Nothing says summer like the familiar opening beats of the "So You Think You Can Dance" theme song.

The show enters its 14th season by returning to the 18+ age group, and by bringing back fan favorite Mary Murphy. Mary joins Nigel Lythgoe (who comes equipped with slightly off-color dad jokes, as usual) and High School Musical star, actress, and dancer Vanessa Hudgens (who comes equipped with an impossibly sleek ponytail and lots of giggles). And while it may seem like Mary was gone for-practically-ever, her banter with Nigel picks up right where it left off.

Though the show has returned to the older age demo, the format this season is like last season's: First, dancers audition with a solo for the three judges. Those who fall short are sent home immediately. If the judges are torn, they send the dancers to the choreography round with La La Land choreographer Mandy Moore (um, we'd like to be in that round, please). But if the dancers are awesome enough right away, they get a ticket to The Academy. From there, they'll power through various choreography rounds (we spy NappyTabs and Travis Wall!) before eventually being selected by and paired with an All-Star.

But for now, we're in the City of Angels for the first round of auditions. And there's some good stuff! Here are the highlights:

Adam Rose/FOX

Mark Villaver

We say: Mark comes from Honolulu, HI, where he was raised by his deaf single mom. He calls his style "thera," because it's therapeutic. We call it lyrical hip hop meets contemporary with an acro and b-boy flair—and we like it! Mark performs with maturity, personality, and charisma.

The judges say: "You raised the roof today, and I loved every second of what you did just now," Mary exclaimed before awarding him the season's first ticket to The Academy (and to the Hot Tamale Train). "I wish I grew up in your house, dang it! I love you."

Kristina and Vasily

Adam Rose/FOX

We say: The married ballroom couple couldn't remember how long they've been married—one year? two? five?—but their chemistry once they hit the stage was undeniable. And he was blindfolded ! Between her gorgeous lines, legs, and abs, and the fact that he was dancing without being able to see for half the performance, we are most definitely here for this couple.

The judges say: Nigel referenced 50 Shades of Grey , Mary cried, and Vanessa gushed. They're through to The Academy.

Robert Green

We say: Robert started as a violin player before discovering dance in high school. "The freedom made me feel alive," he says, and that prompted him to drop out of school to pursue his dance dreams. And while we're all about a solid education, Robert's got the moves to make it in this industry. (The outfit? Eh...) We're not sure which was more entertaining: his street-style-esque choreography and super-sharp movements, or the reactions from one magnificently ponytailed young judge.

The judges say: Vanessa shrieked and squealed the entire time . She loved Robert so much. It's a yes for everyone: Robert's headed to The Academy, and Vanessa is officially living her very best life on the panel.

Alexis Gilbert

We say: She's a bubbly, bendy jazz dancer with solid technique and wild hair. Was she super memorable? Nah. But she danced with exceptional control, showed off sky-high jumps, and came equipped with a sassy, spunky personality.

The judges say: Mary said she could feel Alexis's love for dancing "oozing out of her pores." Vanessa called her a ray of sunshine. And Nigel gave a one-word response to her performance: "Academy."

Darius Hickman

We say : His mom was a single parent, he never knew his father, his mom got into drugs and went to prison, then got out and found herself in an abusive relationship. Darius was abused, too, and it wasn't until he was a teenager that he broke away and was "basically saved" by his godmother (who was in the audience for his audition). "It was rough to get through, but when I found dance, I let all of that out," Darius told Cat Deeley. Darius was easily the most memorable dancer of the evening, performing with effortless grace and beautiful classical technique.

The judges say: Nothing. They just stood up with Academy tickets in their hands.

Anastasiia & Viktoriia

Adam Rose/FOX

We say: Holy full-out-ness, Russian twins! These two look like Lady Gaga and move like—well, they move like each other and absolutely nobody else. How will they fare individually? We'll find out, because...

The judges say: See you at The Academy! The twins earned a standing ovation.

That's all for this week! (Oh, plus one non-Academy-bound dancer who was goofy enough to get a brief duet onstage with Vanessa Hudgens.) See you right back here next week: same time, same judges, next round of auditions.

The dual part of Odette and Odile in Swan Lake is THE role, the one every trina dreams of from the moment she first dons a leotard. It's also insanely difficult to perform, challenging even the most elite ballerinas with its multifaceted demands.

So what's it actually like to dance Odette/Odile? A new short film from American Ballet Theatre goes behind the scenes with three Swan Queens—principals Misty Copeland and Isabella Boylston and soloist Devon Teuscher—to find out. And guys: It is FASCINATING.

