Courtney Galiano VIP Page

This is our Courtney Galiano rolodex. From her first issue reigning as gendance Q n A rockstar to the very last and beyond, we cherished her connection to our readers within this dedicated trend page for Courtney. After each answer, you’ll have the opportunity to link back to that very issue. Enjoy and thanks again, Courtney. MWAH!

 

What’s been the most memorable performance of your career?

Performing "The Garden" with Mark in my hometown on tour and the last time we all performed "You Can’t Stop the Beat" together in Tampa. There are no words to describe the sound inside of the arena after we performed "The Garden" and the overwhelming feeling of gratitude I had for everyone I know and love that came to support me. It was a moment in my life that I’ll never forget. The last time we performed "You Can't Stop the Beat" was really sad because not only was it the last time we were going to perform that dance, but it was the last time we were going to perform together. That’s 1 thing our season never took for granted. I know all of us would give anything to go back to that moment one more time. I’m thankful for every second I spent sharing that stage with them.

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

What sparked the idea for your upcoming clothing and makeup line?

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE clothes and makeup. (I’m definitely a girly girl that's for sure, haha!) Heart and Soul apparel is owned by literally the nicest people in the entire world. They approached me with the idea and I was beside myself! I was so enthusiastic about getting started and I wanted to create a line that really resembled me. There are more pieces to come but the first shirt I created definitely had a little bit of me in it, plus I love v-necks and hoods! The material of the shirts is cool because it's super light and comfortable, but the most important thing was the saying. It says, "I walk forward in the certainty that my dance is secure." (I actually had this saying tattooed on my feet so that way when I stand in first position it reads a full sentence.) This quote definitely struck home with me because the business that we are in isn't a secure or predictable lifestyle, and you’re always being judged.  All you need to know is how much you love what you do and couldn't live with out it-and to succeed, the only thing you need to be is secure with yourself.

The makeup line is coming out in July and I am so excited! I’m so lucky to have teamed up with Cliché Cosmetics for this project. They are amazing! I’m making two compacts... one for everyday and one for stage. I made them very similar to what I like to wear. I don't the look of cakey make up, so I made it very natural! My favorite part of the compact is going to be the fun designs on the top which are being designed as we speak (or as I type haha!) and the saying inside on the mirror is "life is a dance from one stage to the next" There are so many different dance styles and so many different stages of life, I thought it was such an appropriate quote for everyday life and dance.

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

What was it like to perform on tour at Nassau Coliseum? I was there and I met you, and I saw how many friends and family members were there to see you. I can't imagine how exciting that must have been!
~Joeli from Long Island

Hey Joeli! Thanks for coming to Nassau and showing your love and support. Performing at the Coliseum that night was surreal. It was one of the best moments of my life, surely a moment I will never forget. In the beginning when we all had to introduce ourselves and it was finally my turn, I couldn't even get my name out... everyone was just cheering so loud, I just started to cry. I was so grateful to come from such an amazing place with so many amazing people who supported me from the beginning. Even when it was quiet, when we were all introducing each other’s pieces, I heard the little girls at my dance studio screaming, “We love you Miss Courtney!” Words just wouldn't give that night justice. One of the most special things that happened was that my grandma had been there. She has MS (Multiple Sclerosis), she’s very old, she can't walk and she hates getting in a wheelchair. She never gets to go anywhere or see anything. In all of her life she's never been on a plane or a cruise or anywhere exciting...and to look out into the audience and see that she got into a wheelchair for me and was seated very close to the front row was really emotional. It felt so good to give back and perform in person for all of the people that had shown their support all summer long. I’m forever grateful!

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

How did you prepare yourself physically and mentally for SYTYCD?

Physically you need to make sure you take care of your body, ice and heat your muscles at the appropriate times, and get a good night's sleep (never happened haha) and made sure you always stretch before you dance and after. Mentally... there was nothing that could have prepared me for the competition other than having a positive attitude. Vegas week was so intense and you definitely had to be strong mentally survive it, but it was absolutely nothing compared to the show. Every week was just so different, it was much more mental than physical. At the end of everyday and the beginning of every morning I took a big deep breathe and said to myself "I can do this." There were tears, blood, bruises and IV's but we did it.

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

SYTYCD Season 5 premieres tonight. What’s your life been like since the show?

The show definitely changed my life. I never thought I'd be doing some of the things I'd be doing. I moved to LA and I’m living with Katee and Comfort. I got the chance to tour 46 cities in the US and perform for almost 10,000 people 6 days a week with people I love. I got to see so many different parts of the country and experience so many things. After the tour, I did a commercial for Clearasil, which was great because I got to work with Nick Kenkel- the choreographer for Legally Blonde on Broadway. I also did a promo commercial for the Hannah Montana movie with Katee, and we learned a dance called the “Hoedown Throwdown”. One of my favorite jobs was for a new Nick Jr. sitcom that’s going to air in September. I got to dance with Gev, Katee, Comfort and Josh!

