Utah's Thayne Jasperson talked with The Tribune Tuesday from Los Angeles after performing, along with fellow Utahn Matt Doram, for the Television Critics Association Press Tour.

Jasperson returns to Utah Friday to teach classes for Odyssey Dance Theater's Dance Utah workshop in Orem.

Here's what Jasperson had to say about the show:

On the judges' comments and being sent home:

"It's hard because I felt like, especially with our hip-hop routine, we did a really good job. The choreographers kept saying [during rehearsal] that we were doing great and really getting the steps, and the other dancers said they thought it looked really good, so when the judges didn't like it I was a little surprised. And you know, the show is set up so you bond with a couple, and since [he and Comfort] were new partners, it was a little harder since you only got to see us together twice. But Nigel [Lythgoe] talked to me [after the show] and was very complimentary, so that was good to hear."

On whether the judges were harder on contemporary dancers:

"It feels that way because there were a lot of contemporary boys in the beginning and then we all went down first [except Mark, who is the last of four contemporary guys in the top 20.] I think the judges expected a lot of us because we have a lot of training in different areas, and if we make mistakes it's easier to get us. It's part of the nature of the game; you just have to go in there and hope for the best."

On performing with Utahns Chelsie Hightower, Gev Manoukian and Matt Dorame:

"It was so cool to have them on the show, because Utah really got a chance to represent. Finally people are starting to recognize Utah's talent. And even touring with Odyssey, people [were surprised] by this talented little company from Utah."

On Odyssey's legacy on the show:

"Definitely! There were 10 of us at the Salt Lake auditions, and then seven of us made it to Vegas, and then we got cut down from there, but [throughout the auditions] people kept complimenting Utah dancers."

On what's next for him:

"For now, I'll come back [to the show] for the finale and then I'll do the tour. We have rehearsals for about a month and then we tour for two months. It's going to be great. I went to the taping the other night and it made me kind of sad, but at the same time this exposes you to so much. I'm really hoping I'll get to do some guest teaching and guest choreography around the country. And I'm hoping this will give me this chance to do movies and Broadway, because I've always had an interest in singing and acting. That would be amazing. For me, there could be nothing better."

So he thinks he can teach a dance workshop

What Thayne Jasperson returns to Utah to teach Broadway-style dance classes for Odyssey Dance Theater's "Utah Dance" workshop. Other classes include jazz, funk, ballet and tap. Registration is still open to dancers 12 and older today at 7:30 a.m. at the door.

When Now through Saturday.

Where Mckay Events Center on the Utah Valley University campus, 800 W. University Parkway, Orem.

Cost $75.

More information Call 801-243-1329 or visit www.odysseydance.com.

On TV Tune in to KSTU Ch. 13 at 7 p.m. tonight and 8 p.m. Thursday to see how Chelsie Hightower and Gev Manoukian fare in the top 10.