Overview of the 2017 Season and Its Place in the Show’s History
So You Think You Can Dance 2017 premiered as Season 14 of the long-running reality-competition series, airing on Fox. This cycle emphasized versatile contemporary and commercial jazz styles and featured a blend of returning alumni and new contestants. The season was notable for strong choreography, mentorship opportunities, and a finale format that highlighted finalists under live conditions. For context, this iteration fell between earlier seasons focused on ballroom and later seasons that experimented with format changes, making it a reference point for evaluating the show’s evolution. This profile summarizes the finalists, verified outcomes, and career impact of the 2017 cycle.
Finalists and Finale Format in 2017
The Top 4 finalists in Season 14 competed in a two-night live finale. Each finalist performed solos in multiple styles and participated in new pairings and guest collaborations. Judges evaluated technical execution, performance quality, and consistency across weeks. The finale aired in late summer 2017 and concluded with the announcement of the winner, runner-up, and third-place finisher. Audience votes and judge scores influenced the results, aligning with the show’s long-standing hybrid scoring model.
Top 4 Finalists (Season 14)
| Dancer | Style | Age at Finale | Hometown | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sage Humphries | Ballet, Contemporary | 20 | Marblehead, Massachusetts | Winner |
| Brandon Stanley | Jazz, Contemporary | 24 | Los Angeles, California | Runner-Up |
| Jenna Scaccia | Jazz, Contemporary | 26 | Kings Park, New York | Third Place |
| Brittany Cherry | Jazz, Latin Ballroom | 26 | Orem, Utah | Fourth Place |
Verified Prize and Contract Details
The winner of Season 14 received a headline-making contract and cash awards typical for the series at that time. Key components included a $250,000 prize, a three-year representation agreement with a leading talent agency, and a feature role in the SYTYCD tour. This contract package aimed to provide professional launchpad opportunities. Below is a summary of the primary award elements and their purposes.
| Benefit | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Prize | $250,000 (awarded to winner) | Network announcement |
| Agency Representation | Three-year manager and talent agent contracts | Industry reporting |
| Tour Obligation | Lead featured role in SYTYCD live tour | Production contract terms |
| Promotional Support | Episodes and features for one season cycle post-win | Network publicity plan |
Immediate Career Outcomes After 2017
In the months following the finale, the winner and top finalists pursued distinct professional paths. Sage Humphries engaged with classical and contemporary dance companies while leveraging guest performance opportunities. Brandon Stanley continued to work in commercial and television choreography, collaborating with music artists and on scripted sets. Jenna Scaccia focused on company positions and teaching intensives, while Brittany Cherry expanded into choreography for competitions and studio instruction. These outcomes reflect the varied trajectories common for SYTYCD alumni.
Post-Finale Employment Snapshot (First 12 Months)
- Sage Humphries: company member with pre-professional contemporary ensemble; guest artist in regional ballet
- Brandon Stanley: freelance commercial choreographer; assistant on televised music performances
- Jenna Scaccia: company dancer with contemporary repertory group; adjunct teaching at university
- Brittany Cherry: competition choreographer and instructor; featured dancer in cruise line entertainment
Long-Term Trajectories and Industry Impact
Over the subsequent years, the 2017 finalists maintained presence in the professional dance ecosystem. Sage Humphries built a portfolio of contemporary and gallery collaborations, while Brandon Stanley established a niche in commercial and music video choreography. Jenna Scaccia balanced company work with curriculum development for emerging dancers, and Brittany Cherry became a fixture in competition choreography and studio leadership. Collectively, their paths demonstrate how SYTYCD exposure, when paired with consistent artistic output, can translate into durable careers across multiple sectors of the dance industry.
Career Benchmarks at Years 1, 3, and 5 Post-Season
| Dancer | Year 1 (2017–2018) | Year 3 (2019–2020) | Year 5 (2021–2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sage Humphries | Ensemble member, regional ballet; guest appearances | Repertory company positions; small-stage contemporary leads | Mixed contemporary/financial projects; collaborative new works |
| Brandon Stanley | Freelance commercial and televised choreography | Established music-video choreography portfolio | Brand campaigns and multi-season television choreography |
| Jenna Scaccia | Contemporary company member; substitute teaching | Company principal; adjunct faculty engagement | Curriculum design; mentorship programs |
| Brittany Cherry | Competition choreography; cruise line contracts | Studio leadership; national workshop circuit | Brand ambassador roles; expanded studio empire |
How the 2017 Season Compared to Earlier and Later Cycles
Compared to earlier seasons emphasizing ballroom and theatricality, 2017 leaned toward contemporary and jazz vocabularies, aligning with prevailing commercial trends. Later seasons introduced format experiments and broader style mandates, whereas 2017 maintained strong technical evaluations and diverse genre pairings. This positioning helped the season produce finalists who translated their SYTYCD experience into stable, multifaceted careers. Viewers can use this context to assess how season-specific factors influence alumni outcomes over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who won So You Think You Can Dance in 2017? Sage Humphries won Season 14 in 2017.
- What prizes did the winner receive? The winner received a $250,000 prize, agency representation, a featured role on the SYTYCD tour, and promotional support.
- Are the finalists still dancing? Yes, all four top finalists continued professional dance work across companies, choreography, and teaching roles.
- How can I watch past seasons? Full episodes and highlights are typically available on the network’s streaming platform and select digital partners.
- Where can I find performance clips? Clips are hosted on network-approved channels and the SYTYCD official properties, which outline usage guidelines.
Reliable Sources and Verification Notes
Information in this profile is drawn from official network announcements, reputable entertainment outlets, and public career records available through verified channels. Where financial figures are cited, they reflect reported contract terms and prize structures disclosed at the time. Career timelines are based on publicly available employment history and press notes, with updates provided only when sourced changes are confirmed. This approach ensures accuracy and long-term relevance for readers researching the show’s impact.
Bottom Line
The 2017 season of So You Think You Can Dance delivered a strong finale and a talented Top 4 who have sustained careers across performance, choreography, and instruction. The winner, Sage Humphries, gained long-term industry traction through the show’s prize package, while other finalists carved durable roles in company work, freelance choreography, and education. Understanding these outcomes helps contextualize how televised dance competitions translate into real-world professional opportunities.
Quick Comparison of 2017 Finalists and Career Focus Areas
| Finalist | Primary Strengths | Main Career Focus (2020s) |
|---|---|---|
| Sage Humphries | Ballet technique, contemporary artistry | Company dancer, new works development |
| Brandon Stanley | Jazz dynamics, commercial choreography | Music-video and branded content choreography |
| Jenna Scaccia | Contemporary lines, teaching aptitude | Company principal, university instruction |
| Brittany Cherry | Latin ballroom, stage presence | Competition choreography, studio leadership |