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Saturday, May 10, 2008
Dan Karaty say it's all about connections
"It's all about connections," Dan Karaty says on the first day of So You Think You Can Dance Canada's Halifax tour. "It really is. You make relationships on different jobs and they can turn into so much more."
From the original connections of his Broadway dancing parents, Karaty has an extensive career supporting him at the judging table at both the US and now Canadian SYTYCD.
"I was around dance all the time growing up," Karaty says, citing his formative training in ballet and jazz. His parents had a dance studio in New Jersey, but he didn't discover hip hop until in his late teens.
He cites his connection with Wade Robson, the well-known choreographer from the American SYTYCD, as helping him launch his career, asking Karaty if he would dance for him in Britney Spears's show.
CTV Announces Final Three Judges for Canadian So You Think You Can Dance
CTV announced today the additional So You Think You Can Dance Canada judges set to spark dance fever across the country. Making their debut at the Halifax auditions on Monday, May 5 is star choreographer Melissa Williams from Windsor, ON, who has worked with such artists as Prince and Bryan Adams, and special guest judge Dan Karaty from the hit U.S. series So You Think You Can Dance. Calgary native Sean Cheesman, the current host and lead judge of the U.K. dance competition Dirty Dancing: Time of Your Life, will make his debut as a special guest judge in Calgary on Monday, May 12.
Williams, Cheesman and Karaty join the seven previously announced So You Think You Can Dance Canada judges, including permanent judges Tré Armstrong and Jean Marc Genereux; alternating third judges Luther Brown and Blake McGrath, who is also the audition tour choreographer; and special guest judges Rex Harrington, Paul Becker and Mary Murphy. The cast is completed by series host Leah Miller.
Dancers across America, lace up your dancing shoes! As Reality TV Magazine previously reported, FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance is auditioning for the 2008 season. Recently we had the opportunity to chat with So You Think You Can Dance judge, Dan Karaty, about the upcoming season, his faves, and what it takes to land a spot on the show.
Karaty, who, along with fellow judge, Mary Murphy, and the rest of the So You Think You Can Dance crew, will be visiting, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and Salt Lake City, says that he’s most looking forward to one audition in particular.
“I’m really looking forward to Washington, D.C., just because we’ve always had so much talent in New York City. We’re hoping that the talent of New York City filters on down to D.C.”
Yet, Karaty is quick to point out, he’s also looking forward to seeing what D.C.-natives have to offer, and certainly can’t count out any dancers in any city, openly encouraging all dancers to come out and “take your shot,” even if you’re a hip-hop artist who doesn’t know a thing about ballroom dancing.
“What our show does is incredible,” he says. “The versatility that we require from the contestants is just insane. How many dancers can do [all genres of dance]? To be able to do everything is almost unheard of.”
The key word, of course, being “almost.” Karaty admits that his favorite past competitors are the hip hop artists nobody expected to be able to handle ballroom dancing, such as season one’s Jamile and Ivan, from season two. But both dancers, Karaty explains, “got better every week,” and that’s what he loves most about So You Think You Can Dance.
“Every year it seems like the dancers get better,” he says. “We truly find the most talented dancers out there.”
This, Karaty explains, is what makes So You Think You Can Dance unique from the other dancing shows that have cropped up in the reality TV world. Yet, Karaty couldn’t be more thrilled for the competition.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am [to see more dance competition shows on TV]. For years dance was a background art form – in the back of commercials, in the back of movies, behind the lead singer of a band. I say the more the merrier. I watch all the shows. [America’s Best] Dance Crew is incredible.”
Shimmy: What was it like growing up with parents that performed on Broadway?
Dan: Well, growing up in the Karaty family was a lot of fun. I'm the youngest of five kids, and although my parents were Broadway veterans, when they decided to have kids they gave it up. My father was a stockbroker and my mom stayed home with us. My parents decided to open up a dance studio when I was about 13 years old, and that's when I started to dance. They certainly had plenty of knowledge, talent and experience to pass on to me.
Shimmy: What was your own experience in Footloose like?
Dan: My experience in Footloose was brief, but amazing. To be a part of an original Broadway cast was something I always wanted, and it made my parents very proud. To be honest though, we opened in October and I gave my notice in November…I had one semester left at New York University and wanted to finish my education. If I took any more time off I knew I would never go back.
