'So You Think You Can Dance' tour stops in Glendale Tuesday

William Wingfield has the opportunity to dance without the pressure of judges, cameras and millions of television viewers watching him.

The "So You Think You Dance" top 10 finalist, commonly referred to as Will on the show, had a rigorous schedule on the Fox reality series this summer. From learning different dance genres to photo shoots, he didn't have a day to himself.

"The schedule was so intense and like a seven-day event," he said. "You never had a chance to sit and chill, since there was always something going on."

Wingfield and the other finalists will perform Tuesday night during the 2008 "So You Think You Can Dance" Tour at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale. The show is expected to feature hip-hop, contemporary, ballroom, Broadway, tango, salsa and more from the television series, along with original pieces created for the tour.

"We can just relax, have fun and not worry that this is a competition," he said calling from Burbank, Calif., during a break in rehearsals.

The contemporary dancer chose to compete on "So You Think You Can Dance" for the challenge and national exposure.

"This was a test for myself because every week I have to be up for learning new styles of dances," he said. "It helped me learn if I could pull it together, plus pick up a lot of different nuances."

Wingfield, 21, had been dancing for 12 years before he competed on the show. The series usually has guest judges throughout the initial audition process, as well as during the live competition.

And to his surprise, dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen was one of the judges in his auditions in Las Vegas.

He was a protegé of Allen's and attended her dance academy in Los Angeles at one point, but hadn't seen her in years.

Due to the conflict of interest, Allen had to bow out of the judging process for Wingfield to continue with the show.

"I love (Allen) because she helped me become a better dancer," he said. "I'm sure fans of the show weren't happy she wasn't on this year. She had to go so it would be fair, but I know she would be harder on me than anyone else."

During the competition, Wingfield had been considered the front-runner to win "So You Think You Can Dance," but he was eliminated during the top 8 show. Hip-hop dancers Joshua and Twitch eventually won first and second place, respectively.

There are no hard feelings from Wingfield.

"It seemed hard to swallow at first, but whatever happened was the way it was supposed to be," he said. "You can only give people what they're willing to accept and take in, since the viewers at home control our fates."

He's still happy with the outcome, since it's the first time in the show's history two hip-hop dancers took the top spots.

"They're both incredible, and to come out and do something out of their element should inspire the hip-hop community to be involved more with the show in the future," he said.

When the tour ends, Wingfield hasn't decided on his next professional move.

"I'm going to continue pushing, and we'll see what happens," he said.

Mitchell Vantrease may be reached at 623-876-2526 or mvantrease@yourwestvalley.com.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "So You Think You Can Dance" 2008 tour.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

WHERE: Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale.

TICKETS: $29.80 to $49.30.

INFO: Box office, 623-772-3200, or online at jobingarena.com.