Thoughts on the Top 20

This week has brought us to the most important leg in our journey to find America's favorite dancer...the Top 20. Very few people that we were introduced during the auditions weeks actually made it this far (only Ryan and Asuka from our highlighted dancers last week.) Here are my thoughts on why...First of all the people chosen to be featured during the auditions are more often than not selected for their interesting backstories or ebullient personalities. We learn to love them, get invested and then get disappointed when they don't have the technical skills to back it up. Another problem seen frequently this year was the contestants' discomfort with dance styles outside their own. This was particularly true for early favorite Gabi Rojas who shined in her solos but just looked downright awkward during the hip hop and jazz segments.

Dancers I'm excited about in the Top 20
- Randi - another jazzerina from Utah...and I dig her unitard swag
- Kayla - didn't disappoint at all during Vegas week and showed versatility
- Paris - the beauty queen seemed to excel in all styles though I do sense a little potential to get annoying
- Asuka - as long as Cat and the judges stop calling her "Oscar" she'll be OK
- Evan - though in my opinion Ryan outshone him this week he still brings something fresh to the competition
- Jason - all of the clips they showed of him have been AMAZING - can't wait to see him in a full routine
- Vitolio - we hardly got to see him dance but his energy is infectious

Other things I'm excited about
- The imminent showdown between Brandon and Mia
- The return of Wade Robson and Shane Sparks as choreographers
- Mary's first hot tamale train squeal

Can't wait for Wednesday!