So You Think You Can Dance - 6 ª Season

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After five seasons, the summer sensation that is "So You Think You Can Dance (Dance... Dance... Dance...)" arrived on the fall schedule Wednesday night with host Cat Deeley promising the best season ever. It might have been more interesting if she said this season would probably rank about third or fourth on the all-time list. The one-hour audition show brought us to Los Angeles, where the contestants were subjected to the same rules fans already know: the best dancers would get a ticket to the next round in Las Vegas, the worst would go home, and the in-betweens would be asked to come back at the end of the day for a bit of group choreography as a last chance to see if they belong. Cole Clemens vowed to be unique and succeeded. He made little use of judge Nigel Lythgoe's standard line of "Cue, music." Cole moved without music and did some kind of living art type of deal that ended with him blowing out an invisible candle in the palm of his hand. After working to contain their laughter, the judges told Cole he wasn't what they were looking for. Mollee Gray, an 18-year-old Utah resident whose mom brought her out to L.A. to make her dream come true, vowed to make her mom proud. She captivated the judges immediately, with guest Adam Shankman saying during her audition that "she is so this show." The judges told Mollee she was great, but still had room to grow. She'll get that chance in the next round after getting voted through unanimously. After a montage of more good dancers who earned their tickets to Las Vegas, we got to see the reunion of two of last season's dancers who were eliminated too soon: Ryan Kasprzak, the older brother of Evan, who finished in third place last season; and Bianca Revels, who vowed that last season was her last chance, came back. Ryan, whose strength last season was Broadway-style dance, took tap dancing head on and did a routine with no musical accompaniment. Adam said it was "perfect" and one of the best auditions he'd ever seen. Nigel agreed and called it "one of the most unique and brilliant auditions" they'd ever seen. Ryan got his ticket punched for Vegas. Bianca was welcomed back and Nigel introduced the idea of a tap battle. He threw down the gauntlet and asked Bianca if she'd battle Ryan. She took him up on the offer, with Ryan clarifying that in tap it's called "trading" not "battling." Regardless of what anyone called it, Bianca will be joining Ryan in Vegas. Christopher Aguilar claimed he had a plan to produce a Fred-and-Ginger-inspired movie and call it "Drum Song." His routine started with an ill-fated backflip in which he landed on his knees. It didn't get any better, but it was amusing as the judges joined in the singing of "All That Jazz." Christopher went away after being told he was "fascinating and interesting," but not good enough for the show. The second day in L.A. brought about even more great auditions, starting with Amber Williams, who danced in honor of her mother, who was left partially paralyzed during a routine operation gone awry. Amber wowed the judges with the lightness of her feet and Mary Murphy called her "a force to be reckoned with." She'd continued to be a force in Las Vegas. Amber was followed by contemporary dancers Alexie Agdeppa and Paula van Oppen, who mesmerized the judges with their routines and moved to the next round. Christina Santana wanted to offer up something a little different, which she called a salsa-hip hop kind of fusion. Nigel said she put a smile on everybody's face and called her audition "thrilling to watch." Christina told the judges she also does ballet, jazz and belly dancing. She might get a chance to show those other moves in the next round. Phillip Attmore, who was roommates with Ryan Kasprzak when they were on tour with "Fosse," said Ryan has a happy face on his butt. Phillip was a tapper and Nigel said it was the year of the tappers as he and the rest of the judges sent Phillip through to the next round.

