The news that famed dance instructor Boss was suffering in the shadows touched a raw nerve in the dancing community. Justin Timberlake, a longtime friend of Boss for almost two decades, expressed his sadness at the prospect of someone who produced such joyful environments being forced into such pain.
He encouraged everyone to look out for and care for one another, especially during these difficult times. Many others found his comments to be genuine.
Jojo Siwa, Boss’ co-judge on So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD), paid a vibrant homage to her “forever the world’s dancing dad” on Instagram. She assured those in mourning that he would be remembered warmly.
Unsurprisingly, those close to him were devastated when they learned of his death. For over 20 years, he brought brightness and happiness into each room he entered.
He was a vital member of the dancing community due to his unrivaled energy and enthusiasm for teaching dance routines, and it showed in his work – his choreography was known far and wide as some of the most imaginative around.
The loss of Boss has been a tremendous blow to those closest to him and to anybody who has ever met him; it is difficult to find someone who provides such delight to everyone they encounter as he did.
Thankfully, we still have memories that will never fade – recollections that we may savor anytime we are downhearted or apprehensive about our future. To Boss’s family, may you find comfort in knowing how much your father was loved by everyone who knew him.
“My heart has been shattered into a million pieces. Twitch was a wonderful mentor to me and many others in our SYTYCD family. He brought so much light and love into my life, and I will never forget that.”
“He was like a wonderful older brother to me, always encouraging, teaching, giving sound advice, and making me laugh and smile no matter what. That kind of friendship is unique and unusual. We shall all miss him terribly, but we can take solace in knowing that he is now safe in a better place.
Twitch’s wife and three lovely children have my heartfelt love and prayers. We all appreciate his enormous gift, which he shared with us; it would be wonderful to see him again one day (a joke between us that I will forever treasure). Rest assured, Dad, the world will continue to spin in your absence. You are greatly loved, brother. Stephen ‘Twitch’ Boss, may you rest peacefully in heaven.”
Cheryl Burke, a Dancing with the Stars pro, shared her feelings on Instagram, posting two photographs of herself with Stephen “tWitch” Boss. In her post, she thanked him for “always putting a smile on my face, being so enthusiastic and inspirational” and conveyed her sadness at his death.
She went on to explain that she liked his grace and optimism in representing the dancing community and his personality for always making her smile and giving joy. She expressed her heartbreak and wished his soul to rest in peace.
On Instagram, Channing Tatum posted a photo of himself with Stephen “tWitch” Boss, adding that he had no words to explain his sentiments about the tragedy and that it was beyond his intellect and heart to comprehend. Before bidding goodbye to his pal, he expressed his love for him.
Journalist Katie Couric also resorted to Instagram to express her grief over Stephen’s death. She described him as a famous producer and DJ on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and a successful dancer who rose to fame on So You Think You Can Dance – noting that he was in his fifties when he committed suicide – before expressing how deeply sad it was.