What are you expecting out of the contestants?
The competition is quite open. I have no idea what genres and what sort of quality to expect. I would collectively expect to see grit, dance performance and the ability to grow.

How can contestants expect from you as a judge?
Fair statements. I'm pretty fair. I won't come in and say, ‘This is what I want'. I would look at them at their overall training or lack of, what they hope to achieve and help them in the right direction. I would expect to speak in a language that they understand.

How can viewers expect from you?
Hmm, an odd cartwheel here and there. I don't know.

What do you think you will bring to the judging table?
Gladys is obviously a social dance expert. There's performance art with George. Bill is (for) choreography and street (dance). I'm classically-trained although I'm also trained in all the other dance forms. I think we all look out for different things. I will be looking for determining factors that would make up a good candidate for dance, meaning you got to have the grit, diligence, the right attitude, et cetera.

How prepared are you to face criticisms from the public?
I remember mentioning to Dick (Lee, Singapore Idol judge) ‘You know, I'm gonna be a judge.' He said, ‘Oh yeah, get ready for the hate mail!' And it's unfortunate. Blame the game not the player. I think everyone must remember it's a competition. The judges are there to help and not stamp anybody down to the ground. They are there to help, encourage and to give viewers who might not have an understanding about dance a more constructive understanding. Poke the contestants in the right direction if need be. I think all these taking sides and creating judges with a certain personality is entirely YOUR making — meaning the press.

What kind of contestant behaviour is a big turn-off?
There's no room for arrogance, no room for complacency and no room for sloth. If you have one of three or all of three, you might really want to evaluate your approach.

What is the most important attribute for a dancer?
Talent and physical attributes. Different dances needs different types of bodies. It helps if you are pre-disposed physically, anatomically in that direction. If you are bow-legged, it might not be a good idea.

What if the person has grit?
With a really good body — I'm not saying thin (and) tall, I'm saying anatomical structure — (but) no talent, you might get somewhere. If you have great talent (but) no body, you can get somewhere too. But to have a combination of both, and the right attitude, you can go everywhere. It's not like the singing industry where it's based on looks or packaging. You really must deliver.

Good body with no talent. And bad body with talent. Who would you pick to go through?
I will prefer the latter. But that said, not all talented ones will work hard. The right attitude is very important. I've also seen really good dancers — body-wise and talent — who don't work hard. And they are not great.

What advice would you give contestants?
Roll with the punches, work damn hard, train damn hard and believe in yourself. Ask your teacher, ask your mentor and make sure you are on the right track. Enjoy yourself and seduce the audience.