When Orem's Allison Holker was voted off Fox's talent show "So You Think You Can Dance" in 2006, right after her graduation from Timpanogos High School, she didn't imagine she'd be dancing on the very same stage nearly every week four years later.
"The network invited me back as one of 12 all-stars this past summer — which was a new aspect to the program," the 22-year-old said in a phone interview from Chicago.
"It was such an honor to come back and partner with the contestants during the weeks of competition."
Much has happened in Holker's life in the past four years. Most notably, she became a mother. (Daughter Wesley is now 2.) She also feels her dancing has matured and become stronger thanks to post-"SYTYCD" opportunities, such as dancing for entertainers Enrique Iglesias and Christina Perry.
"Now, with Season 7 all wrapped up, it's been thrilling to be part of the national tour as well," she said.
The 40-city tour lands at the Maverik Center on Nov. 4 and promises to deliver a potpourri of dance styles, edgy and inventive choreography, and the newest batch of reality TV dance celebrities.
Holker and five other "All-Stars" will perform with Season 6 winner Russell Ferguson, Season 7 winner Lauren Froderman and a mix of fellow contestants including Adéchiké Torbert, Ashley Galvan, Billy Bell, Jose Ruiz, Kent Boyd and Robert Roldan.
Holker hints at some surprise guests as well.
"I won't ruin it, though," she said with a laugh. "You'll just have to wait and see."
The highly anticipated production will feature original pieces created specifically for the nationwide tour, as well as last season's most popular routines, including Holker's favorite number to perform, the contemporary work "Fix You," by Travis Wall, in which she dances with runner-up Roldan.
"It's very emotional, but it's my favorite," said Holker, referring to the inspiration behind the choreographer's work. Wall's mother, Denise, is battling cancer.
"Travis and I are old friends, and I have known his mom since I was 12. This song is about wanting to carry the load for someone you love, but realizing you can't."
Judges were teary-eyed and speechless when the piece was performed in July. Each time the pair performs it before audiences they say a prayer before they go on stage.
The tour is especially anticipated by fans after the announcement that there would be no sixth-season tour.
Finalists, including three from Utah, were saddened to learn they wouldn't get the consolation prize of seasons past — to dance across the nation in front of sold-out crowds.
With 12 Utahns now numbered among "SYTYCD" finalists over seven seasons, it seems that showbiz will be showbiz and some, like Holker, have certainly lucked out more than others. She can't explain why she was asked to rejoin "SYTYCD" for its 2010 season and then embark on her second nationwide tour, but she does feel incredibly blessed.
"With so many amazing people who have been finalists on the show, (the all-star cast) wondered why we were asked to come back," Holker said. She knew from the outset of the season she would have to be the "strong unit" in the partnerships with the contestants, but she didn't realize how much they would rely on her for emotional strength.
"Being an all-star was about more than just being a great dancer for your partner," she said. "It was about being there emotionally, which was a surprise. They needed someone to mentor them, someone who'd been there and who knew what they were going through."
Holker says she was nicknamed "sister" and even "mom" by some of her partners. After jumping into the all-star role, she's come to the conclusion that the Fox network saw her as someone who could work well with others and be a good mentor. And, of course, the girl can really dance.
As for next season's all-star lineup, or whether they will even use that format again, Holker says, "It's a mystery. But if they asked me to do it again, I would in a heartbeat."
If you go ...
What: "So You Think You Can Dance"
Where: Maverik Center, 3200 S. Decker Lake Drive
When: Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.
How much: $37.50-$55
Phone: 801-328-7328
Web: www.ticketmaster.com