So You Think You Can Dance: Noelle's feet don't fail her

Our guest blogger Lenni G. gives her take on last night's show:

Finally, a happy, almost totally positive, night of dance with host Cat Deeley channeling her inner "Balloon Girl" in dazzling and crinkled aluminum foil. And our Sanford gal Noelle Marsh had another good night!

Starting the evening off were Ashleigh and Jakob with another phenomenal Hip-Hop routine from my favs, "Nappy Tabs," dancing to Jason DeRulo's smash hit, "Whatcha Say." All three of the judges were universal in their praise for the choreography as well as the dancers. I so agree with Nigel that Ashleigh has grown faster than anyone knew she could and that this couple is definitely Top 10 material.

Next up were Karen and Kevin with a Broadway number from Spencer Liff. Unfortunately, this routine just didn't quite work for the judges or for me. Kevin really was not very good, though his shoes were very sparkly. Karen was a bit better but, as Nigel said, her sexy, smoldering style didn't fit the music and theme of "If you could see me now" from "Sweet Charity." Props to Nigel for his restrained criticism of these two after his rants of last week.

Local girl Noelle and Russell drew the dreaded Fox Trot choreographed by new guy, Eddie Simon. As you will recall, Russell did his first Fox Trot with choreographer, Melanie, while Noelle recovered from her injury. I always take Mary's comments the most seriously when it's a ballroom dance cuz she's the diva of ballroom. She thought Russell was totally effortless in a dance that is so far away from his natural style of crumping. And, she thought Noelle was "absolutely gorgeous and elegant," and praised her for her exquisite footwork. WTG Homey!

On to Channing and Victor who did a Tyce Diorio Jazz routine about "two curious, eclectic blackbirds coming out to play." Alrighty then! Channing got higher marks from the judges than Victor, though I think the choice of music ("Blackbird" from Bobby McFerrin) was probably the reason the couple did not dazzle. I know there are other versions of this song that have a more defined beat and punch. And I loved Channing's comment that she really "stepped outside the cage" in this performance.

Kathryn and Legacy followed with a Tony Meredith Paso Doble about an admiral and his concubine. Judges thought Kathryn killed it, played it just right, was all the little vixen, and just plain magnificent. Legacy got major warmth from the judges for his work ethic (he even dances/practices with his shadow), his huge improvement in stamina, along with the coveted "Woohoo" from Mary for having the "fire." And the choreography was great.

Routine of the night was next with Ellenore and Ryan doing a Contemporary number from former contestant, Travis Wall, about a couple reuniting after 10 years apart. Finally, for the first time this season, I had to reach for the tissues! As Adam said, this season of SYTYCD "kicked in just now." Other comments from the judges included - perfect blend, star quality, perfect timing, magical, brilliant routine, memorable, best of the night. My favorite, however, was Nigel's comment to Ellenore that she is the "sharpest tool in the box." As Mary said, this is the feeling you get walking in tall cotton and oh, would I love to do that walkin' with Ryan.

Finishing up the evening were Mollee and Nathan who selected a Pop Jazz routine from "commando" choreographer, Laurieann Gibson. I thought these two would be total toast when Laurieann got through with them but, no, they actually survived and thrived with her tough love regimen. Mollee was still cute but in a rugged, "I am women, hear me roar,"kind of way. And, in what can only be described as a lightly veiled apology, Nigel told Nathan that he felt he was a most talented young man and that's why he's staying on his back. In fact, he feels Nathan has the potential to be the best ever, but only if he continues to mature in the competition. Not sure I agree with the "best ever" thingie, Nigel, but did like your reasoned approach this week.

Agree with the judges that Karen and Kevin are in danger after last night. Would also have to think that Channing and Victor, and Noelle and Russell might also be in the bottom three just cuz there have to be two more couples to make the bottom three. Be sure to watch the results tonight at 9.