TVSquad

(S06E02) The auditions arrive for the first time in Phoenix, and our guest judge is Mia Michaels. Choreography was the focus this week, and we'll end up seeing Anya and Pasha's "simple" choreography a lot in the future. I'm disappointed that they don't change choreo every audition spot.

Last week's auditions focused on tap dancers and cute contemporary women. I was hoping that Fox would mix it up this week. Although we got a handful more contemporary women, we're given one of the best breakers. Breakdancers are what can differentiate this show from Dancing with the Stars.

I always gauge the direction of the episode by the first dancer. Luckily, our first auditioners go by "Biggy and Shorty," and they at least admitted they were there for comic value. I think the two were cool, but clearly not for the show. They were sent to choreography for giggles. Neither succeeded.

The Hits:

Sasha Mallory - As a big fan of Adele, I thought she translated the softness of the song with her lines and still showed strength.

Allison Becker - Hearing impaired and better than half of the girls because she can emote. She can definitely hear partially, because she started when the music began. She has strong flexibility and compelling story. We'll probably be following her venture through the Vegas rounds.

Willem & Jacob - The same-sex dancers. Last year's same-sex couple was really campy, but these two showed actual technique. Jacob dancing more feminine helped make it non-gimmicky. I can see Willem doing better because he looks like he can lift girls.

Jonathan "Legacy" Perez - Watching him made me forget that we didn't have any strong breakers in the top ten last season. Loved that arm walk. Nigel mentioned that he was an assistant to another dancer, so I have a feeling that may help him in the longrun.

The Misses:

Jonathan Noronha - If the drumstick fell unintentionally, it was amazing how he recovered. His faux-Bollywood moves were fun to watch, but not enough.

Jarvis Johnson - This guy is a like a pastiche of all Eddie Murphy characters. His flexibility is nice, but his dance reminds me of the Footworkingz from America's Got Talent or Beat Ya Feet Kings from America's Best Dance Crew. You kinda knew he wouldn't survive choreography, but getting an asthma attack? An interesting ending to his story.

Kelsey White - Yet another cute blond dancing contemporary who was abducted by aliens once. She probably only made it to our TV's because of her admittance.

Brandon and Nicole - Interesting couple that got lost in the montages. They stood out because of their height. She did do a split that worked out well.

Next week is Boston, and I'm hoping that the East Coast can deliver. Leave comments below.