Dress to impress!

Doors open at 8:00AM

Be prepared to stay for an extra TWO DAYS for potential callbacks.

* Schedule subject to change. Keep checking FOX.com/dance for the latest information regarding audition details, music options and for all audition updates.

LOCATIONS & DATES:

Miami, FL
Monday, January 18, 2010
COMPLETED

New York, NY
Monday, January 25, 2010
COMPLETED

Dallas, TX
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
6405 Boaz Lane
Dallas, Texas 75205

Nashville, TN
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Acuff Theatre
2804 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214

Chicago, IL
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601

Los Angeles, CA
Friday, March 26, 2010
Orpheum Theatre
842 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014

Dancers must be either a US citizen or legal permanent resident of the US, possess a current legal Employment Authorization Card enabling him/her to seek employment freely in the US (i.e., without restrictions as to employer) by the date specified in the eligibility rules. Dancers must be no younger than 18 or older than 30 years of age on the first day they register for auditions. Any dancer who is a minor in his/her state of residence must also have a parent or legal guardian sign all required documents. Dancers must provide legal, valid proof of age when they register for auditions. Check Fox.com/dance for full eligibility rules.

Not Ryan di Lello. He is the first to go and is in 6th place. We are watching the show live and we’ll report the results as soon as we get them.

* 6th Place: Ryan DiLello
* 5th Place: Ashleigh DiLello
* 4th Place: Ellenore Scott
* 3rd Place: Kathryn McCormick
# 2nd Place: Jakob Karr
# 1st Place: Russell Ferguson

A more subdued and tamed Adam Lambert in a grey suit performed “Whataya Want From Me?” another cut from his album, For Your Entertainment.

Russell hurt his leg somehow and is crying in pain…

And now for the results!!

Wow! We never saw it coming! 20 year old Russell from Boston, Ma was the dark horse (no pun intended!) in the competition. We have our eyes set out for Jakob Karr. He should have been the winner but America is voting not just us. Still, Russell is an inspiration to any hiphop dancers. Congratulations! See you next season everyone. That season was fast, huh?!

Kathryn – 1-888-836-7601
Ryan – 1-888-836-7602

Ellenore – 1-888-836-7603
Jakob – 1-888-836-7604

Ashleigh – 1-888-836-7605
Russell – 1-888-836-7606

The Music from tonight’s dance performances:

Jason Gilkison samba (Kathryn & Ryan): “Magalenha” -Sergio Mendes

Tyce Diorio Broadway (Ellenore & Jakob): “I Gotcha” -from Fosse (original Broadway cast)

Sonya Tayeh lyrical jazz (Ashleigh & Russell): “Angel Standing By” -Jewel

Gary Stuart jazz (Ellenore & Ryan): “Kontact Me” -Boys Noize

Jean Marc Genereux foxtrot (Ashleigh & Jakob): “Let the Good Times Roll” -Chuck Brown and Eva Cassidy

Jason Gilkison paso doble (Ellenore & Russell): “Village Attack” -James Newton Howard from Blood Diamond

Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden contemporary (Kathryn & Jakob): “At This Moment” -Michael Buble

Travis Wall contemporary (Ashleigh & Ryan): “I’m There Too” -Michelle Featherstone

Napoleon and Tabitha hip hop (Kathryn & Russell) “I Can Transform Ya” -Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz

This week, a doctor severely damaged the chances of a contestant because of an injury that just would not have impeded most of her performance. And those parts that were impacted (one move in the second dance), could have been skipped letting the audience know her shoulder was injured and allowing her to show how great a competitor she really is.

But no, Ashleigh, a huge favorite both on our website and in our hearts, was told not to dance this week, despite the fact she was willing and raring to go. She popped out her shoulder but it was back in place by show time. Football players play with this injury and they take hits from three hundred pound linemen!! You don’t take a person out of the chance at making the finals because of this kind of injury. We believe she could have worked around just one move in the second dance and been fine.

