First performance episode of the season! That came up fast, didn't it? We've got some real talent this season, and tonight's episode did everything to reassure that notion. We saw some superbly danced and choreographed routines, but the over-arching criticism from the judges tonight was that the dancers need to become stronger.

I think many of the Top 11 were quite nervous to be in front of the cameras for the first time (I can't imagine that's easy for anyone) and it showed. They weren't quite sure how to act and many of them mugged the camera - BADLY. But there's definitely a lot of potential here (talent-wise) and I think now that the dancers have survived the first show, they'll be better equipped to handle dancing in front of a live audience and in front of the cameras.

The tech crew didn't have a stellar season opener either. The cameras were a little bit off in the beginning. We barely saw Alex during the intros and missed Ashley's opening solo altogether.

Kicking off the performances this season was Billy, who's no stranger to this stage. He picked Lauren (S3) for his partner this week (good pick) for a Tyce DiOrio B'way routine (bad pick). Dancing to "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins, the two did a very in-sync, reasonably fun routine. Tyce seemed to play to Billy's extensions, as the bulk of the choreography felt drawn out, longer and more fluid than the bouncy pop tune we're used to. The technique was definitely there - Billy did some particularly nice leaps in the middle - and both Billy and Lauren seemed to have fun with the routine, even though they weren't given much to work with. The choreography just didn't go anywhere and was not memorable in the slightest. I don't understand why Tyce's contemporary choreography is so good and his Broadway stuff is so stale. Can he switch genres permanently please? The judges had generally good remarks for Billy. Mia said he danced like a boy, and did well, but needs to dance like a man this season, and I'd agree. Both Nigel and Adam said he needed more chemistry with his partner and to develop his character better. Not a strong routine from him, but he's probably got enough of a following to stick around til next week.

Next up was Christina who was dancing with Mark from S4 in a Sonya jazz routine. The duo danced to "Starstruck" by Santigold as if they were snakes (or so Sonya said). It felt very herky-jerky to be a slinky routine about snakes, but it definitely had some highlights. Christina nailed her ponche arabesques, but seemed unsure of her footing and the moves. Even though she fared all right with the choreography, Christina seemed to have trouble filling the space between moves and making it feel fluid. Nigel complimented her on the fluidity of her movements (totally disagree) and said Christina held her own against Mark in this freaky/dark/sinister routine.Despite the judges' praise, I think she could be in trouble tomorrow. She's never really impressed me with her ballroom (especially compared to some of the sassy salsa sirens we've had in previous seasons) and I don't think her other dancing is much stronger.

Jose lucked out this week and got hip-hop with Comfort and NappyTabs. The routine was about two fierce predators competing with one another. Comfort served it up, but Jose didn't hit it hardly at all. He didn't have enough oomph in his popping and hip-hop moves and only fared slightly better when he was breaking. To his credit, he did a nice job partnering Comfort (especially when she dove at him and he flipped her over his shoulder like it was nothing). The judges said his breaking was great (huh?!), but said he didn't have the right vibe for hip-hop. I think he could be in trouble tomorrow night.

Adechike got paired with S6's Kathryn for a Travis Wall contemporary routine about a businessman fantasizing about his sexy secretary. This was one of the stronger routines we saw choreography-wise - Travis has grown tremendously over the years, which is great to see - but the chemistry was lacking. Adechike had no excuse to be so stoic; he had everything going for him: a slow, sensual version of "Addicted to Love" by Florence and the Machine, sexy choreography, and possibly the sexiest partner ever. Kathryn was WORKING it! She pretty much blew Adechike right off the stage. The judges echoed that and Mia even said he was giving nothing but "empty technique." Ouch! Harsh, but true. I feel like the judges were much more critical of him than the other three dancers. Still, I have a feeling he might land in the bottom tomorrow.

Next up was tapper Melinda, who got paired with Pasha for a jive routine by Tony and Meredith. To my surprise, she did a pretty good job at outshining Pasha (the fact that he wasn't shirtless probably helped). Her retractions were sharp and on point, but she definitely struggled with the footwork. She looked like was having a blast in her slinky, short, hot-pink ensemble though. Still, her smile got a bit manic at times, and it seemed like she was trying to make up for her technical shortcomings with an over-the-top performance. Nigel compared her to British goalkeeper Robert Green (who, for any non-sports fans, flubbed a crucial goal in the team's opening match against the U.S. team in the World Cup last weekend), saying she's in trouble. The judges also slammed her for her footwork (which does need some work), and for pulling her face too much. To her credit, she seemed to take it in stride. I think the judges may be right, though - she's a likely candidate for the Bottom 3 tomorrow.

Alex andS2 all-star Allison did a Sonya jazz piece about salvation set to "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley. I would usually groan at the song choice (it's so overdone), but this piece blew me away. Sonya is no longer growing on me, she's one of my favorite choreographers on this show now. This piece was that good. From the initial side-by-side plies, both Alex and Allison seemed conflicted, contracting inward, then bursting out again. They were fluid and wonderfully in-sync throughout the entire routine, which did include some very cool moments. My favorite had to be when Alex did an arabesque and Allison grabbed his foot. Alex then leapt forward to get away, but never lost his balance or control. Cat got her first chills of the season and so did I.Mia said the routine was the best routine ever performed on "Dance" (wow) and even called Alex "sheer perfection." High praise, but well deserved. He'll be fine for next week's show.

