by Gina Scarpa

 

Last night, on So You Think You Can Dance, it was the end of the road for contemporary dancer AdeChike Torbert. He was eliminated just one week shy of the finale but left feeling satisfied with his journey. Today, he spoke to RealityWanted and reporters in a press conference call about the highs and lows of being part of the Top 11 on So You Think You Can Dance.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The judges were really tough on you but America seemed to really support you. How do you feel about the way the judges treated you this season?
A. AdeChike: It was hard to stand up there and take the negative criticism. It really made me stronger and it made me want to fight even more. I was thankful for the strong support system from America.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's the best piece of advice that you received?
A. AdeChike: To have fun! It's hard to have fun because you've worked so hard and then they tell you that you've done terrible.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Which dance of yours are you most hoping makes the tour?
A. AdeChike: I'm not sure. I feel like all of my best dances were with all stars that aren't on the tour. I really enjoyed my duet with Kent. That was really fun.

 

Q. The judges did mention that you did come into your own and you did loosen up. What changed?
A. AdeChike: I stopped dancing for the judges and started dancing for myself. I wasn't looking for their approval. I didn't need them to determine my success on the show.

 

Q. Do you hope that you have inspired young dancers and what advice do you have for them?
A. AdeChike: I hope so. I hope that I can be an inspioration and a role model. My advice would be to stay focused and if you love something, stick with it no matter what anybody says. Follow your heart. You have to the master of your destiny.

 

Q. What was your favorite piece that you danced this season?
A. AdeChike: My favorite dance was the one that I just did with Kathyn, choreographed by Desmond Richardson.

 

Q. Last week, the judges said that you looked tired and felt you were running out of energy. How were you feeling?
A. AdeChike: I was pretty exhausted. I was tired but I did everything I could to get through that week.

 

Q. Do you have a favorite to win?
A. AdeChike: No, I love all three of them and they're all deserving of being America's favorite dancer. I hope they enjoy this last opportunity and live in the moment.

 

Q. What surprised you most about your experience on the show?
A. AdeChike:The hardest thing was dealing with the negative criticism. You work hard, you want to do well.

 

Be sure to tune in when the Top 3 hit the stage on So You Think You Can Dance, Wednesday at 8/7c on Fox.

 

(Image courtesy of Fox)

 

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

For more SYTYCD links, visit SirLinksALot.net