‘So You Think You Can’ judge

Shane Sparks on choreography and staying humble

 

 

INTERVIEW. Shane Sparks is bringing hip-hop to Middle America. How? Via the tube. With “So You Think You Can Dance” in its third summer season, the choreographer and judge is out to show the world that the musical format is not just city music.

Do you think this show has helped make hip-hop more mainstream?
Definitely. A lot of people think that hip-hop is really aggressive and confrontational, [and] associated with the ghetto. They finally get to see it in a good light with talented dancers and choreographers.

What exactly does a choreographer do?
The choreographer makes the show come alive. It makes the vision of the director and producer come to life through movement, sometimes very subtle movement.

Do you choreograph a routine just for the contestants or is it something you already have in your repertoire?
I do it specifically for that crew, that couple. We pick the songs ahead of time and get them cleared by the producers. We work with them three hours on Friday and three on Saturday. And that’s it. Then it’s up to them to perfect it.

Wow.
It makes you appreciate the dancers so much more. Some of them learn some very intricate stuff that it takes most people months to learn and they do it in a weekend.

The momentum this show has built is incredible. How do you explain its success?
It goes back to dance being the expression of everything and everybody. Every time you get excited, you dance. The first season everyone was just trying to get excited about it. The second season more people watched and now it’s like I hope this runs for another 10 years. It’s a good show for all ages and all kinds of dance hip-hop, salsa, ballroom.

Do you think these kids get a bigger taste of fame than is the reality of a
dancer’s life?
You know what - we was just talking about this. I think it’s totally up to the
dancer to know who they are and what they are before they get on the show. If
you don’t have that sense I think it could destroy you. You go from some no
name in a small town (not that anyone’s a no name but you know what I mean), to being world famous and if you don’t know who you are I think it kind of messes with you.

How do you deal with big egos?
Usually I leave that to (executive producer) Nigel (Lythgoe) because he’ll pick up on that really quick and let them know they’re not that good. You can always be replaced. America is judging on personality as well as dance.

Any advice for dancers who might want to audition for next season?
My advice is practice more than one style. And please be humble, stay focused
and know that this is a TV show that can make your career if you take advantage of the opportunities but it could break you if you don’t know yourself and what you want.

‘So You Think You Can Dance’
Tonight, 8 and tomorrow, 9 p.m., FOX