8:05 PM
Salsa Circuit
Richmond Hill's Melissa Mitro still in the dance
Still in the dance. Melissa Mitro of Richmond Hill earned the publisher’s award in York Region Media’s Celebration of the Arts talent program in 2008 and tried three times before making it on the popular So You Think You Can Dance Canada show, where she's now in the top 8 dancers.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVE FOOD? Steak.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU DANCE? Six days a week.
SECRET SHAME? I like playing video games. The last game I was crazy for was Grand Theft Auto.
FAVOURITE RICHMOND HILL HANGOUT SPOT? SilverCity movie theatre or wherever there might be salsa dancing.
HEROES, INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE? Mom, dance teachers, grandmother.
FAVE MOVIES? Gone in 60 Seconds and The Italian Job. They have lots of action, but still some romance.
SURPRISE IPOD SELECTION? I love the oldies, Bad Timing by Blue Rodeo.
Advancing to the top 8 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Richmond Hill’s Melissa Mitro said she isn’t taking her opportunity to shine on the national stage for granted.
Proving she is one of the country’s best dancers week after week and reaching this level wasn’t a simple hop, skip and jump.
“I tried out for the show three times before,” said Ms Mitro, 23, with a laugh. “Since the show started, I’ve tried to win a spot,” she added.
REJECTION WAS MOTIVATOR
Looking back, the contemporary dance specialist said dealing with that rejection only motivated her more.
Each season, she gained more experience and progressed further in the competition, until finally making the finals this year.
“With each year, I was dancing in more shows or music videos, getting more mature, more experienced and becoming a stronger dancer,” said Ms Mitro before heading back to practice.
“Now I know just how hard it is to get here. It took me four years, so I’m gonna make it count.”
Saying confidence is the strongest quality of her dancing, the former Cardinal Carter and St. Elizabeth Catholic High student has consistently been one of, if not, the show’s strongest competitor, having yet to face elimination or be forced to dance for survival.
To the winner goes $100,000 and a new Chevy Cruze, but even if Ms Mitro were to drive off the with title of Canada’s favourite dancer and one hundred grand in her pocket, she can’t help but stay humble.
“Winning would be awesome, but there are still things that I can improve on and get better. In dance, nobody is perfect, but everyone can be unique,” said Ms Mitro.
Wowing the show’s judges on a weekly basis, Ms Mitro comes by her talents naturally. Her family has a strong dance background and her mother is a dance instructor.
Ms Mitro would often accompany her older sister Stephanie to class and by age 3, she was dancing like the rest of the Mitro women.
Her mom, Carrie, fondly remembers those first days.
“She was like a ball of energy, just all over the place and dance was a great way to focus her and say ‘here, do this’,” Mrs. Mitro recalled.
Mother taught daughter for many years, before the younger Mitro joined Kleinburg’s Art and Soul studio, where she still trains.
“Dancing is just something that was always there, something I always wanted to do. My mom didn’t push me.”
“It’s extra special I get to share this experience with both my mom and sister. We have that same passion,” Ms Mitro added.
Her mother agrees, saying she can’t help feel that she’s taking each and every step along with her daughter while Melissa is on stage and Carrie is watching from audience.
“It’s still kind of weird to see Melissa on TV each week. It’s a lot of fun and I’m so proud, but it’s really surreal,” Mrs. Mitro said.
While the support of her family is appreciated, the support from fans and well-wishers has been a big surprise.
Each dancer has Twitter and Facebook accounts set up by the show. She said the kind comments from strangers has been great, as well support she is receiving in Richmond Hill, with many houses and front yards featuring, “vote for Melissa” signs.
COMPETING FOR FANS
Thanks to her aunt, Ms Mitro’s support has even been making inroads into Stouffville, which is fellow competitor Lindsay Leuschner’s territory.
“That is hilarious,” said Ms Mitro of competing for fans.
As for all her competitors, Ms Mitro assured there is nothing “plastic” about the “nicey-nice” TV portrayal.
“There are so many of us from the GTA; most of us knew each other before we got on the show, so the friendly vibe isn’t fake. We truly do get along,” said Ms Mitro, adding she has known some her competitors for close to 10 years.
“Even the show’s production people have said this year’s group is different. It truly is sad when a friend has to go home, because for all of us, it doesn’t get better than hanging out and being able to dance together on TV,” she said.
Source Adam McLean
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