Asuka performed a jazz routine with partner Vitolio. Nigel thought the routine was great and it helped bring out the best in Asuka and her partner.
Top 18 - 06 / 17 / 09
Asuka gracefully tackled a waltz routine with partner Vitolio. Mary loved that Asuka was able to display an endearing and believable passion.
Top 20 - 06 / 10 / 09
Asuka paired up with Vitolio to take on a Broadway routine. Adam thought Asuka danced very well and with nice clean lines.
Las Vegas - 6 / 04 / 09
Asuka Kondoh wowed the judges with her beautiful ballroom moves during auditions. Judge Debbie Allen informed Asuka that she took enough risks to make it on Season 5.
I don't have a nickname, but I do have a Starbucks name, which is Liz. It makes it easier for them. My competition name is Elizabeth, so the judges won't have a hard time saying "Asuka." Saying it the wrong way means a bad word in Russian.
Where do you currently live?
Irvine, CA
Where were you born?
San Francisco, CA
What is your hometown?
San Francisco, CA
How old are you?
25 years old
What is your birthdate?
January 26, 1984
Are you in school? If so, which one and how long? Did you graduate?
I graduated from UC Irvine in 2007.
Are you married?
No
Do you have any children?
No
Do you have a job?
Yes, I work as a dance teacher.
How old were you when you started dancing?
I started dancing at the age of 10.
Do you have any formal dance training?
Yes, I started off my dance training with ballet and tap classes. I later found my passion with Latin Ballroom and have been training solely in that style.
If you had to categorize your dance style, what would it be?
International Latin Ballroom.
What other talent/hobbies do you have?
I was fortunate to try numerous activities as a child. I enjoyed tennis, track and field, swimming, and piano for most of my childhood and teen years.
Who is your favorite professional dancer?
I don't think I can choose just one favorite dancer! Since I mainly watch Latin Ballroom competitions, I would usually fall in love with the couple. My favorite couple to watch currently is Yulia Zagorouitchenko and her partner, Riccardo Cocchi. I get goosebumps watching them dance!
Does anyone in your family dance professionally?
Nope! I'm the only one.
Have you performed in musical theater or in public functions as a dancer?
Nope!
What would you like to see happen to you as a result of the show?
I would like to come out of the show as a completely different dancer as when I entered. I would like to incorporate all the knowledge that I will receive from the show and apply it to my Latin dancing, and hope that it will make me a better entertainer and a better performer. I never felt that I danced outside of my comfort zone, or took enough risks, and I hope all that will change very soon.
Where would you like to be in 10 years and what would you like to be doing?
Man...I don't really like to think about the future too much. I still have today to worry about...
What has been your most memorable dance experience?
Duh...auditioning for SYTYCD!! Vegas week was hell this year, but I wouldn't change a single thing.
What have you learned so far in going through the audition process for this show?
I've learned that every single time you dance, it should feel as if you are dancing for your life. If you have one chance to prove yourself, then it better be your best. You never want to finish and say to yourself, "I could've done better."
What are your favorite dance moments from movies, TV and/or stage?
Well, of course, being a fan of the show, I would definitely have to say my favorite dance moments come from SYTYCD! One that sticks out in my mind is Mia's sunflower dance with Travis and Heidi...specifically the moment when they touched hands between the bench. Another moment is during Bleeding Love, when Mark's hand was on Chelsie's chest and he stole her heart.
Which choreographers would you like to work with?
I can't choose, I want to work with ALL of them! That would be awesome.
Kondoh loves swimming, golf and tennis and has played piano for 13 years. She is a graduate of University of California, Irvine, and has worked as a Latin Ballroom instructor for the last two years.
