Exclusive: 'So You Think You Can Dance' eliminee Jourdan Epstein: I wasn't expecting to be in the bottom this week

So You Think You Can Dance eliminated Jourdan Epstein and determined the eleventh season's Top 16 contestants during Wednesday night's live performance show on Fox.


In addition to Jourdan, a 24-year-old Ballet dancer from Plymouth, MN, Stanley Glover, a 19-year-old Contemporary dancer from Chicago, IL, also got eliminated by So You Think You Can Dance judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy as well as guest judge Misty Copeland after they found themselves in the week's bottom-six dancers based on home viewer votes cast immediately following last Wednesday night's show.

In an exclusive interview with Reality TV World on Thursday, Jourdan talked about her So You Think You Can Dance experience.

Reality TV World: Jourdan, you were in the bottom six last week, so could you talk a little bit about whether you were surprised to get eliminated or had a feeling it might be your time to go?

Jourdan Epstein: I can say that I wasn't surprised. I was definitely ready for anything. I think I had expected to be in the bottom six for the first round last week. You know, I had a little slip at the end of my first dance and no one else really had any issues.


Last week, I thought our performance was strong, so I wasn't expecting to be in the bottom this week, but I was ready for anything. I believe everything happens for a reason, so I'm looking on the bright side!

Reality TV World: I want to know how you feel about the fact none of the bottom-six dancers each week can dance for their lives anymore. Obviously that part of the format has been removed from the show, so do you guys feel a little robbed this season? Do you wish you had one more chance to do a solo if you're in danger in order to convince the judges to keep you around?

Jourdan Epstein: I do wish we still had that opportunity. I was really looking forward to giving my own style and actually showing who I am on the show, because I didn't feel like -- you know, I'm a contemporary ballet dancer, and I really didn't get to do that at all at any of the live shows.

So I was very excited to get to show some of my own genre. But things change and the show must have a reason for why they do it. I've heard a lot of comments that people wish they'd bring that back, so you know, maybe it's something they'll consider again.

Reality TV World: After you and Marcouet Hill danced a contemporary routine, it was clear the judges thought you were missing chemistry and Nigel said he didn't connect with either one of you. What was your reaction to that criticism and do you think the fact Marcouet got uncomfortable when he got close to you played any role in your elimination? It seemed like most of the negative feedback was more towards him, not you.


Jourdan Epstein: You know, we worked really well together. I mean, we tried to do everything that we could. We talked about moments where we connected, where we could show we were connecting. I just think we both know we're coming from a different place and it might've been hard to find some common ground. Yeah, it just didn't come across the way we would've liked it to.

Reality TV World: There's apparently a little romance blooming between Jacque LeWarne and Rudy Abreu. Was that obvious to all of you and are there any other little love connections happening this season?

Jourdan Epstein: It's not a secret anymore at least that Rudy has a crush on Jacque. If I were to say whether the other way around was true, I think that will be seen in the future whether or not. But I think Rudy is making it pretty known what he's going after. (Laughs)

Reality TV World: Malene Ostergaard got eliminated from the competition the week before you. Ironically, she's 25 and you're 24, which made you both the oldest girls in the cast by a fairly large margin. Do you think that's just a coincidence?

Jourdan Epstein: I wouldn't call it a coincidence. I think that America has an easier time relating to the likable of the younger dancers. This show, it is about dance, but it's also about personality and, you know, it's hard to feel like you can be yourself without -- sometimes there are moments when you have to be funny, and I am not a silly little 18-year-old girl anymore.


And not to say that the other dancers -- they are all fantastic. But I think that sometimes it's just harder to see the likability behind a more mature or older dancer. So, "grandma" and "mama" So You Think Season 11 are the first two out. But, yeah, it's all okay. (Laughs)

Reality TV World: Were you a fan of So You Think You Can Dance before appearing on the show, and was this season the first time you had ever tried out?

Jourdan Epstein: I was definitely a fan of the show for many years. I've been a fan of many of the dancers, choreographers and the show itself. And, yes, this was the first year I tried out. I'm very grateful for how far I got and I can't wait to [now watch] and support my friends.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski