So You Think You Can Dance Top 18 Review: Stanely and Jourdan Leave

Tuesday's episode flew by in a whirlwind of canes, skeleton makeup, softshoe and waltzing. We watched 18 dancers perform, and 2 of them leave.

The show started with a modern/hip-hop routine on a giant chess board. It was like A Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland only done to District 78's bass and beats. You can watch it below.

Misty Copeland was back as a guest judge, sitting alongside Nigel and Mary.

The bottom six dancers revealed tonight were, in order: Bridget, Emilio, Emily, Stanley, Jordan, and Teddy.

As you know, they have the rest of the show to prove to the judges that they should stay, and it won't be easy for any of them.

Zach and Jacque were doing a hip-hop number to Stay With Me by Sam Smith. It was vastly interesting since they come from completely different dance backgrounds (ballet and tap), but the physicality of this dance routine really worked for the both of them.

The choreographers combined some balletic and tap elements while keeping the fast rhythm of a hip-hop number, upping Jacque's chances of staying on the show.

Mary was enthused, and thought they showed some beautiful honesty in their dance, particularly with their hands. Watch the video below to see exactly what so captured Mary about their dance.

Jourdan and Marcquet danced a balletic, modern routine to Disappear (Demo Version) by Mikky Ekko. They more than owe their choreographer a case of wine, or maybe their firstborn children; this routine is slow, poetic, and involves some amazing energy. The judges, experts that they are, saw a weaker performance than I. Marcquet had some issues with his positioning, "a sloppiness," according to Nigel, and Misty pushed him to come through more in his work, to put his own stamp on it. Jourdan's technique was lauded, but Misty thought her face wasn't quite in line with what her body was telling the audience. The judges stressed they were good dancers, but there were improvements necessary to make.

Jessica and Stanley next came up to dance a jazz number to the best-named song I've ever seen, Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter by Nikki Costa. They have an extra challenge having lost their partners last week, and must get to know each other on top of learning a new type of dance and routine. They leaped around a large rug and their styles didn't quite match up.

Stanley's got stronger lines than Jessica, and looked much more graceful, with strong extensions.

On the other hand, her face matched up better with the song's ridiculously overblown lyrics and she was really energetic.

The judges had the same issues with Jessica's facial expressions, and exhorted Stanley to maintain some energy for his core, which has a tendency to get a little floppy.

Bridget and Emilio performed a slick, fun jive to Happy by Pharrell Williams. They included a lot of quick steps and fast turns that only made their lifts look more impressive with the change in levels.

All in all, it was an energetic number that worked very well for Bridget in particular. Emilio wasn't as strong, but his hip-hop training doesn't easily lend itself to more rigid partnered dances, something Nigel recognized.

Emily and Teddy performed a contemporary routine to Ne Me Quitte Pas by Nina Simone, completely flipping the envelope from last week's hip-hop routine that left the judges lukewarm. The warm lighting complemented the slow music and dreamlike movements.

They worked much better together this week than last, as you can see in the video below.

The judges thought the choreography truly spoke to the ugliness of love, at times, and were duly impressed by Emily and Teddy's execution of it.

Brooklyn and Casey next danced a quick jazz number to Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Michael Buble. It might have been Brooklyn's dress color but it made me think of bubblegum and poodle skirts. Both of them threw themselves into the routine and showcased their tenacity and athleticism.

There was more energy than last week, and Brooklyn truly stretched herself. She wasn't always comfortable and it came through. Casey had a great routine and received real accolades from the judges.

Valerie and Ricky then danced a contemporary-influenced Viennese waltz to I won't Give Up by Jason Mraz. They switched roles at one point, giving Ricky the opportunity to showcase his turns and extensions as well, and it was much more dynamic than the opening, which followed the traditional idea of the waltz. Valerie was clearly enjoying herself, and Ricky's extensions proved an interesting comparison to Valerie in her hugely poofy, gorgeous skirt.

The judges were overwhelmed, Nigel giving a standing ovation and Mary knocking her drink over, she was gesturing so emphatically. Both of them were given kudos for their smoothness, though a few minor technique points were brought up.

You can watch a video of the dance below, though it sadly doesn't include the video of their choreographer taping them together and threatening to hurt them if they don't perform. Atta girl.

Next performing in some incredibly scary makeup were Carly and Serge. They danced a hip-hop routine together to Senile by Young Money featuring Tyga, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne. They were charged with bringing out the creepiness in themselves and in the dance, and dressed up as skeletons.

Carly truly found that scary, almost jerky movement, separating her head's movements from her torso's, while Serge was just a little too smooth and well-connected to truly frighten.

The judges had a difficult time critiquing the performance because it was well-danced and interesting, but weren't sure the audience (that's us, by the way) would understand the work that went in to switching genres as they did.

You can watch a video of the routine below.

Last but not least, Tanisha and Rudy attempted a Broadway number (canes included) to Sing Sing Sing (Part 2) from the Fosse soundtrack with the original Broadway cast.

The dance flowed from one section to the next, with some classic spins, jumps and softshoe, really moving the rhythm of the dance. It was a showstopper, according to Mary, and the other judges (and the screaming crowd) agreed.

Tonight's running gag was Rudy and Jacque's budding romance, ending with Rudy telling the entire audience -- in person and on television -- that Jacque is perfect.

It was adorable, frankly, but it's made me very curious to see how they would dance together as partners. If the romance continues I'm sure I'll get to see that sooner or later.

A Great Big World performed Say Something, backed by the West Los Angeles Children's Choir. A Great Big World decided to come on SYTYCD in honor of their song being danced to last year, giving the band their first big break.

You can watch a video of the original performance below; it was lovely, transformative and beautifully danced, something that comes through despite distracting camerawork.

It truly conveys the desperation dripping through the song and earned the performers a standing ovation from judges and audience alike.

After A Great Big World's performance the six dancers in danger were called back up for the three judges to choose two to go home. They decided to go with America's vote from last week, meaning Stanley and Jourdan went home.

While they're going home this week, I'm confident they'll be back in future seasons. Come back next week for our Top 16 review!