Dance Videos

Our Favorite "SYTYCD" Routine From Each Season's Winner

June 4, 2017
“So You Think You Can Dance” just announced its 16th (!) season and audition schedule! And while every season has its twists—whether they involve the overall format or the people sitting at the judges’ table—you can always count on the hit show for exceptional dancing. In anticipation of the new season, we’ve rounded up our favorite routine from each and every “SYTYCD” winner.

Season 1: Nick Lazzarini – “All That Jazz”

In this classically sassy Broadway number, Nick Lazzarini—America’s Very First Favorite Dancer—gave us turns for days, alongside bestie (and runner-up) Melody Lacayanga.

Season 2: Benji Schwimmer – “La Comay”

This fiery salsa landed right in ballroom dancer Benji Schwimmer’s comfort zone. It also marked the first time he reunited on the show with his cousin and co-auditionee, Heidi Groskreutz.

Season 3: Sabra Johnson – “Sweet Dreams”

This sleek ’80s jazz number made us fall even deeper in love with choreographer Mandy Moore—and Sabra’s every leap and kick were perfectly clean and crisp.

Season 4: Joshua Allen – “No Air”

Joshua’s duet with Katee Shean is memorable as much for the storyline as the dancing. It’s hard to believe it was one of NappyTabs’ first “lyrical hip-hop” routines.

Season 5: Jeanine Mason – “If It Kills Me”

    Believe it or not, this dance was Travis Wall’s first piece of choreography for “SYTYCD”! He created the perfect showcase for Jeanine and Jason Glover’s fantastic chemistry.

    Season 6: Russell Ferguson – “Hazardous”

    Russell was the first krumper to win “SYTYCD”, so it’s only natural that his most memorable dance was this one—performed in his own style, alongside krumping legend Lil C.

    Season 7: Lauren Froderman – “Collide”

    Who could forget Travis Wall’s prom night-themed choreography? Lauren and Kent Boyd perfectly captured the innocence of teenage love.

    Season 8: Melanie Moore – “Turn To Stone”

    Melanie was just 19 when she won “So You Think You Can Dance,” and yet she danced with such maturity and elegance. Travis Wall’s statue-inspired routine is a testament to the trusting partnership she had with Marko Germar.

    Season 9: Chehon Wespi-Tschopp – “Leave”

    Season 9 was the first time the show had both a male and a female winner—and #TeamBallet took the day. But while Chehon may have identified as a ballet boy, his committed performance of Stacey Tookey’s routine showed how well he could adapt to non-ballet choreography.

    Season 9: Eliana Girard – “Adagio For Strings”

    The other member of #TeamBallet gave an emotionally captivating performance in Mia Michaels’ memorable piece about hatred, which Michaels said was inspired by the way rams fight.

    Season 10: Amy Yakima and Fik-Shun Stegall – “Elsa”

    Season 10’s two winners were paired from the beginning! In this Sonya Tayeh contemporary duet, hip-hopper Fik-Shun surprised the judges with his ability to partner Amy, and Amy’s strong technique did Tayeh’s choreo proud.

    Season 11: Ricky Ubeda – “Vow”

    If we had to describe Ricky’s technique in one word, it would be flawless. This contemporary duet with Jessica Richens showed him doing what he does better than almost anyone else.

    Season 12: Gaby Diaz – “I’m Really Hot”

    Gaby auditioned as a tap dancer, but was able to shine no matter what style she was given. This hip-hop dance, choreographed by Phoenix & Pharside, showed off her remarkable versatility.

    Season 13: Kida Burns – “Manolo”

    Kida attacked every. single. dance. with passion and personality. This duet with Tate McRae was one of our all-time faves (and props to Tate for keeping up with him, despite not being a hip-hop dancer!).