This is it! The Top Six! The finale!
Cat Deeley looks sort of casual, like she's not wearing very much makeup and her hair is just kind of thrown up. Both Adam and Mary say that she looks gorgeous, and of course she does because of genetics, but it's a peculiarly laid-back kind of look tonight.
Kathryn and Ryan do an incredibly primative, primal samba, with Ryan shirtless. It was just crazy awesome. I really really need to rewind and watch it again.
Ellenore and Jakob doing a Tyce Broadway routine. And because it's Ellenore and Jakob, it's good and they are great. In spite of Tyce.
Ashleigh and Russell lyrical jazz, Ashleigh in white and Russell in black, she sort of as his guardian angel. Russell is shirtless. They know what the viewers want. Poor Jakob, nobody is asking him to take off his shirt. The dance is lovely, they both are fantastic, and then the judges just plotz all over Russell, Mary bursting into tears, and they try to say good things about Ashleigh, too, but no matter how effusive they are over her, they all lose their collective minds over Russell.
Ellenore and Ryan robot jazz, which I absolutely loved. Nigel didn't care for it, he said, "You both did what was asked of you, I guess," which is the definition of damning with faint praise. Mary and Adam liked it better than Nigel, thank goodness, and I thought it was fantastic. And really sexy.
Ashleigh and Jakob foxtrot. Which was fine, I just am not nuts about the foxtrot generally. I notice that they are saving Ashleigh and Ryan for last!
Ellenore and Russell paso double. Russell is shirtless again. Just in case we missed it the first time. Wow. That was terrific. It wasn't as good as Legacy and Kathryn's admiral home from the sea paso, but it was pretty great.
Kathryn and Jakob are doing a contemporary about lovers breaking up. Or possibly staying together. It's hard to tell without rehearsal footage, but they have a lot of dances to fit into an hour. And Jakob has his shirt open! Hooray, Jakob wasn't left out of the beefcake parade, even if he is less beef than veal. That was entirely lovely.
Ashleigh and Ryan at last. And they are doing a Travis contemporary. It's a gorgeous, gorgeous number that is clearly about a couple who love and support each other. And Ryan didn't button his shirt, because he knows his audience. They are both weeping as they are being judged. As is Mary. So lovely.
Kathryn and Russell hip hop, which was very hip hoppy and swell.
This is almost a random order. The first three and definitely the first three, the last two are definitely the last two. The four in the middle can go in almost any order. Notice how Ryan is in all three of the top three. I think that might mean that he is my favourite now.
Kathryn and Ryan samba
Ellenore and Ryan robot jazz
Ashleigh and Ryan contemporary
Kahtryn and Russell hip hop
Kathryn and Jakob contemporary
Ellenore and Russell paso double
Ashleigh and Russell guardian angel lyrical jazz
Ellenore and Jakob Fosse rip-off
Ashleigh and Jakob foxtrot
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Do I sound seventy years old or eighty? She says pounding her cane on the floor.
***
So I forgot to update yesterday! It won't be a perfect Holidailies, which is too bad, but usually if it isn't perfect it's pretty close, so I'm hoping that I'll only have dropped the one. We'll see.
I spent yesterday teching the Christmas shows that opened tonight, which was fine, none of them sucked, none changed my soul forever, then I did my own show, which went well, so clearly if I had written, it would have been a mighty short entry.
***
Today I got up early to go to the dentist, got a tooth filled, then went home and contemplated lying in bed all day watching episodes of My Boys, Modern Family, Community, Big Bang Theory, White Collar and the Alice miniseries that were on the TiVo, or going into the city and seeing Nine at SAG.
Well, Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 36% and my bed was super comfy, so it wasn't much of a contest. Also, when you are clearing off the TiVo, you get quite a sense of accomplishment when you do so by watching sitcoms. I was only able to see half an hour or so of Alice, but I was enjoying it very much, and not only because Andrew Lee Potts from Primeval was playing the Mad Hatter.
Then I came into the city early for the Christmas shows, because the tree and the piano needed to be moved, although I had to wait until somebody else showed up in order to help me.
***
Okay, first show is over, waiting to see if anyone is going to show up for the second one. In the noisy, crowded, dark bar. Have I mentioned that yet?
***
Christmas cards! Christmas cards! I know you people want Christmas cards, send me your addresses!

