They All Think They Can Dance

Sep 18th, 2008 | By Blog Editor | Category: Dance Entertainment, Newest Posts

Just when Americans had forgotten about So You Think You Can Dance, it shows up again.

Judge Tre Armstrong, host Leah Miller and judge Jean Marc Genereux (CTV.ca)

Not only does the American SYTYCD Top-Ten Tour kick off in Tacoma, Washington on September 20, but dancers in both Canada and Australia are now competing for spots on their respective versions of the show.

Canada

SYTYCD Canada just wrapped up the national audition tour, finishing in Montreal and Calgary. And apparently, Canadian fans should look forward to some great performances. After the Calgary auditions, judge Jean Marc Genereux admitted, “We could have made a show with a Top 20 from every single city.”

Dan Karaty, a judge and hip-hop choreographer, said he was impressed by “the wonderful mix of dance styles” that he saw in auditions. “It wasn’t all hip hop, or heavy on ballroom.”

Tara-Jean Popowich in Calgary (CTV.ca)

SYTYCD Canada’s Calgary stop included an audition from wheelchair dancer Harmanie Shairp, who performed with partner Lindsay Eals. And, the judges saw Eileen “DJ Dove” Flomata return for her third audition. The judges sent Flomata home after both Vancouver and Halifax–but by Calgary, she had improved enough to earn a seat in the Toronto finals.

SYTYCD Canada judges begin cutting their 200 finalists on October 1. After Finals Week, Canadian viewers will have the dancers for their The Top 20 show, scheduled to air on Wednesday, October 8.

The SYTYCD Canada cast includes host Leah Miller. In her regular job, Miller hosts Canada’s MuchOnDemand, a production of the MuchMusic music station. But, she has a dance background. Miller danced competitively until she was 16 years old, and at 13 years old, she was even crowned “Junior Miss Dance of Canada.” “I have

Jeremy Tran-Huu in Montreal (CTV.ca)

such respect for what dancers are capable of,” Miller said.

Jean Marc Genereux and Tré Armstrong will act as regular judges. The third seat at the judging table will belong, alternately, to Luther Brown and Blake McGrath. Special judges will include Rex Harrington, Melissa Williams, Sean Cheesman, Dan Karaty, Paul Becker, and Mary Murphy.

Australia

SYTYCD Australia will hold auditions right on the heels of its Canadian counterpart. Now in its second season, SYTYCD Australia will begin auditions on September 28 in Adelaide. From there, the audition tour will continue to Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

SYTYCD Australia is hosted by actress and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte. The show’s regular judges include Jason Coleman, Bonnie Lythgoe (yes, there’s a connection to Nigel), and Matt Lee.

No: SYTYCD Canada and SYTYCD Australia will not air on US networks. But somehow, I think plenty of fans will find ways to watch.

Photos from CTV.ca

Tags: So You Think You Can Dance, SYTYCD, SYTYCD Australia, SYTYCD Canada