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The Glee Project Season 2: Exclusive Interview with Dani Shay

Posted on 06/14/2012 by Gina in The Glee Project and Cast Interviews

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Dani Shay from The Glee Project Season 2

 

by Gina Scarpa

 

This week, on The Glee Project, the dance challenge proved to be difficult for just about all of the contestants. That being said, it was Dani, Tyler, and Lily who were singled out the most and had to give last chance performances in order to stay in the competition. Although Glee creator Ryan Murphy said that Dani's talent was undeniable, he and the other mentors agreed that she was more of an artist, and not as much of the type of performer that they were looking for. Today, we talked to Dani to get her perspective on her elimination from the show.


Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you want to do The Glee Project?
A. Dani: Well, when my friend introduced me to Glee, I was really moved by their storylines and how they are really trying to push the boundaries and expose new kinds of characters on tv. I was like, "I wanna give that a shot!" I've done musical theater when I was in high school and it's been seven years since I've done a musical. I actually wasn't nervous. I was more excited about it all and see where it was going to go. I didn't feel too nervous until I had to dance.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When you found out this week's challenge was "Danceability", what was your reaction?
A. Dani: The immediate reaction was: "Oh... no." I knew, coming in, that was going to be a struggle for me. I remember being in Footloose and I had a couple of friends who were all very good dancers. I remember crying to them and being like, "Why can't I just get this?!" I can dance. I know that I can dance, it's just a matter of the memorization and when the pressure is on... I really have to have time to absorb it.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Why do you think that you struggled so much with the choreography? Do you think it was more about your ability or your confidence?
A. Dani: I knew the dance. I rehearsed the crap out of that dance. The night before, I ran it so many times. The first thing I did the next morning was do the dance right then and there. It was eight counts. It was a very short dance. Then, when we arrived, we found out the circumstances were going to be different. My outfit was a lot tighter, we had to dance on carpet, and not to mention, the stress of doing the shoot. But I feel like after all of that started to happen, I got into my head about it and that's when it all came apart.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The question viewers are asking this week is whether or not someone should be eliminated first because of their attitude, as opposed to their talent or fit for Glee. What is your opinion on that? Do you think people with bad attitudes should've been in the line of fire?
A. Dani: One thing that was strange for me was that because Tyler and Lily had previously been in the bottom... that was one thing in my mind where I was like, "I should have the opportunity to show that I can take this criticism and use it." Ultimately, it comes down to who they really see in the long haul. I think that whether someone is a fit for Glee is really what it comes down to. They may have an attitude but don't forget. There are characters on Glee who have a big attitude.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Obviously, it's tough to get eliminated so early on but when you look back on it, how do you feel about it now?
A. Dani: Well, it was challenging being eliminated week 2 because I did kind of have in my mind that I would go on further. Once I left, it was hard for about a week and then, I processed through it and realized that I'm gonna do my thing regardless. I'm going to keep doing my music, which I love. I belong doing my music. Once I left, I started doing P90X, that workout, and I started studying musical theory. I just wanted to amp up me. I wanted to become a strong presence, not necessarily for the musical theater world, but just for performance in general. In retrospect, I look back on it and know that it needed to be happen. I know the outcome and it's perfect.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Even though you know the outcome, and can't give anything away, who are you rooting for?
A. Dani: I am on Team Allie all the way.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's the biggest thing you're taking away from being on The Glee Project?
A. Dani: I feel like... hmm, okay. I'm going to give you my real, full answer. Aside from the wonderful relationships that I formed from being on The Glee Project and the connections that I made, the biggest thing that I'm taking away from it is the opportunity to really put myself under the microscope and see where I really want to go with my music and my life. After leaving, it was like, "What do I really want?" The mentors were right. I do belong doing my music. This was just a wonderful experience to gain some exposure, make some great friends, and continue to grow as an artist.

 


The Glee Project airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on Oxygen.

 

(Image courtesy of Oxygen)

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa


  


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