Summary

• SYTYCD alumni like Nico Greetham have successfully transitioned into film and television post-show, showcasing their talents on screen.
• Contestants like Jess King have continued their passion for dance off the show, becoming respected choreographers and instructors.
• SYTYCD serves as a platform for multifaceted careers - like Tate McRae's transition from contestant to successful singer-songwriter.

Following a hiatus, So You Think You Can Dance returned as one of the best reality TV shows launching the careers of young dancers in search of their big break. Over the years, Fox TV's hit show has employed some of the heaviest hitting choreographers in Hollywood such as Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Tyce Diorio, Christopher Scott, and Mandy Moore to help transform the contestants from dynamic talents, to superstars.

Some SYTYCD alumni have landed success in the dance world, like Season 2's Emmy award-winning choreographer Travis Wall. And Travis isn't the only SYTYCD vet to leap from the stage to television and film. As SYTYCD season 18 unfolds, it's time to reveal some of the biggest careers launched by the show.

1 Nico Greetham

So You Think You Can Dance Seeason 10

Nico Greetham competed in SYTYCD season 10 and has had a successful film and television show career since his time on one of the best dance TV shows. Nico later played Cal Cambon in FX’s American Horror Story: Double Feature and also starred in two episodes of the spinoff American Horror Stories. He also appeared in Love, Victor season 3. He also starred in the comedy-drama Something Casual.

Following his stint on SYTYCD, Nico ventured into acting. He landed roles in various television shows and movies. One of his significant roles came in the popular Netflix series The Prom, released in 2020. In the musical comedy-drama film, Nico portrayed Nick Boomer, a high school student who is part of the ensemble cast. His performance in The Prom further solidified his presence in the industry.

2 Jess King

So You Think You Can Dance Season 4

During her time on SYTYCD, Jess King captivated both the judges and the audience with her remarkable performances across various dance styles. Her versatility, technical prowess, and expressive storytelling through dance earned her praise and admiration throughout the competition. While she didn't win, her time on the show significantly elevated her profile in the dance community and beyond. She gained a considerable following and became an inspiration to aspiring dancers worldwide.

Beyond her stint on the show, Jess has continued to pursue her passion for dance, establishing herself as a respected choreographer and instructor. She shares her expertise and love for dance through teaching, workshops, and collaborations with other dancers and choreographers. Her main TV recognition is playing a Peloton instructor on And Just Like That. Jess remains a Peloton instructor and dancer outside the show.

3 Tate McRae

Tate McRae is a singer and dancer who gained prominence through her participation in season 13. During her time on SYTYCD, Tate impressed both the judges and the audience with her remarkable performances across various dance genres. Her technical precision, emotional depth, and captivating stage presence set her apart as one of the standout contestants of the season.

While Tate didn't win the competition, her time on the show served as a springboard for her multifaceted career in the entertainment industry. Following the show, she transitioned her focus to music, pursuing her passion for singing and songwriting. Tate quickly gained attention in the music industry. Her debut single "Tear Myself Apart" was released in 2017. Since then, she has released several successful singles and EPs.

In addition to her music career, Tate McRae continues to showcase her dancing talent through various projects and collaborations. She has amassed a large following on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where she shares her music, dance videos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life.

4 Heather Morris

So You Think You Can Dance Season 2

Heather Morris is best known for playing Brittany S. Pierce on Glee, but she got her start on SYTYCD season 2. She began dancing at a young age and pursued it throughout her youth, competing in other competitions before appearing on the TV show. Her character on Glee, Brittany, was known for being a great dancer and having funny one-liners Morris's background as a dancer brought authenticity to her performances on the show.

Following her success on Glee, Morris has continued to pursue acting and dancing. Additionally, she has remained active in the dance community, occasionally participating in dance projects and collaborations. Heather's journey from dancer to actress exemplifies her versatility and talent in the entertainment industry. She's another example of someone who didn't win SYTYCD still experiencing success. Heather also competed in Dancing With The Stars and won The Masked Dancer.

5 Melanie Moore

So You Think You Can Dance Season 8

Melanie Moore won SYTYCD season 8. She was able to showcase her mastery of various dance styles, including contemporary, jazz, and Broadway on the show, leading to her current thriving career in musical theatre. Melanie has starred as Chava in Fiddler on the Roof, Peter Pan in Peter Pan, Ermengarde in Hello, Dolly! and Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird. Melanie received consistent praise throughout her season.

Melanie's earned success not only launched her career in the entertainment industry but also solidified her reputation as one of the most talented dancers of her generation. Her artistry, passion, and dedication continue to inspire. While she hasn't appeared in movies and TV shows, she is a bona fide Broadway star worthy of recognition. She's truly a triple threat and first rose to prominence due to her dance skills, but Melanie has it all.

6 Alex Wong

So You Think You Can Dance Season 7

After pulling out from season 5 due to contractual obligations with the Miami City Ballet, season 7 front-runner Alex Wong suffered a ruptured Achilles five weeks into the competition, forcing him to leave the show. However, that didn't stop him from having an amazing career after the show, especially his stardom in The Greatest Showman.

Nicknamed Alex "Freaking" Wong by fans, Alex was poised to win the title of America's Favorite Dancer by a landslide. Both dances he appeared in during his season won Emmys for choreographer Mia Michaels and choreo team Tabatha and Napolean D'umo, which made the news of his tragic exit all the more devastating. Since his time on the show, Alex has appeared in a slew of commercials, television shows and films, including Smash, The Greatest Showman, Annie Live, and Who Is Christmas Eve.

