Season 16

As 51 rookies and veterans arrive to chase their dreams, the candidates hope to prove their talent with a standout solo performance and take on the kick line in the Judges' Showcase.

Melissa Rycroft comes to the first rehearsal to look for showmanship mentoring candidates. Then Brittany Perry-Russell shakes up the candidates with her choreography.

The candidates are taught techniques to get their kicks even higher. Evan Miller teaches his fast-paced choreography that has Kelli concerned for one of the candidates.

Denise DiCharry teaches high level choreography to see who learns quickly. Kelli gets to know the rookie candidates better during uniform fittings. And will an inappropriate post on social media lead to one of the ladies being cut?

Criscilla Anderson teaches LA style choreography and gives some hard-learned life lessons. Then Emmy winning choreographer Travis Wall, comes to help Kelli & Judy make some tough decisions.

Judy teaches the DCC entrance and the candidates must do jump splits for the first time, though not everyone is successful. A rookie rehearsal reveals the weaker candidates.

The DCC candidates tryout for coveted positions on the elite Show Group. And with five cuts left to make for the top 36, some candidates standout in a bad way.

After the most effective makeovers ever, both Kelli and Judy have big announcements.A veteran gives a sudden and emotional farewell.

Week nine of training camp intensifies when Kelli and Judy confront Alora-Rose and deliberate squad dismissal decisions one week before the first game of the season.

With the final full squad announced, Kelli leads the team into the pressures of Game Day, including a first-time ever performance.