Former Dellos Dancer Makes The Top 20 On The 6th Season of, "So You Think You Can Dance!"

Miss P, our community of reality TV watchers brought you into their homes this past November when you were featured as one of the Top 16 Finalists on the 6th season of, "So You Think You Can Dance".

1. What are the main cities in the US that are used as audition venues and what city did you audition in?

Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Phoenix, Nashville, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Chicago and Atlanta were the main cities in the US that are used as audition venues. I auditioned in Los Angeles.

2. What was your actual number the day you were first seen and how long was the wait?

My actual number the I was first seen during season 6 was 16295. I arrived at the Orpheum theater around 4 a.m. and stood in line with my mom. I did not get into the theater until 8 and did not dance until 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. So I waited 6 hours before I danced.

3. What style of dance did you audition in and why did you choose it?

I auditioned with a Jazz Funk style. I chose this style because I wanted to perform and express myself in two different forms of dance. One, being my technical side and two, beingmy funky-er side with more personality. I basically "fused" Jazz and Hip-Hop together. I wanted to show that I can be grounded and aggressive while being able to stay on my toes and do technique.

4. What other areas of dance are you trained in? What is your favorite to perform? Which have been more difficult for you to master?

I am trained in many different styles of dance including Tap, Hip-Hop, Contemporary/Lyrical, Musical Theater, Ballet, and some training in Latin Ballroom: Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive, and in Standard Ballroom: Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango, and Viennese Waltz. I have 2 favorite styles to perform. Hip-Hop because its fun and Contemporary because it's very emotional and you can "LIVE" and "BREATHE" in every move. The Latin Ballroom styles have been the more difficult styles to master only because there are many techniques from head to toe that can not be cheated.

5. You also auditioned last year and made it to the Top 32... Why do you think you got further this time?

I think I got further this time around because I believe they saw how much hungrier I was for a spot in the Top 20. I think they saw my love and passion for dance as well. I also think that season 5 was not my time to shine and that God had planned for me to shine in season 6.

6. With everything that was said or featured as a cameo-spot on the show about you, what do you feel people will remember most about "Pauline"?

I feel that people will remember me as the small, high energy, loves to take pictures and eat girl. And I also think people remember me as the "ankle" girl because of my injury during Vegas week.

7. Of all the choreographers you worked with, who did you enjoy the most and why?

I actually enjoyed working with all the choreographers I worked with on the show because they each brought something different to the table for my partner and I. But if I had to choose one, I would say I enjoyed working with Wade the most because he is so unique and very inspirational. Working with him and his wife, Amanda was the most amazing experience because both of their minds together do something so creative.

8. What was the relationship you shared with your room-mates? Was there a lot of down-time? What did you do other than rehearse?

My room-mates and I got along. We shared so many laughs together it hurt all of our stomachs. We all really enjoyed each other's company. There was not a lot of down-time because we were always rehearsing. Each would be rehearsing throughout the day in the gym, near the pool, in the room; basically anywhere that we could move. When we did not rehearse, which was rare, we would either all go out to eat, go shopping together, or hang out by the pool.

9. Tell us about the costume process. Who designed them and how were you fit? Were they really created in a few days time? Which were your favorites?

The choreographers had an idea on the design of what they wanted for the costumes for their piece, but Soyon An did all the magic. We each had a set time for costume fittings about 3 days before we actually went on stage to tape. They really were created in a few days time which is amazing. The costme department is on top of making the costumes on time. Each and every costume I wore were my favorite. The Top 20 "Comanche" group dance where I wore the green dress was a favorite, the Meet the Top 20 trio where I wore the blue cheetah dress was another, my waltz dress was absolutely stunning, my Van Gogh duet with Peter was very creative and fun, my quickstep costume was very fun and cute, and the Top 16 "Warriors" group dance was intense. So I really did not have a favorite only because each and every costume was different.

10. How do you feel you've grown as a dancer through this experience?

I fee like I've grown into a better dancer thorough this experience. I know the type of dancer I am. Even though I was on the show for a short-period of time. I've learned so much about myself as a dancer.

