By Jana Jankovic
Dance is everywhere! It’s on the streets, in the studios, on TV, and on stage. As a dancer, and someone who loves watching and being a part of dance, I’m always looking for opportunities to be involved in dance. While for some, it’s purely a form of entertainment, but for others it is life.
Nowadays dance is more popular than ever and has finally been introduced to the masses for what it is: an artistic form of expression, an athletic and powerful movement, a competition. ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ is one of the most well-liked shows exposing talented dancers and their passion for dance to the world. Thousands of young dancers audition to see if they’re good enough to take on the challenge and the rest wait and watch patiently for the results.
At times, I too have played with the idea of being on the show, and so when the opportunity arose for me to attend a shooting of ‘So You Think You Can Dance Canada, I was thrilled to be a part of the magical experience.
The stage was lit up with various colours and we were surrounded by camera-men, crew members, props and excitement. I couldn’t believe I was actually there, and about to watch the show in person. Before it all started, the warm-up host, Josh Hellyer, entertained us with interesting facts about the show, the dancers, the judges, and what to expect once it all began. He made the audience feel like a great part of the show, and we were. In a way, without us, it wouldn’t seem as exciting to the viewers. Before the show started, Josh asked for volunteers to demonstrate their dance skills on stage, and many young dancers, some not old enough to audition, confidently walked up on stage and danced to whichever music was chosen for them. The show has not started yet and we were immersed in the world of dance.
Then the judges came on and our excitement grew. Even some of the American ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ judges were there including Mia Michaels and Mary Murphy. The host, Leah Millar, came on next for sound check, and finally it all fell into place. Two by two, the dancers performed their routines and exceeded our expectations. Because of the perfect form and grace the dancers portrayed on television, I assumed that they were touched up and the performances recorded prior to the actual show, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. They were all just as spectacular in real life as they were on TV. Their bodies, their passion, and techniques were astonishing. Watching them perform literally gave me goose-bumps. The music, combined with the setting, costumes, and of course the choreography and dancers, made the routines surreal. There was so much emotion and power behind their movement that I could feel their love for dance. It made me want to try harder, dance more, and become just as good as them.
Dance is everywhere. And ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ shows this very well.
From the very beginning when they give thousands of dancers the opportunity to dance on the streets and show their talent, regardless of whether they make it or not, to the stage they perform on, this show made this artistic movement a great form of entertainment for many, and gave those lucky enough the chance to make dance their life.
