1. Introduction: Definition of ballroom dancing and overview of the top choreographers in the United States
Introduction: Definition of Ballroom Dancing and Overview of the Top Choreographers in the United States
Ballroom dancing is a type of partner dancing that is popular all over the world. It is characterized by smooth, sophisticated, and elegant movements that are usually performed to upbeat music. Ballroom dancing is a great way to stay active and socialize, and it can also be a competitive sport.
In the United States, there are many talented choreographers who specialize in teaching and creating ballroom dance routines. Here, we will take a look at some of the top ballroom dancing choreographers in the United States.
Arthur Murray
Arthur Murray is one of the most well-known choreographers in the United States. He is best known for creating the Arthur Murray Dance Centers, which are a chain of dance studios located all over the country. He has choreographed numerous routines for competitions and performances, and he is also the author of several books on ballroom dancing.
Notable Choreographers
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin are two of the most sought-after ballroom dancing choreographers in the United States. They have been featured on numerous television shows, including ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” They have also choreographed for many of the top ballroom dancing competitions in the country, including the U.S. National Amateur DanceSport Championships.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Maksim Chmerkovskiy is a Ukrainian-American dancer and choreographer who has choreographed for the top ballroom dancing competitions in the United States. He has also appeared as a judge and choreographer on “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” He is known for his innovative and creative choreography, which has earned him numerous awards and accolades.
Cheryl Burke
Cheryl Burke is an American dancer and choreographer who has appeared as a professional dancer on “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” She is known for her creative and unique choreography, which has earned her numerous awards and accolades. She has also choreographed for some of the top ballroom dancing competitions in the country.
2. History of Ballroom Dancing in the United States
History of Ballroom Dancing in the United States
Ballroom dancing has been a popular form of entertainment in the United States since the late 19th century. It was first popularized by the upper classes, who adopted it from the European courts of the time. During the early 20th century, ballroom dancing spread to the middle and lower classes, becoming a staple of American culture.
In the 1920s, ballroom dancing experienced a surge in popularity, thanks to the introduction of the Charleston. This era also saw the emergence of a number of famous ballroom dancers, such as Vernon and Irene Castle.
The 1930s saw the rise of the big band era, which further popularized ballroom dancing. This era saw the emergence of a number of famous ballroom dance teams, such as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
The 1940s and 1950s saw the emergence of a number of new ballroom dance styles, such as the jitterbug and the Lindy Hop. These new styles were popularized by a number of famous dancers, such as Arthur Murray and Marge Champion.
The 1960s and 1970s saw a decline in popularity for ballroom dancing, as the focus shifted to rock and roll and other forms of popular music. However, the 1980s saw a resurgence in ballroom dancing, thanks to the popularity of films such as Dirty Dancing and Saturday Night Fever.
Today, ballroom dancing remains a popular form of entertainment in the United States. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, and is a great way to socialize and stay in shape.
Famous Ballroom Dance Choreographers
The United States has produced some of the world’s most famous ballroom dance choreographers. Some of the most notable names include Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin, Mandy Moore, and Mark Ballas.
Notable Choreographers
Maxim Kozhevnikov
Maxim Kozhevnikov is an award-winning ballroom dancer and choreographer from New York City. He is the co-owner of Maxim Dance Studio and has been teaching ballroom dance for over 20 years. He is known for his creative and innovative choreography, which has earned him numerous awards, including the National Dance Council of America’s National Choreography Award.
Yuri Smirnov
Yuri Smirnov is a world-renowned ballroom dancer and choreographer from Los Angeles, California. He is the head choreographer of the “Smirnov Dance Company” and has choreographed numerous shows and competitions. He has won numerous awards, including the National Dance Council of America’s National Choreography Award.
Carmen and Robert White
Carmen and Robert White are a husband and wife team from Las Vegas, Nevada. They are the owners of the “White Ballroom Dance Studio” and have been teaching ballroom dance for over 25 years. They are known for their unique and creative choreography, which has earned them numerous awards, including the National Dance Council of America’s National Choreography Award.
