Top So You Think You Can Dance Routines of the Past
As I was watching and posting about the various routines we’ll get to see again on the SYTYCD 100th episode, I couldn’t help but think back to some of my other favorite routines from past episodes of SYTYCD that won’t be shown on the SYTYCD 100th episode. SYTYCD season 1 will have to accept my apology since I didn’t watch it. However, here’s a couple of them that are in my top SYTYCD routines.
So You Think You Can Dance Season 2
Benji Schwimmer and Heidi Groskreutz Mambo to the song “Black Mambo” —Angel and the Mambokats. Benji and Heidi are cousins that have been dancing together forever, and this performance is quite possibly the best routine technically (I believe Nigel called it the “most professional performance on the show) that’s ever been done on the show. Certainly others might have moved you more, but this routine just throws everything at you and flat out entertains. I can also assure you it was one of the most searched routines on Google as well.
I could have posted pretty much any of Allison Holker’s solo, but Allison’s “Feeling Good” solo will do. Anyone that has the term Allison-ed coined in honor of her deserves to be on the list in my book.
While possibly not the best routine on the show, I can promise you that Travis and Martha’s krump routine was shocking at the time. From this routine millions of people were introduced to Lil’ C and Krumping. The song is “Clap Back” —Ja Rule.
I really don’t believe that any of the final 2 men dances could compete with Tranji, choreographed by Shane Sparks to the song “Gyrate” —Da Muzicianz (ft. Mr. Collipark). I think you had to see season 2 to really appreciate what Benji and Travis brought to the table with Tranji, but it was awesome.
So You Think You Can Dance Season 3
Lacey and Kameron danced a routine to the song “Dancing” by Elisa choreographed by Mia Michaels. I think we’re all better having been introduced to the music of Elisa on SYTYCD. This routine put together great music, great choreography and amazing dancing. Is there any wonder why we keep watching SYTYCD?
Neil and Sabra’s table routine was pretty epic as well. It was choreographed by Mandy Moore to the song “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” —Eurythmics . I loved this dance, because it really took Sabra to the next level of dancing for me. Plus, Neil’s slow pass over the top of Sabra (at the 0:28 mark) is a moment I’ll never forget.
The start of this Shane Sparks routine to the song “Fuego” by Pitbull with Lauren and Pasha had me completely floored. Shane Sparks took 2 pretty white dancers and really entertained.
Danny and Lacey danced a samba to Dmitry Chaplin’s choreography. Certainly Dmitry poured in a bunch of great choreography and Danny and Lacey killed the dance, but I think the thing that I remember most about this is the music “Hip Hip Chin Chin” by Club Des Belugas. It all just melded into a really fun, memorable dance.
So You Think You Can Dance Season 4
Chelsie and Mark’s “Bleeding Love” routine by Nappytabs needs no explanation.
Sonya busts out an amazing piece for Courtney and Mark to the song “The Garden” by Mirah. Such creative choreography. Courtney steals the show for me in this, but the whole thing is just Sonya.
Katee and Joshua’s Nappytabs routine to “No Air” —Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown had so many amazing moments. It was such a wonderful mix of solo and partnering. Plus, the moment Katee pulls Joshua’s leg and he pops up is so memorable.
Katee and Twitch did a door routine to the song “Mercy” —Duffy and choreographed by Mia Michaels. I actually almost left it off the list, but after watching it again, there’s no way I could leave it off. Twitch and Katee just rocked this routine.
This final video is probably the best Viennese Waltz that will ever be performed on So You Think You Can Dan Dance. I tried to find a video with the back story, but even without Jean Marc Genereux’s storyJean Marc Genereux’s story is great and Twitch and Kherington’s Viennese Waltz to “A New Day Has Come” by Celine Dion is in the running for my favorite SYTYCD dances of all time. When it happened I watched it over and over. Just as good watching it again today.
I just looked at the clock and realized I spent a few hours creating this list. A few hours VERY well spent. The sad part is that there are dozens of other performances that should have made the above list. No Katee Bollywood or Pas de Deux for example. Oh goodness, I better not start listing or I’ll be here all night. So, I’ll leave the list up to you. What other So You Think You Can Dance routines are on your list (and preferably a link to a video of the routine)?
