Posts Tagged ‘top 20’
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Ariana and Brandon Talk about the Top 20
The morning after Brandon Dumlao and Ariana Debose were eliminated from So You Think You Can Dance, they opened up about their experiences and hopes for the future on a press call.
There’s only one word Brandon Dumlao can use to some up his So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 experience: whirlwind. Last Friday at 11AM, Brandon got the call that he was selected to replace an ill Billy Bell. Two hours later he was on a plane, and one hour after that he went to the studio and found out his good friend Pauline Mata was his partner. He headed straight to the studio to meet with choreographer Jason Gilkison and tried to make up for lost time. “It was such a whirlwind. It was really crazy, but it was such an amazing experience,” Brandon said.
When Brandon found out he would be dancing the smooth waltz this week, he was nervous. As a hip hop dancer, Brandon had never danced a smooth waltz before, but he “was really comfortable to do it with Pauline because we were partners in Cha Cha for Vegas this season.” That wasn’t the start of Brandon and Pauline’s friendship. They both made it to the green mile episode during Season 5 and they’re both Filipino, so they’ve always had a bond. “She’s a really sick dancer. She’s not just a jazz dancer, but she really knows how to do hip hop. I really feel like she’s Top 10 material…I really love her. She’s such a good dancer. I was really excited to be her partner.”
The smooth waltz may have made Brandon nervous, but he is grateful for getting that style. “I’m really happy I got to learn a new style and show America that I can do another style, so I’m really happy with my adventure so far. Hopefully, it continues with this show next season.”
Brandon is optimistic about how everything played out. “This cast was amazing. Billy was such big shoes to fill that I felt it was unfair to even take another guy’s spot. So, I was happy the way it turned out because I didn’t think it was fair for me to come in and take another guy’s spot because everyone earned it. I want to earn it myself, so I really hope that, for Season 7, they let me come back so I can prove it myself.”
In case Fox and Nigel work out the rules so that Brandon is eligible for Season 8, he’s getting prepared. “Right after I got cut, I went and got into a ballroom class and took some more hip hop. I’m ready.”
Although Brandon’s time in the Top 20 was short, it was well worth it. “I just want to let everyone know that I’m really happy for the Top 20 right now and how everything’s going. I support everyone. I hope for the best for everyone.” As for his thoughts on America, Brandon says he hopes they “show support for me if I get to come back, but if not, I want everyone to just remember me how I was on the show. I’m just very grateful for everything. I tried my best out there.”
Ariana Debose, a contemporary dancer from North Carolina, got serious about dancing after realizing the “freedom that I felt when I was dancing,” Ariana said. “I felt like I was flying. I was just so happy.”
This season, SYTYCD tried something new when they introduced the Top 20 in a special “Meet the Top 20” show. “I loved the Top 20 special simply because some contestants got more airtime than others. I was one of those contestants that you didn’t get to know during Vegas Week. I was so excited that I really got to show what I could do and show America why I was in the Top 20,” Ariana stated.
What you may have seen of Ariana during Las Vegas auditions was a clip of her powerful solo during which Mia threw a pen at her. Ariana’s inspiration for that solo came from her friend and Season 2 SYTYCD finalist Martha Nichols. The piece was inspired by a tough time Martha went through. “It’s hard when you watch a friend go through something that’s challenging for them. It was a great piece that we came up with. I was so proud being able to share it with them – with everyone at Vegas Week.”
Ariana said she wasn’t too surprised that she was eliminated just based on the fact that everyone there is so talented and no one is safe. However, she says she always has confidence in her dancing and trusts her self as a dancer. “I did the best that I could do. This Top 20 is fantastic, so every week it’s going to be hard to eliminate someone just because of how wonderful everyone is. Everyone is so different. It’s almost hard to compare us to each other…I was very proud of what I did last night. The outcome is what it is. Now it’s just time to move on.”