And what if she did come up lame? This is a once in a lifetime chance for anyone that makes it this far. The finals are something that turn the performers into true stars. It is the superbowl of dancing. Doctors always have to be overprotective, but this is one time, the show should not have endorsed it. A doctor can advise, but that is all. If a ball player gets an injury before going into the World Series, he bandages it and sucks it up. Ashleigh was ready to do it, and we commend her. This doctor was over the top.

Ashleigh’s husband stood up after a spectacular solo, and said to vote for number 1, Ashleigh, his wife. It was touching and brought the crowd to their feet. It may save Ashleigh, but not by her abilities, which leaves us even more disappointed, because we wanted her to win with her talent..

Now, to the actual dancing.

Kathryn and Ryan – Disco – “Last Dance” (Donna Summer- Samantha Ronson remix) – choreography by Doreana Sanchez. This was an incredibly energetic dance with moves and lifts that wowed us. Both dancers were nearly perfect in every way. The only judge that disagreed thought Ryan a bit stiff, but most of the dance he was performing a major athletic feat, so that was off base. The only problem for the couple is that this dance came first, making it less memorable than the latter dances. Oh and possibly that it wasn’t as challenging as some of the performances that followed. (9/10)

Mollee and Jakob – Viennese Waltz – “Ordinary day” (Vanessa Carlson) – choreographer was Jason Gilkyson – This dance has been the kiss of death for dancers in past seasons, so it is appropriate it be thrown at Jakob. He is by far the best male dancer this season and if this doesn’t kill his chances, nothing will. It didn’t. The moves were spectacular by both dancers. Mollee was so incredibly beautiful in the dance. This waltz added a clever storyline, and it involved considerable acting ability. Mollee has that in spades. In this dance, she actually outperformed Jakob. The synchronization and moves including a forward flip by both dancers, had us in awe and we knew, they had just made the Viennese Waltz look not only easy, but phenomenal. (10/10)

Ellenore & Legacy – Contemporary – “Machine Gun” (Portishead) – choreographer: Travis Wall – Travis showed us that he always pushes himself to the limit in his choreographies. This was no different. This was a violent theme with each dancer supposed to be attempting to assassinate the other. The movements and acrobatics demonstrated superhuman capabilities on the part of Legacy. And Ellenore was no slouch. This was a truly edgy dance with some of the most dangerous and circus-like moves we have ever seen in a performance on this show. It left us in awe. The acting was great by both dancers and the sexiness of Ellenore in this dance was beyond captivating. The use of props was also incredibly well played. This was the most violent and physically challenging dance we have ever seen on this show and both dancers were incredible. (10/10)

Ashleigh and Russell – Hip Hop – “Too Much Booty 2″ (Bobby J Remix) – choreographer: Shane Sparks – Because of Ashleigh’s injury, this became a solo for Russell. He had a partner, but she was not it it to win, just to fill in the best she could. But in a way, this may have helped Russell. It allowed one to completely focus on him. We often hear the judges talk about hitting hard, but Russell defines it. Every move is potent and explosive. Trick moves are slick and fun to watch. If this were purely a hip hop contest, we would give him a 10 out of 10, especially dancing a bit out of his element. But it isn’t. (9/10)

Round 2

Kathryn and Ryan – Cha Cha – “Put Your Hands On Me” (Joss Stone) – Jason Gilkyson – This dance was spectacular from beginning to end. Kathryn was outrageously sexy and fluid in her movements. Ryan was sharp, strong and masculine. Our only hesitation in giving this dance 10 out of 10 is that it didn’t seem much like a Cha Cha. Much of it seemed contemporary. But the moves were so smooth, the lifts so strong and the finale so memorable that it raised the audience to their feet. (you just have to see that final move to believe it), So, we will overlook the divergence from a standard Cha Cha and gift this couple with. (10/10)