Yesterday was awesome, my first day just for being in the house all day in ages, which I so needed. If for no other reason than to watch SYTYCD! I had to leave the house earlier than if I was just going to the show because I promised Le that I'd return his tux, which I pushed kind of late, which is why I was tweeting about the TRAFFIC! In the TUNNEL! And I was going to be LATE! This is what Twitter is really for, bitching about traffic.
I did make it on time, so all was fine. In case you were worried, or something.
This morning I made cookies and watched Big Bang Theory and then came into the theatre. Us third act people can get here half an hour after the show starts, and frankly an hour is still plenty of time, but I have to be there at the regular call time to talk to the box office, etc., but even without that, I think my head would explode at the idea of coming that late to a show.
Why sit at home all tense and twitching, waiting for the time that I can come in, why I can just come in?
I always get there at 6.30p at the latest anyway, instead of 7p, usually 6p. I have such a tendency to be late that I'm always super early to shows, because I'm so worried about maybe being late. In this case, it means getting there three hours early, apparently!
***
Christmas cards! Christmas cards! I know you people want Christmas cards, send me your addresses!

Okay, I've just got to watch and recap the So You Think You Can Dance results show too, there is no way this won't be upsetting!
They start out with a really arresting dance with them all wearing costumes that are half one thing and half another, and it was just incredible. I'm wondering how it was different when it was choreographed for eight instead of seven. I think being seven makes it even better. And it's by Sonya. That makes perfect sense.
They've been using remixes this week, whatever, I am old and don't care about remixes, and now they are talking about the dj who did the remix for this dance and whatever, I haven't heard of any djs, wait! Except for this one, it's Samantha Ronson, aka Lindsay Lohan's ex! She seems skinny and feeble. Seriously, does she have a wasting disease? Is Lohan a vampire who sucked all of the life-force out of her? Or is dj-ing just really exhausting?
They are starting with the guys. O God, o God, my nerves can't take it. It'll be two safe, two in danger. And I will have a heart attack. Russell's in the finale! Hurray! Now it's Legacy. And if Cat is opening the envelope, he must be in danger, because otherwise she'd just look at Ryan and Jakob, shrug and say, "Obviously, you're both in danger, we don't need to see your recaps from last night." Commercial before Jakob! All have ten heart attacks. O God. Jakob is through. That means that either my beloved Legacy or my beloved Ryan has to go. Either way, my heart will break.
Now the girls. As long as Kathryn and Ellenore go through, I'll be happy, it's not as difficult a choice as the boys. Kathryn is first and is safe, yay! Ellenore is second, o no! And she's bottom two. Now it's between Mollee and Ashleigh. That's a tough one, the pity vote or the popular girl. And Ashleigh's through! If Ashleigh goes to the finale without Ryan, it would be so sad. But if Legacy doesn't go to the finale, I will die! Argh! I hate this show, why do I watch it?
Asia's number one pop group, The Wonder Girls. Are you insane? I'm not watching that!
Christmas from K-Mart, they give presents to each other, I don't care.
Sad final solos. Legacy, twirling on his head to melancholy string quartet. Ellenore, also moody music, Ryan his same solo from last night, the first smiles of these solos, Mollee serious and despairing.
Kris Allen may be popular, but not with me, not when he's taking up time before the cuts. I couldn't give two shits. Fast forward.
Girls first. Ellenore looks tense and angry, Mollee looks sad. Ellenore makes it! And has to ask if it's her or Mollee, she was dead certain it would be her. Poor little Molls, but the final girls are definitely what they should be.
Legs and Ryan. God, it's Ryan! Ryan's going to the finale! I was pretty sure it would be my Legacy, but either way I would be both thrilled and devastated. Ryan immediately bursts into tears. They show Legacy's parents in the audience and I burst into tears.
It's interesting to see who hugs who as the show ends. Legacy gets Ellenore, Kathryn (natch), Russell and Ryan clutching him like they are drowning, sobbing Mollee gets Cat, Jakob and Ashleigh.
But here is the best bit, which I rewound and watched about ten times. Legacy looks over to the finalists as Cat talks, puts his hand on his heart and mouths, I love you, the camera cuts to the finalists just as Kathryn is giving this little nod.
