Bio
Carl Davids is a South African dancer best known as one of the Top 16 contestants on the second season of the SABC1 reality competition So You Think You Can Dance, in 2010.
So You Think You Can Dance Q&A
City
Linmeyer, Johannesburg
Profession
Dancing is his first profession, but he is an aspiring photographer currently studying his first year at Damelin College.
Dance history
He started break dancing in 2002 at boarding school. Thereafter he joined Studio Dance Maniacs in Johannesburg South under Candice Mcintyre, where he learnt freestyle and his love for hip hop was nurtured. After teaching at championship level he moved to Diona Moore Dance World where he is currently dancing. He has danced in numerous shows including the closing ceremony for the Sony Ericcson Women's Challenge in Doha, Qatar.
Why should Carl be SA's favourite dancer
He feels that if South Africans are honest with themselves they should vote for the best dancer. Someone who can excel at every style of dance- not the prettiest or loudest personality but the best DANCER. He feels that he is one of the most open minded and versatile dancers and he believes that he has the dancing factor.
Favourite dance genre
Hip hop first; freestyle second and (lyrical) contemporary as his third. He's in love with the style.
Dance accolades/trophies/titles
Three time hip hop champ Discorama (SADTA)
First runner up in Dancer of the year (SADTA)
First Adult freestyle Champ Dancer of the year
What would Carl do with the prize money
He would give R90,000 to his parents for all the money they have invested in him over the years, he would donate R20,000 to his church and the rest he would use to further his dance career. Dancing is very expensive, and to take part in international competitions can be costly.
What makes him stand out in the competition?
He doesn't want to spoil the surprise, but with his energy, vibrancy, adaptability, versatility, acrobatics, he assures us that there will be no dull moments. So entertainment is what he will be bringing as well as a rollercoaster of great dancing.
Family background
His life is very much about his family and friends. He comes from a family of four, but his parents have travelling between South Africa and Saudi Arabia. His mother lives and works there, but he says that his parents love for each other is so strong that the distance never gets them down. His standard of love is his parents.
Audition process
He auditioned in his city with his two of his best friends, who are no longer with him (in the competition) which is disappointing.
Profession if not dancing
His love for dancing is deep, because dancing kept him sane in a time where insanity was the name of the game. Dancing is the light at the end of the tunnel for him, his reason for being.
Impression of the South African dance scene
He feels in South Africa the dance scene is only big for those of them who are in the scene, but it's not as renowned and respected as in Europe or Russia or even in the States. He feels South Africa is still trying to be heard and doing a fabulous job of getting there.
What would winning So You Think You Can Dance mean to Carl?
Winning the show would mean that finally his voice has been heard. He does not want to be recognised as just another dancer, but as a dancer. Winning the show would mean that the love he has for this art form has been turned into something positive.
Inspiration
Jesus inspires him, as well as positive people and his parents. Dancers and choreographers that inspire him would have to be Ambee Pamp, Ashleigh Moore, Jenny Rahome to name a few who have helped. Internationally would be Mia Michaels and Shane Sparks and Omarion.
Challenges faced
Life has many challenges, and can create loneliness. But family support and love can save the day.
What makes him happy
His family, his dog Ruppet, going to the studio and dancing with his friends. He is into photography so he loves taking his camera out and snapping some pictures. Getting out on the competition floor is a feeling that is so hard to explain with very little comparing to that.
Message for potential fans
Be cool, stay in school! Drugs are bad. Don't drink and drive and with love anything is possible. Love is what has brought me on to this show, without love and true and dedication for your craft, you can succeed. Believe in yourself and believe in God because God is love.
South African charity close to his heart
St Mary's (Anglican Church) home for children.