On Wednesdays episode of “So You Think You Can Dance,” same-sex dance couple Jacob Jason and Willem De Vries auditioned and their moving performance received praise from all three judges.
During their segment, Jacob and Willem discussed wanting to audition to illustrate that there is "a world of same-sex dancers." Jacob & Willem’s routine nearly brought judges Mary Murphy and Mia Michaels to tears. The judges had positive reviews following the routine:
Mary Murphy: “I can understand why you’re welling up. I have to say that I’m just really proud of you two. And that showed all the emotion and passion in a strong way. It had great lines, great technique. Well done. I’m really proud of the two of you. “
Mia Michaels: “All I know is that I celebrate the courage that you guys have to just expose yourselves and your hearts and passion and who you are.”
Nigel Lythgoe: “Thank you for showing me that same sex ballroom dancing can be very strong and very good.”
This inclusive episode occurred thanks to all of you who voiced concerns to FOX following a May 22 GLAAD Call to Action regarding homophobic comments made after aspiring competitors Misha Belfer and Mitchel Kibel performed a samba for the judges. Lythgoe -- in his on-air and online criticisms of their performance -- made snide, and ultimately homophobic, comments about the routine. To view Lythgoe’s original comments please visit: http://www.glaad.org/Page.aspx?pid=680.