3. Overview of the Top Choreographers:
Overview of the Top Choreographers
The United States is home to some of the best ballroom dancing choreographers in the world. From the classic Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the modern-day Mandy Moore, these talented individuals have created some of the most iconic dance routines in history. Here is a brief overview of some of the top choreographers in the United States:
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were two of the most famous ballroom dancers of all time. The pair worked together for over a decade, creating some of the most iconic dance routines in history. From their famous “Cheek to Cheek” routine in the 1935 film Top Hat to the “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” routine in the 1937 film Shall We Dance, Fred and Ginger’s routines are still remembered and celebrated today.
Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore is a modern-day choreographer who has worked on some of the biggest films of the last decade. She is best known for her work on the 2006 film Step Up and the 2008 film High School Musical 3. Her innovative choreography has earned her numerous awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Choreography for the 2006 film Step Up.
Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul is a legendary choreographer who has worked on some of the most iconic music videos of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Her work on the music videos for Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” and Madonna’s “Vogue” earned her numerous awards and made her an icon in the world of dance.
Jared Grimes
Jared Grimes is a multi-talented choreographer who has worked on some of the biggest Broadway shows of the last decade, including Hamilton and The Color Purple. His innovative choreography has earned him numerous awards and critical acclaim.
– Arthur Murray
Arthur Murray
Arthur Murray (1895-1991) was an American ballroom dancer and dance instructor. He was born in Hungary and moved to the United States in 1912. He opened his first dance studio in 1912 in New York City and eventually opened over 200 studios across the United States. He was known for his innovative teaching methods and his signature style of ballroom dancing. He is considered to be one of the most influential figures in the history of ballroom dancing. He was a pioneer in introducing the use of music, dance steps, and teaching techniques to make ballroom dancing more accessible to the public. He also wrote several books on ballroom dancing, including “The Arthur Murray Dance Book” and “The Arthur Murray Dance Manual”. He was also a popular television personality, appearing on shows such as “The Arthur Murray Party” and “The Arthur Murray Dance Hour”. He was inducted into the National Museum of Dance’s Hall of Fame in 1991.
– Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire (1899-1987) is widely regarded as one of the most influential ballroom dancers of all time. He began his career as a vaudeville performer and quickly rose to fame due to his incredible skill and charisma. Astaire’s style of ballroom dancing was characterized by his trademark grace and elegance, and he was known for introducing innovative choreography and partnering techniques. He was also known for his ability to incorporate jazz, tap, and ballet into his routines. Astaire was an inspiration to many of the top ballroom dancing choreographers in the United States, and his influence can be seen in their work.
– Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore is one of the most sought-after ballroom dance choreographers in the United States. She has choreographed for major television networks, film, and Broadway. Her work has been seen on hit shows such as “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Moore has a unique style of choreography that combines classic ballroom dance with modern and contemporary elements. She has created routines that are both technical and creative, with a focus on storytelling. Moore has been praised for her ability to bring out the best in her dancers and create emotionally powerful performances.
Moore is also the founder and artistic director of the Mandy Moore Dance Company, which is based in Los Angeles. Through her company, she has created original works for television, film, and stage.
In addition to her choreography work, Moore is an accomplished dancer and teacher. She has taught at various dance studios across the country and has been a guest instructor at the prestigious Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. Moore also has a series of instructional DVDs that teach her unique style of ballroom dancing.
– Derek Hough
Derek Hough
Derek Hough is one of the most well-known ballroom dancing choreographers in the United States. He is a two-time Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Choreography and has been a judge on the hit show “Dancing with the Stars” since 2007.
Hough began his career as a professional dancer in 1999, when he won the Junior Latin American Dance Championship and the Junior International Latin Championship. He has since gone on to become one of the most successful and sought-after choreographers in the ballroom dancing industry.
Hough has choreographed and performed for numerous television shows, including “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars”. He is also the co-creator and executive producer of the ABC show “World of Dance”.
Awards and Accolades
Hough has been nominated for and won numerous awards throughout his career, including two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography, two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program, and a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Reality Show Host.
He is also the recipient of the National Dance Council of America’s “Outstanding Choreographer” award, and was named by People Magazine as one of their “Sexiest Men Alive” in 2013.
– Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin are two of the most renowned ballroom dancing choreographers in the United States. They are the owners of The DanceSport Academy in Orlando, Florida and have been teaching and choreographing for more than 25 years. They are the creators of the “Meredith Style” of ballroom dancing, which emphasizes musicality, creativity, and performance.
