SYTYCD Tour Nears as Season 7 Finalists Perform

Rather than chose a Top 20 and whittle is down from there, only a Top 11 were chosen (not a Top Ten) and the rest of the "cast" filled in with "All Stars" - great performers from previous seasons. This made for an interesting mix and a higher level of performance from the start. Although it made the audition procedure more heart-wrenching than ever.

One huge drawback of the new format, apparently, is the serious injury incidence has been high. In previous seasons of SYTYCD, it was not unusual to see a wrapped ankle that was slightly sprained or a bandaged toe that was broken. This season Alex Wong, a very strong contender, was forced to leave the show for a serious surgery of a ruptured Achilles tendon. He won't return to the show and he won't be able to tour.

Although injuries can happen to any performer, viewers and producers are asking why so many this season. Wong had given a standing ovation performance of a lifetime with Hip Hopper Twitch Boss the week before. It could be that dancing at such a high level right away, instead of having more time to "develop" as in the old format has pushed these young athletes harder than their bodies can tolerate.

Billy Bell suffered a knee injury that didn't force him to leave, but sidelined him so he was unable to dance during one week's competition. Then he chose not to "Dance for his Life". Ashley Galvin suffered some kind of rib injury that sent her home immediately, although it was thought she might be able to participate in the tour.

These injuries and unexpected exits from the show have forced the producers to improvise a bit. In fact, host Cat Deely said at the end of one show, "we're just making it up as we go"! These odd exits also resulted in more of the guys being put together for dance routines, which actually resulted in some fantastic choreography and performances. We've also seen some "old favorites" bring back routines from previous seasons.

Kent Boyd teamed with All-Star Neil Haskell for an athletic number as two baseball players from "Damn Yankees" that brought the house down. Kent Boyd got to team with Jose Ruiz on a Gene Kelly-type old Broadway routine that really showcased Kent's abilities. And in turn, Jose Ruiz teamed up with All-Star Dominic for a first-time, first-rate b-boy routine.

The Official Tour of SYTYCD will start with whomever is still standing and well enough to perform on September 19, 2010 in New Orleans, LA. Baring any other unforeseen injuries, the lineup will include:
Season 7 Dancers: Adechike Torbert, Ashley Galvan, Billy Bell, Jose Ruiz, Kent Boyd, Lauren Froderman, Robert Roldan.
Season 6 Dancers: Russell Ferguson, Kathryn McCormick
All-Stars: Ade Obayomi, Allison Holker, Courtney Galiano, Dominic Sandoval.

For full tour information, visit the SYTYCD website.