DanceLife Blog

The SYTYCD Tour kicks off tomorrow night in Brisbane at the Entertainment Centre. The Top 10 have been rehearsing non stop for the past two weeks to make sure they bring you the best show possible. If you thought you were going to just see the same routines as they did on the show, you were wrong. Top choreographer William A Forsythe and DanceLife Blogger and Australia's Queen of Dance Kelley Abbey have been putting the dancers through their paces over the past two weeks, creating amazing new routines.

DanceLife would like to wish all the dancers good luck! We are lucky to have Kate and Kelley Abbey on board as two of our bloggers who will be writing about SYTYCD this month. These two articles will give you a great insight into the show as well as tips for preparing yourself if you are thinking about auditioning for the Season 2!

If you are heading to the shows please let us know what you think! We would love to see your pictures in the DanceLife Gallery.

Tickets are still available for the Tour. Go to www.ticketek.com.au or www.ticketmaster.com.au (Sydney Entertainment Centre) for more details.

What did you all think of tonights SYTYCD Top 20 show? I thought it could have been better but I love Joshua and Katee's performance to 'No Air'. Check it out below... Discuss your thoughts at the DanceLife blog.

Hi Guys,

What a full on month I've had. There's so much going on in Sydney at the moment, which is great for so many dancers. It was a thrill to present the award for ‘Totally Talented Actor' at the Dolly Teen Choice Awards along with Matt, Jack and Rhys last Wednesday. We had such a fun night with a lot of star spotting going on. It was a shock to win an award for SYTYCD but it was great to win the ‘Glued to the Screen' award. I was quite starstruck meeting host Brian McFaden backstage and the always gorgeous Kate Richie, all in all it was a fun night for all.

Top 10 of the 1st series of SYTYCD had another reunion whilst rehearsing all week for a massive 45minute show at the Horden Pavilion. The show was choreographed by Adam Williams for the Jewish Community Appeal, which does so much great work. Adam really went all out with sound, costumes and lighting for this production and our tired little bodies had a big work out rehearsing for the week. The audience seemed to appreciate the hard work everyone had put in so it was all worth it.

I've also had the pleasure of teaching around the country with some fabulous workshops the last few weeks. Demi, Marko, Anthony and I have set off on a tour of Australia combining all our styles into 2 huge days of dancing. We have done Perth and the Gold Coast so far and are off to Melbourne, Geelong, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Canberra. The dancers have loved it so much so if you are in any of the upcoming places please come and check it out. It's really something learning new styles and leaving your inhibitions at the door. Workshops are a great way to try new teachers and styles for a few days that you usually wouldn't be able to do. I always try and get to new workshops to broaden the dance vocab so to speak.

I had the pleasure of seeing Billy Elliott this week and I must say get to the show if you haven't seen it before it leaves Sydney. It was so entertaining and such an amazing cast. Congratulations to you all...

Hope you're all dancing up a storm,
Much Love
KATE XXX

Workshops contact- sytycdworkshop@hotmail.com

While SYTYCD is a great platform for choreographers to increase their profile and have their work seen, there are a number of restrictions placed on choreographers including style and song. The creative team have a very strong opinion on what they want and this doesn't always wash to well with potential choreographers. One amazing international choreographer recently turned down the offer to choreograph on the show due to the producers wanting a contemporary piece choreographed to a hip hop song that was chosen by them not the choreographer. This makes me think when do you compromise who you are as a choreographer to increase your profile and get your work out there?

The delightful Kristy Johnson has taken it upon herself to help out the flood victims in QLD by getting the SYTYCD book signed by all the contestants and then getting people to bid on it with the highest bidder winning the book plus helping out the flood victims. It's a win win situation!

Support the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal for victims of the recent Queensland floods by placing a bid for a signed copy of the official So You Think You Can Dance Book!

What: Online bidding for signed So You Think You Can Dance Book!

When: Bidding closes on 30th April 2009

Where: Place your bid at bidforbook@yahoo.com

This project is approved by the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal. Ref No: NF22. 100% of the funds will be donated to the appeal.

PLACE YOUR BID TODAY!

Is it just me or are we about to nose dive into a pit full of extremely talented and amazing international choreographers who will be touring some parts of OZ teaching the moves we have been watching on YouTube for years?! My question is... Will we be able to get behind each of these choreographers or will some of these events be cancelled due to the lack of enrolments? Let's hope not. So who is coming out?

SUPPLE
TABITHA & NAPOLEON
MIA MICHAELS
TONY TESTA
TONY CZAR
JILLIAN MEYER
BARRY YOUNGBLOOD
GREGG RUSSELL
ADAM PARSON
GUSTAVO VARGAS
LIZ RAMOS
JANET LANGER
BEN ALLEN
ERIN LAMONT

With less work and no drop in living expenses dancers will be making difficult decisions when it comes to "whose workshop will I go to?". At the end of the day it's not about the name but about the quality of the class and what you will be able to take from completing of the class. You want a teacher that talks to you, not only teachers you a routine but gives you some insight into the journey they have been on from the beginning to where they are now. That kind of class is truly worth the money. Don't be afraid to call up and chat to the people who are organising the workshops. Know exactly what bang you'll receive for your buck!

We have been asking for International Choreographers to come to Oz for a long time! Now the time is finally here don't back out. Make sure you support the dance industry and show them that Aussie dancers aren't the underdogs!

WOW! Matt Lee does have hair. After all this time everyone must have thought that Matt was bald. Well DanceLife has the proof that there is something underneath that hat! These judges love their free clothes and Matt is no exception. Here you can see Matt in Henley's gear which is stocked at Glue. This is usually his look on a Monday night... with a hat of course. Do you actually think that anyone really pays attention to what the judges are wearing though? Have you gone out to Glue to buy yourself a Henleys or Bench t-shirt after seeing Matt wear it on the show? Maybe...

