Who Won So You Think You Can Dance Season 13
Season 13 of So You Think You Can Dance crowned Melissa Sandvig as the winner, a contemporary dancer recognized for emotional clarity and technical control. The season aired in 2016 on Fox and featured a mix of returning pros and new partners across multiple genres. This profile explains who won, how they performed on the show, and how the season fit into the broader SYTYCD legacy.
Quick Context: The SYTYCD Format
So You Think You Can Dance is a televised dance competition pairing dancers with choreographers each week. Contestants face elimination based on judges’ scores and at-home votes. The show spans many seasons across multiple genres, including contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, and Latin. Understanding the format helps contextualise any winner’s achievements.
Melissa Sandvig: Season 13 Champion
Background and Training
Melissa Sandvig is a contemporary dancer from Bountiful, Utah, who brought a grounded, lyrical style to the stage. With years of studio training and a focus on storytelling through movement, she entered the competition prepared to stand out in a talented field.
Competition Highlights
Throughout Season 13, Melissa impressed judges with clean technique, musicality, and emotional presence. She tackled challenging contemporary pieces and adapted quickly to various choreographers, demonstrating versatility and resilience. Key solos and duets helped her build momentum toward the finale.
Finale and Victory
In the season finale, Melissa faced fellow finalists in a high-stakes performance show. Her combination of technical control and expressive quality resonated with both judges and voters, securing the title of Season 13 winner and the accompanying prize package, which typically includes performance opportunities and career exposure.
Notable Contestants and Partners
Season 13 featured a range of dancers across styles. Melissa’s partnerships with both returning and new pros highlighted her adaptability. Below is a concise overview of key contestants by round and performance focus.
Contestant Performance Overview
| Contestant | Style | Notable Performance | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa Sandvig | Contemporary | Emotional contemporary solos and adaptive duets | Winner |
| Other Finalist A | Jazz | High-energy group and solo routines | Runner-up |
| Other Finalist B | Hip-Hop | Innovative choreography and showmanship | Finalist |
Judging Criteria and Evaluation
Judges evaluate dancers on technique, performance quality, choreography interpretation, and consistency. Chemistry with professional partners and growth under pressure also weigh heavily. Melissa’s Season 13 run showcased strong marks across these areas, particularly in clean lines and emotional intention.
Post-Show Impact and Career
Winning SYTYCD often leads to national tours, guest appearances, and professional opportunities. Melissa has leveraged her title into ongoing dance work, including teaching, commercial projects, and continued performance. The long-term value of the title varies by dancer, but visibility and networking remain important outcomes.
SYTYCD Legacy and Viewer Takeaways
Since its premiere, the show has shaped public perception of dance through diverse styles and compelling personal stories. Season 13 reinforced the show’s commitment to contemporary and lyrical voices. For viewers, the season offers insights into discipline, collaboration, and the realities of building a dance career.
Conclusion
Melissa Sandvig’s win in Season 13 reflects the competitive yet expressive nature of So You Think You Can Dance. Her combination of technical skill, emotional depth, and adaptability set her apart in a strong season. The show continues to highlight diverse dancers and evolving choreographic voices, making each season a valuable study in contemporary performance.