As a performer, entertainer, dancer, and choreographer, Stephen “Twitch” Boss seems to effortlessly juggle various talents and pursuits. You may recognize him as the lovable and charismatic co-host of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where his fun-loving spirit and killer dance moves shine through. However, there is more to Twitch than what you see on screen. Behind the scenes, he works hard at honing his craft through practice, dedication, and continuous learning.
Twitch’s multifaceted career did not happen overnight. His journey began in his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama where he discovered a passion for dance at a young age. He went on to study dance performance at Chapman University and built up his experience by performing with various dance groups, including being a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance. His big break came when Ellen DeGeneres took notice of his talent and personality, inviting him to become her resident DJ and eventually co-host.
Today, Twitch maintains an active professional and personal life, balancing his hosting duties with choreography gigs, television roles, and spending time with his wife and children. While his charismatic and fun-loving demeanor may make his success look easy, Twitch’s accomplishments are a testament to the rewards of dedication, hard work, and an openness to opportunity. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how following your passions in life can lead to great things.
Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss: From So You Think You Can Dance to Ellen
Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss is a dancer, choreographer, and television personality best known for appearing as the DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. However, his career began years before joining Ellen. In 2008, tWitch competed in the fourth season of So You Think You Can Dance, finishing as the runner-up. His skills and charismatic personality made him an instant fan favorite.
After the show, tWitch went on to work as a choreographer and dancer. He appeared in films like Step Up 3D, Magic Mike XXL, and has worked with artists like Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and Katy Perry. In 2014, tWitch joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show as the show’s DJ. Viewers loved his fun, positive energy and seeing him bust a move on occasion.
A Talent and Skill For All Mediums
tWitch is truly a jack of all trades in the entertainment industry. Not only is he an accomplished hip hop dancer and choreographer in a variety of styles, but he has also proven to have a gift for engaging audiences on camera. From reality TV to daytime talk shows to major films, tWitch brings his charisma, humor, and dance skills to every project.
Outside of his career, tWitch is a loving husband to fellow dancer Allison Holker and father. The two often post adorable family photos and videos showing that tWitch is as fun-loving and joyful off-screen as he is on. With his multifaceted talents and vibrant personality, it’s no wonder Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss has found success in so many areas of entertainment. He’s someone who really can do it all.
Early Life and Career Beginnings in Dance
Stephen Twitch Boss discovered his passion for dance at a young age. Born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1982, Twitch grew up watching music videos and copying the moves of popular artists like Michael Jackson. He began taking formal dance classes at age 15, studying various styles like hip hop, breakdancing, and contemporary.
Twitch attended Lee High School, a performing arts school in Houston, Texas. There, he further honed his skills, performing in school productions and competing in dance competitions across the region. His talent was evident early on, earning him opportunities to tour with major recording artists.
In 2002, Twitch moved to Los Angeles to pursue a professional dance career. He danced backup for stars such as Beyoncé, Chris Brown, and Flo Rida. Twitch also appeared in commercials, television shows, and films, gaining valuable on-camera experience. His breakout role came in 2010 when he joined the cast of So You Think You Can Dance as an all-star performer and judge.
Twitch’s charismatic personality and inspiring story of perseverance resonated with audiences. He became a fan favorite on the show, advancing to second place in Season 4. The increased visibility from SYTYCD led to other media opportunities, including co-hosting The Ellen DeGeneres Show and multiple acting roles. However, dance remains Twitch’s first love and primary passion. He continues to perform, teach master classes, and choreograph for stage productions.
Through hard work and dedication, Stephen “tWitch” Boss built a thriving career from his gift of dance. From the schoolyard to the SYTYCD stage, Twitch inspires all of us to pursue our dreams. His journey is a reminder that sometimes all you need is “that one opportunity” to share your talents with the world.
Competing on So You Think You Can Dance
Competing on the popular reality TV dance competition show So You Think You Can Dance is no small feat. As one of the all-star dancers on the show, Stephen “tWitch” Boss has dominated the stage season after season. His charismatic personality, impressive dance skills, and ability to choreograph stunning routines have made him a fan favorite.
