'Yes, we can -- dance!' Fox reality show auditions in Memphis

Photo by Jim Weber // Buy this photo

Chance Benson of Charlotte, N.C., gives Anna-Korine Hada of Atlanta, Ga., a quick dip while a boom box blares. Dancers stretched in a line four blocks long on Second Street Monday morning determined to audition for the reality show "So You Think You Can Dance".

The line started to form around 4:30 a.m., at the door of the Cadre Building downtown. By the time that door opened, the line stretched nearly three blocks, a wall of bouncy young people dressed as if for a huge dance party.

Thousands had come from across the country to audition for “So You Think You Can Dance,” the Fox summer reality show that pits contenders against each other in the hopes of being crowned the best dancer in the nation.

Photo by Jim Weber

Chance Benson of Charlotte, N.C., gives Anna-Korine Hada of Atlanta, Ga., a quick dip while a boom box blares. Dancers stretched in a line four blocks long on Second Street Monday morning determined to audition for the reality show "So You Think You Can Dance".

So You Think You Can Dance

Hundreds of hopefuls seek fame

Among the hopefuls were Chris DePalma, 24, who had driven from Spanish Fort, Ala., in the hopes of getting on the program.

“Eventually, my goal is to maybe become a back up dancer in movies or videos,” said DePalma, who owns a landscaping business.

Like many people in line, DePalma picked up his moves on his own, joining a hip hop dance crew back home.

“It was intimidating at first because I was the only white guy doing this kind of dancing,” he said. “I wasn’t any good starting out, but I had a passion for it. It’s my escape.”

In the auditions, each dancer had about 20-30 seconds of face-time with a producer.

“We’re looking for anything and everything,” said co-executive producer Jeff Thacker. “We want people who dance in their own style, their own way.”

Those who made an impression today will go to callbacks Tuesday or Wednesday at the Orpheum theater, though producers say that those who couldn’t make Monday’s cattle call can still come out and have a preliminary audition.

“We want to see as many people as we can,” Thacker said.

“So You Think You Can Dance” airs locally on WHBQ-TV Channel 13. For more information, go to fox.com/dance.

— Christopher Blank: 529-2305

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