped to do that without lifting his game technically? Sisqo blows it big time The most sensational moment of Top 100 Week Part 2 was Sisqo seizing defeat from the jaws of victory. Matt asked him a simple question – had he done enough to go through? Sisqo said, “Oh, yeah” just a little too arrogantly. Any doubt? Not at all, said Sisqo, continuing down a dangerous path. Nigel wanted to know what classes he’d done since last year. Sisqo said he taught classes six nights a week. Had he taken any? A couple. This is where things went seriously wrong for Sisqo. Jason Coleman, who had the famous confrontation with Sisqo’s sister, Max, in the Sydney auditions of Ep 1, took up the line of questioning. “Twice?”, he asked. “Yeah, twice, maybe twice, don’t say ‘twice’” – and here Sisqo mimicked Jason. Oh, dear. The other dancers – including sister Max – cringed. This was so not smart. “See how far that gets you”, said Jason. Nigel continued to question Sisqo, in a very calm manner, to find out what he had been doing to develop himself but Sisqo kept butting in and eventually the show’s creator exploded: “Shut up and listen!!! That’s your problem – you don’t listen.” Jason then dropped the bombshell. The panel had brought Sisqo up to tell him that he was going through but now Jason thought there should be an opportunity for a re-vote. How would each of them vote now? Bonnie? Yes. Matt? Yes. Nigel? It had been a yes, now it was a no. Sarah? Sorry, said choregrapher, Sarah Bolter. I’m a no as well now. Which left Jason. No, he said. “You’re going home, mate. Thanks for coming.” In the history of So You Think You Can Dance, can you think of any competitor who has blown their chances so spectacularly? If you can – or if you think that Sisqo was unfairly treated - let us know in the Comments below. Group Chorey Challenge As the dancers were still coming to grips with the drama that had just unfolded, they now had to get their heads around their next dance challenge – and it was a doozey. Split into 12 groups, they had to choose a track and choreograph their own routine – overnight. In the morning, they would be dancing to stay in the competition. BJ and Emmanuel shine Even though they’d been up until 4am rehearsing, the first group up totally nailed it. Season 2 veteran BJ cleverly chose to use the classically trained members of the group to frame resident Hip Hopper Emmanuel and it worked a treat. Matt said the routine had structure, while Nigel said it had “intelligence”. Big brownie points to BJ and Emmanuel. Omar messes up Previously homeless Omar had only been dancing for a year, and here it showed. He took a lead hand in the chorey that Nigel said was “horrible” and Jason described as “messy”. Jamie regretted not taking control but she, Charlie and Gianne would survive. However, someone had to take the fall, and unfortunately that meant farewell Omar. Renee’s left right out Chronic dyslexic Renee won hearts when she told us how she’d fought to overcome what is a huge disability for a dancer. But we won’t get the chance to get better acquainted. Nigel said she had “overperformed” in her group’s routine and this was the end of the road. Loredo makes his mark There are several reasons why Loredo leaves a lasting impression but here he established himself among the top tier of the competition by donning a top hat and totally commanding his bevy of female dancers. Lamb also stepped out from her Hip Hop persona by donning a sexy red dress and high heels. “I’m a lady”, she said. “You look hot”, said Jason more pointedly. Big performance from Ben Classically trained Ben had been criticised by Jason for an audition that was “stuck to the ground”. Here he choreographed a performance for his group that lifted off the Carriagework's roof. Suddenly he looked like a player but Leigh-Anne had also advanced her standing by displaying what Nigel said was a rare “maturity”. Christian’s brush with mortality The general consensus from the forums has been that Christian was the outstanding dancer of the auditions. Having worked with Mia Michaels, he should have found the Top 100 a walk in the park but here he almost took a bullet. Their routine was so busy, Matt was “waiting for the kitchen sink to come along”. Aston would pay the ultimate price but Christian, Sammy, Jesse and Kat had all stared death in the face. David steps it up, Talia stands out Hilton’s brother, David, won few friends in the last episode with his swaggering attitude but the bollocking seemed to have the desired effect. Bonnie felt he’d really “knuckled down” and he wasn’t going home. Unfortunately, Jay was. The big story in this group however was the totally mesmerising performance of 18-year old ballerina, Talia. “A standout”, said Matt. “You were hot”. Jason added, “Ballet dancers aren’t meant to be able to kick like that”. Gabe gets nervous The group containing Gemma, Amy, Gabe and Eli had been up until 5.30am rehearsing their routine but the judges felt they’d done a great job. Nigel singled out Amy, saying she had "something special up there". Eli too had done "really well". They were all going through but it wasn’t all good news for one-time wall-puncher Gabe. Nigel said that he felt there was a “nervous” barrier between them – which will be making Gabe very nervous indeed. Can he overcome this to make the finals? Drumstick beats a reluctant retreat With three highly accomplished dancers in Heath, Ash-Leigh and Chanelle, this group should have had a rails run into the next round. But they failed to accommodate their lone Hip Hopper in Drumstick and the lack of cohesion left the judges cold. Strangely, the price would be paid by the guy they left behind. Drumstick is gone. Does that seem fair to you? Tell us what you think in the comments. Stephen clashes with Damien One of the characters who shone like a star in the Sydney auditions was Stephen – who described his dance style as “freaky deaky”. He’s a big personality and when you put him in a hotel room with fellow alpha male, Damien – in a physically drained and sleep-deprived state – sparks will fly. Ultimately, Damien conceded and allowed Stephen the run of the roost. Would he live to regret it? Not this time. The judges singled Damien out for special praise and he said that everything went well after he “shut up and took a back seat”. Damien had just been doubting himself, said Stephen. They all went through but there are likely to be lingering tensions. The Samba Challenge some are bound to fail We were now down to 50 dancers. How would they decide who deserved to go all the way? The challenge that would separate the wannabes from the finalists was going to be the African Samba routine that was choreographed by Jason Gilkison – and danced so memorably by Henry and Vanessa in Season 1. Stephen said it was the hardest routine yet, the ballroom novices Charlie and Penny looked entirely clueless, while Christian and Gianne had to make a late change of partners because of a massive height difference. How could they hope to survive this and make the finals? Next up – Green Mile walk to decide our Top 20 We’re nearly there. Thousands started the journey, and soon only 40 will remain to have their fate determined at the end of the already legendary Green Mile. What awaits them? A cruel no, or a ticket to their dreams? Watch Wednesday night’s Green Mile episode to find out. TEN. Wed. 7.30pm. Have your say! Was Sisqo a goose or hard done by? Should Drumstick have taken the fall for his group’s failure? Are you sorry to see Renee go? Who floated your boat and who do you hope will sink without trace? Let us know in the comments below.

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Aired - 09 February 2008

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If the dancers felt elation at having reached our Top 100, they came back to earth with a thud. The surprise appearance of show creator Nigel Lythgoe was countered by the shock departures of early favourites Forever and “Baywatch-hot” Andrea. Hilton’s brother David copped a kick up the behind and Emmanuel, Don and Drumstick had to dance for their lives if they were to make Monday’s Top 40 ep. Bodies are breaking down and we’ve only just begun. Welcome to our Top 100 – and Nigel Lythgoe The sight of show creator Nigel Lythgoe stepping from a limo brought home the fact that this was no dream. They really were appearing on the world’s premier dance program. Nigel said the judges “weren’t just looking for the best dancers, but for people who can become the best dancers.” They’d be set challenges by world-class choreographers and the judges would have 3 options: send them through, send them home or invite them to dance for their lives. Let the competition commence … First Top 100 challenge – Kelley Abbey Chorey The first challenge for our Top 100 was a Kelley Abbey Broadway Jazz piece from West Side Story. After this first challenge, 10% would be cut. Emmanuel feels the heat As expected the b-boys struggled and Emmanuel was the first to feel the heat. “Today, crapola”, said Jason. “I’m OK that you didn’t get the steps but you weren’t acting.” He’d have to dance for his life. Wild Rok crumbles Wild Rok, the b-boy who’d wowed us with his strength in Melbourne, looked all at sea here. “I had the chorey in my head but I just came on stage and – poof. Bit disappointed with myself”. He wasn’t the only one. He’d be dancing for his life too. Carlo dances in Demi’s shadow Hip Hopper Carlo made Top 40 last year but that pales by comparison to the achievements of his sister, Demi. Kelley said they expected better of a second season veteran – he was a dance away from elimination. Jet crashes No dancer had shown greater tenacity to reach the Top 100 than Jet. But, he wasn’t to last even a single day. “I fought for you”, said Bonnie. “I can’t fight for you any longer.” There was more bad news to come. We warmed to Jasmine in Sydney when she auditioned without telling her father. What we didn’t know was that Jasmine’s boyfriend was Jet. (Did Dad know? He does now.) Would Jasmine fare any better? Not this year. “I’m afraid we don’t think you’ve got the versatility for the competition.” Hugest shock of the night – Baywatch-hot Andrea bails Few made more of an impression during our auditions than “Baywatch-hot” Andrea. But on this very first day of competition she would be the most shocking exit. Andrea got lost in Kelley’s chorey, but instead of persisting she walked off. “Andrea, don’t leave!”, warned Jason, hoping to save one of his favourites. It was too late. “I’m sorry, darling”, said Nigel. “You committed the cardinal sin for me. You gave up.” The favourite of the competition – at least among a certain demographic – was gone. Couple hanging on the cliff’s edge Partners on and off the dance floor, Ash-Leigh and Dannial are able to support one another – which is lucky, because on this first day they were going to need it. “That wasn’t great, my friend”, said Jason C of Dannial. But he’d get a second chance. Ash-Leigh, if anything, was worse. “What happened out there?”, asked Bonnie. “I was just way out of my comfort zone today”. She too was “on the edge”. Dancing for their lives – Part 1 Five dancers now had to give the performances of their lives or face the prospect of performing their next dance in a suburban hall rather than on national television. With the guillotine poised over his head, Emmanuel delivered a rousing performance that brought cheers from competitors and raised arms from the judges. The boy from Orange was red-hot. Ash-Leigh and Dannial brought smiles to the judges’ faces, Carlo reminded them why he was there, and Wild Rok brought gasps of disbelief with moves that made him look like an inverted pretzel on steroids. Who would stay and who would go? Wild Rok skips town Jason told the b-boy that they were gob-smacked with his strength moves, but “Where was the musicality?”. Wild Rok has left the building. The good news was that the rest - Emmanuel, Ash-Leigh, Dannial and Carlo - were through to the next challenge. But there was no time to celebrate. At 10pm on Day 1 of Top 100 week, the next challenge was about to start. Top 100 Challenge 2 – Nacho Pop Chorey In walked Nacho Pop to teach a Hip Hop routine that should be “as cool as the other side of the pillow”. Romantic moves Hilton’s brother, David, flirted openly with Jessica, saying it was hard to concentrate on the chorey when his partner was so “perdy”. This inability to focus on the job in hand was about to cost him dearly. Emmanuel said he was pretty keen on Pania – before confessing that she was already his girlfriend. Pania & Jesse – teacher’s pets Out of the 90 dancers remaining, two had caught Nigel’s eye. The floor was cleared and Jesse and Pania took centre stage to show how Hip Hop was done. To be fair, they did have a head-start. Jesse runs classes in Hip Hop – and Pania is his pupil. These two can start thinking about the next challenge. Challenge 2 Verdict Postponed As it hit midnight on Day 1, the dancers had to pop to Nacho’s routine and convince the judges they deserved to stick around. But the judges needed more time. Some dancers would make it to Day 2 – but only just. Top 100 Day 2 The next day, Lamb was “extremely nervous” while David was supremely confident: “Yeah, well, I mean, I did well yesterday”. Boy, was he in for a rude shock. Don gets clubbed Hip Hopper Don is always good for a laugh but he didn’t have much to smile about today. “I felt like I was at the club”, he said, but the judges didn’t share his assessment. He was going to be dancing for his life. Kallyanne – Such is life Latin Ballroom dancer Kallyanne delivered one of the sexiest auditions of Dance 09. But her performance here hadn’t been strong enough. She was heading back to Perth having barely unpacked her bags. “I can’t talk” she said. Troy defeated Contemporary dancer Troy also exercised his return ticket a lot earlier than he’d hoped. “I am a good dancer”, he said between tears. “I wasted this opportunity”. David gets a kick up the rear Matt asked David how he’d gone the previous day and the “showman’ played to the crowd: “I just gave it my all, like I’m going to do throughout the competition … so watch out!”. Matt wasn’t amused and said the judges felt he wasn’t taking the competition seriously. David was “here to have a good time” but Matt said there was a fine line between “enjoying yourself and taking the piss”. Carriageworks fell silent. David wasn’t cutting any ice with the judges and he was going to have to dance for his life. What did you think about David’s attitude? Do you think he’s the coolest guy in the comp, or too clever by half? Have your say in the comments below. Joining David in the Dance of Death were Heath, Elen, Sammy, Gina, Drumstick and – here was another shock – Forever. The dancer who had been Jason’s favourite of all the auditions was now fighting to stay in the competition. Chanelle defies the Doc Bonnie felt Chanelle was doing “such a much better job than last year. Why was that?”. Chanelle has been training hard but she also wanted to prove her doctor wrong. He’d said that with her back she shouldn’t go past the Top 100. The further she went, the more that quack was going to have to eat his words. Dance Challenge 2 – Dancing for their lives When it was all on the line, Don delivered a performance that totally blew them away. Dancing to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, he looked like all Marx Bros rolled into one adorable character – bringing colour, comedy and some nifty moves. Forever reached into her make-up drawer again and gave us a comical British Bobby to the signature tune of Benny Hill. Was this as good as her original audition? For potentially his last stand, David stripped to the waist and - fortunately for him – seemed to be able to walk the walk as well as talk the talk. Heath rolled his ankle during his solo and had to put the joint on ice. Would his dream soon get the same treatment? Dance of Death 2 – The Verdicts Despite Heath’s accident, the judges were putting him through. Sammy, the performer from Adelaide who dances on her Dad’s legs, was also through. Thank goodness for that. She’s a total sweetheart. Not so lucky were Gina and Elen, the sad clown from Adelaide. Unfortunately now she really had something to cry about. Drumstick was staying but only just: “The decision wasn’t unanimous”. He was on notice. That left Don, David and Forever. Jason said that after Don’s routine they’d have to change the lyrics of that famous song to “He’s just a poor boy, everybody loves him”. His routine had floored them. But Jason wanted him to bring that same mojo to everyone else’s chorey. David’s progression wasn’t so clear-cut. The judges were still worried about his commitment and feared that he was unable to take criticism. He’s through – for now – but it was a close run thing. Jason Coleman loves Forever. He admires the way she connects with the character in her work. “But this is a dance contest and there wasn’t enough dance content”. It broke his heart, but he was letting her go. Another favourite had perished. Top 100 Dance Challenge 3 – Sarah Bolter Chorey There was no let-up. Our dancers now had to gather themselves for challenge 3 – a Lyrical Contemporary piece from Sarah Bolter. Walking wounded As if mastering the moves wasn’t tough enough, Oscar and Drumstick now tore their shoulder muscles. While Drumstick could continue to rehearse, Oscar was headed for hospital. Damien loses his partner When Damien and Jessica auditioned, they’d only known each other 3 weeks. Their relationship seems to have developed quickly – and not just on the dance floor. So Damien’s heart sank when Matt asked Jessica to come forward. “How would you feel if Damien progressed in the competition and you didn’t?, asked Matt. Jessica said she’d support him 100%. Matt paused. “It’s over today. Sorry, gorgeous”. Damien will miss her and so will we. Drumstick’s backward step Nigel confronted the last remaining group with a challenge: “Those who think they’re good enough to go through, take a step forward”. All did – though Don and Renee seemed to take a few more than the others. Nigel then asked Drumstick to take a step back, and asked all others to leave the stage. They were through. Great for them - but what about poor old Drumstick? Nigel said they never expected a Hip Hopper to master the chorey. But he totally had. They’d singled him out because he’d been fantastic. Drumstick, with his bung shoulder, had made it to Day 3! Next up – Top 40 Our dancers have done incredibly well to get this far but it doesn’t get any easier. The chorey gets tougher and the standard of those remaining gets ever higher. Who has the talent – and the mental toughness – to survive and make it into the Top 40? Watch Monday night’s episode and find out! TEN. Monday. 7.30pm.