Versatility and Creativity
tWitch is known for his versatility and ability to pick up different dance styles quickly. He has performed everything from hip hop and locking to contemporary and Broadway on the SYTYCD stage. His creativity also shines through in the memorable routines he has choreographed for contestants. For example, in season 8 he choreographed a moving contemporary piece to “Unchained Melody” for contestants Sasha and Kent that brought the judges to tears.
Mentoring Contestants
As an all-star, tWitch is paired up with contestants to mentor them through demanding challenges each week. His patience, positivity and constructive feedback have helped many contestants improve and gain confidence in their abilities. tWitch understands the pressures of competing on the show and strives to create a supportive environment for his partners. His belief in their talent and skill inspires them to push through self-doubt and give their all in each performance.
Lasting Impact
The visibility and exposure from appearing on SYTYCD has launched tWitch into a successful career as a professional dancer, choreographer, television host and social media personality. His crossover success and popularity with audiences of all ages demonstrate the lasting impact of his time on the show. Through his hard work, perseverance and ability to connect with others, tWitch has shown what it really means to prove that you can dance.
Competing on a high-profile show like SYTYCD requires a rare combination of talent, determination and heart—all of which Stephen “tWitch” Boss has in spades. His time on the show has cemented his status as an icon in the dance world and beyond. tWitch’s lasting success and inspiration prove that he is the real deal.
Transitioning to Acting and Television Appearances
Stephen “tWitch” Boss is best known for his dancing talents, but in recent years he has branched out into acting and television hosting. His charismatic personality and quick-witted humor have allowed him to transition smoothly into these new ventures.
Acting Debut and Television Appearances
Boss made his acting debut in the 2012 film Step Up Revolution, the fourth film in the Step Up dance film franchise. He played the role of Jason, a choreographer and dancer. The film received mixed to negative reviews but was a box office success, earning over $140 million worldwide.
His television appearances began around the same time. In 2012, Boss joined the cast of the NBC reality competition series All the Right Moves as a mentor and choreographer. The show followed dance crews from around the country as they competed for a $100,000 prize. Though the show only lasted one season, it helped to increase Boss’ national exposure.
Boss’ big break came in 2014 when he joined the judging panel of So You Think You Can Dance. He served as a judge for two seasons, offering insightful feedback and constructive criticism to contestants. His charismatic and playful personality quickly made him a fan favorite. Due to his popularity, in 2015 Boss was tapped to co-host Live! with Kelly and Ryan’s annual Halloween special. He has continued to make frequent appearances on Live! as a guest co-host and correspondent.
In all of his television roles, Boss exhibits a natural ease and humor that audiences find endearing. His ability to spontaneously riff and joke with hosts and contestants creates an upbeat, lively energy that translates well on screen. Boss’ charisma and showmanship indicate his talent extends well beyond the dance floor. His seamless transition into acting and television has established him as an all-around entertainer and star.
Joining the Ellen DeGeneres Show as a DJ
In 2014, Stephen “tWitch” Boss joined the Ellen DeGeneres Show as the show’s DJ. This role led to increased mainstream fame and recognition. As the show’s DJ, tWitch is responsible for playing music during commercial breaks, as well as for Ellen’s entrance and exit. He also frequently joins Ellen for games, challenges and guest interactions.
tWitch began his career as a dancer and choreographer, but joining The Ellen DeGeneres Show allowed him to showcase his fun, energetic personality and comedic talents to a wide audience. His charisma and positivity have made him a fan favorite. Viewers tune in each day not just for Ellen, but also for tWitch’s smile, humor and dance moves.
Increased Opportunities
Since becoming a part of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, tWitch has gained additional opportunities in television. He has guest judged and mentored contestants on So You Think You Can Dance, co-hosted Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings with his wife Allison Holker, and competed on and won season 28 of Dancing with the Stars. tWitch and Holker also star in their own reality docu-series on HGTV called Design Star: Next Gen.