Also, if you’re familiar with all the videos on this list…you might be a SYTYCD-a-holic!!
Chelsea & Mark- Bleeding Love
Katee & Joshua -No Air -hip hop
Allison & Ivan – Sexy Love – hip hop
Travis & Heidi – Bench routine
Allison & Ivan – Why – contemporary
Neil & Sabra – table dance -jazz
Neil & Sara – disco
Sara & Pasha – west coast swing
Pasha & Lauren – hip hop – Fuego
Neil & Lauren – jazz – Wade Robson good v evil
Dominic & Sabra – hip hop Make It Work
Katee Twitch – Mercy (the door)
Kherington Twitch – Viennese Waltz
Katee Joshua – hometown glory, slow dancing in a burning room, all by myself – contemporary
Chelsie Gev – contemporary -these arms of mine
Chelsie Twitch -hip hop -dueling conductors
Chelsie Joshua – Dmitry choreographed tango
Comfort Twitch – Forever -hip hop
Danny Lauren -contemporary – mia michaels
Courtney Mark – jazz- The Garden – Sonja
Chelsie Mark – contemporary – Mia Michaels
Sara Jesus – jazz – wade robson
Hok Jamie – hummingbird & flower dance
Will Jessica – Adam & Eve
Will Jessica – Alone contemporary
will katee – pas de deux
kherington twitch – krump
Mark Chelsie – jazz – mandy moore
Mark Chelsie – broadway – tyce diorio
Sooooo…..that’s just a list of personal memorable dances for me. I know I’m missing some from Season 2…i just can’t remember alot of the dances, except for the few i have listed. Im probably missing some…BUT those are what popped in my head. Im probably not thinking of some from 3 & 4 too. Bleeding Love is definitely my all time favorite. It’d be so cool to have a show of JUST past favorite dances!!
Let’s here all ya’lls faves!!
(side note: those are just from past seasons, i didn’t include any of this season…its not that i havent liked any of the routines!)
🙂
Yes Kayla. I left off this season too. I figure we need some time to see how memorable the routines really are.
I love your list. Luckily we have a lot of overlap.
Lacey and Kameronnnnnnnn =D
probablly my favourite contemp. dance of ALL TIME.
I love it … I just love Season 3 in general.
OH AND TRANJI!!! This was the first season I watched … and I watched all of the episodes at once during a marathon and this dance still comes to mind.
Anyway, I agree with every dance posted … plus Shauna’s top 18 solo ;).
Kels – I really liked Shauna too! I forgot to add the Steppin routine her and Jimmy did. That was really good. I thought she went home too soon that season. When she did that contemporary routine with Cedric……he didn’t even need to be there. She out-danced and out-performed him. And…he actually didn’t dance for a good 10-20 seconds of the song.
I cant believe you left out Allison & Ivan contemporary to Why? That routine was the 1st one ever in the show to make me tear up. Plus kept replaying it over and over on youtube for days… months… Also Katee and Josh’s Mia’s piece to Home glory season 4. Beautiful Mark and Chelsie… a whole bunch of others.
ANAMA,
You described the problem perfectly. A whole bunch of others I missed. That’s why there are comments. Once it hit 1 AM I started to wrap it up and finally finished around 2 AM;-)
Twitch and Kherington – bed routine (“Dreaming With A Broken Heart”, choreographed by Mia)
Katee Bollywood routine
Neil and Danny two princes routine, also by Mia.
I think the dances with really interesting props end up sticking out more so than others because they are so unique.
allison and ivans argentine tango or the shane sparks routine to sexy love or the mia michaels routine that lacey and neil did or sarah and jesus’ krump routine to one blood oh or the wade robson group routine to ram a lama bang bang or the humming bird routine uh the top 5 girls bollywood season 5 or the mia michaels royal routine with neil and danny and that’s just gettin started wow its nice to think back
tarah,
Hummingbird and butterfly, bench and Ramalama bang bang are on the 100th episode: https://puresytycd.com/2009/07/21/so-you-think-you-can-dance-100th-episode/ which is what inspired this post and that’s why they didn’t make it on this list. Although they are certainly worthy.
my fave dance from season 1 was the melanie and ashley “message in a bottle” choreographed by Mia. you can’t really see it here but their hair was soaked and everything was just so RAW. i remember them talking about how bruised they were throwing themselves around on the floor! (starts at minute 1:12) http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x49lk3_s01ep11-part-4-of-6_creation
BRANDY
thanks for posting that! I started watching in S2, so i haven’t seen anything season 1. that was a great routine!
stray observations 🙂
1) what was brian friedman wearing??