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Aired - 05 February 2009

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Melbourne and Adelaide totally turned it on, delivering eye-popping routines, drop-dead good looks and heart-wrenching tales of trial and redemption. Our judges then had the unenviable task of deciding which gifted, worthy and entirely loveable dancers would not be joining our terrifyingly talented Top 100. Highlights of Ep 3 included the contortions of Wild Rok, the radiantly dyslexic Renee, and the return of Jet – hoping for third time lucky after failing in Sydney and Brisbane. Husband and wife Ash Leigh and Dannial scrapped over a ticket in Melbourne while best mates Victor and Paul did the same in Adelaide. Loredo told of abuse in his Jamaican homeland, Omar of being homeless at 15, and Victor of hoping to please his murdered Nigerian father. Providing the glamour were “Baywatch hot” Andrea, sexy ballerina Gemma, and radical cheerleader Penny, while “unemployable” Sammy didn’t let her father’s sturdy legs affect her radiant smile. Laughter, tears, spectacle – unmissable TV! Demi welcomes Melbourne Ep 3 kicks off in Melbourne with an inspirational speech from hometown hero and top 4 finalist, Demi. How had Dance affected her life? She couldn’t even get the words out. Her simple advice: “Just be fresh. And bring it”. Melbourne did as instructed. Wild Rok does what it says on the can You don’t expect a tattooed chunk of muscle called Wild Rok to live at home with his Mum. But his jaw-dropping b-boy routine dispelled any notions that he was a Mummy’s boy, doing things with his body that normally require surgical rectification. Matt said they were some of the craziest freezes he’d ever seen and Jason Gilkison wasn’t sure how he’d handle the Foxtrot, but Bonnie handed Wild Rok Melbourne’s first ticket to the Top 100. Jason C? He thinks they’ll eat him up. Duelling Husband and Wife – Ash-Leigh & Dannial “Gorgeous” Ash-Leigh totally wowed the judges, with Jason G saying she delivered everything he loved about ballroom. Jason C gave her a ticket straight to the Top 100 but supportive husband, Dannial, was sent to chorey: “We need to see if you can dance, fella”. Apparently he can. He’s joined his wife in the Top 100. Enigmatic Timomatic Nigerian-born Hip Hop artist Timomatic – or Tim to his mates – is entirely self-taught, a fact Jason Gilkison found almost impossible to believe. Jason C said he was head and popping shoulders above other dancers of his genre because he had “finesse and charisma”. Matt thought he might fall down in chorey, but when it came to Kelley Abbey’s late night moves, Timomatic was hydromatic and his selection automatic. But will he make it any further? Gemma the sexy ballerina Her ballet instructors have always told sexy 23 year-old Gemma to “tone it down a bit” but that’s never going to happen on So You Think You Can Dance. In her hot pink leggings, she mesmerised the judges. Loved it said Jason G. Stunning said Matt. You get my vote, said Bonnie. Jason C said dancers in the Top 100 needed to display versatility. With her ballet, jazz, tap and gymnastic experience, he thought she was probably qualified. A ticket to Sydney was hers. Introducing the world to Skysey dancing In the Army, Ben is known as Skysey and that is the name that he's given to his entirely original genre of dance. Showing few classical influences, the Skysey basically involves jumping around the room while looking like you’re stabbing yourself repeatedly with a knife. Whether this aggression has political overtones was not clear, but the judges made it very plain that the only way Ben would be getting to Sydney was by Army chopper. Do you enjoy dancing?, asked Bonnie. “I’m not real flash at it actually”, said Ben. Full marks for honesty. From Rugby League to the League of Champions When he was growing up, Hip Hop artist Jesse played Rugby League and wasn’t real keen when his Mum enrolled him in dance classes. It was only when he realised more girls danced than played Rugby League that he thought his Mum might be onto something. He made it to chorey - and he’s on his way back to the Rugby League heartland. Jesse is in our Top 100. “Baywatch hot” Andrea For 18-year old Andrea, this was her first face-to-face audition – but she made an immediate impression. “This girl is Baywatch hot” said Jason C. “Look at you, girlfriend. That smile, those eyes, that beautiful body – everything about you works. And I loved your dancing too. You’re the complete package for me, gorgeous. We need more of you.” Andrea said she wanted to show Australia what she’s got. Australia can’t wait. Lion King Loredo Growing up in Jamaica, Loredo suffered terrible verbal and physical abuse. It was only when he got a part in Australia’s Lion King that he was able to escape those creative confines and his inner pain finds expression when he dances. Jason C knew he was going to be good from the moment he looked up, and Jason G can’t wait to see his journey in the competition. With the racing stripe down the middle of his shaved head, Loredo is totally ready to rock the Top 100. Flexible flamboyant Danny from Broken Hill “You look … different”, said Bonnie, in a significant understatement. Danny is so different he makes Rhys look reserved and he must cause quite a stir when he walks down the main street of hometown Broken Hill. Jason G felt he “had everything. A great look. Interesting stuff”. He was off to chorey where he was joined by Troy and Brenton. Kelley said that the job of the judges at moments like these can be really hard. “But it’s a lot easier when I can give away 3 tickets”. Danny, Troy and Brenton are all off to Sydney on a dancing voyage of discovery. Chronic Dyslexic Renee Renee, 22, suffers from dyslexia. Why should we care? Well, when you have trouble telling the left side of your body from your right, it’s pretty tricky picking up directions from the choreographer. Right foot back? Which one would that be? Renee’s drastic solution was to put pins down the right side of her body so, if she touched her leg and it hurt, that must be her right side. Having suffered so much for her art, she deserved to go through to chorey. But how was she going to be able to pick up Kelley’s moves? With sheer grit, that’s how. She’s packing up her warmth, energy and determination and bringing them to Sydney. Entirely loveable. Ann Maree’s personal Biggest Loser odyssey Ann Maree used to weigh 90kg – and she’s not especially tall. For a year, she put herself through a routine that would make the average Biggest Loser contestant wilt but it’s all been worthwhile. She’s lost 20kg, is booming with confidence, and “totally owned” her performance, according to Jason C. She made it to chorey, and mastered Kelley’s moves but there was only one more ticket the judges could give away that day. Who would get it? Ann Maree – making her diminutive Mum very proud. World class Wade Robson makes a guest appearance Day 2 dawned in Melbourne with the chance for a fresh batch of dancers to impress. It would close with a jaw-dropping surprise. The callback choreographer would not be Kelley Abbey – but Wade Robson. Do you have any idea how amazing that is? Wade Robson is HUGE in the dance world. He choreographed Michael Jackson. He choreographed a fabulous routine for the Top 20 on SYTYCD America. He’s choreographing Britney Spears’ World Tour. He is truly world class. What’s more, this guy doesn’t so much move across the floor as melt. Could our dancers overcome their awe long enough to learn the moves? Omar finds a home Contemporary dancer Omar has suffered more than most. Kicked out of home when he was 15, he spent several years on the streets of Melbourne before finally finding a home just a year ago – in dance. Jason Gilkison couldn’t believe he’d only been dancing for 12 months, and Bonnie was “shocked” he had so quickly taken to one of dance’s more demanding genres. Matt asked whether he missed his Mum. “Yes, I do. Of course”. He thought she’d be very proud of him. Then she’ll be even more proud now. Omar passed the scrutiny of Wade Robson and is in the Top 100. BJ comes back to make amends When Jason C looked down his list of dancers for Day 2 in Melbourne, he was delighted to see a familiar name. BJ appeared on Season 1 and feared that Australia would only remember his teary exit. So he came back and the judges were impressed with what they saw. “I think you’ve grown up”, said Bonnie. “You are sooo going through to chorey”, said Jason C. After blitzing chorey, he’s sooo going to Sydney. Eley May the Rhythmic Gymnast When Eley May walked in, Jason G thought “Another pretty blonde – how will she be different?” She also came from Rhythmic Gymnastics with which Jason C has issues. “I watch it, but I don’t feel it”. Fortunately, Eley May doesn’t look like a Rhythmic Gymnast, and doesn’t dance like a Rhythmic Gymnast. She has something else the average Rhythmic Gymnast doesn’t have. A ticket to the Top 100. Eley May broke down and cried. She’d finally become what she’d striving to be: a dancer. Penny the “Angry cheerleader” Twenty-five year old Penny has already set up her own dance school but felt she needed to step it up a notch. She made an immediate impression at the biggest dance audition in the country by walking in dressed as a cheerleader – and hurling away her Pom-Poms. The judges loved her “angry cheerleader” persona describing her as “gorgeous”, “bubbly” and “a really good dancer”. Penny doesn’t strike you as someone who’s often stuck for words, but the anxiety of auditioning had left her mouth so dry, her lips was stuck to her gums. But now she’s licking those lips – and packing those Pom-Poms for Sydney. Which part of “No!” doesn’t Jet understand? Hip Hopper Jet had failed in Sydney. He’d failed in Brisbane. Why would he think Melbourne would be any different? “You’re no stranger to this competition”, said Matt. “Yeah, I feel like I’m on tour with you guys”, said Jet. Matt said he admired Jet’s passion but Bonnie felt he’d be in the firing line if he made it to the Top 100. Damn the torpedoes! Jet’s persistence was rewarded. He’s heading back to Sydney with that prized blue and white ticket. Mack’s back Hip Hopper and Breakdancer Mack was one of Matt’s favourite dancers last year. “I just hope you’ve got it together this year”. One or two people are hoping the same thing; Mack’s entourage makes a Kylie Minogue World Tour look understaffed. He was supported by a cast of thousands. “They so want you to go further”, said Bonnie. Fortunately, they won’t be disappointed. Mack gets another chance to crack our Top 20. Melbourne’s last tickets As Melbourne’s quota ran down, a few more lucky – but totally deserving - dancers grabbed those last seats on the plane north: Joseph, Marc, Caitlin, Arna, backflipping Carlo, Jamie, and manly “Beau”. But can they take it any further? Rhys welcomes Adelaide Perhaps having seen Danny from Broken Hill, Rhys turned up the flamboyance after-burners and rocked up to the Adelaide additions with tea-coloured hair and a Top Hat. He said one of them would go one better than he did and win Dance 2009. Hometown bravado or uncanny prophecy? Stay tuned to find out. Elen the sad clown Classically trained Elen is older than most dancers at 28 but she wasn’t going to let her rejection in Season 1 stop her from trying again. With her face made up like the sad clown that seems to capture her own personality, she gave a performance that wasn't entirely to Jason's taste. “I didn’t understand it. I didn’t like it. But I FELT it. I felt it hard!!!”. Elen said she dedicated her performance to her partner because they’ve had “some pretty tough times”. At this point, her painted tears were blurred by the real thing, and the judges rewarded her resilience – and her talent – with Adelaide’s first place in the Top 100. Paul & Victor - Two mates fighting over one ticket Hip Hoppers Paul and Victor are best mates but have had wildly different lives - and only one of them will get to continue that journey at the Top 100 in Sydney. Paul is a most unusual SYTYCD contestant. While most aspiring dancers have to wait tables, serve beers or teach dance to school kids, Paul has been following the family tradition in becoming a doctor. But medicine is not his passion. He loves to dance and would happily hock his stethoscope if the judges gave him the nod. But with tickets running out, he faced stiff competition from his best buddy, Victor. Victor is from Liberia, and during the war Rebels came and took his father away - never to be seen again. “I don’t know where he is. But I hope when he’s out there, he’s proud of what I’m doing because I don’t know what he wanted me to be.” Bonnie thought his father would be very proud and that Victor deserved a place in choreography but who would the judges go with? Would it be Dr Paul? Or Victor, who dances in the hope of pleasing the father he’ll never see again? The judges' hearts said Victor. But their heads said Paul. Let’s hope we see Victor back again to try again next year. He’s left a lasting impression. Sammy – dancing on Dad’s legs There were several in the running for Crowd Favourite in Episode 3 but the 18 year old “genetically challenged” Sammy probably edged it. You see Sammy is her Dad’s daughter. That doesn’t just mean that she loves her Dad – which she obviously does. It means that the tree trunks that carry him around are also part of her gene pool. Sammy is attractive, fit and strong – but her lower limbs are unusually “sturdy” for someone of the dancing persuasion. Could they carry her any further in the competition? Matt said she’d given “one of the gutsiest, most energetic performances” he’d ever seen. She was a “great dancer” and deserving of a shot at chorey. Judge Jason, as always, could be relied upon to call it as he sees it: “You’re confident with who you are and that’s very admirable. But as a dancer you are not employable.” Wow! That’s a pretty tough call. “With the body form that you are, you would have to be b-r-r-r-r-illiant!” Bonnie asked how she felt about Jason’s assessment, aware that it won’t have been the first time her career aspirations have been challenged. “I really don’t care”, said Sammy, drawing hoots of support from the other dancers. “I inherited my Dad’s body and I’m just going to flaunt what I’ve got!”. She brought down the house. Sammy excelled at Kelley’s chorey but there was just one problem. After five cities in seven days, there were precious few places left in the Top 100. After tickets went to Elise and Joshua, 99 places were taken and several other dancers were more athletically gifted than Sammy. No matter. None of them could match Sammy for spunk, and the ticket was hers. The “unemployable” dancer had made it into the hottest dance forum and the doors closed behind her. The Top 100 is complete. Up Next – Top 100 becomes Top 40 There’s no time to catch your breath. In Sunday’s episode, our favourite 100 dancers converge on Sydney with the initial goal of surviving the cull and making it into the Top 40. Helping our judges in making that call will be a very special guest – the show’s co-creator, Executive Producer and SYTYDC America judge, Nigel Lythgoe. How can they possibly tell any of these amazing dancers that their journeys are over? Watch and find out. TEN. Sunday. 7.30pm.

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Aired - 03 February 2009

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Episode 2 took us north to Brisbane, west to Perth, and to every single point on the emotional compass. After hitting the depths of despair and the giddy heights of exhilaration, another 20 incredible dancers had their tickets to Sydney’s Top 100 - and we were left counting the minutes until Melbourne’s auditions on Wed. Highlights of Ep 2 included the return of some familiar faces: Lamb (who’s not at all sheepish), Gianne the Brazilian with the jiggly booty and Gabe the wall-punching tantie thrower. It also featured the return bout of Max and Jason. Yes, the spunky little Hip Hopper jumped the border to confront Jason – her nemesis from the Sydney auditions. Our hearts went out to Michael the stuttering tap dancer and Mikaila who danced to the memory of her murdered Dad. Dance 09 just gets better and better. Gianne’s out to beat her Season 1 performance After a welcome from Brissy boy and last year’s champion, Jack Chambers, Gianne the Brazilian dancer from Season 1 set our pulses racing with a routine inspired by the pumping beat of African drums. Matt said he couldn’t stop laughing because her routine was so “joyous” but Jason was concerned that last year she fell down on the chorey. So they invited her back to work with Kelley. No problem. She’s through to our Top 100 – and determined to go one better in Dance 2009. Ben graduates from Biggest Loser to Dance Jazz dancer Ben from the Gold Coast looked lean and fit. But apparently there was a time when he was more likely to audition for The Biggest Loser than So You Think You Can Dance. Bonnie thought he had talent but Jason felt his whole routine was “stuck to the floor”. “Take this”, said Ben, producing a spectacular leap and an acrobatic running somersault. Chorey was a given and Kelley was not going to stop him. Ben is off to Sydney. A Classical Shootout At just 18, Talia is the youngest member of the Qld Ballet Company. Simone is classically trained too. But Bonnie felt Talia was “neat and tidy without being really exciting” and that Simone had “brilliant moments” without delivering a brilliant performance. There wasn’t room for two of them in this dance town, so Jason suggested a shoot-out. They had to perform a ballet ponche – bending over while balancing on one leg. Talia was elegant and rock steady while Simone had the merest of wobbles. That was all it took. The Top 100 ticket was Talia’s. The Wall Puncher back for round 2 Remember Gabe, the guy from last year who punched the wall when he got cut? He was back and Matt felt that his technique had improved out of sight. But Jason said the brick abuse had “troubled him”. Gabe admitted he hadn’t been emotionally mature enough last year, and Jason gave him the prized ticket through to the Top 100. Gabe promised to “kiss that wall better”. Tapping the heart strings The dancer in Episode 2 who totally captured our hearts was Michael. He’d almost not come because of his stutter. But he overcome his fears and was so glad he did. “It just takes you away, it really takes you away to a place where you don’t get bullied. And you feel on top of the world.” The judges loved him – and his routine – and he was through to chorey. But he wasn’t the only hoofer there – and the judges felt there was only room for one dancer with noisy feet. The one dancer they were convinced could “totally nail” the Top 100 … was Michael. He was over the moon and wanted to share what he’d seen on the other side. Talking directly to the nation, this previously shy guy said, “If you’ve got really low self esteem like I did, forget about it. Come up here, and do your thing. You will love it, you will enjoy it and, oh, please don’t cry … “. He wasn’t talking to the blubbering viewing public – but Bonnie and tough guy Jason whose faces were wet with tears. It was the sort of moment that keeps us coming back for more. Luke the “Undeserving” Labourer Labourer Luke was one of several dancers trying to gain in Brisbane what he’d been denied in Sydney. But he’d been told to work on his personality, and second time round he was even worse. Matt remembered him “being more entertaining last time”. Why was he so nervous? “I had everything out there and I just forgot it”, he said, his bottom lip wobbling. Should we put you through, asked Jason. No, said Luke. If Luke didn’t think he was deserving, Matt couldn’t support him. “I’m going to say no”. But Bonnie and Jason came to his rescue. “I just want to see you get it right”. Get it right he did. Luke, too, is in our Top 100. Max vs Jason – Round 2 The biggest bust-up of Episode 1 had been the confrontation between Hip Hop artist Max and judge Jason. After that, there was no way she was going to get a ticket to Sydney. So Max brought a ticket to Brisbane – and tried again. “You want to talk?”, asked Jason when Max walked in. “About what?”, asked Max totally innocently. How’s that for some chops? Max felt it was all just “a big misunderstanding” and Jason was “sorry that the moment happened as well”. But that still didn’t get Max a ticket. Bonnie felt that Max’s new routine was better but that “there was something lacking”. After surviving round 2 with Jason, Max was off for a second session of Kelley Abbey chorey. Out of the frying pan into the fire. Jason then lined up three dancers who had all come to Brisbane after failing in Sydney: Susannah, Chloe and the never-say-die Max. He only had one ticket, he said, and that ticket was going to … Susannah. But he had another ticket up that sleeve. “Why do you do that to us?”, asked Max. Alas, for Max, that ticket was going to Chloe. Jason wanted Max to know that there was nothing personal in this. It had nothing to do with their altercation in Sydney. It was all about the dancing, and in regard to the dancing, “Come up here and get your ticket”. Max’s dramatic collapse to the floor had more emotion than her Brisbane and Sydney auditions combined. But who can blame her? Who could not want her to head back to Sydney to join her brother Sisqo in trying to make the final 20? Jason 2 joins the Judges The SYTYCD bandwagon then headed to Perth, home of our world-class choreographer, Jason Gilkison. He joined our resident judges to see whether Perth had another Jemma or Sermsah – dancers capable to making it as far as the So You Think You Can Dance Finals. Dancing before the God of ballroom Eye-catching Kallyanne and friend Joseph have been dancing ballroom for a long time, but not together. That’s not the ideal preparation when you’re dancing before the God of ballroom, Jason Gilkison (or Jason 2). He said they were both forming away from each other when they need to “involve each other a little bit more”. They made it to Kelley Abbey’s chorey but Kallyanne said she was “struggling”. Not from what we saw. She looked the business. Jason 2 said that he was delighted that a ballroom couple from WA had come this far, and would “have loved to send a couple through to Sydney”. They couldn’t do that. They did however have one ticket, and the name on that ticket … was Kallyanne’s. Murder on the dance floor Sophie Ellis Bextor sang metaphorically about “Murder on the dance floor” but one of our Perth dancers had tragically been touched by the real thing. Mikaila is from South Africa and her father was killed in the driveway of their home. He had been a huge part of her dancing, and her mother says she can feel his presence still whenever Mikaila dances. Unfortunately, the emotion Mikaila had experienced didn’t translate into her performance. Jason 1 – the Coleman variety – said there was “No feeling in that piece for me at all.” But Bonnie did what only Bonnie can do and probed a little more. When Mikaila danced, where was her head? With her dead father. With that, all the bottled emotion poured out onto the audition floor. She made it to chorey, but no further. Kelley Abbey begged her to keep dancing because that would be the best way to heal her pain. Hold the cheese – and keep the beat Matt found one of the routines “very cheesy” while Jason told blonde Nina in the red singlet that she had the whole package. “You’re a beautiful, beautiful girl but you were right off the centre of the beat”. Yeah, she admitted. I was little bit off. No, said Jason. You were a lot off. Never mind, both dancers survived Kelley’s chorey and we’ll see them in Sydney. Can we have two from the one crew? Spades and Edit made it to chorey, but Matt wanted to know whether there was room in Australia’s Top 100 dancers for two boys from the same crew. “Definitely”, said Edit. Spades wasn’t so confident. Matt was with Edit. They’re both in. Lamb avoids the slaughter Nicole – or Lamb as she prefers to be called - had already passed this test. She made it to Sydney last year but that was no guarantee she’d be flying east again. Lamb needed to raise the bar – or get the chop! Fortunately, Matt thought she looked better, her routine was better, and that she was better. Bonnie found her “amazing” while Jason G felt she had been “one of the best” they’d seen. However Jason C wanted to know why she’d only shown one style. Because that was the real me, said Lamb. Lucky for her, Jason likes lamb. She’s heading to Sydney for the second year running. Next up on Wednesday night – Melbourne and Wade Robson It was another cracking episode that left us wishing we could wind the clock forward to Wednesday night - when Victoria’s best dancers get their chance to try out for the prized Top 100. They’ll have a special guest – inspirational choreographer Wade Robson. It just gets better and better.

