Memorable Dance Performances By Stephen Twitch Boss

I was on a train returning home when I heard the shocking news of Twitch’s suicide. I couldn’t believe it as video tributes from around the world poured in. Twitch was remembered as a hardcore dancer from SYTYCD, and my Instagram was flooded with posts from my dance friends. We were all fans of SYTYCD America, and I never missed an episode of this dance competition.

It is shocking that such an inspiring dancer, family man, and lovable friend could commit suicide. I am also among those who believe that the police have closed the case in haste. There are so many confusing questions on my mind. Among many people spreading fake news, like Twitch’s wife Allison, who blames Ellen for his suicide, and people once again talking about mental health, it’s difficult to process his death. As Mary Murphy, one of the judges on SYTYCD America, correctly stated, women have a habit of discussing things with their girlfriends when something is bothering them, but men are reluctant to discuss it. And that men’s mental health is often ignored because of the societal pressure to be “macho” and keep things inside. Whatever the reason for his death, we have lost a great dancer.

Twitch was known in underground street dance circles as a hardcore dancer. His breakdancing skills had an element of both surprise and a bit of humour. His choice of music for his performances was always different. He was a storyteller, as is very clear from all the solo performances he did in his audition and later on the SYTYCD stage. It was at the SYTYCD stage that he challenged himself to perform in different dance styles than his own. From his partner dances, you can clearly see that Twitch was the most reliable and trustworthy dance partner. A female dancer needs a kind, patient, and strong partner who can lift her effortlessly and be open to new ideas. And Twitch was exactly that, as is evident from various interviews with people who shared the stage with him. The force of Twitch’s movements thrilled the audience and the judges. He was a big man with a big heart.

I am sharing here 3 of my favourite and most memorable Twitch performances from SYTYCD and 1 dance with Allison, his wife, when they performed on DWTS.

Twitch and Kherington

One of my favourite dance pieces from Twitch’s performance is this one with Kherington. There are so many amazing things in this performance. The music is by my favourite singer-songwriter, John Mayer. The Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mia Michael’s simple but effective choreography. The clever use of dance props—a bed and using roses to be thrown with the flow of the music. And of course, Twitch is dancing a contemporary dance that demands to showcase that vulnerable emotion of heartbreak.

Twitch and Ellen

The friendship between Ellen and Twitch began when they first came together to do a surprise performance on SYTYCD. The choreography was cleverly created by Napoleon and Tabitha and was originally composed for the partnership of Twitch and Alex. You can see Twitch confidently perform this choreography, but it was a challenge for Alex, who has never done hip-hop or breakdancing. Alex has always been the judge’s favourite from the auditions because he is a technically perfect ballet and contemporary dancer. Ballet is ideally thought of as the polar opposite of hip-hop. If ballet requires a dancer to always be on toes and focus on length, in hip hop you need to be low, grounded, and do a lot of floor work. But Alex surprised the judges by almost nailing the choreography. Later, the same choreography was given to Ellen, and that was another surprise for everyone that Ellen could perform so well. The reason behind the success of both Alex and Ellen’s wonderful performances was the mentorship of Twitch.

Twitch and Katee

When Twitch came to SYTYCD, one of his best friends was Katee. In this choreography by Mia Michaels, you can clearly see the trustworthy friendship and partnership between the two. This performance is amazing for the clever use of the frame of the door and its placement as a dance prop. The story, the music, the characters, the dancers, and the emotions are all in such perfect synchronisation that it makes for a memorable dance performance.

Twitch and Allison

Allison Holker, Twitch’s dance partner and life partner, was also a contestant on SYTYCD, where they met and became friends. After dating for two and a half years, they got married. Twitch adopted Allison’s daughter from her first marriage. They soon became parents to two wonderful children. They also posted a recent video on Instagram celebrating their 9th wedding anniversary. Here’s a dance they did together on Dancing With The Stars 9 years ago. Performing with them is the incredible violinist, Lindsay Stirling.

A dancer is best known by his movements. The body can reveal the heart, the hurt, and the confusions that a dancer has observed and absorbed from around him. The purpose of competing in a dance competition is to entertain the audience. The dance that a dancer does when he is alone—eyes closed, lost in the music and rhythm of his heartbeat—is always the best. Unfortunately, those moments are too precious to be recorded or witnessed. The most that we can do is try to understand a person and be there for them to listen patiently. Though we have lost a great performer, the many lives he has touched and the many dancers he has inspired simply by being himself and dancing his best will always be remembered. RIP Stephen Twitch Boss.