Mollee and Jakob – Broadway – “Easy Street,” From Annie (Samantha Ronson Remix) – choreographer: Joey Dowling – No doubt this couple made the finals with this dance. Mollie brought her character to life, and once again, it was easy to forget it was truly her. The theme was a con artist, experienced at his craft, drawing in an innocent and somewhat naïve girl. Mollie proved she can not only dance, she can act. Even the judges said she should go straight to Broadway. The piece also demonstrated that Jakob has a hand in the choreography of all his dances. He solves problems and enhances the dance to ensure it captivates. The moves in this piece, as usual, were outrageous, somewhat comical and fun. But the most stunning thing is we forgot we were watching Mollee and Jakob, which is the sign of a truly successful act. (10/10)

Ellenore & Legacy – Hip Hop – “People Are Strange” (The Doors) – choreographer: Tabitha & Napoleon Dumo – This started off amusing. The couple was facing backwards, but wearing masks on the back their heads that made it look like they were facing the audience. Only their feet gave them away. The first movements were so cool it got us excited this would be another great piece. From there, though, the choreography was weak. It did not challenge the couple at all, and it was a severe letdown from their first performance. It wasn’t their fault, and it demonstrates how the choreographers can lose points for the couple just as badly as they themselves. The shock power and fun of Legacy was not present, and Ellenore was not her quirky best. It wasn’t hard hitting, it was just, well, strange. (8/10)

Ashleigh and Russell– Bollywood – “Spirit of Rangeela” -from the Rangeela Soundtrack – choreographer: Nakul Dev Mahajan – This style brings back the memory of the truly amazing performance of Joshua and Katee two seasons ago. It is all synchronization. So, this was a rather awkward dance to judge. While we give Russell credit and believe the fact he can dance this style is a miracle, the substitute dancer once again was not Ashleigh. There was little synchronization in this piece, and the hand movements we love so much were not present either. This was weak. But Russell has major personality and faced a potentially disastrous event in the loss of his partner, and performed with a smile throughout, giving the dance a truly fun appeal, so we have to weigh that in the end. (9/10)

Solos

Jakob – One of the dangers for Jakob is that he could be taken for granted, because his solo is not all that different from show to show. They are all incredible. His other danger is that he comes across as too effeminate for America to embrace him. But once again, his solo was magic, except for one part that was much too feminine, and for that we give him a one point demerit. (9/10)

Mollee – We don’t believe that solos are that important. The couple dances are what we remember, and are what most strongly sways our votes. That is a good thing for Mollee, because she just wasn’t the greatest in this one. Some fantastic moves, but the overall performance may have been the weakest solo of the night. (8/10)

Legacy – There is absolutely no doubt we can only give Legacy a 10/10 in this solo. He is super human in his movements. He put on a bit of corny action with a telephone, but he was stellar. (10/10)

Ellenore – Ellenore brought the quirkiness to the stage as always and put on a great show. It wasn’t so much the moves as the performance in this instance. Even the ending was rather simplistic, but still showed off her allure and talent. (10/10)

Russell – The outfit was appropriate for the season. Russell came out as Santa Claus, and he krumped it to death. The only flaw was an accidental result of the costume. His shoes were loose and he kicked one off. Sorry Russell, it made a difference for us (9/10)

Kathryn – When Kathryn dances, it is already something wonderful to behold, but when she pushes herself to the limit of her talent (or possibly anyone’s) she is beyond imagination. She worked this solo with grace, elegance and beauty. Win win win. (10/10)

Ryan – Ryan showed his stuff in this performance. He went all out to show us how much he wants to reach the finals. He added a split and somersault, both of which are not characteristic moves for him, and demonstrated that he can pull off a few gimmick moves himself. This was his best solo of the season. It was enhanced by his look. There is no question about this man’s sexual preference. At the end he made a somewhat noble call to the audience to vote for his wife. It may save her, but we can’t honestly vote for her this week, because we did not see her perform. Leaving it to our imagination is too much to ask. Guilt and sympathy just don’t play at this house. (10/10)

Conclusion:

This week is always difficult, but usually flaws appear in the dancers, and they kill off the performers that aren’t as diverse or perfect as the rest. We have to place Ashleigh last because she didn’t dance. If you are in a race, and you hurt your leg prior to the race and cannot run, you can’t ask them to place you in first place because you are hurt. This is a competition, if you cannot compete, whatever the circumstance, you lose.

