SYTYCD Canada: Top 20 Hit the Stage!

(andPOP) - When last night’s episode began, I thought I was watching the U.S. version of SYTYCD.

The audience members looked overly ecstatic, the dancers looked energetic and confident (even though some were likely to bomb their performance) and from the looks on the judges faces -- they wanted the Top 20 to blow their socks off.

Yes, everything reminded me of the SYTYCD.

Even the stage looked the same.

But when Blake McGrath joined judges Luther Brown, Tré Armstrong and Jean Marc Genereux, I knew I no longer was watching SYTYCD.

Because although the American version may have fan-favourites Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe, they don’t have McGrath.

And we do. Lucky us.

Speaking of fortune, not only will the winner be crowned Canada’s favourite dancer, but he or she will also win $100,000 and a brand new Mercedes C2-30.

Must be nice.

But first, the Top 20 must perform. The contestants were divided into couples. Each pair randomly selected a dance style out of a hat and worked with a choreographer. After all couples perform, viewers vote for their favourite. The three couples with the fewest votes dance for their lives during the results show the following night.

After strutting their stuff on stage for a short group dance introduction, the Top 20 headed backstage to get ready for their performance.

First Up:

Salsa dancer Arassay Reyes, 21, and Nico Archambault, 23, performed a hot salsa routine. While Arassay felt more comfortable with the style of dance, Nico was not certain he would deliver.

So after the Cuban “hips don’t lie” routine, did the pair exceed expectations or did Nico’s hesitation overpower the performance?

“That was a great way to open the show!” exclaimed Luther, while Blake followed with “This is what it's about!”

While it is hard for Canadian judges to negatively disapprove of performances, would Natalli Reznik and Kevin Mylrea be one of the first to experience harsh criticism?

The two worked with choreographer Tanisha Scott on a hip-hop routine that was out of Kevin’s element. While Jean Marc was impressed with the commitment of the couple, the two failed to impress judges overall (except for their military-inspired costumes).

Out to smooth things out were Breanne Wong, 25, and Francis Lafrenière, 28, with their waltz performance. While the routine seemed somewhat flawless, Blake wanted stronger lines.

Next to show off their moves were Allie Bertram and Danny Arbour. The two jived with choregrapher Melissa Williams. The two also wowed the judges.

“I love it,” said Luther. “This is the level we need to see!”

“This is what the show’s all about!” beamed Jean Marc.
Set to perform a flashy theatre performance where Kaitlyn Fitzgerald and Izaak Smith.

The competition’s two youngest dancers brought mixed reviews for the judges. Tré loved Kaitlyn’s presence but felt something was missing from Izaak.

Up next were Lisa Auguste and Vincent Noiseux. Both mastered the technique and expressed the perfect amount of emotion.

Of course, the judges were blown away.

“I love watching you two dance,” Luther stated.
But would the same be said for Lara Smythe and Miles Faber?

With their disco fever routine, the pair surprised judges and audience members with a full-on kiss.
Although there were a few slip ups, Blake gave the pair the “fun award” of the night.

Romina D’Ugo and Dario Milard performed an ultra-sexy hip-hop routine. With Romina in a maid’s outfit, all eyes seemed to be on her and her performance.

“I couldn't take my eyes off you,” Blake said to Romina and said to Dario, “You let her eat you alive.”

Tamina Pollack-Paris and Joey Matt performed the tango that, unfortunately for them, Blake said “looked a little bit messy.”

Last to perform were Caroline Torti and partner Jesse Catibog. Choreographer Clarence Ford taught the retro-jazz pop routine and while the dancers struggled with their lifts during rehearsal, the two believed they were going to “rock it.”

While Luther said the pair made a lot of mistakes, Tré, Jean Marc and Blake enjoyed the entertainment.

Overall the first performance was a success with minor bumps. Stay tuned to tomorrow’s recap to find out who gets sent home!