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Aired - 03 February 2009

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Episode 1 covered the 2 days of the SYTYCD Sydney auditions – or as Jason put it, “the biggest dance forum in the country”. By the end of the show, 40 excited dancers had booked their places in the Top 100 – and millions were left gagging for Monday night’s Episode 2. Chanelle’s back After a warm welcome from Nat, Ep 1 kicked off with a familiar face. Chanelle the gorgeous blonde with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) was back to try again. Jason said returning dancers had to be much better than they were last year to have any chance. Fortunately, Chanelle was. And we had our first dancer in the Top 100! Matt Lee’s Double Show Then Matt Lee walked into the room. The only problem was Matt Lee was already in the room. B-boy Red is a dead ringer for one of our favourite judges and apparently it helps at nightclubs. But, while Red got a call back for Kelley Abbey’s chorey, he couldn’t master her magical moves, and his Dance dream was over for 09. Damien & Jessica – the 3-week combo Ballroom partners normally spend years trying to perfect their combination. But dark Damien and blonde Jessica went in to audition for SYTYCD after working together for just 3 weeks. Matt thought they were hot and they made it to chorey, but Damien found the moves “impossible”. He must be a perfectionist. He and Jessica are both through to the Top 100. What does it all mean? One contestant’s routine prompted Jason to ask, “What the hell does it all mean?”. Her response – “It’s all about overcoming … things” – didn’t convince the judges. Maybe next year she’ll have a better answer. And routine. The dance that went on 'Forever' Award for the longest audition went to a contestant who calls herself, appropriately, Forever. The judges were glowing in their praise – “Phenomenal!” - and tears flowed down Forever’s painted face. She romped in the Top 100. But will she go any further? Accountant who shouldn’t give up his day job Amongst all the hip groovsters at the Sydney auditions, one guy stood out: Michael. Wearing dorky glasses and long sleeved white shirt, Michael looked like an accountant. Maybe because he is. Fortunately, his moves were a little more exciting, and, by the end of the routine, that white shirt was a white singlet. But Bonnie said don’t give up your day job. All is not lost. She’s thinking of getting him to do her tax. Rosa in the yellow cossie Self-taught Hip Hop artist, Rosa, stood out for a different reason. She is 27 – which is, like, ancient. But that was exactly what the judges liked. She had a “maturity” that allowed her to dance “like a woman”. She’s through to the Top 100. Stephen the totally cool ex-Cat One of the night’s most interesting characters was Stephen, who’s performed in the musical, Cats. He gave a highly original audition that he described as “freaky deaky animal planet inspiration” – which totally nailed it. Jason said he had a “threatening male” presence but Bonnie was worried whether he could do everything. We’re going to find out. Stephen is in the Top 100. Don takes a shower Breakdancer Don was back and Matt said it was “refreshing” to see him again. He impressed the judges by “not just freestyling”. His top 100 ticket brought tears of joy and he said it felt “like a brand new shower”. (Let’s hope he doesn’t get a towelling). Bonnie gets a lap dance Three boys from Newcastle, who call themselves ‘Robotek’, gave a highly physical audition – but it was about to get a whole lot more physical. Matt discovered that one of them used to be a stripper, so he and Jason suggested Bonnie deserved a lap dance. The contestant willingly obliged and Bonnie turned bright red while vowing revenge. It must have helped. The boys made it to chorey – but no further. Next year Bonnie can expect the full monty. A b-girl offends Jason big time The biggest confrontation came when a brother and sister from Season 1 – Sisqo (the guy) and Max (the girl) – tried for a second time to fulfil their dance dreams. Sisqo impressed the judges, but, wow, did the day go badly for Max. After she auditioned her Hip Hop routine, even the super nice Matt said, “that sucked big time”. Ouch! “You’re trying to be something you’re not”, said Jason. But, Bonnie convinced them to invite her back for chorey. Max was going to wish she hadn’t. When asked by Kelley Abbey how she thought she went, Max said, “No offence, Matt, but I loved Kelley’s choreography much more than yours last year”. No offence? Jason was highly offended. He said it was “totally unnecessary” and “just rude”. Max was MORTIFIED! She burst into tears and said she “wasn’t a rude person”. But Jason wasn’t going to be mollified. And Max didn’t get to join her brother in the Top 100. Did her gaffe make a difference? Was it a gaffe? Or was Jason out of line? Whichever - Max’s Dance Dream is over for another year. A Christian makes Jason a believer The most outstanding performer of Ep 1 was a 21 year old Contemporary Dancer called Christian. Having grown up in the family that owns Brent St, and having worked on Cirque du Soleil in Montreal with Mia Michaels when he was just 16, the expectations were high – and Christian didn’t disappoint. “I’ve been waiting for a dancer to just come in here and blow me away … and you just did it!” Matt agreed: “You’re so much more than all the dancers we’ve seen”. And Bonnie too: “There was nothing I could fault. It’s just sensational to get someone like you”. But Jason warned that SYTYCD was “more than about being the best dancer. It’s about growth”. Can Christian continue to improve and emerge as the ultimate winner of So You Think You Can Dance Season 2? Hilton’s bro tries to go one better Day 2 kicked off with an almost familiar face. Remember Hilton from our Top 20 last year? This year, brother David was trying out. But Jason was disappointed - he “expected much more”. Matt thought he was “too internal”. But Bonnie was more sympathetic. She thought he was “an untamed cub” and invited him back for chorey. And that little lion cub roared. David is in our Top 100. Another kind of Kat Way way up there in the “g-g-gorgeous” category – to quote Bonnie – was 18 year old Hip Hop artist Katrina. A total knockout, she broke down when asked her about her Mum who is her “best friend”. Bonnie liked what she saw but thought there was “so much more there”. She wanted to invite Katrina back for chorey but Jason disagreed. He wanted to put her straight through to the Top 100. Jason got his way. Making Kat – and her ever lovin’ Mum – very happy. Jason (hessian) bags Sari Another of the night’s most confrontational – and emotional - moments – came when Sari, a talented Contemporary dancer gave what looked like a fairly impressive routine to the Kooks’ evocative “Seaside”. But then Jason said he was saying “No, on the basis that you’ve come dressed in a hessian bag”. It wasn’t actually a hessian bag – just a very baggy sweat top. And, as usual, Bonnie delved deeper: “You’ve got a beautiful body. Why did you do that?” Sari’s response? “Because I don’t think that I do”. At that, the emotion just flowed out of her. “There are so many beautiful girls out there. I just didn’t want to compete with them”. Bonnie made a deal with her. If she came back wearing something slightly more flattering – which wasn’t going to be hard – she could come to chorey. Sari agreed, Nat put a comforting arm around her shoulder, Kelley showed her the moves, and Sari – the girl that Jason (hessian) bagged - is through. She’s in our Top 100. A tale of three Hip Hoppers Three Hip Hop artists caught the eye. Jason found Stacy “very aggressive, very masculine” but said he’d remember her. Pania, from the same all-girl crew, went to another level when her cap fell off half-way through. “Because I got to see your beautiful eyes”, said Matt. And, Emmanuel from Orange impressed not just with his routine – but the six pack he was carrying under that blue hoodie. Pania and Emmanuel went straight through to the Top 100 – but Stacy didn’t make it past chorey. Charlie Dubbo – a breath of fresh country air One of the night’s biggest characters was Charlie – a 19 year old Hip Hop artist from Dubbo who admitted to learning most of his moves on YouTube. When Bonnie asked him how he got into dance, Charlie said, “My tape player, Michael Jackson, and my booty – it’s got a mind of its own”. He made it to chorey. And looked right at home with Kelley Abbey’s steps. Charlie, the boy from Dubbo, is in our Top 100! And let’s hope he sticks around. He’s right out of the box this one. Forgot to tell Dad The moment in Ep 1 that really had the box of Kleenex in high demand involved Lindy Hop brother and sister act, Jasmine and Shaun. It could all have gone tragically wrong – but ended up being the show’s heart-wrenching finale. Bonnie found their lively routine “a breath of fresh air”. But she also knew their little secret. They hadn’t told their parents they were auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance. And this could be a bit of a problem – given that SYTYCD is a national TV show and all. They hadn’t told their parents because they didn’t think they would approve. While their Mum and Dad were “100% loving, 100% support”, they thought success could only come through education and study. Shaun and Jasmine clearly love their parents very much – but what can you do when you have this inner calling? “I want to always be truthful”, said Jasmine, “But I want them to understand me”. Bonnie put them both through to chorey – not because of their heart-rending story, but because she believed they were great dancers. But the drama was far from over. After chorey, Jason said he supported both of them. But he only had one ticket. And it was Jasmine who got it. Brother Shaun, her rock, missed out. “I can’t dance by myself”, said Jasmine. But she had a bigger problem – as Bonnie asked, “What do you think your Mum and Dad are going to say?” It’s one thing not to tell your parents you’re going to audition for a show that has an audience of 2 million. It’s quite another if you pass the audition – because there’s a good chance one or two of those 2 million might mention it to your parents. Would Jasmine have to give up her chance to pursue her dream? She called her Dad on her mobile. What would he say? Well, what he said was … “Congratulations!”. So You Think You Can Dance had been in touch with Jasmine and Shaun’s father – and he was right outside the building. What’s more, the father who they felt could only support their academic pursuits was just as supportive of their artistic endeavours. “So you think you can dance?”, he asked his beautiful daughter. “Yes, you can!”.

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Aired - 28 April 2008

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Trim, taunt and terrific. No, we're not talking about bronzed babes on overpriced exercise bikes in late night infomercials, we're talking about your Top 20! The opening routine was something of a family reunion – well, if your family was made up of the sassiest, slinkiest, shiniest dancers produced by this big brown land of us. Decked out in killer suits, which not only riffed on a 1920s gangster of the Chicago kind but reflected their individual genres as well, we catch up with Courtney, Khaly, Kassy, Hilton, Steph, Marko, Laura, Sermsah, Camilla, J.D., Jemma, Anthony, Henry, Rhiannon, Graeme and Vanessa were all introduced in turn, reminding us of why they were chosen to be part of this incredible competition in the first place. The Matt Lee choreographed extravaganza to Rianna's trademark track, 'Don't Stop the Music' showed off the strengths of all the Top 20. With Ballroom, Hip Hop, Jazz and Contemporary all thrown into the mix, the routine even bought all three judges and choreographers Jason Gilkison, Nacho Pop and Kelley Abbey to the stage! "It was fun – kinda weird actually!" says Kelley in regards to her chance to strut her stuff onstage. "It was weird because you're used to putting them up there and all of a sudden, you're up. But the whole thing was good fun - a less pressured, more relaxed atmosphere." With trips down memory lane cut into the whole show, taking us right back to the very beginning of the audition process, tonight's performance is shot with sweet nostalgia as we remember the characters we've met along the way and the dancers we've grown to love… but the question of everyone's lips was the same – who would walk away with the cash and the kudos? But before we get to that, we're treated to a style we haven't been able to feature on the show because of the rehearsal time required: tap! Industrial, masculine and pulsing with a strong staccato rhythm, Dean Perry and the tip-tapping Tap Dogs made sure we were sitting up and paying attention! Complete with a chorus of drummers and Tap Pups so cute you wanna collect the whole set, and the Grand Final was well and truly off and racing! Awww yeah!! It's time for the Hip Hop kids to do their thang. The futuristic routine created by Sydneysiders Simon and Shannon from Project Moda sees b-boy Khaly cast as a hero robot, amongst a handful of other familiar faces from Top 100 week, including Demi's little brother Carlo and Hilton's girlfriend Jess. "The story is based on robots in a bar - like the cantina scene from Star Wars, crossed with Futurama," explain the forward thinking boys. "They're bagging out humans, taking the piss and having a laugh, then bar scene escalates into a dance routine. It's always fun working with Khaly – we've worked him before. He keeps it professional. It's hard teaching a group of breakdancers – they've all got ADD." The Billy Elliot boys took to the stage with all the wow-factor of Charles Dickens on Broadway! In school uniforms and tap shoes, the seven lads from the theatre production currently running showcased their young talent – hopefully we'll see some of these lads back on the stage for future series of So You Think You Can Dance! To Lena Horne's funk-flavoured 'I Got Rhythm', the Top 10 group routine took some risks in combining a handful diametrically opposed dance styles, including Funk, Tap, Hip Hop and Broadway. "Honestly, I really think that the combination of Classical styles and Hip Hop worked so well for this forum," says choreographer Nacho Pop. "For people who don't know Hip Hop so well, it made it digestible and easy for them to see. It worked a treat," "It was challenging working with the Top 10 at this stage in the competition," adds co-choreographer Jet, "their energy and focus was definitely different, but I kept them in line!' With the voting lines now closed, Australia has decided who will be representing us overseas, but don't think you're gonna find out just yet! You've been waiting for them, and now they're here, performing together for the very last time. Amid eardrum bursting applause, your sizzling Top 4 strut onstage to nail a fusion of 1930s Jazz Funk, to Christina Aguilera's 'Ain't No Other Man'. Demi said this was one of her favourite routines, because she got to work with the one and only Ms Kelley Abbey. "She's just an unbelievable choreographer," says the Top 4 contender. "I admire how she presses me on to achieve the best of my abilities in her choreography". The first half of the routine are solos that allow the dancers to show off their sweet moves, and the second half sees them come together and have let loose. "They're all really excited to be in the Top 4 but they're all really, really tired," explains Kelley. "It's the pointy end of the competition so everything's a very, very, very big challenge." An awesome routine by four hot dancers, but now it was time to reveal your Top 3. In order of being safe, they were: Jack, then Kate, then Rhys. The dancer announced as no longer in the running to be Australia's Favourite Dancer was therefore Demi. Nat said she had taken this country by storm, while Jason said she was one of the most joyous people he's ever met in his entire life. They were born to hand jive and they're back to prove it! Those wacky funksters of mirth, Steph and Marco, burnt up the stage with their punky Jive to The Veronicas' 'Untouched'. "I feels more natural now to do it," says Steph. "It was my favourite routine of my time on the show and the first one, so it's bringing back so many memories. Jason says we're dancing it better now, because he can see me my and personality, rather than 'Stage Steph'. So I'm leaving on a fun note, like I started." "Having the opportunity to work with Jason again is such a huge privilege," adds Marko. "Me and Steph had so much fun with this routine, and it is one of the biggest highlights of my experience on this show." Camilla and Sermsah were eager to get back up on the d-floor for another Project Moda choreographed routine, their powerful, poetic martial arts routine. "It's really nice to revisit the routine a second time," Camilla says. "It's in the body more, and we're not panicking about getting the choreography; getting it right, getting judged. Sermsah and I have found an even stronger connection than last time so I'm excited." "This is one of my favourite pieces that I did with Camilla," adds Sermsah, "It's a joy to be able to redo a piece that we really connected with." Golden couple Laura and Anthony head back to the time of big hair and tiny shorts with their famous Disco routine, choreographed by Aleeta Blackburn, which saw them channeling the spirit of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, circa Saturday Night Fever. "Going back to disco! Jeez," Laura laughs. "I have mixed feelings actually – it's exciting to be back with everyone but sad that everything will finally be over." "I'm excited to reignite my passion for flares," Anthony adds with a grin. "I wish my ass looked that good in all my pants! And w ho doesn't love 'Boogie Wonderland'?" Next, Jemma and Rhys revisit that first Jason Gilkison masterpiece, the flowing, romantic Waltz to Celine Dion's 'A New Day'. "For me it was quite moving to have that relationship back together," says Jason. "I remember they were so nervous that first week, the first dance they had to do embarking on this journey, and they nailed it. So to see this sweet couple I'd met in the very first week do the routine they'd become so well known for – it was quite overwhelming. The Waltz is the ultimate dance of love – the Waltz is always the dance that can move me." "Yeah, in the first run through we did, we made Jason cry," Jemma continues. "We feel more connected now than we did the first week and the impact showed. It was so beautiful to dance with Rhys again." Revisiting one of the more dramatic moments of the year, Rhiannon and J.D. step out onstage to fulfill the choreography of the sultry, sensual Tango. "It was an opportunity to pick up the ball after 'dropping the ball'," says JD. "It's such an honour to get to do the Tango again and work with J.D.," adds Rhiannon. "It's looking hotter than ever and it's good to dance on that stage without any pressure." One of the shock exits from the competition, Hilton, was more than happy to rock back to Carriageworks to revisit his classy Foxtrot with Top 4 chica Kate. "It feels awesome being back," says Hilton, "Just hanging backstage with Top 20, and some others too - all the breakers, getting our freak on. The Green Room's changed - there's a laptop we can use. Dancing with Kate feels amazing. Dancing with her now, she's grown, she's way more better as a dancer, and it's great to work with Jason Gilkison again too." Kassy and Graeme revisit their gorgeous routine to the cover of The Beatles' 'Yesterday' by Ray Charles, choreographed by Sarah Boulter. "I just love to dance, so any opportunity I get to consume myself with dance, and work with amazing choreographers is a blessing," says the sassy Kassy. "It's a pleasure to work with such a phenomenal team of dancers, such my partner Graeme and everyone else for the group routine. It's a different feeling this time; there's no pressure, it's just fun. No one's gonna say mean things, you just do it for yourself, your family and your dancing partner." "Dancing with Kassy again brings back the feeling of childlike joyousness and innocence," says Graeme. "It reassures me of how happy and proud I should be of myself, and how far I've come in this competition. It makes me know in my heart I have transformed, and found the dancer in me I never knew I had." With jungle fever still pumping through their bloodstream, the talented Henry and Vanessa finish up the duo routines with their powerful Jason Gilkison-choreographed African Samba. "I'm really happy I get to perform African Samba again," says Vanessa. "I love this routine so much, it's so much fun, and I really enjoy performing it. This time I can be in the moment more rather than think about the process so much. I'm hoping that people watching see little intricacies because they've already seen it the first time – there's a lot to this piece. I feel like I've matured as a performer, so I can put everything I've learnt into practice – it was even better than last time!" "To be able to finish off the show from all the duo routines and do ours last is an honour and a privilege in itself," adds Henry. "To be able to get back on this stage, and do what I love again – the African Samba was my favourite dance in the whole show – is one of the best moments I could ask for. This time round I don't have to worry about learning other routines, I don't have to worry about doing group chorey the next day, I don't have to worry about anything but this routine. I'm hoping be able to show the audience different things now. I want to remind them what sent them crazy back in Week 4, and hopefully send them crazy again. This time I'm doing it not just to survive, but for all my fans and supporters, and my partner Vanessa, and myself." Remember Caleb? He was the young dancer from North Queensland whose incredible Contemporary moves had the judges' jaws dropping during auditions – particularly at the fact he was just 15 years old! Well, the boy is back, and performing more of the same to Australian Idol champ, Damian Leith's, rendition of the achingly beautiful cover of Tears for Fears' 'Mad World'. "It's surreal being here!" enthuses the talented performer. "It's like a dream. After seeing everyone on TV, it's like the dancers are celebrities. Everyone's so nice. I'm moving to Melbourne in June to go to Jason's new school, and then, I wanna go to Broadway like Jack." Three become two, and we say goodbye to Kate. Jason said she is and was and probably will remain the best female performer in this competition while Matt plainly and simply, she's the number one chick. That leaves Rhys and Jack to battle it out for glory. Finishing up the all-you-can-eat buffet of entertainment is a performance from the ridiculously successful Leona Lewis, and her 11-piece live band performing her smash hit, 'Bleeding Love'. Viewers at home will remember the gorgeous Kassy and Graeme dancing to this ballad way back in Week One. Like the song? Take it home and call it your own – her album Spirit is instore now! Did we say you could stop dancing? Now onstage as the two final two boys left in the competition, Jack and Rhys pull out all the stops in a crowd-pleasing Jason Gilkison-choreographed Beatnik Jive that even sees the pair spring into the audience for a boogie amongst the crowd, who are well and truly PEAKING! And now the moment you've all been waiting for. It's been months in the making, it's taken the support of a nation to make the decision, and it's finally here. The answer to the question that has been racing round playgrounds, watercoolers and loungerooms the country over has an answer. Australia's favourite dancer is…. Jack!! Well, in the immortal words of someone much funnier and cartoonish than we'll ever be: 'that's all folks'. We'll see y'all next time!!

