So You Think You Can Dance Returns for a New Season This Summer

Cue music – America’s favorite dance show is back. After a three-year hiatus, So You Think You Can Dance will return to Fox this summer for season 17.

In June 2020, the series was “shelved” due to COVID-19 restrictions; Fox stated, “Production on season 17 of So You Think You Can Dance will not be moving forward due to health and governmental restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Viewers were optimistic that the show would return for the following year, and it still did not return. Despite countless petitions, fans and dance critics alike accepted that the show would remain canceled and it would just be another dance show gone too soon.

It wasn’t until late February when executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe took to Twitter to announce the show’s return. Lythgoe stated, “Great news #SYTYCD is coming back this Summer to @DANCEonFOX. Good luck to all the dancers trying out this year. Let!s bring some sunshine back into our lives. CUE MUSIC.”

Great news #SYTYCD is coming back this Summer to @DANCEonFOX. Good luck to all the dancers trying out this year. Let!s bring some sunshine back into our lives. CUE MUSIC.

— Nigel Lythgoe OBE (@dizzyfeet) February 17, 2022

Unfortunately, weeks later, it was revealed that the long-time judge would not return to the panel after not being asked to judge because the network has plans to bring new life to the show after a long hiatus. While fans are incredibly disappointed by this news, they still look forward to other aspects of the show, like the jaw-dropping choreography and fresh talent.

I am so thrilled that America’s young aspiring dance talent will get to work with some of our greatest creative choreographers. On a personally sad note, I have not been asked to be on the judging panel this season. I don’t know who will be saying “Cue Music” but I wish them well

— Nigel Lythgoe OBE (@dizzyfeet) March 4, 2022

Yes, “Freshen up” is basically what @DANCEonFOX hopes to do. RT @Lucky14Films: @dizzyfeet I get it that many networks want to “freshen up” a show, because they think it will keep it relevant, but that doesn’t apply here!

— Nigel Lythgoe OBE (@dizzyfeet) March 6, 2022

The Emmy-winning dance series has changed the lives of so many dancers, including Benji Schwimmer, Tate McRae, Gabi Diaz, Comfort Fedoke, and the most recent winner, Bailey Muñoz. Not to mention that SYTYCD has been a training ground for so many Dancing With the Stars pros like Alan Bersten, Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy, Witney Carson, Lindsay Arnold, and many others.

Alums from both So You Think You Can Dance and I’d Do Anything nominated for Oscars this year. Manifesting… pic.twitter.com/nlso3rveIn

— Ryan McPhee (@rdmcphee) February 8, 2022

According to a press release, season 17 will feature, “highly skilled dancers between the ages of 18 and 30, showcasing their talents in various dance styles, including contemporary, tap, hip-hop, ballroom, animation, breaking, and more. Those who are selected to move on to the SYTYCD studio will work with world-renowned choreographers and compete each week in a variety of styles, with brand-new twists and turns introduced into the competition.”

Auditions for the season are taking place throughout March, and there is still time to make the New York and Los Angeles dates; so if you’re between the ages of 18 and 30 and you’re looking to make your dance dreams come true, sign up here.

There is no word yet on a premiere date, but let’s take a second to rejoice and prepare to have our minds blown this summer.