DonnaK:  I’m going to try and keep this short and sweet today as it’s my birthday and I’ve got plans, y0.

Opening comment - I *HATE* that we have a Final 6 and not a Final 4. I know why the show had to do it, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. We never got an all-girls or all-boys dance, and the audience only got to vote 3 times. I think this plus the MLB conflicts at the beginning of the season make the case that So You Think You Can Dance should stay a summer only show. The fall season was overly rushed and I just don’t think it worked. It seems Nigel agrees with me, so hopefully this will be the last SYTYCD in the fall.

Onto the show… which strangely was only an hour. WTF? The performance finale - the most important night of dancing on this show - is half the regular length? Once again… I hate this show in the fall. We did get everyone dancing with everyone else save for the all-girls and all-boys numbers, so there was that. Still… strange.

Kathryn and Ryan started us off with a sexy samba. I still don’t feel a connection between these two but this number was SMOKING. Ryan was totally in his element and Kathryn burst into life. Kathryn has grown tremendously during this competition - I do hope she does well. Wonderful job by both

Ellenore and Jakob were up next with a Tyce Broadway number that was hot and supremely danced by both. Jakob is predicted by pretty much everyone to run away with the victory this season and it’s dancing like this that makes me see why. However, I still maintain that this is America’s FAVORITE Dancer, and Jakob, while amazing, isn’t mine. Ellenore is easily my favorite woman on the show so I hope she places high.

Ashleigh and Russell melted the stage with a gorgeous and heart-wrenching lyrical jazz number by Sonya. First of all, Sonya’s choreography has grown by leaps and bounds this season - I’m loving most everything she does. Secondly, Ashleigh has done a 180 in my head. I started this season hating her with a passion, and now I’ve grown to love her and her work. Thirdly, OMG Russell is SO the man! His growth has been exponential, far more than I’ve ever seen in anyone ever on this show. His versatility is just astounding and his personality infectious, which is why he’s my choice to win. This routine was off-the-charts good.

Ellenore and Ryan were up next with a bizarre Gary Stuart jazz piece that left me at odds with myself. On one hand, I disliked the choreography, but one the other, the two danced the HELL out of a particularly odd and challenging piece. If there’s fault here it wasn’t with the dancers.

Ashleigh and Jakob were back together with a Jean-Marc foxtrot which just sizzled. Ashleigh was off the hook all night dancing her heart out. The judges kept saying it was Kathryn’s night but I disagree - I think it was Ashleigh’s night to shine. She really blossomed this season and I can only wish her well in all things - she really won my heart.

Ellenore and Russell followed up with a Jason Gilkenson paso double that was just outstanding. Russell has come so far so fast it’s just breathtaking to watch him pull off something as technical as this so well. I loved this - it was a true triumph for Russell.

Kathryn and Jakob were up next with a technically gorgeous contemporary number that got a standing ovation from the fans and judges. I thought it was a magnificent piece but I don’t know that it was standing O good. It did showcase the very best in both dancers but I have to say I’m getting tired of watching Jakob do the exact same moves in every dance he does. Now, that’s not his fault, that’s all choreography, but it does cool me to him just a bit. This really was an amazing number across the board.

Finally the Di Lello’s were reunited when Ashleigh and Ryan danced a Travis Wall contemporary number and tore the house down. This was a magical, emotional piece and these two were sheer perfection. This was my Awesome Dance of the Week (closely followed by Ashleigh and Russell’s Sonya piece) without question. The chemistry and technical precision were off the charts and it was just amazing to watch the love between these two. This was the most beautiful number of the season and it was a privilege to watch.

Kathryn and Russell ended the night with a smokin’ hot Nappy Tabs hip hop routine that displayed Russell in all his glory. Phenomenal work by both dancers made this one of the most fun and exciting dances of the night, and Russell just killed it out there. Great ending to a great night.

So who’s going to win? The Net says Jakob with an outside chance of Kathryn. Every dancer left has a HUGE fanbase so I’m not willing to put money on anyone. I know I hope that Russell wins it all - not only does he need it most but he’s worked harder than everyone and come farther faster than anyone else. I know I voted nearly a hundred times for Russell and I’m always quite sure that people all over the country will be doing the same for their favorite. This is going to be a shooting match and I really feel it’s anyone’s game. Can’t wait to see who wins!

That’s all from me… thoughts?