It's here. Oh God, it's here. The less than two month wait was difficult, but at last "So You Think You Can Dance" has returned in all its' leaping, spotting, and popping glory. The newest cast is fighting to make the 6th season's coveted top 20 spots and hopefully join the ranks of the champions, most recently graced by the presence of Jeanine from season 5.

The familiar faces of the judges and choreographers will return - the sonic boom voice of Mary Murphy, the Simon-with-a-soul critiques of Nigel Lythgoe, and a rotating guest judge are still the norm. Here's hoping it's always Mia Michaels - she initially told season 5's eventual runner up, Brandon, that she couldn't see sending him onto the next round! Later, she was converted to cheer for his incredible abilities. Mia is the judge that cuts to the truth of each dance. She'll make sure contestants know their blank faces and weak arms did not go unnoticed to her trained eye. Also back are produced-director Adam Shankman, choreographer Lil C, and choreographer and actress Debbie Allen. Cat Deeley, the three hundred foot tall host that acts as a cheerleader for each contestant, is back as well.

For those of you familiar with the show, the format is much the same. Newbies, listen up. First, we take a look at the audition process from around the country to see the good, bad and ugly of the hopeful season 6-ers. Then it's on to Vegas to find the magical top 20 that perform pre-selected dances with partners, losing a male and female dancer weekly based on votes cast by viewers. The styles of dance range from Bollywood to ballet and everything in between. A few special guests have graced the stage to perform to attract a larger viewing audience - this past season's guests included celebrities and musical acts Kelly Clarkson (good), Black Eyed Peas (ok) and Katie Holmes (no comment). The show does a commendable service to opening the public's eyes to other forms of dance - they have featured professional dancers performing authentic Indian-style numbers as well as a pas-de-deux. Keep your fingers crossed for the heart-exploding Polka and the Hula this season.

Image © 2009 Fox Broadcasting Co.

In this episode we're given glimpses of the talent from Los Angeles. This seems to be a no brainer as a starting point. For every person with talent there's a misguided attention whore that may or may not recognize their lack of appeal (or talent). This time we saw some of both. Mary and Nigel are graced by Adam Shankman's presence as a guest judge, and the talent impressed and distressed. There is already a familiar face in that of Season 5's second runner-up Evan Kasprzak's brother Ryan. He was nixed in favor for his brother and it was revealed during that season that he was going to be back the next time around. His tap routine highlighted his skills as a human rhythm machine. The interesting part about the LA show was that it showcased more than one spectacular tap dancer they actually battled - or traded, whatever the term may be. Though it's a great skill to have as a dancer, would the producers really see fit to toss "tap" into the hat of style choices along with "contemporary," "tango," and "hip-hop?" They already dashed Season 5's Philip's chances at moving on with that questionable Russian Folk Dance number. Besides during solos or an eight count of a group number, the tap talent is a niche that has a tiny, almost insignificant audience compared to other styles. It's doubtful the tappers will survive long unless they prove to be versatile as well. The distressed came in the form of a spoken-word only routine that seemed to confuse more than anything else. The expected crazies from L.A. apparently only show up for "American Idol" auditions.

Next week, the spotlight is on Phoenix.

Each season of SYTYCD builds upon the last. More unique styles and themes are explored and at times rewarded (other times not - sorry Russian Folk Dance attempt). The Emmy nominated and winning dances set the bar high for the next set of artistic endeavors which means these performers will have to tap into their reservoirs of technique, endurance, and emotion if they want to survive each week. As the competition moves on the subjective nature of the show is pushed to the forefront. No longer will perfect technique save a dancer - they'll have to wow the judges and win over the audience, the latter ultimately determining who is America's next greatest dancer.

Grade: B-. Not riveting, but not so bad that it drove me off the couch to finish errands and chores.

"So You Think You Can Dance" FOX Wednesday 8/7c

There's a long wait before the actual competition gets underway. Until then, here is the schedule of the audition cities and Vegas rounds which are all done before the Top 20 are chosen. Times are given for EST:

Wednesday, Sept. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM) Audition Episode L.A.
Wednesday, Sept. 16 (8:00-9:00 PM) Audition Episode
Wednesday, Sept. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM) Audition Episode
Tuesday, Sept. 29 (9:00-10:00 PM) Audition Episode
Wednesday, Sept. 30 (8:00-9:00 PM) Audition Episode
Tuesday, Oct. 6 (9:00-10:00 PM) Audition Episode
Wednesday, Oct. 7 (8:00-9:00 PM) Las Vegas Round
Wednesday, Oct. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM? Las Vegas Round
Wednesday, Oct. 21 (8:00-9:00 PM) Las Vegas/Top 20 Chosen


Story by Chelsea Doyle
Starpulse contributing writer

Follow Chelsea on twitter at http://twitter.com/mustbethursday.