Stage Eight: FINAL SOLOS

Contemporary dancer Joshua Alexander is preparing to deliver his final impression to the judges when he demonstrates a backflip for the camera and falls and hits his -- head? back? -- on the hotel floor, which does not look forgiving at all. It's a scary moment and he's not moving, and he gets taken away in an ambulance, leaving the rest of the dancers shaken. I can't imagine if he was seriously, critically injured, that the show would be playing this for such drama, but it's still frightening to watch in the moment.

We only see two solos featured during this segment: Alexa, who causes Debbie Allen to say, "this child could win." And also Chehon, who is an amaaaazing ballet dancer and wants to break out of the ballet mindset. The judges seems really into him, and rightly so.

Nigel calls the boys back to the stage and makes a few cuts, including Dres Reid and -- shockingly, to me -- Adrian Lee. I really thought the show was bound and determined to apologize to him for the home-visit debacle. He really must not have been their thing. Zero girls are cut, though Nigel reminds them that they're looking more for "unique" dancers than simply the best ones.

So. We're left with 35 dancers and 20 spots for finalists. Next week, the Top 20 will be chosen, including what's sure to be a dozen or more dancers we've never seen before. Can't wait!

Joe R is very in touch with his emotions when he dances. Questions, comments, and unadulterated love can be sent to him at joseph.reid21@gmail.com.