Legacy may have lost the contest, but I think he just may have won the prize.
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Here is my hope for this episode. That everyone will think of something different to say to these dancers! Here is what they always get, it should be a drinking game: "Mollee, you have grown so much!" "Ellenore, you are so original!" "Kathryn, you're so pretty!" "Russell, it's amazing you can do that, you're a krumper!" "Ashleigh/Ryan, it's amazing you can do that, you're a ballroom dancer!" "Legacy, it's amazing you can do that, you're a b-boy!" "Jakob, it's amazing you can do that!"
Everyone can stop falling all over themselves that non-contemporary dancers can go out of their styles. If they couldn't, they'd be gone by now.
They start with baby pictures of the dancers, indicating that they have been dreaming all of their lives for this moment. Which would be tricky, since the shows hasn't been on that long.
Wait, where's Ashleigh? These are the girls, Cat says, and yet there are only three. Was she hurt? I know Ellenore was hurt, because Nappytabs told us on Twitter (I know, I know, I just found everyone on Twitter, I can't help myself). Okay, here comes Ashleigh with a sling and a dislocated shoulder. She wasn't cleared to dance tonight, but she can be voted for anyway. Hmm. She was kind of my choice to leave tonight, possibly the injury might help her stay.
Kathryn and Ryan are doing a disco love story. We are back to the rehearal footage, thank goodness. Their head unisons aren't good, but Ryan was totally born too late, he should have been at 54, he'd have been king of the floor. I thought that was a blast, even with the bad unison, I thought it was a blast. Adam called Kathryn beautiful. Take a drink. Mary says their unison was great, I don't know where her eyes were. Nigel is complaining about the outfits and that Ryan was too stiff. He's insane, but the costume complaint is idiotic. And it's pretty rich coming from a guy wearing a white shirt and tie under a black leather jacket.
Mollee and Jakob are doing a waltz about a girl who lost her mojo. What? Uh-oh. This could be a disaster. Wow not only was it not a disaster, it was completely awesome. And honestly, here's my stupid costume comment, but her skirt made the dance even better, it's flow is so perfect. Adam said that Jakob is amazing and that Mollee is blooming, two drinks. Mary says Mollee is gaining confidence every routine, drink.
Ashleigh is out to give her phone number for voting, but no solo. Still in a sling, though entire minutes have gone by.
***
At that point I had to turn off the tv and go to sleep, and now it's two days later and I really do need to watch the darn thing! I can sleep in in the morning, this is the night to do it.
Okay, it's Ellenore and Legacy, aka my best girl and my best b-boy. And they get to do a Travis Wall routine! This is gonna rule. It's a piece about married assasins hired to kill each other. They don't mention that Ellenore was in a sling just the day before, NP Twittered the picture! Sorry, I know, I promised no more Twitter talk. Except one last one, Kathryn went out with Legacy and his parents Monday night. That's for those of you who believe that they are in loooooooove! Like Eliza! (and me) Okay, that was so awesomely awesome and filled with awesomeness and awesomeosity. Travis is the most amazing choreographer. Mary says "Legacy, this isn't your style," so half a drink. Nigel says that Travis might get and Emmy nod for it, and he looks genuinly as though Nigel saying that is as good as actually getting an Emmy.
Jakob's solo. Of course it's super bendy and twirly and jumpy, its Jakob.
Now it's Russell and not-Ashleigh doing a hip-hop about booty shaking, who's he gonna be dancing with? It's a male choreographer, unlike that other time when he danced ballroom with the ballroom lady, is it going to be the SYTYCD debut of male/male dancing? Nope, he's dancing with the choreographer's assistant. And yes, I know boys dance together in the finals, don't spoil my joke. And he KILLED it! Russell is amazing, and wow, what a fun number.
Mollee's solo. Very titty, very I'm all grown up. Now I said it, drink.
Ryan and Kathryn are back, with a cha cha. Man, Ryan really pulled out the dances to his strengths this week. Okay, I watched that without moving or blinking and at that last pose, with Kathryn upside-down, I just said aloud, "Good Jesus God!" That was fucking amazing. And more about Kathryn's ass than the even booty hip hop! That was absolutely awe-inspiring.
My boy Legacy's solo. He spins on his head and pretends to talk on the phone. I don't care what he does, I just want to watch him do it.