Top 20 finalist Noelle Marsh’s fate is unclear after she suffered a knee injury before last week’s show. In regards to the potential opening in the Top 20, Ariana said, “Noelle and I come from the same studio, so honestly I would probably feel a little funny about taking her place. I mean, who doesn’t want a second chance? But honestly, I wouldn’t want to be eliminated again. I wish her the best of luck. I hope she goes very far in the competition.”
What’s next for Ariana? She’s been acting and singing all of her life, so she plans to move to New York City and pursue dancing on Broadway and acting in commercials and movies.
Best of luck to both Ariana and Brandon! Read more about them and the rest of the finalists in the Top 20 contestants section.
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Finalists Ariana Debose and Brandon Dumlao Were Eliminated by the Judges
Top 18 Finalists Compete as Couples on Next Performance Show.
Finalists Ariana Debose and Brandon Dumlao were eliminated by the judges tonight on the hit series SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. Debose, 18, is a Contemporary dancer from Newbern, NC, and Dumlao, 21, is a Hip Hop dancer from Concord, CA. After their first performances, the judges asked four finalists – Ariana Debose, Brandon Dumlao, Russell Ferguson and Pauline Mata – to perform a solo routine and then eliminated Dubose and Dumlao.
It was also announced that Noelle Marsh was unable to perform due to an injury but is expected to return next week.
The competition continues on television’s most original dance show Tuesday, Nov. 3 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX when the remaining 18 finalists (Phillip Attmore, Channing Cooke, Ashleigh Di Lello, Ryan Di Lello, Russell Ferguson, Mollee Gray, Karen Hauer, Kevin Hunte, Jakob Karr, Noelle Marsh, Pauline Mata, Kathryn McCormick, Legacy Perez, Bianca Revels, Peter Sabasino, Ellenore Scott, Victor Smalley and Nathan Trasoras) compete as couples once again on a two-hour performance show. At the end of the show, judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Adam Shankman will send two more dancers – one male and one female – home.
The following week, on Tuesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the Top 16 will take the stage in another two-hour performance show. Beginning this week, after each Tuesday performance show, the phone lines will open and the fate of the finalists – one of whom will be named America’s Favorite Dancer – will be left up to the voting fans. Tune in the following night, Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) when two finalists are sent home on the first live results show.
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Viewer Voting FAQs for Season 6, Fall 2009, So You Think You Can Dance
How do I vote?
Each contestant will be assigned a toll-free telephone number during the performance shows which feature voting. However, during the first 3 weeks of voting (starting Tuesday, November 10th, 2009), contestants will perform as couples and each dance couple will be assigned a toll-free telephone number during those performance shows. To vote, simply watch “So You Think You Can Dance” on FOX each week (see local listings for times in your area) and dial the telephone number of the contestant(s) for whom you wish to vote. Voting will open at the end of each performance show which features voting. DO NOT call before the end of the show as the lines will not be open. For the first 2 weeks of performance shows (October 27th and November 3rd) the results will be decided by the judges and no voting will take place. During those first 2 weeks the judges’ elimination decisions will be revealed at the end of each performance show. For all other performance shows which feature voting the results of the vote will be revealed in the results shows that will also air on FOX later the same week (see local listings for details). Rules and procedures are subject to change at producers’ discretion without notice.Who can vote?
Anyone calling from within the continental US, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands can cast their vote for “So You Think You Can Dance”.When can I vote?
For the weeks when the public votes on performances, voting for “So You Think You Can Dance” will open at the end of the performance show each week (see local listings for times in your area) and will stay open for at least 2 hours, subject to time zone restrictions. Outside of these times, the toll-free lines will play a busy signal and your call will not count as a vote.Is it true that some people can cast votes outside of the 2 hour window after the show?
No, this is not true. As part of the process to ensure that the “So You Think You Can Dance” voting system is accurate and ready for the public to call and vote, a test window is built into the toll-free system for the morning of each vote show. During this test window, anyone calling the toll-free numbers from a phone with a West Coast area code will hear the ‘thanks for voting’ message. This vote window is for testing purposes only and any calls received during this time do not count as valid votes. Your votes will only count if you call during your valid 2 hour vote window after the performance show, subject to time zone limitations. Outside of these hours, votes will not count, even if you hear the ‘thanks for voting’ message.How much does it cost to vote?
