Ade Obayomi is the 20-year-old contemporary dancer from Arizona who blew us away with his gorgeous technique and grace. Currently located in Orange County, CA, Ade has nothing but positive things to tell you. Learn what his secret passion is and which song he can’t live without.

Evan and Brandon are going into the finals tonight. What do you find most interesting about each of them?
I love how they’re different. Evan is Broadway and Brandon is amazing at everything he does. I’m excited to see who’s going to take it to the top.

You had a highlight of the year with “A Woman’s Work”. What was that like for you?
Right off the bat, Melissa and I knew it was going to be amazing because it would touch everyone through the subject matter. I don’t think we can ask for anything better. We’re privileged to have done that piece and to have shared it with the world. I’m so happy I was a part of it.

We heard you have an interest DJing. Is there a Funk Master Ade in the house?
I’d love to be a sound engineer! It’s my backup passion.

Does DJing inspire your moves?
Word… I’m not sure if I make up the music and then make up the moves, or vice versa. I just have a moment, then I create the movement.

Is there a song that you always have to add to the mix?
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air… That Tom Jones song always kills me. I love that, so I throw it in all the time.

Leaving right before the finale must be so bittersweet. Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
I think I did my best. I danced from my heart and I left it on the stage. I’m happy I made it this far.

Does it feel like you came full circle dancing with Melissa first and then leaving with her?
Yes. We worked really well together and it’s so nice to do all the interviews with her. I don’t mind it at all!

Who are your mentors?
Desmond Richardson is up there. He’s the most incredible dance mentor out there right now. Travis Wall is so inspirational because he’s young, he’s killing it, and he shows that anything is possible.

When the dancers from past seasons came back, how did you feel?
It’s like a huge family. We saw people from the 1st season all the way up to the 4th. They told us about their experiences and how they’re doing big things now. It’s nice to hear that because we get so tired and we get wrapped up in other things, so it’s nice to see that there are greater opportunities out there.

Which performances blew you away this season?
Kayla and Kupono’s “Addiction”. So powerful. Kayla always danced from the heart. She’s really dedicated. I wouldn’t mind seeing her pieces again.

Which style was the toughest to pick up?
The cha cha. The technique is so crazy, and it’s really intricate. It’s definitely the hardest one. It’s a challenging genre.

Did you have a least favorite costume?
The cha cha. I can’t pull off red pants! But my favorite was Sonya’s group dance for the Top 3 boys. It was different and quirky with that eye makeup. The pants were uncomfortable, but they looked good.

That cha cha gets you every time! Were you shocked when you left?
I was kind of prepared. It was between me and Evan, and he’s never been at the bottom. I had a 50-50 chance. I had a glimmer of hope. But I was cool with leaving. The other dancers were on fire. I’m just happy I made it this far, especially to be in the Top 6.

What’s next for you?
If I can get into choreography, that would be great. Travis is a great example of that. Everyone’s following him right now. Choreography is something I’d like to do.

Any words of wisdom for the next generation?
When you get tired, keep pushing through. When you get there the reward is the best thing in the world. Thank you to everyone that supported me. I look forward to seeing you all on tour!

Thanks to Ade for sharing his experience with us. Hear about their chemistry from Melissa’s point of view here.