Each ballerina has a different perspective on the role. Teuscher just recently debuted as Odette/Odile; Boylston danced almost every other role in the ballet before getting to tackle the lead; Copeland is forging an important path as one of the world's only black Swan Queens. But all three agree on two things.

One: They can't believe they get to dance the part.

Two: It's terrifying.

Copeland, who was so anxious that she wore four different pairs of pointe shoes during her debut, sums it up best: "If I can get through that, having babies will be a piece of cake."

Want more behind-the-scenes realness? There's a second video in this ABT Swan Lake series, which looks at the ballet from the vantage point of the corps. And whoa: Those women, who routinely dance four different parts in one performance, work darn hard .

One of the benefits of social media is that it gives everyone a platform to showcase their work—and that's especially valuable for gifted dancers. Here are five SERIOUSLY talented dance artists, all on the cusp of superstardom, who inspire us on the daily on Instagram. If you want more positive messages, choreographic inspirations, and gorgeous photos in your Instagram feed, give them a a follow.

1. Erica Klein

Erica Klein is a dancer and choreographer based in L.A. Nobody moves quite like she does—and few are as passionately devoted to their art. The best part about her Instagram profile is the honest way she communicates with her followers about her choreography and her improv sessions.

2. Mitchel Federan

Mitchel Federan is another West Coast dancer/choreographer, who routinely posts powerful class combos and inspiring concept videos. Following him also means an up-close-and-personal look at what it's like to assist Brian Friedman!

3. Chad McCall

Self-proclaimed "movement maker" Chad McCall choreographs for multiple studios on the West Coast. His work is gorgeously innovative, and he's always vocal about how grateful he is to be doing what he loves.

4. Emily Greenwell

We think the world needs to see more of Emily Greenwell, a contemporary dancer and choreographer based in NYC. Her creative collaborations with friend and fellow dancer Jenna Maslechko (like the one above) are especially brilliant.

5. Kristin Sudeikis

Kristin Sudeikis is another contemporary dancer/choreographer based in NYC. She travels all over the world teaching master classes, and produces interesting work for both the concert and the commercial dance scenes. Sudeikis encourages dancers to connect with the movement beyond a physical level, often tying her work to social activism.

We've been endlessly curious about budding ballerina Juliet Doherty's movie project, On Pointe , since we first got wind of it back in March. At that point, the film's producers were hoping to raise the funds they needed to complete the project via Kickstarter.

Well, they ended up not just meeting but exceeding their fundraising goal (bravo, ballet/Juliet fans!). And now On Pointe has released an official trailer.

There's lots of pretty dance footage of Juliet, of course. But there are also clips of the talented students of Master Ballet Academy, where Juliet trains IRL, and which is featured prominently in the film. (MBA director Slawomir Wozniak is one of On Pointe 's executive producers.)

No release date has been announced yet, but stay tuned! In the meantime, you can watch Juliet and her fellow MBA students being beautiful in our recent MBA class Facebook Live event .

We're three weeks into NBC's "World of Dance," and we mean it when we say: this show just keeps getting better and better . Last night's episode was especially fun as a whole bunch of DS favorites showed off their stuff on that big, shiny stage.

First up? Former DS cover boy and High Strung star, Ian Eastwood! He and his group, the "Young Lions," were super charismatic, which isn't surprising, since Eastwood choreographed the routine, so naturally it was filled with the personality and spice he's known for. But what was surprising was the energy, which wasn't always there—and the judges noticed. They got a pretty decent score (83.7), but had to promise they'd up the ante for next week (which, obviously they will).

Next up in the DS family reunion? The Jabbawockeez, making their triumphant TV return. And seriously, it was everything. Watching this crew literally never gets old. (I mean, they won "America's Best Dance Crew" NINE YEARS AGO!!! THEY COULD 100% DO IT AGAIN.) Obviously, the judges agreed, because they got an 86.7. But the best part, IMO, was when the judges asked why they wanted to be on TV again. Their answer? "We're still growing. It never stops. We live this, and we only want to grow." #PREACH.

And last, but certainly not least, we've got Taylor Hatala and Kyndall Harris, who dubbed themselves "Kyntay" for their "WOD" performance. It was the complete Hatala-Harris package: clean moves, full-out dancing, and a whole lotta #face. These two didn't make it into the next round, but we've got a feeling that they'll be up to something amazing really soon.

"WOD" is getting real, people. Our advice to you for next week? Watch it! Wherever you are! Whatever you're doing! We'll catch you right here for another recap!