Hey Guys,

Just wanting to share some tips with those of you who are in training to audition for the next series of channel Ten's hugely successful TV show "So You Think You Can Dance".

Make sure you take class in as many different genres as you can, so you are able to adapt to any flavour that is given to you. This will also help you fine tune your short term memory in order to ‘pick up quickly' which is one of the demands of the TV show.

When you create your solo for your audition, make sure you invest all of your strengths, tricks, personality and fuse some genres together to show your potential for adaptability. If you don't have this adaptability but shine at one genre, just invest in that and let your soul and spirit radiate through.

It really is a personality/dance competition so your ability to be confident in sharing yourself is important. I am also a firm believer that watching dance without this sharing of spirit is like watching body origami. Mindless steps with no spirit is hardly engaging.

Don't waste time in your solo by strutting around the space doing almost nothing. That 45 seconds to show the judges what you've got should be jam packed with your utmost best.

Chooka's ....................and feel the beat!

Kelley Abbey

Ever since Australian So You Think You Can Dance graced our screens in 2008 we have been taken over by dance fever. The latest season has seen us glued to our television screens every Sunday. Just a few short months after season two's final verdict that named the talented Talia as ‘Australia's Favourite Dancer', the Top 10 reunite to perform again in a live showcase of this season favourite performances.

The tour kicked of in Brisbane last Friday 3/07/09 with a sold out entertainment centre ready to be blown away by the Top 10 of Season two. Hosted entirely by our favourite dancers, the performance showcased each dancer individually in their own styles as well as performing the favourite group routines choreographed for the T.V series.

Highlights of the night included an emotional contemporary solo from the talented Ben, who also steamed up the dance floor with fellow Queenslander Talia in their sultry tango. The infamous Penny returned from injury to perform her upbeat solo and crowd favourite ‘Single Ladies' routine with the loveable Charlie. Timomatic and Amy's ‘Ease on down the road' Broadway routine fit beautifully as the dancer's tribute to the late Michael Jackson. Other emotional performances included the Black Saturday contemporary tribute performed on the show and BJ and Talia's ‘Dead and Gone' routine quoted by Jason as ‘his favourite of the series'. The Top 10 dancers performed routines from attributed Australian choreographers Adam William, Jason Gilkonson, Kelly Abbey and Sarah Bolter to name a few. And who could forget the week of routines from international choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon including the ‘sci-fi' Top 6 routine. After voting online for their favourite routing Australia's favourite performance was revealed as Talia and Loretto's lyrical rendition of the fairy tale love story Rapunzel, where the technically beautifully Talia is propelled across the floor by Loretto on black satin to the Taylor Swift smash hit ‘Love Story'.

The two hour show finished with a bright and energetic performance to "Just Dance' by Lady Gaga choreographed by the amazing Kelly Abbey. The finale to this exciting show left the audience in a standing ovation. Proving that dancers are more than ‘backup' performers, but they are artists on their own. Dancing deserves its own T.V shows and recognition for the art of dance. ‘So You Think You Can Dance' makes this worship of dance possible and the dreams of individual dancers all over Australian a reality.
The show tours all capital cities this July.

Season 3 Auditions begins September in major capital cities.
www.ten.com.au/dance

Gemma Davies
QLD DanceLife Correspondent

By Juliette Verne (Jet)

It's almost 5am and taking more than a few moments to work out why my alarm clock is blaring in my ear. Looking at my phone it reads: "Call time 6.00am Berocca Commercial".

I rock up to one of the funkiest locations I've ever been at. Two huge production trucks drive past, side by side down a massive ramp into this vast, empty, rundown tram graveyard. Sun filters down through the beams in the deteriorated roof, shining on bright colourful graffiti that covers EVERY wall. In the shadows of the far corner, 12 gutted trams peak out, watching everyone walk across the muddy floor to where the shoot is about to take place. They sit there silently observing from the shadows the sudden buzz of life as dancers greet each other, production and camera crew prep the lights, sound, smoke, flooring and unload copious amounts of film from the trucks, disturbing these 12 old trams quiet and abandoned peace.

Engaging in a brief chat with the head of production and director to go over the rundown of the days sequence and confirm what shots are required based on the meetings we had weeks in advance, I'm off to find the talent in the building next door. Walking into a sectioned off area that's been turned into the boys change room, I find the Top 10 boys of Season 3's SYTYCD all on the floor. Most of them are half asleep and all of them exhausted after day 3 of their SYTYCD Top 20 experience. Give them all a brief on what's expected today and then to the ladies change room to give them the same. The girls are all abuzz chirping and chatting away (atmosphere worlds apart from the vibe in the boys room), getting to know each other and exchanging their life experiences and the clock hasn't even ticked past 6:05am yet!

Gather them quickly into the rehearsal area as I only have limited time to teach them all the choreography and get them to performance level. "Challenge" has been written all over this process from the beginning as I couldn't get a separate rehearsal time with them prior to today's shoot. Happily for me I work best under pressure and I know that the Top 20 contestants do as well. All of them very capable and fabulous dancers who I got to know quite well while working on the production team and saw them all go through the intense audition process of SYTYCD Season 3.

The new Top 20 picked up the combination very quickly with only a few nervous giggles and lots of buzzing excitement about being in the New Berocca commercial. The dancers chose their own partners and started rehearsing the new combination, which was fast and intricate (Jet style) with a touch of partner work. One of my favourite things to watch is the different dynamics and energy between couples and how the same moves can look completely different depending on who is doing them.

20 minutes later (10 minutes short of my allocated 30 minutes) the Top 20 were pulled away for makeup and wardrobe. Soon after that we‘re over to the location and about to shoot. Smoke fills the set, crew running around making adjustments to lights and cameras. A quick practice on the stage that's been put in especially for the dancers, smack bang in the middle of the huge tram shed, we're ready for "Action!".

