SYTYCDC 3 – Judges, Background Info, and More! – Toronto Auditions

Hey everyone! We’re FINALLY back fueled by an exciting, brand spanking new premiere of So You Think You Can Dance Canada – Season 3! This season promises to be even more amazing than ever before – that seems to be tough to fathom at the moment, but Canada hardly ever fails to rise to the occasion! Today, I will be introducing the judges to all of our new (and returning) viewers.

Judges

Jean-Marc Généreux: Executive producer, and permanent judge. Ballroom champion (in the 80s, retired in 1998) with partner and wife France Mousseau. Has two children (Jean-Francis & Francesca). Choreographer on American version of SYTYCD. Appeared in Dance With Me (1998) & Shall We Dance (2004). Recently appeared on an episode of Degrassi: The Next Generation (2010).

Tré Armstrong: Permanent judge. Noted for her choreography, dance, and acting. Appeared on Canadian Idol, BET (Black Entertainment Television)’s 106 & Park, and MTV’s Video Music Awards, just to name a few. Has worked internationally. Featured in critically-acclaimed documentary “Breakin’ In: The Making of a Hip Hop Dancer”.

Luther Brown: Permanent judge. Born in Kingston, Jamaica. Recognized by him wearing his shades most of the time. 😀 Renowned Canadian choreographer and a star in the Toronto dance community. Founder of Do Dat Entertainment and co-owner of OIP Dance Centre in Toronto. Has own music record label, “Apathamusic”.

Audition Stand-Outs & Background Info About Them

This is when I review some of my favourites, some stand outs, and then talk about their background information not discussed on the show. Before I begin, I just want to make it clear that some of these dancers are competition-styled dancers and have trained in more than their own genre of dance, have many more connections in the dance world than others, and are usually more versatile.

Shavar “Caution” Blackwood, 24, Toronto: Brother of Leon Blackwood (who auditioned before, I think, and teaches at OIP Dance Centre). He teaches at City Dance Corps in Toronto. Loved that he did a more fluid style of hip hop, and took ballet lessons with his friend Rodrigo to strengthen his foundation. I predict that he will make it to the Top 20.

Kirstie Keenan, 18, Bolton: Mother is diagnosed with lupus and grandmother recently passed away. Her dancing is inspirational. I find her movement and the way she carries herself quite masculine. 2nd place Top Mark Soloist for Dancefest Canada 2009. I predict that she will make it to the Top 40?

Charlene Hart, 22: Great blend of styles in her audition. Luther Brown said that she looks like she works on a cruise ship. HOW DOES ONESELF KNOW THAT?!

Jesse Weafer, 24, Aurora: Very technically trained dancer. Great energy, musicality, and portrays emotion well. I love that he used a Florence + The Machine song. 🙂 He is one of my favourites so far, and he is just SO So You Think You Can Dance. He played “IQ” in Hairspray. Went to Unionville High School (Markham, ON) where he did the Arts York program (very prestigious high school and program). You can watch some of his dance videos from a while back on his YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/jweafer21 Watch the video to see what he thought about his role in Hairspray:

Jennifer Abbey, 23, Etobicoke (listed as Toronto): Love this girl SFM! Reminds me of Comfort Fedoke. Great image and charisma. Used to be in a girl group called Cookie Couture.

Andrew “Pyro” Chung: I think he was a tad overrated, to be completely honest. It seems that there is a lot of comparison between him and the other Asian b-boy who made it straight to the Finals (Christian “Cee”). I don’t think he should’ve made it straight to the Finals – but he does have skill and technique. (EDIT: I just realized I actually know who this guy is. He teaches at VybE Dance Studio and I actually see him all the time! Don’t kill me.)

Adam Sergison, 21?, Toronto: His audition clip was briefly shown, but he is a stand out to me because I know him! We used to go to the same studio (but not at the same time). He has taught me classes before. Has previously auditioned in Season 1 but did not make it to the Top 20. Casted in Camp Rock and We Will Rock You musical. Great technique.

Lineen Doung (pronounced Linen, like the fabric), 24, Toronto: His audition clip wasn’t even shown, but I caught glimpses of him, and they said his name as part of the dancers who made it to the Blake Boot Camp round! I know Lineen as well. I just took a class from him less than a week ago. He teaches regularly at Gotta Dance Studio and sometimes at OIP Dance Centre as well. He is a recent graduate from McMaster University, where he double majored in Physics and Finance/Economics. His YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/BLaZeX20

THIS SEASON IS EXCITING ALREADY! I can’t wait for some more auditions and familiar faces! 🙂