Broadway Boy
“So You Think You Can Dance” season six contestant Evan Kasprzak shares his secret to success.
Evan Kasprzak, often described as “breathing new life into Broadway,” harkens an image of a dance age of old, when the women were as graceful as the men debonair. His poise, ease of movement, and technical prowess earned him a top four spot in the sixth season of “So You Think You Can Dance.” Kasprzak took time out of his busy SYTYCD touring schedule to talk with Dancer about his training, dance idols, and future plans for the movement style he most admires.
Q: How did you get your start in dance?
A: I got started dancing because of my older brother Ryan. I started when I was 6 [years old]. I remember thinking, “If Ryan is doin’ it, then it must be cool.” I went to class and fell in love with dance for myself.
Q: What attracts you to the Broadway style of dance?
A: I am attracted to the Broadway style for several reasons. The style is so smooth to watch. I also love that it focuses on subtle movement. It’s not all about big tricks. It’s about the simple steps.
Q: Who are your dance heroes? What do you admire in them most?
A: My dance heroes are Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Fred Astaire. They all have a grace and air about the way they dance. Everything they do is so precise and looks so effortless. I also admire that all three of them are not only dancers, but also actors and singers.
Q: Describe your weekly training regimen. Which classes do you typically take when not on tour or competing on “So You Think You Can Dance”?
A: I try to take as many classes as I can. It is a little difficult during the year because I am a full-time student. I always get into ballet class. It is the basis for almost all forms of dance. If you have a good [ballet] foundation, it will help with everything else. I also take jazz and modern classes. When I can, I like to sneak in a hip hop class. Although it’s not the main thing I do, I really enjoy it.
Q: What was the most difficult part of being on “So You Think You Can Dance”? What was the most rewarding?
A: One of the most difficult parts of [the show] was being away from friends and family. The most rewarding part is being able to look back at the show and know that I have grown as a dancer.
Q: Many critics, including the judges themselves, said this last season of “So You Think You Can Dance” was the best yet. Do you agree or disagree?
A: I think that this past season has been spectacular. I am probably a little biased having been a part of it. I do, however, think it is hard to compare seasons. They are all very different. Some seasons have been more technical, while others have been more about the personality of the dancers. Comparing seasons is kind of like comparing great dancers of differing styles. They are all great—it just depends on what you prefer.
Q: Which routine on “So You Think You Can Dance” was your favorite? Which routine did you struggle with the most?
A: My favorite routine was Mia’s “Butt Dance.” It was amazing getting to work with Mia. She really pushes you to new places as a dancer. I struggled the most with the samba. It is very out of my comfort zone and it is also something that I have never done before. I’m used to being goofy and funny, so it is just a little weird being sexy and moving my hips.
Q: What are your future plans for dance?
A: I plan on moving to New York when I finish school and start auditioning. I would love to do a Broadway show.
Q: What message do you have for your fans?
A: I just want to thank everyone for their support. The response really has been amazing!