You may never have heard the term "swing." But as the performers who stand by to go on for several different ensemble roles whenever necessary, swings may be the most valued members of a Broadway cast—especially during flu season. Just ask Jennifer Dunne, a swing who's been responsible for six ensemble tracks in Chicago on Broadway for more than five years.

"As a swing, there are plenty of moments when you feel like you've got to rescue the show," Dunne says. "When everyone in the cast is sick, and there aren't enough people in the building to keep things going, that's when you really feel like a superhero. I very well might have the flu too, but I have to overcome whatever's plaguing me to perform for someone else."

Swings have not only triple-threat talent, but also super brains for choreography and stage directions. They may not get the accolades that come with leading roles, but these uniquely gifted performers form the support system that props up a show's entire cast—and they like it that way.

What It Takes

How do you become a swing? A choreographer may cast you in a traditional audition or book you through other channels. For long-running shows, potential swings may get a call because they have history with the production and already know one or more of the tracks they'd have to cover.

"Chicago" cast members Angel Reda, Eddie George, and Jennifer Dunne(photo by Jeremy Daniels, courtesy Boneau-Bryan Brown)

Whatever the scenario, choreographers are looking for one simple asset, besides talent and a good work ethic: "The most important thing you need is a positive disposition," says Kelly Devine, choreographer for Broadway's Rock of Ages and Come From Away . "I've never worked on a show where a swing didn't have to go on in the very first week. The rest of the cast has gone from rehearsal into tech and then right into previews, so something's bound to happen." It's a stressful position, and you have to be able to handle moments of confusion or panic with grace.

Fast Track(s)

Once a swing is cast, the work of learning multiple tracks begins. "A swing has to be able to multitask, pay attention to detail and pick up choreography really quickly," Dunne says. "Six tracks in a two-hour show is 12 hours of information that you need to take in." And you'll probably have little time to absorb it all. In a brand-new cast, swings might be learning choreography from the sidelines until the rest of the performers are done rehearsing—and then it's on them to do their homework. Early in Dunne's first Chicago tour, the swings sat and watched rehearsals, then jumped up during 15-minute breaks and lunches to get the choreography into their bodies.

The Good Book

Every swing has her own system for remembering her various tracks, and almost all of them involve a detailed cheat sheet. "I made a book of color-coded notecards," says Bravita Threatt, a swing and dance captain for The Lion King on Broadway. "Each track is a different color, and each scene has a card filled out with mini diagrams of the stage and my spacing, entrances and choreography." Hitting every mark is especially important for Threatt, because the puppetry and mechanical stage in The Lion King make spacing critical—it can be downright dangerous if a swing is in the wrong spot. "The floor moves, drops and raises, and you have these heavy headpieces on," Threatt says. "You can't be on autopilot."

Similarly, Come From Away relies on the performers to move set pieces, so there are many landmines for swings, Devine says. "That's why we created an ironclad bible for the performers, with notations of every single movement."

You're Either In or You're Out

Frequently, Broadway swings have a chance to perform each of their tracks during scheduled put-ins, allowing them a little time to prepare. But otherwise, their lives are pretty unpredictable. A swing has to be at the theater for every show, and is usually onstage a couple of times a week—or more. "Especially in a long-running show, you might be onstage a lot," Dunne says. "There are the last-minute moments when someone suddenly gets sick or injured, but you might also be in for a stretch while someone is resting a knee. And there are scheduled put-ins for vacations and personal days." Leads come and go too, and if there's any lag time between two contracts, swings cover the understudies who go in for the lead. "One week I might not be on at all, and the next week I could be doing five parts in six days," Dunne says.

The cast of Disney's "The Lion King" (photo by Brinkhoff-Mogenburg, courtesy The Walt Disney Company)

The Undeniable Perks

What makes all the hard work and unpredictable scheduling worth it? One upside is what Dunne calls the "stress tax": Swings are paid more than ensemble members, because they're responsible for more information. "And probably to say, 'Sorry, you don't get all the glory,' " Dunne adds.

Threatt also loves that swinging lets her grow into roles over time, while keeping an interesting mix of challenges in her day-to-day life. "It exercises different parts of my brain," she says. "Plus I get to be a cheerleader for the performers who have a single track." Dunne agrees. "You can tell it's like a breath of fresh air for the ensemble performers when we step onstage," she says. "Their regular partners are great, but I'm like the fun babysitter who lets them watch movies."

It's also humbling and gratifying to play such an important part in the larger production. You allow cast members time off to get married, take care of family members and nurse injuries so they can perform at their best. "We have a big cast, and life happens—that's a beautiful thing to be a part of," says Threatt. "I never go on for someone and say, 'Here comes Bravita!' It's not about you—it's about the bigger whole." Swings may not be stars, but they regularly save the day.

