For winners of “So You Think You Can Dance,” the grand prize of $250,000 is certainly life-changing. However, for Season 11 champion Ricky Ubeda, the opportunity to make his Broadway debut proved to be an even more invaluable reward. As part of his winnings, Ubeda secured an ensemble role in the Broadway hit On The Town, performing from February 27 to April 26. Straight from the high-energy “SYTYCD” tour, the then 19-year-old dancer stepped into the world of Broadway and musical theater for the first time. This week, he shared his experiences navigating this exciting transition.
Making a Broadway Debut: A Surreal Experience
Reflecting on his debut, Ubeda described the feeling as “pretty surreal.” He admitted, “I never thought being on Broadway is something that would happen this soon in my life.” This statement highlights the unexpected yet thrilling turn his career took after winning “So You Think You Can Dance,” showcasing how the platform can propel dancers into diverse and prestigious avenues within the performing arts. For many aspiring dancers, winning SYTYCD is a launchpad, and Ubeda’s journey exemplifies this potential.
Intense Preparation and On-the-Job Learning
The transition to Broadway was not without its challenges. Ubeda faced a remarkably short rehearsal period. “Just three days!” he exclaimed. He elaborated on the intensive learning process, “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.” This rapid immersion into a complex production underscores the demanding nature of Broadway and the adaptability required of performers, even seasoned “So You Think You Can Dance” winners. Despite the stress, Ubeda acknowledged the supportive environment, noting, “Luckily, everyone was helping me.”
Embracing New Performance Dimensions: Acting and Singing
Stepping into musical theater demanded Ubeda to explore new facets of performance beyond just dance. He confessed his lack of formal training in acting and singing: “I never formally trained in either, and unfortunately I didn’t have time to prepare because I was on tour with ‘SYTYCD.’” However, true to the spirit of continuous growth fostered by “So You Think You Can Dance,” he embraced the challenge. “But I’m learning a lot from all my castmates and doing the show every single night,” Ubeda stated, demonstrating his commitment to learning and development within this new professional landscape. This willingness to learn and adapt is a common trait among successful “Think You Can Dance Winners” who transition into broader performance careers.
From Competition to Collaboration: The Broadway Team Dynamic
Ubeda drew a compelling comparison between the competitive environment of “So You Think You Can Dance” and the collaborative atmosphere of Broadway. “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.” He contrasted this with the unified nature of a Broadway cast: “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 creation highlights a significant difference in the professional dance world and the diverse skills “think you can dance winners” acquire.
“SYTYCD” Skills Transfer to the Broadway Stage
When asked about the transferable skills from his “So You Think You Can Dance” experience, Ubeda pointed to two key areas. “How to learn choreography quickly! And performing for large audiences helped me to be comfortable performing on the stage here.” These skills, honed under pressure on the show, proved invaluable in his fast-paced Broadway debut. The ability to quickly absorb and execute choreography is crucial in both competitive dance and professional theater, making “So You Think You Can Dance” an excellent training ground for aspiring Broadway performers.
Navigating Talent and Growth on Broadway
Ubeda openly discussed the most challenging yet rewarding aspect of his Broadway experience: “Being around so many talented people. But it’s also the best thing.” He acknowledged his unique position within the cast, “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 professionals reflect a positive mindset crucial for growth and success in any field, especially for “think you can dance winners” entering new performance domains.
Future Broadway Aspirations
Looking ahead, Ubeda expressed enthusiasm for future Broadway endeavors. “Would you do another Broadway show?” he was asked. “Absolutely,” he affirmed. Despite the demanding schedule of eight shows a week, Ubeda conveyed a deep sense of fulfillment. “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 enthusiastic endorsement suggests a promising future for Ricky Ubeda in musical theater, further demonstrating the diverse paths “think you can dance winners” can forge in the performing arts after their time on the show. His journey from “So You Think You Can Dance” champion to Broadway performer is an inspiring testament to talent, adaptability, and the boundless opportunities available to those who excel in dance.
