By Jon Tattrie - The Weekly News
On a chilly blue Saturday morning, dozens of aspiring East Coast dancers lined up outside of the Bella Rose theatre at Halifax West High School, limbering up for their shot at a spot on So You Think You Can Dance.
The CTV show is holding auditions across the country for a chance to dance in front of the judges and a Canada-wide audience. The winner will be declared Canada's Next Favourite Dancer and grab the $100,000 prize. Contestants must be of legal age (19 in Nova Scotia) and under 30, but otherwise, it's wide open.
Chris Pelrine from St. Margaret's Bay Road held a bag containing his tap-dance shoes. He took the strategic decision to go tap, figuring it'd make him stand out. Pelrine, who works for Halifax Film, has been dancing for 21 years. He tried out in season one and missed the auditions for season two, which were held in Saint John, N.B.
"This year, since they're back in Halifax, I figured, 'Hey, why not?'" he said outside the arts centre. "It's a tough business and you have to be prepared for a lot of rejection. I mean, as soon as you realize that, personally, I just go out there and dance for the love of it. I get to express my emotions and just put it all out there and that's what drives me to do it. If people don't like it, if people do - I mean, it's totally subjective and we're here to get constructive criticism and work on our craft."
Linemate Margo Nicole Smith, also of Halifax, said she was there to "dance and have fun."
"I get my energy from my music," she said. She had worked out her one-minute solo routine, but her musical selection ran afoul of copyright issues and she was preparing to freestyle to a new song.
"I know the song and I like it," she said. "Whenever I hear music, I can't not dance. Hopefully it goes well."
Despite inviting media to the auditions, the crew of SYTYCD kept a tight lid on things. Only dancers were allowed inside and judge Jean Marc Genereux would only discuss what had gone on in general terms. He wouldn't say how many dancers had tried out or comment on any performances.
"Every style was well represented today -from ballroom to ballet to krump, and everything in between," he said via email after a long day of try-outs. "The feel of the East Coast was represented. A generous, open spirit. The dancers were ready to give it their all."
Halifax was the only East Coast stop this year, so it drew dancers from across Atlantic Canada.
"We have a huge country and the East Coast is definitely a big player," Genereux wrote. "We're leaving this place with some really great dancers on board. The prairies are next, but Halifax left a great impression."
After a stop in Calgary next weekend, the show will cull a list of finalists. SYTYCD is scheduled to air on CTV later this year, but producers couldn't offer a firmer date.
jon@jontattrie.ca
