SYTYCD’s Katee Shean

You have seen Katee Shean on Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance. Shean was born in San Jose, California and graduated from Pioneer High School in 2006.You have seen Katee Shean on Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance. Shean was born in San Jose, California and graduated from Pioneer High School in 2006. She currently attends Chapman University, where she is pursuing a double major in leadership and dance and is active in many volunteer organizations.

Katee Shean

She, along with Joshua Allen, were the only 2 contestants this season to make the final four without an appearance in the Bottom 3 couples, or Bottom 4 contestants.

Shean was the second contestant eliminated on the season finale. However, since she received more votes than Courtney Galiano on the season finale, she was awarded $50,000.

Shean also auditioned for Season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance but was cut on the final day of Vegas week. In keeping with our dance theme this month, Asiance interviewed Katee while she took a break from filming on the East Coast. yay!

ASIANCE: What is your ethnic background?

Katee: I am Japanese and Irish

ASIANCE: Are you mixed? Who’s side is Asian?

Katee: My mom is Japanese.

ASIANCE: Are you still attending college?

Katee:: I took a leave from college so I could go on tour with the show.

ASIANCE: What is your history of dance? When did you start? What did you study?

Katee: I started at the age of 4. When you first begin you start out with ballet & tap. Then you move on to jazz & hip hop. From there I learned pointe, lyrical and modern.

ASIANCE: What is a typical work day like for you?

Katee: I taught dance classes once a week. I would attend college classes in the morning and afternoon and then drive in L.A. traffic for at least an hour, teach my classes, back in traffic for an hour plus and then go to rehearsals until 10:00 or midnight. Then — study time!!!

ASIANCE: What was your favorite dance routine on so you think you can dance?

Katee: No Air, All by Myself

ASIANCE: What was the worst or one where you thought you could do better?

Katee: I could have done better with the pax de deux. We practiced it over and over and never got hung up on the turn until the day of the show.

ASIANCE: If you could go back to being a little girl what would you do differently in regards to dance?

Katee: I would work on my turnout and technique. There’s always room for improvement.

Katee’s favorite “So You Think You Can Dance” routine

Who was your favorite dancer on the show?

Katee: They’re all my favorites — I was just happy to be a part of the show.

ASIANCE: Why is your nickname called Heffer?

Katee: My nickname is Heffer because I like to eat. I would always take big lunch bags to school. I would be eating every period of the day.

ASIANCE:Do you have a boyfriend?

Katee: No.

ASIANCE: Did you watch Jennifer Lopez’ MTV show Dance Life? Did you like it? Who was your favorite dancer?

Katee: I did not have an opportunity to watch it.

ASIANCE: Did you ever want to be a Rockette?

Katee: That was always what dancers aspired to. It would be great to be a Rockette, but unfortunately I don’t have the legs that go on forever.

ASIANCE: Where would you like to see dance go?

Katee: I would like to dance professionally and tour with a company.

Katee Shean

ASIANCE: If you weren’t dancing you would be… … .

Katee: Working for non-profit organizations. I have spent my spare time volunteering for various organizations in my community.

ASIANCE: Do you watch Dancing with the Stars? Who is your favorite?

Katee: No, I wish I could watch it. I was always busy studying or rehearsing.

ASIANCE: What do you want to do for dance?

Katee: I’d like everyone to experience the joy of dancing. Whether you’re sitting in the audience watching a story unfold or dancing the movements yourself. It’s an unforgettable feeling.

ASIANCE: Are you familiar with Lydia from Quest Dance Group? What do you have to say?

Katee: Yes, I have seen Lydia & Quest dance before — they’re awesome!!!!

Katee’s Finale

ASIANCE: What advice would you give girls, particularly Asian American girls who want to pursue dance?

Katee: Take as many classes as you can, enjoy what you’re doing and don’t try to be anybody but yourself.