Travis Wall is the King of Dance

A gay contestant turned choreographer and judge on So You Think You Can Dance, Travis Wall is up for an Emmy Award for his work on the show and has a new reality series, King of Dance.

BY Diane Anderson-Minshall

August 30 2011 4:00 AM ET

In 2008, SYTYCD judge Nigel Lythgoe said he didn’t like “effeminate boys that mince around the stage,” because male dancers “need to be strong.” You’re certainly not an effeminate guy. Do you agree with Lythgoe that male dancers — at least when their partners are female — need to be masculine?
Absolutely! Male dancers should always dance strong. I’m not a fan of feminine dancers unless it’s necessary with a character role, which probably won’t ever happen on SYTYCD [laughs]. I believe the guys should be a strong frame for the female, who is the picture.

What kind of impact do you think having people like yourself on competition shows has on young people watching from home?
I think there is a pretty big impact. I want to inspire other guy dancers at home that it is OK to dance and you can make a career out of it if it’s what you love to do. Anything is possible if you work your ass off. Nobody hands you anything. People give you opportunity and you have to prevail and own you.

You’re really hot. Do you get hit on constantly because of the show?
Ha, no, [it’s] kind of funny but I only get hit on by girls, which is hysterical. But yeah, I guess because I was on a reality show I seem intimidating, which is hilarious as well.