Reality show finalists show they really can dance

Published 11:06 pm Wednesday, November 28, 2007

EVERETT — Generally speaking, screaming hordes don’t greet dance troupes, making Wednesday night in downtown Everett something of a rarity.

Here was a crowd, 7,400 strong, willing to whoop at the mere mention of a hummingbird routine.

Granted, this enthusiastic lot didn’t come to see ordinary dancers. The top 10 finalists from the TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” drew the crowd to the Comcast Arena at the Everett Events Center. It was the finalists’ second-to-last stop on a tour that began in mid-September.

“This is an honor and a dream come true, to be on this stage right now,” said Dominic Sandoval, one of the finalists.

Thanks to shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars,” the art of dance is enjoying popularity unimagined a decade ago. Wednesday’s revue balanced itself between solo performances, elaborately choreographed group routines and partner dances, such as a jaunty disco number that came near the show’s opening.

Neil Haskell shimmied out in a powder blue suit, grabbing a hold of Sara VonGillern, wearing a revealing pink skirt, to the disco thump of Rachel Stevens’ “Knock on Wood.” The two twirled and snapped through their retro-cool routine.

Haskell was a clear crowd favorite; his numbers met with monstrous applause and piercing cheers. Some, such as Bremerton resident Ashley Richardson, said he was an amazing dancer. Granted, that wasn’t the only appeal for the 20-year-old.

“Well, he’s cute,” Richardson said.

“So You Think You Dance,” which is like “American Idol” for dancers, drew audiences of more than 7 million during its third season on Fox. On Wednesday, the finalists performed some of the show’s most popular numbers, such as the modernist hummingbird routine, mixed with a few surprises.

Hok Konishi, who failed to make the show’s top 10, unexpectedly returned to the stage for a break dance number with VonGillern and Sandoval. With their athleticism fully apparent, the trio bounced like springs, flipping into headstands and rolling off their own heads.

While the show’s pace was often allegro, there were occasional quieter moments.

Sandoval partnered with the TV show’s winner, Sabra Johnson, during the Pretenders’ melodic “I’ll Stand by You.” The elegant contemporary number closed to thunderous applause.

Some might be surprised by the stage show’s popularity, TV or not. But for fans such as Denise Rolak, the appeal is simple.

“I think dancing is inherent in what we are as human beings,” Rolak, 31, said, “and to see people do it well is entertaining.”

Reporter Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455 or e-mail arathbun@heraldnet.com.