Q&A WithThe Dance Judges

Q&A With…The Dance Judges

By Susan L. Hornik

Dan Karaty And Mary Murphy

By Susan L. Hornik

The judges of So You Think You Can Dance reveal the sexiest dance move to do on a date—and how dancing helped them find their sweetheart.

	On your FOX show, So You Think You Can Dance, I’ve noticed that the dance couples seem to have an awful lot of chemistry whether they’re actually dating each other or not. Why do you think this happens?
	Dan: There’s something that goes on where you find yourself having to work with the other person’s body. It’s not always a sexual matter, but there’s definitely a bond that gets created. There was this rumor that a few of the contestants had hooked up with each other, but they insisted there was nothing happening other than friendship and dance. For example, Musa and Natalie really had a chemistry that no one could explain, and many people thought there was something there… but they said no. Though I was a bit skeptical—you just never know! Dancing is a definite turn-on. Mary: It’s a great way to socialize! Especially with ballroom dancing. It shows you that you have to have respect for one another. We need personal contact and touch—somehow we have drifted away from that. Society is all about me, me, me. If we can get back to a closer connection, it will be a whole lot better for every relationship.

	So why is dancing such a great way to connect?
	Dan: It’s all about expressing oneself. Whether you are at a wedding or a club, people just let go. You lose that self consciousness—your guard is down and you are just having fun. That’s the perfect mindset to be in if you happen upon someone! People love that. And if the two of you are on date, it’s a great way to relax and unwind together. If you make a fool of yourself on the dance floor, the two of you can laugh about it!

	You both met your significant others while dancing! How did that happen?
	Dan: Yes, I just got married! We trained at the same dance studio when we were younger. We ended up dating for about nine years and are still dancing together! My parents met each other dancing too. I just know so many people who met this way. They all have great relationships because of dancing. There is a trust factor involved, so if you can work that out on the dance floor, you can work it out in your day to day life as well. It all correlates. Mary: I met my husband while at my dance academy in San Diego. I don’t think we fell in love at first sight, but we did dance together and were around each other for years before we got together. But I have to say, if I wasn’t a dancer, I don’t think we would have ever gotten together!

	If you were to give advice for singles looking for love, what would you tell them?
	Mary: Take a group dance class! There are always new people getting involved there. This is great for you, as you are made to feel free about going up to someone and asking them to dance. A woman doesn’t have to sit by the sidelines. She’s expected to ask someone. And no one can say no in a dance studio either! So then if they’ve built up their confidence, they can try to go out in the world and try it at a club. It’s amazing to see how much confidence can affect the way you try to meet someone.

	What’s the sexiest dance?
	Dan: For partners, salsa. But for me personally, if I was just watching a girl dance, it would be seeing her mix rough hip hop with sexy hip hop. When a girl can put that together, I just think that’s so hot. Mary: Tango for sure! I haven’t gone dancing in a long time though, so I think I’m going to get my husband and go out on the dance floor!

Contributing entertainment editor Susan L. Hornik is based in Los Angeles.


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