So You Think You Can Dance

About So You Think You Can Dance

Described as American Idol for those with fancy footwork, So You Think You Can Dance features young and vibrant aspiring dancers, most of whom are already accomplished performers in their home town. The show features the same “audition episodes” as American Idol, giving home audiences a hilarious look at those who would love to make it as dancers, and also a sneak peek at those who actually have what it takes.

The narrowed down finalists compete during the show’s filming, and viewers vote on their favorites. The challenge comes when dancers compete with a variety of partners, in various forms of dance determined by a simple hat draw. Hip hop dancers compete in ballroom dance. Classically trained ballerinas are required to perform a modern piece. Their bodies are pushed in new directions, and the results are often captivating.

The Prize

Final prizes have varied throughout the year -- a recent winner was awarded a spot as a dancer in Celine Dion’s legendary Vegas show. Cash prizes as well as lodging in various American dance capitals such as New York have also been awarded in the past, giving the winner a chance to further pursue their dreams.

Fortunately for the top tier, a national tour is guaranteed following the season finale, and this in itself provides plenty of opportunity for exposure, as well as an impressive addition to their resume.

Past Winners

Twenty year old Sabra Johnson of Utah, the most recent winner, received $250,000 and had only been dancing for four years when she claimed the prize and title of America’s favorite dancer. Down to earth and bubbly as can be, Sabra won over the nation and received the most votes in order to succeed in the finale.

Season Two brought Benji Schwimmer, a West Coast swing dancer from California with a $100,000 prize and a contract to be a dancer in Celine Dion’s legendary Vegas show. Celine was on hand to present congratulations via a videotaped message.

The original winner of the show, Nick Lazzarini, is another California native. 23 years old and trained in jazz, lyrical, hip hop, ballet and modern, he also won $100,000 and a lease on a NYC apartment. Much to many people’s surprise, he turned down the lease, opting instead to stay behind in Los Angeles with his best friend, Melody Lacayanga, who placed as first runner up on the same season.

The Creation of The Show

Nigel Lythgoe, a British film producer, is the creator of both American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. With initial aspirations to be a professional dancer, he did end up choreographing for a BBC endorsed dance troupe and then started producing full time. Nasty and cutting with his remarks, Lythgoe boosted the show’s ratings with his insulting nature, yet obviously caring heart toward the dancers. Lythgoe is the power house behind So You Think You Can Dance, and much of its success is due to his efforts.

Skill Versus Talent

While many of the dancers are classically trained in one or more disciplines of dance, many of the underdogs of the show often make it into the top 10. It seems as if drive and ambition works better in the long run than dance styling. This could be, in part, to the fact that dancers are required to compete in so many disciplines once the show gets rolling. Very few performers are skilled in jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap, swing, salsa, or anything else you could possibly think of. This gives the underdogs a fighting chance against otherwise tough competitors.

Whatever the method to the madness, this is one program that is truly taking the nation by storm. The fourth season is about to start auditioning, and thousands of dancers are out there just waiting for their dancing dreams to come true.