Justin Gabriel Ballasy was a tap dancer from Season 3 of America's Got Talent. He was eliminated in the audition round.
Background[]
Justin is a professionally trained tap dancer, honing his skills since age 4 when he asked for his first pair of tap shoes. He continues to study with leading tap dancers and regularly attends classes in hip-hop, as well works as a teacher and an emerging choreographer. Dedicated to routinely studying and learning, all aspects of tap, including the choreography of the masters, Justin travels the east coast to perform and receive instruction by world-renowned tap masters, most often including distinguished tap dancers Omar Edwards and Karen Callaway Williams. As a young “hoofer,” Justin is known for his sensational improvisational ability, stylistic choreography, and notable performance skills. From the start of his tap career, Justin’s feet have been described as “well beyond his years.”
Justin is now a member of Philadelphia's Philly Tap Team 2. Justin is also a formal 6-year member of the Tap City Youth Ensemble in New York City, through to July 2011; and a former member, 2008-2009, of the New Jersey Tap Ensemble, NJTAP2, a pre-professional performance group of young people ages 12 to 18 under the direction of Deborah Mitchell. He is an Apollo Theater 2008 Star of Tomorrow and winner of the title Philadelphia Tap Challenge Idol 2007, and has appeared on Nickelodeon ME-TV, and MTV-MADE. Justin describes tap as instinctive and necessary; “It is like breathing to me.” 1
Audition[]
Justin Gabriel Ballasy's audition in Episode 301 consisted of tap dancing. Piers Morgan, David Hasselhoff, and possibly Sharon Osbourne buzzed the act. At least two judges voted "No", eliminating Justin from the competition.