Shimmy: Would you ever return to the boards?
Dan: I wouldn't return as a performer, but as a choreographer or director? I would be there in a heartbeat, that's another dream of mine.
Shimmy: When did you transition from performer to choreographer?
Dan: The transition from a performer to a choreographer just sort of happened. Wade Robson and I worked together quite a bit, and while I was dancing on some gigs for him I began helping out with choreography. We always worked well together and things just happened from there.
Shimmy: What was it like working with Britney Spears back when she was at the top of her game?
Dan: Britney was an absolute joy to work with. We created some memorable performances together and that girl really knew how to turn it on when she hit the stage. Britney was always a hard worker and didn't quit until she got it right. I wish her nothing but the best.
* Dan performing with Britney Spears at the 2000 Video Music Awards *
Shimmy: You've dabbled in so many areas- teaching, judging, doing commercials, choreographing tours and television- what do you enjoy the most?
Dan: You know, my career has continued to evolve over the past 10 years or so and I've been happy every step of the way. I consider myself a lucky man because I do what I love. Honestly, I'm excited to see where things take me next…but I'm extremely happy with what I'm doing now. Choreographing movies and commercials and being on television, it's not so bad
Shimmy: So You Think You Can Dance has brought your work to the masses, will you return for season four?
Dan: I'll be there! I really can't wait to see what amazing talent shows up this year. Oh, and rumor has it that I'll be showing up on other versions of the show around the world. See you overseas too!
Shimmy: What contestants from the show did you enjoy working with the most and why?
Dan: I love performers more than anything else. Yeah, show me that you can dance, but entertain me! That's what I'm really looking for. Nick Lazzarini from season 1, Lacey from season 3, those are the type of dancers I love to work with. They bring so much to the table and make it fun.
* Lacey Schwimmer & Kameron Bink dancing a Dan Karaty number on SYTYCD *
Dan: Well, Gil Stroming is the man in charge and he does an incredible job. He has really changed the convention world and has taken it to a whole new level by having a great faculty, live music, amazing sets, and so much more. All of us on JUMP travel around the country to teach, inspire and motivate dancers of all ages. From hip-hop to jazz to contemporary, we offer the kids the best of everything. And oh yeah, this past summer we held our national finals at Radio City Music Hall, and this summer we'll be holding it at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.
Shimmy: What inspires you?
Dan: Inspiration can really come from anything…an experience in my life, an incredible dancer, a piece of music I hear, anything. I do my best to keep things fun and entertaining for the masses to enjoy. I like to make people smile, laugh, or at the very least have a good time, that's my goal when I'm creating.
Dan: Ha, actually, what I'm doing right now is a dream for me. Hopefully I can do more of the same. I really would love to choreograph and direct a musical…and anything else I can get my hands on.
Shimmy: If I swiped your ipod for an hour, what would I be listening to?
Dan: My choices in music can vary depending on the mood I'm in. I love listening to Kanye, and chilling out to Maxwell. Oh, and Led Zeppelin's music is forever. I'll always love Biggie and Jay-Z…and any old school hip-hop.
Shimmy: Three things you cannot live without.
Dan: The New York Yankees, the New York Giants, and Starbucks!
Shimmy: You have a degree in journalism. What areas are of interest to you?
Dan: You know, I've always just loved to write. I don't know if I'll ever have a career in it, but its something I like to do in my down time. I would love to someday sit down and write about all of the crazy things I've done, seen, and experienced. I'm not sure if anyone else would be interested, but it seems readable to me.
Shimmy: Leap ahead ten years, if you are no longer involved in dance what might you be doing instead?
Dan: Ah, that's a good one. First of all, I'll hopefully be married with some kids running around. Whether I'm on-camera or behind it, I know I'll be involved in the business one way or another. Maybe I'll be following the Yankees around the country….now that would be fun!
Shimmy Video Pick * Anya Garnis & Danny Tidwell dancing a Dan Karaty number on SYTYCD *
Nick Lazzarini, Dan Karaty, Danny Tidwell and Mandy Moore are just a few of the innovative faculty members teaching their way across the country. JUMP comes to Secaucus, NJ Jan. 18-20. If anyone out there is attending please send us your experiences, photos or videos!
