Joshua Allen, the Season 4 winner of “So You Think You Can Dance,” has passed away at the age of 36. As per a TMZ report, his family confirmed he passed on September 30 and asked fans for “privacy and prayers” as they grieve the loss of the beloved dancer.
Emmanuel Hurd, a longtime friend in the dance community, told TMZ he was devastated by Allen’s death. “He was a very honest, real person,” Hurd shared, noting that Allen openly spoke about his flaws.
“He didn’t always do things the way people thought he should, but that’s why he was a winner.”
From Self-Taught Dancer to TV Star
Allen first captured national attention in 2008 when he won Season 4 of “So You Think You Can Dance.” That season’s runner-up was the late Stephen “tWitch” Boss, with whom Allen formed a lasting friendship.
In a past interview with Entertainment Weekly, Allen admitted he never had formal dance training as a child, but he would squeeze in classes during summer breaks. Once he advanced through auditions for the show, he signed up for every class he could, determined to push himself and grow as a performer.
At the time, Allen shared that his dreams stretched far beyond the stage. He hoped to become not only a recording artist but also a choreographer and studio owner, with ambitions of eventually launching his own record label and building a career as a producer.
Life After the Spotlight
In 2016, Allen faced legal troubles in Los Angeles. He was sentenced in 2017 to one year in jail and probation, according to Deadline.
Despite challenges, Allen’s mark on the dance world remains significant. Fans remember his powerful performances and inspiring journey from a self-taught dancer to a national champion.
Heartfelt Tributes Pour In
One comment read: “watched him win. I rooted him on. He was so humble and handsome. This cannot be real.”
Allen’s Career Beyond ‘So You Think You Can Dance’
Following his “So You Think You Can Dance” win, Allen went on to appear as a featured dancer in “Step Up 3D” in 2010. He later joined Oxygen’s “Dance Your Ass Off” and landed a role in the 2011 remake of Footloose. His career expanded into television as well, with appearances in commercials and shows like Community and American Horror Story.
Looking ahead, Allen had shared big aspirations with Entertainment Weekly shortly after his SYTYCD win. “I do want to be a recording artist. I want to choreograph and hopefully own my own studio and company,” he said in 2008. “As my ultimate goal, I want to own my own record label, and be a producer — things like that. But I also want to model.”
This is a developing story.
