Meet the Collierville native on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’
Sophie Pittman has been dancing since she was three-years-old and has been watching the FOX series “So You Think You Can Dance” just about as long. But this year, instead of admiring the dancers on screen, the Collierville native is one of them, competing for the honor of being named one of the best dancers in America. On Monday night, Pittman, 18, was named one of the final five women, securing her place for another week as the reality series works its way to the season 16 finale.
“Honestly, this experience has been amazing. It has grown me as a person,” she said in an interview with the Commercial Appeal.
Pittman, a Collierville High School graduate who is moving from Collierville to Los Angeles this week to pursue dance full-time, said competing on the show had long been a dream of hers. She became eligible to try out when she turned 18 this year.
“So You Think You Can Dance” brings together dancers between the ages of 18 and 30 from around the country to compete in a variety of dance styles. Contestants must audition for a panel of judges which this season includes Lady Gaga's longtime choreographer and creative director - who whittle down dancers through the audition and academy rounds.
Pittman, who is trained in contemporary dance, ballet and hip hop, said learning different dance styles like ballroom dancing on the fly has been the most challenging part of competing on the show so far. She added that she felt the show has done an accurate job of capturing the difficulties the contestants face on a weekly basis. “It's a nice bird's-eye view into the dance world and what we have to do and the challenges we face,” she said.
Starting Aug. 12, the season moves from taped to live episodes and then the viewers get to weigh in on which dancers get to stay and dance another week. Pittman said she's received an outpouring of support from friends and family, particularly on social media, and is hoping to win America's hearts as she moves further into the competition.
“I'm a very genuine person, what you see is what I am. I'm not trying to hide anything,” she said. “Through my dancing, I think it becomes very clear.”
Pittman said performing for a nationally broadcast show and constantly having a camera in her face has been difficult at times but has been a learning experience. Pittman described herself as somewhat introverted and shy and said dance has always been a way for her to express herself. “It just allows me to speak without having to use my words,” she said. “I'm also very competitive. It's a more artistic form of competition that lets me use my physicality.”
That artistic physicality will be on national display for at least one more week. The show airs Monday nights on FOX at 8 p.m. central.
Corinne Kennedy is a reporter for the Commercial Appeal. She can be reached via email at Corinne.kennedy@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @Corinneskennedy
Corinne S Kennedy