by Gina Scarpa

 

This week, on So You Think You Can Dance, Ashley Valerio and Kupono Aweau performed a Shane Sparks hip hop routine that didn’t go over too well with the judges.  The panel felt that they were out of sync and the energy diminished as the routine wore on.  Last night, they found themselves in the bottom three couples and had to dance for their lives.  Up against Caitlin Kinney and Kayla Radomski, Ashley danced a strong solo that earned her positive feedback from the judges.  When it came time to hand down a decision, though, it was Ashley who was sent home.  Today, she spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about her experiences on the show.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: I know that you’ve tried out for the show a few times.  What has the journey to Top 20 been like for you?
A. Ashley: It’s been a journey, it’s been a struggle, you know?  I think that my style is really different.  Either you like it or you hate it.  I think they admired my persistence.  I made it to Vegas three times and this time, I finally made Top 20.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was your reaction when you found out that Kupono was going to be your partner?
A. Ashley: I was really excited because he has a really quirky personality.  We kind of meshed because I’m really goofy and silly.  I’m relaxed but he’s kind of anal so it’s a good mixture.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: We didn’t really get to see your unique style until you made Top 20.  Do you feel like you didn’t get enough camera time in the audition rounds?
A. Ashley: I think it does help when you get a little more camera time because people get to see you right away.  It was difficult. 

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: After your crash test dummies piece last week, it was a little surprising that you and Kupono were safe, only because it was so out there.  What was your reaction when you found out you were safe?
A. Ashley: I was so scared!  I had no idea!  You just don’t know.  I feel like everybody is incredible.  I think our piece was so different and out there.  I was afraid people weren’t going to understand it.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you think that that was the problem with Kayla and Max this week?
A. Ashley: It could’ve been.  I really don’t know because, as a dancer, I really loved that piece.  That could’ve definitely been the issue.  

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Which choreographers were the toughest, in a good way, to work with?
A. Ashley: I would have to say that I’ve always wanted to work with Wade and Mia.  That’s what I kept saying before the show and I Did.  Wade is such a gentle soul and he was so sweet and kind but he pulled something out of me that I normally didn’t have.  When I worked with Mia, at that point, I was so tired.  I felt like I couldn’t go on and she pushes you past your limit.  She’s like the God of dance.  I think she’s amazing.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You received good feedback from the judges after your solo.  Were you surprised that you were the one to go home?
A. Ashley: Yeah, a little bit.  It’s always scary being in the bottom three because you have that chance of going home.  You don’t know what’s going to happen.  After I did my solo, I was really happy and pleased with what I did.  I finally got to be me and it felt great.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you have any favorite dancers in the competition?
A. Ashley: I don’t just because I think that they’re all different.  I’ve gotten to know all of them.  I’ll probably vote for every single one of them.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What are your plans now?
A. Ashley: I have no idea what I’m going to do.  I’ll probably go home and eat.  As far as dancing goes, I think I just want to audition for everything I possibly can.  I’d love to work with Justin Timberlake or Janet Jackson someday.  I’d like to go in that area.   Whatever happens…

 

Be sure to tune in to So You Think You Can Dance when the Top 16 hit the stage, Wednesday night at 8pm on FOX.
 
(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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