'So You Think You Can Dance' Recap: Top 20 Dancers Revealed In Season 9, Episode 6

It's the 200th episode of "SYTYCD," the first live episode of the season, Zooey Deschanel is the guest judge and the BIG reveal of the Top 20. I am one pinata away from a party over here.
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This week's comments, questions and concerns come without any technical dance knowledge and no actual dance skills ... just straight up love for "So You Think You Can Dance."

It's the 200th episode of "SYTYCD," the first live episode of the season, Zooey Deschanel is the guest judge and the BIG reveal of the Top 20. I am one pinata away from a party over here.

Thankfully this year, producers didn't drag out the big reveals and bring the camera crews and judges to the houses of the hopefuls just to crush their dreams in front of friends, family and millions of Americans. They kept the reveals brief and gave us practically no surprises, which wasn't actually so bad. Perhaps they're saving the shocks for some later episodes.

The judges do, however, get me every single time they bring two dancers in and act like only one is in. Every. Single. Time. Mary Murphy really had me with best friend ballroom dancers Witney and Lindsay. (Spoiler alert: they both make it.)

The most pleasant of all surprises so far this season, they didn't tap dance all over our hearts by bringing Cyrus to the finals and then drop him before the Top 20. Nigel said they were taking a big chance by including Cyrus, but I think the biggest chance "SYTYCD" has ever taken may just be asking Zooey Deschanel to be a guest judge (seriously, I love her, but she brought nothing to the proverbial judges table). Maybe it was the excitement of the first live performances of the season or maybe it was just the fan blowing on me in my apartment, but I was covered in goosebumps, head-to-toe, for these performances. Some highlights ...

Girls Dance
Choreographed by Travis Wall
"Where The Light Gets In" - Sennen

This dance was just so beautiful. Travis Wall, you magnificent little genius, you. The girls were so graceful, but I couldn't help but think about how absurdly strong these ladies are, like incredible hulk strong. I'd just like to say the door from Katee & Twitch's "Mercy" routine made its triumphant return (I still love that damn dance so much) and perhaps I am getting a little crazy here, but let's call this a little foreshadowing for what's to come. Alexa standing apart from the group, leading the pack. #justsayin

Boys Dance
Choreographed by Sonya Tayeh
"Steed Lord" - Precognition

I think I might actually like anything and everything Sonya's ever done and will do. Parts of this dance did sort of make me feel like they were an all male cheerleading squad (but that isn't necessarily a bad thing) and I was mega-distracted by their outfits! I said it, Nigel said it, my watching pal TV editor Jaimie said it, too: The pants! What is with the pants?! Maternity, genie or otherwise, they were distracting! But seriously, if their pants are the only thing I can complain about then why even complain, right?

Top 20 Dance
Mia Michaels
"Eyes" - Kaskade

There really isn't much more to say than exactly what Nigel said ..."Welcome home mama, you've been missed."

Comment: Cat Deely is one of my favorite parts of this show and I've made it five full episodes without gushing about this British beauty. Her accent is adorable, she's one of the best reality TV show hosts out there and she is just cute as a button!

Question: What will we do next week without our "SYTYCD" fix? Answer: Watch YouTube clips of your favorite dances to get you through. (Here, here and here.)

Concern: This season's top 20 have so much promise, how will I ever choose a favorite?! #worried #suggestionswelcome

Check out the full list of the Top 20 below.
Top 20
Girls
Alexa
Amber
Lindsay
Witney
Eliana
Tiffany
Audrey
Jenelle
Janaya
Amelia

Boys
Daniel
Chehon
Nick
George
Will
Dareian
Matthew
Cole
Brandon
Cyrus

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