So You Think You Can Dance

So You Think You Can Dance
Show name	So You Think You Can Dance
Genre	Reality competition
Creator	Nigel Lythgoe
Country	United States
Language	English
Num seasons	17
Executive producer	Nigel Lythgoe, Simon Fuller
Runtime	60–120 minutes
Network	Fox

So You Think You Can Dance is an American televised dance competition created by Nigel Lythgoe and produced by 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions. The series premiered on Fox Broadcasting Company and combines performance, choreography, and audience voting to determine a champion, featuring contestants across genres such as ballet, hip hop, contemporary dance, and ballroom. The program has influenced popular culture through crossover appearances on shows like Dancing with the Stars and collaborations with institutions such as New York City Ballet and events like the Kennedy Center Honors.

Overview

The series showcases dancers who audition in front of a panel to earn a place in a televised competition, drawing contestants from cities like Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Miami, and Atlanta. Judges and choreographers including Mary Murphy, Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio, and Sacha Baron Cohen-adjacent creative teams have shaped routines in styles linked to companies such as American Ballet Theatre and performers like Pasha Kovalev and Travis Wall. The show has featured guest appearances and mentorship from artists associated with Madonna, Prince (musician), Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and touring productions such as Burn the Floor.

Format

Auditions are held in regional venues tied to organizations like Ballet Hispanico and theaters such as Radio City Music Hall, followed by a callbacks week often termed "Las Vegas Week" (or "Academy Week") that echoes selection processes used in Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor (UK). Finalists are paired into couples for weekly performances judged by a panel and voted on by viewers via systems similar to those employed by American Idol and The Voice (U.S. TV series). Eliminations are influenced by choreography from notable figures such as Sonya Tayeh, Christopher Scott, Taja Riley, and staging designers associated with Cirque du Soleil.

Judges and Hosts

Hosts have included television personalities like Cat Deeley and guest presenters from programs such as Entertainment Tonight; judges and permanent panelists have featured industry figures such as Nigel Lythgoe, Jason Gilkison, Adam Shankman, Debbie Allen, Kym Johnson, and Queen Latifah. Choreography judges and mentors have encompassed Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo, Mandy Moore (choreographer), Al Blackstone, and dance educators connected to Juilliard School and Barnard College. Guest judges have included celebrities from film and music like Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough, Christina Applegate, Channing Tatum, and Liv Tyler.

Notable Seasons and Winners

Winners and runners-up have launched careers intersecting with projects such as So You Think You Can Dance (UK), Broadway, and television shows including Glee (TV series), with champions like Benji Schwimmer, Jason Gilkison-era finalists, Sabra Johnson, Sara Von Gillern-adjacent contestants, Twitch (thedancer)-associated performers, and later victors who joined tours with companies like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and productions such as Hamilton (musical). Memorable seasons featured collaborations with choreographers Mia Michaels and Travis Wall and episodes highlighted routines to music by Prince (musician), Michael Jackson, Madonna, The Beatles, and Stevie Wonder.

Impact and Reception

The show catalyzed mainstream interest in contemporary and vernacular dance styles and influenced programming decisions at networks like ABC (American Broadcasting Company) and NBC. Critics in publications tied to institutions such as The New York Times, Variety, and Los Angeles Times have debated its role in commercialization of dance versus artistic development, while academic discussions in journals linked to New York University and University of California, Los Angeles have analyzed its cultural impact. Alumni have achieved visibility on stages including Broadway and in film collaborations with studios like Warner Bros. Pictures and Universal Pictures.

International Versions

The format inspired localized adaptations produced by broadcasters such as ITV in the United Kingdom, CTV Television Network-style productions in Canada, and series commissioned by networks like Network Ten (Australia) and TVB. International editions often featured local figures comparable to Simon Cowell-produced formats and collaborated with choreographers connected to companies such as Rambert Dance Company and Sydney Dance Company.

Production and Broadcast History

Produced by companies including Dick Clark Productions and executive-produced by figures such as Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller, the series has aired on Fox Broadcasting Company with scheduling changes mirroring those of programs like American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. The production has utilized venues such as The Dolby Theatre and soundstages in Hollywood, Los Angeles for finale broadcasts, and touring live shows have partnered with promoters like Live Nation and venues including Radio City Music Hall. Technical teams have employed directors and producers experienced on series such as So You Think You Can Dance (Australia) and staff who previously worked on MTV programming.

Category:American reality television series