- As you know, this is a new show in the Middle East and first time we see dance talents competing on TV.Do you think we were able to highlight international potentials that put us in the global map of dancing?
I believe it's a start that allows Arab audience to become more aware of the art of dance and start to see that dance can be a profession and not only a form of entertainment or Hobby. Caracalla Dance Theatre and the work it has achieved over the past 45 years was able to give a culture identity to dance and put dance on a global international map, in a TV show like SYTYCD we areseeing individuals compete: it is a start as I said in an area of the world with amarket that is more used to music and singing competitions. We need to startat the root and introduce dance educations in our culture, schools and universities create a platform and opportunities in the dance world that would start to put us more on the global map, we must create institutions which develop talented dancers.- What does SYTYCD add to the Arab World?SYTYCD brings awareness about this art form that is essential to humanity, dance is an international language, dance is a form of expression, dance represents cultures, dance is art, television is more accessible to the mass, and through TV programs such as SYTYCD we are able to give hope to young dancers and educate the mass about this art form.- Dancing is currently not encouraged in our culture as we see internationally, it is seen as a hobby or an "activity" what in your opinion can be the steps we have to follow in order to promote dancing as a profession?I think dancing is becoming more and more acknowledged and we see a large demand for dance education, as we witness at our dance school "Caracalla Dance school" we have over 1500 enrolled students, and we see many others schools opening up, so the need is present. I believe dance, dance history, choreography should be taught at universities and institution that give degrees so this becomes a profession.- What does the experience in SYTYCD add to your career?I use platforms such as SYTYCD to get more exposure for the sole purpose of educating spectators about the art of dance, by being present on the show I am able to express my expertise and knowledge about dance hoping that the audience will start to become more and more aware about this beautiful creative expressive art form. I use TV and social media platforms such as twitter, facebook and Instagram to get my message across. I grew up in a family dedicated to art, my father has founded the first and most prominent dance theatre in the Middle East, a company that has received international praise and has performed at the leading theatres of the world, so my role is to continue the journey on a theatrical level but also to use my image and knowledge in shows such as SYTYCD to help dance in the mainstream.- Do you think you might be teaching routines also next year? Or you'll just stick on being judge?Next year is next year! Let's take today one step at a time, I love to choreograph as that is my talent and calling and I am now focusing my choreographies on the next Caracalla production that we will prepare.- What is most challenging about being a judge in SYTYCD?Having to express my thoughts out loud in Arabic, I am much more detailed and comfortable in English, and the biggest challenge is to choose between the contestants.- What advice would you offer to the dancers once the show is over?Dance is difficult keep working, dream and you will achieve, also maintain a respectable image of dance and walk down the right path so that they use their talents to spread the word and message of dance.- What in your opinion are the points of strength and weakness of the show?In general I found the show to be a successful show, the contestant are very different, the choreographies are interesting, the production team is very professional, the producer Janane Mallat understand dance and is great at making this very difficult concept work, the format is new and fun, maybe the only weakness would be at this point that it needs more acceptance in our region.
- How do you chose your outfits for the episodes and do you have a stylist?
I love to be creative with my outfits and accessorize as i enjoy fashion, Piaff Boutique dresses me with very cool outfits and stylish accessories and Joanna Laura Constantine also accessorizes me with very creative pieces. I think Piaff Boutique suits my character as they have items that are very unique and artistic that you find nowhere else in Beirut, and the team is excellent at choosing the best outfits each week.
- Do you think that you have students in your school that would be capable to audition for season 2?
We have many students at the Caracalla Dance school that are very talented, we have created a program called the dance school program aimed towards a higher education in dance, these students on a weekly bases study classical Ballet, Contemporary modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Style Caracalla, Floor-Barre, Ballet Variations, giving them a wide range of knowledge in many styles of dance. They are highly talented and I feel they have a potential to excel in dance whether auditioning for a television program such as SYTYCD or working in dance theatre.
- A last word for Beiruting.com ? Glad to have Beiruting to keep us up to date in Beirut buzzing with news talent and shows! Whether good or bad Beiruting has it all!!
Sabine Sader
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