11. How do you feel you've grown as a person overall?

I feel like I have grown so much as a person in maturity and in smartness. I found even more of myself through this experience. I knew who I was before, but this experience made me find out so much more about myself.

12. Of all the memories you take away from this experience, which have impacted you the most and will be remembered forever?

I will remember each and every person I have met through this experience because they have all impacted my life. I have created so many memories with everyone so I would not be able to choose one memory because I will remember them all forever.

13. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Who would you like to thank for inspiring, supporting and encouraging you to become the dancer and person you are today?

I would love to thank so many people, but if it had to be one person, it would have to be my mom. Without her support and love for what I do, I do not think I would be the dancer I am today or the person I am today. She has been there for me 110% of the way. I love her dearly and want her to know that I am so thankful for everything she has done for me.

14. For other young dance hopefuls, what is your advice for developing a comprehensive and solid dance foundation?

I would tell the young dance hopefuls to keep training in as many styles as they can. It is always good to be a versatile dancer. Take ballet, lots and lots of ballet because ballet is everything is dance. Just enjoy dance and live and breathe in every moment.

15. What is your motto that you'd like to pass on to others following such big dreams?

"Dreams can come true as long as you put your heart into it."

16. What are you favorite pastimes when not teaching children dance at Dellos Studios? What are your career goals or aspirations in the future?

My favorite pastimes when not teaching children dance at Dellos Dance Studios is to hang out and catch up with friends, take some dance classes, go to the beach, and relax at home with the family.

Local Dancer Shines in TV's Newest Comedy, "Glee"

Angela Vamos of Glendora, a dance student of Mount San Antonio College and dance teacher at Dellos Studios, recently filmed another episode of "Glee", Fox TV's newest comedy-musical.

1. Before the first audition, what were you told they were looking for and what was the proposed synopsis for the pilot?

All I was told about the show previous to meeting with choreographer Zach Woodlee, was that the storyline was about a high school Glee club.

2. At the first audition, how many dancers were in competition for your same spot? In addition to dancing, did you have to sing or act as well?

Fortunately I did not audition, but was referred. Since I was part of a show choir from 7th grade to 12th grade, they found me suitable for the part.

3. What is the name of your rival-school's song and dance team who is Glee's #1 competition and how many dancers make up your vocal group? Tell me the storyline and what part you play in it.

Glee's rival group is Vocal Adrenaline, which I am a part of, and it consists of 20 dancers. Ten guys and ten girls. The plot is about one school trying to start up a Glee club, unfortunately only five people want to be a part of it. Throughout the season the show covers all the high school drama you can expect. From trying to fit in, teen pregnancy, acceptance and competition. It showcases all the obstacles teenagers face in high school fromm their biggest fears to their greatest accomplishments.

4. What was your experience with the choreographers and directors on the set? Have you met any of the main stars?

The entire crew is amazing to work with. Choreographers Zach Woodlee and Brooke Lipton are excellent to work for and all the dancers make up a fun and experienced group. I have gotten the chance to meet Matthew Morrison, who plays Mr. Shuester, the Glee Club's teacher. As well as a new character that will be introduced in the second season. Also in our episode Idina Menzel will appear, and I was able to approach and meet with her. Everyone is very sweet, approachable and easy to talk to.

5. Tell us about your experience with the make-up, hair and costume department.

The make-up, hair and costume department are made up of a great crew, they are fun and easy going. For our make-up and hair, we often are made up very natural, to look like high school students in rehearsal. Much different than the usual stage make-up dancers are used to.

6. When you see the TV version of your episodes, how different are they from your actual filming experience?

The final cut is always much different than expected. There are many different camera angles, that will only show glimpses of the work behind the routine. There may be extra shots they filmed that will never be shown on TV. Overall, the final result on TV looks great!

7. It must be rewarding knowing that you will have footage of yourself to show to your own children someday! What is the advice you would give to young people of today who hope to pursue the professional dance world?