Ellenore's solo. She does it to a James Brown number and at the end she James Brown's it out. Very cool.
Russell's solo. So cute! Dressed as Santa, krumping it up, and he danced out of one of his shoes, and that was my favourite solo of the year.
Mollee and Jakob are doing a Broadway number about con artists, not choreographed by he who must not be named, thank goodness! At first I thought, okay it's the first dud of the night, I was mildly bored until the change in the middle when it just burst into all kinds of life. Six routines out of the eight we have seen and every single one of them incredible? How can this be? Will it be a full house?
Kathryn's solo. Very solo-y.
Ellenore and Legacy hip-hop. Really? I'm starting to think that the bag where they pull out the styles from might have been the teensiest bit rigged. No complaints, though. And it's a hip-hop about aliens, so that's perfect for Ellenore. If she's saying that it's strange, it must be REALLY strange! Drink. Fun, but tonight it's the least interesting number of the night. And I hated the costumes.
Ryan's solo. Chest out, legs a-wigglin'. When Cat is giving out the "vote for Ryan info," when normally he would say his own personal digit, which this week is 8, he said 1 and begged the audience to vote for Ashleigh, tears in his eyes. So sweet!
Russell and not-Ashleigh are doing Bollywood. Russell has so much joy in his dancing, it's so great too see that huge smile on his face as he leaps around the stage with this high-energy music. Wonderful! And Adam completely repeats everything I just typed. I'd think he was peeking except that he said it several days ago. Mary, there is no such word as "bursted". Nigel is doing the "Russell, it's amazing you can do that, you're a krumper!" routine, two drinks!
The order of the night could be almost anything except that the first and last ones stay where they are, the other six could be any which way, I loved them all.
Who is going to go? None of them! That's my vote. All stay. I insanely adore Ryan, Legacy and Russell, Jakob is too good to go, Ellenore and Kathryn are my faves, Ashleigh gets the pity vote, Mollee is loved. I think for the girls I pick Mollee, I can't pick a guy, don't ask me to.
Order of the night:
Ellenore and Legacy married assasins
Kathryn and Ryan cha cha
Russell and not-Ashleigh booty hip-hop
Mollee and Jakob waltz
Mollee and Jakob con artist Broadway
Kathryn and Ryan disco
Russell and not-Ashleigh Bollywood
Ellenore and Legacy alien hip-hop

So the show opened and the party happened and everything I was worried about is over, and this is why one of my mantras is "Time passes". Which is different than "This too shall pass", because that's more about being in a bad place in your life. "Time passes" is about worrying about something that is coming, that soon it will be over and you'll think, wow, I was so worried and now I don't have to be anymore!
***
This morning I got up early because I was too worried about everything to sleep more, and because I had cookies to make and my dressy clothes to find and so on.
Simultaneously, two things happened, I pulled the cookies out of the oven and found that I had forgotten to add baking soda, which means that instead of cookies, I had rocks, and that Sam had given me the wrong time for the walk, it wasn't at 1p, it was at 12.15p!
Somehow I managed to both make a whole new cookie batter, including all of the ingrediants this time, and also leave the house 45 minutes earlier than I had planned.
I only had that one walk, then I went to the theatre and got there at 2.30p, aka four and a half hours early. I got a bunch of extra chairs and put them everyplace I could manage to put an extra chair, I ended up with 50 seats for my 51 reservations, which was good, because I had started out with 39!
***
The show itself went great, the audience was huge and appreciative, half of whom have done this show in previous productions!
Afterwards we had the big 25th anniversary party, which was fantastic, and I hate parties. I didn't want to leave, but I have more cookies to make and dogs to walk in the morning, but more than anything else, I'm just happy that it's over and I don't have to worry about such a big audience for awhile. Probably not until closing night!
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I was writing my SYTYCD recap, but it's 1a and I have to go to sleep, no time to get through that whole two hours.
Long exhausting day walking dogs, then recording Larry playing the piano for the show, then final dress tech. Which went extremely well, but I'm shattered.
I'm worried about tomorrow, fitting a quart in a pint pot, as they say. Which means fitting 53 confirmed reservations into about 41 seats. Though I think I figured today how I can fit a bunch of extra seats in. I hope. Tomorrow I am only walking one dog at 1p and that's it, so I'll get to the theatre super early to figure out where I'm going to put everyone.