Outside of television, tWitch stays busy with brand partnerships, hosting gigs and speaking engagements. He is an ambassador for brands like Old Spice, and in 2020 published a memoir titled “Chase Your Dreams” to share his story of perseverance and overcoming adversity to achieve his goals. tWitch is truly an inspiration, demonstrating how one opportunity can open the door to bigger dreams and greater success.
Through talent, hard work and an uplifting spirit, Stephen “tWitch” Boss has crafted a career as a television personality, dancer, actor and more. Joining The Ellen DeGeneres Show may have been his big break, but tWitch’s dedication and positivity have allowed him to become a star in his own right. He is a man of many talents, and viewers can’t wait to see what he does next.
Directing and Producing With Ellen Digital Ventures
As the co-CEO of Ellen Digital Ventures, Stephen “tWitch” Boss helps oversee Ellen DeGeneres’ digital brand, including her website, podcast, mobile games and social media channels. In this role, Boss directs creative for digital content and strategies to engage Ellen’s enormous fanbase across platforms.
Content Creation
A major part of Boss’ job involves directing and producing digital videos and segments for Ellen’s website and social media profiles. This includes brainstorming concepts, scripts, shooting footage, conducting interviews and ensuring high production quality. Some examples are “OMKalen,” “Hot Hands” and “Taste Buds.” Boss also leads a team that creates daily content and helps build Ellen’s brand through trending hashtags like #ellenselfie and viral sensations like “the Dory speech.”
Driving Audience Engagement
Boss analyzes key metrics and data to gain insights into audience preferences and behaviors. Based on these findings, he develops innovative digital campaigns, social strategies and web features to boost traffic, increase time spent on the site, build the mailing list, and drive more social shares and engagement. Some successful efforts have included the “12 Days of Giveaways” series, the Ellen mobile game app, and partnerships with platforms like musical.ly.
Staying on the cutting edge of digital media and anticipating trends is crucial to Ellen maintaining her status as a pioneer in the entertainment industry. Under Boss’ direction, Ellen was the first talk show to launch a website, start a podcast, join YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, create mobile games and more. Boss has been instrumental in guiding Ellen’s brand through the digital revolution. His creative vision, technical skills, charismatic personality and rapport with audiences of all ages have made him the perfect partner for taking Ellen into the future.
Family Life With Wife Allison Holker Boss
As the star of the hit TV show So You Think You Can Dance, Stephen “tWitch” Boss leads an incredibly busy life. However, despite his demanding career, tWitch always makes time for his family. He has been married to fellow dancer Allison Holker since 2013. Together, they have three children: sons Maddox and Zaia, and daughter Weslie.
Family is extremely important to tWitch. Although his work requires extensive travel and long hours on set, he does his best to balance his career and family responsibilities. When he has breaks in his filming schedule, tWitch makes a point to spend quality time with his wife and kids at home. They enjoy simple activities together like playing in the backyard, cooking meals, watching movies, and dancing. tWitch recognizes that his children are growing up quickly, so he cherishes the moments he can be present with them.
Allison Holker Boss is a professional dancer in her own right and previously competed on So You Think You Can Dance as well. She often travels and performs with her husband. The couple has cited open communication and mutual understanding of each other’s demanding careers as keys to their successful marriage. They support each other’s pursuits and work as a team to coordinate their schedules so that one parent is always home with the kids when possible.
Family vacations and holidays are a top priority for the Bosses. They make time to get away together, visit extended family, and create cherished memories. Birthdays and other milestones are also celebrated with enthusiasm. The love tWitch has for his wife and children is evident to all who know him. His devotion to his family in spite of his fame and obligations serves as an inspiration. Although his talent and work ethic have brought him much success, tWitch considers his role as a husband and father to be his greatest achievement.
Staying Fit: tWitch’s Workout Routine and Diet
To maintain his physique and high energy levels, tWitch sticks to a strict workout routine and diet plan. As a professional dancer, fitness is essential for his career and overall wellbeing. His dedication to health and fitness serves as an inspiration to many.
