"So You Think You Can Dance" judges have narrowed thousands of dancers down to 10, and Kailua's Kupono Aweau is one of them.

"It's crazy, because it's like its own world (being here). I know I'm on national television, but it doesn't feel like it. I feel like when it is all said and done, then I'll be like, 'Holy crap!' " said Aweau.

Each week, judges critique the performances and viewers vote via phone call or text message for their favorite dancer. Aweau has been in the bottom two twice throughout his journey, despite the judges' favorable comments about him and partner Kayla Radomski.

This week Radomski and Aweau performed a contemporary piece about addiction, choreographed by Mia Michaels, and a Broadway-style piece choreographed by Joey Dowling.

The judges all agreed that the couple danced well.

Aweau described the contemporary piece as dealing with a concept that hit close to home because he and his family and friends have had to deal with people with addictions.

"At one point I thought I just couldn't (do it)," said Aweau of the dance routine, "but I just had to find it somewhere. ... (In the end) it was good, like therapy."

Judge Nigel Lythgoe said Aweau's dance was very strong, powerful and malevolent, as his character should be.

Judge Mary Murphy said she loved Aweau's intensity — and the way he takes on characters he's asked to portray.

The Broadway dance was themed on "West Side Story." The judges gave this dance more criticism.

Lythgoe said the piece lacked feeling and true emotion.

"You just danced it," he said. "I can always say you danced it well, but I need more now."

The audience met Lythgoe's comments with loud booing.

Murphy agreed with Lythgoe that the couple didn't latch onto the style, but also added, "You are certainly a force to be reckoned with."

"With Kayla, our work ethic and dancing mind (and) our body types are similar. We're like the same person in that sense," said Aweau of his partner. "When it comes to dancing, she pushes as much as I do. That's why our pieces work out so well."

America must have agreed with the judges about the couple, who were forged together when both their partners were eliminated earlier in the season, because Aweau and Radomski were safe from elimination and advanced to the top 10 finalists. This means they will be part of the series finalists' summer tour, along with the eight other finalists.