So You Think You Can Dance

Format and structure

The series follows a multi-stage competition model. Open auditions select promising candidates, who advance to intensive callbacks where they learn routines from a range of choreographers. A smaller group is chosen for live broadcasts, where couples or groups perform choreographed pieces in different styles and face elimination rounds determined by judges' critiques and audience voting.

• Auditions and callbacks
• Choreography rounds and style tests
• Live shows with viewer voting and eliminations
• Finale with the season winner announced

History and development

Debuting in the mid-2000s, the franchise combined elements of talent search shows with a strong focus on choreographic creativity. Producers recruited well-known choreographers and industry figures as judges and mentors, helping bring modern dance, hip-hop, ballroom, contemporary and other forms into mainstream television. Over time the program's production values, stage design and music choices evolved to highlight spectacle as well as artistry.

The show has been associated with live touring productions, charity performances and opportunities for contestants to work as professional dancers in television, theater and film. It has also received industry recognition for its choreography and for raising the profile of dance on network television.

International editions and influence

Adaptations of the format have been produced in multiple territories, each tailoring judging panels and presentation to local audiences while keeping the core premise of style versatility and public voting. The franchise helped popularize cross-genre training and brought choreographers into the public eye, contributing to dance education, commercial opportunities for performers, and a broader appreciation of choreographic storytelling.

For more information and official details, see the official franchise site.