NappyTabs choreographed another routine for Alexie and all-star Twitch about young lovers sneaking around. The whole thing had charm, from the music choice ("Butterfly" by Jason Mraz) to Alexie's beaming smile. She was a little too cutesy though, and didn't have quite enough swagger for the hip-hop style. She did a great job executing the tricky footwork section in the middle and flew onto Twitch from the ground after a nice split. The judges picked on her for being too cute. Adam put it best: for this style, she needed to dance with all the sensuality of a woman and all the power of a man, and ultimately she didn't. People vote for cute though, so she might be OK.

Lauren got a pop-jazz routine by Mandy Moore (glad to see her back), partnered by Ade. The routine was about a young couple on a first date and was set to "Oh Yeah" by Yello (which is instantly recognizable from the "Ferris Bueller" soundtrack). Some dynamic, sharp choreography from Mandy - one of her better routines in my opinion. Ade stood on the back of the couch and flipped Lauren upside-down "Matrix style at one point and did an incredible split lift off the couch later in the routine. Lauren handled the choreography with ease and was definitely giving a performance, but it felt half-hearted.The judges said she was technically flawless, but didn't have enough chemistry with her partner. Her performance level was there, but it felt like a performance -- very artificial and forced. Even when she was listening to the judges, she didn't seem to be absorbing the criticism, but rather just smiling and nodding. Adam totally called her on it and she tried to back pedal. I don't know if the judges' notes totally sank in. I think she would have been OK, but the judges' negative comments might put her in danger tomorrow. I'd like to see her stick around though - she's a technically strong dancer and cute as a button. Despite my early doubts, I think there may be some real potential in her. She's gotta listen though.

Small-town boy Kent was up next for a cha-cha with Anya. In rehearsals, Kent seemed to struggle with being manly instead of adorable. Unfortunately, he over-compensated a bit too much, but I almost didn't care. He pursed his lips and wiggled his hips all over the place. As goofy as it was, he totally committed, which is a plus (I guess?). His footwork was surprisingly strong, and he even pulled off a pretty stellar lift/spin sequence with Anya perched perfectly on his shoulder. He did a weird funky chicken head bob in the middle and his hands were a bit awkward at times, but the judges didn't pick on him too much for that. And I don't think America will either. Ultimately, he's adorable and totally likeable and that will get him votes. My only hope is that he doesn't pull an Evan ala S5 and fizzle out too quickly. The adorable thing will work in the short-run, but I pray America doesn't get too smitten with him too fast and gives him fair critique No doubt he'll be safe tomorrow.

Next up was Ashley, who got paired with S3's Neil for a Tyce contemporary routine about (sigh) love. THIS is the kind of choreography I want to see Tyce do - great use of the stage, wonderful contrast and strong technical steps coming out of raw emotions. I'm at a loss for why his Broadway stuff is so flat when his contemporary choreography is so dynamic. Both dancers executed the choreography wonderfully. At one point Ashley ran and dove at Neil who (thankfully) caught her perfectly. There was another moment when Ashley clung to Neil's leg (who wouldn't?!) as he walked and chene turned forward. Very cool. Neil totally sold the performance, but Ashley was only halfway there. There were glimmers of raw emotion, but she slipped out of that at times. Mia said there was nugget of emotion in her, but she wasn't sure exactly what that emotion was.I agree completely.

Closing out the show was Robert, who got a Sean Cheesman African dance with all-star Courtney. Robert all but beat Courtney up in rehearsals, only killed the routine during the performance. The animalistic, smoldering routine was set to "Norweg" from Cirque de Soleil and way cool. Robert is a stellar technician and threw himself headfirst into this routine. My favorite part was when he balanced on one foot and cradled Courtney on his hip, effortlessly lifting her off the ground. This routine is a sign of good things to come. The judges gave him extremely high praise (too high in my opinion). Adam even said Robert was the best male contemporary dancer the show had ever seen. Puh-lease! The contemporary all-stars are definitely stronger than him (Neil and, much as I hate him, Ade), and there have been plenty of strong male contemporary dancers in the past. S6 runner-up Jakob comes to mind immediately, S5's Brandon, S3 runner-up Danny ... the list goes on and on. Still, Robert did an excellent job tonight and should have no trouble staying around til next week.

Predictions: Definitely Melinda (she struggled the most tonight and got slammed by the judges), but the other two spots are toss-ups. Based on tonight's performances, I think Christina and Jose deserve to round out the Bottom 3, but I hope we don't lose one of our non-contemporary dancers after the first show. Given the judges' critiques, Lauren could be in trouble, and Ashley might be too (she's totally forgettable to me).

Like I said earlier, the talent is definitely there this season, but these dancers have to become stars - and fast! They've all undoubtedly got the talent and the potential to do magnificent things this season, but they have to up their game in the performance department big time if they want to keep my attention this summer.