5 People You Didn't Know Auditioned for "SYTYCD"
“So You Think You Can Dance” just kicked off Season 15 with a fabulous audition episode. Unfortunately, as always, some of the gifted dancers we just met won’t make it to the live shows. In fact, so many talented artists have tried out for “SYT,” it can be hard to remember standout auditionees from the past who didn’t reach the Top 20. But many of them have gone on to have fantastic careers. Here are five amazing dancers who you probably don’t remember auditioning for “SYTYCD.”
Mallauri Esquibel
The gorgeous Mallauri Esquibel made it to Vegas Week during Season 2 but was, shockingly, cut right before the Top 20. “I was 18 and I’d just moved to L.A.,” she told us. “This made me question whether I was even supposed to be a dancer.” Thankfully, she stuck with it—and went on to dance for Twyla Tharp and Taylor Swift (and appear on our cover!).
Chaz Wolcott
Newsies
fans know Chaz Wolcott from his time on the musical’s national tour as Buttons. Last year, once the tour was over (R.I.P.), he auditioned for “SYTYCD,” hoping to join Gaby Diaz for a tap-tastic season. Unfortunately, he was cut before the live shows. But that didn’t put a damper on his dancing: These days, you can find him teaching at NYC’s Broadway Dance Center.
Sophia Lucia
We were truly shocked (and still are, tbh) that “Dance Moms” alum and pirouette world record-holder Sophia Lucia didn’t make it all the way on Season 13 of “SYTYCD.” But her career has continued to skyrocket since her appearance on the show, thanks in no small part to her huge fan base.
Jeremy Hudson
You probably know Jeremy Hudson from his time performing with Lady Gaga, films like Hannah Montana: The Movie and Step Up 3D, or the cover of Dance Spirit. But on “SYTYCD” Season 2, he was the last guy cut before the Top 20. He still values the show as a learning experience, though—and it turned out to be a launching pad for a great career.
Ryan Kasprzak
Ryan Kasprzak and his brother Evan both auditioned for Season 5 of “SYTYCD.” While Evan placed third on the show, Ryan was cut right before the Top 20. He went on to audition for Season 6—and, once again, got the boot. But since then, Ryan’s had a dream career, acting as assistant choreographer on the cult TV hit “Smash” and recently making his Broadway debut in the musical Bandstand.