Cameras rolling the dancers are on fire, repeating their tricks, kicks and spins over and over again as the Director and DOP' s go for different angles and shoot with different film speeds, lighting and camera movements. Monitors are aglow with the action on the stage and the Director, DOPs and myself watch each take to ensure all shots are captured. Like with any production there are so many variables that can affect a shoot. From different camera angles, lighting adjustments (due to the sun moving throughout the day), equipment, amount of smoke to create atmosphere, dancers choreography, energy levels and fitness of each dancer, music levels, power etc etc the day went super smooth making the client [Berocca], Channel Ten and SYTYCD production team very happy, especially as they were there the whole day providing input on what they wanted / didn't want in the final product. I extend BIG kudos to the Director and crew for keeping all parties happy and making the process flow seamlessly.

Before we knew it someone was calling "It's wrap" and my watch was saying 5:00pm Top 20 were rushed off for various osteo/phsio/massage and other important appointments and I was saying my goodbyes and thankyous while receiving generous praise for a great day.

It's a pleasure working with positive and capable teams and today was a highlight in how well a shoot day can run and will go down in the book as a winner.
Look out for the new Berocca commercial! It's going to be a GREAT year!

Till next time :)
Jet

Actor / Choreographer / Model describes the rare multi talented Yannus Sufandi. Born in Jawa Indonesia, grew up in Australia, and travels in persuit of his dreams. Today Yannus is seen as one of Australia's greatest exports. Making a name for himself on the Malaysian and Australian versions of SYTYCD Yannus is now in New York taking classes and teaching at Broadway Dance Centre. Yannus took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with DanceLife about his experience on SYTYCD and gives you some tips on how to survive in the industry.

You have been working on 'So You Think You can Dance Malaysia' for the last two seasons, Also So You Think You Can Dance Australia, Can you tell us about your experience as the Artistic Director in Malaysian Version. What exactly did that role entail?

Answer: My experience for the last 2 seasons and 2 different countries is amazing, I'm growing everyday as a Choreographer and a person. Being the Artistic Director means you also work behind the scenes, includes working together with the production, so a bit more than just a choreographer turning up to the rehearsals. Organising Music/Styles/Choreographers/Schedules etc. Pretty much make sure every week is a great show, with song choices, style choices and choreographers/rehearsals schedules are all in order.

How do Australian dancers compare to Malaysian dancers? What are the main differences between them?

Answer: Australian Dancers are more trained and more versatile with their dance skills. Malaysian dancers are great in taking challenges and performing, plus the advantage is i think Malaysian shows/dancers are a bit more original since it has it's own Traditional dance, from Chinese to Indian to Malaysian Traditional Contemporary etc.  So every week it has its flavours, and multicultural feel to it.
Australia doesn't have that, as example we don't see an Aboriginal dance contemporary piece in the sytycd.

As a choreographer for the show how much pressure is on you to come up with an idea that has a strong and unique concept? Do you find that you end up choreographing for the judges?

Answer: Pressure is always there, innovative/original concept/ideas is always great but risky. But i see the Choreographers are focusing on the dancers/contestants not so much the judges, I focus on what will make them look good on stage to suit the theme/story etc. and also to challenge myself on my work. To be a great Choreographer you need to take risks, experiment and learn from your great work and you mistakes (bad work) that's how you get better and experience your work.

What advice do you have for dancers that are preparing to audition for the next season of the show?

Answer: My advice is simple, look at the previous winner either it's American or Australian or Malaysian version. Why did he/she win, or what makes them survive and get that far, look at the final 4. Why are they the country's favourite? You must prepare yourself, being in sytycd top 20 is not easy, it's a gruelling journey mentally and physically

You have been lucky enough to gain work overseas. How did you initially go about making connections abroad?

Answer: Luck is about Chances. Chances are from taking Risks. Risks are from determination and decisions. Above all you need hard work and focus on your goal/dreams.

When you return to Australia you are always in high demand as a teacher. Why do you think this is? What do you bring to your classes that is different from other teachers?

Answer: I've learnt and done work in the USA either it's NY or LA, still I'm always there in and out for the past 6-7 years.
My styles is always updated and never outdated, Combined now with my own style in choreography, i will always be different than other teachers, i choreograph to the lyrics/rhythm/beats with smooth hard edge. Plus i keep it challenging and fun with my classes, i will make sure you will learn something from attending my class.

There are many Australian dancers that have the ability to make it but feel like the limited amount of dance jobs available go to the same people. How did you make yourself known? Is networking important?

Answer: I agree with limited amount of jobs, it's tough, but if you are good and have the right mind/attitude and personality you will get work!! I never look at it about the same people or not that getting the jobs. Work hard and patience. Networking is very important, reputation is important, but keeping the entertainment business alive and respected is more important.
e.g.: Dancers please don't do jobs for free, since there are already limited dance jobs! It's destroying the dance community and industry, you work hard to get paid for what you do!

You have danced, choreographed, modelled and acted what next is on the cards for Yannus?

Answer: My Journey is just starting, I've done what I've done but I'm going further. World Tours/Films/TV Series who knows!! (Hollywood). Enjoy Life and the experiences that comes

Peace out
Yannus
www.yannus.com and www.myspace.com/yannus

Yannus will be on the faculty of Broadway Dance Centre in New York!! he will be teaching guest classes.

Check Out
www.bwydance.com or the link:
http://www.bwydance.com/faculty/bios/yannus.shtml

DanceLife Interviews Supple from dancelifeaus on Vimeo.

 DanceLife was lucky enough to have an exclusive interview with Supple a few days after he landed from the UK. Watch the interview above and make sure you check out his workshops. Places are limited so make sure you register now.