The show definitely gave me the chance to do some amazing things, like start my own clothing line with Heart and Soul Apparel and a make up line to be released in July! The show does wonderful things for dancers and I’m so grateful I got to be part of it.

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

Are there any funny inside jokes/behind the scenes stories from So You Think You Can Dance that you can share with us?

I actually got a nickname on the tour! Katee nicknamed me duckie. Sometimes Katee would do this silly, awkward dance and I would talk in a funny, squeaky, innocent voice and my lips make a shape like a ducks beak. So Katee started calling me duckie and the name stuck! Now that we live together and share an apartment, if she's calling me from across the room she'll say hey duckie come here for a minute! Haha

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

This past year has been quite the ride for you. Looking back on your experience with SYTYCD, which fellow contestant do you feel you learned the most from, either concerning dance, life in general, or both and why?

I learned so much from each and every one of the dancers on the show. Everyone was so diverse and that allowed me to learn more about not only them, but myself! Dance-wise, I have to say I learned the most from Will. Because he has so much experience, the week we partnered I was privileged enough to be taught all of these amazing improv exercises which really opened up a whole new door to me. He always made me feel good too. I would tell him I felt like I was so technically behind everyone else and he would say, "When you are on stage Courtney no one even cares about any of that. They just can't stop looking at how captivating you are. You bring something else to the stage." It was then I realized technique can always be taught but it is what is inside that cannot. 

As far as life in general, everyone on the show became family and still remains as close as we were. I live with Comfort and Katee and we learn different things about each other everyday! I am so thankful to have met such a wonderful group of people and artists. 

Xoxo, Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

I talk with Comfort and Chelsie once in awhile. What’s it like to live with Katee, Chelsie and Comfort? You ladies are like the Fab 4. I can imagine that you have a ton of fun, but also have the craziest schedules known to man. What are some of the things you do together to stay close as friends?
Chantel - Queen Creek AZ

Hey Chantel! Living with Katee and Comfort is amazing. Chelsie unfortunately had to move out because of Dancing with the Stars, but of course we supported her. We miss seeing her every morning, but we’ll always be the Fabulous Four. My best friend Sena from NJ moved in. She’s so beautiful, inside and out. (Remember Sena?) Dominic and Hok from Season 3 are our next door neighbors too! 

Our apartment is NEVER boring. We always have people over to hang out. I’m so thankful to have made such life long friends. I learn something new about them and from them every day. We’re so supportive of 1 another and we have healthy relationships. We were never really competitive on the show and we aren’t competitive living with each other now. We balance each other out really well.

It’s pretty funny when you look into our cabinets, though. We have 3 different milks: regular milk, Lactaid milk and rice milk. Comfort has all the good stuff, definitely nothing fat free. Katee’s in between healthy and not; lots of candy and lots of low fat foods. Then there’s my cabinet...everything’s organic, zero fat and stuff my dad would say tastes like cardboard.

We do a lot of things together like take class, cook, go out dancing, go to dinner, stay up really late and just talk, watch movies... We definitely aren't just roommates. We’ve become a family.

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

You are very inspiring to me as well as to many other young people. We love you!
Do you have any words of inspiration or wisdom to us?

A million bazillion trillion thank yous! That really means a lot to me and I really do love you guys too, words can't express how thankful I am to the people that supported me throughout the entire show! I remember saying to my dad no matter how far I make it into the show if I inspire at least one person I will feel like my job is done. My words of wisdom would be to be a sponge!!! No matter what you love to do...I don't care if it's to be a dancer, garbage man, doctor, teacher whatever...do it with passion and suck up all the knowledge that you can! Always know that when people say "step out of the box" there is no box...you make your own limits! Learning through experience is good and bad. Do what you love and always be yourself, never compromise who you are for someone else. "Life is a dance from one stage to the next!"

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

You’re Courtney Galiano-a next generation rising star. What are your thoughts, feelings, and emotions about Michael?

“Michael Jackson will never be gone. His spirit and energy will live on forever. He was an icon and has been such an influence on the entertainment industry. I remember when I was little and the movie Free Willy came out. Michael Jackson's song was in the beginning and I used to play it over and over and over and dance all around my living room. My sincere condolences go out to his family, friends, fans and his dancers who booked their dream job. He will never be forgotten.”

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

It's so cool that you have your own clothing line. I saw your shirt at a dance store in my town. I love SYTYCD; you are my favorite dancer from Season 4! How did you get your line started and what's coming next for new Courtney designs? 