However, the audience does not always follow our beliefs. They often play the spoiler by gifting the sympathy vote. With the work these women put in tonight, we believe they would be wrong to do so.

Finally, we don’t believe the solos mean anything in this competition, so we don’t weigh them as heavily.

Here is how we would call it.

1. Jakob
2. Mollee
3. Ryan
4. Kathryn
5. Russell
6. Ellenore
7. Legacy
8. Ashleigh

We have Legacy and Ashleigh hitting the end of the trail. Legacy and Ellenore are surprises for us, because they had such a stellar first dance. But their second dance was mostly memorable for being so forgettable. It drew criticism not only from us, but from the judges as well. Russell and Ellenore are in danger too. They weren’t quite up to par this week. If any one else is chosen to get eliminated tomorrow, it would be a tragedy for those that performed such amazing feats this evening.

- 0 -

Tonight’s show, December 8th is most crucial because it determines who will be in the FINALE next week. We’re taking the time to put in the numbers of all eight dancers for you to vote! PLEASE PICK UP THE PHONE AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE.

Ashleigh couldn’t dance tonight because of a shoulder injury, You may still vote for her to dance next week! – 1-888-836-7601

Jakob – “When You Say My Name by Mario Spinetti – 1-888-836-7602

Mollee – “Heartburn” by Alicia Keys – 1-888-836-7603

Legacy – “Fancy Footwork” by Chromeo – 1-888-836-7604

Ellenore – “I Got the Feelin’” by James Brown – 1-888-836-7605

Russell – “Holiday Bucness” – 1-888-836-7606

Kathryn – “Shadowfeet” by Brooke Frasier – 1-888-836-7607

Ryan – “Din Da Da” by Kevin Aviance – 1-888-836-7608

Specialty: Contemporary

Hometown: Augusta, GA

Currently Resides: Burbank, CA

Age: 19

Audition City: Los Angeles, CA

Favorite professional dancer: Katy Spreadbury, Mark Meismer

Professional work: “Fame” Remake 2009.

Other talents/hobbies: Love quotes & verses, spending time with friends/family, being outdoors, love being around little kids!

Looks up to So You Think You Can Dance alumni: Jaimie Goodwin – incredible story, phenomenal technique. Chelsea Traille – so humble, down to earth, hard worker.

Kathryn McCormick has been dancing for 15 years, and competed in dance team competitions during middle school and high school. With her parents’ support, she recently moved to California to pursue a career in dance. McCormick admits that before she performs she gets extremely nervous, but can’t stop dancing once the music starts.

How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “Ready, set, go!” (FOX)

Dance Signature Move:

Moved from Georgia to L.A. last Halloween, so she could start auditioning: “I was scared out of my mind. Who knew that, in a year, this is where I would be My family is just jumping for joy. They’re so excited and proud.” by Korbi Ghosh, Zap2it

From Fox Dance Profile:

I started dance when I was 3 years old at The Dance Connection, which was a studio owned by my mom. Not too long after she closed her studio to attend college for nursing, I began dancing at Augusta West Dance Studio which was the studio my mom also grew up at. I quit when I was 10, after a year with no dance I decided I couldn’t live without it. I resumed my training at the same studio. My sophomore year of high school I began to take my dancing more seriously, on top of performing/competing with my “home” studio, I began attending a separate school for ballet training.

After high school, at the age of 18, I moved straight to Los Angeles to begin more training and auditioning. I recently worked on a small part in the remake of Fame and I’m now honored to say that I am a part of SYTYCD Season 6. This is only the beginning of my journey and I can’t wait to see what is in store for me on this show and in the future.