Where: Salsa Republic Dance Studios
42 Kensington Street in Central/Broadway.
Opposite UTS One block away just off from the corner of Harris Street and George Street.

TUESDAY 21st April 2009 @ 8.30pm = Intermediate Level [120 minutes]
WEDNESDAY 22nd April 2009 @ 8.00pm = Advanced/Professional Level [120 minutes]

$35 for one workshop or pay $60 and do both workshops. Please arrive already warmed up, stretched and ready to dance. Minimum age limit is 12 years old.

Must pre-register in advance. Limited spaces available. To pre register please email your name, age and which workshop you would like to attend to supple@dancelife.com.au. Spots will go fast so get in early.

This week DanceLife's charismatic Christine Denny jumped onto Adam Williams couch to have a chat to him about his career in the entertainment industry focusing on his role as a choreographer and creative director but also touching on his experience on So You Think You Can Dance. Adam has worked as a performer on many musicals including Footloose, Chicago, Leader of the Pack to name a few, and worked with many Australian artists. He is now in great demand to add his touch to major corporate events.

By Cimone Grayson

Arlene Phillips, world-renowned Director and Choreographer has amassed a body of work to include musicals We Will Rock You, Starlight Express, Saturday Night Fever and Flashdance. Music videos from AC/DC, Queen, Duran Duran, Elton John and Whitney Houston and she's also a prominent UK celebrity. Speaking from her London home last Friday morning Arlene took time out between rehearsals to chat about dance, performers, choreographers and the weather.

A tight schedule means we immediately launch into discussions, beginning with Nigel Lythgoe. "I first met Nigel in dance classes, we then auditioned together for a new dance company ‘Young Generation', he got the job and I didn't, I've never forgiven him! I went on to create Hot Gossip and Nigel began work as a BBC Producer and Director, often I was choreographing things he was producing. He later moved to America created So You Think You Can Dance and remembered me. He said "there's no one better to judge a dance show and besides she's older than me and I like that!" In this latest series Arlene observes some trepidation, the focus on the performers has shifted towards showcasing the choreographers and some of them are extremely nervous. "It dawned on them that what the contestants are dancing is just as important as who is dancing. You may have a brilliant dancer but if the choreography has no impact the dancer may be asked to leave, it's so important that the choreographers deliver, equally important that they get talked about and get their names out there."

Dance has evolved over the years and Arlene's personal biggest dance influence was Alvin Ailey. "Nothing affected me as watching Alvin Ailey's Revelations. The dancers were technically brilliant but the joy in the dance was something that stirred me. From Twyla Tharp to some of the newer companies who are moving in extraordinary ways, Hofesh Shechter an Israeli choreographer does wonderful work. In England there was a massive dance explosion in the 70s, every Saturday night entertainment show had dance, Pans People and then Hot Gossip for the Kenny Everett Video Show, locking and breaking was coming in and contemporary was starting, it felt like dance was everywhere. In the mid 80s to 90s dance died, you only saw dance in videos, these were the faceless dancers, the second dance explosion was when Strictly Come Dancing arrived, who would have thought three big dance shows at the start of 2010."

TV dance shows have popularised dance and Arlene agrees this has been monumental in so many ways, "When we began Strictly Come Dancing it revived not just dancing but every aspect of dance. Numbers had dropped in dance schools, dance shoe factories were closing down - there was nothing. Now there are streets of dance shops and hundreds of schools around the country, it brought people into ballroom and Latin classes, TV shows have given us acts like Diversity and Pied Piper, hip-hop has exploded. It's unbelievable how big dance has become."

Arlene Phillips has mentored and terrified dancers too numerous to mention but with the nation held to random by freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall Arlene's focus today will be on safely making rehearsals, then she can think about tomorrow's filming of So You Think You Can Dance. Working long hours and an unrelenting schedule is completely normal for Arlene, when I mention the word retirement she simply says "Not yet, I'm afraid if I stop I'll fall apart. Work keeps coming, it's quite extraordinary." Never one to lose sight of how it all began she marvels at her life and how dance has shaped her, "I can never forget where I started, I was the little girl who wanted to dance but was always told my legs were too short, my body was the wrong shape, I was the fighter at the back of the class, it's always been a struggle but with hard work and a solid conviction you can do it." With so many accolades to her name her proudest career moment was an extraordinary moment for Arlene, "In a sense a quiet moment when the Bolshoi came to London 15 years ago and their dancers took my class. One of the principals Gedeminas Taranda asked me to choreograph a piece when he was invited to perform guest solos in Russia. I now think to myself, a girl from Manchester who had a passion and a love to dance has actually worked with one of the most recognized dance companies in the world."

When asked how she juggles everything she explains "I'm working the longest hours in the world and so many days. From Sundays through Fridays I rehearse the Strictly Come Dancing tour, that I also directed and I travel back to London, on Saturdays I film So You Think You Can Dance and then return to the tour on Sundays." The whole of England is at a standstill with the snow but there are no signs of Arlene even slowing down despite the weather.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znmEJEpVwDo&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=DCBCA5EAF1FB2037 Get involved, upload a video to the BBC YouTube site and you may feature in the final UK show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVKG05S3jOM SYTYCD preview with introduction by Arlene Phillip

Cimone Grayson is the Managing Director of INC Sydney. Cimone Grayson, former assistant for 8 years to world-famous director/choreographer Arlene Phillips, is spearheading I.N.C Sydney. Cimone's time with Arlene has provided her with an extensive knowledge of the Australian and UK entertainment industries. Past projects include the Australasian tour of Saturday Night Fever; the Australian debut of We Will Rock You (with Annie Crummer); Starlight Express; and TV's popular Dancing With the Stars (with Bruno Tonioli).

DanceLife is thrilled to have Cimone on our 2010 Contributers Team!