You Might Be Swing Material If…

…you can't stand dancing the same role night after night.

…you always liked pop quizzes.

…you're self-motivated enough to rehearse yourself and keep each role fresh.

You Might Not Be Swing Material If…

...you don't work well under pressure.

…you've only got eyes for the white-hot spotlight.

…you're not OK with a less-than-perfect performance—because you probably won't get many perfect ones.

Ones to Watch

These three swings are pulling superhero duty for Broadway's newest musicals:

Kathryn Boswell , a swing and understudy for Anya in Anastasia . She previously swung for Gigi on Broadway in 2015. She received a BFA in musical theater from the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music.

Courtesy Kathryn Boswell

Susan Dunstan , a Toronto native who's currently a swing in Come From Away and made her Broadway debut in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert . Her regional credits include Kinky Boots , Lord of the Rings , South Pacific and The Lion King .

Courtesy Susan Dunstan

Amy Quanbeck , making her Broadway debut as a swing in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , having previously appeared in the Wicked national tour. She has a BFA in dance performance from University of California, Irvine (and was featured in Dance Spirit when she was just 13 years old!).

Photo by James Jin, courtesy Quanback

In the earliest seasons of Lifetime's "Dance Moms," Nia Sioux Frazier was the underdog. She was constantly overlooked by a certain shall-not-be-named teacher, and had a seemingly permanent spot on the bottom of the show's infamous pyramid.

It wasn't until Nia and her mom Holly decided to pursue other creative outlets—singing! music videos! live performances!—that the 15-year-old dancer (she turns 16 next week) got the spotlight she wanted. Today, Nia's a fan favorite far beyond "Dance Moms": Last year, she made her off-Broadway debut in Trip of Love , and next month she'll take her famous death drop on the road with WilldaBeast and Janelle Ginestra as part of the team's #FOLLOWME tour . Catch Nia & co. when the tour kicks off July 28 in L.A.—and get more from her right here, right now. #slay

1. What's the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning and the last thing you do before bed every night?

As soon as I wake up, I automatically check my phone. So much can happen overnight, and I want to stay connected. At night, I make sure I put my phone on the charger because I need all the battery life I can get. I cannot start my day at less than 100 percent.

2. What are three things you eat every day?

Egg whites, chicken or fish, and fruit

3. What are three things you can't dance without?

Music, strength, and a hair tie

4. In your very expert opinion, what's the best dance movie of all time?

My all-time favorite movie is The Wiz . I love the choreography and music throughout the movie, especially the scene featuring the song "A Brand New Day." I also recently fell in love with La La Land and would love to do a movie like that one day, with such incredible dancing.

5. If you were given an hour to take class from ANY instructor—living or dead—who would you choose?

That's so hard. Probably Michael Jackson. But Misty Copeland and Debbie Allen are high on my list, too!

6. What's your favorite place you've ever performed?

Performing my first song, "Star In Your Own Life," in Federation Square, Australia, was incredible.

7. What songs are in heavy rotation on your playlist right now?

"Symphony" by Clean Bandit, "Nights With You" by MO, and "Slow Down Love" by Louis the Child

8. Other than dance, what's your favorite way to work out?

I enjoy working out and staying fit. I routinely walk on the treadmill, in addition to working out with my trainer several times a week.

9. What's your favorite way to spend a Sunday?

My perfect Sunday includes relaxing, enjoying a delicious brunch, and staying home with my family.

10. What has been the single greatest moment in your dance career so far?

There have been so many amazing moments, it's hard to pick one. Any situation where I'm learning more about dance will help me with my dance career. Learning from Laurieann Gibson, Cheryl Burke, and James Walski ( Trip of Love director & choreographer) would be some of my greatest highlights. They were huge moments for me, and the lessons learned are helpful in life and dance.

Congratulations to Dance Spirit 's 2017 Cover Model Search finalists: Haley Hartsfield , Kaylin Maggard and Michelle Quiner ! One of them will win a spot on Dance Spirit 's October 2016 cover. Learn more about the dancers on their profile pages, and then vote for your favorite below.

We also want you to get social ! We'll be factoring social media likes and shares into our final tallies. Be sure to show your favorite finalist some love on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, sharing their profile pages and using the hashtag #DanceSpiritCMS .

View Haley's Profile

View Kaylin's Profile

View Michelle's Profile

Mark your calendars, fansies! On August 5 and 9, your favorite Newsies'll be out there carrying the banner, one last time.

