We can’t believe we’ve reached the semi-finals of So You Think You Can Dance. Over the past nine weeks, we’ve seen the competition narrow from hundreds of hopefuls to the top 35 and finally to the final four. That’s right: Madison Rouge Alvarado, Dakayla Wilson, Easton Magliarditi and Anthony Curley are officially our semifinalists. Next week, one of them will be crowned America’s Favorite Dancer.
But first, the dancers were asked to take on another challenge: working with a major brand. To help, “SYTYCD” alumni (and former Dance soul Cover star) Witney Carson, Gatorade’s newest brand ambassador. “The best dancers are working with different global brands to share their vision and products with the world,” Carson said. That’s it, it’s time for our finalists to try something brand new.
Choreographer and creative director Hi-Hat also joined the cast. Carson and Hi-Hat told the dancers they would work to represent Gatorade’s new product, Gatorade Water. While we’re not entirely sure how Gatorade water differs from regular water (we’ve heard something about electrolytes?), the fearless quartet were excited to take on a new challenge.
The dancers went straight into rehearsal with hi-hats that told them the show would be a mashup of house and hip-hop. While several of the dancers looked a little worried, Easton really struggled with the dance style. “This is new to me,” he told Hi-Hat.
But the next day Easton became even more confident: “Yesterday I went home and I started doing the choreography and I let it soak into me and I slept on it, and today I came back and I felt better.” We like to talk about Dancers who are patient in their own performance. It imparts…maturity.
Across the studio, Madison is still battling hip pain from last week, plus new knee pain from rehearsals this week. “I just try really hard not to show it,” she said. “At this point in the competition I really don’t want to go home.” Again, we love this commitment, but dancers please take care of yourselves!
Finally the day of the shoot came and the judges arrived and wanted to observe the entire shoot as part of their deliberations. They noted Easton’s newfound choreography, but also Madison’s pain, which was Judge Allison Holker’s primary concern. “You want to push yourself, but you also want to make sure you’re taking care of your body,” Holker said. Shout out to the people behind you!
The judges, along with the final four contestants, watched clips of all the dancers, and at this stage of the competition, everyone was giving it their all. So much so that it wasn’t just two or three dancers who were asked to dance for their lives – all four semifinalists were asked to perform solos for a chance to stay in the competition.
The final four contestants all brought something special to the stage, but it was Madison who earned a standing ovation from the judges and left judge JoJo Siwa on her knees in awe. So it came as no surprise when she landed a spot in the season finale. The judges eventually announced that Anthony and D’Akyla had joined her, and Easton was eliminated.
“This experience has been one of the most amazing journeys I’ve ever been on,” said Easton. “It’s had its highs and lows, but I’m happy with the challenge because it’s been a dream of mine since I started dancing. .
It’s official: We know which three dancers will make it to next week’s So You Think You Can Dance finale. Stay tuned next week to see who becomes America’s favorite dancer!