It is all extremely exciting! To young people today, the most important thing is having passion about doing the things you love. To succeed in the professional dance world, you have to strive to accomplish the things you want most. There's no need to be discouraged by an audition you get cut from, there will be plenty more, and an even greater opportunity will approach. Three great things to survive the competitive dance world: passion, patience and commitment.

8. Re-cap in three sentences how you benefited from your involvement in the making of next season's "Glee".

I have benefited from Glee in many ways. I have been so fortunate to have this wonderful opportunity to work with such a team and make great connections with top choreographers and dancers. The involvement of being on set, and understanding the process of making TV shows will help me on future sets as well.

9. Living the life of a young professional dancer, share with us a few of your most recent dance jobs.

Most recently, I have traveled to Ireland to be a part of a new upcoming artist King of Fire's music video. Also for New Years, I danced at the Barona Casino in San Diego as a 70's Go-Go dancer.

10. To who and what do you partially attribute your success to?

I attribute much of my success to the support and encouragement from my family. The introduction to dance and music from the show choir programs through my middle school and high school. The inspiration and motivation from my teachers Amy Bates Nakamura and Lee Martino from Mount San Antonio College. Also, the consistent love and support from the Dellos family.

Dellos Instructor: Featured Dancer on "The Oscar Awards" Show

Twenty-five year old Alexie Agdeppa originally from Rowland Heights, the advanced technique instructor at Dellos-Walnut, was recently featured on the "2010 Oscar Night Awards Show" Opening Number that featured Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin as hosts.

1. Did you meet any hosts, presenters or stars while rehearsing or on show night? Was there an Oscars after-party?

During rehearsals I was able to meet and briefly chat with Neil Patrick Harris and hosts, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. During the show I met James Taylor and got to stand by all of the nominees for "best actor" and "best actress" on stage. Adam Shankman threw the dancers and some of the crew a party at the Roosevelt Hotel after the Oscars.

2. Tell us about the audition experience. How many dancers auditioned for the few spots selected? Who were the choreographers?

The audition experience was a bit overwhelming and yet extremely exciting. There were hundreds of dancers in line when I got there, and I got there during the second call time of the day. The first cut of the audition required the dancers auditioning to show off their technique and if you made it past that cut you were asked to come back to learn a routine. They picked the dancers they wanted in the show after reviewing the audition video of the dancers invited back to learn the routine. Adam Shankman and Jamal Sims were the choreographers.

3. The costumes were beautiful! Describe them and the theme of the opening number.

The costumes were reflective of the theme of the opening number, old Hollywood Glamour. We wore tan fishnets with a skin tone colored leotard covered in rhinestones and crystals. We were adorned in jewels from head to toe, with rhinestone hair pieces, rings, earrings, necklaces, some of us even had our shoes rhinestoned! There were feather boa tails, boas attached to our arms, and some dancers held feather fans to finish off the glitz and glam. Wearing the costume with our hair and make-up done, you couldn't help but feel beautiful and glamorous.

4. When watching your performance on Tivo, were you able to find yourself? Was it more or less glamorous on TV than in person? Is it true that your younger sister was hired as well?

I was easily able to spot myself on Tivo because I was lucky enough to be on the swing that came down with the hosts. There were only three dancers that were chosen for that part. Watching it on TV was surreal and looked just as glamorous on television as it was in person. Yes, it's true that my younger sister was hired to dance in the opening number as well.

5. Known in the Dance Industry as a 'working dancer', what do you feel is 'your edge', that helps you to stand out among literally thousands of dancers?

I've been repetitively told that "my edge" is the true joy people see when they watch me dance. They can see that I'm absolutely loving what I do. I guess that joy and love is transcribed to the people watching and they feel what I feel.