Meredith and LaPatin have choreographed for numerous television shows and films, including “Dancing with the Stars”, “So You Think You Can Dance”, and “Step Up”. They have also choreographed for artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, and Celine Dion.
Meredith and LaPatin have won numerous awards, including the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the National Dance Council of America, and the “Dance Educator of the Year” award from the National Dance Educators Association. They are also the authors of the book “The Art of Ballroom Dancing”.
Teaching
Meredith and LaPatin are dedicated to teaching the next generation of ballroom dancers. They offer private lessons and group classes for all levels of dancers, from beginners to advanced. They also offer workshops and seminars throughout the year.
Achievements
The top ballroom dancing choreographers in the United States have achieved numerous accolades and awards. Tony Dovolani, a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, has won the U.S. National Professional Latin Championship, the U.S. National Professional American Smooth Championship, and the U.S. National Professional Showdance Championship. He has also choreographed for the Broadway show Burn the Floor.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy, another professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, has won the U.S. National Professional Latin Championship, the World Latin Dance Cup, and the U.S. National Professional Showdance Championship. He has also choreographed for the Broadway show Burn the Floor.
Cheryl Burke, a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, has won the U.S. National Professional Latin Championship, the World Latin Dance Cup, and the U.S. National Professional American Smooth Championship. She has also choreographed for the Broadway show Burn the Floor.
Mentoring
The top ballroom dancing choreographers in the United States have also mentored many aspiring dancers. Tony Dovolani has mentored many of the dancers on Dancing with the Stars, including Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Cheryl Burke. Maksim Chmerkovskiy has mentored many of the dancers on Dancing with the Stars, including Tony Dovolani and Cheryl Burke. Cheryl Burke has mentored many of the dancers on Dancing with the Stars, including Tony Dovolani and Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
4. Arthur Murray: Biography and Career Highlights
Arthur Murray: Biography and Career Highlights
Arthur Murray (1895-1991) was born in Hungary and immigrated to the United States in 1912. He was a professional ballroom dancer and instructor, as well as a dance studio entrepreneur.
In 1912, Murray opened his first dance studio in New York City. He then went on to open studios in other major cities throughout the United States, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta.
In 1926, Murray developed the Arthur Murray Party Plan, which allowed him to franchise his dance studios. This allowed him to reach a much larger audience and create a nationwide network of dance studios.
Murray was also a choreographer and created a number of popular dances, such as the Arthur Murray Tango, the Arthur Murray Fox Trot, and the Arthur Murray Waltz. He also wrote a number of instructional books and produced a number of instructional videos throughout his career.
Notable Achievements
Murray was inducted into the Ballroom Dancers Hall of Fame in 1978. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983.
In 1989, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H.W. Bush. He is widely considered one of the most influential ballroom dancers and choreographers in the United States.
Notable Choreographers
Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Maksim Chmerkovskiy is a Ukrainian-American professional ballroom dancer and choreographer. He is best known as one of the professional dancers on the American television series Dancing with the Stars, where he won the thirteenth season with celebrity partner, actress and model, Meryl Davis. He has also choreographed for the show and for other professional dancers.
Tony Dovolani
Tony Dovolani is an Albanian-American professional ballroom dancer and choreographer. He is best known as one of the professional dancers on the American television series Dancing with the Stars, where he has won the fifteenth season with celebrity partner, singer, songwriter and actress, Rumer Willis. He has also choreographed for the show and for other professional dancers.
Cheryl Burke
Cheryl Burke is an American professional ballroom dancer and choreographer. She is best known as one of the professional dancers on the American television series Dancing with the Stars, where she won the second season with celebrity partner, actor, singer and model, Drew Lachey. She has also choreographed for the show and for other professional dancers.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Valentin Chmerkovskiy is a Ukrainian-American professional ballroom dancer and choreographer. He is best known as one of the professional dancers on the American television series Dancing with the Stars, where he has won the twenty-first season with celebrity partner, actress, model and singer, Rumer Willis. He has also choreographed for the show and for other professional dancers.
5. Fred Astaire: Biography and Career Highlights
Fred Astaire: Biography and Career Highlights
Fred Astaire was born on May 10, 1899 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was an American dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and television presenter. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential dancers in the history of film and television.
