Former ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Champion Joshua Allen Dead At 36

The dance world is mourning the loss of Joshua Allen, the "So You Think You Can Dance" season 4 winner, who has died at just 36 years old.

A family member confirmed his passing on September 30 but did not disclose the cause, asking only for "privacy and prayers."

His sudden death is sure to leave fans and fellow dancers in shock, as he was a thriving young man.

Allen became a household name in 2008 when he won season 4 of "So You Think You Can Dance."

His closest competitor was the late Stephen "tWitch" Boss, who finished runner-up, and the two formed a lasting friendship.

Allen later admitted to Entertainment Weekly that he had no technical training as a child, but "would try to take classes" during summer breaks.

After advancing in the auditions, he said he enrolled in every class he could to expand his knowledge.

When asked about his plans after winning the show, Allen told the outlet, "I have no idea. I want to save [the $250,000 prize] and have it grow. I'm going to move out to L.A., of course, and follow my career."

Emmanuel Hurd, a longtime friend in the dance community, told TMZ that Allen "didn't always do things the way that everybody thought he should, but that's why he was a winner."

Hurd also remembered Allen as "a very honest, real person" who wasn't afraid to share his own flaws.

Beyond television, Allen dreamed of being a recording artist, choreographer, and studio owner, with ambitions to run his own record label.

Allen turned 36 in March and celebrated with a post on Instagram on March 16.

He shared a picture of himself in a black top and pants. He completed his look with white sneakers and a white face cap and carried a cross bag.

In the post's caption, Allen expressed gratitude to God for adding another year. He wrote, "Grateful to see another year....Cheers to another trip around the [sun emoji]. Thank you, God!!"

He also thanked those who reached out to him on his birthday, writing, "To everyone who called, texted, Voicemail with your support and love I SEE you -know that it's very much appreciated."

Many of Allen's fans took to the comment section to wish him well on his birthday, with some hailing him as a "king" and "legend."

Joshua Allen's birthday post preceded the last post he made on his Instagram feed before his passing.

His last post on the social media platform was on July 21, 2025. In the post, he shared a picture of himself and the late Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who died on July 20, aged 54, after drowning in the ocean off Limón Province, Costa Rica.

In the post's caption, Allen wrote, "Fly high, King."

Following Allen's death, many of his followers have now begun commenting on his last post, expressing shock and grief.

One person wrote, "I am in shambles!!!! Omg this hurts. My absolute favorite." Another person added, "Can't believe this, Josh!" A third fan added, "You both are gone too soon! Rest in peace, Josh!"

Meanwhile, a follower who seemed to know Allen closely shared, "Josh, I hate that our last convo was 2020. You are a sweet soul. Whoever runs into you in the next life time will be blessed by having you."

Though celebrated for his artistry, Allen faced personal struggles.

In 2017, he was sentenced to one year in county jail after pleading no contest to domestic violence charges.

He was taken into custody immediately following a hearing at the Van Nuys courthouse.

Deadline reported that, along with the jail term, Allen was to serve five years of probation, complete a year of counseling, and stay away from his former girlfriend for 10 years under the terms of his sentence.

The dancer faced a potential decade behind bars when he was initially charged in July 2016 with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts connected to two separate assaults.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, he was convicted of one felony count of willfully injuring a girlfriend after a prior conviction and one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon involving a glass vase.

Prosecutors outlined disturbing incidents in which Allen allegedly attempted to strangle his ex-girlfriend, chased her into a coffee shop, and hurled the vase at a woman who intervened before being restrained by bystanders.