Updated: Tue Dec. 09 2008 10:19:06 AM

Nico Archambault, the 24-year-old contemporary and hip-hop dancer from Montreal, Que., has been crowned Canada's very first favourite dancer.

"It's too much," he said the moment he found out. He immediately hugged host Leah Miller. "I'm so proud of you," she said, adding, "You deserve this."

He was nearly speechless backstage. "It just feels like a big exhalation," he said, beaming. "I can't find the words in English to describe this feeling. I am just so happy that I was able to stay until the end," he said with poise and emotion.

From his audition in Montreal, Que., Nico was a contender in the competition, impressing judges and audiences alike with his technically strong movement and passionate performances.

Throughout the competition, the judges commented on Nico's versatility, stage presence and artistry.

"You're the perfect partner," Luther said to Nico earlier in the season.

Special guest judge, Kenny Ortega added to Luther's praise: "You're the reason guys dance. You bring great masculinity and truth."

Not only, does Nico now carry the title of Canada's first favourite dancer, he will also receive the prize of $100,000 and a silver Mercedes C230.

Second place winner, Allie Bertram, 18, Calgary, Alta., was thrilled about Nico's win, "I'm just so proud of Nico. He's been so amazing since the beginning and he hasn't had a bad week. He totally deserves it!"

Allie was ecstatic after the show. "I can't believe I'm Canada's top female dancer. It's just thrilling," she said.

Miles Faber, 21, from Calgary, Alta., and Natalli Reznik, 29, from Toronto, Ont., were third and fourth, respectively.

The Top 20 Reunited

Earlier in the evening, the Top 4 dancers were joined by the eliminated 16 dancers to perform two all-new group numbers along with the season's top duets.

Judges Tré Armstrong, Jean Marc Genereux, Blake McGrath and Luther Brown were joined by special guest judges Mary Murphy, Rex Harrington and Mia Michaels behind the judging table.

Top 20: Hip-hop with Luther Brown

First was Luther Brown's group hip-hop routine to "Get Up" by 50 Cent. Costumed in black and white fedoras and bright red gloves, the dancers exploded on stage with powerful and dynamic presence. The girls were sexy and the guys tough as they performed the hard-hitting choreography.

Disco: Natalli Reznik, 29, Toronto, Ont., and Nico Archambault, 24, Montreal, Que.

After a retrospective look at the audition tour, and the narrowing of the 200 dancers to the Top 20, Natalli and Nico took to the stage.

Choreographer Melissa Williams choreographed this dynamic disco number during the Top 6 week. For the Finale, Natalli wowed audiences yet again in her gold one-piece jumpsuit. Nico also got the audience going with sharp hip swivels and impressive lifts.

Mambo: Allie Bertram, 18, Calgary, Alta., and Danny Arbour, 26, Montreal, Que.

Danny and Allie harnessed their sensuality in the mambo they performed during the Top 18 show. Choreographers Melanie LaPatin and Tony Meredith created a flashy number with fast turns and extravagant, fluid lifts and Danny and Allie rose to the challenge yet again.

Contemporary: Lisa Auguste, 27, Rexdale, Ont., and Miles Faber, 21, Calgary, Alta.

Miles and Lisa took to the stage next for Blake McGrath's contemporary piece from Top 6 week. It was an emotional and evocative piece dedicated to his grandmother who recently passed away and was performed with a huge mirror set centre stage.

Theatre: Arassay Reyes, 21, South Surrey, B.C., and Nico Archambault, 24, Montreal, Que.

Melissa Williams' emotionally fraught theatre number returned to the 'Dance' stage with Nico costumed with black feathered wings and Arassay in a wine-coloured slip dress.

The performance was as emotional and sensual as it was during the Top 18 week and Arassay and Nico received huge applause.

Jive: Allie Bertram, 18, Calgary, Alta., and Danny Arbour, 26, Montreal, Que.

In the very first performance episode of the season, Allie and Danny worked with Melissa Williams on a high-energy old-school jive.

The piece was filled with challenging lifts and huge smiles from both performers.