Sydney Confidential are reporting that Henry from the first season of SYTYCD will be seen in another reality television program later this year - Dancing With The Stars. Henry is certainly one of the more popular dancers from the series. I was at the show on Saturday night at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and the auditorium was full of screams and whistles every time he danced, with or without a shirt.

It looks like that bronzed, hair free, muscular body will be back to entertain Australia once again! Keep an eye out!

Will you be happy to see Henry again? Comment on this Blog!

They're back! It's been 3 months since our very own first season of SYTYDC ended and now we have the American Season to hold us over until our second season hits our screens in February 2009!

The show has already started in the US and let me tell you there is some great dancing with equally awesome choreography! Make sure you keep your eyes on Channel 10 at 7.30pm tonight for the 2 Hour Season Premiere.

Let us know what you think of the show by posting your opinion on our FORUM! http://www.dancelife.com.au/orca/

Last night was the radio debut of Camilla on the national Austereo countdown the 'HOT 30'. Tim Lee and Biggzy are on a break and Camilla and a guy name Fridgy (love the dj names) are taking over the number 1 nightly countdown. If you watched SYTYCD you know that Camilla loves to talk so I know there will be no silent moments in this show. Make sure you check out the show. Tune your radio station to the 2Day network in your state at 7pm week nights to support the all dancing, all talking Camilla!

What do you think of Camilla? Will she be the next Jackie O?

The Dolly Teen Choice Awards were on last night at Luna Park, Sydney and what a night it was! Firstly a big congratulations to the whole team of SYTYCD for taking home the "Glued to the screen" award (most addictive TV show). They had some tough competition including Home & Away and Gossip Girl.

The show started with a few familiar faces (Ame Delves, Michael Boyd and some others) doing an awesome dance routine. The stage was basically black and the dancers were dressed in neon colours. This performance got the crowd pumped for an awesome night!

Brian McFadden and Maz form MTV hosted the event. I have never been a huge fan of Brian but after last night I truly understand why is doing so well in this country. He was extremely funny, kept the audience going all night and basically made the night a huge success.

Towards the end of the show Brian announced that we was going to see a WORLD EXCLUSIVE which I thought was going to be Delta's new film clip. To my surprise and sheer delight it was Jessica Mauboy performing her new single 'BURN'. We all know Jess has an amazing voice but this performance was hot and the song is amazing. It reminded me of an up tempo Rhianna style tune. Keep your ears open for this, as I'm sure radio stations will be adding it to their playlists shortly!

All in all a great night was had by all. Congrats to all the winners!

Photo: Courtney (SYTYCD), Dean Geyer & Pippa Black

DanceLife Blogger Juliette Verne aka "JET" will be the choreographic consultant on Season 2 of Australia's ‘So You Think You Can Dance'. Congratulations Juliette! We are all looking forward to Season 2! Stay tuned for SYTYCD audition information coming your way soon.

Australia's Jason Gilkison from the International dance show Burn the Floor has wowed American audiences of over 15 million as a guest choreographer on the US version of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD).

After working with the Australian production of SYTYCD, Jason Gilkison was hand chosen by the US Creative team to work with the dancers in his specialty of Ballroom Dance.

This Wednesday night (September 3) on the Ten Network, Australian audiences will watch Jason as he works with two of the Top Six Couples choreographing a Waltz and Paso Doble.

The judges only had great things to say about Jason and his work with an invitation to return to the US Smash hit Dance show at any time.

Jason is currently in Japan with Burn the Floor and returns to Sydney on 19th September and will play the Star Theatre Star City.

Stay tuned for DanceLife's interview with Jason.

I'm sure you remember Nacho doing all the bits and pieces for the mobile content last year on SYTYCD. Season 2 will see Nacho a little more involved after viewers thought he was great in Season 1! Nacho will be going on the audition tour in September to motivate the crowds and interview the wannabe star dancers. Congrats Nacho!

So You Think You Can Dance Australia? The time has come to prove it.

The search for our nation's next favourite dancer is on. The prize for our eventual winner is $200 000 plus overseas dance opportunities and more.

If you're Australian, aged 18 to 35 as of 1st February 2009 and love dancing - we can't wait to meet you - whatever your moves.

This year we are also on the hunt for UNIQUE styles of dance that are hard to learn and take years to perfect. We are committed to showcasing these specialist genres on our studio shows. So we're calling all tappers, poppers, breakers, acrobats, contortionists, ballet dancers, traditional dancers, in fact whatever your style - amateur or pro - come and show us your stuff...seriously.

All dancers are welcome at all auditions on all days in all cities. We respect commitment, tenacity and a fighting spirit. So good luck and we'll see you in:

ADELAIDE
Her Majesty's Theatre
58 Grote Street, Adelaide, South Australia
Doors Open at 0830 sharp
Audition Date: Sunday 28 September 2008

PERTH
Subiaco Oval
Subiaco Road, Subiaco, Western Australia
Doors Open at 0830 sharp
Access via Gate 8
Audition Date: Sunday 5 October 2008

SYDNEY
Overseas Passenger Terminal
Customs Hall, Circular Quay Way, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales
Doors Open at 0730 sharp
Access via Upper Level Promenade
Audition Dates: Saturday 11 October 2008 & Sunday 12 October 2008

BRISBANE
RNA Show Grounds
Coffee Club Auditorium, Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, Queensland
Doors Open at 0830
Access via Main Parade Entrance
Audition Dates: Saturday 18 October 2008 & Sunday 19 October 2008

MELBOURNE
Princess Theatre
163 Spring Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Doors Open at 0830
Audition Date: Saturday 1 November 2008
Audition Date: Sunday 2 November 2008

To maximise your chance to perform to a song of your choice you MUST bring at least five different songs on CDs bought from a shop. This is so we can reference publishing information and confirm this music can be cleared for broadcast. Download CD's are not acceptable.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE CDS AND YOU'RE ASKED TO PERFORM FOR OUR CAMERAS - YOU WILL BE ASKED TO CHOOSE A PRE-CLEARED SONG FROM OUR LISTS.

