So You Think You Can Dance season 17 Top 8: Who went home?
By Sabrina Reed
So You Think You Can Dance season 17 episode 7 “Around the World” took viewers across the globe and introduced us to new pairs! The dancers had only been partnered for two short episodes before they had to get used to entirely new dynamics. It shook up the competition.
As the Top 10 expanded their repertoire in dance styles, they also had to contend with challenges like illness in Jordan’s case and tackling art forms they have no experience in. That is, however, the point of So You Think You Can Dance. From the beginning of this series, those who participate have always been pushed past their comfort zones.
The note this season has consistently been that the dancers need to connect with the audience. What’s made things tough is that season 17’s structure has made it difficult for the contestants to build a fan base with at-home viewers who could have been their saving grace. Instead, they have to rely on the studio audience which means way less votes and a higher chance of winding up in the bottom four.
Yes, two dancers (a woman and a man) can be saved by the judges, but it’s still rough seeing this group of contestants go through the elimination process when voting has been pared down the way that it has been. Still, two people had to go home. Here’s how things shook out.
So You Think You Can Dance season 17 Top 8
The dances for the night were a salsa, a Bollywood performance, a waltz, an African jazz routine, and a Broadway performance. Because the dancers were paired with different partners, dynamics and chemistry obviously shifted. While the Top 10 gave it their all, starting from scratch isn’t easy. And, while they were technically beautiful, some still struggled with presence.
New partners
- Anna and Carter – salsa
- Essence and Waverly – Bollywood
- Jordan and Beau – waltz
- Ralyn and Keaton – African jazz
- Alexis and Thiago – Broadway
Unfortunately, Thiago, Jordan, Carter, and Alexis landed in the bottom 4. Both Thiago and Jordan have had issues standing out to the studio audience and that’s why they didn’t fair well in “Around the World.” Thiago had bounced back thanks to his hip-hop routine with Essence last week, but he and Alexis didn’t have enough pizazz and storytelling in their Broadway performance.
Jordan was in the bottom 4 last week. Her note then was to work on her appeal to the studio audience. It was the same note Waverly was given. Personally, I thought her waltz with Beau was elegant, beautiful, and showcased her range. The studio audience, however, still didn’t connect with her. They didn’t connect with Carter either, but he was saved by the judges which meant Thiago’s season 17 journey ended.
Alexis was also saved. She’s been a favorite in the competition and stood out in her performances with Keaton when they were partnered. Now that Thiago has been sent home, we’ll be seeing new partnerships for everyone once again unless they decide to pair her with Carter. Jordan’s departure from the competition was unsurprising considering she was in the bottom last week, too.
Next episode the competition will drop to six dancers vying for the top spot! Stay tuned to Hidden Remote for more So You Think You Can Dance season 17 news and coverage.
So You Think You Can Dance season 17 will return with a new episode on Wednesday, July 13 at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.