by Gina Scarpa

 

This past weekend, So You Think You Can Dance kicked off their national tour in Orlando, FL. Over the next two months, they'll travel to 32 cities, bringing fans some of the most memorable routines from season 8, along with some new dances as well! Today, we caught up with contemporary dancer Caitlynn Lawson to not only find out more about her experiences on So You Think You Can Dance, but hear about life on tour as well!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: I assume you were a fan of the show before trying out. What made you decide to audition?
A. Caitlynn: I had been watching it since the first season. I had always told my mom I was going to try out and make it one day. She was like, "Okay, sure." It was funny because everyone was like, "You're from a small town. I'm sure you'll get over the whole dance thing soon." I was inspired by all of the dancers on the show. It was my way to see what the world of dance was like. The whole show inspired me. As soon as I turned 18, I went to the auditions in Utah and I thought I most likely wouldn't make it. I made it to Vegas, made it through that, and just kept going. It's been a dream come true!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Being that you were such a fan, what was it like to step out onto the stage for the first performance?
A. Caitlynn: You have this idea of what it's going to be like and what you hope it'll be like. It was so much better than anything I could've expected. Being with those judges, working with the choreographers, and being in front of all those people is the most amazing feeling.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Who was your favorite person to work with?
A. Caitlynn: My favorite choreographer on the show is Sonya [Tayeh]. I mean, they're all amazing but I started and ended my journey with her. She's just such an amazing person. She cares about you so much. She was really, really amazing to work with.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You didn't get a whole lot of tv time during the audition and Vegas rounds. Were you worried when you saw those episodes, in terms of building a fan base?
A. Caitlynn: It's a tv show. You never know what's going to happen. I was just happy that I was there at all, really. It's always better to have as much airtime as possible. You just have to work with what they give you.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was the major difference between dancing with the all stars versus dancing with your fellow contestants?
A. Caitlynn: Definitely the advantage of working with an all star is that they've already been through the process. They're obviously at a higher level than the rest of us. That's really the only difference. Working with the contestants that are on the show is more like a friendship and you learn together. The all stars had so much advice to give and they're already in the industry. Working with Pasha was like getting a free ballroom lesson. He was so much fun to work with and he really took the time to make sure I knew what I was doing. I felt more prepared.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's been the best part about being on tour?
A. Caitlynn: Oh gosh! I think getting to meet all the fans has been absolutely amazing and I can't wait to keep doing that. Seeing the country - I've never been to the East Coast. It's so cool around here! I'm having such a great time meeting everyone and hearing how the show has touched their lives. Hearing that what you do is appreciated has been amazing.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It must be hard to keep your stamina going while on the road. How do you do it?
A. Caitlynn: Stamina has definitely been the main thing throughout this whole process, starting back in Vegas week! Definitely on tour... we have 50 numbers in 2 hours... stamina is even more important now. Every show is like that and we have a show every other day, three or four times a week. You constantly need stamina. We're all staying in shape!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Does the tour consist of mostly favorite routines from the season or are there some new dances we haven't seen before?
A. Caitlynn: I think it's mostly favorites from the season but then we also have some new stuff, especially some new group numbers. It's exciting because people haven't seen it before and exciting for us because we got to learn some new stuff. It's a pretty good mixture of dances.

 

Check out So You Think You Can Dance when the tour comes to your hometown! The full list of dates and ticket information can be found here.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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