6. Share with us your last year of professional dance jobs, videos, movies & live performances.

I've been very blessed, some of the professional dance jobs I've done include, music videos for the Pussycat Dolls, Charice Pempengco, and Macy Gray. I've done commercials for CANON and Nordstrom. I was able to perform on Paris By Night, the Oscars, various benefit shows, and was a featured finalist on "So You Think You Can Dance?" Season 6. I most recently worked on a Disney Promo with Chucky Klapow, one of Michael Jackson's dancers.

7. What advice would you give to an inspiring young dancer who some day hopes to be a professional performer?

Always believe in your dreams, if you can dream it and you believe it, it can happen! Persistence and hard work always pay off, so keep taking classes, keep learning, and always keep your head up.

8. As you were training growing up, what were your favorite styles of dance? As an adult dancer, in what styles of dance do you feel most comfortable and why?

Growing up I loved jazz. I loved hitting all the lines, the upbeat energy it required, and I could smile as big as I wanted. As an adult dancer, I feel most comfortable in jazz and contemporary styles. With contemporary I feel my artistic self is pushed to another level.

9. Who do you want to thank for contributing to the person, dancer and performer you have become today?

I want to thank Tina D'Amato-Sidoni for contributing to the person, dancer and performer I have become today. She has been my dance teacher, mentor and friend since I was 6 and the person that initially got me into the "showbusiness" of dance.

10. Do you have a favorite phrase or motto that you live by?

You are here not to grab all you can, but to give all you are.

Dom DeLouise: In Memory of a Man Who Taught me How to 'Pay-it-Forward'...

I was shocked when I heard about the death of actor-comedian, Dom DeLouise, who died in his sleep Tuesday, May 5th at the age of 75. I first met Dom on the CBS set of "The Dean Martin Variety Hour" when I was just 17 years of age. He was a camera-man at the time and I was a 'new-pledge', that is, a quick replacement for one of the original "Dean Martin Golddiggers" who had taken maternity leave. Often times there were hours of non-activity on the set due to dressing the stage, setting the lights, blocking Dean's entrances and the rewriting of scripts. The dancers would gather outside for a 'smoke' or retreat into the dressing room to play cards until called back to film. Since I was much younger than the other dancers and didn't seem to 'fit in', I chose to remain 'in the house'. I was mesmerized by the multitude of stagehands and behind-the-scenes people who made the show's finished product seem so effortless. I remember most vividly the day Dom DeLouise befriended me...

My mother had dropped me off at CBS and was expected to pick me up nine hours later after completing the filming of two episodes. When the director announced that we would have to stay an extra two hours due to lighting problems, I found myself whining, "Oh no....my mom will be outside waiting for me the whole time!" "Your...Mom?" Dom echoed. "She drove you here? How old are you, Cutie?" I responded that I had just turned 17 and that my mom wasn't comfortable with me driving long distances yet, especially in the Hollywood area. "You are lucky to have a mom who cares so much....this business will eat you up and spit you out if you're not careful! I'm paying my dues just like everyone else does, just hoping to get noticed. It's unhealthy for a youngster like yourself to get caught up in the ugliness of what it's really like behind the curtains. I hope you'll never have to experience it". Then Dom smiled crookedly and whispered, "Hey, they're calling for the dancers - that's you, Sweetie! It's your close-up!" For months he would wink at me when I stole a glance at him and we became 'set buddies' from then on.

One day during a dance run-through, Dom's camera was assigned to my side of the stage. After a few 'takes', the crew broke to review the films. Dom called me to his camera and said, "Look in here...watch...there you are...I got you a good close up!" During the break he spoke about his love for the stage but more so, the need for audience acceptance. "Look at me...a handsome, leading man stuck in this overweight, fat body! The right roles are out there if I'm patient enough to wait for them. Honey, some day you're gonna see my name in lights!" He was right...less than a year later he was cast in a bit role on a weekly variety show, "Laugh In", which would ultimately launch his film and tv career.