That's right, the Tony-winning cult musical—filmed live at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in September 2016—is coming back to more than 630 movie theaters around the country for just two more showtimes, 12:55 pm on Saturday, August 5 and 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 9.

So seize the day! Find out where you'll be seeing Jack Kelly and the rest, and get them tickets now!

There's nothing better than when dancers design dancewear—they just get it, you know? From the materials, to the cut, and everything in between, they've figured out what works thanks to years of trial and error over their careers. So who better to team up with Só Dança than New York City Ballet principal Sara Mearns?

You read that right! Mearns and Só Dança are collaborating on a line of performance wear, and it's bound to be amazing. Mearns' studio style (as evidenced by our favorite Instagrams below) is always on pointe, unique, and polished. It's pretty much a guarantee that she and Só Dança have got our backs when it comes to designing some seriously cute, seriously danceable pieces. Keep your eyes out for the collection!

(Courtesy Só Dança)

Well, if you're Broadway vlogger and dance newbie Tyler Mount, super-easy! In a special video for Playbill.com , Broadway CATS Christine Cornish Smith, Tyler Hanes and Ahmad Simmons lead Mount through a phrase from the feline-tastic musical's opening number, "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats."

How did Mount do? Doesn't really matter. There are plenty of other hair-raisingly amazing things happening in this clip:

1. An up-close view of the iconic, intricate makeup (and specially decorated jazz shoes!) for CATS

2. A fast but followable breakdown of Andy Blankenbuehler's awesome classic-jazz choreo

3. Mount's hilarious names for every single count in the phrase: "Get OUTTA here, look at my claws, I'm still a cat!!" Way too familiar to any of us who've ever learned character-driven choreography.

4. You didn't think I'd give it all away, did you? Watch the clip for so much more frenzied felinity:

Nationals season is just around the corner, and we're getting SUPER pumped. Although it's truly one of the greatest times of the year for dancers, Nationals are also insane, tbh. Between running from convention classes to onstage performances to award shows, and trying to squeeze in a bite to eat or stay hydrated, it can be constant chaos. Which is why it's so important to find a lipstick that actually sticks—comp queens don't need anything else to stress over. And because we are not here for smudges or reapplying every hour, or ending up with a dry, cracked pout in every selfie, we rounded up the top picks that'll stand up to all things Nationals.

First things first, though, it's super important to have fresh lips before you apply your lipstick. This means gently exfoliating any dead skin with something like a sugar or salt scrub. It'll ensure that the lipstick goes on more evenly and that your lips stay more moisturized throughout the day, which will prevent the color from cracking. Check out Julianne Hough 's super simple DIY recipes and make your own sugar scrub at home.

And now for the fun part. 💄 💋 ✨

Maybelline SuperStay 24 Hour Lipcolor

This drugstore favorite promises no flaking, caking or fading. It also comes with a step 2 hydrating balm at the other end of the tube to fully seal in moisture.

Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick

Smashbox's super pigmented, yet super light weight, formula guarantees a bold pout without feeling like you even have anything on. It also offers tons of different shades.

Rimmel London Provocalips 16 Hour Kiss Proof Lip Colour

Another 2-step product, this liquid lipstick comes with a second product to help lock in the color. The formula is also really flexible and adapts to the movement of your lips. Aka, it'll stand up to some serious face.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

You wouldn't think a lip pencil would be able to last all day, but this NARS one seriously delivers. The pencil tip also makes it much easier to apply quickly (you don't have to be as precise as you would with a tube or liquid version).

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip

ColourPop is known for its bold, saturated colors, and this liquid one says that just one swipe will do. The finish is a cool, transfer-proof matte.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick

Although the majority of the best long-lasting lipsticks on the market these days are liquid versions, this tube offers superior coverage. It's infused with antioxidants to keep lips healthy and smooth, and comes in fun finishes like metallic and shimmer. It also smells like créme brûlée (YUM!).

Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick

This cult classic is known for its silky feel and is incredibly long-lasting. It also comes in lots of trendy colors. Fun fact: Kendall Vertes (of "Dance Moms" fame) is a huge fan of the Kylie lip line to complete her comp look !

DS Pro Tip: To ensure your lipstick lasts no matter what, apply a layer of lipstick and then dab on a layer of face powder or translucent powder all over your lips. Then reapply with another layer of lipstick and repeat these steps for as many layers as you feel like you need. The layers of powder will help set the color—it's also a handy way to make any lipstick more matte.

You head to your first dance team practice, ready to nail your fouettés and switch-leaps—only to be asked to demonstrate your headsprings and rubberbands. Yikes! You're embarrassed that you're behind the acrobatic abilities of the older girls, and scared to ask for help.

