Eliminated So You Think You Can Dance contestant, Adechike Torbert still sounded tired on this afternoon’s conference call with reporters.
He thanked his fans for voting him through each week, despite the judges’ criticisms and hopes he can become an inspiration for dancers who come from tough circumstances like himself. Read the interview, after the jump.
Also, watch Adechike’s post-show press conference with reporters after last night’s loss.
Interview and Videos after the JUMP…
The judges were really tough on Adechike, but America was behind him. What does he think about the way the judges treated him this season? “It’s hard to stand up there and take the negative criticism. It only made me stronger…it only made me want to fight even more. I’m really thankful that I had such a strong support system from the fans. I really owe it to them.”
What was the best piece of advice he received from the judges? “To have fun—but it’s hard to have fun because you work so hard and you get up there, and then they tell you that you’ve done terrible. It’s a hard moment to enjoy.”
What helped Adechike loosen up and come into his own in the competition? “I stopped answering for the judges and started answering for myself. I wasn’t looking for their approval anymore. I didn’t need them to determine my success on the show.”
On being a male dancer from a tough neighborhood. Does he feel he’s helped others who have come from similar situations? “I hope so. I hope that I can be an inspiration because I didn’t really have that growing up. I hope that dancing is now cool in guys’ eyes. I hope that I can be a role model and an inspiration.”
What advice does he have for younger dancers who want to end up in a spot like he did? “Stay focused. If you love something, just stick with it, no matter what anybody says. Follow your heart and follow your dreams and you have to be a master of your destiny. Just create it.”
What was his favorite dance of the season? “My favorite dance would have to be the one I just did with Kathryn, choreographed by Desmond Richardson.”
The judges criticized Adechike for losing energy and looking tired during his routines Wednesday night. How was he really feeling during his dances? “I was exhausted. I’m sure everyone else was. I was pretty tired. But I did everything I could to get through the two dances. I’m just glad that I completed them.”
Who would he like to see win? Does he have a favorite? “I love all three of them. I think they are all equally deserving of being America’s Favorite Dancer. I just hope that they enjoy this last opportunity to showcase themselves and live in the moment.”
What was the hardest about his experience on the show? “Dealing with the negative criticism—you work really hard and you want to do well. Sometimes you feel like you’ve done great, and then you get up there in front of the panel and they tell you you haven’t–just digesting all of that information that they give you.”
What dance is hoping to perform on tour? “All of my best dances are with all-stars that aren’t on the tour. I really enjoyed my duet with Kent. That was a really fun piece. Hopefully that makes. it.”
Were there any special precautions he took to keep himself injury free? “I tried to get as much sleep as possible. I really tried to warm myself up and just listen to my body. We put our bodies through so much abuse on the show. We’re just constantly pushing ourselves. There were moments when I would do certain dances—does it feel ok? I let the choreographer know and tried to find an alternative.”
Is there a favorite dance from one of the other contestants? “I loved Twitch and Alex’s hip hop number. That was pretty fantastic. That’s probably one of my favorites.”
Does he have any plans after the tour is over? “I’d like to do a lot of things. I’m in the process of getting an agent and I really want to do some stuff on Broadway and I’m thinking of moving out to LA. I’d really like to get into the TV and movie industry.”
Was there anybody in the house he became particularly close with? “Definitely Jose. Me and Jose were really cool from Vegas. We clicked automatically. I think we have similar personalities. He’s genuine. By the end of the show we became like brothers. He’s like a life-long friend and I cherish our friendship.”
Closing remarks: “Thank you to everyone. It’s been such an awesome journey, and I’d like to thank the fans for putting me through every week no matter what the judges said or how they felt. It’s such a great opportunity. I encourage all dancers to at least audition. It’s a life changing experience. I’m excited to see where the future takes me.”
Adechike’s post show interview
Another post-show interview with Adechike
via Zap2it