Diverse Genres in the First Season

Next up was a look at all of the different genres of dance that premiered on the very first season of SYTYCDC. Not only did the Top 20 perform a high-energy Maculelê, audiences were also introduced to Jamaican dancehall, urban step dance, Afro-Brazilian Capoeira, Bollywood and African Jazz.

Afro-Jazz: Lisa Auguste, 27, Rexdale, Ont., and Vincent Noiseux, 22, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

Originally performed during the Top 16 week, Lisa and Vincent revisited Sean Cheesman's evocative Afro-jazz number that was filled with many difficult lifts.

Costumed in a flowing white dress, Lisa joined Vincent in translating the rhythm of the music into their expressive torsos.

A Look at Vincent's 'Dance' Journey

In the Top 8 week, the show ended before audiences could take a look at Vincent's journey from the Montreal auditions, to Finals Week, to the Top 20 and finally, to the Top 8. "It's just an amazing experience with amazing people. I couldn't ask for anything more," he said graciously.

Salsa: Natalli Reznik, 29, Toronto, Ont., and Francis Lafrenière, 28, St. Bruno, Que.

During the Top 12 week, Natalli and Francis were paired with choreographer Gustavo Vargas.

Francis began the piece looking casual in jeans and a t-shirt, but the choreography heated up once Natalli's purple fringed costume started flying. Gustavo choreographed fast and sexy footwork and filled the piece with challenging lifts.

House: Lisa Auguste, 27, Rexdale, Ont., and Vincent Noiseux, 22, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

Lisa and Vincent got the judges dancing behind their table for the very first house number on the SYTYCDC stage.

Costumes in black, red and white, Lisa and Vincent performed Sho-Tyme's up-beat number with as much energy as they had brought to it during the Top 12 week.

Krump: Lara Smythe, 25, Toronto, Ont., and Miles Faber, 21, Calgary, Alta.

Lil "C", famed choreographer from the U.S. SYTYCD returned to work with Miles and Lara on the krump number they originally performed during the Top 16 week.

Miles and Lara got 'buc' with hard-hitting chest pops and aggressive arm movements. The crowd was ecstatic when they finished.

Contemporary: Natalli Reznik, 29, Toronto, Ont., and Vincent Noiseux, 22, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

During the Top 8 show, Natalli and Vincent worked with choreographer Stacey Tookey on a contemporary piece. Dressed in jeans and a white tank top, Vincent imbued the dance with his technical strength and emotional investment. In a purple-pink silk dress, Natalli added her passion and intensity to the work.

Hip-hop: Allie Bertram, 18, Calgary, Alta., and Izaak Smith, 19, Prince George, B.C.

Luther Brown's choreography appeared next on the Finale stage. The rhythmic movement was tough and aggressive as Allie and Izaak took to the stage.

Both Allie and Izaak loved working on the piece during the Top 6 week and their enthusiasm was just as present this evening.

Jazz: Arassay Reyes, 21, South Surrey, B.C., and Nico Archambault, 24, Montreal, Que.

Both Nico and Arassay were excited revisit Paul Becker's jazz from the Top 12 week.

Arassay took to the stage a shirt red dress with Nico partnering her in pants and an unbuttoned shirt. The choreography had a classical modern dance feel to it and showcased the extensive technical training of both dancers.

Paso Doblé: Natalli Reznik, 29, Toronto, Ont., and Francis Lafrenière, 28, St. Bruno, Que.

During the Top 18 week, Natalli and Francis performed Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin's paso doblé. It was a dramatic and challenging routine with challenging lifts and Natalli's wild, flying skirt.

Foxtrot: Lara Smythe, 25, Oakville, Ont., and Miles Faber, 21, Calgary, Alta.

Lara and Miles were up next with Danny Quilliam's foxtrot the performed originally during the Top 12 performance.

They glided gracefully and effortlessly around the stage and their flowing summery outfits matched their quality of movement.

Jazz-funk: Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, 18, Loretto, Ont., and Izaak Smith, 19, Prince George, B.C.

