Norwood Studio Trains So You Think You Can Dance Hopeful

By Karen Green

It may be called a “reality” show, but hundreds of dancers can only dream about actually making it through the auditions for “So You Think You Can Dance.” One talented local dancer is on her way, however, to making her dream of becoming a professional dancer a reality.

Pamela Yiota Kariotis, 19, from Dedham, Massachusetts auditioned recently for the Greece version of America’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” The show is a dance reality show and competition. Recently the show's rights were sold to foreign broadcaster Mega Channel in Greece which will air its own version of the show. Auditions have been held around the world including here in New York, Austrailia, Germany, and Cyprus. The auditions in the countries outside of Greece are aimed at Greeks living abroad. As one of only 100 dancers that will be chosen throughout the world, Kariotis is on her way to Greece on February 11th. “I plan to go to Greece and represent my American hometown as well as my American-Greek heritage,” says Kariotis. She will try to earn a spot in the Top 20.

Similar to the smash hit, American Idol which features singers, in “So You Think You Can Dance” a mixture of contestants are chosen for the show, ranging from unknown street dancers to winners of national championships. All contestants work their way through a rigorous audition process, and then over the course of the show they are assigned different dance styles and partners each week, to test their versatility.

Kariotis, sophomore at Emmanuel College majoring in English Communications, has a background in Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Hip Hop and Ballroom. But, as she explains, “right now I’m trying to take crash courses in all kinds of dance, specifically ballroom in order to be well-prepared for whatever the competition brings.” This has led her to Elizabeth Anderson, owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Norwood. Elizabeth took an immediate liking to Kariotis and is excited about helping her prepare for the competition. “I’ve already given her a couple of free lessons,” says Anderson. “We hope to be able to help her in any way we can.”

Grateful for the lessons at the Norwood Fred Astaire, Kariotis admits that “Dancing lessons, travel and other expenses really add up. It would be great for me to find a sponsor to help with the lessons costs. Any offers would be greatly appreciated as I embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to pursue my dream of becoming a professional dancer.”

Anyone wishing to support and cheer for Kariotis as she prepares for this world-wide competition should call the Norwood Fred Astaire Studio at 1-781-769-4246 to find out when she is training.