are you asking what a master class is? or how they know the SYTYCD alums are making their livings that way?

both things.

a master class is just a class taught by someone considered a master. enrollment is usually limited to high level students/professionals - they cost more, I think they are for a set limited time maybe on an intense schedule. Like "limited engagement" Broadway runs.

I suspect that Evan will get a featured role in a Broadway and/or traveling musical. If he can sing worth a lick, I can see him in Chicago as Roxie's husband, Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, etc.

If they decide they do not want him in top 20, he won't make it, right?

Well, sure. Assuming he makes it any distance, which, you're right, we don't know.

or how they know the SYTYCD alums are making their livings that way?

I read an article? Somewhere on the internets? I know, not helpful. But then it just seemed that way when I was trolling youtube videos. I went on this thing where I was watching everyone that had danced to "Bleeding Love" ever, and lots of the linked videos after I was done with that were either of SYTYCD alums leading master classes, or people saying "I learned this awesome routine when I took a master class from so&so".

Oh, a friend sent me this:

So You Think You Can Dance 15 Greatest Routines, in Entertainment Weekly. There are embedded videos to all of the routines. I agree with a lot of them, if not the order.

So You Think You Can Dance 15 Greatest Routines, in Entertainment Weekly. There are embedded videos to all of the routines. I agree with a lot of them, if not the order.

That's a pretty good list. I never get tired of "Black Mamba".

I'd love to know what new watchers think of Ivan and Allison's dance since so much of that for me at the time was Ivan's growth.

I had never seen the Ivan/Allison or the Nick/Wossname All that Jazz before. I thought Ivan/Allison was good but not unusually distinguished contemporary. I would not have guessed he was a B-boy unless they'd said so in the caption.

Another Allison & Ivan favorite: [link]

Plus, Shane Sparks! Although the popularity of this number might have been what led to the whole "lyrical hip-hop" takeover.

There's a strain of dance studios that are serious competition studios and they train and work all year to go to conventions like Jump or NYCDA or Hall of Fame. These conventions usually last a weekend, although some last up to a week, and offer classes that participants can take at all different levels, including master classes for advanced dancers in different styles. The conventions are also part competition and again they have lots of different divisions and styles that participants can compete in. Tons of the SYTYCD kids come out of this convention circuit - really almost any of the contemporary kids has probably been to more than one convention. That's why the Shankdaddy killed me busting on "Convention 101" dancers earlier this season because there's definitely a style and a culture that grows up around these things. Lots of former contestants make their living being associated with one of the major conventions (For example, S1 winner Nick does Jump/Break the Floor mainly while Travis is more NYCDA). They travel around the country teaching master classes and workshops at these things. A lot of the SYTYCD choreographers are also big on the convention circuit (Mia and Mandy spring to mind. Dan K. does tons of master classes/workshops).

I think that whole convention scene can get kind of JonBenet Ramsey, but they do provide a great opportunity for kids who live in places that are not exactly dance hubs to get exposure to really good teachers and challenging choreography.