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Aired - 20 April 2008

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Have you got grand final fever? It's definitely the hottest fever going round town and everyone's hankering for a piece of the pie. Tonight, the countdown heats up to discovering who will be Australia's favourite dancer. From thousands to just four – and these guys have sure been put through their paces this week! Each dancing a duo with each other as well as a group routines - let's find out how the Fantastic Four fared. Kicking off the show with a supersexy Cha-Cha - choreographed by the master of Ballroom, Mr. Jason Gilkison - were the always lovable Demi and Jack. Burning up the dancefloor in a shimmery white dress that showed off her lean, mean, dancing bod machine, this routine had the saucy Demi teasing partner Jack all over the stage, even ending up on the judges' podium! This wonderful routine had the judges in agreeance – the wow-factor was sky-high. Matt said they did such a great job and unlike last time they danced a Ballroom style (the Rumba), this time he really bought the connection between both of them. Bonnie commented that the opening was particularly sexy. She said that Demi could achieve anything and Jack was just sensational. It was a routine where two people became one. Jason said the Cha Cha, developed in the ‘50s, is a dance of joy so both performers fulfilled for him what the Cha Cha is all about. He commented on Jack's mastery of the Ballroom stance; the feel and look, and that Demi eats it up with her face. All up, a fantastic way to kick off the show! Attention! Hup, hup!! Kate and Rhys are next onstage, decked out as identical English National Guards for a unison-heavy routine from Supple. "My intent was to show there's a human side to people like policeman as well," he says. "It starts with a military drill, then they funk it up, then it finishes with a military drill. It's sort of like that scene in Police Academy where the main one sneaks out to go out partying, and comes back in the next morning." Matt said was a very, very difficult routine to be handed at this point in the show. They started out really together but lost a bit of unison towards the end. For that style of Hip Hop, they did a good job. Bonnie said that for such an intricate routine they did an excellent job. Jason complimented choreographer Supple, and how good it was to have something quite different onstage. He went on to point out this was a very, very difficult routine, one that would take weeks and weeks of rehearsal to master, and what they achieved in two days was brilliant. To Snow Patrol's beautiful rock ballad 'Chasing Cars', Demi and Rhys are next up with a joyous, free-flowing Lyrical Contemporary routine from choreographer Debbie Ellis. "This routine is about finding their inner child," she explains. "We get so caught up in chasing our life, sometimes we forget that we need to live our life. I think we can learn from kids - sit on a swing and just enjoy life every now and then. Both dancers were very tired this week but they walked in there and were willing were get into it as much as their bodies would allow it. It was challenging. Am I confident? I'm hoping to be confident," she laughs. Lucky for Debbie, these dancers nailed it. Matt started off by saying how well they did after such a big week, and that while Demi did well with the big jumps and leaps, some of the in-between moments weren't as strong. He said that Rhys had beautiful technique. Bonnie said the partner work was great, and that Demi was back to being barefoot in the park – just lovely. Jason said that considering Rhys had been waiting for a Contemporary routine, good things come to those who wait - the routine sat really well on him, and he really suited the long, languid, lyrical chorey. He said that Demi was slightly short in form, but considering she is the only self taught dancer left in the competition, what a massively amazing attempt. Kate and Jack are next onstage in a beautiful, graceful Lyrical Jazz routine. "It's about a man coming home from war, and the couple reuniting," says choreographer Jet. "I thought it'd be really appropriate for this day and age – well, probably a few days and ages! It was heaven working with Jack and Kate, but they're just doing too much, they were so tired. Both rehearsals I had them after they had already been working with two other choreographers doing two other pieces. In saying that, every time I had them they worked so hard." Matt said that both dancers excelled and they really tackled everything they had been given so far. He said Jacks pirouettes were hot! They had a great connection, and that both these Jazz dancers, were amazing. Bonnie agreed; it was so wonderful, it made her head spin! Jason said that when a great couple like this performs, he has very high expectations as they're both formidable dancers… and there was no disappointment. Kate was a mature, amazing dancer and Jack, the great turner, was always dancing in control. Next up Kate and Demi play tribute to the definitive silent film star, Mr. Charlie Chaplin, in Supple's second routine for the night. "I wanted to let the audience get a nice grasp of the energy and the concept of silent film in a live stage performance," he explains "It's Hip Hop dancing with a contemporary approach using Mozart's 11th piano concerto. It's based on a scene where Charlie is on a tram, and a policeman is telling him to get off, and Charlie is telling him it's his home. It's very tongue in cheek, extremely technical, very quick. The musicality is very important and the guys are giving it their best to honour Charlie's work." Matt said it was a great idea and a great concept. He enjoyed their characterization, but it was a shame they didn't dance as girls. Bonnie said they were both amazing, and hopes that Australia looks across at everything they've done tonight. He commented that Demi's characterization of Charlie Chaplin would usually take dancers months to study, but she did it in hours. Jason agreed with Matt, it that it was a shame not to see girls dancing as girls. It was likable, interesting and nice, but that routine didn't show the best of what they can be as dancers. The Musical Theatre-loving Jack got his wish this week when he found out he would be dancing Broadway. His partner-in-crime? Rhys. "We're referencing Bob Fosse, who choreographed Chicago, and at the same time making it a bit Marx Brothers." explains choreographer Adam Williams. "But it's not a dance-off. It's two boys entertaining. There's a lot of unison, so we get to see the boys dancing side by side. The two boys are exceptional. It was fantastic working with them. They had such a tough week, but they're such intellectual dancers and they took it all onboard." The tight, complex Broadway number had the judges. Matt said it was a perfect way to showcase how strong both boys were and they nailed it so well. Bonnie said Adam Williams did a fabulous job, and she's been waiting for this moment. She said the camaraderie between them was excellent and they really showed why they are in the Top Four. Jason said that is a great routine for where we're at in the competition. It showed him all of both dancers. He said that while they were matched in flair and technique, Jack took his lines to the extreme a little more than Rhys. For him, Jack came out slightly on top. And if you didn't think that was enough bang for your buck, your Top Four are back onstage to close this rollercoaster of a show with a sexy Hip Hop routine, showing us their sweet street urban moves. Is it hot in here or what? Well there you have it Australia! You have a whole week to vote for your favourite dancer – see you back here for Grand Final on Sunday 27th!

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Aired - 14 April 2008

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As usual, our Manic Monday kicked off with a pants-wettingly good group routine, choreographed by the one and only Jason Gilkison. A little bit Burlesque, a little bit Tango, and hey, let's throw some Cha Cha in for good measure, and you have one crowd-pleasing display of strong, sexy d-floor action. All six dancers were on top of their game, but not all would be going home still in the running to be named Australia's favourite dancer. Hey, did you hear the circus is in town? Yup, a very tall and very short dancer from the famed performance troupe Cirque du Soleil had jaws dropping from here to Tassy with their breath-taking fusion of Lyrical and Acrobatics. Enter to win tickets to their show right here on the site as soon as you finish reading this recap! Here are the girls! All dancing for a mere 30 seconds to prove to you guys exactly how talented and (let's face it!) hot they are, first up it's Kate's emotional Lyrical Contemporary, then Vanessa's tribal Contemporary, followed by Demi's funky b-girl breaks. And then of course, your guys. Jack danced a sharp Jazzhall Funk, Graeme busted out thought-provoking Lyrical for his Mum before Rhys' sealed the deal with a colourfully robotic take on Jazz Funk. Who said this show was all about dancing? We like putting on a show for you guys and that means shipping Jamaican American singer and rapper Sean Kingston in to rev up the crowd up with his bubblegum reggae hit 'Take You There'. Like what you hear? Go pick up the boy's self-titled debut album – it's out now. And now, down to business. Let's start with the ladies. Kate performed romantic Rumba before transforming into an East Side gangsta. Vanessa faced the challenge of a slapstick Broadway routine then found her inner sex kitten. Demi transformed into a Contemporary robot to Goldfrapp before staking her claim to her roots as a fresh b-girl in a Nacho Pop Hip Hop routine. The first girl to secure her place in the top four was Kate. Jack joined ex-partner Demi for a challenging mechanical Contemporary before joining the other boys in Supple choreographed Contemporary Hip Hop. Graeme was right there with him, after throwing himself into a playful Broadway musical with Vanessa. Rhys danced a Jason Gilkison Rumba to Split Enz before slapping on the warpaint to become a crazy, comic critter…. And he did a damn fine job of it too, as it secured him a place in the Top 4! It's a Rhys inferno! The next dancer to be named a Grand Final contestant was Demi, meaning it would be Vanessa who would be going home tonight. Jason reminisced on the dancing journey the gorgeous Vanessa has been on – from Animation Hip Hop, to African Samba, to Contemporary Disco. Jason Gilkison talked about how hard-working Vanessa was and Matt commented that Vanessa had grown into the best dancer she's been. Vanessa dished out her thank-yous to her teachers, friends, family, the crew, the fans and a special nod to the dancers, who she said were an inspiration to her, and that she loved them. The boy dancer guaranteed a place in the Top 4 was Jack, meaning it was end of the lovable Graeme's journey. Jason Coleman commented that the vote would have been close, and that the young, good-looking dancer with the incredible pipes was assured success in the future. Jason Gilkison said Graeme had the full package while Matt talked about Graeme's massive career in front of him. Graeme started by thanking his heavenly father, his family, supporters, and the people that voted for him. He said he was so proud of himself, and the chance he had to represent the Pacific Islander community. We all know we'll be seeing a lot more of the talented Vanessa and Graeme. Now, bring on Top 4!!

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Aired - 13 April 2008

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The gorgeousKate has danced with all three boys left in the competition, so it was something of a sweet reunion when she pulled Rhys' name out of the infamous hat… and the excitement didn't stop when the word Rumba was the next thing revealed! And who else to choreograph this powerful, passionate dance of love than dance master extraordinaire, Mr Jason Gilkison. Dramatic, moving and emotive, this Rumba was about a man being in love with a woman and but never being able to tell her. Getting a standing ovation from the crowd, the routine had the judges in agreeance – simply spectacular. Matt said he totally bought it. He said that each week, Kate is given a new genre and she just tackles it, nails it, kills it and serves it; a brilliant way to start the show. Jason said it was just fantastic. They took ownership of the routine, and Kate was just exquisite. If the competition is about versatility, this showed why they're both still here. Bonnie said it couldn't be faulted. All up, another dance victory! Demi and Jack! We've been crossing our fingers these two lovable dancers will pair up again, and all our stargazing and eyelash wishing has come true! This time round, they're dancing a magically mechanical Contemporary routine to 'Strict Machine' by Goldfrapp. "They're embodying machines," explains choreographer Gary Stewart. "They work as one unit as a machine, and separately as well, with moments of sensuality. I want the audience to enjoy the rhythm of the movement as it rides the music, and also to enjoy the invention of the choreography." The result is quirky, controlled, and sophisticated. The crowd loved it, and the judges lapped it up. Jason said it was incredible that Demi, who has never done a Ballet class in her life, did so well with such a technical routine. Bonnie said it was amazing, and asked how the dancers bought emotion to the routine. Jack replied it was in the light and shade of the music, and Demi said it was in the musicality of the track. Matt said there were a few unison problems, but all up, stunning. Having both survived life in the bottom four last week, Vanessa and Graeme knew they'd have to once again have to up their game if they wanted to make it to Top 4. The pair pulled out all the stops in a colourful, playful, Broadway number to 'Money' from the musical Chicago. In a word? Wacky. Jason loved this great routine, naming it as cute, entertaining, and different to what we've seen so far. He said the staccato was a slight problem in the second half of the routine, but it was a great routine for both of them. Matt said that musical theatre is so easy to watch and so much fun for the audience, and that Graeme was very smooth. Bonnie was gonna call our Ballet babe Versatile Vanessa from now on, and she loved a bit of slapstick. Overall, superfun and cute. We've seen so much over the first series of SYTYCD but the powers-that-be still had one trick up their sleeve – trio performances! Yep, your top three girls and your top three guys are together onstage for the very first time! What do you get when you cross a Ballet babe, a bold B-Girl and a gorgeous jazz dancer? Fresh Hip Hop of course! "Vanessa is supposed to be a sexy girl that turns gangster," explains choreographer Nacho Pop, "and the other two are gangster girls who turn sexy. The whole vibe is supposed to be chilled, laidback, West Coast." It's Charlie's Angels goes gangsta – but the judges weren't convinced. Matt said, as a choreographer, he would have gone in a different direction, and for him, not so great. He didn't buy Vanessa's sex appeal, and the unison was out. Bonnie said she loved seeing three girls dancing together onstage but Jason said he didn't see three girls dancing together, he saw mostly saw girls dancing out of unison. He felt Nacho's routine left them exposed, and showed off their weaknesses. He said b-girl Demi took ownership of the routine, and he bought Kate as a gangsta girl in an East Side kinda way. But overall, a difficult routine to comment on. Wack attack! Inspired by three wild animals posing as the Three Stooges, it's Larry, Curly and Moe – no, it's Rhys, Graeme and Jack, channeling the classic pranksters in a whole new way. This routine from the ridonkulously talented Supple had jaws dropping from here to Perth. Matt said it was a clever concept executed well, which showed how strong all three performers are. All up, very cool. Bonnie said she loved seeing all three boys dancing together. It was so entertaining, and proved that individually, each boy was extremely good at what they did. Jason said it was a brilliant routine - great concept, theme, lighting, costume – but he only saw 12 counts of unison in total, which made it hard for him to decide which of the three boys were really standing out. But overall, sheer brilliance. OK, 'nuff reading, time to get voting! Who will make your Top 4?

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Aired - 07 April 2008

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Can you see it? It's there, just cock your head, and squint real hard…. Yup, the finishing line is coming up on the horizon and tonight we're one step closer to knowing who will be Australia's favourite dancer. Ladies and gents, your Top 6 is here. But hey, let's cue flashback anyway. Lights, camera, action and hey, here's another awe-inspiring group performance from Australia's Top 8 dancers care of innovative choreographers Project Moda, who bought us Demi and Henry's House routine last night. In the words of the (ridiculously good-looking) boys themselves, the style is "Funsyonesyfunksyswingsy. It is what it says. Please enjoy." With plenty of Swing and Jive lifts, the quirky routine had a joyful House Funk flavour, showing off the playful sides of the Top 8. And in no time whatsoever, it's time to work out who your votes kept safe. First up, we took a trip down memory lane to check our first Kate, then Rhiannon's performances last night. For those who missed it (what the devil were you doing?), Kate nailed clever, complicated Hip Hop and stylish, sexy Quickstep with Jack, while Rhiannon rocked Jazz Funk Hip Hop and released her inner vixen for Burlesque with Graeme. Kate and Jack were Matt Lee's couple of the night – and the sentiment was shared nationwide – Kate was safe! Ballet dancer Vanessa kicked off the show getting agro in a Hip Hop workout and then danced up a storm to a Latin-influenced Broadway number with partner Rhys. Demi had a bumpy start with her House duo with Henry but blossomed with a Contemporary love affair. Demi has never been in the bottom three – and that streak of good luck continued, as she was declared safe! And here are the boys! The only Ballroom dancer left in the competition, Henry started out with synchronization problems with his House number before falling in love with Demi to Contemporary. Crowd favourite Jack flexed his muscles for a crime-fighting Quickstep before Singing in the Rain to Hip Hop with Kate. Both routines had the judges singing their praises – and similarly impressed you, the voting public – Jack was once again safe! The always-popular Rhys teamed up with Vanessa to put their timing put to the test with a tricky old school Hip Hop routine, before bringing some attitude to the streets from the West Side (Story) while Graeme got raunchy with Rhiannon with a whip-cracking Burlesque number, before getting back into his comfort zone with a funky tribute to Bragelina. Like Jack, Rhys has yet Dance For His Life – and his streak of good luck continued, staying safe again for another week. While the soulful One Republic entertained the crowd with their smash hit 'Stop and Stare', the bottom four – Rhiannon, Henry, Vanessa and Graeme – got ready to Dance For Their Life, more nervous than they've ever been thus far. Onstage the four smashed their solos, with a cheeky Graeme topping off the high-energy dance frenzy by singing he was "cool, calm and collected." The girl leaving was revealed as Rhiannon. She thanked her fans, friends and family. She put a plug in for her dream to get a recording contract, and her dream to be bigger than Michael and Janet's. See you on a stadium stage soon Rhi! The boy revealed as leaving was Henry. He thanked all his fans, saying he never expected to make it this far and it's been the biggest growth of his life. Go Henry – we'll miss you. Tune in next Sunday for your Top 6!

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Aired - 06 April 2008

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It's football for chicks, it's how we get through Monday mornings, and it's the only place to be Sunday nights. Top 8 week hasn't just set a high standard, it's blown the standard out of the galaxy! Eight hot routines for you tonight to help you pick your favourite dancer! This week the lovely Vanessa paired up with the luscious Rhys, and the results were electric. First up for these two is old school Hip Hop, care of the very talented Supple. "I wanted to bring back the spirit in the early 90s using the styles of Hype and a current influence, New Style," explained Supple. "It's kinda like a brother and sister relationship, with Vanessa as the younger sister, and Rhys as the older brother." We've seen Rhys totally own several Hip Hop routines in the past, but it's Vanessa's first routine time in the baggy pants since popping with Henry in Animated Hip Hop. How would the lovely lyrical Vanessa handle being a b-girl? Matt said the pair did a good job representing the old school, however he thought Vanessa wasn't managing the isolation well enough and he wanted a little bit more from Rhys. Bonnie loved the work with hats and handkerchief, and thought the routine was a credit to Rhys, and he was just getting stronger and stronger. Jason thoroughly enjoyed it, but his big issue was unison. He thought they both did a good job in the two days they had, but reminded Vanessa to dance on the centre of the beat, and thought Rhys was a little bit under. However overall, he thought they were doing a great job in the competition. Vote to keep these guys in the competition! Next up it's power couple number two, Kate and Jack. To the strains of Michael Buble's sultry version of the classic Spiderman theme, these two were ripping up the d-floor with Quickstep. An international ballroom style with an emphasis of footwork, the classy, fluid Quickstep allows performers to fly across the floor with the greatest of ease. Looking stylish in sparkly black, these two had us in their web from the word go. Matt said he was so excited to see this couple, two of his favourite dancers. He thought it was light and energetic, with a distinctive modern element. Bonnie loved seeing such sharp, charismatic dancers onstage. She thought Kate was stunning, and displayed such determination. Jason said he ached for the routine, and it was so good, he could hardly breathe. It made him smile, and it was Fred-and-Ginger effortless. Don't forget to vote if you loved Kate and Jack! Look out, it's Ballroom Boy meets Breakin' B-Girl! Yup, Demi and Henry are double trouble and they're kicking off their partnership with House. Don't be fooled - we're not talking about the music craze of the 90s, we're talking about a style which rose to prominence back in the 70s and is a descendant of Disco. This had the crowd screaming the house down with joyous, fast-paced and complicated moves. Matt said it was a really great routine, but it wasn't executed well. He said their unison was out and Henry was ahead of the beat. An upset Demi admitted she had made a few mistakes in the routine prompting Bonnie to remind her how popular she is, and if she does, to get over it and get back on the horse. She is strong, she is invincible, she is Demi! Jason started by giving choreographers Project Moda props, then asked the question if the dancers did the routine justice? He pointed out the fact that Demi is an untrained dancer, but she needs to own the routines, and not to let any slip-ups get to her, and that Henry was off the beat. Vote to keep these dancers in the competition! Lock up your daughters -Rhiannon and Graeme are Burlesque babes! Graeme wrote in his blog this week he hopes sex sells, and wowsers, do we ever know what it means! The hotties had drawn the suggestive, saucy style Burlesque from the infamous hat and that meant was time to bust out bedroom eyes and whip it good! Poured into a lacy corset, racy Rhiannon was very much the vixen, but Matt started out his comments by expressing the difficulty the youngest dancers left in the competition had executing such a sexy performance. He thought they executed the steps well but didn't see a great connection. Bonnie said it was a tricky and difficult routine. She thought it was a shame Graeme didn't have more dance moves, as most of the routine was spent supporting Rhiannon. He thought it was pretty good, but not great. Jason loved the old school Burlesque feel. He thought it was a great and interesting routine, and reminded the audience at home that these performers are dancing ten hours a day, and are bruised and battered because of it. He said he started to buy Rhiannon about halfway through, and that Graeme was a little fresh. If you reckon these guys are fresh, vote to keep them on that stage! Back to Kate and Jack! Out of slinky black and back in sharp suits to nail a clever Hip Hop routine. Jack's first time onstage was as a young Cosmo Brown in 'Singing in the Rain', and now SYTYCD brings him back there. Another impressive routine from choreographer Supple – an intricate remix of the Gene Kelly classic. "I wanted to honor what that dance represents to a lot of dancers," he explains. "And to also honour all of the pioneers who have made dance what it is. It's a tribute." Matt said it was the second time tonight the pair have taken a classic theme or genre and made it modern. For him, Kate and Jack were the couple of the night. Bonnie loved it. From the word go she saw the body language, and said Kate was just exceptional. Everything was here in one routine. Jason said that was show business – the routine was pure entertainment. Dancing is supposed to look effortless, and they did that ten-fold. Next up Demi and Henry in a sweet Contemporary routine that imaged the pair as innocent young lovers, idling away an afternoon simply with infatuation. Matt said it was joyous, and they did a great job of a technical routine. It was playful. He pointed out it was Demi's third week of Contemporary, and how well she was doing adapting to the different styles. Bonnie thought they did a great job of using the floor. It was such a change from their styles and it was just beautiful to see young love. Jason said he felt it. He loved the top and the tail of the routine. He pointed out it was a very technical routine for the least technical dancers left in the competition, but their lack of technique matched, so they weren't left behind. He praised Demi's fantastic acting, and said he bought her and bought everything that she does. Showtime! Vanessa and Rhys were back with a flashy, entertaining routine to the famous song 'America' from the musical West Side Story. The routine required the usually demure Vanessa to transform into a powerful woman not afraid to say no – could she pull it off? Matt kicked off the comments by saying West Side Story is his favourite musical of all time, and 'America' is his favourite song, but Vanessa's portrayal of the dominant Puerto Rican female - a woman with shtick and attack – was a little under at first, but she soon got into it. He said Rhys had the strength required to bring it home. Bonnie agreed in that she felt Vanessa lacked the attack and vibrancy, and didn't get the connection, and that she should have been tantalizing Rhys. She said Rhys, as usual, was very, very good – it was a Rhys inferno! Jason said Vanessa looked fragile, and was showing a weakness where she needed to be strong. He said Rhys was amazing in the competition, and that he adopted everything going on, and while he did expect a little more from him, he is a formidable, versatile dancer. Closing the show to brand new Madonna was Rhiannon and Graeme donned up in black and white as undercover agents, Brad and Angelina-style a la Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The style? Jazz Funk Hip Hop! Matt said the routine was like a comfy pair of jeans for the two, and he loved watching them dancing this style – they got out there and killed it. Bonnie said right from the beginning she was captured by the moment. This week she felt both Rhiannon and Graeme upped their game. She felt they both worked well together, and Rhiannon was still trouble. Jason said all the dancers were trouble. It was a great night of great dancing with great choreographer providing the moves. He said the routine had synchronicity, and while they owned it, it was slightly overdanced it. But overall they rocked the house! Vote to keep your favourite dancer in the competition!

