After nine seasons of So You Think You Can Dance, viewers have witnessed a variety of different dance styles, from the more traditional like contemporary and hip hop, to the lesser known like African jazz and waacking. If you want to learn more about the dance styles you’ve seen on the show, then read on because Kidzworld has the scoop.
Ballroom
The term Ballroom encompasses so many specific dance forms, all of which require partner work. Historically, it was a type of social dancing reserved for privileged citizens. On the show, we’ve seen Salsa, Argentine Tango, Viennese Waltz, Samba, Paso Doble, Rumba, Foxtrot, Jive, Cha-cha and the dreaded Quickstep.
Ballroom on SYTYCDCourtesy of FOX
Bollywood
Bollywood is a group style of dance that originates in India. It is usually performed to up-tempo songs and requires great stamina and strength (particularly in the legs). This dance style was first introduced on SYTYCD in season 4 when Katee Shean and winner Joshua Allen performed to “Dhoom Taana.”
Bollywood on SYTYCDCourtesy of FOX
Broadway
Broadway is essentially musical theatre. Each routine tells a story and requires that the dancers perform more theatrically than they would in other routines. Tyce Diorio has become SYTYCD’s go-to choreographer for Broadway. He has adapted pieces from many plays and films, including Hairspray.
Contemporary
On SYTYCD, the term Contemporary has been used to describe several similar forms of classical dance, including Lyrical, Modern and Contemporary. It’s a mixture of Modern Dance and Classical Ballet. This style allows for a lot creative freedom, as the show’s famed choreographers, like Mia Michaels and Travis Wall, have shown.
Contemporary on SYTYCDCourtesy of FOX
Hip Hop
Hip hop is a street style that has been represented on the show in all its many forms, including the down and dirty Krumping, and the arm flalling Waacking, which was made popular by contestant Princess Lockeroo. Popping, Locking and Breaking are also forms of hip hip, which originated in the 1970s.
Jazz
While there are many forms of Jazz, the style originated from two ethnic roots - the African American vernacular dance as well as traditional Caribbean dance. Now, all the modern jazz styles include traces of these two origins. Like Contemporary, it allows for a lot of creative freedom, while maintaining strict lines.
Jazz on SYTYCDCourtesy of FOX
Have Your Say
What’s your favorite dance style? Tell us in our comment section below!