The "So You Think You Can Dance" auditions headed east from Los Angeles, but not too far, as they landed in Phoenix on the quest to find America's favorite dancer for the sixth time. Choreographer extraordinaire Mia Michaels joined regular judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy to critique the talent that the desert had to offer. The first pair, "Biggie and Shortie," were sort of a modern day Laurel and Hardy that described themselves as "two clowns" who took 19 hours to make the 15-hour drive from Tulsa, Okla. The oddly matched pair, Brandon "Shortie" Smallwood and Demetrio "Biggie" Bargas, had the judges laughing from the get go, and Nigel admitted he didn't anybody who watched that and didn't enjoy it. Nigel said Brandon was the better technical dancer, but together they were a great act. Mary thanked them for their brief entertainment, and seemed to assume they wouldn't stick around, but Nigel and Mia teamed up to bring Biggie and Shortie back for the choreography, so they'd get another shot to prove themselves later. Sasha Mallory said she auditioned in an earlier season and made it to Vegas, but this time she felt more comfortable because her family was there. She did a contemporary number that seemed to suggest she was having a tiff with a chair. Mia said Sasha showed her strong technique and dance skill. Sasha cried as Mary praised her dancing, her emotions getting the best of her because of the support of her family. Nigel gave her a ticket to Vegas. Katie Muth and Ellie Soto drew high marks and tickets to Vegas in a short montage that led into an audition by Allison Becker, a hearing impaired 21-year-old dancer whose condition stemmed from a bout with spinal meningitis at 16 months old. The judges were captivated. Nigel told her she had beautiful movement and her face was beautiful, but her technique was not as good as he'd like it. He said if it wasn't written on her sheet of paper that she was hearing impaired, he would never have guessed it. Mary was moved to tears when she talked about her deaf cousin who gave up dancing at the same age Allison was, and she called Allison is an inspiration. Mia thanked Allison for sharing herself. Nigel asked Allison how she'd be if they asked her back for choreography and Allison quickly replied, "I'll be great." She'd be coming back later. For the second consecutive season, a same-sex dancing couple came out to show America there was a "world of same-sex dancers." Jacob Jason and Willem de Vries impressed the judges with their routine, which Nigel noted had "great lines." Last season, Nigel got in a bit of hot water after saying such dancers would alienate a good portion of the show's audience and later posting on Twitter that he was "not a fan of Brokeback Ballroom." He later apologized, calling his comments were "insensitive, ignorant and stupid." Mia was crying as Mary began giving her comments, saying they showed emotion and passion in a strong way. Mia celebrated their courage. Nigel acknowledged he got himself into trouble last season by asking a same-sex couple to dance with girls. This time, he just asked them to do the choreography. Some guy entertained the judges with a clownish little bouncing routine and they thanked him for coming and sent him on his way. At the end of the first day in Phoenix, 13 dancers took on Latin Ballroom choreography. It was too much for Demitrio "Biggie" Bargas, who quit before the routine even began. His friend Brandon went through the choreography, but failed to get a ticket to Vegas. Allison, the hearing-impaired dancer, made it through, along with Jacob and Willem. The judges came back for Day 2 in Phoenix and things got weird quickly. Jarvis Johnson was "so excited" that he told us that no less than a dozen times, and squealed more than a couple of times. His routine was certainly full of energy, and he literally danced his shoes right off (on purpose, it seemed). Mary praised his personality and Mia loved when Jarvis danced out of his own shoes and "when you were smacking your own ass." Nigel said Jarvis was a great entertainer and was glad he took time to take the stage. Mia said no to choreography, but Mary said yes. Left to Nigel, he made a deal with Jarvis: "If you don't pick it up quickly, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Jarvis squealed again and Nigel said he'd see him later. Another odd couple -- a tall guy and a short girl in a tutu and tube socks (the girl, not the guy) -- kicked off a montage of the strange auditions Phoenix had to offer. Kelsey White, a 19-year-old contemporary dancer with long blonde hair who was right up the show's alley, nearly saved the day. Nigel asked Kelsey if she'd ever had aliens kidnap her and she said, "Once." Nigel said he'd had it with the desert's weirdness and walked off, shouting, "Yes to choreography." Mia and Mary agreed and decided to send Kelsey to choreography. Jonathan "Legacy" Perez wowed the judges with his breakdancing skills and Nigel said that what Jonathan did was hugely exciting. Mary said she enjoyed it and loved that Jonathan danced with such confidence. Mia said she'd heard about how good he was, then she called him "stupid." (Don't worry, it was a compliment). The remaining dancers worked on the group choreography and Jarvis had an asthma attack that sent him home early. Kelsey, the one who was kidnapped by aliens only once, was not going to be heading to Vegas.

