Famous 21st Century Dancers

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 1 
Derek Hough
(Professional Dancer and Six Times Winner of the Dance Competition Series 'Dancing with the Stars')
Derek Hough
13
Birthdate: May 17, 1985
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Derek Hough is an American Latin and ballroom dancer and choreographer. After winning the dance competition TV series, Dancing with the Stars, for a record six times, Hough used his popularity to launch his acting and singing career. Also a writer, his book Taking the Lead was featured in The New York Times Best Seller list.

 2 
Misty Copeland
(The First African-American Woman to Serve as the 'American Ballet Theatre' Company's Principal Dancer)
Misty Copeland
27
Birthdate: 1982
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Ballet dancer Misty Copeland is known for her association with American Ballet Theatre and is the first Black woman to become the principal dancer there. She also gained fame as a public speaker and stage performer. Named to Time 100, she has also written a memoir and narrated a documentary.
 3 
Mikhail Baryshnikov
(One of the Greatest Ballet Dancers of the 20th Century)
Mikhail Baryshnikov
11
Birthdate: January 27, 1948
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Riga, Latvia

Latvian-born Russian-American dancer and choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov was a prominent male classical dancer of the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Latvian SSR, he moved to America where he joined the New York City Ballet. Within years, he became one of the most widely recognized contemporary ballet dancers in the world. He is also a dramatic actor.

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 4 
Michael Flatley
(Irish-American Dancer and Choreographer Known for His Work in Shows: 'Lord of the Dance' and 'Riverdance')
Michael Flatley
5
Birthdate: July 16, 1958
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States

Born in Chicago, Irish-origin entertainer Michael Flatley took to dancing inspired by his step dancer mother and music-loving father. Initially a gambler and stockbroker, he later performed with The Chieftains and then choreographed the globally renowned show Riverdance. He later launched shows such as Lord of the Dance and Celtic Tiger.

 5 
Bruno Tonioli
(Choreographer & Judge of the Reality TV Shows 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'Dancing With the Stars')
Bruno Tonioli
4
Birthdate: November 25, 1955
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Ferrara, Italy
Italian choreographer Bruno Tonioli gained fame as a Latin and ball dancer. He was a judge on the dance reality shows Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars and also appeared on DanceX and Dance War. He is gay and has often spoken of the homophobia he has faced.
 6 
Benjamin Millepied
(French Dancer and Choreographer Known for His Work in the Movie ‘Black Swan’)
Benjamin Millepied
9
Birthdate: June 15, 1977
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Bordeaux, France
French dancer Benjamin Millepied was initially associated with the New York City Ballet. He launched the LA Dance Project and was the director of dance at the Paris Opera Ballet. He gained fame as the choreographer of the iconic movie Black Swan, and later married its lead actor, Natalie Portman.
 7 
Drew Seeley
9
Birthdate: April 30, 1982
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Ottawa, Canada
While he lost the role of Troy Bolton in High School Musical to Zac Efron, Drew Seeley was the main singing voice of the film, and his voice was eventually merged with Efron’s in the final cut. He has also bagged roles in films such as Another Cinderella Story.
 8 
Julianne Hough
(Judge on Dancing with the Stars)
Julianne Hough
16
Birthdate: July 20, 1988
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Orem, Utah, United States
Julianne Hough shot to fame with Dancing with the Stars, in 2007, and eventually won two seasons and returned as a judge. Fans also remember her as Sandy from Grease Live! She aced the U.S. Country charts with her debut album and was also a judge on America's Got Talent.
 9 
Dita Von Teese
(Dancer, Actress)
Dita Von Teese
4
Birthdate: September 28, 1972
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Rochester, Michigan, United States
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 10 
Lisa Niemi
(Writer, Director and Lead Actress of the Film 'One Last Dance')
Lisa Niemi
4
Birthdate: May 26, 1956
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
Lisa Niemi is known for her appearance in Steel Dawn and One Last Dance, with her former husband Patrick Swayze. She also released memoirs, both New York Times bestsellers and one of them co-written by Swayze. Swayze’s death due to pancreatic cancer led her to spread awareness about the ailment.
 11 
Meryl Davis
(Former Competitive American Ice Dancer and Figure Skater)
Meryl Davis
4
Birthdate: January 1, 1987
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Royal Oak, Michigan, United States
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 12 
Abby Lee Miller
(Dancer, Choreographer and Founder of ‘Abby Lee Dance Company’)
Abby Lee Miller
16
Birthdate: September 21, 1965
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Abby Lee Miller is a choreographer, dance instructor, and reality TV personality. She is credited with founding the Abby Lee Dance Company where the popular TV series Dance Moms was filmed. The series follows the training of children in dance under the tutelage of Miller. In 2018, Miller was diagnosed with a type of cancer that has left her wheelchair-bound.

