This morning I had the pleasure of chatting with the still elated and sore winner of season 6 of So You Think You Can Dance, Russell Ferguson. The star of season 6 from his first audition, Russell didn't seem all that surprised about his victory, but he was incredibly grateful. When asked if he had any final words for us, Russell simply said, "I just love America." As his win last night proved, the feeling is mutual.
 
America's brand new favorite dancer chatted with us about the injury he suffered during last night's finale and how a backstage chat with is Dad helped him get through the difficult night. He also tried to clear up the confusion about his pre-So You Think You Can Dance training and told us about what he hopes his future holds.


Tell us about how you were injured last night:

"I was injured at the end of the first hip hop routine with Kevin and Legacy. They way I was injured, was after I jumped off the stage, when Kevin and Legacy pulled me back up, I landed wrong. It was a hard impact on my leg and something shifted over my ankle. It was swollen and really tight. I wasn't able to be clear to dance for the night,  but I could walk."

When it was announced you had won, your pain seemed to have vanished:

"At the end, I was pretty much running off pure adrenaline. During the show I did have some ultra-sound, electric stimulation, and a shot, so that also helped it out pretty well."

What was your mood like after you were injured?

"It was very stressful, because I wasn't able to do the final performance. Which to me, is one of the most important things of the season. But they sent for my dad and he came back stage to check on me. I was crying and I was upset because I wasn't able to perform. He was just talking to me and calming me down, telling me that he wad proud of me and that everything was going to be okay and to keep my head up. So I walked out with my head high."

There seemed to be some confusion about your training or lack of training, could you clear that up for us?

"I've been doing hip hop all my life. I figured if I was going to take on any big dance project I would have to learn other things to be well rounded in the dance field. I did four years at Boston Arts. And some time at University of the Arts so I got a good amount of training. When it came to what I was asked to do on So You Think You Can Dance, most of the genres I'd never done before. All of them were real new. It was very hard. Luckily I did take classes so I could get through them, but they were definitely challenges adjusting my body to those new feelings."

Did you take issue with the judges characterization of you as someone with no training, who just came that way straight of the streets?

"I know the judges know that I have some formal training. But the thing is, that a lot of people who do train, that's what they do. That's their dance style and their lifestyle. I really did just come from the streets. I like to do things other than krump and  I can do a little bit of it. I couldn't freestyle in it. I've taken classes to have enough confidence to pull these pieces off."

Going into auditions what were your expectations?

"I was just hoping that America would change their views on krump and what it was about, so they could be more familiar. I knew I was going to be able to get that message across, but winning was a big bonus."

Do you feel like you've succeeded with spreading krump and inspiring other krumpers?

"Oh yeah definitely. I know that looking on TV seeing something that you love is always inspiring. I hope kids who are watching get inspired and have hope now. Hopefully they know they can do the same thing I did, and even better."

What was your favorite genre that you hadn't done before So You Think You Can Dance?

"The Foxtrot definitely. It was my toughest challenge and I feel like I got closer to it because of that. I learned more because it was tough."

Will you be seeking out work in other genres, like the Foxtrot, now that So You Think You Can Dance is done?

"Well, not necessarily. If anything comes my way that requires me to do it. I'm just glad I got my foot in the door to be able to spread krump the way it is supposed to be spread."

Would you like to come back and choreograph for So You Think You Can Dance?

"Oh most definitely. I would love to come back and choreograph a krump routine or a hip hop routine, it would be an honor."

What was your favorite routine of the season that you danced?

"The Afro jazz frog dance. It was just real exciting and it kind of brought me back to my roots. It felt natural."

If you could have seen any routine from the season performed again last night, what would it have been?

"It would have been a group piece. The Nappy Tabs group piece, where we were like Alice in Wonderland."

Going into last night's finale, did you feel like you had a chance of winning? That you all had a chance to win?

"Hell yeah, we all had a shot of winning. It was all in the air at that point in our eyes. Everybody who was there deserved to be there."

Why did you pull Kevin on stage after you won?

"Kevin just has been with me this whole journey. He's like a brother to me and I felt like I should share that moment with him because we've shared a lot of special moments during the show."

Now that you've been crowned America's favorite dancer, what's next?

"I'm just going to invest my money. I'm going to try and get into movie projects. Get into some dance movies and see what happens."

Do you have a big celebration planned?

"When I get home I'm pretty sure there is a  party waiting. So I'm just going to enjoy myself and have fun."