People usually associate Halloween with horror movie marathons—not a dance show. However, On October 28, I attended the Halloween-themed, greatly-anticipated So You Think You Can Dance? 2011 Tour at theStockton arena. Because I have watched the show since its creation, and have attended multiple tours before, I had high expectations. All of my favorite dancers from Season 8 would be featured, performing hit dances from the reality show which had its finale this past August.

  I expected the performance to include my favorite dances that were first performed during the season with a few jokes made for the transitions. However, this tour was differed from all other tours as the transitions were seamless and the majority of the first half of the tour consisted of new routines. This tour was the best yet as it highlighted the dancers’ talents and provided constant entertainment.

  I previously attended this tour each year at the Arco Arena. However, the change in venue was more convenient (for me at least) and parking was easier. The Stockton Arena was less crowded than the Arco Arena and had a more comfortable atmosphere. The seats at the Stockton Arena were also closer to the stage. All seats were “good seats” compared to the seating situation at the Arco Arena where it might be impossible to see the dancers unless your eyes are glued to the screens.

  The first half of the performance consisted of new dances that were choreographed specifically for the 2011 tour. There were original dances for the group, couples, boys, and girls. Honestly, at first I was disappointed; I wanted Melanie to do her famous leap in “Total Eclipse of the Heart” rather than watch new dances. But, after watching fresh dances I realized that the new dances should be appreciated. After all, I recorded all of the SYTYCD episodes and find a guilty pleasure in watching my favorite dances repeatedly. These brand new dances were something different that ultimately were an asset for the tour.

  Due to the close proximity to Halloween, this performance was Halloween-themed. This meant that each dancer, when performing their solo, dressed in costume. For the first—and probably the last—time, I was able to watch Gumby, Batman, a monkey, a rocket, Mario, Wario, Ketchup, a banana, a robot, Big Bird, a fly, and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle dance with a spotlight following their every flawless leap. This was the one and only part of the performance that I did not love. Costumes such as the Gumby outfit and rocket limited the dancers’ movements. These costumes, although comical, did not capture the emotions or techniques that previous solos demonstrated in the actual television show     

   After the intermission, the dancers began dancing season favorites and I was able to see the leap I had been waiting for. Along with the ten top dancers from the season, additional dancers from Season 8 joined the tour. Tap dancer, Nick Young and jazz dancer, Missy Morelli added to the tour as well.  

  This tour was the most memorable for me. Instead of cheesy jokes and advertisements, the seamless transitions provided more dancing for the audience. This tour was the best SYTYCD has performed and provided nearly two hours of solid dancing entertainment. Next year, instead of watching repeats of your favorite SYTYCD dances (who would do that anyways?), go see the tour.