Article from gendance
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH...
PHILLIP CHBEEB
Phillip Chbeeb is a 20 year-old pop and locker who had us chained to our TV screens with a Nappy Tabs piece we’ll never forget. Listen to this self-taught dancer and engineer as he tells us how me made it.
What does SYTYCD mean to you as a young male dancer?
I think it was more of a statement and a hope for growth than anything else. I didn’t go to Vegas assuming I was going to make it. I wanted to prove to myself that I could bring something special, because I didn’t start when I was 5. Even without training, I could grow and adapt.
You definitely did. But how did you learn poppin and lockin?
In my living room. I was watching random videos of poppers. They were like superheroes to me. I wanted to be like a super hero. I played so many sports as a child. There were so many rules, so I was waiting for something where I could do what I wanted. I found that creativity with dance.
You never had formal training. What was the SYTYCD audition like?
When I first when out there, I was that kid in my living room. I thought, “I haven’t seen anyone else do this, maybe they’ll put me on the audition episode.” When they put me in Vegas 2 years ago, I wasn’t even comfortable in my own body. I realized how huge the dance world really is. It pushed me to understand my body. That was only 3 years into my career. I basically got obsessed. Now, I can say I was on SYTYCD.
Do you have any personal icons?
There’s “conventional” in every dance style, so there’s conventional popping. I don’t want to be conventional anything. I just wanted to be like me. Some of the greatest poppers: Salah from France, Kite from Japan, the Electric Boogaloos. Also, the dancers on the show inspire because they have their own qualities that I admire. I draw from every style and dancer, so I consider my style “mathematical”.
How appropriate. Your most memorable moment on the show was…
My pants ripping during the Broadway number because it was hilarious. Week two, I had a pinched nerve in my neck and no one knew. Then there’s “Love Lockdown” and the chain thing.
Loved that. Do your engineering buddies feel the same?
They’re very supportive, but they still crack jokes.
What’s it like being on a reality dance TV show?
More real than I thought it would be. SYTYCD is just as cool as they make it out to be.
Any predictions for this season’s winner?
Honestly, everyone is amazing. They’re classically trained and have strong technique, so it should be interesting.
What’s next for you?
First, I’m going to my studio where my crew is at and I’m going to choreograph like crazy. I have so many ideas!
What do you want to say to your fans?
I appreciate everything they’ve said and done for me throughout this whole process. I can’t wait to give them more creativity. I’m definitely going to upload more videos onto YouTube.
What was your funniest moment on the show?
I’m really forgetful because I’m always in my own world. I left my phone somewhere in CBS Studios, so I hope someone finds it! My girlfriend got a call with someone saying, “Hey it’s Heather, I’m a huge fan!” I thought, “A fan just called my girlfriend.” She told me to come meet her, every detail down to what she was wearing. Turns out it was Janette from the show, pulling a prank on me!
Besides dance, you love…
I’m a jack-of-all-trades. I love playing pool, Rubik’s cube, drawing, and singing. I have lots of hobbies… anything that gets me away from stress of engineering.
Thanks Phillip for your amazing interview. You’re so smart and we LOVE smart men! Keep going with your bad self and check back in with us when you’re doing your next fab endeavor. We’re sure our readers will love to hear more from you. Now, check out what Caitlin has to say.
Source