2) what decade was mary living in??
3) what happened to Dan Karaty?
4) man…..CAT is soooooooooo much better
5) i think i like mia with the crazy faux hawk hair style better…..;)
I actually watched season one and message in the bottle rountine is also a favorite.
Also Nick and Melody’s Disco: This was the the two best friends were paired together.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftsgrKW6sbw
There are plenty of good dances from season one just look on youtube. If you can find any of Blake or Nick solos they were always good. One of my favorite moments was when Blake got cocky and dissed Dan Karaty…I wish I could find the video…I post it if I do.
Great list! A lot of the choices in there would also be on my personal list. I’m sure it was very hard (but fun) to narrow it down. Aside from the ones on your list and the ones that will be featured on the 100th episode here are a few of my picks.
I watched season one as well, although admittedly I don’t remember as many routines as I seem to from later seasons. I do think the routine that Ashlee and Melody did was a highlight though.
I’d also include Nick and Melody’s “All that Jazz” broadway: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcuP-siU1X4
Season Two:
Martha and Travis’ Steam Heat broadway piece
Alison and Ivan’s lyrical to “Why”
and the Benji/Donyelle Hairspray broadway routine that was just fun.
and most of Travis’ solos, esp. the Blower’s Daughter one and the Gavin Degraw song.
Season Three:
I quite enjoyed the Angel and Devil Wade Robson routine for Neil and Lauren.
The Two Princes routine for Neil and Danny.
and Neil and Sara’s disco, one of the few disco pieces I’ve actually enjoyed on the show.
Season Four:
Katee and Will’s Pas de Deux
Courtney and Joshua’s Dave Scott Hip Hop.
and the top 5 girls contemporary by Mia Michaels.
Allison and Ivan’s contemporary to “Why” is still my favorite. It’s been mentioned a couple times, but here’s the link.
Chelsea,
I think that Benji and Donyelle’s Hairspray broadway routine is quite possibly the best broadway routine we’ve seen on the show. They just seemed to capture the essence and feel of broadway. Loved it!
Twitchington’s Krump is one of my favs…..plus Katee and Will’s Pas De Deux
and…..Dancey’s Viennese Waltz
Definitely like your list for the S2 and S4 selections (didn’t watch S3). I would have included all of them. If I could only add one, it’d be Courtney and Gev’s Cha Cha to “Don’t Stop the Music.”
What about some group rutines. Like in Season 4 Tycie’s “Money, Money” group rutine was amazing. Along with Wade’s “Rama Lama” in season 2. Then Mia’s “The Moment I said it” in Season 3, Mia’s “Hide and Seek” Season 2. All groups, all amazing. Ohh!! Season 4, Mandy Moore “The Rose”, breathe taking!!! Any other great group rutines that I am leaving out?
Kelsey,
It’s interesting, because I seem to remember that there were some group routines that were awesome, but none of them really come to mind. In fact, the only one that came to mind for me was the Nappytabs/Dmitry Chaplin number this season which I loved and I know many people hate.
I think part of the reason the group numbers aren’t as memorable for me is the camera work on them just totally sucks for me. They are moving around so much I can’t enjoy the group number as much. I can’t really focus on the amazing talent.
Kalya
I found Dan Karaty…lol…he does have an offical website http://www.dankaraty.com Apparently, as far as SYTYCD goes he is still involved, just in Canada and Holland.
I wanted to add that “Hide and Seek” the top 6 group routine from season 2 is one of my all time favorites from that season.
I love You Can’t Stop the Beat too, no matter what version…has anyone else noticed that they have ended every tour so far with that number.
gosh. if i start naming them, my brain would explode. there are so many, so many good ones.
and that’s what we love about the show.
so vote for SYTYCD on the teens choice awards 2009!!!
but it’s only 13- 19 yrs old if i’m not wrong, sorry to the older folks. 😀
Great list!! There are so many, I can’t even decide. I have seasons 3 and 4 on DVD (I taped them myself), and now I think I have to go back and rewatch them. Wish I had seasons 1 and 2 and this season on DVD. :-/
@John: I totally agree about the camera work–it’s hard to see the formations and the point of the choreography sometimes. I wish they’d have an online live feed with just a straight on camera angle for us dance junkies or something. Then we could see each dance, choreography only.
Am I alone here? I just started watching SYTYCD this season (I was going to watch last season but when they cut Evan just before Top 20 I got mad and stopped. Woops.) and I honestly think that Jeanine/Phillip’s Ne-Yo hip-hop routine in the very first episode of this season was better than any of the hip hop routines above! That routine STILL gives me chills!
Thirding the comments on the terrible camera work. Often I find it wrecking the dance for me. The audience doesn’t want artsy swoops, it wants to see the dancers dance!
I think John’s list is just for previous top dance routines and not this year’s and everyone adding their own suggestions is following his lead. I liked that routine as well but my favourite hip hop of all time is still Chelsie and Mark’s Bleeding Love. I hope it wins the Emmy.
Is it 8 o’clock yet so the show can start? :[
What a great post! I just started watching last year, so it was great to catch up on some of the routines I missed. Bleeding Love is my all time favorite, and Twitch and Joshua’s Russian Dance was awesome. LOVE Katee and Twitch’s door song to Mercy.
Kelsey,
Just be glad you don’t live on the West Coast!!! Grrrrr…
Haha, yes, I am in Florida! So I find everything out early. And it still stinks. But I just thought of another great routine: Sabras’ and Lacey dance to “Koyal” choreographed by Wade in season 3 They were foxs, and I remember the word “Nuzzle” coming out of Nigels mouth. Haha it was akwardly cool.
I had to find a link.
Kelsey – I loved that routine! Nigel was all like uuhh i dont get it. psshh it was cool! i love the nuzzleing haha
Kayla- It was like the only one missing off your huge long list! :]]
Hey John
I reread this post and noticed you said you didnt have the video to the full Kherington-Twitch waltz routine, with the back story. WELL i have it! I recently have been using my YouTube account i forgot i had. and have been slowly adding videos, because i have a bunch of sytycd. There are a couple other users (SYTYCDFan999 & SYTYCDFanS05HQ) that have great videos too. and good quality. But most of them are JUST the dances. I have a lot of the whole rehearsal/performance videos. SO…if you want, you can go to my YouTube page and check out the whole Twitchington waltz with the back story. Enjoy!! 🙂
First let me say I am loving the trip down memory lane!!!
I’ll try to add my favs that have not been mentioned:
Sabra & Kamron – contemporary – Amazing Grace – Tyce
Sea. 3 Top 10 Group Dance – LION KING!!! (Tyce)
Sara & Jesus – pop jazz – Cabaret Hoover
Josh & Katee – Samba
Sabra & Dom – contemporary – I’ll Stand by You – Mandy
Sea. 4 Top 5 Guys- 5 Guys Named Mo!!! (Nigel)
Shauna & Jimmy – broadway – Ease on Down the Road – Tyce
Sara & Pasha – jazz – Body Language – Mandy
Sabra & Pasha – broadway – Wild Wild Party – Tyce
I did not watch season 1 but my sister raves about Destiny & Jamile’s hip hop choreographed by Shane.
I wish you included the Katee and Will pas de deux to David Archuleta’s Imagine…it was absolutely beautiful even with Katee’s hair fiasco 🙂
Angela,
I’ll repent in my next list. I’m kind of regretting not adding it myself. I think the reason I didn’t was because I had so many for that season. Katee was incredible in that. I think even more than the ballerina Melissa in this season.
[…] been reminiscing about the 100th episode and enjoying the whole experience thoroughly. My list of past So You Think You Can Dance routines (only the amazing ones) was my favorite part so go check it […]
I don’t know if it’s been mentioned yet but I still love and remember Mark and Chelsie’s original routine from Top 20 performance, the “Tim Burton’s Wedding” routine Mia choreographed to “Beautiful”
One of all-time favorites is Pasha and Lacey’s mannequin routine to In The Morning by Junior Boys. Here is the video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PBkTX627R4