Courtney, Khaly, Kassy , Hilton, Steph, Marko, Laura, Sermsah, Camilla, J. D. Even though these amazing dancers are no longer lighting up your TV screen every Sunday and Monday nights, their memory still lives on in the search for Australia's favourite dancer. When asked to name their top two faves from those who have left, Matt gave props to Marko and Hilton; Bonnie remembers Courtney and Camilla, while Jason commends Kassy and J.D. Keep your eyes peeled for these performers on a stage or screen near you soon!
From Day One of the auditions, the question on everyone's lips was, would we be able to match the quality of the US dancers who entertained us so much last year. The answer is a resounding yes!! Judges Jason, Bonnie and Matt were blown away with what the auditions served up, especially with the dancers who made Top 20. As Jason said, we truly do have a world-class standard when it comes to dance.
Dancers have been something of the unsung heroes of the entertainment world for so long, and this competition is really putting these twinkle-toed performers on the map. As Matt recounted, the dancers who made Top 20 all excelled at their genre, showed versatility in Top 100 week, and had a likeability about them the judges felt confident would endear them to us, the viewing public. And they were right!
This Easter special is a reminder and celebration of all of the incredible talent this competition has been unearthing. So let's catch up with your terrific Top 10!
Brisbane lad Jack didn't enjoy as much airtime as some of the other performers over the course of the audition process, but his cheeky grin and fast footwork quickly made this 19-year-old performer a firm favourite with the fans. Along with partner Demi, Jack has not once been in the bottom three, enjoying a dream run through everything from Boogaloo to Samba to Jazz. As his parents said, the Australian public like modesty and honesty, and Jack displays both of these important qualities. When putting him into the Top 20, Jason said he had the depth, skill and emotion to be there, and now looking back on his journey so far, Jason commended Jack's likeability factor, and the fact he's humble, hard-working, and Mr Congeniality. Matt thinks he definitely has the talent and charisma to make it in musical theatre – does he have what it takes to be Australia's favourite dancer?
Overcoming a childhood of poverty in the Philippines is the pint-sized crowd favourite, Demi . This gorgeous, bubbly 27-year-old b-girl has been on a journey of transformation over the course of SYTYCD, and to Jason, Demi is what this competition is all about. As the only self-taught dancer in the Top 10, Demi is consistently evolving and improving, and in the process becoming a new dancer. Put simply, she just goes for it. Demi is a joyous spirit and from the moment she signed to her deaf sister, Lorraine, that she was through to Top 20, everyone knew this was a performer we'd enjoy watching.
It's true: Graeme sings in the shower. A lot. The youngest dancer in the competition, Sydney-sider Graeme comes from a musical family, but while the rest of the lads were out kicking a footy around, this boy was perfecting the skills that have gotten him to Top 10. Kelley commented on how plugged into his heart the connected Graeme is, while Jason commended him for dancing the best Contemporary routine so far in the competition with partner Kate. Graeme feels extremely blessed and grateful to have made Top 10, especially after losing first partner Kassy so early in the game, but Bonnie likes how much he's grown with Kate. Matt thinks he's got what it takes to go all the way despite his youth - do you?
The beginning of the SYTYCD journey was a rocky one for professional performer Kate. First Khaly, then Hilton – Graeme joked that everyone who danced with Kate was being sent home! The 29-year-old admitted giving her routines everything she had without them getting her out of the bottom three was at first depressing – until Bollywood saved the day! Now a strong contender in the Top 10, Jason loves the wealth of performance maturity this dancer displays, as well as her attitude that it's not what she has to lose by being in the competition; it's what she has to gain. Bonnie felt that Kate was a bit nervous and shy in her first audition, but she's gone from strength to strength and put those reservations behind her.
Little Miss Trouble! Triple threat Rhiannon started dancing at the age of two and hasn't looked back. This tough cookie grew up in Sydney's west, and lived in housing commission for most of her teenage years where she saw a lot of things teenage girls shouldn't. Overcoming these struggles, 18-year-old Rhiannon has emerged as a cute, sweet, sassy and clever performer, and someone the judges see as real threat to the older competitors. Matt says he wants Rhiannon to surprise him when she begins performing in the Top 10, while Bonnie commented on how competitive she thinks this technically proficient dancer is. Rhiannon says she has heaps more of herself to show the Australian public – do you want to see it?
Gold Coast lad Anthony started performing dance shows for his family when was knee-high to a grasshopper – and he wasn't bad on the old backyard trampoline either! Going on to perform at an international level for gymnastics, Jason praised this formidable performer's ability to blend strong athletic tricks with beautiful Contemporary moves. For Matt, Anthony is all about the wow-factor and when the prep work for his jaw dropping leaps are properly blended into his routines, the results are simply astonishing. For Jason, this is a performer still progressing in the competition, so who knows what tricks this incredible dancer will pull out of the bag to win your votes!
The only male Ballroom dancer left in the competition, 22-year-old Henry has done a fantastic job displaying his versatility in the styles thrown at him and partner Vanessa. From the wonderful (Contemporary) to the wild (African Samba) to the downright weird (Animation Hip-Hop) this 22-year-old has adapted very well – plus he's experienced something of transformation too! Taking the clipper to the chest and the noggin has the judges in agreeance that it takes Henry even further out of the Ballroom world, somewhere he's been since the tender age of nine. The question of ego is one discussed by the judges when it come to the self-assured Henry; as Jason explains, no ego results in performers fading into the background, whereas too much restricts how much you are able to grow. He hopes Henry can bring enough confidence that allows him to listen, look and learn from the performers and choreographers he's surrounded with.
Vanessa started dancing when she just was three years old, finding a connection with the beauty and discipline of Ballet. Now 20 years later, the technically proficient dancer has found herself consistently way out of her comfort zone – but this hard working dancer has been learning to adapt faster than you can say 'African Queen'. In fact it wasn't until Matt saw the delicate dancer in Jason Gilkison's Samba that he got a taste of the fire burning in her belly, and from then she's just been stepping up for him. Vanessa says the SYTYCD journey has been a true process of discovery for her and the public has been able to discover her at the same time she's been discovering herself! Disciplined and dedicated, the softly spoken performer has certainly won herself a legion of fans.
For Perth lass Jemma, the biggest challenge at home was finding a male dancing partner. Well lucky for this talented dancer, she find one in the form of Rhys, and their super-successful partnership has been sailing them through SYTYCD without a whiff of life in the bottom three. Jason recalled her first audition piece – a beautiful, sexy, flowing routine that took his breath away. Hard-working Jemma has a true 'girl next door' quality offstage but has the ability to transform onstage into whatever character her routine demands of her, proving she's a talented actor as well as a dancer. And, as Rhys' hilarious footage shows, she doesn't make a bad drag queen either! The power couple have been audience favourites from Day One – how will Jemma survive without our final member of the Top 10…
Rhys! Quirky, creative yet grounded, Rhys remembers being constantly onstage as a kid, whether that be as Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk, dancing up a storm or strutting down the catwalk (he was a child model, remember!) The judges – and Australia – love how different this 26-year-old is, with Kelley Abbey particularly praising how his performance allows his warm personality to shine through. Jemma and Rhys have picked up three of the five Cadbury Breathtaking Moments, with everything from Paso Doble to Lyrical Contemporary. A clear crowd favourite, Rhys' honesty as a person and a performer has certainly endeared him to the nation. Does he have what it takes to win the honour of becoming Australia's favourite dancer. Time – and your votes – will decide!
Because as of next week, the fate of these performers rests in your hands Australia. Tune in next Sunday to see these guys in action!
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