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Aired - 31 March 2008

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Sunday night's show delivered more thrills and spills than a week on a rollercoaster. Ten solos and five duos – that's a lotta dancing. But now the judges have no power to save or send these dashing dancers home: it's your votes alone who will decide who becomes Australia's favourite dancer… Kicking off the show with the high quality we've grown accustomed to, our Top Ten had no trouble busting out their sweetest Hip Hop moves in a Nacho Pop choreographed routine. By now we're all experts on what Locking and Popping is, and even though there is but one b-gal left in the Top Ten, every dancer onstage looked like a pro. But not every dancer would be back next week… And now it's down to business. The judges expressed their interest in seeing how the country would vote after the past few weeks of sharing their opinion on all things dance. First up, our girls. It was a very nervous Vanessa, Rhiannon, Kate, Jemma and Demi upon stage next to the gorgeous Natalie B, each waiting to find out how last night's performances were judges by a dance-hungry public. Last night Demi was a Contemporary critter bugging out to The Strokes. Bonnie said she was just magic, but Jason wasn't as enamored with her solo. Luckily the country was – she was safe! Jemma performed a Jive which didn't have the judges shaking their tail feathers, and a duo which Jason described as beige. Kate cleaned up with last night's Hip Hop, and Matt thought she owned her 'Queen of the Night' solo. The country agreed – Kate was safe, while Jemma was in the bottom four. Vanessa performed a sensual Contemporary routine, which had the judges in agreeance: simply beautiful. Her solo inspired Bonnie to say she was the genie who had come out of the bottle and there was no going back. Rhiannon paired with Henry for an intensely personal routine, which had Bonnie saying it was the best routine of the night. Her Hip Hop solo had Jason saying it was very her, and it was hot. Australia, it seems, didn't agree – Rhiannon was in the bottom four. And here are your boys! Looking resplendent with his usual amazing make-up job, Rhys' Hip Hop routine inspired Jason to say it was hot, modern and contemporary. His solo to 'Born Slippy' from the Trainspotting soundtrack divided the judges – but it united the country. Rhys was safe. Jack started the show dancing with Vanessa to the Seal classic 'Kiss From A Rose', which the judges described as beautiful and wonderful. His solo to the 'Mission Impossible' soundtrack had Jason saying it was just so entertaining. Athletic Anthony teamed with Jemma for Cha Cha to a raunchy Tom Jones classic. For his solo, he returned to his Contemporary world, but both performances received lukewarm responses from the judges. The country agreed – Anthony was in the bottom four. Graeme's performance as a creepy crawly got Bonnie's adrenaline racing, and for his solo he was ready to get Freddie to a Queen classic. Jason had mixed feelings about it, but stated it showed him off as a strong technical dancer. Henry revealed his fragile side in a Kelly Abbey choreographed routine to 'Fragile', while his solo took Latin dancing to Ancient times, inspiring Bonnie to declare Hurricane Henry was on his way! The public agreed – Henry was safe, meaning Graeme would once again have to Dance For His Life. Judges thought the bottom four were the weakest four dancers, but expressed their surprise that Graeme – a crowd favourite – was having to dance a solo. While the bottom four stretched and flexed, Aussie songstress Delta Goodrem wowed the crowd with new soul-tinged sing-along ballad, 'You'll Only Break My Heart'. The multi ARIA award winning singer sparkled as she reminded us why is one of the first ladies of pop in Australia. Despite nerves, the solos had all four dancers celebrating their styles – from Hip Hop, to Contemporary, to Ballroom and back again. No one wanted to go home – but soon, the Top Ten would just be eight… After taking a quick peek at last night's Cadbury Breathtaking Moment from Henry and Rhiannon's duo, the decision. The girl going home this week was Jemma. Even though her journey was over, she was leaving with a smile and the knowledge she challenged herself. She encouraged any dancers out there ever thinking of giving up to stick with it, because with enough passion and motivation, they can achieve their dreams, just like she achieved hers. Matt said she was a fine dancer and a finer dancer for being in the competition. Bonnie said not only was she a beautiful dancer, but also a beautiful dancer from the inside out. Jason said the whole of the Western Australia was proud of her for representing them so finely to a national audience. Farewell Jemma – we'll miss you! And the boy packing his bags for the Gold Coast was revealed to be Anthony. He said he was glad he lived through a time when a show like this was available and on offer. Jason said Anthony did one of the most amazing auditions for that round, and no longer would he be living in the shadow of his famous football playing brother, Ben. Bad luck Ben! Bonnie said Australia was richer for having someone like Anthony in their homes every week. Matt agreed with Jason, from day one Anthony blew them all out of the water. Anthony encouraged any curious viewers at home to get along to a dance class because “it's the best thing in the world”. Well spoken, Anthony! Tune in next Sunday for more of the best thing in the world.

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Aired - 30 March 2008

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And… we're back! Firing on four cylinders from Sydney's Carriageworks comes the brightest, the most beautiful, the best dancers in this big brown land of ours. With only ten dancers left in the competition, tonight we're treated to a massive 15 new routines! That's five duos and ten solos, with each solo being danced to a song from a popular movie. Your Top Ten have survived all manner of injuries, being tossed out of their comfort zones and various brushes with the bottom three, but their talent and the judge's favour have kept them on the stage. Your votes keep them there. Who takes your fancy? Opening the show was a duo routine from the lovely Vanessa and the lovable Jack. Paired together for the first time, these two were super-excited to tackle the technical world of Lyrical Contemporary. Their raw, poetic routine to Seal's emotional love ballad 'Kiss From a Rose' had the judges in agreeance – it was beautiful, quality and wonderful. All up, an excellent start to the show! Having survived a seatbelt-free rollercoaster ride – and no less than three partners – to get her to Top Ten, Kate has proved herself to be one of the competition's fighters. Crowd fave Rhys breezed through Top Ten, never once being voted into the bottom three. Together, they cut more than a formidable figure on the d-floor. Working with experienced Hip Hop choreographer Supple, who's worked with the likes of Madonna and JT, Kate and Rhys cleaned up with an assured intricate, sexy Hip Hop routine to a remix of 'Give It To Me'. Matt thought the intricacy was phenomenal while Bonnie liked the new match. Jason and Bonnie disagreed on whether Kate had a 'Jazz' face on, but the final words came from an impressed Jason, "Yes, yes, yes!!" First soloist to test the waters was Henry, performing a powerful, dramatic and strong routine to 'Come and Get Them' from the action film 300. From the flick Hitch, Rhiannon's solo to '1 Thing' showed off this bundle of trouble's cute, urban, slick moves. Next onstage, the always athletic Anthony, and his beautiful, moving, flowing performance to 'The Blowers Daughter' from the excellent film Closer. Finishing off the solo performances was Perth gal Jemma, dancing her very first solo of the show to 'Shake Your Tail Feather', from the cult classic Blues Brothers. Energetic, fun and entertaining – vote to keep any of these dancers in the competition! Next onstage were Demi and Graeme, dancing an Abstract Contemporary routine to The Strokes' 'Reptilia'. Here the dancer was imagined as insect, in an innovative, absorbing and imaginative routine which had the crowd enraptured. Matt said the dancers became the routine while Bonnie said that it got her adrenaline racing from the word go. They were incredibly difficult shapes to master, and it was just magic. Jason agreed, commenting that good dancing should evoke emotion, and that routine took him on a journey. Time for a smart selection of solos: first up, Ballet gal Vanessa with a graceful and romantic routine to 'How Do I Live', followed by Jack's tight, cinematic routine to the theme from Mission Impossible, which certainly packed a punch with it's ending. A super-sparkly Kate upped the wow factor with a sexy, fast-paced routine to Whitney Houston's 'Queen of the Night'. She was followed by partner Rhys and his strong, clean, industrial routine to 'Born Slippy' from everyone's favourite film about junkies, Trainspotting. Dancing together for the first time were Jemma and Anthony performing a flirtatious Cha Cha to a cover of the Prince classic, 'Kiss'. Blinding the crowd in a bright electric blue dress fit for a dancing queen, the pair sparkled. Matt said it got him excited, but the routine wasn't as strong as the music. He felt it was disjointed, but it was really good for what they were given. Bonnie said that Jemma got over the earlier comments made about her solo and was great. Jason was a tad blunter, saying that while Jemma has had a dream run on the show, tonight was not her night. It didn't cut it for him, he didn't feel it. Last two soloists to do their thang were Graeme with a Contemporary routine to the Queen classic 'Bohemian Rhapsody' from seminal comedy classic, Wayne's World. He was fast followed by the pint-sized ball of fun, Demi, and her cute, sexy locking routine to 'Sex Machine' from the film Legally Blonde. The last performance for the night came to us care of Rhiannon and Henry. Henry discussed the challenge the routine presented to him in this week's blog, saying he had never felt so much pressure in the competition this far, in that the pair were dancing choreographer Kelley Abbey's story of losing her soulmate in an accident at a young age. What followed was a heart-wrenching Lyrical Jazz routine to 'Fragile', which left both performers overwhelmed. Matt loved vulnerability, while Bonnie said it was the best routine of the night. Jason felt it was slightly under, but it was beautiful, honest and heartfelt. All in all, a stellar night! Now get voting to keep your fave dancer on the dancefloor!

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Aired - 18 March 2008

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The night kicked off with a clean, classy Bob Fosse-inspired group performance, choreographed by the one and only Kelley Abbey. For those playing at home, Bob Fosse was the man when it came to musical theatre and choreography, working from the '50s through to the 1980s. He picked up an unprecendented eight Tony's for choreography and received an Oscar for directing the dance classic, Cabaret (1972). According to our friend Wikipedia, the dance sequences in Cabaret were 'particularly characteristic of Fosse, the vulgar energy of vaudeville and burlesque updated and coolly contained within a slick, conscious sophistication'. Rhys is personally a big fan and recommends everyone see the 1979 musical he wrote and directed, All That Jazz, “All That Jazz was autobiographical and almost predicted his own demise. It was really ahead of its time and shows how much he fought to reveal his vision and to be understood. But now he lives as legend.” The first two couples onstage, athletic Contemporary dancers Demi and Jack, and Nacho Pop Poppers Rhiannon and J.D. Both couples received both criticism and praise for last night's routine – but your votes sent the always popular Demi and Jack into the Top 10, meaning Rhiannon and J.D. would once again have to dance for their lives. The second two couples up were showtime Musical Theatre entertainers Jemma and Rhys, and Lambada lovers Camilla and Anthony. The judges had nothing but praise for Rhys, but wanted Jemma to believe in herself more. Camilla and Anthony were only a week into their partnership and Jason thought sex was missing from their dance of love. It seems you agree as well – Rhys and Jemma were through to Top Ten, meaning Camilla and Anthony would be once again be dancing for their lives. That leaves Jazz thrashers Kate and Graeme, and Capoeira kids Vanessa and Henry. The judges had plenty of praise for our first couple, especially considering Kate's neck injury meant that was the first time she had performed the routine in full. Vanessa and Henry struggled to find the dance in their Capoeira routine… but it was Kate and Graeme in the bottom three. Jason prepped the six dancers about to perform onstage with the advice they should think of it as Dance for Yourself, rather than Dance For Your Life – this was a chance to dance their true personalities, and show Australia why they deserve to be in the Top 10. In a whirl of high kicks and hair flicks, these six uber-talented dancers kicked up their heels. Jason said the difference between a good dancer and a great dancer is the ability to put themselves in the routine and this evoke real emotion on the viewer. Which dancers did this tonight? The judges were sent backstage to decide… If you've been losing sleep at night wondering how to define folk-pop, KT Tunstall is here as this week's special guest to help you out. This acclaimed Scottish singer/ songwriter plus band were onstage belting out 'Saving My Face', from their third album Plastic Fantastic, and lucky for us this guitar-playing chica is currently hawking her gritty, soulful wares all round this big, brown land. And now the result you've all been waiting for. First up were the girls. The first girl declared safe – securing a place in the Top 10 – was Kate. The decision put a lump in Jason's throat and tears in his eyes. Both dancers were praised for being gorgeous, and all the hard work they've put in so far. But the dancer leaving was the gracious, engaging, beautiful Camilla. And now the boys. The first boy declared safe was Graeme. Jason commended both the boys for coming to the party with their solos, and growing as performers. The SYTYCD journey ended tonight for the inspirational, connected J.D.

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Aired - 17 March 2008

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How crazy to think we're this close to carving our countries best 20 dancers clean down the middle. Every dancer has their eyes on the prize: whose gonna make it? These performances will decide… Riding high on the praise of performing the best Contemporary routine so far in the competition (according to Sir Jason Coleman) AND being safe from the bottom three on Monday, Kate and Graeme were the first couple to kick off the show. In wack black Mad Max costumes placing them somewhere in a dystopian sci-fi adventure, the pair owned the stage with their hardcore thrash Jazz routine. The connection between these performers just seems to grow every week, and what better way to start than with a crowd pleasing song like the classic Guns 'n' Roses track, 'Live and Let Die'. First up guest judge Kelley Abbey (who viewers at home will remember from such shows as Top 100 week) said she thought they worked so well together. She said Graeme was clear and plugged in, while Kate was sexy and strong. Matt couldn't tell Kate had pinched a nerve in her neck, and liked the highs and lows, the light and the shade of the routine. Bonnie said the routine should be called 'Live and Lets Dance', while Jason said it had real impact, that he couldn't tell Kate had an injury and that Graeme had done a ballistically good job. Next up, we bore witness to two kickass challenge routines, cuz this week, each couple had to choreograph and style their own routine for you guys out there in TV Land. Pocket rocket Rhiannon and the supersmooth J.D. got the ball rolling to Mika's quirky disco-flavoured 'Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)' before Jemma and Rhys wasted no time riding their ponies in a cheeky routine which seemed to take that X-rated theatre date and raise it by a dirty weekend away! Hot, hot, hot! From last week's African Samba to graceful, strong Capoeira. Straight from the streets of Brazil, Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian blend of martial arts, game, and dance. The style requires Vanessa and Henry to be fluid, controlled and poetic. Muscular bodies moving in time to Britney Spears – what would the judges think? Kelley said she assumed this would be a Capoeira-flavoured Contemporary dance – but she (in fact all four judges) couldn't see where the dance was. It needed to be edgy, and it was a bit messy. Matt said it looked like a martial arts routine while Bonnie expressed her admiration for the pair. Wanna see these guys in the Top 10? Vote now. Look sharp, other states of Australia, Camilla and Anthony are Team QLD! Yes, like the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes of Laura and Suri, Team QLD formed this week, and the partnership certainly turned the frowns of these temporarily single dancers the correct way around…and not a moment too soon, because the style delivered to these two via bucket was the luscious, the libidinous Lambada. The sexy partner routine saw these dancers getting up close and personal to Enrique Iglesias' 'Not In Love', and Kelley thought they had a great connection, but warned Anthony not to scowl, but to find sexiness from the inside out, while Camilla was strong and controlled. Matt said they suited each other well, and they did a great job, a sentiment echoed by all four judges. Jason said the key element missing was sex. Was it sexy enough for you? Vote to keep these guys in the competition! Next up, a gold-draped Demi and b–boy Jack's challenge routine. Yet to experience life in the bottom three, this confident pair ripped it up, supastar style, to bootylicious Beyoncé's classic d-floor anthem, 'Crazy In Love'. Crowd response? A Mary Murphy style scream-fest! Jazz hands! The only other couple who haven't yet experienced the rollercoaster ride of DFYL, Jemma and Rhys, were back this week with Musical Theatre. Rhys wrote in his blog he couldn't help but smile when rehearsing, and it's no wonder! These kids are Dancing Fools, dancing to a showtime tune of the same name, from the musical Copacabana. Kelley said it was entertaining, but the problem was with unison. All four judges agreed the style sat really well with Rhys, with Kelley praising his warm personality shining through in the performances so far. She thought Jemma was crossing over beautifully and encouraged her to believe in herself a little bit more. Matt said he wanted to see the couple have a little bit more fun. Bonnie said Rhys looked relaxed, alert and energetic. Jason said that while Jemma was on and off the centre of the beat, this was his favourite routine of the night. Challenge routine kids Kate and Graeme were next onstage in matching blue and red tracksuits, channeling a bit of Fast and Furious 'tude to the Black-Eyed Peas' 'Pump It'. This routine was about personality, fun, and wow-factor, taking the dancers on a journey from competitiveness to lust. The forecast? Hot and humid nights can be expected. Rhiannon and J.D. got lucky this week with a tongue-twisting Nacho Pop Hip Hop Popping routine. Well in J.D.'s comfort zone, the routine was simple, clean and classic, and all about rocking the beat to Craig David's laidback 'What's Your Flava'. Nacho told us he was "passionate about the technique behind the dance – and there's no goddamn story". With no narrative to tell the story, what did the judges think? Kelley said it was a cute routine, and for J.D. this was his comfortable chair while Rhiannon coped really well being out of her comfort zone. Kelley said she wanted the understated style to inspire more of a feelgood look in Rhiannon, and that she felt a bit flat in the face. Bonnie disagreed – she liked the tough, hard Rhiannon, and that the complete change worked for her. For her, spot on. Matt said TV sucks out 50% of the energy so it was hard to get the energy levels up for the understated style. Jason's problems were with unison and energy. Wanna see these guys in your Top 10? You know what to do! Fresh from steaming up the floor with the Lambada, it was time for Team QLD to try their hand at choreographing their own routine, after just one week of dancing together. Blue and red tracksuits were quickly cast aside for a crowd-pleasing fight routine that saw both Camilla and Anthony throwing each other around the room, seeing Camilla emerge as victorious. Next to perform for the salivating crowd were Vanessa and Henry, with their challenge routine to Michael Jackson 'Black or White'. Henry as an undersexed nerd? Vanessa as seductress extraordinaire? You betcha! And the crowd goes wild!! And the final couple for the night, the always entertaining Demi and Jack. After dipping their toe in the raunchy world of Samba last week, the pair was venturing into the unknown territory of Contemporary. In a stiff tutu and all black attire, the pair performed a complicated, athletic routine to the Beastie Boys' 'Ch-ch-check It Out' Kelley said it was a really different challenge for Demi, but that it suits her b-girl energy… but it became a bit lost it in the end, and she could see her thinking. She said Jack had great energy, but to watch his facial expressions. Matt said the energy was a little manic. Bonnie felt there too much for Demi to cope with - so many lifts, so much floorwork – and as a result she lacked energy. Jason agreed, and felt it was a little under, wondering whether the general public would enjoy the routine as much as the dancing world would. Did you? Hey, what are you doing still reading this recap? Pick up your phone and vote to put your favourite dancer in Top 10!