Just as pirouettes and leaps require diligent practice, acro tricks need weeks, or even months, before you get the hang of them. We spoke with three college dance team coaches to find out what dancers can do to master these critical skills.

Strengthen and Stretch

How should you prepare your body for acro? "The core is a great place to start," says The Ohio State University head coach Melissa McGhee. "Kip-ups and headsprings require a flexible back and a strong core. And aerials require toned glutes and quads—the leg push-off is your momentum."

McGhee suggests high-intensity interval training, or circuit training, to improve your overall strength. Towson University head choreographer and technique coach Laura King varies her dancers' workouts for each practice, from kickboxing to barre exercises, with a special focus on leg power. "Squat jumps will help you find the correct spring for acro," she says. "I also focus on chassés because the push from plié through full pointe integrates every single leg muscle."

The Carolina Girls performing at the 2015 NDA Collegiate Dance Championship (photo by Varisty/Courtesy the Lewis family)

It might not be intuitive, but flexibility is just as important for acro work. San Diego State University's head coach Kaitlin Collins finds that dancers are often lacking in shoulder and back flexibility, which is critical for back walkovers and handsprings. "I have my girls start with their backs to a wall, reach back to touch it, then walk down the wall to their bridge and walk back up," she says—an exercise that improves back, shoulder and core flexibility.

Break It Down

If you're having trouble coordinating a trick, slow it down. Think about each of its essential components in sequence. "My team was landing their headsprings with knees either turned in or turned out, so we practiced each part separately," King says. "First we worked on entering the trick, determining exactly how to put the head on the ground; then we lifted to a pike position; then we added the flip over." While dancers may be used to landing tricks by rolling through the foot, Collins has her dancers land their headsprings flat-footed, with hips high, which creates greater stability. "Wear a light workout sneaker to absorb the impact," Collins advises.

Use a Friend—or Many!

Sometimes, your coach won't have time for one-on-one attention in practice. Ask if you can reserve additional practice time for yourself in the studio, then find an older member of the team, such as a captain, who can help you master the difficult skills. "If you're trying a new trick, always have an experienced spotter with you and perform it on a mat," Collins says.

Front and back walkovers are great tricks to perfect with friends. King suggests trying a front walkover into a lift, or a back walkover out of one, to really understand your hip and shoulder alignment. Having extra hands on you helps you control your momentum and guides you out of your back walkover gently, so you can feel more comfortable when practicing one on your own.

A version of this story appeared in the April 2017 issue of Dance Spirit.

It's the second episode of "So You Think You Can Dance" Season 14, and tbh, so far we're yawning more than we're yay-ing. We want to see more performances and hear less talking—and we're dying for more Cat Deeley.

During Los Angeles Auditions Part II, there were some highs (ballroom babe Jensen's outfit), some lows (uh, triple-jointing), and plenty of shrieks and screams from one Mary Murphy. (Noticeably absent, however, were Hot Tamale Train tickets, of which Mary distributed zero throughout the hour-long episode.)

Let us get you caught up on the names you need to know...

Tristen and Jensen

We say: These ballroom partners from Provo, UT, seem destined to do well on this show. First, because dancers from Utah always do well on this show (see, for example, Allison Holker, Mollee Gray, Witney Carson, Alexia Meyer, Hailee Payne, Jenna Johnson—shall we continue?), and second because being on "SYT" is in Jensen's blood. If she looks familiar, it's because she pretty much is: Jensen is Lindsay Arnold's little sis! Tristen and Jensen (no, they're not dating, they assured Nigel) perform a Samba, and Jensen's neon fringe outfit is amazing.

The judges say: Nigel said it "woke him up." Mary said "YASSSS" a lot.

Vanessa Hudgens says: "GURL U R A STAR!"

The verdict: They're through to The Academy.

Sade Keinu Austin

We say: This Brooklyn-native started at 2, and credits her parents—a Nappytabs-esque duo who choreographed for the likes of Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson—as her inspiration. Her whacking-style routine wasn't our favorite of the night, but it was good and full-out.

The judges say: Nigel called her "a little ball of dynamite" and said she was "tremendous." Mary said she was "on fire."

Vanessa says: "YASSSSSS!"

The verdict: Through to The Academy

Matthew Deloch

We say: The 18-year-old from Louisiana has been dancing since he was 2, even though his #TBT-style video seemed to indicate that he seriously hated dancing. But, he explains, once he turned 12, he quite literally found his groove. He performs a lovely contemporary piece that's heavy on the tricks and flips. He's elegant and can jump ridiculously high, but his feet could use some work.

