We saw him pirouette into the hit TV series ‘So You Think You Can Dance?’ We saw him steal the lime light with his edgy style and glittering past as a drag entertainer, and we saw him make it to the final 2 only to be awarded ‘Runner up’ status.
Fans of Adelaide born, Melbourne based Rhys Bobridge felt the effervescent dancer was ripped off. But now Rhys and all our favourites are back in the ‘SYTYCD Live Tour!’
We spend 10 minutes with Rhys and get the dirt on the past, the present and what’s in store for the tour.
What’s changed for you since the show?
Mainly the people around me. I don’t drive a car or anything so I’m a bit of a slave to the public transport system and I get spotted all the time.
Most recently I went in for a tan, and I hadn’t had one in a while, and the girl who was working there was like “Oh my gosh, you’re that dancing guy!” And I’m like yeah, but honey I’ve been coming in for years!
Marlin Brando has a wonderful quote which is ‘Fame doesn’t change you, it changes everyone else.’ So that’s ringing true to some extent.
Will you be kissing Miss Regime Dettol goodbye?
I would never completely lock her away in the closet but she’s definitely had her moment in the sun – and it’s my time to shine right now!
The great thing about drag is that you can do anything you want, express yourself in any way that you choose, and I love that. It has really helped me to be who I am, and gave me an amazing amount of experience with crowds and interacting with people, knowing what they like and what they don’t.
As much as Regime is a character, it’s still me.
What was it like being part of the show? It was essentially a competition, did it get bitchy?
There were definitely some personal highs and lows throughout the competition, but I’m glad to report not at any time were the lows to do with any negativity amongst the contestants. We all got along so well it was almost un-natural! After all, it is a reality TV show.
What’s your ultimate job?
The ultimate job for me would be if a musician approached me and said ‘I want you to conceptualise and choreograph my latest video clip.’ I would love to take something like that to the concert level and have creative control. I would just die if I ever got the opportunity to work with Madonna. Someone of that calibre…I would just die! I wouldn’t know
what to do with myself!
Do you think the right man won?
I understand the decision of the Australian public. Jack’s style and his personality are very clear cut, I think people found it really easy to relate and identify with him and love him. People may have taken a little while to get me. I was surprised at how well I was received though, I have got to say.
Well you’re our favourite!
BLESS!
What’s next for you?
SYTYCD Live Tour is happening soon, and its going to be heaps of fun. I’m really excited to get back on the road and getting back with the kids. I love Canberra too, expect an awesome show!
Catch Rhys and the dynamic ‘top 10’ in ‘SYTYCD Live’ AIS Arena, Thursday, 10 July 2008. Tickets are available through ticketek.com.
