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| Here I am in the lobby of the St. Denis Theatre, with So You Think Can Dance season 12 top four finalists (left to right): Ja Ja Vankova, Gaby Diaz, Virgil Gadson and Hailee Payne |
It started with a
dance tribute to 18th century France, and ended two hours later with
an energetic group street dance number, a loud standing ovation, and quite a
few hugs and tears.
On January 28, the 2015-16 edition of the So You Think You Can Dance Tour of
North America – which began last October – wrapped up on a vibrant high note at
the St. Denis Theatre, which marked the final performance of the tour.
The tour was a
showcase for the top 10 finalists who competed in season 12 of the popular Fox
Network reality competition series. Many of the routines that were performed
during the show were previously done on the TV series (in which many of them
received enthusiastic applause of recognition from the full house crowd at the
St. Denis Theatre, many of whom came from all across the province – as well as
Ontario – to catch the live show).
This season, the
competitors were divided into two groups: those who are stage dancers and those
who are street dancers, and they showed their breathtaking dancing skills to
the amazed audience. As well, they showed how these dancers can broaden their
talents by performing different dance styles and genres, whether it be hip-hop,
jazz dance, techno, ensemble, or even Broadway. As well, throughout the
evening, each finalist did a mini solo showcase that represented the type of
dance that is best associated with each one. Basically, if you were a fan of
the TV series or not, you couldn’t help but be astounded by how these talented
young dancers can show such energy and ability by performing so many different
routines (not to mention costume changes) and not miss a step … and do it night
after night live on stage for over four months across North America.
About four hours
before the final show began, I got the chance to have a brief conversation in
the lobby of the St. Denis Theatre with the final four from season 12 of So You
Think You Can Dance, which comprised of JaJa Vankova, Hailee Payne, Virgil
Gadson and of course, season 12 winner Gaby Diaz.
“The tour has been
exhausting, tiring and lots of fun. We danced practically every night, we have
seen a lot of cities and got to know our fans a lot more,” said Gaby, who is a
native of Miami.
“Participating on
this tour was amazing, especially getting to know the other dancers throughout.
It’s like you’re exploring a dancer’s dream of performing in a professional
manner,” added Virgil.
Although the four
shared a sense of sadness that the tour was coming to an end, they already have
their plans laid out for what they will be doing next; Gaby plans to dance for
a Broadway production that will be announced later; Virgil plans to return to
New York City where he has some performing jobs lined up; and Hailee and JaJa
are returning to Los Angeles – where they both currently reside – and plan to
teach several dance classes.
“Performing on this
show has been incredible,” said Hailee. It’s been two hours of nothing but
straight dancing night after night, where I got the chance to do a lot of
diverse dance styles. I loved every minute of it.”
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