The "So You Think You Can Dance" Season 6 auditions headed east to Boston on Wednesday night, where Nigel Lythgoe & Co. hoped they'd find America's new favorite dancer. A plaid-pants-and-bow-tie-wearing goofball named Teddy Tedholm was prepared to give the judges a "whimsical" (he provided the air quotes) dance that he said accurately portrayed his personality. At least we thought he was a goofball. His style was sort of a miming meets contemporary that the judges actually seemed to enjoy. Nigel called it a great performances and said there was "so many little musical games you were playing" that he could have a real chance in this competition. Mary Murphy said she couldn't decide whether Teddy was crazy or brilliant, then decided he was "crazy brilliant." Guest judge Tyce DiOrio called him "fantastic, awesome, brilliant" and Teddy was handed a ticket to Vegas. Jean Lloret, a street dancer who said he had no formal training but could do things a lot of people wish they could do -- yeah, he really said that -- proved it. Jean busted out of serious breakdancing moves that included some slow-motion handstands and twists that sent the judges and the crowd (of his competitors, mind you) wild. It remains to be seen whether Jean can handle other styles, but the judges didn't even hesitate to give him a ticket to Vegas -- without even making any comments. Kimara Wood, another high-flying Beantown boy, earned a ticket. Channing Cooke, an 18-year-old blond ice-cream-scooping gal who loved her day job, tried her hand at contemporary for the judges and they were entranced. The self-proclaimed tomboy made Nigel nervous with her initial moves, which were a bit basic. He said she had "a beautiful quality" to her work. Mary said she loved it, saying Channing was very athletic and also knew how to tone it down. Tyce simply said, "I love you, Channing." They asked her to come back for choreography. A really tall dude named Ryan Casey (he was 6-foot-8) said his height made him "stand out." He was actually quite a fleet-footed tap dancer. Nigel said there was times when Ryan looked gangly, but his feet moved well. Tyce suggested Ryan try to control his arms a bit. They asked him to return for choreography. Russell Ferguson was waiting to become the first crumper to make it to Vegas. Nigel called upon Lil C, calling Russell's routine "buck." He said that crumping, individually, was a little one-note and would like to see Russell try another style. Mary said she couldn't wait to see him try another style. Tyce called Russell one of his favorites in Boston. They asked him back for choreography. Brief interlude for a fart joke. Seriously. Tyce apparently let one rip, bringing tears to Mary's eyes and sending Nigel away from the judges' table for a moment. A big guy named Fabrizio "Breeze" Jenkins, stumbled during his routine but played it off nicely. He admitted it to Nigel afterward. Mary called it a lot of fun and Tyce agreed. He told "Breeze" that if he trained, he'd be better. Tyce said no choreography, but Nigel said yes. It was up to Mary, who gave Breeze a shot in choreography. Ice cream scooper Channing, crumper Russell, tall guy Ryan and big guy Breeze, along with 24 other dancers, returned for the choreography at the end of the first day. Breeze took himself out of it after rolling his ankle when he fell during his original audition. Tall guy Ryan didn't make it. Channing, Russell and eight other dancers were heading for the desert. Husband and wife duo Karen and Matthew Hauer might have provided a bit of foreshadowing when they said they'd be OK with things if one of them got through without the other. Mary called Karen a "hot tamale" and said they could dance and they "look like movie stars." Tyce agreed, and they were handed two tickets to Las Vegas, marking the first time a married couple made it through to the next round. Gene Bursten was convinced that the girls get "mesmerized" by his sex appeal. Wearing an open chested shirt with a huge collar. He looked like David Blaine on the dance floor. Mary told him he was hot, which only made his head bigger, but she said he had to learn to control his face. Tyce said Gene's eyebrows looked like they were going to pop off and fly into the crowd. He said the facial expressions were "desperate." Nigel praised him for his musicality. They asked him to return for choreography. Paul Magliato, 46, came out talking about his "movement invention" and dancing to Coldplay's "Viva La Vida," which couldn't bode well. Nigel said it felt like Paul was ice skating and said he didn't know where to begin. Nigel reminded Paul he was too old for the competition. Nigel said it was "fun" and that was about as far as he wanted to go with his critique. A montage of Tyce's most outrageous reactions to the most outrages auditions led into the final audition in Boston. Kevin "K'Bez" Hunte had been waiting since his Season 3 audition to give the show another shot. Mary said it was good but not great. Nigel thought Kevin was very strong. Tyce challenged Kevin on his claim that he'd been training in contemporary, because Kevin didn't show any contemporary dance in his routine. The judges agreed to bring Kevin back for choreography, along with "sexy" Gene. Both guys made it through, along with 21 other dancers from Day 2.