Plus, once the show opens it'll be easier, nights won't go so late, and tomorrow is the only day when I'm hanging all those extra people off the rafters. Also plus, only 13 more days until my vacation.
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It was the first tech for Shrapnel tonight, yesterday was the move-in to the space, tomorrow is the final dress, Wednesday we open. It went pretty well, although these women in my scene eat more cookies than I ever thought imaginable. I made 4 1/2 dozen yesterday and we are down to the last dozen! I am going to be making more cookies than I actually thought possible. Also, I'm making the lemonade. If I have to eat the cookies and drink the lemonade, it's going to be how I like it. No Crystal Light for me!
Tomorrow is another goddamn dogwalking day where I'm walking from 10.30a until 5.30p with only one tiny break, I hate that so much, it makes me crazy, but I need the dough so I'm not gonna say no. If only I had more comfortable shoes, except that I don't think there are comfortable enough shoes on God's green earth to walk seven hours with only one half hour break. I can't wait until my vacation.
***
Christmas cards! Christmas cards! I know you people want Christmas cards, send me your addresses!

Saw Up in the Air today, because it looked funny and Clooney's in it, but it was so much more than that.
Sure it was funny, but as I told Twitter, it was unexpectedly moving and packed quite a punch. Excellent performances, too.
I don't know why it reminds me of Michael Clayton so much, possibly because it's the darker side of that charming character that Clooney has played for years, he's fraying around the edges, it's a little shopworn. And it's sort of sad and dreadful.
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So I've been yapping and yapping about Holidailies but I only just realizes that I hadn't registered yet! They only opened registration yesterday, though, so it hadn't filled up yet, fortunately. I've done it every single year since it started.
***
So, I'm pooped, it's been a long-ass day. Week, really. These dog walking days have just gone on and on where they last six or seven hours with only half an hour break in there, and three days in a row of that really make me just want to chop my feet off at the ankle.
In fact, I have to pee now, but the idea is so horrifying that I just might choose to soil myself instead.
***
I was walking down CPW today with five dogs and passed these two people with rolly suitcases filled with dog food samples. And by samples, I mean huge bags! Well, good-sized bags. And they just laid them on me. Wait, I'll count.
Okay, three bags of salmon and rice, three of venison and potato, two of turkey and grain, one adult dog, one sensitive skin, and one large dog. Phew, I'll bet if I hadn't had five dogs with me I wouldn't have gotten nearly so much!
When I've gotten free kibble before, I've always used it for treats. Well, I'm pretty sure that I'm set for treats through much of 2011.
***
Damn, I'm sleepy. It's gone midnight, and I no longer stay up past 11.30p these days, so I'll be collapsing now, if you'll excuse me.
I can sleep in tomorrow, which probably means I'll be up by 8a. When did I become Miss Early to Bed, Early to Rise? Who am I?
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It's SYTYCD Top Ten! New couples, new pairings, that's gonna be fun. My guess to go home this week before actually watching a frame is Noelle and Nathan.
Noelle and Ryan are starting out with hip hop. O dear. The last time Ryan did hip hop it was dismal, but it was a dismal routine not just poorly danced. Maybe this will be more in his wheelhouse. And they are starting the dance without showing rehearsal footage first, how weird! Its about a businessman and his secretary doing it in the office Okay, that was insanely sexy! I loved it when Ryan jumped on the desk and walked over her, then jumped down. So very very hot.
They mentioned in the coming attractions that Mollie would be dancing solo. Really? Who is hurt? They all were in the opening, weren't they?
Ashleigh and Legacy are doing contemporary. What an uninteresting routine. They both danced it fine, though Legacy seemed a little tight. The judges are all thrilled at the routine, though, talking about how incredibly difficult and athletic it was, I just found it dull. Perhaps I am wrong.
Okay, they are doing profiles of each of the dancers, I guess that explains the solo, it's on purpose. She was in the High School Musical movies, I didn't know that. Of course, I have no reason to know that, not either being twelve-years-old nor the parent if a twelve-year-old. Her solos are always really good, she rolls on the ground a bit much, but doesn't flail.
