Our Hopes For The Australian ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Just Fell Considerably

We had been crossing our fingers that somehow Channel Ten would be shipping Cat Deeley and pals to our shores for the local version of the greatest reality comp of all time, So You Think You Can Dance.

However, like in so many aspects of our life, we are set to be disappointed, given that Natalie Bassingthwaighte is in contention to host.

Her manager has confirmed the pint-sized rocker is in contention but nothing is locked in as yet.

If she gets the gig she will join recently announced judges Jason Coleman and Matt Lee to front the local version of the US franchise.

Muh! We will, however, take this opportunity to put out our wish-list for guest judges and choreographers: Please, Santa, bring Gideon Obarzanek, Steven Heathcote, Meryl Tankard, Graeme Murphy and Wade Robson (because he is Australian) to the party!

Although, knowing our luck, it’ll be Dein Perry’s Tapdogs all the way.

For the official Ten presser and deets on the announced judges, see after the jump.

Network Ten and FremantleMedia Australia are pleased to announce the judging panel for the much-anticipated Australian series of So You Think You Can Dance [SYTYCD] will include international producer and acclaimed choreographer Bonnie Lythgoe, events-guru and choreographer Jason Coleman and one of Australia’s brightest talents Matt Lee.

Bonnie, Jason, and Matt bring with them a wealth of dance and television experience. Bonnie Lythgoe was a producer for series 1 and 2 of SYTYCD [US] and judge for series 1, as well as producer for American Idol [US series 1, 2 and 3]. Jason Coleman is one of the Australian dance community’s most respected stars having choreographed the opening and closing ceremonies for the Sydney Olympic Games and worked with Kylie Minogue, Whitney Houston and Frank Sinatra.

Matt Lee has been a professional dancer all of his adult life, having played Jonno in the Aussie film Bootmen, worked as motion sensor principal on the animated hit film Happy Feet, choreographed music videos and performances for a string of Australian artists including Guy Sebastian and Marica Hines and is currently touring nationally with the musical stage show Miss Saigon.

TEN’s chief programming officer, David Mott said, “I am so pleased to have such a vibrant and well respected judging panel for the Australian series of SYTYCD. The judges have achieved enormous success both in Australia and overseas and will be really valuable and inspirational to the contestants.”

SYTYCD judge Matt Lee said, “I can’t wait to get started and begin to unearth the fantastic dance talent we have in this country. Australia has some amazing dancers and now we have the chance to make them household names!”

Bonnie, Jason and Matt head to Adelaide on Sunday 7 October, to kick off the auditions. Dancers skilled in every genre from the ’street’ styles of hip hop, to the best of ballroom, salsa, quickstep, jive and more are invited to come along. Auditions will then continue around the country.

SYTYCD judge Jason Coleman said, “This series offers Australian dancers an unprecedented opportunity. They will have the chance to learn from some of Australia’s most respected choreographers and perform for the Australian public. I am thrilled to be a part of it and look forward to discovering Australia’s favourite dancer.”

The Host of SYTYCD will be announced in coming days.

For more information about the series please log onto www.ten.com.au/dance