The hit and award-winning television show So You Think You Can Dance is set for a return to the public’s screens this year, with Fox announcing recently that the dance-based reality show will be back for a 13th season. However this time there’s a twist; 2016 will see younger dancers featured more than ever before.
Branded as So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation, the new focus of the show will look at dancers between the ages of 8-13 in more detail. Those focused on in particular will be those who are skilled in dance styles like contemporary, tap, hip-hop, ballroom or break dancing, opening the pool of talent wider and casting the net farther.
The young dancers will perform for their chance at a place in “The Academy,” where only the best will move on to the next round. Each member of the top 10 will then be partnered permanently with a SYTYCD All-Star to learn routines across all styles of dance, with one contestant going home each week. The judges – Nigel Lythgoe, Paula Abdul, and Jason Derulo – are set to return to the show, adding continuity to the show’s now changing face.
The brand new format will refresh the look of the show for its loyal fan base, which has stuck by the popular programme for over a decade. As a result of inspiring young dancers across the country, the focus on younger dancers looks like it will be a welcome change. The common perception of dance has changed dramatically in the twenty-first century, with it becoming much more mainstream and appealing to wider audiences.
The young and passionate new group of performers on the series will see much more talent hit television screens, who will potentially go on to shape the future of dance.