The judges say: Nigel called it "one of the most outstanding routines of the day," but said he "wants to feel something. "Mary called it "mind-blowing" and said Matthew makes dancing "seem easy." Meanwhile...

Vanessa says: "Amazing! Wow! Man, are you a good dancer!"

The verdict: Academy-bound

Inyoung "Dassey" Lee

We say: Dassey moved to the United States from South Korea because of "So You Think You Can Dance." No, seriously. (Even Cat Deeley was all "whaaaaa?" when she heard this.) Dassey popped and locked her heart out to a remix of the classic song "Big Spender," and she tore. it. up. As for how she'll fare when faced with, say, a Travis Wall contemporary routine? TBD. But we'd like to see her try, because she's good-looking and so refined.

The judges say: Mary said "wow!" and "holy moly!" and "You went bam on us! You just hit us!"

Vanessa says: "YASSSSSS! Loved it! It was amazing! It was feminine, but also masculine."

The verdict: "Academy, you go girl!" —Vanessa Hudgens

Blessin Giraldo

We say: Blessin wants to bring steppin to the masses. She's a member of a step squad, and she's got rhythm, she's got music. She also has a killer attitude, great stage presence, and a very dramatic death drop.

The judges say: "I thought stepping was just for guys," Nigel said, while Mary told Blessin she has "fire" and "passion" and "dominates," while acknowledging the show will be tough for her because it requires dancers to become proficient in so many technical styles.

Vanessa says: "I feel, like, empowered to be a lady right now!"

The verdict: Blessin is through to the choreography round, but is later cut when she can't quite keep up with Mandy Moore's choreography.

Dustin Payne

We say: We love him. Fave of the night. Dustin rolls up with a fancy hat, a bowtie, and confidence, and it's immediately clear that this street performer is smooth . He floated and glided across the stage like he was wearing ice skates (but really cool ones), and evoked a Lil' Buck-ish vibe with his jookin' moves.

The judges say: "I don't know how you don't have serious knee problems," Mary exclaimed before screaming so loudly it caught Nigel off-guard.

Vanessa says: "That finger thing was insane!"

The verdict: Academy

Next week, we're off to NYC for auditions in the Big Apple. Here's hoping for more of a wow factor in the city that never sleeps!

Stand out—just enough—at your next musical theater audition in ensembles that pair vivid brights with classic black.

(All photos by Erin Baiano)

Dance and fashion are constantly collaborating and believe us when we say, we're here for it. But what deserves to get attention are the dancers that are fashionable in their own right. Fashion, just like dance, is all about having a personal style and being proud of it. The following six dancers, whether they're commercial or classical, have honed in on their style and don't seem to go a day (or at least an Instagram post) without looking good.

1. Galen Hooks

You can tell Galen Hooks is fashionable just based on what she wears in her class videos. She always finds a way to incorporate her personal style throughout her class and rehearsal attire. It's edgy, yet simple. It's comfortable, but still makes a statement.

2. Jenna Johnson

Of all the dancers listed if I had to pick someone's wardrobe to borrow, it would be Jenna Johnson's. Whether she's being styled for photoshoots, making TV appearances, or simply being a tourist on vacation, there's not one outfit that I haven't loved. She has the ability to look cool and girly at the same time.

3. Cara Diaz Certosimo

NYC dancer, Cara Diaz Certosimo, has a unique style that gives off vintage vibes. Though her beautiful features, like her tight curls and long legs, would probably stand out in anything, she knows how to accentuate them. (You can catch her dancing in Elephant Pants and probably shopping at Urban Outfitters quite often.)

4. Robert Roldan

It's clear that Robert Roldan puts thought into his daily outfits. Whether it's a simple t-shirt and ripped jeans or a more sophisticated look like the one above, he seems to always be ready for a photo opportunity. We admire men who put tender, love and care into their wardrobe and Roldan definitely does that.

5. Valentin Chmerkovskiy

The Dancing with the Stars pro credits his dad for influencing his sense of style. While his more casual attire is something to be admired, we have to give Chermovskiy credit for always dressing (up) to impress. It's looks like these that match the confidence he has when he dances.

6. Juliet Doherty

19-year-old Juliet Doherty has two sides to her look. On evenings when she's attending galas, she looks mature in a little black dress , but during the day she wears outfits that match her carefree personality. Think bright colors and florals. It's nothing that seems to take a lot of effort, but that's even more of a reason to adopt her fashion sense.