Astaire began his career as a vaudeville dancer with his sister Adele in 1905. The pair achieved great success in their act, and in 1923 they made their Broadway debut in the musical “The Passing Show of 1923”. The following year, they moved to Hollywood and starred in several successful musical films.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Astaire starred in over 10 musical films, including “Top Hat” (1935), “Swing Time” (1936), and “Easter Parade” (1948). He was also a prolific choreographer, creating iconic dance sequences for many of his films, as well as for other movies, television shows, and stage productions.
Astaire was also an accomplished singer, and recorded several hit songs, including “Cheek to Cheek”, “Night and Day”, and “Puttin’ on the Ritz”. He was the first person to win an Emmy Award for choreography, and was awarded an honorary Academy Award in 1949 for his “unique artistry and his contributions to the technique of musical pictures”.
Astaire is remembered as one of the most influential dancers in the history of film and television, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of dancers.
Notable Choreographers
1. Dmitry Chaplin – Dmitry Chaplin is a professional dancer and choreographer from St. Petersburg, Russia. He is a two-time world champion in Latin American dancing and is well-known for his unique style of choreography. He has choreographed for numerous television shows and movies, including “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars”.
2. Mandy Moore – Mandy Moore is a professional dancer and choreographer from Los Angeles. She is a three-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer and has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Jennifer Lopez. She is also the choreographer for the hit TV show “Glee”.
3. Travis Wall – Travis Wall is a professional dancer and choreographer from Virginia. He is a two-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer and has choreographed for some of the biggest shows on TV, including “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars”. He is known for his unique style of contemporary and jazz dance.
4. Mia Michaels – Mia Michaels is a professional dancer and choreographer from New York City. She is a two-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer and has choreographed for some of the biggest shows on TV, including “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars”. She is known for her innovative and creative style of choreography.
5. Kathryn Burns – Kathryn Burns is a professional dancer and choreographer from Los Angeles. She is a two-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer and has choreographed for some of the biggest shows on TV, including “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars”. She is known for her unique style of contemporary dance.
6. Mandy Moore: Biography and Career Highlights
Mandy Moore: Biography and Career Highlights
Mandy Moore is an Emmy-nominated choreographer and one of the top ballroom dancing choreographers in the United States. She began her career as a professional dancer and later transitioned to choreography. She has worked on films, television, stage, and music videos.
Moore has choreographed for some of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry, including Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Britney Spears. She has also choreographed for the Academy Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards, and the Tony Awards.
Early Career
Moore began her career as a professional dancer and later transitioned to choreography. She has worked on films, television, stage, and music videos. She was the assistant choreographer on the film Step Up and the assistant choreographer on the television series So You Think You Can Dance.
Recent Work
Moore has recently choreographed for the films La La Land, The Greatest Showman, and Mary Poppins Returns. She has also choreographed for television shows such as Glee and Dancing with the Stars.
Awards and Recognition
Moore has been nominated for two Emmy Awards for her choreography. She was also named one of the “Top 25 Choreographers to Watch” by Dance Magazine.
Notable Choreographers
Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Maksim Chmerkovskiy is a Ukrainian-American dancer, choreographer, and instructor. He is best known as a professional dancer on the ABC competition series Dancing with the Stars, where he has won two seasons. He has also choreographed for the show and has been a judge on the show So You Think You Can Dance.
Tony Dovolani
Tony Dovolani is an Albanian-American professional ballroom dancer, choreographer, and instructor. He is best known for his appearances on Dancing with the Stars, where he has been a professional partner for fifteen seasons. He has also been a judge on the show So You Think You Can Dance and has choreographed for various dance competitions.
Cheryl Burke
Cheryl Burke is an American professional dancer and choreographer. She is best known for her appearances on Dancing with the Stars, where she has won two seasons. She has also choreographed for the show and has been a judge on the show So You Think You Can Dance.
7. Derek Hough: Biography and Career Highlights
Derek Hough: Biography and Career Highlights
Derek Hough is an American dancer, choreographer, actor, and singer. He is best known for his appearances on the ABC dance-competition show, Dancing with the Stars. Hough has won the show a record-breaking six times, the most of any professional dancer.
Hough was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on May 17, 1985. He and his sister, Julianne, were raised in London and attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. After graduating, Hough returned to the United States and began dancing professionally on the show Dancing with the Stars in 2007.
