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JD’s Journey

Joel de Carteret is the paradigm of a humble beginning. He was named after the taxi driver who found the newborn baby Joel along the road after his parents had left him. The taxi driver brought him to an orphanage where he was adopted by his Australian parents.
“One little gesture of generosity blossomed into something amazing,” said Joel during his interview with Australia’s Herald Sun.

He came to Australia when he was just five, but had a hard time adjusting in his new home. He struggled with English, but through local television shows, he has learned the language and was able to adapt to the local culture.

His mother, ironically named Julie, added that “he’s passionate; dancing is his life.” Prior to his stint at “So You Think You Can Dance,” he has worked with music stars such as Destiny's Child, Ja Rule, Guy Sebastian, Holly Valance and Tina Arena.

In 2000, he returned to his roots and visited the orphanage where he spent his early years.

The Lady That’s Packed With Confidence

In stark contrast with her partner, Rhiannon Villareal was born in Sydney and was the youngest constestant in the show.

She started taking dance class when she was 11 years old. She finds dancing as a true passion. Before every contest, she tries her best to focus and exceed the competition by putting her heart and soul into the dance.

In her Myspace profile, she wrote, “Being on the show has made me realize the dreams I've always had can actually come true. I always knew what I wanted to do - be a famous performing artist; but I never realized it would come so soon. Not that I'm fully famous yet, but I'm one step closer.”

Her advice to other aspiring dancers is for them to hold on to their dreams and never give up.

She would like to hone her craft by joining workshops held by enthusiastic and well-experienced choreographers.

JD Carteret and Rhiannon Villareal are truly passionate Filipino dancers from The Land Down Under!