Telephone calls to the “So You Think You Can Dance” voting lines are toll-free from landlines so you will not be charged to vote. If you use a cell phone to call, airtime and applicable roaming and long distance charges will apply.Can I vote by using my cell phone?
Yes, you can vote using your cell phone, although airtime and applicable roaming and long distance charges will apply to toll-free numbers from cell phones. Contact your cell phone service provider if you want to know how much you will be charged.If you are calling from a cell phone and you are in a different time zone from your cell phone number, the system will accept or reject your vote based on the time zone of your cell phone area code. For example, if you have a New York cell phone area code but are calling from Los Angeles, you will be voting outside the East Coast voting window and your vote will not be accepted. Try calling again from a land line telephone during the West Coast voting window.
Text message voting is not available for “So You Think You Can Dance”.
I couldn’t get through to the lines or all I get is a busy signal when I call – why?
Although the telephone network is designed to handle huge volumes of calls simultaneously, there may be times (particularly just after the show) when it will not be able to handle every single call due to the sheer volume. If you are calling during your voting window but can’t get through to cast your vote, be patient and try again.If you hear the fast busy signal, it may be that you are calling outside of the voting window. When your voting window closes, lines will switch from a ‘thank you for voting’ message to a fast busy signal.
If you are sure you are calling within your voting window but still can’t get through, it may be that your local phone company has been flooded with calls. Try waiting a few minutes before calling again. If you still have problems, contact your local phone company.
If you are calling from a cell phone with an area code that is in a different time zone from that in which you are calling, the system will accept or reject your vote based on the time zone of your cell phone’s area code. For example, if you have a New York cell phone area code but are calling from Los Angeles, you will be voting outside the East Coast voting window and your vote will not be accepted. Try calling again from a land line telephone during the West Coast voting window.
Can I vote if I subscribe to a digital phone service or VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) service?
Yes, you can vote if you subscribe to some digital or internet-based phone systems, such as Vonage or Skype. However, note that digital phone and VOIP services often re-route outgoing calls to a different geographical location from which the call is being made. As a result, you may only be able to vote in the voting window to which your call has been re-routed. If you are trying to vote in the regular voting window for your region and your call is re-routed outside of your region by your service provider, you will not be able to vote (instead, you will hear a fast busy signal). However, you still have the availability to vote during the other voting window. For further information, contact your digital phone or VOIP service provider.When I called one of the toll-free lines, I heard the wrong dancer’s (or couple’s) number – why?
All lines for “So You Think You Can Dance” are tested before going on-air to make sure the lines work properly and are playing out the correct audio. If you call and hear the wrong contestant’s number (or dance couple’s number), it’s possible you accidentally misdialed, so check the number and dial again.What will I hear if I call the toll-free numbers?
Voting begins at the end of the performance show when ALL of the contestants have performed – if you call before then, you will hear a busy signal and your vote will NOT count.At the end of the performance shows which feature voting, phone lines will be opened and voting can begin. Voting lasts for at least 2 hours, subject to local time zone restrictions, from the end of the show and during that time you will hear a pre-recorded message thanking you for voting for your chosen contestant(s). Each contestant (or dance couple, during the first 3 weeks of voting) will have their own number read/shown on air, and the phone message will confirm for whom you have voted. After the voting window closes, no more votes will be accepted and lines will play out a busy signal.
When I called, I was told to call a “900” number – isn’t “So You Think You Can Dance” voting toll-free?
If you call to vote for your favorite “So You Think You Can Dance” contestant(s) and hear a message to call a “900″ number, or if you hear anything other than ‘thanks for voting’, you have misdialed. Do not call this “900″ number to vote as “900″ numbers are not connected to “So You Think You Can Dance” voting. Please try the “So You Think You Can Dance” toll-free numbers again, dialing carefully.How do I know my vote has been counted?
Your vote will count if you vote during your valid voting window and hear the ‘thanks for voting’ message. If you do not hear a pre-recorded message thanking you for voting, your vote did not count.How do I find out the results?
