Hannahlei Cabanilla’s audition piece alone got the “So You Think You Can Dance” judges on their feet to welcome her with a golden ticket to the academy, including Fil-Am celebrity judge Vanessa Hudgens.
Her victory is one for the books.
Hannahlei is the first Filipino-American to win the $250,000 prize as the grand winner of this season of “So You Think You Can Dance.”
“Every step of the journey is very humbling, and it’s so amazing that I’ve had an impact on so many people’s lives, and I’m representing dancers, Filipinos, just everyone’s that is supporting me.”
Her message for those who dream of becoming the next dance show winner is to put in the work.
“I just wanna inspire them and show that anyone could do this if you just put in the effort and time and work, because I was one of those little girls looking up to all the past winners, knowing that I wanted to be on this show…and now I’m in the winner’s shoes.
The top ten finalists including Hannahlei will be part of the U.S. tour, that will kick off in Atlantic City on October 13 and will end in Spokane, Washington on December 9.
This story originally appeared Balitang America.