'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 16: A pregnant belly dancer to an 'emotional' tap dance, here are the most inspirational auditions
'So You Think You Can Dance' season 16 has finally wrapped up the auditions and, starting next week, the series will showcase the Academy rounds.
While we wait to see who makes it through to the Top 10 in the men and women category, here's a look at the past five weeks of auditions.
Over the years, SYTYCD has fulfilled the dreams of many dancers who have gone on to leave an indelible mark in the industry.
And this season, just like the previous ones, featured dancers who hope they make it all the way through to the finale and win.
Through the five weeks of auditions, we witnessed impeccable dancers from various genre and routines. And there were a few who stood out because of how inspirational their performances were.
Here is a rundown of the top performances that brought the audience and judges to tears.
Lauren Luteran
Lauren Luteran was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at an early age. She revealed that she has a short life expectancy and that she wants to do all she can while it is possible. Performing a routine to 'Marathon (In Roses)' by Gem Club for her audition, she gave an impeccable and inspiring performance.
Her leg moves were stellar and she finished her moves with grace and without missing a beat. The judges and audience were awestruck and her parents were crying.
Luteran won four yeses and will now move onto the next round. These rounds are sure to get more stressful and tiring and we can't wait to see how she performs.
Phoebe Kochis
Phoebe Kochis' audition was aired during the final round of auditions on Monday night.
Kochis is a young dancer who suffers from Down Syndrome and she left the judges and audience wowed with her confident routine while breaking all disability stereotypes.
Before her audition, Kochis revealed that she has always looked up to SYTYCD and the series had inspired her to take up dancing. Little did she know that she would turn into an inspiration for many with her audition.
Her routine showcased her great flexibility and she even pulled a few splits during her performance.
Kochis received a standing ovation from all four judges and, after her performance, Nigel Lythgoe gave her a ticket to Camp. He told her that she will not be able to perform and compete like other contestants when it comes to technique, but asked her to come as a guest to learn and enjoy herself.
Korra Dean
Korra Dean is an inspiration to all moms-to-be who have been told they need can't do all things they love while being pregnant. Dean hails from the Nigerian Royal Family Korra. She is also a belly dancer who danced in the African genre.
She recently moved to LA with her partner to pursue her dream but they didn't expect to get pregnant so soon.
While most moms-to-be would be under bed rest while pregnant, Dean broke all stereotypes and made history as the series' first pregnant dancer.
She gave her best and pulled off stellar moves that no one expected. Though the judges loved her performance and routine they gave her a no because she wouldn't be able to stay in the competition for too long. But we are eager to see if Dean does return next season after she gave birth.
Eddie Hoyt
Eddie Hoyt's audition showcased hope and showed that one should not just give up if things don't work out the first time.
The 19-year-old tap dancer previously auditioned on SYTYCD in season 15, but sadly he didn't make it through to the end.
Hoyt also came out gay on national television when he auditioned for the series. Back again this year, Hoyt was determined to make it through.
One might think "how emotional can a tap dance be?" Well, after watching his performance, there was hardly a dry eye in the room.
Mary Murphy herself revealed that this is the first time she cried for a tap routine.
Apart from enacting his routine, Hoyt emoted everything he could through that one performance that made most of the audience tear up. His performance got Dominic crying as well. We can't wait to see what he brings to the stage during Academy.
'So You Think You Can Dance' season 16 airs every Monday night on Fox. Check your local listings for more information.