Two new judges and, sadly, no Sade Giliberti in the third season of SABC1’s So You Think You Can |Dance. Debashine Thangevelo caught up with head judge Harold van Buuren, who is unintentionally entertaining as he dishes out his trademark barbed comments, to get his take on what to expect, while Themba Nofemele (of Muvhango fame) reveals what he will |be bringing to the judges’ table.
WHILE all eyes are on SABC3’s Strictly Come Dancing to see which celebrity could take the title, another local dance offering returns. This time there are a few conspicuous – and rather eye-raising – changes.
Top Billing’s Lorna Maseko and Muvhango’s Themba Nofemele will be accompanying Harold van Buuren at the judges’ table. And Sinazo Yolwa, who made her claim to fame with SABC3’s The A List and then SABC1’s The Link.
Van Buuren has been keeping rather busy choreographing, spending time in London and studying.
But everything he does and is doing germinates in his love of dance and his desire to share it.
He says: “Dance is always used as a vehicle or instrument to everything I do. It is amazing how dance shifts perspective and how it can be used to improve people’s understanding of life in their country.”
Unlike people who say their career chose them, Van Buuren says: “When I was the head boy at my school, I chose dance. I very consciously knew that was my calling even then, and I chose it. I feel it is important to listen to your calling and make the right decision.”
His career achievements include working with Ricky Martin, Boyz II Men, Joe Cocker, Gloria Gaynor, East 17 and Kylie Minogue, as well as a legion of other big names. And he has choreographed shows all over the world.
While his reputation, especially when it comes to Latin American, precedes him, being on TV is an added fringe benefit.
“So You Think You Can Dance brings with it a celebrity feel. I don’t consider myself a celebrity but there is a status that goes with the territory. It just gives me another tool in developing and getting the message across. It is like a wave that takes you.”
Commenting on his new co-judges, Van Buuren says: “This is the first time they will be judges on the panel. Obviously the dynamics will change completely. They need to learn so many things about the show and, at the same time, remind me of when we first started. You have to be considerate of that fact. Thank goodness I have always been in the head judge position.
“So when there are times that things could go wrong, I can gently veer it back on track as I have that experience.”
He is at pains to point out that dance is “not a bunch of kids jumping around” – it requires dedication, lots of sweat and is underscored by sheer passion.
He says a huge drawcard for So You Think You Can Dance is the fact that, unlike most dance shows that are genre specific, it covers the full spectrum of dance.
And sometimes being out of your comfort element can work either for or against the contestants.
“It’s like a ping-pong match. One day you can be on a complete high and the next rather down. Nobody, unless you have studied dance, is going to be completely safe. It is important for contestants to not just do what feels nice and good. They need to commit professionally and honestly to the discipline. In that way, there is longevity and a sustainable career. You can audition anywhere in the world.”
With each series, Van Buuren says he grows with the show.
”Every season, I learn something new. A contestant might do something and I will go, ‘Oh my goodness, that made all the difference’. So the next time I want to see more of that. I don’t want a dance routine, I want a spectacular performance. That comes from fire and only then can you push yourself beyond your wildest dreams.”
On his hard-hitting feedback, Van Buuren says: “I just look at them and they panic. I’m just passion-driven. When I speak, it is about an earnest and deep wanting for this dancer in front of me to improve him or herself. That is where I call myself a reality animal, an ogre if you will – I forget the cameras around me.”
Meanwhile, Nofemele is excited about returning to his dance roots after his departure from Muvhango.
“I was a choreographer for Coca-Cola Popstars. So being in a reality series isn’t strange to me. The difference is, I’m not joining as a judge. But I’m honoured to be associated with the brand.”
As for what he – as a trained tap, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, afro-fusion and gumboot dancer – will be bringing to the table, Nofemele says: “I’m looking for someone who tells a story with their body. The other judges will be looking at the technical aspects, given their training. I am looking at the overall performance. I think I’m going to be the bridge between their worlds, as Lorna comes from ballet and Harold from Latin American.”
Commenting on tweaks to the new season, Ed Worster, Rapid Blue’s Head of Television, says: “The show is essentially the same as before, with auditions in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg, although we were very pleased to hold the call back sessions at the Soweto Theatre. Apart from that, there will be some slight changes in the way couples are paired in the first few live shows, but to say more now would be to give away too much.”
• So You Think You Can Dance airs on SABC1 on Saturday at 6.30pm.