AUDITION TIP: CHOOSE SONGS WHICH HAVEN'T BEEN PERFORMED BY YOUR FAVOURITE DANCERS FROM PREVIOUS SERIES' OF DANCE AUSTRALIA & US DANCE.

DanceLife headed to Melbourne and had a guided tour of Jason Coleman's brand new 'more than a dance studio' facility - Ministry of Dance by Jason himself! DanceLife brings you an exclusive look at the studio in the above video. The studio will be opening in early October.

When I chatted with Jason he explained his vision for the Ministry as being able to provide a facility for dancers and performers that teaches, supports and motivates in a bid to raise the bar for Melbourne Dancers.  

Check out the website for further details. www.ministryofdance.info

Jack has just updated all his fans on his official website. Check out his first blog from LA below.

Part 1 of my overseas trip to LA & New York...
Hey everyone. I am writing to you all from LA at the moment. Well...where to start. Lets just say the trip had a bad start. I was meant to fly out of Brisbane on the 15th September, but as the plane went to take off it slammed on its breaks due to a faulty engine or something, so i spent 10 hours at the airport that day waiting for QANTAS to tell me when the flight would be, which ended up being moved to the next day - the 16th :S....So that was a bit frustrating, but hey...im thankful they didnt take off anyways otherwise I most likely wouldnt be here!

The flight on the 16th took off, thankfully, and got me to LA safely. I am staying in Universal City region of LA, which is not far from Millenium Dance Complex - where I will be doing my classes. Its pretty hot here at the moment, which is nice for a change(can't wait to come home for summer). I did my first dance class at Millenium with Donyelle as the teacher. You may know here as the dancer from the american series who was in the top 4 when Benji won. It was a hip hop/jazz class. It focused mainly on stretching and technique etc instead of a routine. Which was good i guess, because it has been a very long time since i have done a technique class. So that was enjoyable.

Oh also, I am here with my 2 sisters. They are both dancers aswell, so its fun being able to experience this with them.

Today I put my tourist hat on and went to Universal Studios and did tours of all the movie and tv sets such as War of the Worlds, desperate housewives, jurassic park, fast and the furious, the grinch...etc. It was fun, didnt see any famous people unfortunately, but saw some cast and crew filming something on one of sets...but couldnt quite see what it was for.

I am still yet to learn my routine from Mia Michaels, that will happen in a few days time. I am very excited about that. I get 6 hours with her, and then i perform the routine the very next day at the Carnival Choreograhers Ball. So not alot of time really, but its possible.

Well im quite tired at the moment, could possibly still be jetlagged, so I am gonna leave ya all til my next update. Hope everyone is well back at home. I will speak to you all soon.

Cya.
Jack :)
www.jackchambers.com.au

EXCLUSIVE UPDATE!
It has been confirmed. Kassy and Nick have been engaged for the past two weeks. Nick has been signed to a French rugby team so they have relocated to the South of France. Congratulations!

The Daily Telegraph are reporting today that Nick Youngquest has asked Kassy Lee (SYTYCD finalist) for her hand in marriage. The couple are heading over to France as Nick is seeking opportunities to play rugby over there. The next time we see Kassy she could be an engaged girl. Congrats if this is true Kassy!
Source: Daily Telegraph

The SYTYCD team kicked off the audition tour in Adelaide last week and today they travel to Perth.

PERTH
Subiaco Oval
Subiaco Road, Subiaco, Western Australia
Doors Open at 0830 sharp
Access via Gate 8
Audition Date: Sunday 5 October 2008

SYDNEY
Overseas Passenger Terminal
Customs Hall, Circular Quay Way, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales
Doors Open at 0730 sharp
Access via Upper Level Promenade
Audition Dates: Saturday 11 October 2008 & Sunday 12 October 2008

BRISBANE
RNA Show Grounds
Coffee Club Auditorium, Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, Queensland
Doors Open at 0830
Access via Main Parade Entrance
Audition Dates: Saturday 18 October 2008 & Sunday 19 October 2008

MELBOURNE
Princess Theatre
163 Spring Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Doors Open at 0830
Audition Date: Saturday 1 November 2008
Audition Date: Sunday 2 November 2008

Keep an eye out for DanceLife's audition recap.

The search for Australia's Favourite Dancer has started and we have your first look at a few dancers from Adelaide who made it to the Judges!! Check them out below. Auditions are done in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney. To find out when the SYTYCD team is coming to you go to www.ten.com.au/dance now. You could be Australia's favourite dancer!!

STEP OUT OF BOUNDS WITH WADE ROBSON
AN EXCLUSIVE TWO DAY DANCE WORKSHOP

Wade Robson is an Australian-born dancer, director and award-winning choreographer. He has choreographed and directed music videos, commercials, award shows and world tours for recording artists such as Britney Spears, NSYNC, Usher, Mya and Pink. He created, produced and starred in MTV's hit series, The Wade Robson Project.

Since then, he has written, choreographed and directed commercials for Sirius Satellite Radio and Power Shoes, who make his own line of dance footwear, award winning short films and groundbreaking choreography for Fox's SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.

Wade infuses a variety of modern styles in his choreography to create a unique style of his own. For those unfamiliar with his choreography, expect a mix of hip hop, jazz, contemporary and funk.

STEP OUT OF BOUNDS with WADE ROBSON will give you a taste of instruction and style that will contribute to nurturing and expanding your skills as a modern day commercial dancer at international standards.

