Chelsea: Obviously, it’s disappointing because no one wants to not succeed at something. But dancing on television is not all about dance. There’s popularity involved, and a cast, and a flavor that they look for for the overall cast that remains each week. I was up against a lot of different talent and diversity. But it’s not about the other dancers as much as it’s about what you draw out of the hat, and how you perform what you draw. The jazz didn’t really go over well in the second week, I don’t think the concept was everyone’s favorite, and then the third week quickstep was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever learned in my life. I’m just blessed that I got to do as much as I did.
Chris: There were six contemporary dancers in the competition this year, and I didn’t even think I was going to make it. In the beginning, three made it to top 20 before me. I feel like the judges are now starting to weed out the contemporary dancers, so I’m not sure how many are going to be left, but the ones who are left are super strong.
There are also some crazy hip hop dancers who are talented in other things; you saw Twitch do the Viennese Waltz and he looked great, and you saw Joshua doing the samba, and he’s a popper. It’s just tough competition! It was such a learning experience trying to use both my style and Comfort’s to the best of our abilities and come together to perform our best in styles we weren’t familiar with.
I think some of the judging might have been a little bit of a surprise, because I was expecting to eventually get some better comments from them…I never got a scream from Mary! It was a little bit of a bummer, but no regrets!
A Moment With Mia
Chelsea: About 10 or 11 years ago, I took a class from Mia Michaels. I was going through this time when I was going into middle school and I was self-conscious, and some of the other girls weren’t nice to me. I was starting to think to myself, ‘do I even like to dance?’ But Mia actually called me up onto the stage from amongst several hundred girls and said ‘I want you to watch this girl walk – she just stands out and you can’t take your eyes off her.’ That was pretty amazing, and it really helped my confidence at a young age. My way of showing her my gratitude was working hard when we did our group piece by her.
Giving And Taking Some Sound Advice
Chelsea: Mia gave us the best advice on the show: When you work a choreographer, it’s not just about what you can do for the choreographer, but it’s what you can take from her or him. In rehearsal, don’t let a single moment pass where you are not with fire and tenacity, jumping at each piece you’re learning. She said, ‘I want you to bleed me dry of all the information I have to share with you, and I expect the best from everyone I work with. Anything less is not sufficient.’
Chris: The best piece of advice I got was from one of the producers. When we were practicing our routines and I felt like I was giving it my all and going full out, he would say ‘that’s not good enough. You’re not showing the intensity in your face…’ it was a wake up call. He was kind of like our dad while we were on the show. He was so honest and everything he had to tell me I took to heart. H was very inspirational and super hard on us and it kept us going.
He has some dance background, and he’s been doing this show for a couple of years now so he knows exactly what looks good and what the judges are going to think. It was great to have him around.
Chelsea: This competition is not all about ability. That’s only a very small percentage of it, because once you get to the top 20, it’s so obvious that everyone’s talented. At that point, it becomes a mental battle. When people crack is when people start to not perform well; stay engaged mentally and try to keep the emotions on a minimal level.
Chris: The advice I could give to future contestants is get ready to work your tail off! I don’t think fun is the word for this competition – it’s amazing and exciting and the greatest thing I’ve ever been through, but it is the hardest work I’ve ever done. You have to be on your game on super-focused. You have to give your all into this show so if you’re not willing to do that. If you have any sort of ego and think you’re above everyone else, you’re not going to succeed on the show. You’re not going to make past the city auditions!
What’s Now?
Chelsea: I had auditioned a couple of years ago for an agency in LA, and they were interested but I wanted to finish college before I moved. I graduated with a degree in business/marketing in December, and then I started the show process in January, so I’m going to follow up with them and see what can come from that. I’m going to use the momentum from the show – it’s nowhere near over!
I did everything that I could possible do with the training that I had. Every time I was on the stage doing my solo, I felt I shined in my own way, which a lot of people never get to do.
Chris: I can’t wait to now go home and be with my family. I want to take as many dance classes as I can and teach. I have school next year – my senior year with college – so I need to get done with that and start my career. This has been a great way to poke my head in. I am going to back to my girlfriend – it’s been tough being so far away and being so focused with the show, but she’s a dancer so she knows what’s going on… I can’t wait to go back and see her, too!
