Interview with Kevin Hunte of 'So You Think You Can Dance'

This morning I had the pleasure of chatting with Kevin Hunte the latest dancer to be eliminated from So You Think You Can Dance.

Despite his elimination, Kevin had a positive outlook on his time on So You Think You Can Dance and his future. Here's what Kevin had to say about his "brother in the top 6," what Victor can expect from his former partner Karen, and what's next in his journey.

There's a lot of people who started dancing young. It's interesting that you started when you were 14. What got you so interested in dancing?

"Growing up, watching Michael Jackson inspired me to move. My mom said that she really wanted me to pursue dance. She put me in a dance school (at the age of 16) that I didn't really like. I started watching the show and opening my eyes to other aspects of dance. I started taking classes and getting my technique up to par. I went full force with the whole hip hop thing. I auditioned in season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance and got all the way to the green mile before I was cut. Mia Michaels told me she wanted me to grow more, so I took two seasons off and trained and trained and trained. And this time I actually made the top 20."

What styles were you formally trained in, before coming to So You Think You Can Dance?

"As you know, I'm a hip hopper. I took ballet and modern. That's basically about it. I had the privilege of joining a contemporary company. That's all the training that I have. No ballroom!"

What was the hardest style of dance to pick up?

"Besides the cha cha, I would have to say the Broadway. It took me out of my element. It took me by surprise. The character, the style, the movement, the whole feel of it - that was kind of different. It was so fast."

Tell us about the "get to know the Top 20" show where you, Russell, and Legacy did a hip hop routine together.

"Oh, that was amazing! That was the most amazing experience ever! As you know, me and Russell became like brothers. Just to be able to do that together is mind blowing. Right after the taping of that, Russell and I had a moment where we hugged and they put it on the cameras. We were like, "Wow, we're really here. We're really doing this." It was just amazing."

What did you think about the judges saying your solos weren't up to par?

"I loved my solo the first time. So I thought, 'This next time just go out there and dance your heart out like you always do.' It was a privilege to perform on that stage. But I loved my first solo and I loved my second solo and that's all that matters is how you feel about it."

What style did you most want to perform?

"I really wanted to get contemporary. I want to emote and show that a hip hop dancer can emote and can give off the whole contemporary feeling. Because a lot of time we can't do the contemporary styles. I was excited to work with contemporary choreographers like Tyce, Mandy, or Stacey Tookey. Seeing them with other couples you get inspired and want to work with them."

Any advice for Victor now that he'll be with your former partner, Karen?

"Oh yes. If he ever feels tired or hurt or just not up to it, he better get it together real quick because she is no joke. She's a professional. She's a mambo champion. She's about her craft and about her work. That's what i loved about her she adapted to whatever style I got. I told Victor be ready because she's fierce and non stop."

What's next for you?

"Auditioning, Auditioning, Auditioning. I hope to get into movies, modeling, get some campaigns and print work. Going where the work is. I am the kind of person who doesn't stop. So You Think You Can Dance was a stepping stone to get my career started."