Student makes it to reality TV show finale

Dancing her way from the Atlanta auditions to the finale show of So You Think You Can Dance, Tiffany Maher is one step away from becoming America’s Favorite Dancer. Maher started her dance career at the age of 3, inspired by watching her sister perform. She had watched previous seasons of the show and waited for her turn to compete. Now, Maher is a finalist in the competition, a spot earned only by the most talented and loved contestants of the show.

Maher’s determination is what has led her to the finale, which airs on Tuesday. Maher’s favorite quote, “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game,” gives her the inspiration to keep going when times get tough. She worked her way through the audition process in Atlanta. Maher faced some struggles in Vegas Week, such as losing her voice and accidentally punching another contestant who ended up with a bloody nose. Yet, she persevered and still came out on top of the competition, proving that she was one of the best dancers and earned her spot in the Top 20. From there, Maher has continued to succeed on the show, being a part of Top 10, Top Six and now one of two girls left in the competition.

Maher has completed a variety of dances on the show, including the foxtrot, disco, Broadway and the jive, getting rave reviews from the judges after each routine, even earning a scream from Mary Murphy.

On Wednesday’s Top Six show, Maher had to perform four times. She received standing ovations from the judges in her performance with past winner Benji Schwimmer.

Maher has had the support of her family and local dance studio, Dance FX, throughout her time on the show. Her family has traveled across the country to Los Angeles multiple times over the course of the competition to see her perform live. Locally, Dance FX holds watch parties at Lefty’s Tavern and Grille.

Maher’s last performance on the show is Tuesday at 8 p.m. on FOX. Voting will be opened after the show and can be done three ways: texting, calling or online at Fox.com. The winners will be announced during the season finale on Sept. 18.