If you read my post on the Wednesday, July 30 episode of So You Think You Can Dance, you know that I took a guess on which guy would be going home. And after you read this post, you’ll see why I’m going to resist the temptation to make any sort of predictions on the outcome of next week’s So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) finale.

Ethereal Entry

A contemporary piece choreographed by Emmy-nominee Mandy Moore, set to Bette Midler’s “The Rose,” started off last night’s (Thursday, July 31) top-four episode of SYTYCD. Chelsie opened the piece alone in a spotlight on the dark stage, dressed in white.

After a brief solo, two more spotlights beamed down, lighting up Katee and Courtney. They stood behind Chelsie, also dressed in the same simple, gauzy, white outfit. The three guys—Joshua, Mark, and

SYTYCD Top-Six on Fox (still clip from YouTube)

Parting Words from the Panel

The judges kicked off last night’s show by giving some advice to the top-six dancers.

Nigel spoke about rejection. “As a dancer, you’re going to have to prepare yourself for rejection,” hinting at the impending elimination results. But, he said, rejection “has to propel you through your career.” He reminded the top-six that they all, regardless of the results, are excellent dancers, and that “you will leave this program with my love and my blessing.”

Mary continued the goodbyes by talking about the growth that she’s seen in each dancer. “I know that I am definitely going to be proud,” she said. “And of course I love you all to pieces too.”

Adam wrapped up by talking about the personalities of the top-six dancers. “You are such kind, sweet, genuine, beautiful people, and I want you to take that into your lives.” He urged them to remember how important it is to be good people. “You are famous now, and you have fans,” he said, referencing the fact that each individual dancer had received over one million votes after Wednesday night’s performance round. “Be kind to them, because they love you, and they respect you.”

Solos and the Six-Year-Old BBoy

Throughout the rest of Thursday night’s results show, the top-six dancers performed their solos. For two of them, it would be their final performances on the SYTYCD stage.

After the solos Lil Demon took the stage for a routine that could tire out even a six-year-old. This tiny bboy, who has been dancing for two years, said that he learned his techniques from his big brother. Cat, hoisting the little dancer off the floor asked, “Are you now better than your brother?” Of course, you know how any little brother would answer that question.

The Four for Finals

Next Wednesday, Chelsie and Mark will not be competing in the SYTYCD finale.

Last night, unlike in previous results shows, we had to wait until about the last 15 minutes of the show before finding out which dancers would move on. But with only three girls and three guys to pick from, the elimination itself happened quickly.

Chelsie was the first dancer to be eliminated. Her emotional response was, I think, the most intense since Thayne’s, when he was eliminated several weeks ago. “I’m not crying because I’m sad. Or, I don’t know: I’m just overwhelmed,” was about all Chelsie could manage to say.

Mark, in his response, was less upset, but no less sincere. He thanked the judges and the viewers for accepting him and his quirks, and for giving him the opportunity to learn.

Next Wednesday, at 8/7c on Fox, we will find out which dancers are America’s favorites. Don’t miss the SYTYCD finals!

Photo Source: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg_B4cF-tic&feature=user