Tony is eliminated. The judges are unanimous in sending Tony home.
Top 20 - 06 / 10 / 09
Hip hop dancer Tony had to put the comedy aside for his hard hitting hip hop routine with partner Paris. Despite not having a serious "stank" face, Adam thought the performance was really good.
Las Vegas - 6 / 04 / 09
Tony Bellissimo won over the judges with his personality and sense of humor during his hip hop routines. The judges told Tony he's in the Top 20 and they can't wait to see him grow. Tony celebrates with the splits and a shake of his shoulders.
Are you in school? If so, which one and how long? Did you graduate?
No, I took a leave for my career.
Are you married?
No
Do you have any children?
No
Do you have a job?
Yes, as a Teacher's Aide. I work for my parents' child care center, and I work for Future Dance Studio.
How old were you when you started dancing?
Seven years old for basic dancing, and fourteen years old for advanced.
Do you have any formal dance training?
Yes.
If you had to categorize your dance style, what would it be?
I enjoy Hip Hop, Funk, and Storytelling.
What other talents/hobbies do you have?
I like to write short stories and poems. I enjoy fishing and golfing. I play soccer, lacrosse, and basketball.
Who is your favorite professional dancer?
Barry Lather
Does anyone in your family dance professionally?
NO
Have you performed in musical theater or in public functions as a dancer?
Yes, as a dancer in the high school fundraising contest and as a singer in a middle school play.
What would you like to see happen to you as a result of the show?
I would love to have the public spotlight that will advance my career.
Where would you like to be in 10 years and what would you like to be doing
It would be great to be a lead choreographer with a large dance studio or a Broadway Production Company.
What has been your most memorable dance experience?
It was when I danced in the Mr. Falcon Talent Contest (high school). The function raised $3,500.00 for Carly's Club at Roswell Cancer Institute. I was crowned Mr. Falcon.
What have you learned so far in going through the audition process for this show?
When I put my best foot forward and work hard I can achieve success. Also, any criticism only pushes me to concentrate better in my dancing.
What are your favorite dance moments from movies, TV and/or stage?
Those two wonderful scenes in "Singin' in the Rain," with Gene Kelly with the umbrella in the rain and Donald, Debbie, and Gene with the wall and couch. Also, Grovealoos 1st season, "The Ghosts" video by Michael Jackson and "Rhythm Nation" video by Janet Jackson. Then there's Charlie Chaplin as the Tramp, the Scarecrow in the "Wizard of Oz." I also like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers 1940's movies and all of Gregory Hines' works.
Which choreographers would you like to work with?
Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Dan Karaty, Nigel Lythgoe, Jean-Marc Genereux, Anthony Thomas, "Nappy Tabs" (Napoleon and Tabitha D'uomo), and Sonya Tayeh.
Bellissimo has been dancing for most of his life. He is a graduate of Frontier High School, and played on the school's soccer, football and lacrosse teams. He likes to write short stories and poems, and his favorite professional dancer is Barry Lather. He finds inspiration working with children in a local pre-school and mentoring young kids between the ages of 6-12 in an after school program.
