For those of you keeping score at home, we're down to the Top 16 dancers this week. This season finally hits the normal So You Think You Can Dance stride and has two episodes per week - this first show simply showcased the couples' routines. The next night, a few surprises and group numbers should be showcased, along with the elimination of two dancers as voted by the public (finally).

Karen and Kevin: The Hustle
Kevin lacked the polish of a trained dancer in the slow beginning but exhibited strength throughout. Karen was stellar and had some issues with her wrists breaking a lot in her extensions. Otherwise, it was a pretty piece mixed with some '70s schmaltz. Kudos for pulling off the first death drop. Boo for struggling with the second.

Ashleigh and Jakob: Jazz
Frankie says relax? Thank the gay gods of the '80s for this wacky routine that showcased the use of a cane and some nice performances that used animosity and low centers of gravity throughout. It kept your attention, and once again Jakob's skill cannot be denied. Sadly it overshadowed Ashleigh. She brought her performance up to Jakob's technical level to hold her own and get noticed. Mary cracked out on her praise once again, proving that Paula Abdul isn't necessary just yet as an extra judge.

Pauline and Peter: Quick Step
The "kiss of death," as Pauline puts it, hit its' mark with a bit less passion than expected. The routine wasn't tight enough at all nor did it look effortless. It didn't draw your eyes in like a magnet and the style won't really affect the voters (unless this demographic sways to the 65+ generations). They did a number of lifts well near the end, leaving a satisfactory taste in your mouth. They may be in danger again, despite the judges' underplaying the technical errors and praise of the performances.

Kathryn and Legacy: Broadway
The style isn't one of my favorites so excuse the bias. It annoyed me to see Legacy do what seemed to be a useless non-leap to start his strenuous work in the number. He just jumped with a half turn built in. Why waste that direction change with a weak non-move? He was better than expected, but not good enough. Though Kathryn performed it a bit better the whole thing fell a bit flat. It's Broadway! It CAN'T fall flat - good Broadway NEVER falls flat (usually why I can't stand it - it's so over the top with characters I cringe).

Channing and Victor: Contemporary
These two lost their partners last week and partnered for the first time with a contemporary piece. If any style demands chemistry it's a Stacey Tookey-choreographed contemporary number. These are usually the most powerful dances in the SYTYCD repertoire. Last week Legacy and Kathryn were stellar with their contemporary piece. This week was Channing and Victor's turn. The strength was understated with gorgeous lifts and who doesn't love a bit of bad technique for the sake of the emotion of the piece? If they get voted off then the same people are voting that made Taylor Hicks an American Idol.

Ellenore and Ryan: Hip-hop
Lil C choreographed a punctuated hip-hop number that musically flowed but performance-wise fell a little flat. Ryan was visibly uncomfortable and unable to really "put his back into it." They were off sync, sadly, with such a low-tempo number, but Ellenore held on to the rhythm and the movement better. Adam is on crack for citing Ryan as being the most "transformed." He didn't really open his chest up nor did he stay with Ellenore's moves past the first main 16 count as Shankman said. What routine was Adam watching? For once Mary made more thoughtful remarks than him. Critique like this is the top 16, dammit Adam! Nigel had no problem letting them have it.

Image © 2009 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Kelsey McNeal/FOX

Mollee and Nathan: Salsa
Mollee's hip gyrating and costume threw me off right off the bat. It looked awkward - like it accentuated her underdeveloped body. It's not quite the slim woman dancer's physique…it's the little girl physique. I think she'll be fighting this all season long should she stay. The routine lacked a bit of chemistry in parts and a few items were tricky and obvious to the audience. These two are such lovely dancers but they weren't enjoyable to watch or technically strong. "That was just one of those numbers that exposed all of your weaknesses," said Adam. He's back on the sane page for this routine! A poor number from this couple was surprising.

Noelle and Russell: Afro-Jazz
From watching this number you would have never thought Russell's initial dance background was krumping and no formal training. Noelle kept up with the frantic pace of the style and didn't let the African style steamroll the few parts where her technique was needed. It's eye-catching and new. This style was a fantastic way to cap the night. Both of these dancers are sure to be around for a long time to come as Russell can do no wrong - he's survived some of the hardest and most obscure styles and is beginning to thrive in these new blended styles. This pairing was the good surprise of the night.

This episode pushed many dancers beyond their comfort level into styles that don't have much in common with their personal favorite. Many rose to the challenge, and a few noticeably fell short. My predictions for the bottom four: Pauline, Kathryn, Peter, and Ryan. Though the judges panned Mollee and Nathan's salsa, they're the kind of dancers that make people pick up the phone.

The judges plugged the hell out of a benefit show being held at the Kodak Theatre in LA for this foundation: www.dizzyfeetfoundation.com Look. Support. Earn some good karma.

Grade: A-


Story by Kate Kostal

Starpulse contributing writer