So You Think You Can Dance Canada: Emanuel Sandhu on making the top 10

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      World-class figure skater turned So You Think You Can Dance Canada finalist, Emanuel Sandhu took some time out from his hectic show schedule to give us an update on his experience so far on the competition. Sandhu, who tried out for last year’s competition—but missed the top 20—has secured himself a position as a top 10 finalist this season.

      With the competition half-way done—and the stakes getting higher—this natural performer seems to be as focused as ever. Here is what he had to say to the Straight about how is dealing with it all.

      Last time we talked you were excited about the top 20 and now you’ve made it to top 10. How are you feeling?

      I know, it’s just amazing—I have to pinch myself. The other day it felt like I was in a surreal little bubble and I was questioning myself asking, ”˜Okay, is this really happening?’ and I can’t believe we’re going on tour as well. It’s really exciting to me.

      How have your emotions changed since this all began? Are you more nervous, more confident?

      I would have to say all of the above. This type of journey definitely puts you through the paces, and it’s a good thing because it makes you grow as a person, and certainly I’ve grown as a person and as a dancer. I’ve been exposed to so many things—genres, choreographers, other dancers—it really is an amazing experience.

      What has been the most surprising so far?

      That’s an interesting question because I’m the type of person that always tells myself to be prepared for anything. I think part of that is having an open mind, because anything can happen and by having an open mind and being ready for it you are prepared and face less surprising situations.

      You and your dance partner Kim seem to have an undeniable chemistry. Did you feel that right from the beginning?

      At the beginning it was sort of like two kids sticking their toes in the water to see what temperature it was at, there is always a bit of trepidation but after when we got to see each other’s energy, we could really work off each other and certainly we did have that chemistry. I’m very grateful for having her as my partner for the last five weeks.

      Last night you danced with Tara-Jean Popowich. Is it difficult to change partners at this point in the competition when you’ve been dancing with the same person since the start?

      You certainly get used to somebody’s energy and somebody being there if you’ve been dancing with them for five weeks. My experience is definitely not partnering in the first place so that adds a challenge, and now, in the top 10, the challenge is kind of two-fold because you are being switched constantly with different people and you have all sorts of different genres thrown at you at the same time.

      How do you deal with the praise and, more importantly, the naysayers who question your dancing and your place in the competition?

      To tell you the honest truth, I’ve been so focused on rehearsing and practicing and busy with the show that I haven’t had time to read anything. I really don’t get into that kind of stuff because I find that it can be very distracting—whether it’s positive or negative. Sometimes the positive can actually be even more distracting because you can get into a comfort zone, so I tend to stay away from that and not put the cart before the horse. My job right now is to keep focused and be the best dancer that I can be.

      Do you think you have a bit of an edge over the other dancers because of your history in figure skating and dealing with scrutiny from judges and fans in the past?

      I am coming into this almost fresh, even though I understand people know me as a figure skater so I feel like I’ve had to work doubly hard to rebrand myself or transform myself into what people see as a dancer. I’m not sure if I do have an advantage, I would never rest on my laurels—that’s my number one rule and I don’t think that would get me very far. I’ve tried very hard to do the best that I can as a dancer and show people that I’m capable of that as well.

      What’s been the best part of the competition so far? What have you loved most?

       

      I would say I love the wardrobe. The thing is we didn’t have money for clothes when I was growing up so whenever I am able to get a chance, I like to use fashion as an expression of my identity. Plus I feel like I get more into the character, for example with the “Love, Sex, Magic” piece, when I put the mad-hatter outfit as I like to call it—with the big eyelashes and hat, the crazy striped pants and coat—you really feel like you morph into the character. I definitely have a soft spot for the wardrobe.

      Comments

      3 Comments

      gl

      Oct 1, 2009 at 5:00pm

      Emanual Sandhu is my favorite dancer and reading his thought on his journey up 'til now only confirms my support for him. great interview questions

      ml johnstone

      Oct 1, 2009 at 5:08pm

      Kim and Emmanuel are my faves!

      Wisdom

      Oct 2, 2009 at 10:46am

      Arrogant jerk has a false sense of entitlement. I hope he fails.