And here's gendance's interview with Maksim Kapitannikov (S5)!
Max Kapitannikov is the lovable Latin Ballroom specialist who just left SYTYCD. Listen up as he tells us about dancing for 12 hours straight and running away from security guards in the middle of the night.
Who are your Latin Ballroom idols?
Bryan Watson. He’s the father. Before him is Donnie Burns. Everyone looks up to him.
Why do you think you got eliminated?
A lot of great dancers were in the Top 18. The guys in the bottom 3 deserved to stay. They bring something different to the show and their personalities are great.
What do you hope America remembers you for?
My hard work and everything I put into the show. I was bringing something different.
Which judges did you like the best?
Nigel and Mary. Their comments gave me something I could take back and work on. I really appreciate that.
Would you have done anything differently during your time on the show?
I thought about it this morning. I said, “Max, you did everything you could.” I feel pretty proud and I have no regrets.
Who was the best choreographer to work with?
Definitely Mia Michaels. She was the one who was really deep and understanding in terms of what dancers really need to bring it to the next level. It’s not just about the dance itself. It’s more about being human. She made a huge impact on my dancing and I’ll never forget it.
Who do you think will win Season 5?
My partner, Kayla Radomski. She’s just very talented. We understood each other in work ethics and the way we approached the competition. I hope she goes all the way and that she opens up even more to America.
Your schedule is so hectic. Do you get to sleep?
For about 5 hours every night. We have Sundays “off”, but it’s up to you to come out and practice on your own. Monday-Thursday is crazy, waking up at 6 am every day. We film the show on Tuesday and everyone’s tired from rehearsing all day Monday. Wednesday we learn group choreography and dance for 12 hours. I never really did these things before, so I had to work harder. I couldn’t sleep because my muscles would hurt so badly. I took a lot of baths with Epsom salt. But I learned how to move in ways I never did before. It was a huge achievement for me.
Any bloopers? Falls, slips, trips?
There were a lot of off camera incidents. We would practice in our apartments, in the hallways until 1 am. We’d run away from the security guards, as they’d yell at us. Then we’d get complaints.
You’re from Brooklyn. Which ballroom hotspots do you go to?
Dance Times Square, (gd shout out to Melanie and Tony!) Ballroom on 5th, Studio 101, Fred Astaire studios.
What's next for you?
I want to stay in the zone. I don’t want to lose this adrenaline rush. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to get out there and take some classes. I’ll take some classes with my girlfriend at BDC. My girlfriend auditioned for Season 6 so I’ll help prepare her.
What words of wisdom do you have for the gendance readers?
If you dance, try to dance as loud as you can with your body, with your mind and with your soul. You can’t be afraid to open up. Once you do, you’ll be able to dance even louder.
Do you wanna give any shout outs to your friends who will compete tonight?
Pono, make sure your room is a mess at least one time. To my partner, Kayla, stay on track and take care of your back. Brandon and Ade, you guys are hilarious. Everyone else, keep up the good work.
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