Thanks!
Kelly

Hey Kelly! Thank you for all of your love and support. I’m so excited you got to see my first shirt. Stephanie and Jeff (they are amazing!) from Heart and Soul Apparel approached me about starting my own clothing line. I was so excited and anxious to begin. I just had a photo shoot for the back to school designs that will be coming out July 15th. I cannot wait for everyone to see the line. The pieces are fun, colorful and very me! So stay tuned because mid-July you can order all the new stuff on www.heartandsoulapparel.com. 

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

Who are your favorite past SYTYCD contestants from seasons 1, 2, and 3?

My favorite dancer from Season 1 was Craig Derosa. I competed against him growing up. He’s absolutely amazing as a dancer, but he’s also a gracious person. On Season 2, I loved Travis and Heidi. Travis was an incredible dancer. I've gotten to know him personally and he is just absolutely hilarious and warm. I loved Heidi because I enjoyed watching her get better and better every week. I loved Anya and Pasha during Season 3. They choreographed the cha cha that Gev and I performed, so we got to experience what talented and beautiful people they are first hand.

P.S. The gendance audience is so amazing. Love you!

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance story here.

 

Do you teach regular classes at a specific studio? I heard Gev travels with a company that teaches classes. Do you think you’ll end up doing something like that?
~Lor Taylor

I don't teach classes at a specific studio, but I do teach master classes every once in a while. I really enjoy teaching because I love sharing my knowledge with others. With that said, I also feel like this is my time to dance and do what I love so I make sure I’m always available for every audition possible. This way, I can book as many jobs as I can doing what I love to do! That's really important to me. As far as a tour goes, I would LOVE to book a tour with an artist that’s touring the country and maybe the world!

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

What’s one of your favorite dance quotes?

 The one on my Heart and Soul hoodie, of course! I also absolutely love this one:

“It is so easy to hide behind steps… it’s much deeper than that. Our goal should not just be to perfect what a choreographer gives us but also to allow our own unique voice as a dancer artist to come through and marry to the energy of the choreographer… That is beautiful.

Then again, let’s think about some of the most simple and beautiful images of dance. A young child is jumping freely to music, laughing and giggling with such purity and with no fear of judgment. An older couple, fragile yet safe in each other’s arms, slowly try to keep up with their favorite song from a time earlier in their lives as they reminisce through all the years with each step… That is beautiful.”

Xoxo Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

Hi Courtney,
My sister and I met you at the Bahia Mar Cliché Cosmetics dance class. We really loved the class! I wanted to ask you how to get a better turn out for ballet. I have a problem keeping my feet in a full turn out while dancing. Any advice would be great!

Thanks, Carly L.

Hey Carly! I'm so happy you loved class! That weekend was a lot of fun. I was so happy I got to meet all of you girls. My mom actually got to come watch! I have a hard time with my turn out as well so what I try to do is really concentrate on rotating my hips in second position on the floor. It really helps because all of your rotation comes from your hips. I also try and do a lot of stretches that allow my hips to become looser.

Practice! :)

Xoxo, Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

I absolutely loved your dance quote that you talked about in a previous issue. Do you have any other favorite quotes that inspire you?
~Kelly

 Here are a few of my other favorite quotes. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

“Success is never final, failure is never fatal, courage is what counts.”

“Toil at something you love and you'll never work another day in your life.”
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”

Xoxo, Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

 

“What are the best classes to take if you want to have a career in dance?”
~Nicholas Monaldo

Every class. You have to be well rounded in pretty much every style. I have been on auditions where I’ve had to do technical stuff, sassy jazz, ghetto hip hop, ballroom, scream my head off, act like a dog (haha!)... the list goes on and on. You have to be able to adjust to anything they throw at you. You also have to have a strong skin because you are constantly being judged.

Always be proud of yourself, no matter what!

Xoxo, Courtney

See the full gendance issue here.

My question is: I'm going to the SYTYCD TOUR for season 5 this year and I was wondering if you get three meet and greet after party passes for me and my family? I've never been able to get them before and I truly want to be able to talk to the dancers, they mean so much to me. People tell me that I have to "know" a dancer, but I just thought I would give it a shot this way :)
 

Hey kendra! That's so exciting you are going to the tour this year! I wish I could help out! I will see what I can do, usually its just the dancers family and friends, but what I do know for a fact because I did it :) is that the dancers for sure come out after every show and sign autographs for every single person in line! Hope you have so much fun at the tour this year, I can't wait to go too!

Court was so popular that this question came in after her thrown was over. There’s no issue to link, but check back with us because she’s an integral part of the gendance GFF team.