So You Think You Can Dance: Season 8
Season eight of the American reality television dance competition series So You Think You Can Dance continues the established format of featuring dancers selected through open auditions held across the United States. These participants engage in a rigorous competition designed to showcase their individual talents and professional training. A notable narrative development for this installment is the return of the sele
Season 8 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- The series is a reality television dance competition that airs on Fox in the United States.
- Dancers are chosen through a series of open auditions held in various locations across the country.
- The competition is structured to highlight the diverse talents and training backgrounds of the participating dancers.
- The program is led by a panel of judges and a host who oversee the progression of the contestants.
Season overview
Season eight of the American reality television dance competition series So You Think You Can Dance continues the established format of featuring dancers selected through open auditions held across the United States. These participants engage in a rigorous competition designed to showcase their individual talents and professional training. A notable narrative development for this installment is the return of the selection process to a Top 20 format for the finals, which marks a structural shift from the Top 11 configuration utilized in the previous season. The production maintains continuity in its leadership and presentation, with Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy returning as permanent judges to evaluate the performances. Additionally, Cat Deeley returns to her role as the host of the program. As the flagship series of the international franchise, the show remains focused on the competitive journey of these dancers as they navigate the challenges of the competition. The season emphasizes the technical abilities and artistic growth of the contestants as they perform in front of the judges, aiming to advance through the competition stages toward the final rounds of the series.
Episode Guide
Season 8 Progress Shield
Auditions 1 and 2: Atlanta and the Bay Area
May 26, 2011 · 43 min
Dancers audition for the judges.
New York and Salt Lake City Auditions
Jun 1, 2011 · 43 min
Dancers audition for the judges in New York and Salt Lake City.
Top 20 Perform
Jun 15, 2011 · 43 min
The Top 20 dancers are paired up and get their first chance to perform. The judges eliminate two dancers as the show ends.
Top 18 Perform
Jun 22, 2011 · 43 min
The remaining 18 dancers perform for a chance to impress the judges. Two more will be eliminated at the end of the episode.
Two of 16 Voted Off
Jun 30, 2011 · 43 min
The final 14 dancers are revealed as two more performers are eliminated.
Two of 14 Voted Off
Jul 7, 2011 · 43 min
The final 12 dancers are revealed as two more performers are eliminated.
Top 12 Perform
Jul 13, 2011 · 43 min
The remaining 12 dancers compete for inclusion in the top 10.
Two of 12 Voted Off
Jul 14, 2011 · 43 min
Two more dancers are eliminated as the 10 finalists are revealed.
Top 6 Perform
Aug 3, 2011 · 43 min
In Part 1 of the Season Finale, the final 6 dancers perform for America's vote in hopes of becoming America's Favorite Dancer.
Top 4 Perform
Aug 10, 2011 · 43 min
Hoping to become America's Favorite Dancer the final four contestants will perform