‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Winner Joshua Allen Passes Away At 36

Joshua Allen, season four winner of So You Think You Can Dance attends the 83rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade with musical performances by Grand Marshal Stevie Wonder and legendary, award-winning artists on November 30, 2014 in Hollywood, California.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 30: Joshua Allen, season four winner of So You Think You Can Dance attends the 83rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade with musical performances by Grand Marshal Stevie Wonder and legendary, award-winning artists on November 30, 2014 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images for Hollywood Christmas Parade)

Joshua Allen, winner of Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance, has died at the age of 36, according to reports.

Allen appeared on the hit show in 2008 and became the first hip-hop dancer to win the hit competition series. Known for his charisma, athleticism, and versatility, he wowed audiences in styles ranging from hip-hop and samba to contemporary and even the show’s first U.S. Bollywood routine.

His win earned him $250,000 and a launchpad into Hollywood’s entertainment industry. Allen later appeared in movies such as Step Up 3D, the Footloose remake, and guest-starred in television projects including American Horror Story.

Allen died on September 30, 2025, after being struck by a train, his family confirmed. Authorities are investigating the incident, while loved ones have requested privacy during this difficult time.

Allen’s Legacy:

Joshua Allen leaves behind a complicated legacy — remembered by fans as a groundbreaking hip-hop talent who broke barriers on a national stage, while also facing legal troubles later in life. His journey from a small-town dancer to a nationally celebrated performer left a mark on the dance community and inspired a generation of young performers who saw themselves in his moves.