December 16th, 2009
‘So You Think You Can Dance’: Windermere dancer stops the show
Even if Jakob Karr doesn’t win “So You Think You Can Dance” — and he should — the Windermere dancer can content himself with stellar reviews and the promise of a great career.
The 19-year-old dancer consistently proved his talent and versatility in tonight’s finale.
Karr and partner Kathryn McCormick earned a standing ovation from the show’s judges for a contemporary dance that was passionate and achingly beautiful.
“You guys just stopped the show,” executive producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe told the two. He urged Karr to join a company “where you mix with dancers that are equally as good as you” and predicted he will become “an incredible soloist.”
Lythgoe added, “You are outstandingly brilliant.”
Judge Mary Murphy, visibly moved, called it “one of the best performances I’ve ever seen.”
Judge Adam Shankman was so wowed by the performance that he said, “That was a game-changer. This country needs to be aware of how important dance is in our culture. You’ve humbled me, and I am so mad about what you just did that I’m going to have to stop talking.”
Lythgoe told USA Today that the contest seemed to be a two-man race between Karr’s perfection and the inspiration of Russell Ferguson.
In the finale, the six finalists — three men and three women — each performed three dances with a partner of the opposite sex.
Karr won praise even when not performing. After Ashleigh and Ryan Di Lello — who are married — performed together, Lythgoe said that she had more chemistry with Karr. And Karr and Ashleigh had been a wonderful couple through the season. They performed a delightful foxtrot tonight.
“Man oh man, brother, I’m just so proud of you in this competition,” Murphy told Karr.
Earlier, Karr showed he could jump immediately to Broadway. He and Ellenore Scott performed a Bob Fosse number with sizzling finesse. Lythgoe said the two dancers were shown off to their best. Murphy praised Karr’s flying moves, and Shankman described Karr as a selfless dancer who was committed to his partners.
In effect, Karr made every woman who was paired with him look better.
Yet Karr came off looking just great this season on “So You Think You Can Dance.” He has won even if he isn’t declared the winner. And he’s only 19, folks.