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Aired - 10 March 2008

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Yesterday's Super Sunday served up everything from heart-wrenching Contemporary set to Coldplay to earthy, animalistic African Samba. Now just 24 hours later, your votes decided which of these fourteen amazing dancers will became twelve by picking your bottom three. Here's the skinny: Kicking off the show with a streetsmart Hip Hop urban routine choreographed by Juliette Verne, aka Jet, your top fourteen ripped it up with a combination of awesome b-boy and b-girl moves that saw not just Hip Hop experts Demi and J.D. shining. The night was off and racing, and that meant some very nervous dancers had to take to the stage. First on the floor were Camilla and Sermsah, and Demi and Jack. Matt thought this style of Hip Hop sat better with Camilla and Sermsah, while Jason criticized the couple's problems with the lifts. Demi and Jack performed the Samba, and while Matt commented he didn't get connection, he said it was nice to see the pair step out of their ‘fun' zone. Bonnie thought it was lacking, and Jason thought it was flatfooted. So who was in the bottom three? Demi and Jack were safe, but Camilla and Sermsah would have to come back and Dance For Their Lives. Next on the stage were Jemma and Rhys, and Vanessa and Henry. Jemma and Rhys were still riding high from their supersexy urban routine, which had the entire audience hot under the collar. The judges praised Rhys' masculinity and Jemma's diversity. Sunday saw Vanessa and Henry perform a sizzling Samba, choreographed by the one and only Jason Gilkison. Matt said the routine allowed the couple to really step up. Jason said Vanessa owned it, and they were yet to see Henry be bad. These two couples both had the skills to pay the bills – they were declared safe! Laura and Anthony performed an obsessive Contemporary routine set to Avril Lavigne. Jason said he didn't believe the kiss and the scream – it wasn't enough to act sexy, they had to be sexy. Matt didn't get it, and thought it was ordinary. They were in the bottom three last week, and this week they were right back there. That meant one of our two bottom couples would have to Dance For Their Lives. Rhiannon and J.D. got back on the horse on Sunday with a slick jazz routine set to The Killers while Kate and Graeme wowed the judges with a powerful Contemporary routine. Jason said it was the best Contemporary routine he'd seen so far in the competition – and the voting public agreed, Kate and Graeme were safe! Camilla, Sermsah, Laura, Anthony, Rhiannon and J.D. then preceded to Dance For Their Lives, showing the judges and you guys at home their unique talent and ability to interpret music. Was it enough to get them through to Top 12? While the judges deliberated backstage, Canadian rockers Simple Plan pumped up the jams and got the crowd moving – but the question on everyone's lips was who would be going home? The girl whose SYTYCD journey ended tonight was Laura, and the boy who didn't make Top 12 was Sermsah.

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Aired - 09 March 2008

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Too close for missiles - we're switching to guns. It seemed just the other day twenty twinkle-toed dancers were zipping round the shiny Carriagework stage with the electric energy of top-ranking fighter pilots. Well Maverick, the need for speed has cut that Top 20 to fourteen. You don't have time to think up there. If you think, you're dead. Which dancers are writing cheques their bodies can't cash? Tonight's performance show decides (and the Top Gun references stop…. now. Sir, yes sir). After picking up the Cadbury Breathtaking Moment two weeks outta three, Rhys and Jemma have been flying skyhigh… and that also meant the power couple were feeling the pressure to maintain the kickarse standard they'd set. This week the couple was hoping for Hip Hop - and they got it! From the cheekiest beginning to a routine so far (check the vids, y'all), this ghettofabulous, Afro-Cuban routine positively burnt up the stage! The judges were in agreeance about this supersexy urban routine, with all three experts praising the pair for their growth, versatility and ability to act as chameleons in whatever routine was thrown at them. Matt commented he felt there could have been more energy onstage, an opinion not shared by Bonnie. It was raunchy, it was sexy, and it had the audience salivating for more. Last Sunday they sizzled with Samba, and now Demi and Jack are serving up a slice of sexy Rumba. This sophisticated routine showcased a more serious side to our cheeky duo, as well as these dancers' flexibility and fluidity. A highly technical dance, the sensual Rumba demands emphasis on posture and placement of feet. Last week the judges felt Jack outdanced Demi, and the week before that, vice versa. What was their feeling this week? Matt commented it was good to see the dancers in a different emotion apart from fun, fun, fun. The general feeling was there wasn't enough of a connection between the pair, and it could have been a little more touchy-feely. The judges felt Demi could have benefited more from wearing heels, a decision she bravely admitted to making herself. Bonnie said there was no bad news for Jack while Jason encouraged Demi to trust herself more. Vote to keep these guys in the competition! Last week's Soul Swingers, Laura and Anthony, both Danced For Their Lives on Monday, but made it through the wormhole to rise to the challenge of Contemporary. Performing to teen queen Avril Lavigne, this routine was hot, hot, hot! If the first two couples set the floor on fire, this routine had the whole of Carriageworks up in flames! Pulling out all the stops, this routine even saw Anthony leaping from the second floor balcony onto the stage? Was his leap of faith enough to impress the judges? Matt said he didn't get it, he felt it was ordinary, and not memorable. Bonnie said she felt the storyline of Laura being obsessed with Anthony came and went. She Anthony upped his game, but that Laura wasn't as good as Anthony. Jason said she didn't believe the routine's kiss or the scream. It's not enough to act sexy: they have to be sexy. He felt they'd done a good job with what they've been given – do you agree? Vote to keep them in! Next on the d-floor, it's a tight, compact, complex Hip Hop from former Martial Arts masters, Camilla and Sermsah. This hot couple are yet to be in the bottom three, but the last time they performed Hip Hop, judge Matt Lee said he didn't think the genre sat well with them. What would the panel of three say this time around? Matt said he thought this style of Hip Hop sat better on both of them, but he could read the thinking on Sermsah's face. Bonnie said she didn't get the ending, but that Camilla: always upped the game. She encouraged Sermsah to stop thinking about it and enjoy it. Jason said Sermsah wasn't dancing in the centre of the beat, and encouraged him to feel her and match her. He urged Sermsah to slow down and focus. Vote to keep these guys in the competition! Vanessa commented in this week's blog her choreographer was working on getting her to look more earthy and animalistic. And no wonder – fresh from successfully avoiding being sent home in last week's bottom six, Vanessa and Henry were lucky enough to work with choreographer extraordinaire Jason Gilkison in a raunchy African Samba routine. Matt said that Vanessa was stepping up, and he was happy to see her with a bit of oomph, and was starting to attack things. Bonnie said they were getting stronger as a couple. She loved the last ten seconds and praised Vanessa's genuine modesty. For her, the best tonight. For Jason this was an example of synchronicity; when all the elements of dance – choreography, lighting, costume etc - come together. Big praise all round for this routine. To the tears-on-your-pillow strains of the world's moodiest band, Coldplay, dancers Kate and Graeme took to the stage for an emotional Contemporary routine. Last week your votes kept this talented two out of the bottom three, so what was the judge's verdict on this physically demanding piece? Matt said this was quality dancers with a quality routine. Bonnie said she could feel the connection, and it was simply stunning; blew her away. The highest praise came from Jason who said it was the best contemporary routine they've seen in the competition. Loved it, loved, loved it. Looking sharp in sweet matching tuxedos, Rhiannon and J.D. hit the stage to the ridiculously catchy 'Somebody Told Me' by The Killers, for tonight's flashy finale. Last week the pressure got to J.D. midway through their Tango routine – would they nail it tonight? In the package J.D. said the public would see a breakdown change into a breakthrough… and he was right. Matt commented on how good it was to see J.D. having fun. Bonnie said they did great. She compared Rhiannon to a good bottle of champagne – pop open the cork, and out come the bubbles. Jason said they did what the choreographer wanted, and well done: Great start, great energy, great attack. Vote now to keep your fave dancers in the Top 12!

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Aired - 03 March 2008

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"Tell me why/ I don't like Mondays/ I want to shoot/ The whole day down". So sung Sir Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, true in 1979 and still so true today. Mondays mean back to work or school, Mondays mean four sleeps to the weekend, Mondays mean eviction night. And what an eviction night. With the shock of top dancers Hilton and Kassy being sent home last week, all and sundry knew when it came to the bottom three, all bets were off. Here's how the night played itself out. Helloooo sailor! Another all-in group piece kicked off the show with fast-paced flair. Created by the legendary Jason Gilkison, this week it was all about the Lindy Hop. Hailing from the streets of en-why-see (New York, where else?) in the late 1920s, the Lindy Hop evolved from a mish-mash of street styles popular at the time, such as Jazz, Tap and the Charleston. Belonging to the sassy Swing family, this high-energy partner style upped the fun factor, and saw our boys looking their best in khakis and our girls as pretty as pin-ups. The stress-levels were sky-high for the first two couples onstage. Rhiannon and J.D. both had a strong start to the competition, but Sunday night's Tango saw J.D. drop the ball badly, freezing like a deer in headlights midway through the pair's saucy Tango routine. Bollywooders Kate and Graeme had been in the bottom three last week, with both of Kate's dancing partners being sent home, one by one. You could have cooked rice with pressure in the room – so imagine the raw joy and surprise when all four dancers were declared safe!! Next up stood Indie Jazz duo Demi and Jack; Soul Swingers Laura and Anthony and Krumping kids Stephanie and Marko. Did Australia think Demi and Jack had the Jazz mojo to make it through to the Top 14? You guys sure did, these guys will be back next week! But unfortunately for the other two couples, they would both be back onstage, Dancing For Their Lives. That leaves us with three more couples. Jemma and Rhys yet again stunned audiences with Sunday's dramatic Paso Doble, picking up for the second time the Cadbury Breathtaking Moment. The judges were unanimous in their adoration of this powerful routine – and Australia agreed. They were safe. That left martial arts dancers Camilla and Sermsah vs. Modern Disco divas, Vanessa and Henry. While Jason felt Henry stole the routine and Matt said Vanessa looked relaxed and comfortable, this pair was the final in the bottom three. In a whirl of loose limbs, high kicks, muscular torso and popping booties, six dancers flew round the stage hoping desperately their sweet moves would impress the judges. Jason commented the challenge he issued to the dancers last week, that their solos should be more connected to themselves as performers and more than just tricks, had been taken up. He congratulated the performers – but two would still have to go. As Kiwi rapper Scribe hyped up the already salivating audience, our four judges trooped backstage to make yet another difficult decision First up was the announcement of the girl dancer staying. Due to being unique and her growth so far, it was announced as Vanessa. Jason went on to say that Stephanie and Laura both performed well, and their solos were connected to who they were as dancers. But this competition was about growth, as well as brilliance. The dancer announced as leaving was Stephanie. The judges' decision for the boys was not unanimous. Again, Jason emphasized that the competition was about diversity, growth and learning - more than just learning steps. The first dancer announced as safe was Henry, who Jason described as the most versatile ballroom dancer in the competition. This left Marko and Anthony. Jason said it was a lose/ lose situation, as both were amazing, great dancers. The dancer to leave was announced as Marko. Tune in next Sunday for your Top 14!

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Aired - 02 March 2008

Episode summary:

From Paso Doble to Krumping, from Soul Swing to Bollywood, if tonight's show was a box of chocolates, this would be something fresh off Willy Wonka's insane factory floor. With guest judge Mary Murphy fresh off her hot tamale train from the US to get excited our country's best dancers, the d-floor was set for hot hot heat of the very best kind. Demi and Jack: Last week they sizzled in Samba, this week the cute couple stepped up the challenge of Indie Jazz. Could they keep raising the bar? Poured into tight black jeans, Demi and Jack quickly set about pulling out all the stops to the Artic Monkeys. The crowd loved it, but what about the judges? All four judges agreed that while Demi owned last week's routine, this week it was all about Jack. Overall it was still sexy and fun, but Demi needed more Jazz mojo in order to nail it. Do you wanna see these two in the Top 14? Vote now! Vanessa and Henry: Dancing Contemporary Disco were last week's Animated Hip Hoppers, Vanessa and Henry. Mary said the routine, for her, was bizarre – and Jason agreed – there was no Disco in it. She said the assisted lifts were terrific, but overall she just seemed confused. Mary and Jason both named Henry as versatile, and a major contender in the competition. Matt commented that for the first week Vanessa looked relaxed, comfortable and seemed to enjoy it. Bonnie berated Henry for being late to rehearsal, while Jason said that for the third week in a row, Henry had stolen the routine. Camilla and Sermsah: From last week's Hip Hop to a strong, powerful and innovative Martial Arts dance routine. Mary started the ball rolling by saying that Sermsah and Camilla had more stage presence in the first thirty seconds than the other two performances so far. Matt said he was drawn in, and the style sits so much better with the pair. It felt real, connected and engaging. Bonnie said it was a great achievement, especially to nail both the dancing and acting. Jason's comments were little more lukewarm – he liked the opening and the last 15 seconds, but the rest was a dance routine, not a fight scene. All judges commented this pair were really building as a couple. Do you agree? Vote to keep them in the competition! Jemma and Rhys: This routine was an example of how thinking outside the box can transform a familiar style into something mouth-wateringly memorable. The Paso Doble – that's Spanish, from Strictly Ballroom right? Not in the hands of these seasoned performers! Innovative choreographer Jason Gilkison's interpretation of the theme of love and romance, which underpins all the Latin styles, saw this routine set to the spine-tingling opening monologue of Mr Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet. Yet again this dancing duo this had the audience raising the roof – and the judges certainly agreed. Mary said there was one way she liked her Paso Doble, and that was it! It was strong, passionate and fiery, and Matt agreed, naming it as engaging, real and dramatic. Jason named the choreography as world class, everything Paso Doble should be. Stephanie and Marko: Originating from South LA, Krumping is a new form of street dance which was born out of dancers needs to release pent-up emotion – often anger – in moves which are expressive and free. David LaChapelle's landmark documentary Rize showcased the artform in its infancy, stunning the world with this tough expression of life on the streets. So how would an army clad Ballroom dancer and Contemporary Jazz dancer, self-defined this week by Marko as the 'freaks of the competition', handle this aggressive dance? Mary, Matt and Bonnie were supportive of Marko and forgiving of Steph being a fish out of water, with Matt saying she faked it really well. Jason was a tad more blunt naming the routine a big, fat mess with not a single moment of unison. Do you agree? Your vote can save these dancers! Laura and Anthony: Last week they were Disco Divas, this week the loose and limber couple slipped into Soul Swing. It's New Orleans, but someone's spiked the red cordial. This fun routine has a distinctively cruisey feel to it, and was yet another fun style to showcase this couple's bubbly personalities. Did those spins and flips look as effortless to the judges as they did to the audience? Mary said the pair were phenomenal dancers, and Laura pulled it off and made it look easy. She felt the routine didn't really showcase Anthony as much as it could and Matt agreed, saying he felt the routine was a little lacklustre. Jason was unmoved either way and didn't have a lot to say – it wasn't hard and it didn't show them off. Love these guys? Vote to keep them swinging. Rhiannon and J.D. Sexy, slick and surprising. Donned up in a sharp-as tux and a dress sparkly enough to make the Milky Way jealous, this power couple owned the floor when they danced the sexy Tango… until a missed few steps stopped short an incredible routine. Mary said it started out so well, they were doing tremendously until they dropped the ball. Bonnie reiterated that we all make mistakes, and that everyone on the judging panel has been in that position before. Jason said it should be JD leading yet it was Rhiannon leading as the stronger dancer. Do you love these dancers? Vote to keep them in the Top 14 now! Kate and Graeme: With both dancers having experienced life in the bottom three and working with each other for the first time this week, the pressure was on. Would a flowing, bejewelled Bollywood routine be enough to keep them in the competition? Mary said it looked like having so much fun and that both of them had that X-factor, and they were both on the hot tamale train to Hollywood! Matt was impressed with the connection they had made with each other, and it looked like they had been dancing together for years Bonnie the loved the routine, but felt it was just a little under. Jason said this was an example of brilliant dancers in a bad routine: good dancers with bad choreography Who makes your Top 14. Tune in Monday to find out!

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Aired - 25 February 2008

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Is it just us, or are Monday nights taking a few years off our life every week? The crazy nerves, the intense anticipation… and then, the sadness of having to bid farewell to two talented favourites. This week it was Kassy and Hilton. Here's how it all went down. Judge Matt Lee choreographed the free-wheeling tribal number which opened the show with all the punch of a wasabi-coated boxer's glove. As a blinged-up Bonnie commented, it appeared as if the 18 could have been a company that have been dancing together for years, so close is the bond between them all. But 18 would soon be 16. The first three couples bought to the stage were our Samba sexies, Demi and Jack, our Hip Hop prisoners Camilla and Sermsah, and our Lyrical Contemporary lovelies, Kassy and Graeme. The heels and nails combo obviously worked for y'all out there cuz Demi and Jack were the first couple declared safe, plus they had the honour of picking up the night's most Breathtaking Moment, as voted by you guys here on this very site! The first bottom three couple was announced as Kassy and Graeme, meaning Sermsah and Camilla are back next week. The next four couples onstage were Swing Hip Hoppers Stephanie and Marko, vampy Jazz duo Jemma and Rhys and Animated Hip Hoppers who performed "a dance from Mars", Vanessa and Henry. Lucky for these three dancers, all three will be dancing their hearts out for you next week! So that meant there were still two gaping wholes in the bottom three, meaning out of foxy Foxtrotters Kate and Hilton, shimmering, sexy Disco divas Laura and Anthony and industrial Jazz vixens Rhiannon and J.D. there'd be two partnerships dancing for their lives… and that turned out to be Kate and Hilton, and Rhiannon and J.D. Sassy spunkrat Kassy gave it her booty-shaking all to dancefloor fave Sir Mixalot's 'Baby Got Back' while partner Graeme showed us his slick urban style in a high-energy Contemporary routine. It was second time around for both Kate and Hilton. Kate said it didn't get any easier while Hilton said he thought he did well, but still had more to show. Lastly Rhiannon and J.D. showcasing their unique talent that got them to the Top 20 in the first place. Jason said the chorey in all six cases was quantity not quality, the that the dances needed to life that bar to stay in the competition. While the judges deliberated, Idol superstar Guy Sebastian crooned some seriously cool rhythm and blues, with a little help from the original Blues Brothers band all the way from Memphis, Tennessee. Tail feathers were shaking… as were the knees of six very nervous dancers. Jason said he was shocked at the dancers standing before him, as they were three of the best dancers in this competition. Based on the solos, it was Kassy going home. Next up, the guys. Jason hit the nail on the head when he said this process was as painful as teeth being pulled with no anesthetic. The first dancer declared safe was Graeme. Between the final two, the decision was made based on the dancers ability to physically and mentally embody the different styles that had to perform. The So You Think You Dance ended for Hilton. Vote to keep your favourite dancers in the competition.

