'So You Think You Can Dance' Tour Comes To Chicago Theatre This Fall

By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 27, 2015 3:19PM

Photo via So You Think You Can Dance's website

The long-running TV dance competition "So You Think You Can Dance" is coming to the Chicago Theatre and they’re bringing their season 12 finalists with them.

It's the official tour of the of the hit summer television series, and this season was a little different with famed singer and dancer Paula Abdul in one of the judges' chairs and a new 'Stage vs. Street' format.

The show has always welcomed dancers of all types to auditions, but contestants with specific training were always the ones to make it to the final rounds. This season changed all that by creating Team Stage and Team Street (led by former contestants Travis Wall and Twitch), and the tour will showcase the 10 finalists from both teams.

"These dancers have inspired the choreographers to create remarkable dance numbers each week, truly showcasing individual talent," says panel judge Nigel Lythgoe, emphasizing how the change has made the show more exciting for viewers. Lythgoe is also executive producer and co-creator of the series, but "SYTYCD" is just one part of his quest to bring dance into the mainstream and make it accessible to everyone. Last year while he was in town for the show's auditions he stopped by Hubbard Street Dance and we talked to him about the importance of dance education.

The So You Think You Can Dance Season 12 Tour will make its Chicago stop on Friday, Nov. 27 at the Chicago Theatre. Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 28 at noon.