“So You Think You Can Dance” will air a performance show Tuesdays on FOX each week (see your local listings for show times) and, with the exception of the first 2 vote weeks when the results of the judges’ elimination choices will be revealed at the end of the performance shows, the results of each vote will be revealed in the results show on FOX each Wednesday (see local listings for details). So make sure you don’t miss a single minute of ”So You Think You Can Dance” each week if you want to see how your vote affected the results!What’s being done about power dialing?
The “So You Think You Can Dance” voting process is administered and carefully monitored by an independent vote management company. The producers, in consultation with this independent vote management company, reserve the right to remove so-called “power dialing” votes that are identified as having been cast in such a significant block, either by technical enhancements or otherwise, that it could unfairly influence the outcome of the voting.Why can’t I vote by the toll-free numbers using a payphone?
Votes from payphones will be blocked. To vote for your favorite contestant(s), use a standard land line telephone or cell phone. If you use a cell phone to call, airtime and applicable roaming and long distance charges will apply.Why can’t I vote on the Internet?
Only toll-free phone voting is available for “So You Think You Can Dance”.V4 – 101509
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Finalist Billy Bell has Left SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Due to Illness. Brandon Dumlao Joins Top 20.
Top 20 dancer Billy Bell has left SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE due to illness and will be replaced by Brandon Dumlao, 21, a Hip Hop dancer from Concord, CA. Dumlao will join the Top 20 this week as they compete on the first two-hour performance show Tuesday, Oct. 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
“We are disappointed that Billy cannot continue dancing in the competition on the advice of his doctor and wish him a speedy recovery,” said executive producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe. “However, we are fortunate that Brandon Dumlao has agreed to return.”
Dumlao joins previously announced finalists – Phillip Attmore, Channing Cooke, Ariana Debose, Ashleigh Di Lello, Ryan Di Lello, Russell Ferguson, Mollee Gray, Karen Hauer, Kevin Hunte, Jakob Karr, Noelle Marsh, Pauline Mata, Kathryn McCormick, Legacy Perez, Bianca Revels, Peter Sabasino, Ellenore Scott, Victor Smalley and Nathan Trasoras – as they compete to become America’s Favorite Dancer.
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Top 20 Finalists Revealed
Top 20 Finalists, Season 6
This Monday you will have a chance to meet the Top 20 in an all-new special. Top 20 Finalists will then compete as couples, and two finalists will be eliminated in a 2-Hour performance show on Tuesday. Full-profiles of all of the Top 20 contestants will be posted next week on Fox.com/dance.
After thousands of auditions across the country and the Las Vegas callbacks, the judges of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE announced Season Six’s Top 20 finalists. The top girls include Channing Cooke, Ariana Debose, Ashleigh Di Lello, Mollee Gray, Karen Hauer, Noelle Marsh, Pauline Mata, Kathryn McCormick, Bianca Revels and Ellenore Scott; and the top guys are Phillip Attmore, Billy Bell, Ryan Di Lello, Russell Ferguson, Kevin Hunte, Jakob Karr, Legacy Perez, Peter Sabasino, Victor Smalley and Nathan Trasoras.
For the first time ever, the Top 20 dancers will make their debut performances on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE: MEET THE TOP 20 airing Monday, Oct. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). This special episode will showcase each of the dancers in their own style and genre and will feature group numbers choreographed by some of America’s favorite choreographers. Additionally, viewers will get a chance to learn more about the dancers. Then at the end of the hour, judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Adam Shankman will match the Top 20 with partners for the first performance show airing the following evening.
The competition begins Tuesday, Oct. 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) when the Top 20 dance for the judges and America on the season’s first two-hour performance show. The finalists will work as partners with a world-renowned choreographer on a dance routine chosen at random from a number of dance genres. At the end of the episode, the judges will deliberate and then eliminate the first two dancers from the competition. The following week, on Tuesday, Nov. 3 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the Top 18 will perform and the judges will send another two dancers home.
On Tuesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the Top 16 will take the stage in another two-hour performance show. Beginning this week, after each Tuesday performance show, the phone lines will open and the fate of the finalists – one of whom will be named America’s Favorite Dancer – will be left up to the voting fans. Tune in the following night, Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) when two finalists are sent home on the first live results show.
Girls:
Ariana Debose
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Newbern, NC
Currently Resides: Wake Forest, NC
Age: 18Ariana Debose has been dancing since she was 3 years old and loves to express her creativity through dance. She also enjoys scrapbooking and playing the clarinet. Her goal is to attend college and study musical theatre.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “All of this is so incredibly new and exciting, but it is still surreal. It’s a blessing to be involved in this craziness.”
Ashleigh Di Lello
Hometown: Orem, UT
Currently Resides: Orem, UT
Age: 26Ashleigh Di Lello graduated from Brigham Young University in Utah with a degree in political science and served as a congressional intern in Washington, D.C. She and her husband, Ryan Di Lello, used to compete against each other in local ballroom dance competitions and became dance partners a week before they were married.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “Today is a dream come true and an amazing opportunity. I’m very, very grateful, and especially grateful to be here with Ryan.
Bianca Revels
Dance Specialty: Tap
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 20Bianca Revels appeared on “Showtime at the Apollo” and considers it to be one of her most memorable moments. In addition to dancing, she competes in beauty pageants, paints, swims, sings and plays the piano.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot: “I’m feeling really glamorous.”
Channing Cooke
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Haverhill, MA
Currently Resides: Haverhill, MA
Age: 18Channing Cooke grew up competing in local dance competitions around her hometown. She loves animals, especially cats, and likes to watch auto racing and football with her dad. Cooke once won a national lawn mower obstacle course competition.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “I feel like I am a fierce girl with fierce high heels on!”
Ellenore Scott
Dance Specialty: Contemporary/Jazz
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Currently Resides: Brooklyn, NY
Age: 19Both of Ellenore Scott’s parents are dancers and serve as her inspiration. She describes her personal dance style as “lockerina,” or a ballerina who locks. She speaks Japanese, loves to paint and cook and one day hopes to own a family restaurant.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “I feel famous.”
Karen Hauer
Dance Specialty: Latin Ballroom
Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela
Currently Resides: Queens, NY
Age: 27Karen Hauer was born in Venezuela and came to the U.S. with her parents when she was 8 years old. She has been dancing for 19 years, and currently works as a professional dancer and personal trainer.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “I’m feeling fantabulously, amazingly, extraordinarily good!”
Kathryn McCormick
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Augusta, GA
Currently Resides: Burbank, CA
Age: 19Kathryn McCormick has been dancing for 15 years, and competed in dance team competitions during middle school and high school. With her parents’ support, she recently moved to California to pursue a career in dance. McCormick admits that before she performs she gets extremely nervous, but can’t stop dancing once the music starts.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “Ready, set, go!”
Mollee Gray
Dance Specialty: Jazz
Hometown: Orem, UT
Currently Resides: Upland, CA
Age: 18Mollee Gray has been dancing for 15 years and has appeared in all three “High School Musical” films. She has a hearing impairment in one ear, but doesn’t let that stand in the way of her love for dancing. Gray’s interests include singing, acting and gymnastics
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “This is definitely going to be a lifetime, memorable experience.”
Noelle Marsh
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Sanford, NC
Currently Resides: Sanford, NC
Age: 18Noelle Marsh is a small-town girl who grew up on a farm. She recently graduated from high school in Sanford, NC, where she now teaches contemporary dance.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “It’s kind of weird. I feel so special. I’ve never had this before. It’s all totally new and completely rewarding, and kind of a reality check.”
Pauline Mata
Dance Specialty: Jazz
Hometown: West Covina, CA
Currently Resides: West Covina, CA
Age: 19Pauline Mata teaches dance at Dellos Dance Studio in Walnut, CA. Aside from dancing, her interests include singing karaoke and eating.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “I am feeling amazingly overwhelmed.”