You guys, I feel so sorry for the "World of Dance" judges: Their job is so freaking tough. Every single one of the acts from last night's episode was absolutely amazing. How could you even THINK about picking a winner in each of the night's four duels?! Luckily, those hard choices are up to the judges, and we just get to enjoy the jaw-dropping dancing.

Quick Style vs. Keone & Mari

Normally, we'd pick Keone & Mari as the winners of any dance battle, hands down, but Quick Style is no joke. Not only did they learn from none other than the Madrids themselves, but they won Norway's Got Talent in 2009. In the end, the win went to Team Dance Spirit —Keone & Mari, of course!

Eva Igo vs. KynTay

Speaking of Team DS , last night we got to see Dance Spirit cover girl Taylor Hatala and partner in crime Kyndall Harris go up against contemporary princess Eva Igo. KynTay brought the fun and the fierce, but in the end the sheer intensity of Igo's performance won over the judges.

Swing Latino vs. Miami All-Stars

This one was a real toughie, IMO. Acrobatic, red-hot ballroom dance or explosively energetic Broadway-style swing? J.Lo & co. picked Swing Latino, but I really, really hope we'll see more from both groups in the future—they're just too evenly matched for this to have been the last battle ever.

Fik-Shun vs. Nick Daniels

Fik-Shun, please stop. It's really unfair to the other guys that you're just so perfect. Daniels brought his A-game, complete with soaring jumps, craaaaaazy flexibility and heartwrenching emotion, but it seems nobody is stranger (read: awesomer) than Fik-Shun.

Did your favorites triumph in this first week of duels? Make sure to watch with us next week for more unbelievable "WOD" antics!

Serious question: Is there anything Maddie Ziegler can't do? Serious answer: Nope. Case in point? Her big screen debut as Christina in the new movie, The Book of Henry . But even more exciting than seeing Maddie in a movie theater is the fact that we get to see her dance, too! The trailer hinted at a dance scene, and you guys, it's better than we could've ever imagined.

Seriously, everything about this is amazing. Beautiful music? Check. Stunning costume? Mhm. Super emotional choreography? You bet. Watch this without getting chills, we dare you:

We already know that Misty Copeland—who needs no introduction, but OK: American Ballet Theatre principal, trailblazing role model, all-around superstar—is an excellent dance show judge. Her turn on the "So You Think You Can Dance" judging panel back in Season 11 impressed dance fans everywhere. Obviously any professional dancer is going to have a leg up (sorry) when it comes to critiquing technique, but Copeland's feedback on "SYT" was particularly smart, incisive, and illuminating . (Remember when she told Rudy to think of his legs as tree trunks rooted in the ground, so he could better hold up the "flowers"—aka his partner?)

That's why we're very excited to report that Copeland is putting her judges' hat on again, this time for NBC's "World of Dance."

Copeland will join Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough, and Ne-Yo at the judges' table for the July 18th and July 25th episodes of the show. That's "The Cut" round of the competition, when more than half of the remaining acts will be sent home. It's good to know that a true pro will be helping the panel make what are sure to be, based on the excellence we've seen so far on "WOD," some very tough decisions.

And for the record, we'd also love to see Copeland back on "SYT." The more of her wisdom she can share with the dance world, the better!

It's finally summer, which means you're probably spending as many long days outside in the sun as you are in the studio. You might think a quick mist of SPF 30 will do the trick, but there's a lot more to that number—and to sunscreen, in general. Here, we break down the sunscreen basics to keep your sunkissed skin safe.

The Numbers Game

A sunscreen's "sunburn protection factor," or SPF, is often the first thing people consider when choosing a sunscreen. But with numbers ranging from 5 to 100+, it's hard to know what amount of coverage you actually need. According to the Environmental Working Group's official Sunscreen Guide , lots of brands advertise "misleading sky-high SPF values" with no evidence. While there are over 60 sunscreens available with an SPF of 70 or more, the bottom line is that sunscreens in the 30–50 SPF range provide ample coverage.

The More, the Better

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you need to apply a minimum of 1 ounce of product every two hours to
get its full SPF. (Think the size of a plum.) Most people stop at around a quarter or half of that amount. Make sure you apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before you head outside, and don't miss your ears, toes and under your bathing suit.

Apply, and Apply Again

You should aim to reapply your sunscreen every two hours. But if you head straight for the ocean or pool, it's best to apply another layer immediately once you're done swimming. That's true even if your sunscreen's labeled "water-resistant," which only means you'll be protected for about 40 minutes to an hour upon entering the water. According to the FDA, no sunscreen is truly waterproof and all will quickly lose effectiveness when you're swimming or sweating.