Dellos Instructors are featured on, “So You Think You Can Dance?”
What has become a favorite family reality show, became a ‘true reality’ for three Dellos Staff members who were selected from over 10,000 competitors across the U.S., to compete on the nationally televised, “So You Think You Can Dance?” Amanda Kirby from Chino Valley got memorable airtime when her father’s Multiple Sclerosis story was featured, “My Dad loves watching me dance and I”m doing this show for him”, she smiled. The blue-eyed beauty’s jazz/contemporary style wowed the judges to a spot in the top 30 women, after a week of grueling choreography cuts. “It was an amazing experience, but I guess in the end I wasn’t what they were looking for.” Alexie Agdeppa of Walnut got a lot of airtime coverage and a tv closeup after being told she made it to the Vegas round of competition. She excitedly ran straight towards the camera with her ticket held in front of her face upside down, and screamed, “I’m going to Vegas… I’m going to Vegas!” A UCLA graduate, Alexie is enjoying a few years of working professional dance gigs before she settles into her ‘real career’. “I just love the stage… that’s where I’m the happiest!”, she giggles. Pauline Mata of West Covina made it to the top 21 girls before the final cut was made that announced the top 10 males and females that America would utlimately vote for weekly. “The camera caught me crying when I left the stage. It was right there in my face and I couldn’t hold back my emotions. I remembering saying, I’m not going to give up…. I’m just gonna come back and try again!” Pauline adds, “It was an incredible experience – from the people that I met to the amazing choreographers I got to work with!” Lessening the disappointment of being sent home after surviving a second week of cuts, Judge Mary left Pauli with positive words of encouragement, “You were ever so close… you were right there… what a talented dancer you are! We want you to come back and try out for us again next year!”
An ex-professional dancer myself, I understand the challenge of creating and casting a show that appeals to all age groups, ethnicities and interests. It may not necessarily be ‘the best dancer’ that wins, but rather the ‘entire package’ that sells ratings. America’s viewing audience enjoys following people’s personal quests and successes while relating to similar obstacles we all encounter when pursuing our dreams. Dreams and successes don’t happen just to celebrities; they happen to be hard-working, focused young people right here in our own hometown! Was it fate or chance that three Dellos instructors were chosen to represent beautiful Southern California? Dellos is offering their annual Summer Intensives starting the week of July 20th for girls and boys 4-18 years of age. (See advertisement in this issue for dates) Call Dellos for registration and more information. Stop by for a studio tour! 909)597-9370