Russell dances solo but doesn't get a profile. This show is structured really weirdly. O wait, I fast forwarded to much. My bad, SYTYCD. Damn, nothing in the wide world is better than a Russell solo.
Kathryn and Nathan are doing a Broadway number to Danny Kaye's song "Choreography" from White Christmas, which is a great idea for a number. Can't take my eyes off Kathryn, I have no idea what Nathan is doing. The judges says they both found the style perfectly. Nigel mentions that Bob Fosse was a choreographer on White Christmas, they both look completely blank. I'm going with neither of them have a clue as to who or what are Bob Fosse and White Christmas.
Noelle's solo. Leap extention roll, leap extention roll.
Uh-oh, a quickstep. But it's Ellenore and Jakob, and Jakob's not going anywhere. Hopefully it won't kill Ellenore either, as she's my fave girl. And that was terrific! Great fun and beautifully danced. I loved those split leaps where they were so perfectly matched that you couldn't see Jakob's legs at all, he was in a perfect split behind Ellenore's skirt.
Ryan's solo. Although Ryan is never solo, because he is always accompanied by those guns.
Kathryn's solo. Her Mom is crying in the footage about her. Now we know where Kathryn gets her weepiness! On the other hand, there is rarely a dancer profile that doesn't include a mother crying.
Mollie and Russell are paired? Now that's an odd couple. That works beautifully! It's a lyrical jazz number about love and longing. They partnered gorgeously together, very moving.
I have to leave the house in 45 minutes, I might not be able to watch this whole thing this morning.
Nathan's solo. He probably won't mention jet skiing after what Adam said last week. Instead he weeps about his family and how much he loves them. He's no dummy. He only has two expressions, eyebrows drawn confused Great Dane, and toothpaste ad rictus grin.
Noelle and Ryan doing a smooth waltz. I'll bet Ryan can do this in his sleep. All of us would take ballroom classes if we thought we could dance with Ryan. Very good.
The routines aren't nearly as exciting as last week, when we had those four unbelievably brilliant numbers by Ryan and Ellenore and Legacy and Kathryn. So far the only one I got really excited over was Ryan and Noelle fucking on a desk, but honestly, they were fucking on a desk to hip hop, that's kind of a gimme.
Ellenore, my best girl, solos. Next to Mollee, she does the most interesting solos, too.
Ashleigh and Legacy are doing hip hop. This should be pretty great. This had better be prety great. Okay, that was not pretty great, that was awesome! Vampire hip hop, so great! Nigel doesn't like it. Nigel is either blind or insane. Mary doesn't like it either. At least they all agree it's the fault of the choreography being too easy. I thought it was swell.
Kathryn and Nathan rhumba. Nathan has his Great Dane face on. She's great but I'm bored. Nigel criticizes Nathan's face and the choreography. I'm very impressed by how the judges don't seem to feel so loyal about pointing out when the choreography isn't brilliant.
My boy Legacy's solo. He's from Miami, he has to be Cuban, no wonder I love him so much. And he solos like a motherfucker.
Ellenore and Jakob do a contemporary. It was like a fake rhumba about a warring couple and is completely the best routine of the night. The audience are screaming. That was just crazy.
Ashleigh's solo. Solo samba rolls look really interesting! That was a really great solo.
Only one more solo and duet, I think I'm gonna make it!
Mollee and Russell are doing a jive to "Land of 1000 Dances". Wow, terrific! I loved it! Such wonderful energy and joy and fun. And a great song to dance that style to.
Jakob's solo. The male version of Noelle's leap extend roll.
And I made it!
My vote on who is going to go stays the same, not because of tonight's dances so much as because if Legacy, Russell, Jakob or Ryan go before Nathan it will be a travesty. And Noelle I just like less than I like Ellenore, Kathryn, Ashleigh and Mollee.
Here is my dance order:
1. Ellenore and Jakob warring couple contemporary
2. Noelle and Ryan sex in the office hip hop
3. Mollee and Russell jive
4. Ashleigh and Legacy vampire hip hop
5. Ellenore and Jakob quickstep
6. Mollie and Russell love and longing lyrical jazz
7. Kathryn and Nathan Choreography Broadway
8. Noelle and Ryan smooth waltz
9. Ashleigh and Legacy athletic contemporary
10. Kathryn and Nathan rhumba
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