DonnaK:  This So You Think You Can Dance Top 16 is so strong and so popular that I don’t see more than a couple of weak links in it at this point. I think the judges - and America - are going to have a hard time trying to pick their “favorite” dancers amongst such incredibly strong competition. Enough platitudes, on to the show.

We started the night with Karla and Jonathan doing a Dave Scoot smooth hip hop number. I’m sorry, but this one really didn’t work for me. The choreography was there, but the dancing wasn’t. I didn’t feel any heat, any fire, or much chemistry between the two, and the dance suffered for it. Nigel was also right in pointing out the lack of symmetry between the pair as they couldn’t even get simple moves coordinated between them. Look for these two to be in the bottom three.

Asuka and Vitolio danced next in a Mandy Moore jazz routine… which just fell flat on its face. I came into this competition with Asuka as one of my favorite two girls, and now I’m seeing her as a weak link. I’ve never truly seen the talent in Vitolio that the ret of the world seems to, and this pairing, for all the “awwwww"s we got last night, ,just doesn’t do anything for me. I could visibly see the fear in both of their faces throughout the number and the dancing felt mechanical. I’m calling these two for the bottom two as well.

And then we got to watch Melissa and Ade doing a smoldering rumba choreographed by Tony Meredith, and the show *finally* started. WOW was this an amazing piece or what! For two people who don’t know ballroom they sure as hell caught on quickly! Melissa has quickly leaped her way into my heart and into position as one of the top two girls this season. This dance was hot, passionate, perfectly executed and just amazing.

Not ones to be defeated, Janette and Brandon followed that up with a Dave Scott hip hop number that set the place on fire! Brandon is really the one to beat in this competition. I’m sorry, Mia, but this kid has so much talent it’s honestly scary to watch sometimes. This pair has got it all and handled this tough number with equal parts fire and technique. Definitely on the hot tamale train in my book!

Our new couple, Kayla and Kupono danced next doing a Viennese waltz choreographed by by Jean-Marc Genereux and France. I’m sorry, but the one thought in the back of my mind the whole time they were dancing was “wow, wouldn’t this have been just SPECTACULAR with Max?” *sigh* Putting my sadness over losing Max last week aside, I have to say I disagree with Nigel. I thought these two were just gorgeous in every way and that people *will* pick up the phone for them. Any regular viewer of So You Think You Can Dance knows how hard the Viennese waltz is and will always recognize it when it’s done well, which this was. The lines and rise-and-fall were quite good and the passion was really there. Bravo to these two.

Randi and Evan were next up with a Mia Michaels contemporary number. I adore Mia’s choreography so I really enjoyed this crazy-yet-simple number. Evan had it dead-to rights - I thought he was definitely the strongest of the pair and truly living up to my high expectations of him. I could both see and feel Randi’s embarrassment during the number and it did affect the dance, but not too much. I think the judges really give Evan too much of a hard time - perhaps they’re pushing him because they see so much potential in him? Great number for me.

Caitlin and Jason were up next with a Jean-Marc Genereux and France paso double. Ummmmm… no. Just no. There was no fire, no passion, and zero chemistry between these two. Even mechanically this dance was sub par. And with “O Fortuna” as yourmusic you’d BETTER bring the fire to the party, and it was just gone. I see these two in the bottom three again tonight.

Jeanine and Phillip closed the show with a smashing Broadway number by Tyce Diorio. This piece was fun, playful, full of life and yet technically demanding. I loved it and I love them in it. Phillip is growing well but does need to work on his strength. Jeanine’s a doll who doesn’t need to work on anything. I loved this.

After all that… who gets the Awesome Dance of the Week Award? It was close, but I think Melissa and Ade edged out the competition with that fiery rumba. Oh, gods, her dress… did I mention her dress? It’s unbelievable, and so were the pair of them. Take a look…

With Melissa and Ade taking the prize this week, the runner up was easy - Janette and Brandon’s hip hop routine. Such power and technique cannot go unrewarded. Enjoy…

Look for Karla and Jonathan, Asuka and Vitolio, and Caitlin and Jason to be in the bottom three. I’m calling Karla and Jonathan to go home, but Jason wouldn’t surprise me either.

Well, there you have it - the Awesome Dance of the Week Award is out. Floor’s open - I want to hear your thoughts and opinions! Let me know what you think and check back in after the results show tonight!