We're on to round two of auditions and truth be told, I was actually excited for it. Auditions are usually my least favorite part of the show, especially since few, if any of the dancers featured in the audition episodes ever make it to the actual competition. It's astounding how many talented dancers there are who don't make the cut. But tonight, there were definitely a handful of dancers who might change that.

Auditions took us to L.A. and Chicago tonight. For the first hour, Nigel and Adam were joined by new hip-hop judge-choreographer Hi Hat. No idea what her choreography is like, but her commentary is Lil' C-level sucky. Hopefully my take on the LA auditions isn't as bad!

Lauren Froderman kicked off auditions with a very sensual routine to "Sexual Healing." There were a few strong moments - notably an assisted arabesque that she just nailed - but for the most part, she writhed around on the floor and made flirty eyes with the judges. I wasn't overwhelmed, but the judges put her straight through to Vegas. Given the usual slew of contemporary females though, I doubt we'll see her again.

Hung Van Lam a.k.a. "Hella Hung" made the most of his pre-audition interview with Cat: dancing with her, picking her up, kissing her on the neck, and even groping her at one point. Cat handled the whole thing with a ton of class. Kudos to her. Hella's audition wasn't as memorable, unfortunately. He seemed like a fun street performer, but Adam said it best: "Great entertainer, not right for this show."

Cat actually laughed when 18-year-old Rachel Girma told her she'd only been dancing for two weeks. Rachel is a rhythmic gymnast who turned her focus to dance after she injured her foot while training for the Olympics. Usually gymnasts show off with tricks and know to point their feet, but they lack rhythm and actual dance training. Not Rachel. This girl bends, spins, twists and moves in ways that seem superhuman. She did not one, not two, but three ponche arabesque turns on flat foot. Just incredible. This girl is one to watch - straight to Vegas.

Taylor Costella, a bubbly 18-year-old, was adopted and never met her birth mother because she was murdered before Taylor turned 18. Her birth mother's passion - dance - inspired Taylor to take lessons and audition. The Glendale, Arizona native did a technically strong, but manic routine. The judges agreed and sent her to choreography.

Alexie Agdeppa just missed out on the Top 20 last year, but has definitely improved and has her eyes on the prize. Her fabulous extension, gravity-defying leaps, and effervescent smile impressed the judges, who sent her straight to Vegas. Another one to watch, I think. America would definitely vote for her. I would.

Melinda Sullivan, a Doc Martin-wearing tap dancer, did a strangely aggressive audition to a slow Stevie Wonder ballad. There's no denying her tap talent - her rhythms were unbelievably sharp and her broken ankles were sick, but she lacked any connection to the music. And try though I might, I didn't like her performance at all. It felt uncomfortable and just off. The judges sent her to choreography and she actually fared very well. Vegas round for her.

Day 2 auditions wrapped up with 18-year-old Ryan Day. Mia Michaels saw her at a conference and asked her to assist (the clip they showed was S4's bed routine with Kherrington and Twitch). She had fantastic lines, but her hands felt a bit awkward at times. And she didn't relate to the judges at all. They sent her to choreography, but I don't think they showed whether she made it through (can anyone help me out here? Bueller? Bueller...?).

After a three-year hiatus, "Dance" is holding auditions in Chicago again. Joining Nigel and Adam in the Windy City was contemporary choreographer Stacey Tookey.

Small-town boy Kent Boyd danced to "Time" by Billy Porter - probably a mistake since Neil and Lacey did an unforgettable routine to it back in S3 - but he definitely brought it. His pirouettes and leaps were not only strong, but had a great sense of control. But that was also his downfall. His audition was technically brilliant, but it felt like he was holding back emotionally. The judges sent him to choreography and ultimately to Vegas.

Andrew Phillips showed up at auditions with his fraternal twin brother, Tyler, who has Spina bifida. Andrew said he was dancing for the both of them and although he gave a solid effort, I don't think he's currently a strong enough dancer to make it to the competition. He has a great center, but his dancing still felt clumsy at times. Andrew definitely has potential, but ultimately needs more training. The judges sent him to choreography, where apparently he excelled because he's going to Vegas Week.

Malinda Jacobson did what she calls "Hick-Hop." Sometimes there are just no words. The judges gave her sugar-coated criticism and sent her packing.

Adrian Lee, 20 and from San Diego, blew me away. The routine he did was such a far cry from what we usually see. Adrian was controlled and quite subtle. His hands were slightly awkward (which Nigel mentioned), but after taunting him a bit, the judges put him straight through to Vegas. Another one to watch (partially based on his talent and partially since he's one of the only guys we've seen highlighted at this point).

Most of the other guys we saw highlighted were delusional, bad dancers, or both. Kellen Borchers, 25, fits both bills. After a spastic, slightly robotic audition, he tried to claim he danced like past contestant "Brian" (no such contestant exists), interrupted the judges, and was eventually dismissed.

Christopher Gilbert came onstage with a cane and Urkel outfit to do some popping, locking, and a few Michael Jackson-inspired moves. He moved very well with the music and moonwalked his way to choreography, but not to Vegas.

Many of the dancers had incredible back stories (they tend to be the ones highlighted), but Jarrell Robinson was by far the most inspiring. The 25-year-old is completely deaf and said he wanted to represent the deaf community to show them that anything is possible. He did a fun, funky hip-hop routine with great locking and some solid footwork. Surprisingly, he was right on target with the music. Ultimately, he didn't make it through, but he is the reason I love watching auditions. Regardless of their dancing (which does run the gamut), it's always fascinating and wonderful to watch people with inspiring stories doing what they love to do.

Tomorrow's show wraps up auditions and starts Vegas Week. (Is it me or does it feel like that came up fast?) By next week's end, we'll have our Top 10. Who's excited?!