Boys:
Billy Bell
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Currently Resides: New York, NY
Age: 19Billy Bell currently studies dance at The Juilliard School. He considers working with Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey on “Back to Back to Broadway” one of his greatest accomplishments. He is trained in everything from hip hop to classical ballet, and enjoys skiing and grocery-shopping.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “I feel like the lion from the Wizard of Oz. It’s fun to be taken care of for the day.”
Jakob Karr
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Windermere, FL
Currently Resides: New York, NY
Age: 19Jakob Karr is a sophomore at Fordham University in New York. In 2008, he was named New York City Dance Alliance’s National Senior Outstanding Dancer. In addition to dancing, he also enjoys scuba diving.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “I am so excited. This is the first time I’ve ever done a real photo shoot. The glitz and glamour is so exciting and I can’t wait to get in front of the camera.”
Legacy Perez
Dance Specialty: Hip Hop/B-Boy
Hometown: Miami, FL
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 28Although Legacy Perez has no formal dance training, he has appeared in the film “Stomp The Yard” and has performed on tour with Gwen Stefani. His interests include writing poetry, making music, video editing and playing soccer.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “I feel like I’m walking on air. With all of the cameras and makeup it makes you feel glamorous, important, and like you have a job to carry out!”
Kevin Hunte
Dance Specialty: Hip Hop
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Currently Resides: Brooklyn, NY
Age: 23Kevin Hunte has been dancing for nine years and cites Michael Jackson as his inspiration. He has performed with Lil Mama and Beyoncé. Hunte also models and has appeared in fashion shows.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “I feel like a celebrity. This feels great!”Nathan Trasoras
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Downey, CA
Currently Resides: Downey, CA
Age: 18Nathan Trasoras began dancing at age 10 and trained at the West Coast School of the Arts in Costa Mesa, CA. His other interests include playing the trumpet and table tennis.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “It is inspiring.”
Peter Sabasino
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Currently Resides: Philadelphia, PA
Age: 22Peter Sabasino has been dancing for 16 years and is trained in various dance styles. He has been teaching dance in Philadelphia since 2001 and was a featured dancer in the city’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. His other interests include playing the drums and doing impressions.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Phillip Attmore
Dance Specialty: Tap
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 25Phillip Attmore has performed on stage in “White Christmas,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Fosse” with Ben Vereen and “Stormy Weather” with Leslie Uggams. In addition to dancing, he enjoys singing, acting and writing poetry.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “Here we go!”
Russell Ferguson
Dance Specialty: Hip Hop/Krump
Hometown: Boston, MA
Currently Resides: Boston, MA
Age: 20Russell Ferguson started dancing when he was 3 years old and began dancing professionally at age 6. He trained at the Boston Art Academy and has worked with Boston City Lights. His interests include acting, singing, drawing, rapping and making music.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “To sum it up: side-street.”
Ryan Di Lello
Dance Specialty: Ballroom
Hometown: Springville, UT
Currently Resides: Orem, UT
Age: 28Ryan Di Lello was first introduced to dancing by his mother, who is a dancer and dance-studio owner. When he is not dancing with his wife, Ashleigh Di Lello, he enjoys snowboarding, skiing and wakeboarding, and would love to be an action-film star.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “This is fun, fun, fun. I’m having a lot of fun. I’m just enjoying it.”
Victor Smalley
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Miami, FL
Currently Resides: Miami, FL
Age: 21Victor Smalley has been dancing for five years. Although his first passion was art, he was inspired by his mother to start dancing. He loves to eat and considers himself a fast-food junkie.
How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “Fierce.”
Remember to come back to see profiles of all of the Top 20 contestants next week on Fox.com/dance.
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Top 20 Finalists for Season 5 of So You Think You Can Dance Revealed! Individual Photos Added!