Workout Routine
tWitch aims for an intense full-body workout 3 to 4 times a week, focusing on strength, endurance, and flexibility. His routine consists of:
- Weight training: tWitch incorporates weighted squats, lunges, pushups, and bicep curls using dumbbells. He gradually increases the amount of weight and number of reps to continuously challenge himself.
- High intensity interval training (HIIT): tWitch alternates between short periods of intense exercise and recovery periods. This includes exercises like mountain climbers, burpees, and jump rope. HIIT helps improve his endurance and power.
- Stretching: As a dancer, flexibility and mobility are extremely important. tWitch spends adequate time stretching and doing yoga poses after his workouts to increase his range of motion and prevent injury.
- Cardio: To maintain stamina, tWitch incorporates cardio exercise like running, swimming or cycling a few times a week. He aims for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous cardio activity.
Diet
To fuel his active lifestyle and workouts, tWitch follows a balanced nutritious diet:
- Lean proteins: tWitch eats plenty of chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, and plant-based proteins with each meal. Protein provides the building blocks for muscle.
- Complex carbohydrates: tWitch focuses on whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and starchy veggies. Carbs give him energy and help with muscle recovery.
- Healthy fats: tWitch includes foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocados. Fats provide energy and aid the absorption of certain nutrients.
- Lots of produce: tWitch aims for 2 to 3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit each day. Produce provides vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Staying hydrated: tWitch drinks plenty of water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. This is important for his health, performance, and recovery.
By maintaining a diligent workout routine and balanced diet, tWitch is able to achieve optimal health and fitness—which is essential for his physically demanding career as a dancer and TV host. His commitment to wellness serves as motivation for many to establish good habits and live actively.
FAQ: What Is tWitch Up to Now?
Stephen “tWitch” Boss has come a long way since his So You Think You Can Dance days. While he continues to serve as the DJ and sidekick on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, tWitch has expanded into other endeavors.
Acting
tWitch continues to pursue acting, recently starring in the TV movie A Hip Hop Christmas and the film Step Up: Year of the Dance. He has had minor roles in several other TV shows and movies over the years as well. tWitch hopes to land more substantial acting parts in the future.
Dancing
As a professionally trained dancer, tWitch still makes time for dance. He has performed with Shaping Sound Dance Company and frequently posts dance videos on his social media channels. tWitch also serves as a judge and mentor on World of Dance. His passion for dance and skill in various styles like hip hop, freestyle, and contemporary inspired his Ellen Show DJ name “tWitch.”
Family Life
tWitch values family and maintains a busy schedule with his wife Allison Holker, a professional dancer, and their three children. The couple has a popular YouTube channel called “tWitch and Allison” where they vlog about their lives as entertainers and parents. tWitch and Allison met on So You Think You Can Dance and have been married since 2013.
What’s Next?
With so many opportunities and interests, tWitch remains busy. Between acting roles, dance appearances, family life, and his duties on Ellen, his schedule is packed. However, tWitch continues seeking new ways to challenge himself creatively. His fans can likely expect more dance and acting from tWitch, as well as possible music, hosting, or business ventures. This multifaceted performer has the drive and talent to accomplish anything he sets his mind to. Whatever comes next for tWitch, he is sure to approach it with passion, positivity, and his signature charisma.
Conclusion
So as you can see, Stephen “Twitch” Boss seems able to do it all. From dancing to acting to hosting, Twitch utilizes his many talents to inspire and uplift. His charismatic personality and positivity shine through in everything he does. While his career continues to unfold, one thing is clear – Twitch will not be confined to any single box. He will continue seeking out new ways to spread joy through his creative works. For those looking to break into entertainment or pursue their passions, Twitch serves as a role model that hard work, perseverance and maintaining an open heart can lead to opportunities beyond your wildest dreams. His story reminds us all to never stop chasing what sets our souls on fire. The future remains unwritten for this man of many talents, but one thing is certain – he will meet it with a smile, open arms and some smooth moves.
