The Ultimate List: Where Are The Dancers On So You Think You Can Dance Now? (2024 Update)

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The landscape of competitive reality dance changed forever when So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) first premiered, offering a unique platform for dancers from diverse disciplines—from contemporary and ballet to hip-hop and ballroom. Unlike other shows, SYTYCD always focused on raw talent, versatility, and the emotional connection a dancer could forge with the audience, making its alumni some of the most respected performers in the entertainment industry today. With the show's highly anticipated return for Season 18 in 2024, the spotlight is back on the incredible artists who have graced the stage.

This article provides the most current, up-to-date look at the world of SYTYCD, detailing the winner and key contestants from the latest season and tracking the phenomenal careers of the most successful and iconic dancers from the show's history. From Broadway stages to Hollywood movie sets, the journey of an SYTYCD dancer is a masterclass in professional evolution.

The New Generation: So You Think You Can Dance Season 18 (2024)

The 18th season of So You Think You Can Dance, which premiered on March 4, 2024, introduced a new format that focused less on public voting and more on the dancers’ ability to adapt to the real-world pressures of the industry. The contestants faced daily challenges, essentially auditioning for work in a documentary-style format, which tested their versatility and professionalism.

The season was hosted by the beloved Cat Deeley, with a dynamic judging panel featuring returning All-Star and Emmy-nominated choreographer Allison Holker, All-Star Comfort Fedoke, and the formidable *Dancing with the Stars* veteran Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

Season 18 Winner and Top 3 Dancers

After weeks of intense competition, the finale saw three exceptionally talented dancers compete for the title. The winner was crowned not just based on performance, but on their overall showing in the industry-focused challenges.

  • Winner: Anthony Curley (2024): The 18-year-old Anthony Curley was crowned the winner of Season 18. His journey showcased a powerful combination of technical skill and emotional depth, proving his readiness for the professional dance world.
  • Runner-Up: Dakayla Wilson: Also 18 years old, Dakayla impressed the judges with her strong stage presence and versatility, making her a formidable competitor until the very end.
  • Third Place: Madison Alvarado: Madison, 21, rounded out the Top 3, having survived the rigorous new format that demanded constant adaptation and high-level performance.

Notable Season 18 Contestants (Top 10 Entities)

The new format meant every dancer in the Top 10 had to demonstrate the adaptability required for a successful career. Other notable dancers from the 2024 season who made a significant impact and are poised for professional careers include:

  • Olivia Alboher
  • Avery Hall
  • Jayling Sanders
  • Roman Nevinchany
  • Easton Magliarditi
  • Braylon Browner
  • Jalen Plant

Where Are the Most Iconic SYTYCD Winners Now?

The true measure of a dancer's success on SYTYCD is not the final title, but the career they build afterward. Many alumni have gone on to redefine dance in mainstream media, becoming choreographers, Broadway stars, and television personalities. Here is an update on some of the show's most successful and memorable winners and alumni.

1. Ricky Ubeda (Season 11 Winner)

Biography & Profile:

  • Season Won: Season 11 (2014)
  • Dance Style: Contemporary
  • Age (as of 2024): 29
  • Hometown: Miami, Florida
  • Notable Achievements: Broadway star, Tony Award nominee.

Ricky Ubeda is arguably one of the most successful contemporary dancers to emerge from the show. After winning, he quickly transitioned to the stage. He made his Broadway debut in the revival of *On the Town* and later starred as the iconic Mistoffelees in the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's *Cats*. His career continues to flourish, showcasing the direct pipeline from the SYTYCD stage to the highest levels of professional theatre.

2. Du-Shaunt "Fik-Shun" Stegall (Season 10 Winner)

Biography & Profile:

  • Season Won: Season 10 (2013)
  • Dance Style: Hip-Hop/Popping
  • Age (as of 2024): 30
  • Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Notable Achievements: World of Dance competitor, viral sensation.

Fik-Shun brought a unique blend of popping and infectious personality to the show, becoming a fan favorite. After his win, he continued to build his brand as a global dance icon. He has appeared on other major reality competitions, including *World of Dance*, and maintains a massive following online, performing and teaching across the globe.

3. Melanie Moore (Season 8 Winner)

Biography & Profile:

  • Season Won: Season 8 (2011)
  • Dance Style: Contemporary
  • Age (as of 2024): 33
  • Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
  • Notable Achievements: Broadway lead roles, film appearances.

Melanie Moore's technical brilliance and emotional maturity made her a standout winner. Like Ricky Ubeda, she found significant success on Broadway, taking on lead roles in major productions such as *Fiddler on the Roof* and the highly acclaimed musical *Hello, Dolly!* alongside Bette Midler.

The SYTYCD-to-DWTS Pipeline

One of the most common career paths for successful SYTYCD alumni is becoming a professional dancer on ABC's *Dancing with the Stars (DWTS)*. The versatility and quick-learning skills honed on SYTYCD make them perfect for the pro-dancer role.

  • Jenna Johnson (Season 10 Top 8): After her time on SYTYCD, Jenna became a staple pro on *DWTS*, winning the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 26. She is one of the most visible alumni on television.
  • Lindsay Arnold (Season 9 Top 8): Lindsay also became a highly successful *DWTS* pro, known for her energetic choreography and winning Season 25.
  • Alan Bersten (Season 10 Top 12): Another *SYTYCD* alum who made the jump, Alan has been a popular pro on *DWTS* for several seasons, winning Season 28.

The Choreographers and Iconic Routines That Defined the Show

The dancers are the stars, but the show's lasting legacy is built on the groundbreaking choreography. The show introduced the world to some of the most influential choreographers working today, whose routines became viral moments and set the standard for competitive dance.

Key Choreographers (Topical Entities)

The following names are essential to the show's history and topical authority:

  • Mia Michaels: Known for her raw, emotionally charged contemporary pieces, often featuring dark or abstract themes. Her work is synonymous with the show's early success.
  • Travis Wall: A Season 2 runner-up who became one of the show's most celebrated choreographers, earning multiple Emmy Awards for his contemporary masterpieces.
  • Wade Robson: An innovative choreographer known for his theatrical, narrative-driven routines that blended various styles.
  • Tyce Diorio: Known for his Broadway-style jazz and theatrical routines that often required strong character work.
  • Sonya Tayeh: Her unique, aggressive, and powerful contemporary style created some of the most memorable routines of the later seasons.

The success of the dancers on So You Think You Can Dance is a testament to the show's ability to identify and nurture world-class talent. From the fresh-faced winner of Season 18, Anthony Curley, who is just beginning his journey, to veterans like Ricky Ubeda and Fik-Shun who have conquered Broadway and the global stage, the alumni of SYTYCD continue to prove that they are, indeed, the best of the best.

dancers on so you think can dance
dancers on so you think can dance

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