Almost two years later, my mother became terminally ill with bone cancer. I've never regretted choosing to stay home and care for her instead of traveling with The Golddiggers to The MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. Instead, I started college locally and found myself in a speech class at Cal Poly...our final grade based on inviting influential people in the community to 'share their careers' with the entire Communications Department. Gaining world-wide notoriety, I immediately thought of Dom...he would be the absolute perfect speaker for my assignment. Not knowing if he'd even consider making the 50-mile trip, I begged, "Please? If you do this favor for me, I'LL OWE YOU ANOTHER ONE!" Fortunately, Dom graciously accepted the offer and was a comedic hit with the college staff and my peers. I became an overnight hero and nabbed a strong and easy 'A' in the course!

What did I mean about owing Dom 'another one'? My dance replacement had been brought in and the finality of leaving The Dean Martin Show finally hit me. I tried to force back the tears as I said my goodbyes to people I knew I would never see again. During a heart-felt, Dad-like hug, Dom handed me a sealed, plain white envelope. "There's a place for everyone in this world...it's about finding the right niche that makes you feel warm and fuzzy...sometimes the answer is looking at us straight in the face and we don't even see it. Ten years ago a church member placed an envelope in my hand and said, "Son, you've got talent! Use this towards your training and education and pass-it-on in the future to someone you feel has the potential and 'the gift' to move people as you do. You will be rewarded a hundred times over in your lifetime by this one simple gesture".

That night in my room, I carefully opened the envelope to find $2000 in crisp $100 dollar bills. A scribbled note enclosed said, "Use this for your education and pass it on to someone you feel is deserving. Good luck...my prayers are with you and your mother..."

That one single event changed my life forever. I have 'passed-it-on' more than once, maybe even a dozen times since then. And I haven't stopped...in time others will inevitably become recipients of a white, plain envelope like the one originally given from a starry-eyed camera-man to a less-than-seasoned young woman almost 40 years ago!

Why write about this now? Because I've thought so many times about sharing my story but never found the right opportunity to do so. And, I messed up by not letting Mr. DeLouise know that I found my niche in teaching and mentoring youth through dance and performance (I know he would be proud of me). "Dom, my set-buddy, I know you can hear me...Thank you for your mentorship, guidance and belief in me at a time that I was most influenced and vulnerable. You will be forever remembered as a friend who helped me to define myself as a strong, convicted individual. You made an impact on our world and now it's your time to fly with the angels..."

In Times of Economic Crisis, It's Important To Keep The Arts In Our Children's Lives

Last week a seven year old came up to me and said, "My Mommy says I can’t take tap anymore because she doesn't have any money..." I really didn't know how to respond so I suggested that if she had to pick just one class a week, to pick her favorite one. The child shared that she liked all three of her classes and three teachers equally and that she couldn't choose between them. She continued, "My Daddy might lose his job too." Scenarios like this one are common during these times of economic stress. Sometimes our children may internally feel guilty or inadequate in their attempts to help correct or improve the family's financial situation. The economy and how it has affected our households can't help but slightly rob our children of the carefree,
life-is-beautiful atmosphere that we remember of our own childhood. As a start, as a family, we can cut corners by living a 'greener' lifestyle starting with simple recycling and conserving. We can teach our children the importance of respecting our planet's resources, making them feel partially responsible for the world they will eventually leave behind. But even during the worse of times, it should be our goal as parents to keep their lives as balanced as possible with family, community and strong faith along with adequate emotional and physical outlets.

To help create a child's emotional well-being, it's important to schedule 'down time' away from household chores, homework, study and the computer. Time spent playing sports or partaking in The Arts helps to feed ones' natural desire to release built-up emotional stress, inhibitions, fears and anxieties. The endorphins that are released during physical activity allow us to emotionally and physically move beyond the most horrible moment, refreshing our psyche and allowing us to muddle through the next obstacle with a renewed strength. We're all going to need a lot more outlets to get through the troubling months that are seemingly ahead of us. We need to start by helping to create a happier home beginning with well-balanced children. Like eating a '5-food-group-balanced-meal' that our parents stressed when we were kids, maybe we can use sports and The Arts as veggies on our children's plate this year!

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