Dance contestants show moves to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Dance students received star-quality instruction Friday and Saturday when contestants from the Fox TV show "So You Think You Can Dance?" led classes in Moses Lake.

Jaymz Tuaileva made it to the top 14 of the show's second season and appeared in the soon-to-be-released movie "High School Musical 2."

Brianne Healey made it to the Las Vegas round of "So You Think You Can Dance?" when she auditioned for the current season.

The contestants traveled to Moses Lake to teach classes at Today's Generation Dance Studio.

Students between the ages of 13 and 17 learned routines Friday and the instructors taught group classes open to the public in hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical jazz and jazz technique.

"They're working so hard," said Tuaileva, as he took a break from teaching dance students a choreographed routine. "You can tell they really have a passion for dance."

Because he made it into the top 14 of the television series, Tuaileva is disqualified from auditioning again. He said he is currently working on an acting career while he teaches dance.

"I'm definitely moving toward a movie career," he said.

Today's Generation Dance Studio Co-owner Peggy Earl said Healey taught at the same studio last year, when it was in a different location.

Healey said she enjoyed returning to Moses Lake to teach dance.

"This new facility too, is amazing," she said.

She commented the students were doing well in learning their dance routine.

"They just suck it right up, eat it right up," she said.

Healey's plans include auditioning for the next season of the television show. Her inexperience with hip-hop dancing was her downfall last time in the audition process, she said.

In addition, she is seeking a scholarship to attend EDGE Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

"I think it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these girls," Earl said.