New: See the Profiles of the Top 20 Finalists
After thousands of auditions across the country and the grueling callbacks in Las Vegas, the judges of summer’s No. 1 series, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, announced Season Five’s Top 20 finalists tonight. The top girls include Randi Evans, Karla Garcia, Caitlin Kinney, Asuka Kondoh, Janette Manrara, Jeanine Mason, Kayla Radomski, Melissa Sandvig, Paris Torres and Ashley Valerio; and the top guys are Kupono Aweau, Tony Bellissimo, Brandon Bryant, Phillip Chbeeb, Jason Glover, Vitolio Jeune, Max Kapitannikov, Evan Kasprzak, Ade Obayomi and Jonathan Platero. See individual photos and bios below.
The competition truly begins Wednesday, June 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) as the Top 20 finalists dance for the judges’ praise and America’s votes on the season’s first performance show. The Top 20 are paired into 10 couples who will each work with a world-renowned choreographer to compose a dance routine representing their assigned genre. After each Wednesday performance show, the phone lines will open and the fate of these 20 finalists – one of whom will be the named America’s Favorite Dancer – will be left up to the voting fans.
On the live results shows beginning Thursday, June 11 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live PT/tape-delayed), the three couples with the lowest number of votes will be announced. Each week the six contestants comprising the bottom three couples are given a chance to perform solo routines in the hopes of convincing the judges to keep them in the competition. The judges then decide which dancers stay and which two are eliminated. If a couple is split apart, the two individual dancers who remain become a couple the following week.
Thursdays will also feature live performances by today’s hottest music stars and dance acts. On Thursday, June 11 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) Sean Kingston will perform his new hit single, “Fire Burning on the Dance Floor,” from his upcoming sophomore album, “Tomorrow,” live from the SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE stage.
The Top 20 finalists scheduled to perform Wednesday, June 10 (8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) are:
Girls
Randi Evans
Dance Specialty: Jazz
Hometown: Orem, UT
Currently Resides: Springville, UT
Age: 23
Evans began dancing at an early age and performed in the closing ceremonies at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. She currently attends Utah Valley University where she is majoring in elementary education.Karla Garcia
Dance Specialty: Jazz/Contemporary
Hometown: Oxon Hill, MD
Currently Resides: Brooklyn, NY
Age: 23
Garcia is a graduate of New York University. Her early dance experience included learning traditional Filipino folk dancing. Garcia performed on Broadway in “Hot Feet,” danced in the ensemble of the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” and went on to tour with “Wicked.” She is a member of “Boogie Bots Crew.”Caitlin Kinney
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Annapolis, MD
Currently Resides: Annapolis, MD
Age: 21
Kinney graduated from the Baltimore School for the Arts in 2005. She danced at North Carolina Dance Theatre as an apprentice for two years and is an experienced gymnast. After beginning as a competitive gymnast, Kinney found her way to dance though an acrobatics program at “C&C Dance Company”. After graduating from Baltimore School for the Arts in 2005, she then joined North Carolina Dance Theater, first as an apprentice then later as a second company member.Asuka Kondoh
Dance Specialty: Latin Ballroom
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Currently Resides: Irvine, CA
Age: 25
Kondoh loves swimming, golf and tennis and has played piano for 13 years. She is a graduate of University of California, Irvine, and has worked as a Latin Ballroom instructor for the last two years.Janette Manrara
Dance Specialty: Salsa
Hometown: Miami, FL
Currently Resides: Hialeah, FL
Age: 25
Manrara began performing in musical theater at age 12, and started her formal dance training at 19, studying Ballroom, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz and Hip Hop. She currently attends Florida International University.Jeanine Mason
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Miami, FL
Currently Resides: Pinecrest, FL
Age: 18
A recent graduate of the Ransom Everglades School, Mason plans to attend the University of California, Los Angeles in the fall. She began her dance training in Ballet and Lyrical and then went on to study Jazz, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Modern and Contemporary.Kayla Radomski
Dance Specialty: Jazz/Contemporary
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Currently Resides: Aurora, CO
Age: 18
