Photo: FOX
Before Stephen 'tWitch' Boss became the DJ and co-executive producer of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, he tried his luck on several competition reality TV shows, including MTV's The Wade Robinson Project and Star Search in 2003. Most notably, tWitch competed in Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance — and wound up finishing second.
Boss died Tuesday (December 13) by suicide at the age of 40. His wife Allison Holker confirmed his death. "To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt. I am certain there won't be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory," she said in a statement.
Now, Holker, a fellow SYTYCD alum isn't the only one honoring his memory. tWitch is being remembered by the dance community for his unforgettable performances on the FOX show, which he was most recently named a permanent judge on the show this year. "We will always remember Stephen 'tWitch' Boss for the light and joy he brought into our lives and into the hearts of so many. We grieve alongside his family, loved ones and fans. tWitch, we will miss you dearly," SYTYCD wrote on social media.
He first auditioned for the show in Season 3, but didn't make it to the Top 20. The following year, he made it all the way to second place behind hip-hop dancer Joshua Allen. In the years after that, tWitch appeared several times as an All Star to perform with contestants, which is where some of his most iconic performances came from.
Without further ado, let's take a look at some of Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' most memorable performances on So You Think You Can Dance.
Dreaming with a Broken Heart
Air date: July 2, 2008 (Season 4)
Style: Contemporary
Partner: Kherington Payne
Choreographer: Mia Michaels
Mercy
Air date: July 23, 2008 (Season 4)
Style: Contemporary
Partner: Katee Shean
Choreographer: Mia Michaels
This routine was nominated for an Emmy for choreography in 2009.
Misty Blue
Air date: July 20, 2011 (Season 8)
Style: Hip hop
Partner: Sasha Mallory
Choreographer: Christopher Scott
Outta Your Mind
Air date: June 30, 2010 (Season 7)
Style: Hip hop
Partner: Alex Wong
Choreographer: Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo
tWitch and Ellen DeGeneres recreated this performance in the Season 7 finale.
My Chick Bad
Air date: July 21, 2010 (Season 7)
Style: Hip hop
Partner: Lauren Froderman
Choreographer: Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo
Like A Criminal
Air date: September 11, 2012 (Season 9)
Style: Animation
Partner: Cyrus "Glitch" Spencer
Choreographer: Christopher Scott
Trepak
Air date: August 6, 2008 (Season 4)
Style: Trepak
Partner: Joshua Allen
Choreographer: Youri Nelzine
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in emotional distress, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.