Specialty: Hip Hop/B-Boy

Hometown: Miami, FL

Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA

Age: 28

Best Friend: Oren “Flea” Michaeli

Father: Dad Oscar Perez; calls Legacy his “Mini Me”

Audition City: Phoenix, AZ

Professional work: worked on Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers tour, traveling the USA

Other talents/hobbies: Writing poetry, editing videos, playing soccer, making music

Looks up to So You Think You Can Dance alumni: “Twitch – He’s humble and an amazing dancer. Lauren Gottlieb – She’s a brilliant dancer and a great person.”

Although Legacy Perez has no formal dance training, he has appeared in the film “Stomp The Yard” and has performed on tour with Gwen Stefani. His interests include writing poetry, making music, video editing and playing soccer.

How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “I feel like I’m walking on air. With all of the cameras and makeup it makes you feel glamorous, important, and like you have a job to carry out!” (FOX)

Dance Signature Move:

Jonathan’s mom and dad started crying when they found out he’d made the Top 20: “I’m a street dancer. I was raised in Miami and I used to bring cardboard home and my mom used to throw it away because it was garbage in the house. So I wasn’t really supported in that way. But for my parents to now see me [do well as a dancer] and love what I do and say, ‘Wow, you’re actually good!; it’s fun.” by Korbi Ghosh, Zap2it

From Fox Dance Profile:

I came from Miami to become someone that can inspire all. I love acting, dancing, making music, artistry of all sorts. Movement is my life. Peace and love, unity, certainty, and compassion is how I try to live life. Do what you love, love what you do.

Solo, December 1st 2009: No Air by Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown

Nickname: Pauli

Specialty: Jazz

Hometown: West Covina, CA

Currently Resides: West Covina, CA

Age: 19

Audition City: Los Angeles, CA

Favorite professional dancer: Wade Robson

Other talents/hobbies: Photography, collecting shoes

Looks up to So You Think You Can Dance alumni: “Jeanine because she is such a sweetheart and so real, and an amazing dancer.”

Pauline Mata teaches dance at Dellos Dance Studio in Walnut, CA. Aside from dancing, her interests include singing karaoke and eating.

How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “I am feeling amazingly overwhelmed.” (FOX)

Dance Signature Move:

Pauline is shocked that she’s on the show: “It still hasn’t clicked. I auditioned last season, made it to Top 32 but got cut before Top 20. And I’m surprised to be here now, because I got injured the last day of Vegas. I was wearing heels, I did a jump, I landed wrong, sprained my ankle and couldn’t do the choreography. When they told me that I’d made the Top 20, I lost it on stage. I’m so lucky to be here.” by Korbi Ghosh, Zap2it

From Fox dance Profile:

My name is Pauline Mata. I’m 18 years old. I’m a jazz dancer fused with a little hip hop. I was born and raised in West Covina, California. Love to my family, loved ones, and friends.

Who is out of the competition?

Check back here every week for the quick results! Performance nights are on Tuesdays and results night follow every Wednesday at 8/7 (central).

Vote for your favorites, every phone call counts… See you again!

Jonathan Legacy Perez . Eliminated December 9, Top 8

Mollee Gray . Eliminated December 9, Top 8

Nathan Trasoras . Eliminated December 2, Top 10

Noelle Marsh . Eliminated December 2, Top 10

Victor Smalley . Eliminated November 25, Top 12

Karen Hauer . Eliminated November 25, Top 12

Kevin Hunte . Eliminated November 19, Top 14

Channing Cooke . Eliminated November 19, Top 14

Pauline Mata . Eliminated November 11, Top 16

Peter Sabasino . Eliminated November 11, Top 16

Bianca Revels . Eliminated November 3, Top 18

Phillip Attmore . Eliminated November 3, Top 18

Ariana Debose . Eliminated October 27, Top 20

Brandon Dumlao . Eliminated October 27, Top 20

Billy Bell left the competition after only one performance due to an illness. He was replaced by Brandon Dumlao who was consequently eliminated by a unanimous decision from the judges.