After visiting the east and west, the "So You Think You Can Dance" Season 6 auditions headed south to Atlanta. Crump legend Lil C joined regular judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, and after some quick explanations of the rules, it was time to get started. Billy Bell practiced quite a bit, running down a list of the dance classes he takes the way Bubba listed types of shrimp preparations in "Forrest Gump." Nigel said he had great legs and technique, but gave him some pointers. Nigel said he was "a no for choreography," and Mary and Lil C agreed. A dejected Billy shook his head before Nigel said he was "a yes for Vegas" and handed him a ticket. Amber Jackson, 18, had graceful and precise body movement but Nigel criticized her for not looking at her audience (the judges) while she danced. He said she was a great dancer, but her "performance was (expletive bleeped)." Mary and Lil C agreed, with Lil C saying he hoped it was a "wake-up call." They gave her a pass to choreography and Nigel said "I will kick your ass" if she didn't perform in the choreography. A montage of more performance-lacking dancers followed, with Nigel ripping several of them. Travis Denison, 30, brought with him the experience of leading the University of Georgia fans in cheers for their football, and an audition for "The Wade Robson Project" on MTV. Dressed in a sweater vest over a shirt and tie, Nigel poked fun at Travis for his Adam Shankman-like style. But his dancing wasn't up to par and they sent him home. A pair of tremendous contemporary dancers, Jamal Jackson and Victor Smalley, were featured in separate auditions showing their "beautiful" moves. Anthony and Antwain Hart, a couple of familiar faces who auditioned in Season 4, were back. Nigel said it was good to see them back and they'd gotten better. Mary said they were "getting closer" and Lil C also acknowledged that they'd shown growth. Nigel said the judges should send them straight through to Vegas, but they should pick up choreography even though he was "pretty sure" they would get through to Vegas. The Hart Brothers and 35 others, including Amber Jackson, came back for choreography. Anthony appeared to enjoy the choreography, but Antwain struggled. Amber made it through as her personality showed a bit more in choreography. Anthony made it through. Nigel told Antwain he wasn't sure what was going on with him, and Antwain didn't make it. In the end, 14 dancers scored tickets to the next round. Day 2: The second day of auditions in Atlanta introduced Matt "Boogie Links" Pollard, who proclaimed himself, "single and ready to mingle," spent much of his time trying to pick up a date -- even hitting on Cat Deeley. The judges agreed to bring him back for choreography after he showed off some impressive arm movements. They wanted to see if he could do anything with his legs. Jessica Jensen explained that she'd had a rare form of cancer in her hand and ultimately faced a choice: "You can keep your hand and die, or you can lose your hand and live." Nigel thought her dancing was great and that she actually used the arm with the missing hand well. Mary said she was "amazing" and was "definitely an inspiration." Lil C said Jessica represented "passion, strength and acceptance, and that is what I get from you when you're dancing, and I couldn't ask for anything more from a dancer." The judges agreed to bring her back for choreography. Jonathan Bryant was convinced his solo was "dope" and that there was no reason why the judges shouldn't send him through. That's rarely a good sign. Lil C told Jonathan to control what he was doing with his moves. Mary said he had some talent and a lot of energy, but he was "funneling it in a wrong direction." He snapped back, saying he was "dope." Nigel told Jonathan that he had to grow and accept the feedback he was being given, but Nigel thought Jonathan was being rude and talking back. Nigel told Jonathan that this part would be cut out of the TV show because he'd be "bored stiff watching it." Oddly enough, we saw that on the TV show. Thomas Hamilton talked about being born a "crack baby" and being put through special education. He decided he had to get out of the toxic environment, and dancing was his chance. Thomas said he used to hate doing contemporary dance but changed his mind after taking a class with Mia Michaels. Nigel told him to be careful not to go too far into "praise dancing" because it becomes insular when he reaches that point. Mary loved his talent and the judges brought him back for choreography. Popper Boogie Links and cancer survivor Jessica Jensen were also among the dancers who returned for choreography. Boogie Links was asked to leave and even he admitted that "my salsa was more like a guacamole." Jessica was thanked for her hard work, but she failed to come through during the choreography. Thomas "had moments," Nigel said, but the judges ultimately decided to send him to Vegas, along with seven other dancers from the second day.