by Gina Scarpa

 

The looks on their faces said it all on the season finale of So You Think You Can Dance. No one was happier that Eliana and Chehon were named America's favorites than the two ballet dancers themselves! They were up against stiff competition, with Tiffany and Cyrus never landing in the bottom, but their impressive, emotional, and diverse performances in the second half of the competition propelled them to victory. Eliana and Chehon took some time to chat with RealityWanted and reporters in a press conference call about the season, their win, and the upcoming tour.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: I loved you both this season - you're brilliant dancers! In the finale, you both seemed so surprised at the results.
A. Eliana: I forgot my name! When she said my name, I was like, "Wait, what just happened?" I was not expecting this. I was prepared to just be happy with being runner-up. That's such an awesome honor as well. Honestly, I kind of blacked out.
A. Chehon: The same! I really anticipated being runner-up. Being a runner-up on the show is such a special spot as well. I just didn't think I would win! I didn't have anything prepared to say or do. I didn't know how to act. I was hoping Cat didn't say the wrong name by accident.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What would you say was your defining moment this seasons?
A. Eliana: Bang Bang! I know I talk about it a lot but it definitely challenged me. It got me to show vulnerability.
A. Chehon: I think my most defining moment was when my mom was able to come out. That week was the week I really thought I would be going home. It was after the week I did hip hop and I was in the bottom the week before. I just thought that would be my last week. Having my mom come out was so special. She hasn't seen me dance since I was a student. For some reason, that was my breakthrough moment.

 

Q. Eliana, you seemed absolutely ecstatic when Cat said you were the winner. Did you think Tiffany was going to win?
A. Eliana: I thought Tiffany was going to win. She's beautiful and an amazing person. I was prepared for that. Yeah... it was shock and it was everything honestly.

 

Q. In your final words, you said you went on the show to give ballet a good reputation. Can you talk about what you meant by that?
A. Eliana: I think I wanted people to see a different side of it. It doesn't have a negative connotation but it's underappreciated. There's a lot more to offer and I wanted people to see it the way Chehon and I see it.

 

Q. Do you think it was a coincidence that you and Chehon were both ballet dancers and won?
A. Eliana: I think it was pure coincidence because it's who America relates to, enjoys, and connects with. It's such a huge honor that we're representing ballet. Ballet is such a great foundation to have as a dancer.

 

Q. There was a moment during the season where Nigel told you to enjoy your performances more. To clarify, were you enjoying them or did you view them as work?
A. Chehon: I think my first couple of performances were hindered because I was extremely nervous and scared of failing. I'm a perfectionist and I wanted to be the best I could be in everything I do. I just focused so much on trying to get the routines together and the technique instead of enjoying the experience. It was definitely just the pressure I felt in the beginning of needing to be good. I knew I had so much to live up to.

 

Q. Eliana, what went through your mind when Nigel said Desmond Richardson wants you to join his company?
A. Eliana: Absolutely! When I heard that, my jaw dropped. That's definitely one of the companies I want to work with. It was amazing to work with him in the first week. I would love to work with him after the tour!

 

Q. Would you two like to return to SYTYCD as all stars?
A. Eliana: Without a doubt!
A. Chehon: Yeah, I think I'd like that but even more so, I'd like to submit a reel to possibly choreograph in the future. That's something I'm really passionate about.

 

Q. With the upcoming tour, what routines are you hoping will be part of it?
A. Chehon: I'm hoping that Eliana does Bang Bang and maybe I can do Alex's part. I'm hoping to do Stacey's piece that I do with Alison and maybe Eliana could do that with me.
A. Eliana: Yes!
A. Chehon: There's been some great group routines.
A. Eliana: I would love the Mia piece with the straps.
A. Chehon: We can replace it with poles!

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa