The first Industry event for 2009 was hosted by SYTYCD judge Matt Lee in replacement of Leah ‘Rose’ Howard and those present included a bevy of So You Think You Can Dance “who’s who”, both from Season 1 and 2, and some actors from Home & Away. The night was opened by a great contemporary piece choreographed by Jason Winters.
Hiphop dominated the night and saw some great crews performing including runners-up at the Australian Hiphop Championships, J Town, choreographed by talented Top 20 SYTYCD Season 2 dancer Jesse Rasmussen and his brother, Joel. The crew demonstrated why they took out 2nd place with their smooth, precise and ‘oh-so-clean’ nu-skool style, and it is obvious that they are destined for great things in the future and will be forerunners in changing the face of the Hiphop industry.
Other well known crews who performed include Psyke; the explosive all girl crew Deja led by SYTYCD Season 2 Top 20 dancer Pania Taku and Top 100 dancer Stacy Peke and upcoming talent Pamela Sitjar; Limited Edition; Urban Dance Project and NuFirm.
A surprise piece was Chaz from New Zealand with his back-up dance crew of three mini-me Beyonce’s and his crowd roaring mock-up of the hit single “Single Ladies”.
A couple of notable up and coming choreographers include Sally Hare, who choreographed a contemporary piece that included SYTYCD Season 1 Top 6 dancer Graeme Isaako and SYTYCD Season 2 Top 20 dancer Danny; Brooke Tulloch, who choreographed a Hiphop piece and; Christian Patterson who choreographed a contemporary piece that included SYTYCD Season 1 Top 20 dancers Rhiannon Villareal and Hilton Denis and SYTYCD Season 2 Top 20 dancers BJ Rourke, Stephen Tannos and Kat Risteska. These young dancer-choreographers showed that they are part of the next generation of talent that is sweeping the Australian dance industry.
Singers who performed included Nyree Joseph from Australian Idol, RnB artist Israel, and Prince of Thieves, who inspired an impromptu popping performance by SYTYCD Season 2 Top 20 dancer Timomatic.
Written By: Warren Roma