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Aired - 24 February 2008

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Jaws dropped and salty tears were shed when the lovable Courtney and Khaly had to bid farewell to the SYTYCD crew last week, and everyone realized that this was real: the pressure was on! It was time to pull out all the stops as the search continued for Australia's favourite dancer… Kate and Hilton: Both dancers were at a disadvantage having only a week with each other as a partner, plus nursing bruised egos as a result of being in the bottom six. They had something to prove – and they proved it. Matt hit the nail on the head when he named the routine as elegant, sexy and slick. However Bonnie and Jason both warned Hilton he'd need to up his game to stay on par with the performance maturity displayed by Kate, and not to let Kate outshine him. Kate named Hilton as the light at the end of the tunnel of the Monday night eviction. Are these dancers your light? If so – vote!! Camilla and Sermsah: With all the pent-up energy of prisoners on the run, Camilla and Sermsah burst onto the stage with a hardcore Hip Hop routine. Matt said the pair were on the floor with 150% energy but he didn't think the genre sat well with either of them. He said Sermsah's energy was too out of control and he was losing the steps. Bonnie said she hoped neither them were disappointed because they did a fantastic job and she could see Camilla creeping up there. Jason commented the pair needs to work on their unison, and to pull back their energy levels in order to produce consistency. If you wanna keep these dancers in the competition, you have to vote!! Kassy and Graeme: This routine saw Kassy and Graeme dancing Lyrical Contemporary, a story which took us into the mind of Graeme as he remembered the best parts of a relationship with Kassy. Set to the Ray Charles version of The Beatles classic 'Yesterday', this nostalgic routine demanded some punishing floorwork from the spunky hotties. Matt commended the performers on the dangerous lifts, which had him on the edge of his seat. Bonnie said if you trust, you will conquer and that this routine was a little bit of magic and lotta heaven: light and lovely. Jason said he felt the routine was a little laboured. Don't agree? Vote to keep these dancers on your screens. Stephanie and Marko. No strangers to pushing the envelope, the feisty Stephanie and Marco were back this week with yet another mixed-genre double dose of eye-catching wackiness. But did the neon-coloured Swing Hip Hop (Swap) routine to 'Are You The One' by Sydney kings of dirty electro, The Presets, win the judges over? Matt felt that Steph seemed like a fish outta water and that she didn't have steps down. He felt Marco's lifts were laboured and the piece was a little wishy washy. Jason said Marco was a solid dancer but he felt Steph got left behind, and was outdanced by her partner. Do you agree with Jason that these dancers will be in bottom three? If not, you must vote now! Laura and Anthony: Are you living in the 70s? Without the use of some kind of time-travelling device, it's highly unlikely. But taking it back to the era of Xanadu, rollerdiscos and Farah Fawcett hair was this gold-draped sexy pair. With five lifts on the cards, could they pull it off? A glowing Laura said she was stoked to get Disco so she could share her fun, bubbly side with the audience while Anthony said he was happy to get Disco so he could smile and have fun. Did the judges share their joy? Matt said the pair were clearly a crowd favourite and it was definitely exciting, what with Anthony's sweet John Travolta-ish moves. Bonnie said she enjoyed it so much, and she could see Laura growing and growing every week. Jason wanted a bit more from Anthony, and Laura needed to work on her core strength. Did these disco divas win your heart? If so, vote them in! Rhiannon and J.D.: This week double trouble tackled the strong, clean, sharp world of industrial Contemporary Jazz, in a routine to 'Breathe' by the Prodigy. The result? Matt said Rhiannon danced the pants off J.D, and that J.D. had been too laidback. Bonnie said the routine was tough for J.D, and while he didn't have the technique, he did the very best he could and supported his partner. She said that whatever Rhiannon did, she'll come out trumps. She could see how Rhiannon made J.D. feel safer. Jason agreed with J.D.'s criticisms of his performance, in that it looked like he was chasing the routine, and that while Rhiannon was cute, hot and funky, she needed to be more open as a performer. Love these guys? Vote to keep them in. Demi and Jack: Put a b-girl in three-inch heels and whadya get? Samba baby, Samba!! This likeable pair sizzled this week in a loved up Latino routine, and Matt voiced what everyone was thinking when he enthused about just how sexy and sensual the South American dance was. Bonnie commented that it was a difficult routine to nail, with all the complex little steps, but they worked together to pull off a saucy, sassy number. Jack needed to work on his accuracy and Demi ripped it. Jason said that not only was he looking at a complete transformation in dancer Demi, but it was the routine of the night for him. Jemma and Rhys: Last week's breathtaking waltzers were back this week performing something with a little more bite: a modern take on the vampire mythology. Their sexy Jazz routine was choreographed by Top 100 contestant Michael Boyd. Matt said Jemma was out of her comfort zone and he could see her thinking throughout the whole routine, but all-in-all, great job. Bonnie commented she felt it wasn't rehearsed enough and she liked the character acting, but it was just a little under. Jason said it was good but not great. Do you agree? Vote if you wanna keep this red-blooded vampy couple in the competition. Vanessa and Henry: Last but not least, a Ballet dancer and a Ballroom performer taking on a genre they'd never heard of before: Animation Hip Hop. Vanessa was super nervous learning the complex, understated choreography, saying she felt like it was like learning a dance from Mars. Matt was impressed with the leaps and bounds the pair had made while Bonnie said she found the dance enchanting, and she was really proud of them both. The judge who had been hard to please all night, Jason, said he was impressed with the versatility that Henry had shown, and quite simply, he loved him in that routine. He felt Henry had stolen the show. He said he thought Vanessa would be crap at it, but she wasn't – she made the popping style look effortless and easy. We're looking for your favourite dancer Australia, so vote now to keep them in the competition!

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Aired - 18 February 2008

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Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! The SYTYCD stage is once again set for something resembling a sci-fi spectacular: the control room of a spaceship burning in brilliant orange and cloaked in dry ice. The futuristic feel is bang on for what you're about to witness – who will continue their journey in this, the future of dance. Sunday night's show saw our Top 20 wrap the nation round their little finger with ten powerhouse performances, in styles ranging from bare-bones Boogaloo, to lovely Lyrical Contemporary, to sexy Salsa. Now, the votes have been tallied and the journey is about to end for two of our dancers. But not before one seriously cool group performance, set to the strains of the Grammy award-winning 'Lovestoned' by Matt Lee's popstar lookalike, Justin Timberlake (it's all about the Trilby, y'all). This funky'40s-inspired jazz routine was choreographed by Kelley Abbey, and started the show with a bang the size of Texas. But the upbeat vibe was quickly replaced with the sobering reality of the evening's agenda… The air was thick with nerves, pulses racing like wild horses. So let's get back down to the facts: the first safe couple was announced to a knife-edge audience as…J.D. and Rhiannon. And the first bottom three couple… Courtney and Hilton, with Camilla and Sermsah safe for the next week. The second safe couple was soon after announced as (drum roll please) Kassy and Graeme, and Jemma and Rhys. The second bottom couple was announced as… Vanessa and Henry, with Stephanie and Marko safe for next week. And which of these three couples – Laura and Anthony, Demi and Jack and Kate and Khaly? The third safe couple was announced as Kate and Khaly, making the other two couples safe. Now its time for these six individuals to show Australia why they were part of the Top 20 made it in the first place, and Dance For Their Lives! Blink and you'll miss them. The first soloist was Courtney, burning up the stage but commenting she felt scattered with all the emotions, nerves and excitement, followed quickly by partner Hilton. Did he dance for his life? "Hell yeah!" grinned the cheeky 18-year-old. Vanessa reminded us just how beautiful Lyrical Contemporary is while partner Henry busted out some hip swiveling Latin Ballroom moves. Another couple of nerve-racked contestants, wondering if their moves would keep them in the competition. The gorgeous Kate looked nothing short of incredible with her high-powered Contemporary routine, before the ever-cheeky Khaly demonstrated some of the most amazing b-boy strength moves we've seen yet in the competition. Tonnes of good things come in pairs - cherries, socks, sequels and The Veronicas. Australia's favourite single-egg-which-became-two-embryos (i.e. twins) hit the stage like they've just sucked down a double shot of Red Bull and dynamite. While the judges deliberated over which dancer would leave the competition, the duo plus band slammed out 'Untouched', soundtrack to Stephanie and Marco's pop-punk Jive yesterday. Last night you guys all voted for your fave Breathtaking Moment right here on this site – who walked away with the honour? Matt said it was beautiful and a breath of fresh air. Bonnie said it was stunning and smooth, while the biggest praise came from Jason, who said it was lovely, light, luscious: his favourite routine of the night. We are of course talking about Jemma and Rhys. Congratulations guys! Crunch time. The girl going home was decided as the vivacious Courtney. And the boy leaving us, the lovable Khaly. If you want to save your fave dancer next week, you must vote! Stay tuned next Friday for your Top 18 performance night!

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Aired - 17 February 2008

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And… action! The cameras start rolling and onto the stage strut twenty of the sexiest, spunkiest, sassiest performers Australia's ever seen. Reality TV just got freakin' cool. Aiight, pick your jaw up off the floor, ya'll. It's time to get busy. Rhiannon and J. D. Hey, what's that silver splattered all over the floor? Oh it's the mercury from the thermometres that have just exploded. Yu-huh, Sydney's summer just got steamier, with this sizzling duo's street-smart Hip Hop routine. Matt told the couple they were so well-suited: Rhiannon the pint-sized hottie next to the cool, calm and collected J.D. while a blinged-up Bonnie said they were just fabulous. Jason commented their only problem was unison; Rhiannon danced slightly in the front of the beat, while the laidback JD danced at the back of the beat. Courtney and Hilton. Their gorgeous Jazz Lyrical take on the oldest love story in the world Romeo + Juliet mythology had a heart-breaking ethereal feel as a result of being set to the masters of emotional alt-rock, Radiohead. Hilton mentioned in his blog that his partner was helping him express his emotions and it's clear to see what he meant. Matt commented that while Courtney was so likeable, he was very good at faking her technique while Hilton was a contender to win the competition. Bonnie said she felt the chemistry between the pair while Hilton made great use of the floor, and while she could see he was nervous with the lifts, he did them well. Bonnie said she was sure Courtney would go a long way. Jason said that while Hilton missed a lift, he got back on the horse, and that Lyrical suited him so well. He agreed with Matt and said Courtney did need to watch her feet. Vanessa andHenry: What happens when a Ballet babe meets a Latin lover in the search of Salsa? Lots and lots and lots of turns. Who needs a rollercoaster when you've got a dude like Henry to take you on a journey of thrills and spills. And for someone who claimed in their blog they'd have trouble acting sexy, Vanessa had no trouble burning up that stage. Matt hit the nail on the head when he said it was an exciting and fantastic routine, but he would have liked to see Vanessa with a little more strength in her upper body. Bonnie commented that she could see Vanessa wasn't in her comfort zone, but Henry was a great help in guiding her through the challenging routine. Jason said that as ballet to let go of her training to master Salsa is a real challenge that Vanessa rose to, but she could make her moves a little sharper. The audience had no trouble roaring their approval though: these guys were hot! Camilla and Sermsah: Um, did we mention this show is kinda sexy? Sh'yeah – hormones have well and truly replaced tears, and this performance was no exception. The girl from Ipswich and the boy from Port Hedland spending up big to the sultry sounds of Shirley Bassey in the genre of Musical Theatre. Cat burglars, both of them – meow… Matt said he was a fan of both dancers and it was great to see Sermsah onstage with more confidence. The bubbly Camilla had nothing but praise for the leaps and bounds her partner had made. Sermsah said while it was full on working in a new genre, Camilla was nothing but support. Jason said that everyone had faith in him, and that with more centred energy, he'd nail the lift he missed. Hot song, hot bodies, hot routine. Jemma and Rhys. Under a starry night sky, a flowing, romantic waltz was a beautiful way to showcase Emma's talent and give Rhys the chance to show the audience a different side to the harder, urban feel of his audition pieces. Rhys floating on cloud nine. Matt said it was really beautiful: a breath of fresh air, and made the point that because Jemma was used to dancing in bare feet she had to make sure her feet were stretched at every moment. Bonnie: said it was stunning, she loved the opening, and it was overall smooth, lovely, and that Rhys had grown so well and did extremely well, while Jemma nailed it. The biggest praise came from Jason who said it was lovely, light, luscious: his favourite routine of the night. Laura and Anthony. Their Lyrical Contemporary bedroom piece showcased the anger and passion of love. As two of the tallest contestant in the competition, this routine was able to show-off their gazelle-like figures which both cut a fine form. All judges agreed the choreographer did a great job on complimenting both dancers strengths, and that the combination of great dancers and great choreography resulted in an excellent routine. Matt said Laura did a great job in stepping up to the challenge and that Anthony was wonderful. Jason said he had doubted Laura when she entered the top 20 but she did an excellent routine. He said Anthony was a formidable dancer and he was looking forward to doing Hip Hop. Steph and Marko. Are you born to (hand) jive? This feisty pair sure looks like they are! Their unreconstructed pop punk look is a perfect match for the upbeat vibe of Australia's fave twins, The Veronicas. Their high-energy jive sees Step's feminine look transformed into something quite grungy and dirty, while Marco looked totally at home with the complicated footwork. Matt said it was exciting, and not a typical jive. He said he felt Marco was one of the strongest dancers in the competition and he was happy Steph had lost her 'ballroom cheese'. Bonnie loved the costumes, thought it was fun and felt Stephanie had no trouble concentrating and working with her partner. She thought Marco was fabulous. Jason disagreed: he didn't get the correlation between the costumes, the music and the jive. He felt the couple were loose in their unison, and didn't work enough with each other. They were fierce, but not fierce together. Bonnie didn't agree. Do you? Kate and Khaly. Our KFC-dependant b-boy meets health conscious Kate in a wack Edward-Scissorhands-meets-Alice-in-Wonderland routine set to a Silverchair song. Matt asked Khaly if he's ever lifted a girl before. The answer was no, and matt commended him on nailing it – it was so far away from what he did: this was a b-boy free routine, and he did a god job of holding his own. He said that Kate was the finest female dancer in the competition and she did great. Bonnie said that Khaly didn't have enough eye contact with Kate, but she was sure he'd go far on the competition's journey. She said Kate was beautiful in everything she did, her lines were extended and her turns were sharp. She was a fabulous dancer, and together they were an extremely professional couple; they put it all together and made it great. Jason began with the ominous words, "Houston, we have a problem". Khaly and Kate were two of his favourite dancers, but he didn't like the choreography. Will it be enough to keep them in the competition? You decide! Demi and Jack. Choreographed by Boogaloo extraordinaire Nacho Pop (who we all met in Top 100 week), this is a style derived from popping, but it's a lot more smooth and all about feelin' that funk. Matt said he felt the funk – there's nothing better than watching joyous dance, and it had him groovin'! Bonnie loved their style and how they were cheeky with each other – she thought Demi was just lovely and Jack was spot on. Jason said their likeability factor was sky high – and they were a huge threat in the competition! Kassy and Graeme. These hotties served up some late night angst, possibly post-formal, pre-meltdown. Their sexy disheveled look… Matt said it was brilliant: Kassy stepped up to the next level, with only a small technique critique for Graeme. Bonnie thought it was a beautiful routine, and that Kassy exuded warmth, energy and sex appeal, as well as dancing so well, and that the routine was believable. Jason reminded Kassy of a comment from her audition: that if a dancer is a canvas and the choreographer is the artist, that was art. Now get voting!

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Aired - 11 February 2008

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The first few performances had set the bar high, and the judges' comments had reminded our contestants they were looking for emotion and truth in their performances. First on the floor was Kiwi Krumper Josh, with a bevy of babes including blonde bombshell Kassie. The judges had nothing but praise for the girls who all made it through, but while they found Josh witty and clever, they felt he played safe. It was end of Josh's journey. Next up was a group including JD, whose namesake is the taxi driver who dropped him off at an orphanage in Manilla after his parents abandoned him when he was just four-years-old. He performed a heartfelt routine alongside Hilton, Jemma and Jack, all of whom made it through. Camilla has a jazz background, which made her feel less than comfortable with the Hip Hop routine the boys in her group had devised. Despite this, the feisty redhead made it through. Next was a group featuring Sermsah, Rodolfo and Stephanie who along with their other group members discovered while working out a theme for their performance, that they had all lost someone close to them. There routine saw them dancing for those loved ones who have passed on, making the contemporary routine especially moving. Sermsah and Stephanie were through, but it was the end of the line for Rodolfo. After the group corry cuts were made, it was time to whittle 50 dancers down to the Top 20. Those who didn't make the cut were taking the bad news with grace and maturity, and the stakes were so high when indigenous dancer Sermsah took to his place before the judging panel. The judges expressed their fears that this talented dancer wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of a high-stakes competition like Dance, but were their fears enough to eliminate him from the competition? No. Sermsah was through.The versatile Kassie was instructed she must give more of her natural warmth when performing, but she too made it through. Sorono brother Carlo was told he was one of the most entertaining soloists in the competition, but unfortunately it was the end of the road for this fun performer. Better news for the pint-sized bundle of energy that is Demi. Ballroom dancers Henry and Stephanie auditioned together, wowing the judges from day one with there sexy, hip-swivelling moves. The odds seemed stacked against them when the nervous pair faced the judges: surely both of them wouldn't be getting through? Nu-uh: they are both in your Top 20! Another nerve-racked pair of Ballroom experts were Brendan, 35 and Jemma, 19. Both spoke highly of each other's abilities, but there was only room for one in the Top 20. That place went to Jemma. Khaly was told he had the strongest b-boy moves in the competition, and there were cheers from every dancer waiting when the cheeky part-time body piercer announced his success. And the Top 20 spots just kept on coming: get ready to fall in love with triple threat Rhiannon, bubbly Kate, aspiring Broadway dancer Jack, jazz performer Camilla, South Australian angel Laura, former aerobics champion Anthony and contemporary dancer Vanessa. Popular dancer Hilton's celebrations were cut short when his girlfriend Jess didn't make it through. JD faced his fears and insecurities to audition in the first place and while his background is in Hip Hop, he proved he was one of the competition's most adaptable contestants, securing himself a place in the Top 20. At the end of the night it was down to Will and Rhys for a final spot in the boys' Top 10, with the unique, Rhys being the successful performer. Jason spoke warmly of Rhys being someone who wasn't afraid to take risks with who he was and what he wanted to express about himself. The final two girls to face the judges were Nikki and Courtney, both at the end of an incredible journey which tested their characters and pushed them as performers. It was the earthy, warm Courtney who Bonnie once described as a twinkling star who made the cut. The competition now starts in earnest: who will be your favourite dancer?