During the Top 14 week, Blake McGrath choreographed a fast and dynamic jazz-funk piece for Kaitlyn and Izaak. In a hot pink diner, Kaitlyn played a sassy waitress-gone-wrong with Izaak acting as a sleazy businessman character.

Samba: Allie Bertram, 18, Calgary, Alta., and Miles Faber, 21, Calgary, Alta.

For the Top 8 performance week, Eric Caty choreographed a sultry samba for Miles and Allie.

In Adam and Eve-inspired outfits, Allie and Miles brought their quick, swiveling hips and challenging lifts back to the Finale stage.

After performing, Allie noted that she has loved everything about the competition. "I just love dancing," she said, feeling motivated to keep going in dance.

After watching a taped segment of her 'Dance' journey, the audience watched Allie perform a huge range of dances, from contemporary to hip-hop, ballet to go-go. "I don't ever want it to stop," Allie said afterwards.

The judges were incredibly supportive. "You don't look like a bun head," Mia said. "You can do anything."

"You're so genuine," Rex added and Mary observed she's the first ballerina who has made it to the SYTYCD stage.

"You're my little mouse," Luther said, appreciating her tenacity and perseverance.

Miles agreed with Allie and he also loved everything about the competition, from start to finish. He thanked everyone who helped him along the way and then watched a taped segment of his journey

"I couldn't be happier right now," he said.

Mia grew emotional when giving Miles feedback. "You're humble, you're a warrior and you're a gem," she said.

"You have such an infectious smile and energy," Rex noted and thanked him for his work.

"You exploded onto that stage," Mary said enthusiastically and Luther added, "You're the perfect student."

Blake noted that he kept growing throughout the competition and said he was excited to see him in the future.

Tré reminded audiences that she thinks of Miles as Mr. Entertainer and Jean Marc concluded by saying, "You are a true star."

Quickstep: Natalli Reznik, 29, Toronto, Ont., and Nico Archambault, 24, Montreal, Que.

Natalli and Nico first encountered the quickstep during the Top 6 performance. It is known as one of the most challenging genres on the SYTYCDC stage, but Natalli and Nico were up for the challenge and performed Melanie LaPatin and Tony Meredith's choreography with grace and elegance.

Afterwards, Natalli said that she loved meeting the choreographers and dancers she's worked with. After taking a retrospective look at her time on the show, Natalli said it was strengthening to be a part of the competition.

"You are the original hot tamale," Mary said, noting that the paso doblé she performed with Francis was one of the most powerful on the show.

"You're one of the most amazing dancers I've even seen in my life," Blake said. "You're a star...and a true professional."

Tré was emotional giving her feedback and thanked Natalli for her passion and emotion.

"You are wild and unpredictable, but we love you for that," Jean Marc concluded.

Nico's favourite thing about the show was the generosity he experienced - "the generosity of everyone on the show: the dancers, choreographers, judges and crew." He beamed after watching his highlight reel.

Mia started first and said, "You truly have the heart of a dancer...You are a star."

Rex was next and noted Nico's presence and emotional capacity. "You've never once let us or your partner down."

Mary said that he's been a front runner since he stepped onto the stage in Montreal and Luther added that he's a true professional.

"You don't know the meaning of can't," Tré said thankfully and Jean Marc addressed Nico in French about his passion and strength as a dancer.

Top 20: Early 60s Number with Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin

This high energy number was 'Dirty Dancing' inspired and saw the Top 20 in brightly coloured costumes with lots of jewels. With wild lifts and the Top 20 shimmied and twisted and had loads of fun to "Do You Love Me" by The Contours.

Top 4 to Canada's Favourite Dancer

Leah held the cheque for $100,000 and the Mercedes CEO held up the keys to the other prize, a silver Mercedes C230.

After three and a half million votes, Natalli did not make it to Canada's Top 2, though Allie did.

Miles didn't make it to the Top 2, but hugged the other dancers in congratulations.

Between Allie and and Nico, Nico became Canada's favourite dancer. His family was ecstatic as were the judges. To a huge standing ovation from the audience, he took a bow as silver and gold confetti covered the stage.