So You Think You Can Dance, Season 14: Performance Finale Reflections

E: I had to get something in before the show finishes, didn’t I?  Life’s been more than a bit overwhelming, but I have to say something, even at a rush.  The performance finale was a night of swoony, swoony dances, of standing ovations and kisses and fanning and tears.  It’s been a beautiful season and it’s too short and I just haven’t had enough time.  If this is the end of my beloved show (which I desperately hope it’s not) at least it will go out on a high note.

Instead of a recap, I just want to look at some pertinent questions.  Who’s going to win tonight, and which pieces will the judges choose to replay?  What was the best of season 14?

So You Think You Can Dance: Top 9, Season 14

E: There was some seriously fantastic dance going on here tonight.  SERIOUSLY fantastic.  Each week this show keeps getting better!  I’m so grateful to have it back, I can’t even say.  Like last week, I’m going at this out of chronological order, but I think it’s a bit neater that way.

As perhaps a nod to last week’s disco-glam, Cat wears an 80s-inspired long sleeved black mini-dress with sharp shoulders which is laced up on each side through wide grommets.  She reminds us we’re going to lose one more dancer.  Boo.  But first, some great dancing.  So yay!

So You Think You Can Dance: Meet the Top Ten, Season 14

E: Ladies and Gentlemen, we are officially underway.  Welcome to the live shows, the high point of the season!  It’s a little odd that we’re just starting this the second week in August, but as long as they don’t short change us on the goodness, then it’s all smiles from here.

You may have noticed that the editors totally snowed me with the last Academy Week episode; I guessed correctly on all the partnerships except the ones that got highlighted, and with those I was 0 for 3.  I’m embarrassed and annoyed with myself, and also a little peeved.  I guess those editors did their jobs well, though, amping up the drama where I hadn’t thought there was any before! Without delay, here are our pairs:

(Sorry, there clearly has been delay!  Hence I’m bringing both pieces the top ten performed in each show, together. Routine 1 is from Show 1, and Routine 2 and the solo are from Show 2.  Dance order comes from the first show.  Spoilery info woven through the whole.)

So You Think You Can Dance: Season 14, Academy Week Part 3

E:  So far I think I’ve watched this episode 3 times all the way through, and many more through the full dances at the end.  Drama, strategy, dance – this week had it all.

Oh, yes, and chemistry.  Did I mention chemistry?  Because holy cow.

So You Think You Can Dance: Season 14, Academy Week part 2

E: Remember what I said in the last recap about my fear that individual All Stars were stacking too many amazing contestants on their teams?  And how picking the wrong All Star could come back to bite you?

Yeah.  That.