R.I.P., Twitch: Watch His Best Moments From So You Think You Can Dance

Millions knew Stephen "tWitch" Boss as the DJ on Ellen, but we first got to know him as one of the best competitors ever on So You Think You Can Dance.

Twitch, who tragically died by suicide this week at the age of 40, debuted on Season 3 of the Fox dance competition, turning heads with his high-energy, hilarious hip-hop moves. He didn't make it to the live shows that year, but he returned with a vengeance in Season 4, finishing in second place to winner Joshua Allen. Twitch was such a likable personality (and immense talent) that SYTYCD brought him back multiple times over the years, as an all-star dancer and also as a judge. He stood as one of the most memorable and beloved members of the SYTYCD family.

While we're still processing the tragedy of Twitch's passing, we're taking solace in the magical, magnificent dance routines he blessed us with during his time on So You Think You Can Dance. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and look back on Twitch's best moments on SYTYCD, from hard-hitting hip-hop to swoon-worthy contemporary and everything in between — and hit the comments below, too, to share your favorite Twitch dance routines and memories. (Special thanks to our resident SYTYCD expert Rebecca Iannucci for her help in compiling these videos.)

It's still unbelievable that Twitch didn't make the Top 20 in his Season 3 debut — to be fair, the competition was fierce — but he did gift us with this ridiculously fun freestyle set to a James Brown funk classic, where he got to show off his killer moves (that crazy-legs walk!) along with his signature wit. As Mary Murphy says (well, screeches): "That was entertainment!"

Twitch would not be denied in his return to the SYTYCD stage, stepping his game up with a sultry Season 4 audition that showed off more precise movements and a newfound artistry. He couldn't resist clowning around a bit, of course, but it was great to see him take his talents to a whole new level.

Man, if classical music was this fun, we might actually go see a concerto or two! Twitch showed off his exuberant creativity with this solo, where he played a classical music conductor leading a string section with jabs and kicks, almost becoming a human violin in the process. (Fast-forward to 2:08 on the video above.)

During his Season 4 run, Twitch proved he could do much more than hip-hop, highlighted by this passionate and athletic contemporary/Broadway routine with fellow finalist Katee to the tune of Duffy's "Mercy." (Remember when Duffy was right alongside Adele in a new wave of throwback UK chanteuses? Good times.) The use of a door as a prop was ingenious — and c'mon, the man looked sexy as hell.

Here, Twitch dropped the goofy act and revealed a fresh vulnerability in a heartbreaking contemporary routine with Kherington, using a mattress and rose petals to tell the tale of a couple in the midst of splitting up. (And again: Sexy as hell, right?)

This hip-hop routine looked like it came from the year 3000, and we want to time-travel there after seeing Twitch and Comfort moving and grooving like beautifully calibrated dancing robots to Chris Brown's R&B hit. Twitch was in his comfort zone here (excuse the pun!), and he knocked it out of the galaxy.

So You Think You Can Dance does a great job of introducing us to new dance styles, and that was on full display here as Twitch and Joshua battled it out in a high-flying Russian trepak routine, firing back and forth in a dance-off with sky-high kicks and unrivaled showmanship.

Twitch was such a fan favorite, the show had to bring him back when it introduced a team of all-star dancers in Season 7. Here, he brought out a dirty, funky side of contestant Lauren with a Wild West-themed hip-hop routine, showing off his incredible athleticism while also letting her shine.

Here it is: the one you've been waiting for. Twitch's hyper fast-paced, mesmerizing hip-hop routine with Alex Wong — this guy was a ballet dancer! — is an all-time SYTYCD favorite for a reason. Few dances in the show's history have hit harder, with the impossibly energetic movements nearly lifting us out of our seats. We're left breathless, laughing... and completely spent.

Twitch was a few years older by this point, but he showed he could still compete with the young pups here, going head to head with talented animator Cyrus as a pair of rock-'em, sock-'em robots in a super cool, futuristic animation routine. Every season that Twitch appeared on SYTYCD was one to remember — and we'll always remember him, too.

If you're thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, dial "988" for the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.