Honoring the Late "So You Think You Can Dance" Stars

For over 20 years, So You Think You Can Dance has showcased incredible talent from across the globe, spanning styles from contemporary and jazz to hip-hop and ballroom. Since its debut in 2005, viewers have grown attached to the contestants, making their losses deeply felt within the dance community.

On December 2, 2025, the official account of Donyelle Denis Wilson, also known to fans as Donyelle Jones, announced her passing at the age of 46. The post described her as a wife, daughter, sister, friend, and a warrior who battled cancer every day. Diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer in 2016, her illness later advanced to Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Donyelle rose to fame as a season 2 finalist in 2006, finishing in third place with her hip-hop and jazz performances.

Joshua Allen, the season 4 winner, tragically died on September 30, 2025, after being struck by a train. A Texas native, Allen was just 18 when he won and later returned for the All-Stars season. He appeared in Step Up 3D (2010), the 2011 Footloose remake, and an episode of American Horror Story in 2011.

On December 14, 2022, Allison Holker Boss shared the heartbreaking news of her husband Stephen "tWitch" Bosss death by suicide. A season 4 runner-up and later a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, Boss was also known for his work on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and as a co-executive producer. He was remembered as a source of joy, inspiration, and love by his family and fans.

Choreographer Dave Scott, a key figure on SYTYCD from season 3 onward, passed away on June 16, 2025. Tributes highlighted his warmth, kindness, and contributions to dance in projects like You Got Served, Step Up 2: The Streets, and Dancing with the Stars season 8.

Season 3 runner-up Danny Tidwell died in a car crash in March 2020 at the age of 35. His brother, dancer and choreographer Travis Wall, shared an emotional tribute, reflecting on Dannys influence and their close bond on and off the stage.

Season 11 contestant Serge Onik passed away on August 24, 2021, at 33. His representative described him as an amazing dancer with a huge heart whose loss was deeply felt by the dance community.

These artists left an indelible mark on dance and the hearts of fans worldwide. Their legacy continues to inspire generations of performers and viewers alike.

Author: Caleb Jennings