7 Kathryn McCormick

So You Think You Can Dance Seasons 6-13

Placing highest of any female contestant featured on season 6, Kathryn placed third overall. Fans fell in love with her exquisite lines and ability to master any genre thrown at her, no matter the choreography. Kathryn's overall likeability prompted producers to bring her back as an all-star from Seasons 7–13. Following her run on the show, Kathryn's appeared on Dancing With the Stars, CSI, Fame, and Dance-Off. Most notably, Kathryn assumed the starring role as Emily Anderson in the movie Step Up Revolution, following in Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan's footsteps.

8 Benji Schwimmer

So You Think You Can Dance Season 2

Season 2 champ Benji won viewers' hearts with the charming way he infused wit and showmanship into every dance he performed onstage. Emerging as more than an undisputed West Coast Swing champion, Benji swung his way all the way to the top of the entertainment industry.

Coming from a family of dancers (including Lacey, who competed the following season), Benji is one of the most decorated competitive dancers ever, establishing himself as a global phenomenon. Since winning the show, his stunning choreography has been seen on American Idol, X Factor, Dancing With the Stars, America's Got Talent, and films like Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

9 Joshua Allen

So You Think You Can Dance Season 4

Season 4 was jam-packed with talent, all clamoring to claim the favorite dancer crown. However, it was hip-hop dancer Joshua Allen who ultimately walked away with the prize. After winning the show, Joshua has made a number of television and movie appearances, including Step Up 3D (with fellow contestant Stephen "tWitch" Boss), Footloose, Community, American Horror Story, and countless commercials.

10 Witney Carson McAllister

So You Think You Can Dance Season 9

Witney is the gorgeous ballroom dancer who's fiery technique and expert precision landed her as second runner-up in season 9. After SYTYCD, Witney returned to her ballroom roots, becoming one of Dancing With the Stars' best professional partners. She cha-cha'd and fox-trotted her way across the ballroom floor with notable partners such as Vanilla Ice, Kel Mitchell, Frankie Muniz, ultimately taking home the coveted mirrorball with Alphonso Ribeiro. In 2015, Witney was nominated for an Emmy award for her DWTS choreography the same year.

11 Comfort Fedoke

So You Think You Can Dance Season 4

The street-style dancer from Dallas, Texas, popped her way into season 4, ultimately placing eighth. Known her hard-hitting, bone-breaking style, Comfort wowed audiences by showing her soft side, as well as her ability to adapt to other genres. She was always an incredible dancer who would undoubtedly make her mark in the real world. Unsurprisingly, Comfort was super successful after the show.

Each week, audiences embraced Comfort's dazzling showmanship and sparkling smile. Understandably, following her stint on the show, she was invited to return as an all-star in subsequent seasons. Since then, Comfort's been making her mark on Hollywood, dancing and acting in television shows such as Glee, The Mindy Project, and The Big Leap. She can also be seen in Honey 2, Step Up All In, High Strung, and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run.

12 Allison Holker

So You Think You Can Dance Season 2

At only 19 years old, contemporary dancer Allison Holker stunned the season 2 audience with her emotional homages to storytelling with her body. Allison didn't seem as if she was performing, she was living through dance. After finishing in the second season's Top 8, Allison returned as an all-star for Seasons 7–11, and again in Season 14. She also competed as a professional on Dancing With the Stars, as well as a slew of other television appearances, including House, Make Your Move, Hit The Floor, Disney's Fairytale Wedding, and HGTV's Design Star. She also married fellow SYTYCD alum Stephen "tWitch" Boss.

13 Jeanine Mason

So You Think You Can Dance Season 5

Season 5's favorite dancer, Jeanine Mason seemed almost superhuman when she danced. The captivating brunette came roaring onto the program with technique that was not only near-perfect but downright entertaining. Jeanine simply dominated the competition throughout her season, dancing every piece as if it had been scripted and winning her season of So You Think You Can Dance. It's no wonder her transition from SYTYCD to shows such as Awkward, Of Kings & Prophets, Bunheads, Grey's Anatomy were as breezy as her masterful pirouettes. Jeanine even assumed the leading role of Liz Ortecho in Roswell, New Mexico on the CW.

14 Stephen "tWitch" Boss

So You Think You Can Dance Season 4

He may have ended runner-up in Season 4; but "tWitch" has certainly become America's favorite dancer off the floor. Having been previously rejected, "tWitch" pop-locked his way into the season in a last ditch effort to snag a golden ticket to Hollywood before he aged out of the show's eligibility requirements. Tragically, tWitch passed away in 2022.

Hands down one of the most awe inspiring talents to ever grace the SYTYCD stage, tWitch has gone on to return as one of the show's all-stars, made multiple appearances in the Step Up film franchise as well as an eye-turning role in Magic Mike XXL. He also landed an on-air role on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, eventually becoming co-producer before marrying dancer Allison Holker Boss. Many SYTYCD alums mourned tWitch's death.

15 Ariana DeBose

So You Think You Can Dance Season 6

Before winning the best supporting actress Oscar in 2022 for West Side Story, Ariana DeBose was a top 20 contestant on So You Think You Can Dance. Even though many of her credits have been through theater, Ariana has multiple television credits on her extensive resume, including Blue Bloods, Hamilton's America, Schmigadoon, Saturday Night Live, Human Resources and Westworld. After her time on one of the best dance reality TV shows, her career blew up. Ariana is proof that a contestant doesn't have to win to have their career launched.

In film, Ariana appeared in Wish, Argylle, Seaside, Hamilton, and The Prom. Her star already on the rise, Ariana turned in one of the most memorable cinematic performances of 2021, winning the Oscar for her portrayal of "Anita" in Steven Spielberg's musical, West Side Story. It will be amazing to see where Ariana goes next in her prolific career. She is the most successful former contestant on So You Think You Can Dance.

So You Think You Can Dance season 18 airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.

Source: Jess King/Instagram

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