DATES 11 AND 12 NOVEMBER
INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP TIMES TUE 10AM - 12PM AND WED 10AM - 12.30PM
ADVANCED/PRO WORKSHOP TIMES TUE 2 - 4PM AND WED 2 - 4.30PM

COST NORMALLY $148.50 FOR A 2-DAY WORKSHOP | $132 EARLYBIRD SALE NOW (EXPIRES OCT 20)| DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE - NOTE EACH TICKET IS A 2DAY PASS - A ticket to a single session is NOT available.

http://www.carriageworks.com.au/whats_on.php?event=waderobson

One of our favourite girls from Season 1 of SYTYCD Kassy Lee is currently in Dubai with her scrumptious finance Nick Youngquest (NRL/DNA Cover Model Player). Good to see she hasn't given up on dancing while being on holidays.

It was reported last month that Kassy and Nick got engaged after dating for only a few months. The relationship seems to be going stronger than ever. Close friends of the couple are saying that Kassy has never been happier. Awww too cute! :)

Rhys Bobridge (SYTYCD1 Runner Up) is about to release his debut single at the end of November ‘Hot Summer'. Things have been a little quite from the contestants from Season 1 of Dance with many of them auditioning for Chicago and booked till the New Year for corporate events. Rhys was a true fan favourite but what will his music be like? More importantly the film clip? I imagine the film clip to be a cross between Xanadu & a Kylie Clip which equals glitter, sequins, and boys in little clothing. I can't wait to see what Rhys has in store for us. Rhys has recently moved from Mark Byrne Management to Scorpio Music to focus on his music career.

This is your last chance to audition for SYTYCD Season 2!

All dancers are welcome at all auditions on all days.

MELBOURNE
Princess Theatre
163 Spring Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Doors Open at 0830
Audition Date: Saturday 1 November 2008
Audition Date: Sunday 2 November 2008

To maximise your chance to perform to a song of your choice you MUST bring at least five different songs on CDs bought from a shop. This is so we can reference publishing information and confirm this music can be cleared for broadcast. Download CD's are not acceptable.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE CDS AND YOU'RE ASKED TO PERFORM FOR OUR CAMERAS - YOU WILL BE ASKED TO CHOOSE A PRE-CLEARED SONG FROM THIER LISTS.
AUDITION TIP: CHOOSE SONGS WHICH HAVEN'T BEEN PERFORMED BY YOUR FAVOURITE DANCERS FROM PREVIOUS SERIES' OF DANCE AUSTRALIA & US DANCE.

GOOD LUCK! For more information visit www.ten.com.au/dance

WADE ROBSON CANCELS AUS WORKSHOPS. More info coming soon!

Internationally acclaimed Australian choreographer and star of So You Think You Dance US, Wade Robson, will be returning to his homeland to conduct dance workshops and be a guest choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance Australia.

Robson will join the Dance Australia audition tour in Melbourne for a one-off choreography session. He will take a number of lucky contestants through call-back choreography, taking over the reigns from Kelley Abbey for one session. This will be a dream come true for the dancers, who will be thrilled with the opportunity to work with Robson.

Robson earnt his international reputation through his work with Cirque Du Soliel, So You Think You Can Dance US, N'Sync, Britney Spears, Mya and Pink. Robson is a two time Emmy Award winner, and is considered one of the worlds most acclaimed and cutting-edge dance choreographers.

Robson is combining business with pleasure on his trip home to Australia. He has a number of family celebrations to enjoy but also wanted to re-immerse himself in the Australian dance community. Robson believes it is an amazing time to be a dancer in Australia and wanted to do something unique with the dance community.

Robson and his wife Amanda have teamed up with Tahlya Searle and Onset Industries to produce a dance workshop that will be a personal and inspiring experience for the dancers of Wade's homeland. This will be Wade's first dance workshop in Australia and incredible opportunity for young performers to learn from one of the best in the business.

Robson is enjoying his international success, "the highlight of my career is right now because I am doing what I want and having a blast doing it. I am experimenting and trying new things that keep me continually challenged and inspired".

It was great to see some dancing in last night's Australian Idol Show. The Michael Jackson themed show kicked off with a Matt Lee choreographed piece to Don't Stop ‘Till You Get Enough. The dancing was hot and so were the dancers. I hardly even noticed the singers. Great work guys!!

Hi Guys,

Since the show 'So You Think You Can Dance' I have been committed to getting dance out to the public as much as possible.
Below is an example of a creative thought, a conversation and a collaborative effort in creating what's to be the next Australian hit TV dance drama.

I had an idea of a dance drama I shared with a very talented writer Georgia Clark who was working on So You Think You Can Dance at the time. Since then Georgia Clark went to write an amazing treatment and produced/directed an amazing 'sizzle reel' that has been submitted into the MTV 180 Competition with the title 'Raise The Bar'. I have choreographed, consulted and acted in this submission and has been quite a journey.

Please check it out, register as a user, comment, rate and forward this e-mail to as many people as you can.
We need your support in making it to Top 10 and winning the prize to film a full one hour episode to be aired on MTV.

'RAISE THE BAR'
http://www.one80project.com.au/view_artist.aspx?id=14

MTV 180 COMPETITION
http://www.one80project.com.au

Thank you for all your support.

Joel de Carteret [JD]
www.gojdgo.biz
www..myspace.com/gojdgo

Hello, hello, what's all this then? Could it be that an Aussie reality TV dance show may just have delivered upon us our very latest pOp star? Well if the debut single by 'So You Think You Can Dance' runner-up Rhys Bobridge is anything to go by, it most certainly IS going to be a 'Hot Summer'. Some may even say it's going to be a hot hot summer. Teaming up with the boys from Van She Tech, Rhys is bringing life to the former number one hit for German pOpstars band 'Monrose' and we have the sneaking suspicion you'll be hearing this all over the place VERY soon. Channel 10 is continuing a long tradition of station summer theme songs (remember Leah Haywood's 'Summer Of Love' and Glaubitz & Roc's 'Sunshine Day'?) and have picked up the single as their summer anthem for 2008-2009.

