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So You Think You Can Dance: Post Finale Interview With Russell Ferguson
December 17, 2009 02:49 PM by Lisa Princ
After being crowned the season 6 winner of So You Think You Can Dance on FOX, Russell Ferguson has made history as not only was he the first krump dancer to make it into the top 20, but the first krump dancer to win the season! Hear what Russell had to say about his experience on the show, as well as what his future plans are!
Russell Ferguson wowed us all this season on So You Think You Can Dance on FOX and he sat down today to to give everyone the low down of what’s next for him as well as all of his experiences and thoughts on the show. The following is what Russell wanted to share.
Question: Can you take us through your injury and how it came about as we didn’t actually see it?
Russell Ferguson: It happened during the performance of “Beggin” with Kevin and Legacy. After I jumped off the stage to krump Kevin and Legacy pulled me back up, and I landed on my leg wrong and my ankle swelled up. I was not cleared to dance for the rest of night.
Question: Have you had alot of formal training?
Russell Ferguson: Well I been doing hip hop all my life so I figured if I took on any big dance project in my life I figured I’d have to learn. I spent about 5 years in classes, although most of the dances I have never done and they were very hard.
Question: What were your expectations when you auditioned?
Russell Ferguson: I was just hoping that America would change their views on krump, to be more familiar with it. I knew I would be able to get the message across, but winning was a big bonus. [chuckles]
Question: Going into the finale, did you think you had a shot of winning?
Russell Ferguson: We all had a shot of winning, but it was all up in the air in our eyes. Everyone worked hard and deserved to be there. It was nobody’s fault that they were there, America put them there.
Question: How did your mood change with your injury?
Russell Ferguson: It was stressful, I wasn’t able to do the final performance. I got to dance that dance when I got injured and that was it. My dad came back stage and was talking, calming me down and I went back out with my head held high.
Question: Why did you pull Kevin on stage last night when you were announced as the winner?
Russell Ferguson: Well, Kevin has been with me through this journey. We talk constantly and he is like a brother to me so I felt I should share this moment with him.
Question: Do you think you have inspired other krumpers?
Russell Ferguson: Definitely. I know looking on tv and seeing something you love is always inspiring. Kids get inspired and have hope now to do the same thing…probably even better.
Question: Who are sidestreet and gfan?
Russell Ferguson: Sidestreet is a movement, trying to spread this way of krump and gfan is the crew spreading the movement.
Question: The judges always made it come across that you were a kid who came from nowhere as they referred to you as the “unpolished diamond in the rough”. Give us your thoughts on this.
Russell Ferguson: I know they know I had some formal training, but the thing is alot of people who do train, that’s what they do….its their lifestyle. And me, I really did just come from the streets. I like to do other stuff, I know a little bit but couldn’t freestyle in it.[chuckles]
Question: Are you going to celebrate?
Russell Ferguson: Yes, I am pretty sure there is a party waiting for me when I get home. I am just going to have fun and enjoy it.
Question: You seemed to blow everyone away in other styles, what was your favorite?
Russell Ferguson: The Foxtrot. It was my toughest challenge and that drew me closer to it because of that.
Question: What was your favorite dance of the season?
Russell Ferguson: The Afro Jazz frog dance because it was really exciting. It brought me back to my roots, it just felt real and natural and good.
Question: Are you planning on pursuing more dance fields in what you learned on the show?
Russell Ferguson: Not necessarily. I mean if anything comes my way that requires it, I’ll do it. Just glad I got my foot in door to spread krump the way it needed to be spread.
Question: Would you consider coming back to choreograph for So You Think You Can Dance?
Russell Ferguson: I would love to come back and choreograph some krump or hip hop, it would be an honor.
Question: Have you spoken with Adam yet about the Oscars?
Russell Ferguson: No I have not gotten too many details yet, but I am very excited.
Question: Is there a move that you claimed or created in the krump world, a “Russell move” per say?
Russell Ferguson: You know I think I would have to really check into that, its more so of my face. If you see this face you know its me. [chuckles]
Question: How old were you when you first discovered krump and how did you discover it?
Russell Ferguson: I was about 16. I was looking at trailers of it and it was love at first sight. Then I taught others how to do it once I learned it and it just spread from there.
Question: What’s next for you?
Russell Ferguson: I want to invest in my money as well to try to get other work so I can keep building. I would love to get into some movies, big screen.
Question: Any final comments you would like to share?
Russell Ferguson: I love America!
Congratulations again to Russell Ferguson!
Who was your favorite season 6 dancer? Who do you think should have won? The season may be over, but we’re still chatting! Stop by the Reality TV Magazine message boards and chat about your favorites!
Reality TV Magazine is your source for So You Think You Can Dance news. For other great So You Think You Can Dance News, please also check out SirLinksALot: So You Think You Can Dance.
Photos courtesy of: FOX
Topics: FOX Reality TV Shows, So You Think You Can Dance |
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