Radomski has been dancing for most of her life, and participating in SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE is one of her most rewarding experiences. She is grateful to her amazing mother who has supported her love of dance for so many years. Radomski also enjoys acting and singing.Melissa Sandvig
Dance Specialty: Ballet
Hometown: Los Alamitos, CA
Currently Resides: Los Alamitos, CA
Age: 29
Sandvig has been dancing for most of her life. She has danced with the Milwaukee Ballet Company, LA Opera, Long Beach Ballet and Helios Dance Theater. A highlight for Sandvig was performing “Le Coeur Illumine” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.Paris Torres
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Issaquah, WA
Currently Resides: Issaquah, WA
Age: 19
Torres is a graduate of Skyline High School. She began dancing when she was 6 years old and now teaches at a studio near her home. She was also a Miss Washington Teen pageant winner, and was a Seattle Storm and Seattle Sonic Jr. dancer from 2000-2003.Ashley Valerio
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Mesa, AZ
Currently Resides: North Hollywood, CA
Age: 22
Valerio has been dancing for most of her life. She is a graduate of Mountain View High School.Guys
Kupono Aweau
Dance Specialty: Lyrical/Contemporary
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Currently Resides: Kailua, HI
Age: 23
Aweau graduated from the Kamehameha Schools and has been dancing since he was 16 years old. He loves his home state of Hawaii, and is an avid collector of home furnishings.Tony Bellissimo
Dance Specialty: Hip Hop
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Currently Resides: Buffalo, NY
Age: 20
Bellissimo has been dancing for most of his life. He is a graduate of Frontier High School, and played on the school’s soccer, football and lacrosse teams. He likes to write short stories and poems, and his favorite professional dancer is Barry Lather. He finds inspiration working with children in a local pre-school and mentoring young kids between the ages of 6-12 in an after school program.Brandon Bryant
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Miami, FL
Currently Resides: Salt Lake City, UT
Age: 19
Bryant began dancing ballet at age 10. He is a graduate of Coral Reef Senior High School and now attends Miami Dade College. His most memorable dance experience was performing for Madonna at her daughter’s birthday party.Phillip Chbeeb
Dance Specialty: Popping
Hometown: Houston, TX
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 20
Chbeeb has had no formal dance training, but began dancing when he was 15 years old. At age 16, he founded the Marvelous Motion Studio in Houston. He is currently an engineering physics major at Loyola Marymount University.Jason Glover
Dance Specialty: Lyrical/Contemporary
Hometown: Fresno, CA
Currently Resides: Fresno, CA
Age: 21
Glover began dancing at age 12, studying Tap and Hip Hop. He is a graduate of Bullard High School, and his favorite dancer is Michael Jackson. Tapping onstage with Gregory Hines, in one of his last shows, changed Jason’s life.Vitolio Jeune
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Pétionville, Haiti
Currently Resides: Miami, FL
Age: 26
Jeune began dancing at age 18, and is a graduate of Florida’s New World School of the Arts. He loves motorcycles, and his favorite dancer is Desmond Richardson.Max Kapitannikov
Dance Specialty: Latin Ballroom
Hometown: Moscow, Russia
Currently Resides: Brooklyn, NY
Age: 26
Kapitannikov has been dancing for as long as he can remember. He comes from a dancing family, and his mother is a ballet teacher. He also enjoys sculpting and playing the guitar. He attended the Manhattan Comprehensive High School.Evan Kasprzak
Dance Specialty: Broadway
Hometown: West Bloomfield, MI
Currently Resides: West Bloomfield, MI
Age: 21
Kasprzak graduated from Wylie E. Groves High School and currently attends Illinois Wesleyan University. He has been dancing since he was 6 years old, and his most memorable dance experience was performing in a Gregory Hines tribute with Hines’ family in the audience.Ade Obayomi
Dance Specialty: Contemporary
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
Currently Resides: Orange County, CA
Age: 20
Obayomi has been dancing since he was 6 years old. He is a graduate of Corona Del Sol High School and currently attends Chapman University. A dance highlight for him was performing at Radio City Music Hall.Jonathan Platero
Dance Specialty: Salsa
Hometown: Sanford, FL
Currently Resides: New York, NY
Age: 21
Platero was a gymnast before he began dancing at age 16. He is a graduate of Seminole High School, was a World Salsa finalist in 2006-2007 and performed as a dancer and acrobat in “High School Musical.”
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