So You Think You Can Dance has been providing us with amazing routines and unbelievably talented dancers for 13 seasons. Along the way, there have been a wide variety of routines, all holding different storylines, characters, styles, and music. As much as I love watching a feel-good tap number or an energetic Broadway piece, my favorite pieces are the ones that make me want to grab the nearest pillow on my couch and sob. Thinking back throughout these 13 seasons, there are certain routines that had me emotionally vulnerable in my living room.
1. "Calling You"
Choreographer: Mia Michaels
Dancers: Travis and Heidi
One of the most well-known and renown routines on the show, the brilliant Mia Michaels choreographed an entire routine around a lone park bench. It is the story of unrequited love and a touch-and-go relationship between a young man and woman. If that isn't heart-wrenching enough, the section of the dance where they each are separated by the bench itself will be enough to break you in half. Not to mention that the "unconfident" dancer, Heidi, is completely flawless in this Season 2 routine.
2. "Gravity"
Choreographer: Mia Michaels
Dancers: Kayla and Kupono
Mia Michaels, back at it again with another emotionally raw and incredibly deep piece of choreography. The reason this piece is so powerful is because it revolves around something that is extremely universal: addiction. The idea of the dance is to show how terrifyingly haunting addiction can be, and the affects that it can have on an individual. Kupono is especially frightening and disturbing as he portrays addiction, clad in dark makeup and delivering a piercing glare throughout the routine. Perhaps the scariest thing in this piece is the fact that it if you think about it, it can be left open for interpretation to the viewer. In the end, addiction can be whatever you want it to be.
3. "This Woman's Work"
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Dancers: Melissa and Ade
Tyce Diorio is known to choreograph outstanding Broadway Jazz pieces that excite the audience and the judges, leaving everyone with a smile on their face. However, this time around, Tyce delivered an incredibly powerful routine focusing on a sickness that has affected many: breast cancer. This piece highlights the honest frustration and anger that Melissa's character feels, while at the same time showing the strength and protection that Ade's character provides for her. If this doesn't leave you with at least one tear, you might have to revaluate some things.
4. "Medicine"
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Dancers: Tucker and Robert
With a Travis Wall contemporary, there are bound to be heartstrings pulled. This routine, however, was especially emotional because of the reality behind it. Travis described the storyline as a man who had reached his breaking point, and was looking to his brother for help. Tucker and Robert made this piece especially realistic because they have both suffered serious injuries that could have ended their dance careers.
5. "Fix You"
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Dancers: Robert and Allison
Travis Wall is back at it again with this incredibly emotional piece, based on his mother's battle with surgery. The simple lighting, costuming, and staging keep this routine heartbreakingly raw. Allison portrays Travis' mother, while Robert emulates Travis - who desperately tries to keep her from falling apart. The entire routine is built around support and protection, such as the pivotal moment when Robert assists Allison as she tries to walk across the stage.
It's not like I enjoy crying - but if it's because of dance, it's worth it.
