Alrighty, this is a toughie, limiting my favorites to five.  I like so many routines for their impact and creative value, but that doesn’t make them my favorite.  I’m gonna give it a shot.  In no particular order:

1.  Joshua & Katee, Contemporary (Season 4)

Mia’s choreography always dazzles me, from her Travis/Heidi “Bench Routine” in season 2 to her vigorously quick-moving contemporary piece with Danny and Lauren in season 3.   She continues to amaze us with this rich, despairing choreography set to Adele’s “Hometown Glory”.  Katee’s facial expressions and movements are intricate and beautiful, and Joshua is equally great.

2.  Danny & Lacey, Samba (Season 3)

The Latin styles are not my favorites, but this one is really appealing.  They’re a good match, and this choreography (by season 2’s Dmitry) makes the samba really accessible to us non-fans.  Smokin!  “Hip hip, chin chin!”

3.  Jesus & Sara, Jazz (Season 3)

Remember Jesus?  He was adorable.  He was the versatile Sara’s original partner, and he was booted too soon.  This is one of those memorable routines that makes everyone sit up and pay attention (as is the case with most of Wade Robson’s brilliant choreography).  It’s weird.  It’s go-for-broke.  It’s cool.  Me likey.

4.  Neil & Lauren, Jazz (Season 3)

Completely brilliant.  This was when Neil started standing out for his skills more than just his looks.  I became something of a Neil fan at this point.  I love the acting, the costumes, the music, the weirdness.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t locate a video from the show itself, so this one from the tour is the best I could do.

5.  Mia Michaels’ Top 10 Routine to “The Moment I Said It”

Oh my word.  Even those who aren’t fans of Danny have to admit that this whole piece is packed with mad goosebump moments.  The whole dance is anchored around him - his beauty, skill, and strength.  Again, the performance from the original program was unvailable, but I found a decent one from the tour.  The fan who took this video must have been a Danny fan, too. 

Runners-Up:

I know this list weighs heavily on season 3 routines, and I can’t help it.  What are your favorites?  Can you limit them to just 5?  I truly can’t.  I’m already rethinking my choices.