Remote Controlled : Arizonan's sharp moves propel him into top 10 on Fox's 'Dance'
Opinion by Gerald M. Gay
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.12.2009
Ade Obayomi dazzled the judges Wednesday night with his flashy, funky disco moves on the Fox reality competition "So You Think You Can Dance."
Together with his partner, Melissa Sandvig, Obayomi threw down techniques that put Travolta's "Saturday Night Fever" schtick to shame. The dancers earned raves from judge Nigel Lythgoe and rampant, ear-piecing screams of approval from Lythgoe's female counterpart, Mary Murphy.
Impressive feats on the dance floor have been Obayomi's MO since he became one of the program's final 20 contestants last month.
So it was surprising to hear the Chandler artist admit that he had no interest in dancing as a child.
"My mom put me in this dance program that my school offered," the 20-year-old said in a phone interview last week. "It was either that, or I'd have to wait on the curb until she picked me up at 5 (p.m.) after school ended at 2 (p.m.)"
He eventually fell in love with the art form and got good at it. He honed his skills while attending Corona del Sol High School in Tempe and made regular trips to Tucson to participate in dance showcases and workshops at the University of Arizona.
"It grew from a hobby into an obsession, an art," he said.
Today, Obayomi is enjoying his time as one of the final 10 contestants on the program.
He spoke to the Star from rehearsals in Los Angeles.
We are down to the final 10. Are you feeling the pressure?
"I'm doing all right. No one has really hated on me yet. I'm just trying to do my thing and hopefully impress people. So far, so good. We'll see how it goes."
Which part of this experience makes you the most nervous?
"I get the most nervous on Thursdays, elimination days. We have a routine. We try to figure out if we did well enough to stay in the competition. It is a nerve-racking day. Everybody tries to stay calm.
"When we shoot the show, it is fun and exciting. Everyone is there. The audience is crazy. I love (host) Cat (Deeley) and the judges. Thursday is the bad day."
Is it easier or harder than you thought it would be?
"The days are longer than I thought they would be. I knew a lot of work went into it, but it is a lot more than I ever imagined.
"When you are actually in it, your weeks are very long. You wake up early, dance all day, then just go to bed at night.
"We have Sundays off this year, which is amazing. Last year, they had no days off. We get time to sleep, rest our bodies, recuperate."
What has been your greatest challenge so far?
"My greatest challenge is probably ballroom dance. I've grown to love it. I respect it so much and the people who do it well. I want to be one of those people. I am really into it. I love learning it and trying to perfect it."
Were you confident going into this competition?
"I never thought I would get this far. I dreamt and hoped I would. But they see so many people at auditions. I tried out the year before and got cut in Vegas.
"This time, I made it through every round and kept going and going. When I made the top 20, I was dying I was so excited. I was crying and emotional. It is still crazy, but I'm happy."
Which judge scares you the most?
"They are not that scary anymore. They give harsh criticism. But the stage is like home to us now. We just take their criticism and try to fix it so they can give us a good comment next time."
Your mom got you into dancing. Is your family still supportive?
"They love it. My mom came to the taping yesterday to see it live. She is really into it and loved meeting everyone."
Where do you hope this experience takes you?
"I just want to work. Hopefully, I can do tours with artists, backup dancing. Even teaching is a great way to get your name out there, make money and meet people. The show opens so many doors. Hopefully, I can take each one that comes my way and see how it goes."
Contact reporter Gerald M. Gay at 573-4137 or ggay@azstarnet.com.
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