SYTYCD - One of the more boring episodes

This week we are at the top eight and every dancer performed four times. Mia was this week's guest judge and the panel was joined by Ellen Degeneres. It was great that she was there and she did bring some humor, but her critiques had no substance. I'm glad they chose to add her on as an extra judge and not have her as one of the three. And as another point, I think there has been too much commentary lately. The judges talk more than the dancers dance. But, moving on, the show started with a group dance. Here is a recap of the episode as well as my opinion on the dances.

1) Group dance choreographed by Travis Wall
This was a futuristic performance and I like that every style was highlighted. I especially liked the costumes. Also, I agree with Mary that no one stood out as bad. It was danced well but following last week's choreography, I was almost expecting more from Travis.
2) Janette and Evan danced jazz choreographed by Sonya
I think this was a hard hitting and fun routine. It was very Sonya, which is very non-Evan, but I think Evan finally got it with this performance. And I would like to point out that it was hard to keep my eyes off Janette the entire routine. She really is one of the most charismatic dancers I have ever seen.
3) During Kayla's solo she didn't really do anything. She is such a good dancer but her solos always leave me wanting more.
4) Jeanine and Brandon danced a waltz choreographed by Hunter
The lifts were really good but I didn't feel any connection between the pair. The dancing didn't flow, which left the audience feeling disconnected. I agree that it was too slow. I didn't really like it.
5) Jason's solo featured tons of jumps but was nothing special.
6) Melissa and Ade (reunited after only one week apart) danced a cha cha choreographed by Tony and Melanie
This was a sexy routine overall, but I would have to say that it was good not great. I think Melissa's arms were bad and that she should have smiled instead of smirked. But I do think Melissa did well moving her hips. As a ballerina, she could have been horrible but she was better than I expected. Yet, I do agree with the judges who said they expected a bit more.
7) What they heck was with Janette's solo?? She is a SALSA dancer. Her leap looked so awkward and the music was much too slow for her movements. She should never have moved out of her comfort zone.
8) Kayla and Jason danced a Broadway routine choreographed by Tyce
These two really got into the style. There were lots of details in the choreography and the two had to hit the movements exactly with the music, and they followed through. It was great choreography and a great Broadway performance. They were truly playing the parts they were asked to perform, They forced the audience to become a part of the story and setting and it was great.
9) Ade's solo was really great. He performed a hip hop/jazz fusion and it was so entertaining.
10) Janette and Evan danced a rumba choreographed by Tony and Melanie
This is a very passionate style, which worried me because Evan could have sucked. But he didn't suck.; he was pretty OK. As expected Janette was sexy and sensual, but Evan held his own also. Evan was a bit wobbly on his feet and did make some funny faces, but overall they were connected as a couple, which made the dance believable.
11) Melissa's solo looked forced. Her dancing didn't really flow and it was pretty forgettable.
12) Jeanine and Brandon danced a pop jazz routine put together by new choreographer Laurieann Gibson
There was no story with this routine; it was just supposed to be performed. That said it was very hard hitting and the dancers were very together in the movements throughout. It was pretty good even though I disagree with Mary and think they used very little of the stage. It almost felt a bit static. I agree that it was the best thus far of the night, but I don't think it was worth the excitement Nigel portrayed. I do think it was a powerful piece.
13) Evan's solo was so smooth and cool. He dropped his hat and still looked cool as a cucumber on that stage. He makes dancing look so simple and carefree. I love him when he is in his own style.
14) Jeanine's solo was so great I didn't want it to end. She is really coming into her own at this point in the season. It was an impressive solo. It showed technique and was an overall great performance.
15) Melissa and Ade danced a contemporary routine choreographed by Tyce
I am going to say right off the bat that I was not moved to tears as others were. I don't want to come off as heartless, but I really just didn't feel the emotion this theme of breast cancer should have drawn upon. I do agree that these two dancers were the best ones to dance it. It took a lot of trust for Melissa to complete some of the tricks she was asked to do and only Ade could have followed through. That said, I think it was good but I'm not sure it was as wonderful as past dances. It truly was a performance and not a dance. I think it will lead to a lot of sympathy votes, which may or may not be deserved.
16) Brandon's solo was very strong. It was high energy and fast and I liked it.
17) Kayla and Jason danced a hip hop routine choreographed by Shane
After the last two dances Shane choreographed, he had some making up to do and I am happy to report that he succeeded. This was a great dance. It was very exciting and I enjoyed it. I truly believed the zombie storyline and movements. For two contemporary dancers dancing hip hop, it was amazing. They hit it hard and it was entertaining.

In the title I said this was one of the more boring episodes. I don't mean that I did not enjoy some of the dances or that there was nothing spectacular to be seen, I just mean that I expect more from the top eight. Every dance should be memorable and every dance should take my breath away. Good thing they have another week to make it up to me. As for tomorrow, I am so excited to celebrate the 100th episode. The tease they played tonight makes me very excited.

But let's get down to business. Who do you think should go home. We are only a few weeks away from the finale. At this point, who do you think should be named America's Favorite Dancer?