Last night was something new, and I loved what they did. The top 20 dancers performed, in group numbers, in the their own styles, without risk of going home. And I actually thought it was a great way to start the show. When the first week arrives each season, I never feel like the dancers have had enough time to let their personalities show. And it seems so unfair to that first couple who goes home. At least this time they have 2 chances. And we’ve gotten to see what they’re best at, before they’re thrown into some rumba, disco, or Broadway routine.

So, if you missed last night, here’s a list of the top 20 dancers, by genre:
Hip Hop: Kevin, Russell, Legacy, *Brandon
Tap: Peter, Phillip, Bianca
Jazz: Ellenore, Mollee, Pauline
Ballroom: Ashleigh, Karen, Ryan
Contemporary: Ariana, Channing, Kathryn, Noelle, *Billy, Jakob, Nathan, Victor

*Just as I finished this post, I read that Billy has had to leave the competition due to illness, and Brandon (a hip hop dancer) will replace him in the top 20.

It’s hard to judge anything at this point, and I have certainly not picked my favorites. However, I do have a couple people who already bother me! Ashleigh- the wife of the ballroom couple. I never thought she was strong enough to make it to the top 20… and she seemed to slip in there by default. And I’m on the edge about the tappers, mostly Bianca. I think they’re great, but basically, they’re going to have to win votes by being great at the other genres. Like Nigel mentioned, they’ll never have the opportunity to dance tap with their partners… and I doubt a tapper will be able to “save” themselves by doing a tap routine.

Lastly, I just want to mention how young this group seems this season. Nine contestants are either 18 or 19. I think I may already miss my “seasoned” Melissa from this summer. I’m hopeful, as long as their dancing doesn’t keep reminding me how young they are.

So You Think You Can Dance season 6 airs tonight on Fox at 8pm PST, a 2-hour premiere. And voting will commence.