Rhiannon’s Seventh Blog Entry (TOP 10)
Sunday night Henry and I closed the show, which was amazing to get that opportunity again. The routine was really good, we really got into the emotion of things. It was good to do something different other than Jazz and Hip Hop. It was my first Contemporary routine and I got to show Australia a different side of me. I guess I got to show a more vulnerable and sensitive side. Great comments from the judges, we were well praised, and it was great to show Kelley Abbey’s story.
I achieved a different style of Hip Hop for my solo with Nacho. I really enjoyed making it up, and using the different feel of a song. All my other songs have been angry or really sexy.. sexual, but this one was more earthy and fun. Got really good comments again from the judges, they praised me for doing my own style and showing Australia the real me.
Monday night I was in the bottom four for the fourth time. It’s weird to think why people don’t vote for you but great to dance on that stage by yourself, it’s the best feeling in the world. I had mixed emotions that night – I used to be more emotional during these stages, but I guess I’m getting used to the fact that people are leaving. I’m really relieved I’m still here: Top 8, and even better to know that it’s the Top 4 girls – we’re all so different in so many ways. I think now, whatever happens it’s just amazing to be here.
My partner this week is so fun to work with, we cruise through the choreography sessions, and try not to stress so much even though we have so little time to fit everything in. I’m really happy with both styles and right now I’m feeling fairly confident.
Rhiannon’s Sixth Entry (TOP12)
Popping with Nacho was probably biggest challenge I’ve faced yet, purely because it was something I’ve never done before. I was not looking forward to it. It was so hard because I knew people would feel I could this as it’s in the Hip Hop category, but it’s a totally different style to what I’m used to. Watching it back, I was quite happy – I did way better than what I thought. J.D. and mine’s choreographed piece wasn’t the best, but I think that’s also due to the song choice, the range of our song choice wasn’t very good. We could have made it better by adding more choreography.
Then came Monday night, and once again for the third time, J.D. and I were in the bottom three. For me, it was the hardest night so far. I wanted to be in the Top 10 so bad, but I knew last week wasn’t the best dances J.D. and I have done. I let things start to get on top on me that week, which made me negative. I didn’t wanna go, but I had faith I would still be here, which I am!
It was really hard seeing J.D. leave, because we were one of the few couples that got to stay together throughout the first five weeks of the competition. You don’t realize how close you are to someone till they’re gone – I miss him a lot.
Easter holidays were fantastic, except I started to get a little bit sick. The show is so stressful on our bodies, and the minute we have time to relax, your body starts to catch up with where it’s at, and you get sick. I saw all of my family in the holidays, had a family BBQ, and that was really good. I also did fun things like going to see Rocky Horror Picture Show, but also stayed in my PJs for two days and watched TV. I think it was a well-deserved holiday for all of us!
When I came back I was relieved of all the stress and ready to start again, but then with the new challenge put in front of us, the stress is over my head already! I love my new partner, I love my choreographer, and I love our piece, but the style isn’t something I’ve done on the show yet, so it’ll be amazing to see that other side of me. The piece is very emotional, and I hope the audience goes on an emotional journey, as my partner and I will.
Rhiannon’s Fifth Entry (TOP 14)
Sunday’s night performance went extremely well. We closed the show, which was cool, and the audience was amazing and really helped with the vibe. Considering we were dancing Musical Theatre/ Jazz, which was not in our comfort zone, I felt we did really well. J.D. and I spent time in the week bonding and hanging out, which really helped with our connection and not stressing as much as we usually do. I don’t believe in all that stressful stuff – I think if you relax and have fun, it will go well and it did. I watched it back and it looked great. The judges’ comments were fairly good – there was only one bad one, about a bit of unison in one section, which is so fine. Our choreographer Adam worked on the things the judges have said to us in the past, and showed that we could stretch arms, we could remember the choreography, we could put our shoulders down. Then they said we showed them everything they’ve been asking for, so that was amazing. Bonnie made a comment about me being a bottle of champagne, which was cool – she always comes up with weird things for me!
