Darren, Megan and Ashley are amongst the strongest contenders to walk away with the So You Think You Can Dance top prize. They have been very consistent with their performances from the very beginning. One of them may go on to be ultimate victor, and will be dubbed the best Mzansi dancer. This week, they answered a few questions on different topics for us, leading to their 5th week in the competition. It hasn't been easy, but their resilience and talent has seen them come this far.

Below are responses to interview questions we posed to them:

Q: You killed (in a good way) the pantsula routine last weekend, what did it take for you as a dancer to get into that space where you delivered a very convincing and raw performance?

Darren: Thank you. It took a clear mind to get into the rhythm of the dance routine which resulted in delivering the required performance. In addition, the pantsula is part of our African roots and it felt like dancing to the rhythm of my soul. I was also watching the choreographer to pick up tips.

Q: You've been very consistent with your performances since the beginning. Is it something easy to do? What are some of the challenges you face on your quest to keep the standard of your performances?

Darren: It requires me to rely on my training, my passion for dance and sheer dedication to the performing arts.

Q: Who do you feel is the greatest threat standing between you and the R250 000 prize?

Darren: My greatest threat is the individuals that will be selected to perform with me and as a result our fan base and supporters will determine who gets the prize money. So we will really be dancing for our lives and our fan’s votes.

Q: Personally, how has this competition affected your life, positively and otherwise?

Darren: It pushes me to my limits and creates a public awareness for me as an individual and as a performer. I believe that this will have positive impact for me in the future, whether I win or not.

Q: You've all been coupled so far in the competition, but the prize will only go to one person. How do you handle the fact that you need to do your best to go to the next round with your partner, and then along the way you may have to compete with this person to be the only victor?

Darren: I have followed the American competition closely and taken the lead from the former winners from that show and I believe that I am in a position to handle this moral dilemma in a positive way.

Q: I believe you were already a professional dancer before this competition. You were actually one of the late Lebo Mathosa's dancers , if I'm not mistaken. How is dancing in this competition different to the work you did before (I'm certain I saw you dance at the SAMA nominee announcement event earlier this year)?

Megan: I did not perform at the SAMA’s this year. Participating in this competition really challenges me on all levels emotionally and physically, I always have to push beyond my capabilities as a dancer and performer.

Q: How was it working with the late Lebo? Do you think that experience with one of the greatest performers to brace the entertainment industry gives you an advantage in this competition?

Megan: Absolutely! Lebo had a magnificent power about her when she performed and demanded nothing less from us. Her energy definitely worked through me and I’m blessed to have known such an incredible woman.

Q: I also believe your sister(s) are in the enterytainment industry (I'm at least aware of one who an actress). Did they have an influence in your decision to join the industry as well?

Megan: LOL!! I don’t have any sisters, just one younger brother. [my bad peeps, I could have sworn I saw two ladies who looked like her cheering for her at the first live broadcast of the show] None of my family is in the business, I guess I’m the only one that had the calling.

Q: Having come this far in the competition, does it give you hope that you will make it into the end? Or are things getting tougher?

Megan: Things are definitely getting tougher each week, the SA audience is a very tough audience to entertain, so they keep me on my toes. If its God’s will, then I will make it to the end.

Q: For you as well, who do you think is your biggest competitior in the competition?

Megan: I guess it will be myself. We are worse critics. Anyway its tough to tell, everyone grows all the time.

Q: Obviously, having grown in Cape Town and then deciding to move to and pursue your dreams in Jozi, what are some of the challenges you've had to push through to get to where you are now?

Megan: Being far away from home, not having my family around is one of the hardest things for me. It gets really lonely up here in Jozi! Hope my Prince Charming is coming along soon to make the road less lonelier !! (smile) [you heard the lady fellas, I may just make my move too]

Q: You seem at easy each and every week with what you do in the competition, is it something you've always done, dancing?

Ashley: I’ve been dancing since I was 9,but only started taking it seriously in my teens! I’m so glad you say I seem at ease, because I can become extremely nervous and I’m really happy that I don’t look nervous.

Q: I believe you are married to actress Vanessa Harris, right? Both as performers, does it help that you understand the pressures of what you do and expectations from those that only see you as performers?

Ashley: Absolutely. We really do understand what is needed in the industry. When I’m on stage and I have to act hopelessly in love with my dance partner, the last thing I need to worry about is what Vanessa is going to think. I have had to watch her kiss guys in performances and now its her turn to support me in the same way.

Q: You have also been very consistent throught the competition. What is it that keeps that spirit and helps you focus on giving an equal, if not better, performance each time?

Ashley: First of all I think that we all are getting fitter by the day, but personally try to think each week as a separate competition and most importantly, learn from my mistakes, so every week I’m learning more and try to apply everything I know.

Q: You are trained in or have been accustomed mostly to contemporary dance routines. How do you prepare yourself when you have to do something that is out of your comfort zone?

Ashley: I keep participating until the routine feels good and I’m having fun – because I believe if you have fun on stage, the audience cannot help but have fun with you.

Q: I would like to know from you as well, who do you think could lessen your chances of walking away with the prize at the end of the competition.

Ashley: The Judges – ha ha.

That's it folks. I hope you got to know a little bit more about these three talented dancers. Thanks to Diane from Total Exposure for facilitating this for us. Thanks Ashley, Darren and Megan for answering our questions, and good luck. Please go to YEAHBODOTNET.BLOGSPOT.COM to comment on this interview.