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Aired - 10 February 2008

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Joining our three judges is renowned choreographer Kelley Abbey. The rules of the game are as follows: dancers begin by performing group choreography (corry), with the judges assessing dancers individually. Three yes' keeps a dancer in the comp, three nos sends them home. A split vote? Time to dance for your life to stay in the game. On Day One, top Hip Hop/ Boogaloo choreographer Nacho Pop begins putting the dancers through their paces, teaching them a poppin' routine that would have Pharrell Williams himself struggling to keep up! Jaws dropped after rehearsals when five dancers were cut before even officially performing. The Ballet-trained beauty Vanessa picked up the street smart moves fast enough to progress through to Day Two, as did cheeky body piercer Khaly. Security guard Chris (the real man who danced like a real man) split the judges, forcing him to dance for life, as did the emotionally charged Daniell. Chris made it though, but it was the end of the road for Daniell. After Day One, a third of the Top 100 was sent home. Next stop: Ballroom. Hilton and Chanel, Sermsah and Camilla, Kassie and Henry, Steph and Mack. Couples were quickly paired off to begin learning choreographer Jason Gilkinson's sexy, sensual, Latin routine. Ballroom novices were paired with experts, and only the strong would survive. Melbourne choreographer JD aced the routine, getting four enthusiastic thumbs up from the judges, with Kelley enthusing about how fantastic it was to see a hip-hop performer applying himself to Ballroom – such is the spirit of the competition as a whole. But for every contestant who made it through to Day Two, people being sent home left, right and centre. Gabriel's lime dress hid the performer inside and Chris couldn't cut it in Ballroom. But BJ wouldn't take no for an answer, successfully arguing for a chance to dance for his life. Lucky he spoke up: he made it through. The ridiculously lovable b-girl Demi also successfully danced for her life, as did the talented and strong Sermsah. Day Three saw Kelley step up as choreographer, to teach our dancers the joyous style of Lyrical Jazz. Despite two 16 hour days taking their toll on the performers, the first group started strongly with 17 of the 20 making it through. Despite blowing the routine, Jason decided Courtney's mistakes were a case of a good dancer having a bad day and she made it through. Even though she was out of her element, Demi continued her good run, but it was time to bid brother Carlos goodbye. Sermsah was still feeling the competition's pressure, but despite his fears of public rejection and physical injuries, this dancer was able to demonstrate his unique skills on the floor and make the cut. After a completely exhausting day, the dancers were stunned to realise it wasn't bed-time just yet: in fact, the day was just getting started! After being split into small groups, the dancers had until the following morning to choreograph and perform their own routine for the judges. What a task! After a sleepless night of inventing and learning moves they hoped would impress the (well-rested) judges, it was a totally stoked Khaly and Will who made it through, a thankful Courtney who proved her doll concept had legs, and a relieved Rhys whose drag-influenced routine to Prince had Jason agreeing it was the right moves and costume for the song. Gorgeous South Australian Laura also made the cut – but who wouldn't? Stay tuned!

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Aired - 06 February 2008

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The audition process is about to come to a close, and where better than the sparkly, sultry city of Sydney. After all, this is the place talented dancers come to follow their dreams... And that means Sydney will present the toughest competition yet! The first contestant showcased is 18-year-old Hilton. Hilton's parents sacrificed their own careers to clean his dance school to pay for his lessons. The quietly confident dancer has trained in Ballet, Acro, Hip Hop and Contemporary – and it shows. His assured take on New School Hip Hop is named captivating and humorous by Bonnie, and he's given a ticket to the Top 100. Next up is Hilton's girlfriend, Jessie. This shy, Brisbane-born dancer was feeling the pressure and Bonnie felt she laid back on her routine a little, while Matt commented he thought her choreography (corry) was wishy washy. Despite this, she was invited back to the afternoon's corry session, and eventually earned a place in the Top 100. Jason was awestruck by 23-year-old Pilates instructor, Vanessa. Her heart-breakingly beautiful routine was a breath of fresh air for our judges, and she was instantly offered a ticket to stay in Sydney. Tickets were flying thick and fast, with dancers Rhiannon and Marko both getting through – the latter inspiring a stoked Matt to grin, “This is why I got excited to come to Sydney!” When ballroom couple Stephanie and Henry finished burning up the d-floor, Jason commented that this hot pair reversed the competition's trend – girls outdancing boys. Henry received a Top 100 ticket, but the feisty Stephanie would have to dance for her life at corry. The determined tone in this experienced performer's voice meant she intended to get that ticket – and she did. Kamikaze's powerful street style had Jason commenting this was a real man dancing like a real man, something he's a big fan of. Welcome to the Top 100 Kamikaze! Confident, talented and outrageous: that's Khaly. Part-time body piercer, full-time b-boy, Khaly didn't get Jason's yes because he was dancing out of time with the music. Lucky for us he convinced Matt and Bonnie he was a quick learner who could pick up any dance moves. Khaly got through to corry, and then to the Top 100. Blonde bombshell Kassie was described by the judges as a perfect candidate for the competition, but her routine left Jason underwhelmed. Kassie believes if you work hard enough for something, you'll get there, and she proved herself right when she aced Matt's corry. The first day ended in tears when Whitney found out she didn't make it, and her distress was enough for Jason to offer the crushed performer a second chance on the following day's audition. Whitney faced her fears and came back for Day Two, and this time, she made it through. Kiwi Krumpers Josh and Sione kicked off the second day with a piece the judges described as very entertaining, filled with cute tricks and a huge enjoyment factor. Both boys were invited to corry, and their ability to pick it up at the level required secured them both a place in the Top 100. When b-boy Don finished his sweet-as routine, Jason explained they were only putting b-boys straight through to the Top 100 if they were exceptional, as most of them couldn't handle Matt's corry. Is Don. Is good – this was an exceptional b-boy. “Pure. Honest. A dancer.” Those were the words Graeme's audition inspired from Bonnie. A ticket wasn't far behind. Graeme's choreographer, the well-known Michael Boyd improvised his solo and almost cracked under the pressure of performing in front of his students and peers, but still scored himself a ticket to stay in Sydney. Melbourne Krumper Nikki was a surprise second round contestant, here to prove she could perform the light and shade that was missing in Melbourne. Bonnie was thrilled, stating that this was the essence of being a dancer - one day it goes wrong, but they come back and fight another day. And this time, Nikki made it to the Top 100! There was no doubt about it: Sydney delivered. Stay tuned for who makes the cut from the Top 100…

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Aired - 04 February 2008

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The location may have changed but the rules stay the same – ninety seconds on the floor, with the outcome being a. that all-important ticket to Sydney as part of the Top 100 b. an invitation to dance Matt's group choreography (dancers call this 'corry') later in the day as a further test or c. a flat-out no. First cab off the rank is 19-year-old David, dancing despite his parent's wish he was studying, not stepping out on the floor! He had some white-hot power moves that saw him flying through the air with the greatest of ease - and straight through to the evening's corry. We hope David's parents will be thrilled to learn his efforts there scored him a ticket to Sydney! It's hard to believe the spunky blonde explosion of curls that is 23-year-old Courtney almost didn't audition at all. As she explained to the judges, she hasn't had technical training, but she conquered her fears and decided to try out anyway. Lucky for us she did – the judges had no qualms in offering Courtney a place in the Top 100! Despite being partly blind and deaf, Drumstick impressed our trio with his fluid b-boy moves and after acing the corry, he scored himself a ticket to Sydney. Jason liked Rhys' big start and big end to the confident 25-year-old's routine (set to the very cool sounds of Aussie electro-disco kings, The Presets) and invited him to corry. This charismatic dancer had the skills to pay the bills, and made it to the Top 100. The likeable Sorono family was out in force at the auditions, with energetic siblings Demi, Lorraine and Carlo all competing, as well as Demi's girlfriend Nikki. The judges commended Lorraine on that fact that despite the fact she is deaf, she was able to dance on the beat, but it wasn't enough to take her through. A playful Carlo had more luck scoring a ticket, with Demi and Nikki both having to prove their worth at corry. The pint-sized Demi made the grade, but unfortunately a disappointed Nikki didn't get through. Day two started well with Hip Hop choreographer JD wowing our judges with his assured, unique routine - Jason told the 26-year-old he was his favourite dancer so far! Matt added it was the best corry he's seen on the stage so far. No surprises when JD scored the ticket he wanted. Graceful Ella, an indigenous Ballet graduate, made corry then the Top 100, as did the easy-to-watch dancing partners of Cathie and Kieran. The judges described Mack's unique routine as eclectic, fabulous and interesting, giving the young Dad a ticket to north. Next stop: Adelaide. The gazelle-like Laura used the space to her full advantage with her light, beautiful moves: this pretty ballerina was the first auditionee to be offered the prized ticket straight to Sydney. Maddy was one of the few dancers Jason described as 'dance-fit', and the fact she'd had a child at the age of twenty made it even more impressive! Her routine to 'SexyBack' had the judges in agreement – Maddy was through to the Top 100. The fact the judges described 20-year-old Laura's corry as 25 years old didn't stop them from being impressed by the beautiful blonde's performance. While the cheese factor irked him, Matt seemed to speak for the panel when he said he wanted to find out what happened inside Laura's heart, rather than her head when she danced. Jason said she was one of the better dancer's they'd seen – and her performance at choreography proved she had what it took: she's through to Sydney. Hip Hop dancer Rodoflo was dancing for his late father and his grandfather, and he did his relatives proud, with Jason telling Rodoflo he was the best Hip Hop dancer they'd seen all day. He kept expressing himself at corry, and made it to the Top 100. As the day came to an end, everyone was feeling the pressure of a full day of nerves. Bad news for Keyte, who didn't make it through corry, but better news for sweet sisters Nikki and Tamara. Charming Tamara was offered place in the Top 100, but Nikki had to prove her worth at corry. Two bags will be packed for Sin-City – Nikki made it through! This Wednesday: Sydney steps up to the test.

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Aired - 03 February 2008

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Our journey starts in Perth where judges Bonnie, Matt and Jason are ready to whittle down the thousands of hopefuls. Contestants have ninety seconds to impress, with three possible outcomes. The best will be given a ticket to Sydney as part of the Top 100. Some will be asked to perform Matt's group choreography, with a select few scoring a ticket. But most will simply be sent home. Talent appeared thin on the ground before ballroom dancing couple Jemma, 18, and Brendan, 35. Despite the fact the pair have only been dancing together for one week, the judges found the pair to be engaging and fabulous. Both were awarded a ticket to Sydney. Versatile dancer Lamb entertained with her confident routine, while 'Closer' by Nine Inch Nails destabilised Kelly's chances of showing she could do more than bust out a few sexy moves. The extremely thin Angel's mission to prove that models CAN dance ended up backfiring on her. A ticket was in order for Stephanie, who performed a gorgeous routine to Desiree's 'Kissing You'. The panel described her as a beautiful girl with strong presence, who danced with feeling. Bonnie was left stunned after Sermsah's assured modern indigenous choreography, stating she'd never seen anything like it before. An equally moved Jason added that his routine touched him, and his inclusion in the Top 100 would bring diversity to the competition. From Perth to Bris-Vegas! Two thirds of the auditionees here were women, while all of them thought they could dance, the opposite was proving to be true. That was until Camilla took to the floor. In a word? According to Matt: HOT. The judges praised this 24-year-old dancing teacher for her natural, honest dancing style, and the fact her stamina wasn't 100% didn't stop her from scoring that all-important blue ticket. Can you pop, lock, strobe or tut? The 365 Crew sure could, but only one of these b-boys was getting straight through, Clint. The other two would have ace Matt's choreography to earn their ticket… and they did. Former aerobics champ Anthony had the judges in agreement about his talent, with Jason commenting that not many dancers were able to combine acrobatics, aerobic strength moves and dance. It was technical, it was beautiful, and it earned him a place in the Top 100. Rap dancers Ben and Liam offered a surprisingly adept routine despite their comic appearance, while aspiring Broadway dancer Jack had the mix of technique, talent and moves to score a ticket. Caleb, 15, was too young to sign up for the show (you must be between 18 – 35 years of age) but that didn't stop him from performing for our judges. His astonishingly impressive visual poetry earnt the teen a rare standing ovation. Remember that name Australia – he'll be back! There wasn't a dry eye in the house when Bessy, 29, told the judges her story of survival, immigrating to Australia from war-torn El Salvador. But it wasn't her story of being a self-taught dancer that won her a ticket to Sydney – it was her passion and talent as a dancer. Next epsiode: who in Melbourne and Adelaide will make the cut…

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Aired - Air date unknown.

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Courtney, Khaly, Kassy , Hilton, Steph, Marko, Laura, Sermsah, Camilla, J. D. Even though these amazing dancers are no longer lighting up your TV screen every Sunday and Monday nights, their memory still lives on in the search for Australia's favourite dancer. When asked to name their top two faves from those who have left, Matt gave props to Marko and Hilton; Bonnie remembers Courtney and Camilla, while Jason commends Kassy and J.D. Keep your eyes peeled for these performers on a stage or screen near you soon! From Day One of the auditions, the question on everyone's lips was, would we be able to match the quality of the US dancers who entertained us so much last year. The answer is a resounding yes!! Judges Jason, Bonnie and Matt were blown away with what the auditions served up, especially with the dancers who made Top 20. As Jason said, we truly do have a world-class standard when it comes to dance. Dancers have been something of the unsung heroes of the entertainment world for so long, and this competition is really putting these twinkle-toed performers on the map. As Matt recounted, the dancers who made Top 20 all excelled at their genre, showed versatility in Top 100 week, and had a likeability about them the judges felt confident would endear them to us, the viewing public. And they were right! This Easter special is a reminder and celebration of all of the incredible talent this competition has been unearthing. So let's catch up with your terrific Top 10! Brisbane lad Jack didn't enjoy as much airtime as some of the other performers over the course of the audition process, but his cheeky grin and fast footwork quickly made this 19-year-old performer a firm favourite with the fans. Along with partner Demi, Jack has not once been in the bottom three, enjoying a dream run through everything from Boogaloo to Samba to Jazz. As his parents said, the Australian public like modesty and honesty, and Jack displays both of these important qualities. When putting him into the Top 20, Jason said he had the depth, skill and emotion to be there, and now looking back on his journey so far, Jason commended Jack's likeability factor, and the fact he's humble, hard-working, and Mr Congeniality. Matt thinks he definitely has the talent and charisma to make it in musical theatre – does he have what it takes to be Australia's favourite dancer? Overcoming a childhood of poverty in the Philippines is the pint-sized crowd favourite, Demi . This gorgeous, bubbly 27-year-old b-girl has been on a journey of transformation over the course of SYTYCD, and to Jason, Demi is what this competition is all about. As the only self-taught dancer in the Top 10, Demi is consistently evolving and improving, and in the process becoming a new dancer. Put simply, she just goes for it. Demi is a joyous spirit and from the moment she signed to her deaf sister, Lorraine, that she was through to Top 20, everyone knew this was a performer we'd enjoy watching. It's true: Graeme sings in the shower. A lot. The youngest dancer in the competition, Sydney-sider Graeme comes from a musical family, but while the rest of the lads were out kicking a footy around, this boy was perfecting the skills that have gotten him to Top 10. Kelley commented on how plugged into his heart the connected Graeme is, while Jason commended him for dancing the best Contemporary routine so far in the competition with partner Kate. Graeme feels extremely blessed and grateful to have made Top 10, especially after losing first partner Kassy so early in the game, but Bonnie likes how much he's grown with Kate. Matt thinks he's got what it takes to go all the way despite his youth - do you? The beginning of the SYTYCD journey was a rocky one for professional performer Kate. First Khaly, then Hilton – Graeme joked that everyone who danced with Kate was being sent home! The 29-year-old admitted giving her routines everything she had without them getting her out of the bottom three was at first depressing – until Bollywood saved the day! Now a strong contender in the Top 10, Jason loves the wealth of performance maturity this dancer displays, as well as her attitude that it's not what she has to lose by being in the competition; it's what she has to gain. Bonnie felt that Kate was a bit nervous and shy in her first audition, but she's gone from strength to strength and put those reservations behind her. Little Miss Trouble! Triple threat Rhiannon started dancing at the age of two and hasn't looked back. This tough cookie grew up in Sydney's west, and lived in housing commission for most of her teenage years where she saw a lot of things teenage girls shouldn't. Overcoming these struggles, 18-year-old Rhiannon has emerged as a cute, sweet, sassy and clever performer, and someone the judges see as real threat to the older competitors. Matt says he wants Rhiannon to surprise him when she begins performing in the Top 10, while Bonnie commented on how competitive she thinks this technically proficient dancer is. Rhiannon says she has heaps more of herself to show the Australian public – do you want to see it? Gold Coast lad Anthony started performing dance shows for his family when was knee-high to a grasshopper – and he wasn't bad on the old backyard trampoline either! Going on to perform at an international level for gymnastics, Jason praised this formidable performer's ability to blend strong athletic tricks with beautiful Contemporary moves. For Matt, Anthony is all about the wow-factor and when the prep work for his jaw dropping leaps are properly blended into his routines, the results are simply astonishing. For Jason, this is a performer still progressing in the competition, so who knows what tricks this incredible dancer will pull out of the bag to win your votes! The only male Ballroom dancer left in the competition, 22-year-old Henry has done a fantastic job displaying his versatility in the styles thrown at him and partner Vanessa. From the wonderful (Contemporary) to the wild (African Samba) to the downright weird (Animation Hip-Hop) this 22-year-old has adapted very well – plus he's experienced something of transformation too! Taking the clipper to the chest and the noggin has the judges in agreeance that it takes Henry even further out of the Ballroom world, somewhere he's been since the tender age of nine. The question of ego is one discussed by the judges when it come to the self-assured Henry; as Jason explains, no ego results in performers fading into the background, whereas too much restricts how much you are able to grow. He hopes Henry can bring enough confidence that allows him to listen, look and learn from the performers and choreographers he's surrounded with. Vanessa started dancing when she just was three years old, finding a connection with the beauty and discipline of Ballet. Now 20 years later, the technically proficient dancer has found herself consistently way out of her comfort zone – but this hard working dancer has been learning to adapt faster than you can say 'African Queen'. In fact it wasn't until Matt saw the delicate dancer in Jason Gilkison's Samba that he got a taste of the fire burning in her belly, and from then she's just been stepping up for him. Vanessa says the SYTYCD journey has been a true process of discovery for her and the public has been able to discover her at the same time she's been discovering herself! Disciplined and dedicated, the softly spoken performer has certainly won herself a legion of fans. For Perth lass Jemma, the biggest challenge at home was finding a male dancing partner. Well lucky for this talented dancer, she find one in the form of Rhys, and their super-successful partnership has been sailing them through SYTYCD without a whiff of life in the bottom three. Jason recalled her first audition piece – a beautiful, sexy, flowing routine that took his breath away. Hard-working Jemma has a true 'girl next door' quality offstage but has the ability to transform onstage into whatever character her routine demands of her, proving she's a talented actor as well as a dancer. And, as Rhys' hilarious footage shows, she doesn't make a bad drag queen either! The power couple have been audience favourites from Day One – how will Jemma survive without our final member of the Top 10… Rhys! Quirky, creative yet grounded, Rhys remembers being constantly onstage as a kid, whether that be as Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk, dancing up a storm or strutting down the catwalk (he was a child model, remember!) The judges – and Australia – love how different this 26-year-old is, with Kelley Abbey particularly praising how his performance allows his warm personality to shine through. Jemma and Rhys have picked up three of the five Cadbury Breathtaking Moments, with everything from Paso Doble to Lyrical Contemporary. A clear crowd favourite, Rhys' honesty as a person and a performer has certainly endeared him to the nation. Does he have what it takes to win the honour of becoming Australia's favourite dancer. Time – and your votes – will decide! Because as of next week, the fate of these performers rests in your hands Australia. Tune in next Sunday to see these guys in action!

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