For many dancers, winning the coveted title of “So You Think You Can Dance” winner is a dream come true, often opening doors to incredible opportunities. For Ricky Ubeda, Season 11’s champion, that dream rapidly expanded beyond the television screen and onto the grand stage of Broadway. As part of his prize, Ubeda didn’t just receive the $250,000; he secured a spot in the ensemble of the Broadway hit On The Town, performing from February 27 to April 26. This wasn’t just another dance gig; it was a plunge into the world of musical theater, a new frontier for the then 19-year-old, fresh off the whirlwind “SYTYCD” tour. In a candid interview, Ubeda shared his exhilarating yet challenging experience of making his Broadway debut.
Stepping onto Broadway: A Surreal Reality for a Dance Winner
“Pretty surreal,” Ricky confessed when asked about his Broadway debut. “I never thought being on Broadway is something that would happen this soon in my life.” This sentiment encapsulates the whirlwind transition from dance competition winner to Broadway performer. The speed at which this opportunity materialized was as astonishing as the opportunity itself.
The preparation time for such a significant leap was remarkably short. “Just three days!” Ubeda exclaimed. Imagine going from the competitive stage of “So You Think You Can Dance,” to the demanding environment of Broadway with a mere three days of rehearsal. He elaborated, “I learned all the material from the dance captains, and then we had a put-in rehearsal with the entire company, but I didn’t do the full show in order until my first performance. So it was a little bit stressful!” This rapid immersion into a full-scale Broadway production highlights the intense pressure and adaptability required of a “So You Think You Can Dance” winner entering such a prestigious arena. The support of the company was crucial, as he noted, “Luckily, everyone was helping me.”
Navigating the Uncharted Territory of Acting and Singing
Beyond the demanding choreography, Broadway musicals incorporate acting and singing, areas where Ubeda had limited formal training. “I never formally trained in either, and unfortunately I didn’t have time to prepare because I was on tour with ‘SYTYCD’,” he explained. This underlines the immediate jump into the deep end of musical theater, relying on on-the-job learning. However, Ubeda embraced this challenge, emphasizing the invaluable learning experience from his seasoned castmates: “But I’m learning a lot from all my castmates and doing the show every single night.” This hands-on experience became his crash course in musical theater performance.
From Competition to Collaboration: Broadway vs. SYTYCD
Reflecting on the contrasting environments of “So You Think You Can Dance” and Broadway, Ubeda pointed out a key difference in stakes and atmosphere. “On ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ at the end of the day, someone was going home every week. It was a lot higher stakes because you could lose the experience in a blink of an eye.” The competitive nature of reality TV dance competitions fosters a high-pressure environment, where individual elimination is a constant threat.
Broadway, in contrast, presented a collaborative landscape. “Here, we’re all part of same team with the same objective to entertain and put on a great show.” This shift from individual competition to collective performance was a significant change, emphasizing teamwork and shared artistic goals.
“SYTYCD” Skills Translate to the Broadway Stage
Despite the differences, Ubeda acknowledged the invaluable skills he gained from “So You Think You Can Dance” that directly benefited his Broadway transition. “How to learn choreography quickly! And performing for large audiences helped me to be comfortable performing on the stage here.” These are crucial skills for any professional dancer, and “SYTYCD” provided an intense training ground for both rapid choreography absorption and stage presence in front of vast audiences. Being a “So You Can Dance Winner” equipped him with a robust foundation for the demands of Broadway.
Embracing Challenges and Looking to the Future
When asked about the most challenging aspect of his Broadway experience, Ubeda highlighted the high caliber of talent surrounding him. “Being around so many talented people. But it’s also the best thing.” He viewed this not as intimidation, but as an unparalleled opportunity for growth. “I’m one of the only people in the cast who hasn’t trained in musical theater, and these people are such great examples to be learning from. I don’t feel like an outsider, but I am.” This humility and eagerness to learn from experienced performers speaks to Ubeda’s professional attitude and growth mindset.
The experience left a lasting positive impression, with Ubeda enthusiastically stating, “Absolutely. It’s a lot of work doing eight shows a week. But it’s also the funnest thing ever. I come home every night so happy and glowing. It’s like, ‘Wow, I just “worked.”’” This resounding “yes” to future Broadway shows underscores his successful transition and newfound passion for musical theater. For Ricky Ubeda, being a “So You Think You Can Dance” winner was just the beginning, paving the way for a promising and diverse career in performance.