Specialty: Contemporary

Hometown: Downey, CA

Currently Resides: Downey, CA

Age: 18

Siblings: Brothers Mikey and Tony

Audition City: Los Angeles, CA

Favorite professional dancer: Travis Wall (contemporary), Mikey Trasoras and Twitch (hip hop)

Professional work: “America’s Got Talent” backup dancer. Bollywood video.

Other talents/hobbies: Trumpet, ping-pong, video games

Looks up to So You Think You Can Dance alumni: Travis Wall and Twitch Boss

Nathan Trasoras began dancing at age 10 and trained at the West Coast School of the Arts in Costa Mesa, CA. His other interests include playing the trumpet and table tennis.

How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “It is inspiring.”

Dance Signature Move:

Nathan tried playing several different sports as a kid, but says he was never very good at any of them. Inspired by his older brother, a hip-hop and contemporary dancer, he decided to start taking classes when he was 10. He credits his parents for his success: “In middle school, kids started making fun of me, so in 7th grade, my parents moved me to Orange County High School of the Arts. I appreciate my parents so much. They paid so much money to send me there [despite] having problems with money … I’m very emotional right now … There have been so many ups and downs in my life and they’ve always supported me. I just want to make them proud.” by Korbi Ghosh, Zap2it

From Fox Dance Profile:

I am Nathan Trasoras, 18, and I teach dance to people. I love learning and I appreciate positive energy from other dancers and artists. I audition for L.A. jobs and hope to live my dream. I am from Downey, California and assist certain choreographers.

Solo, December 1st 2009

Nickname: Noley Bean Poley and Noley

Specialty: Contemporary

Hometown: Sanford, NC

Currently Resides: Sanford, NC

Age: 18

Audition City: Atlanta, GA

Favorite professional dancer: Peter Chu

Other talents/hobbies: “Creating films. Cliff diving. Painting. Spending time with family. Freestyling and playing my version of “guitar.””

Looks up to So You Think You Can Dance alumni: “Travis Wall, because I think he has the whole package. Not only is he a great persona and a brilliant dancer, he is also an amazing choreographer”

Noelle Marsh is a small-town girl who grew up on a farm. She recently graduated from high school in Sanford, NC, where she now teaches contemporary dance.

How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “It’s kind of weird. I feel so special. I’ve never had this before. It’s all totally new and completely rewarding, and kind of a reality check.”

Dance Signature Move:

She’s been taking dance classes since she was three-years-old, but is intimidated by a couple different genres: “I’m definitely nervous about Bollywood. I’m not familiar with it at all. And ballroom. I’ve had no ballroom training whatsoever, so I’m curious to see how that works out!” by Korbi Ghosh, Zap2it

From Fox Dance Profile:

Hi! I’m Noelle Marsh and I am 18 years old from Sanford, NC. I have been dancing for fifteen years and it has been the biggest part of my life. I come from a big family with three sisters and one brother. My brother is my inspiration for dance because he has taught me to never take anything for granted! Making Top 20 is by far the most rewarding accomplishment I have made. I hope to always continue dancing and sharing with the world my love for dance!

Specialty: Jazz

Hometown: Orem, UT

Currently Resides: Upland, CA

Age: 18

Audition City: Los Angeles, CA

Professional Work: High School Musical 1 – 3, The American Mall

Favorite professional dancer: Joey Dowling

Other talents/hobbies: Singing, acting, gymnastics.

Looks up to So You Think You Can Dance Alumni: “Allison Holker – I trained at T.D.C. with her and always idolized her.”

