Holmes to pay tribute to Garland on 'SYTYCD'

STAFF REPORT

Katie Holmes will perform on "So You Think You Can Dance" to help celebrate the show's 100th episode in a song and dance tribute to Judy Garland.

The show will air July 23.

While buzz about her appearance began when photos of Holmes dressed in dance gear at the CBS studios in Los Angeles surfaced last month, it apparently wasn't her first visit to the show.

"She absolutely adores dancing as does her daughter," according to executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, who said Holmes and 3-year-old daughter Suri have been visiting the show's dress rehearsals for a couple of years.

Recently, Holmes has been rehearsing herself - with breaks to be with Suri, according to Lythgoe - on a New York street scene designed for the number.

Inspired by Garland's song "Get Happy" from the 1950s musical "Summer Stock," Holmes will wear "the jacket, the little hat," Lythgoe said.

"It's just an iconic look. And Katie Holmes has got the legs. Wow!" Lythgoe added.

"I think she would wow the judges and she'd certainly wow the public," Lythgoe continued. "And if anybody didn't pick the phone up [and vote] for her, I'd be very surprised."

Husband Tom Cruise has been on hand often to support Holmes. "It was great to see the sort of family bond," Lythgoe said. "It was beautiful to see!"

"It was the pride in Tom's eyes, which I liked. I think we all stood around and felt very proud," Lythgoe added.

Holmes' performance will introduce the public to the Dizzy Feet Foundation, which she co-founded with Lythgoe, "Hairspray" director Adam Shankman and "Dancing With the Stars" judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

The organization's mission is to support, improve and increase access to dance education in the United States.

"I think it's important for children to experience music and dance," Holmes said in a statement. "Every child should have the opportunity to discover what it is they like and have access to the very best in that pursuit."