By Angela Kaye Mason
Dec 9 (THAINDIAN NEWS) As the top eight came out, it was obvious something wasn’t right last night on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Cat Deeley kept saying “Here is your top four girls, ” but something was clearly missing. Ashleigh wasn’t with them. She came out after the beginning number, and announced that her shoulder had been pulled out of place earlier today, and although she put it back, the doctor would not clear her to dance. She wanted to, but they would not let her. She will still be in the contest, and her fans still need to call and vote for her.

Kathryn and Ryan did a disco to “Last Dance”. Adam said they did great. Mary added that if they kept dancing like that it would definitely NOT be the “Last Dance”, however Nigel did not agree. He said he thought it was a little too stiff. Mary interjected that in the disco days that dance was supposed to be stiff.

Mollee and Jakob did a Viennese Waltz to “Ordinary Day”. Adam said he could have watched it for two more hours…..and that it was so beautiful. Mary said it was wonderful, with a dynamic pairing. Nigel added, “It was beautiful, simple, elegant. You were both excellent, thank you.”

Since Ashleigh could not dance her solo, Eleanor and Legacy danced next to a “Mr and Mrs Smith” type routine. The song was “Machine Gun” and they acted as hired killers, husband and wife, who were hired to assassinate each other. Adam yelled, “You murdered it! So exciting!” Mary added, “That was so strong, and tailor made for the two of you.” Nigel had this to say, “It was so dangerous, and at this stage, when you are fighting for position, anything could go wrong. This might get an Emmy nomination for the choreographer. This was the most dangerous routine of this season, and I give you props for that.” Jakob then danced his solo to the song, “Say My Name”.

Ashleigh and Russel were to do a hip-hop routine next for “So You Think You Can Dance”,but since she could not perform, the choreographer’s assistant, Rachel, stepped in to dance with him. Adam pointed out that it had to be really difficult to dance without your partner like that, but that Russel was hitting it so hard, he was smoking. The performance level was super high. Mary loved watching Russel dance, and felt it was hard hitting and right on point, amazing. Nigel mentioned how great Rachel did to step in at the last moment as she did. To Russell, he said, “You were great and gave me a terrific performance, thank you for that.”

Mollee’s solo came next to the song “Heartburn” by Alicia Keys, then Kathryn and Ryan were up to dance a Chacha to “Put Your Hands On Me”. Adam exclaimed, “That was sooooo hot!” Mary  screamed, “You guys were on fire from beginning to end! You guys are on the Hot Tamale Train! WooHoo!” Nigel ended with, ” Everything I said about the disco being too stiff went absolutely perfect in this routine. Afterward, Legacy, Eleanor, and Russel danced their solos.

Mollee and Jakob’s second routine was a Broadway number, to the song “Easy Street” from “Annie”. Adam told them that it was great, and that it showed their strengths so well. Mary said that they absolutely fell right into that style, and Nigel commented that this had taken Mollee into the realms of a professional dancer and that she really should go to Broadway. He added that it was perfect for both of them.

Kathryn danced her solo next and then Legacy and Eleanor did their second routine to the song “When You’re Strange”. Adam said he thought that it was a really heavy concept number and wasn’t his favorite of the night but that they did it well.Mary liked it in the beginning but was disappointed when it didn’t gain excitement. Nigel felt that the choreography just wasn’t as good on this one, but all three judges stated that their other routine was tremendous.

Ryan stepped up next to dance his solo. When it was over, Cat made the usual announcement to vote for him after the show call…and went to give his number. Ryan stepped up, and stopped her…and called out Ashleigh’s number. He told us all to vote for Ashleigh because she had tried so hard and he was so proud of her. It was a very emotional moment, and he and Cat were both crying (I might have even had a tear.).

Russel and Ashleigh’s second dance, a Bali-wood routine, was to be next, and again the choreographer’s assistant, this time Alicia, stepped in to dance with him. Adam said Russel executed it excellently. Mary added ,”Russell I have to give you props, In three days you have danced with three different partners, and you did awesome! Nigel ended with, “Russell my eyes were drawn to you the whole time. I have to compliment you across the whole season.”

Tonight decides who will be in the finale, and the judges urge everyone to vote, especially those who have been watching the show but not voting. I can’t wait to see who goes home!