Mollee Gray has been dancing for 15 years and has appeared in all three “High School Musical” films. She has a hearing impairment in one ear, but doesn’t let that stand in the way of her love for dancing. Gray’s interests include singing, acting and gymnastics

How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “This is definitely going to be a lifetime, memorable experience.”

Dance Signature Move:

Though she’s an actress and a singer and goes on an average of five auditions every week, she says Vegas was brutal: “I’ve never been so stressed [while] auditioning in my life! The pressure is [intense].” by Korbi Ghosh, Zap2it

From Fox Dance Profile:

Hey my name is Mollee Gray and I am 18. I am from Orem, Utah but just moved here to California!! I have been in all 3 High School Musicals and The American Mall. I am a singer and actress as well. I love to do anything that I can express myself with. I’m just a fun girl that enjoys life.

AUDITION VIDEO:

Nickname: “When I was young, my dance company called me “Energizer Bunny” – now they call me “Firecracker”!”

Specialty: International Latin Ballroom

Ashleigh finished in 5th place in So You Think You can Dance Season 6.

Hometown: Orem, UT

Currently Resides: Orem, UT

Age: 26

Audition City: Salt Lake City, UT

School: “I graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU). I studied political science and history.”

Professional Work: “Recently I did a show for MAC cosmetics in LA. Louis van Amstel’s “Ballroom with a Twist” Sept ’09 Jerry Lewis Telethon and in Texas, Louis van Amstel’s “Invitation to Dance” on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Louis van Amstel’s “Latin Revolution” in Salt Lake City.”

Favorite professional dancer: Yulia Zagoryuchenko

Other talents/hobbies: “I love to sing; I play the piano. I love sports – especially football. I love politics and love to cook. I love outdoor sports; skiing, cycling, boating, 4-wheeling, etc.”

Looks up to So You Think You Can Dance Alumni: “I look up to both Chelsie Hightower and Lacey Schwimmer for how well they did as ballroom dancers adapting to the other styles. I hope to follow in their footsteps, but go all the way to the end! ”

Ashleigh Di Lello graduated from Brigham Young University in Utah with a degree in political science and served as a congressional intern in Washington, D.C. She and her husband, Ryan Di Lello, used to compete against each other in local ballroom dance competitions and became dance partners a week before they were married.

How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot? “Today is a dream come true and an amazing opportunity. I’m very, very grateful, and especially grateful to be here with Ryan. (FOX)

Dance Signature Move:

The female half of the first married couple to ever make the show’s Top 20, she’s overcome a lot to get this far: “I became really sick when I was 13 and went through a four-and-a-half year illness. I almost lost my life, fought through it. But when I recovered from that, I injured my back because my body was so weakened. I had to rehab for over a year. For six years, I was told I wouldn’t dance again. But at age 20, I came back to it. It’s a miracle for me to be dancing at all. I’m so grateful.” by Korbi Ghosh, Zapit

UPDATE: In the Top 10 performance night personal video clip for Ashleigh, she revealed that her sickness was diagnosed as a “rare parasitic infection” that caused her pain all over her body particularly the joints. (December 1, 2009)

From Fox Dance Profile:

Ashleigh Di Lello began dancing at the early age of 3. After 5 years of company work in ballet, jazz, and hip hop, Ashleigh fell in love with ballroom dancing when she was 12 and became a DanceSport Junior Latin Champion and a United States Junior American Latin Finalist. At the age of 13, Ashleigh became very sick with a life-threatening illness that she would battle through for the next 4.5 years. After overcoming this illness, she suffered a serious back injury when trying to return to dance and spent the following year and a half in rehab.

After an imposed six-year break, Ashleigh returned to ballroom dancing and has since become a 3-time DanceSport Amateur Latin Champion and a United States Amateur Latin Finalist. Ashleigh has performed and taught in 19 different countries and is now so excited to be in SYTYCD Season 6’s Top 20 with her husband, Ryan! Ashleigh now hopes to show America her passion, love, and appreciation for dance and go all the way to the season finale!

Solo, December 1st 2009: