Karate Cole Returns as Bruce Lee

I hate goodbyes, which is why I have a really hard time when my favorite dancers get eliminated from “So You Think You Can Dance.” I’m totally that girl who tears up during their highlight video reels. I just get so attached!

But my mom (fellow “SYTYCD” fanatic) and I found a way to cope: we predict all the fantastic opportunities these dancers will encounter after the show. “I’m sure so-and-so will land a part in Adam Shankman’s next movie” or “Does Lady Gaga need more incredible backup dancers?” or “Ballet companies everywhere will be chomping at the bit for him/her.” But our favorite by far is: “I can’t wait until I see so-and-so on Broadway.”

Horibe shows off his martial arts skills. (photo by Mathieu Young/FOX)

So when I heard that Season 9 favorite Cole Horibe landed the role of Bruce Lee in the world premier of David Henry Hwang’s Kung Fu, I was stoked. My dream came true! Or…umm…Cole’s dream came true!

Cole was probably my favorite contestant from Season 9 (although it’s honestly so hard to choose…). I was always so impressed by the precision of his movement and the authenticity of his performance. Also, his super unique martial arts fusion dance style?? Such a fan. OK, so I maybe have a bit of a dance crush on Cole. Is it that obvious?

So naturally, he’s perfect to play the part of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Oh, and did I mention that Sonya Tayeh is the choreographer? If her “Possibly Maybe” routine is any indication of how the two work together, we should all be very excited.

The off-Broadway production of Kung Fu premiers February 24th at the Irene Diamond Stage in the Pershing Square Signature Center.