Broken bones. Torn ligaments. Fractured ribs. So many different stifles that can impede your progress as a dancer or ultimately end your career. Yet…with fortitude and perseverance this SYTYCD top 20 finalist kept pushing. She could have given up last year when she auditioned for the show as a contemporary dancer, but she didn’t. She trained and trained and trained some more in the style she was cut (Hip-Hop), came back, and killed it execution style each time she hit that stage.
Her name is Yorelis Apolinario and she has the look, the attitude, and the skills to match any contender. I had the opportunity to chat with the beauty about her experience on SYTYCD, being cut (last year) and returning this year to make the top 20, her future endeavors, and more.
Tell me a little about Yorelis? Likes? Dislikes? Pet Peeves? Favorite foods? Anything!
My full name is Yorelis Shantell Apolinario. I am 19 years old and I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. I am a Virgo. I love to read non-fiction. I love and respect all forms of art and strongly believe they all rely on one another.
When did you know that dancing was something you wanted to pursue?
I knew dancing was something I had to pursue when I tried to quit. When I was 15, my mother was hospitalized many times because of her multiple sclerosis. She missed a lot of work and our household began struggling because of it. I tried to quit dancing to eliminate the expenses for my mother, but after two months I was back. There was no way I could stop doing something I felt so passionately about. Fortunately, the studio owner at my dance studio granted me a scholarship.
Who were/are some of your inspirations? Who or what inspired you to begin dancing?
I am inspired by Twitch. Being primarily a street dancer, Twitch managed to execute every style of dance effortlessly! That reassures me that anything is possible.
Let’s talk about SYTYCD. What inspired you to audition?
I auditioned for So You Think last year as a contemporary dancer, unfortunately I was cut in the hip hop round. After about a few hours of moping around, I decided to train the hardest in the style I was cut in. I dedicated myself to training in Hip Hop styles for an entire year to expand my dance knowledge even further. When auditions rolled around again, I chose to audition under freestyle so I could put together all my knowledge.
Tell me about the audition process. How were you feeling that first day you auditioned? What thoughts were going through your head?
At the beginning of the audition day I kept second guessing myself. I couldn’t help but wonder if I was really making the right decision by switching styles.
I watched the show faithfully every week. You guys learned so many dances, so many different dances and styles (street and stage) each week. I was exhausted just looking at how much work went into making sure each performance was executed perfectly. How intense was it learning so many dances each week?
Learning new dances every week was extremely intense. I had never experienced anything like that prior to the show, so it was difficult to adapt to the 7 to 12 hour rehearsals, soreness and fatigue. Although the week leading up to every show was strenuous, it was all worth once my feet touched that stage on show day.
What has being on the show taught you? Have you noticed improvement in your dancing from participating on the show?
Being on the show has shown me how far I can actually push myself. Prior to the show I thought I understood what my limits were and how hard I could push myself, but I was so wrong. Whether I am out of breath, sore, or tired I could still push harder. It’s only going to make me stronger mentally and physically.
What is a memorable moment for you while on SYTYCD?
My most memorable moment on So You Think You Can Dance was being told I had made the “Top 20.” My knees buckled and my body felt as if it went into complete shock. The producer had to repeat it to me several times because I was in such disbelief!
What advice would you give any upcoming dancers or performers trying to catch that big break? Any advice you would give future contestants of SYTYCD? What to look out for/ be prepared for?
My advice I would give to upcoming dancers is to train in as many styles as possible, even if you don’t like them or aren’t as good at them. I regret not taking classes like tap, acrobatics, and breaking when I was growing up. I stuck by the classes I knew I would excel in and in the end that stifled my training in other styles. If more dancers trained in multiple styles, they’ll be surprised to learn how similar some of them are. For those who wish to audition for So You Think, I would say stay true to yourself. When I auditioned last year I added so much extra pressure on myself because I was so focused on what I thought the judges wanted. “Is my hair right? Should I put on more makeup? Am I pretty enough? Will my training be enough for this show?” When auditions rolled around the next year I calmed all my crazy thoughts down and just focused on being the best “me” I could possibly be. If that wasn’t enough, than I was on to the next thing.
What is that ‘go to song’ that gets you turned up and ready to dance?
I don’t really have a specific song that I listen to before I dance to hype me up. However, I do blare anything from Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill or Judith Hill. Their music helps me calm my nerves and helps me tap into the spiritual place I go to while dancing.
What’s next for Yorelis?
The next thing for me is touring the country with the Top 10! After the tour ends, I’m going to finish settling in my apt in LA then starting up some project with local dancers I’ve met here.
Anything else you would like to say to your fans or add?
I would like tell my fans THANK YOU SO MUCH for their love and support! Most of them have been supported me since my journey began on the show and continue to support me now. I am soooo grateful for all you guys.
Interviewed by: Simone Grant