I had a feeling we’d be in the bottom three, purely because we got out of it with the Tango, so I was physically and mentally prepared. I felt I did my solo fairly well; it was a little bit off centre, but I showed them what I wanted to show them, another side to Rhiannon. My first solo was fairly happy and smiley; this was more of an angry solo. I was a bit scared to show my angry side, because I’ve realized it looks better on TV when you smile than when you’re angry, but I felt it was something I had to show them. Jason commented he thought I overdanced, which I felt I might have done a little bit, just ’cause of the excitement, but I remembered TV decreases your performance by 10%, so the fact I overdanced might have been a good thing. I haven’t watched it yet; I’ll watch it later today.
So we’re back for another week. We got a style that’s in J.D.’s comfort zone, something I’ve never actually done before. It’s the one style I thought if I get that, I’m gonna die! Rehearsals are going OK. We haven’t fully conquered it, but I have faith it will happen.
This week we got a new challenge with our partners that put us all outta whack. So for me, I have to make a new Dance For My Life, learn new chorey, and J.D. and I have to fulfill the new challenge. It’s causing a lack of sleep and a lot more stress, and is getting a little bit on top of us.
Being on the show has made me realise the dreams I’ve always had can actually come true. I always knew what I wanted to do – be a famous performing artist – but I never realised it would come so soon. Not that I’m fully famous yet, but I’m one step closer.
Rhiannon Villareal: Quick Truth
In my first non-performing arts high school, I was known as the dancer, which meant all the little girls hated me, and I got along with the guys, which made them hate me even more. But my last high school was performing arts, and it was my home. There was a maximum of seven people in my grade, all dancers, all family. We grew up together. I was the loud one, fairly direct and that’s why everyone loved me.
Rhiannon’s Fourth Entry (TOP 16)
After Sunday night’s show, my mind was set on being in the bottom three. It was a shock not being there – I didn’t know how to react. I was mentally and physically prepared to Dance For My Life. After watching the show back, I was a bit shocked with the way I looked after it happened. I wasn’t at all angry with what happened – I was more stunned. I was happy on the inside, and really relieved.
I’m devastated that Marko’s gone – he and Hilton were two people I thought would be in the top six. I was extremely surprised that happened – I’m confused about what Australia is voting for and what the show is about. That made me realise it’s not about dancing, because fantastic dancers have left – it’s about showing Australia your personality and who you are. I was surprised Henry and Vanessa were in the bottom three – I liked their routine, and thought they performed it amazingly.
I loved Jason’s routine, it was amazing. Even the situation happened, after watching our Tango back, I felt we stepped up a level; it was different, it was out of both of our comfort zones and we did a great job. I wanna emphasis that these things happen – we’re only human, and I felt we covered it up fairly well. It felt worse than what it looked. I felt like we stood there for ages, just blank, but it wasn’t as bad as what I thought. We’re over that now, we’ve talked about, let it go, and moved on.
Our next routine’s fun, and different to what we’ve done so far. We’ve really been helping each other this week with cleaning and bonding a lot, It’s kind of cheeky side but serious at the same time.
Thanks to my family and friends for voting for me, and to the fans out there. I feel really privileged that people are watching the show and voting, and having their say in what they see on TV.
Rhiannon’s Third Entry (TOP 18)
I expected it to be in the bottom three, going on the judges’ comments after our performance. I didn’t expect the other two couples. The bottom six were all very strong dancers in the competition. It was nerve racking, but I didn’t think I’d been voted out just yet. During my Dance For My Life, I was praying to God; ’Thank you for this journey’, I was crying constantly before, during and after the routine. Being the first girl safe made me feel a lot better. Kassy went, and she was my roommate, which was sad. Now I get to share with Henry, and he’s funny-as, which is kinda cool. Hilton leaving was the worse feeling ever. Hilton is one of my best friends – we went to high school together and trained at Brent Street together –he’s like family to me, he’s like a brother. I haven’t gotten over it, but it’s a negative image in my head so I know I do.
I was quite happy with my performance in Dance For Your Life when I watched it back. I thought it was pretty cool and enjoyed it. I spoke to some of the dancers who have done DFYL and they’re like, ’Don’t remember it’. But dancing to the nation and showing what I can do, rather than what the choreographers give me to dance, was fun – after I finished crying, of course!
I’m nervous about this week – it’s out of J.D. and my comfort zones, it’s not even remotely close to anything I’ve done before. There’s lots of footsy things. We haven’t quite finished the routine yet, but we should be able to pull it off.
Thanks to everyone whose been voting, and a special thanks to my friends and family who have supported me enormously. And thanks to the audience who come to watch – when they scream for you, it’s quite exciting and helps you get through the routine.
Ideal person to play me in a biopic: JLo. She’s gorgeous and sexy, an all-round entertainer.
Rhiannon’s Second Entry (TOP 20)
Last week it was heaps nerve-racking going first, but it was also cool that me and J.D. get to claim the fact we were the first to ever dance on SYTYCD. Sydneysiders took over the crowd, and I’m from Sydney, so it was good looking out there and knowing 60% of the audience.
I was feeling pretty overwhelmed on Monday over the fact that people were actually gonna leave, it was serious. I was especially upset about Khaly, as we’re friends outside of the competition. He’s one of the people I hung out with and could talk to about things happening outside of the show.
I’m feeling kinda nervous about my next routine, cuz it’s related to my genre but something totally different to what I’ve done before. There’s some pressure. J.D. is doing really great: it’s not even remotely close to his genre, but he’s picked up the style really well.
I’ve been seeing my friends as much as I can – I need the balance. I’ve been hanging with my family, going out for dinner a lot. Massages have been great, except when they get the bruises I’ve got everywhere from dancing! I’ve been recognized, at Gloria Jeans – me and best friend were trying to have coffee and everyone was staring! Doesn’t bother me, I love it!
Biggest misconception about dancers: People think dancers are aerobically fit but we’re really anaerobic, as in there’s no way we could run around an oval. People think, ’You’re a dancer, you could walk for miles’. Not true! We have different stamina – like being a sprinter instead of a long distance runner.
Rhiannon Villareal's First Entry (TOP 100)
Hey everyone, this is my blog to let you all know what’s been happening in my world lately…
Compared to Top 100 week, this week as hasn’t been as full on – the hours haven’t been as long, and the schedule is more defined. Top 100 week was a bit crazy, we didn’t really know what was gonna happen, but now things seem a bit calmer. Everyone’s really nice. I haven’t bonded one on one with everyone fully, due to our schedules.
I’ve been hanging out with Khaly, Henry, Steph, Graeme and Marco. We went shopping at Haymarket in the week and I bought a new dress, and (of course)- went to an ice-cream shop called Cold Rock, and got ice-cream. We have enough time to do things like this. The most fun thing has been watching the shows together. It’s loud. There’s tears, there’s screaming, crying, laughter, even just watching ourselves brings back all the memories of Top 100. I had the belief I could make top 20, that I could push physically and mentally. I reckon my strongest performance was probably Ballroom, the sexy Cha Cha, even though it’s not my style.
My partner’s amazing to work with because our duo routine is his style. We have a great connection – he’s serious, but he can also crack random jokes. We have different styles, but can kind of mix it together. Our choreographer been good to work with, and to see her as she sees the style, given her different experience and background.
Living with Kassy is cool, but we’re on different schedules, we’re so busy. We don’t cook at home. My parents bought me some Filo food in the week and they’res a Thai shop across the road, that’s quick and easy. I always cook bacon and eggs for breakfast – yum!
Coming up to the first show, I’m concentrating on the piece more than the fact it’s a competition. I don’t want the nerves to catch up on me. I’m trying to maintain my focus, and not stress myself out. I’m cool with the cameras, as I’ve done a bit of TV work before. Fingers crossed!
Fave dance movie: Grease. When I was little I used to watch it religiously.
