The first-ever SYTYCD classical (aka ballet) pas de deux was performed tonight, much to my excitement. Melissa is one of my favorites, and the first ballerina to make it past week 1, so seeing her get to bust out the pointe shoes was very cool. Romeo and Juliet isn't my favorite ever, and Andrea and I got to talking and I realized what I *wish* they'd done. And you know, I always bring up my go-to example-- when I took beginning ballet on campus we spent one day watching clips and learning about virtuosity, and I spoke up and mentioned that aggressive female virtuosity *does* in fact exist. So here 'tis: the black swan pas de deux from Swan Lake. Technically, the pas de deux is only part 1, but the variations that follow (particularly the one starting about 3:00 into part 2) are not to be missed. It's a little detail, but I am completely in love with the way Gillian Murphy curtseys after the pas de deux-- she bows deeply, all the way down on one knee, but doesn't dip her head. Perfectly in character. I love the mischief and malice involved, and what a dupe the prince is! So enjoy :)