by Gina Scarpa
 
This week, on So You Think You Can Dance, the dancers were given new partners and Randi and Kupono became a new couple.  After performing a less than stellar Paso Doble routine, the pair found themselves in the bottom group during the live results show.  Things have changed on the show now, and America decides who stays and who goes.  With the decision out of the judges' hands, the dancers in the bottom performed a solo to show fans what they can do.  In the end, it was the final performance for both Randi and Kupono, who were eliminated from the competition.  Today, Kupono spoke to reporters in a conference call.  Read on to hear what he told RealityWanted about the addiction piece he performed with Kayla, as well as his signature move, his dance idol, and what he hopes to be remembered for.
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Your addiction piece with Kayla is one of my all time favorite dances.  I know it was an emotional journey for you.  What did you get out of that experience?
A. Kupono: The crazy thing is... I was telling Mia about it... she brought stuff out that I didn't know was there.  My family is so much better and I've dealt with everything but clearly, there was something there I didn't know.  It was like therapy.  I needed Mia Michaels in my life, I needed Kayla, I needed that piece.  That whole piece was therapy.
 
Q. Tell everyone about your signature move, which fans can see on Fox.com. 
A. Kupono: That's like my happy dance.  That's what I do backstage to make people laugh, to get my spirits up.  It's just ridiculous.  When you're doing it, you can't help but smile.  I'm all about positive energy!
 
Q. How did dance change you as a person?
A. Kupono: I feel like it made me happier.  It was always in me to be this dancer and now, I can actually do it!
 
Q. What was it like to work with Wade on the Crash Test Dummies piece? 
A. Kupono: When I found out I got Wade, I was ecstatic!  Wade is a very positive person and I'm all about energy.  He told us that he didn't think there was anybody in the Top 20 who could've pulled off that routine better than we did.  It's really weird but I felt very comfortable doing the stuff that he does.  I feel like I do it best or better than some other techniques.  I enjoyed it.  He's an amazing, amazing visionary.  He's a genius.
 
Q. With all the changes this past week, especially with America deciding who goes home, was that easier on you or harder?
A. Kupono: It makes it easier, I guess.  It's kind of out of your hands.  You can only do so much.  When we have to dance that one last time, it's not like I'm dancing for my life.  It's seriously like I'm dancing just to dance.  I'm just there to live on that stage.  I enjoy it and I definitely don't mind it.  Now, it's not a matter of, "Am I good enough?"  It's a popularity contest.  I was good enough to make Top 20, I was good enough to make Top 10.
 
Q. What dancers do you idolize?
A. Kupono: Coming from Hawaii, the industry is not that big so I feel kind of bad but I don't know all these major dancers and big names.  The people that I kind of idolize are friends on my own that have grown up and done things.  Obviously, Mark Kanemura has inspired me.  He made me think that I can do just as much, if not more, because I know him on a personal level.  He doesn't seem so distant. 
 
Q. What do you hope America remembers most about you?
A. Kupono: I want to say, if not for my dancing, then for my fun spirit.  I like to think that I'm a fun guy, a cool cat. 
 
Be sure to tune in when the Top 8 hit the stage on So You Think You Can Dance, Wednesday night at 8pm ET on FOX!

(Image courtesy of FOX) 

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