Career Highlights
Hough has been a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars since 2007, and has won the show six times. He has also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including the Step Up movie series, Footloose, and the television show Nashville.
In 2015, Hough was named a judge on the NBC dance-competition show, World of Dance. He has also released two albums, and is currently working on a third.
Hough has won numerous awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography in 2013, 2014, and 2015. He has also been nominated for a Critics Choice Television Award and a People’s Choice Award.
Notable Choreographers
Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Maksim Chmerkovskiy is one of the most famous ballroom dancers in the world. He is a two-time World Latin Dance Champion, two-time US National Latin Dance Champion, and 14-time US National Professional Latin Dance Champion. He has been a professional dancer on the show Dancing with the Stars for over 10 years and is an acclaimed choreographer.
Cheryl Burke
Cheryl Burke is a two-time winner of Dancing with the Stars and is one of the show’s most beloved choreographers. She is also a professional dancer and has been teaching ballroom dancing for over 20 years. Burke has choreographed dances for some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Jennifer Lopez and Justin Timberlake.
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin are two of the best-known ballroom choreographers in the country. They are both former US National Professional Ballroom Champions and have been teaching ballroom dancing for over 20 years. They have choreographed dances for many high-profile celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.
Derek Hough
Derek Hough is a professional dancer and choreographer who has won the show Dancing with the Stars six times. He is well-known for his creative and innovative routines and is one of the most sought-after choreographers in the country. Hough has choreographed for many of the biggest names in entertainment, including Taylor Swift and Mariah Carey.
8. Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin: Biography and Career Highlights
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin: Biography and Career Highlights
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin are two of the most acclaimed ballroom dancing choreographers in the United States. They have been working together since 2003 and have become one of the most sought-after ballroom dance choreographers in the country.
Biography
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin began their partnership in 2003 and have since become one of the most successful ballroom dance choreographers in the United States. They are both professional dancers, having won numerous awards and titles in competitions around the world. They are also certified adjudicators and have judged at some of the most prestigious ballroom dance competitions.
Career Highlights
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin have choreographed for some of the most famous ballroom dance competitions in the world, including the Blackpool Dance Festival, the UK Open, the U.S. Open, and the World Championships. They have also choreographed for television shows, including the hit show “Dancing with the Stars.”
In addition to their choreography, Tony and Melanie have written and published several books on ballroom dancing, including “The Art of Ballroom Dancing” and “The Art of Latin Dancing.” They have also served as coaches and mentors to many of the world’s top ballroom dancers.
Notable Choreographers
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin are two of the most popular ballroom choreographers in the United States. They have been featured on the hit television show “So You Think You Can Dance” and have choreographed for numerous competitions, shows, and events. They have also been featured in many instructional ballroom dance DVDs.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios
The Fred Astaire Dance Studios is a nationwide chain of dance studios that specialize in ballroom dancing. They have a team of professional choreographers that create unique and exciting dances for their students. The Fred Astaire Dance Studios is known for its quality instruction and choreography.
DanceSport
DanceSport is a professional ballroom dance organization that has been in existence since 1986. They are the official sanctioning body of competitive ballroom dancing in the United States and are responsible for organizing and running major ballroom dance competitions. The organization also has a team of professional choreographers that create dances for their competitions.
Arthur Murray Dance Studios
The Arthur Murray Dance Studios is another nationwide chain of dance studios that specialize in ballroom dancing. They have a team of professional choreographers that create unique and exciting dances for their students. The Arthur Murray Dance Studios is known for its quality instruction and choreography.
9. Conclusion: Summary of the top choreographers and their contributions to ballroom dancing in the United States
Conclusion: Summary of the Top Choreographers and Their Contributions to Ballroom Dancing in the United States
The United States is home to some of the world’s most renowned ballroom dancing choreographers. From the legendary Fred Astaire to the modern-day innovators like Mandy Moore and Derek Hough, these choreographers have made a lasting impact on the art form. Fred Astaire is credited with popularizing ballroom dancing in the US, while Mandy Moore has been praised for her creative and innovative choreography. Derek Hough is known for his energetic and captivating performances and for introducing several new styles of ballroom dancing. All three choreographers have made invaluable contributions to the art form, and their influence continues to be felt in the US today.