There's also a tasty swathe of remixes to go along with the title track - from Melbourne's 'Hundreds And Thousands' and 'Trumpdisco' to Canberra's 'The Ashton Shuffle', all of whom will be heating up the dancefloors to ensure that this summer is going to be a hot one indeed.

No in-store details just yet, (we'll bring them to you as soon as we know), but we're assuming that the track will be available digitally from early next week.

HERE THE REMIX'S HERE
http://hypem.com/track/684046
http://cruxdahouse.blogspot.com/2008/11/rhys-hot-summer-scattermish-remix.html

SOURCE: http://auspop.blogspot.com

The Top 100 week was filmed for SYTYCD last week and the final 20 have been told... but who are they? Apparently we will find out on Sunday. The stories from what happened during the week have been flying between kicked out contestants about what really happened during the week. DanceLife has heard that ATTITUDE was all around with not only the judges having a go at the contestants but the contestant giving it to the judges. Will you see this on television? Probably not as Ten is not allowed to have swearing in a 7.30pm timeslot. I have been told that the Top 20 are a high calibre group of dancers. Expect to have your "token" reality characters with sob stories and all that jazz when it hits our screens in February 2009. In the meantime enjoy the new dance shows on Foxtel ‘Step It Up & Dance' and Seven's ‘Dance Machine' when they hit the box this weekend.

To celebrate the release of Rhys' debut single, Hot Summer, young dance fans can win the chance to get a lunchtime dance lesson for you and your friends with this Summer's hottest star - Rhys!

But you've got to prove you've got what it takes to keep up...

Rhys wants you and your friends to choreograph your own dance to his new track Hot Summer. Grab a video camera, film it, put it up on YouTube labelled as ‘(your full name) Hot Summer Dance' and email the link to carissa@scorpiomusic.com.au for your chance to win.

Rhys will be judging the entries so do it with style, do it with flair and do something original!

Rhys will come to the winner's school - we'll check it with your teachers first! - at lunchtime to hold a private dance workshop for you and some friends. During this workshop, you and Rhys will work through your original Hot Summer dance, and at the end we'll film it and give you a copy to keep! Channel Ten will head down to your school to capture your workshop, and it could even end up on TV!

But don't worry, if you're not the winner Channel Ten will still be featuring your clips on their So You Think You Can Dance channel on YouTube, and you will go in the draw for loads of other prizes!

Check out Rhys' MySpace - www.myspace.com/rhys - listen to track, and watch his Hot new film clip for inspiration!

Entries close on January 31st so get together with your friends and music teachers, and get dancing because it's going to be a Hot Summer with RHYS! Then get ready for So You Think You Can Dance, back on your screens in February on Channel Ten!

Jack is back in the country and performing with energetic tap group Raw Metal. Check out the video above from a Christmas Show the other night. Like most of the Top 20 contestants from SYTYCD 2008 Jack is dancing on the corporate scene and making some nice $$ to help his dream to be on Broadway come true. All the best Jack!

If you have switched on Channel 10 for at least 5 seconds during the festive season you would have seen the promo clip for the new season of SYTYCD Australia. The track fits well "Everybody's Free" the warehouse set is great, dancers look hot but where are the incredible tricks and explosive dance moves? Dave (no shirt, jeans) makes this clip with his back flip and bottle of water over his face as well as Stephen's (white pants) awesome flip. Many familiar faces in this clip... Two boys who would have made the final 20 last year if they weren't doing Cats in Asia, One girl who didn't even get through to see the judges in the first season (training hard?), A few youngies that finished full time last year and a mixture of dancers who seem to have Character which is always good for a reality TV Show. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the show grows from last year as the American season did. Let's bring it Australia! SYTYCD Premieres on Sunday 1 February on Channel 10. Discuss SYTYCD in the Forum Now! http://www.dancelife.com.au/orca/#group/SYTYCD-Australia-2.htm

To the left is a photo taken from the SYTYCD TVC Filming. If you don't get in the TOP 20 girls there is always 'Search For A Pussycat Doll". Hot outfit Kasey (on the right)!

What a night! The season premiere of SYTYCD was last night and overall I personally enjoyed the show. Freddie reviewed the show last night for DanceLife. Read what he thought here http://www.dancelife.com.au/orca/#topic/The-First-Show-Sydney-Auditions-.htm  

Network Ten and Starcom MediaVest have created a YouTube dedicated channel for So You Think You Can Dance in what they say is a media first for a local TV program.

The dedicated site centres around a user generated competition created to run alongside the second season of the show. users are asked to make and upload a video of themselves performing a routine, to this year's SYTYCD theme song. The site and competition is "expected to engage

Dance's young, web-savvy audience," says Network Ten Marketing Manager Grant Gillies. "We believe it will help them feel a part of the show and is a key plank in Ten's multiplatform 2009 Dance campaign, he said. Starcom media strategist Simon Lawson added: "The You Tube activation is an example of a television network targeting viewers interactively beyond the on-air offering. Using Australia's most popular entertainment website was the perfect media to effectively engage the Dance audience." The winner of the competition will be announced during a specially created TVC to air during one of the final television episodes of Dance. The winner will also receive $10,000 and have their video championed on You Tube.

The first six weeks of the competition will focus on entry uploads, the next four weeks to "view and vote" followed by the winners' announcement via Dance on Network Ten and www.youtube.com/thinkyoucandanceaus.

SOURCE: Media Day

If you have picked up a copy of this week's TV WEEK you would have noticed that Matt Lee and Bonnie Lythgoe are both nominated in the Most Popular New Talent category for the TV WEEK Logies. They are up against some tough competition but best of luck to them. To vote go to www.tvweek.com.au and click on the ‘Vote For The Logos' banner on the left hand side.

The show is also nominated in the Best Reality TV Program category!