 13 
Mackenzie Ziegler
(American Dancer, Singer and Internet Personality)
Mackenzie Ziegler
4
Birthdate: June 4, 2004
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Mackenzie Ziegler initially gained fame with the reality show Dance Moms, where she appeared with her older sister, Maddie Ziegler. Mackenzie then plunged into music and toured with singers such as Johnny Orlando. She also competed on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. She is extemely popular on social-media platforms, too.

 14 
Allison Holker
(American Dancer, Choreographer, and Actress Known for Her TV Dance Competition ‘So You Think You Can Dance’)
Allison Holker
6
Birthdate: February 6, 1988
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Anoka County, Minnesota, United States

Allison Holker is an American dancer known for appearing in the reality TV dance competition show, So You Think You Can Dance. She has also worked in several concert tours, films, and television series. In 2007, she was adjudged the National Senior Dancer of the Year. In 2013, she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination under the Outstanding Choreography category.

 15 
Leslie Caron
(Actress & Dancer Known for Her Films: 'Lili' and 'The L-Shaped Room')
Leslie Caron
4
Birthdate: July 1, 1931
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Boulogne-sur-Seine, Paris, France
French-American actor Leslie Caron is best known for her BAFTA-winning roles in The L-Shaped Room and Lili. She has also won a Golden Globe and an Emmy. A seasoned actor, she began her career as a ballerina. She has also been a jury member at various international film festivals.
 16 
Cheryl Burke
(American Dancer Who Became the First Female Professional to Win the TV Show 'Dancing with the Stars')
Cheryl Burke
4
Birthdate: May 3, 1984
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States

Cheryl Burke is an American dancer, TV host, and model. Best known for appearing as a professional dancer on the popular dance competition TV series Dancing with the Stars, Burke became the first professional to win two consecutive seasons. In 2008, she set up her dance studio and created her own line of sportswear in 2009.

 17 
Larry Bourgeois
(French Dancer and Choreographer)
Larry Bourgeois
9
Birthdate: December 6, 1988
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Sarcelles, France

Larry Bourgeois became an international sensation performing as part of the hip-hop dance duo Les Twins, with his identical twin brother, Laurent Bourgeois. The French-born dancer first gained fame when a YouTube video of the duo went viral in the U.S. He has also modeled at the Paris Fashion Week.

 18 
Emma Portner
(Dancer)
Emma Portner
24
Birthdate: November 26, 1994
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Ottawa

Emma Portner is a popular dancer and choreographer, who has choreographed music videos for celebrities like Justin Bieber. One of the few dancers to have been featured on the covers of both Dance Magazine and Dance Spirit, Portner serves as an inspiration to the LGBT community as she publicly married actress Ellen Page in 2018.

 19 
Bobby Farrell
(Member of the 1970s pop and disco group Boney M)
Bobby Farrell
4
Birthdate: October 6, 1949
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: San Nicolas, Aruba
Died: December 30, 2010
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 20 
Darcey Bussell
(One of the Best British Ballerinas of All Time)
Darcey Bussell
10
Birthdate: April 27, 1969
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: London

Darcey Bussell is an English former ballerina best known for her appearances as a judge on the popular television show, Strictly Come Dancing. She is also known for her association with the Royal Ballet, where she was a principal dancer. Darcey Bussell is considered one of the best British ballerinas of all time and is the recipient of numerous awards.  

 21 
AJ Pritchard
(Dancer, choreographer)
AJ Pritchard
15
Birthdate: November 5, 1994
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Sneyd Green, Stoke-on-Trent

AJ Pritchard is a British television personality, dancer, and choreographer. Pritchard became a household name in the UK after appearing in popular TV shows, such as Britain's Got Talent, Strictly Come Dancing, and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! In 2018, he appeared in the celebrity version of Hunted in an attempt to help Stand Up to Cancer.

 22 
Witney Carson
(Dancer. Choreographer)
Witney Carson
5
Birthdate: October 17, 1993
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: American Fork, Utah, United States
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 23 
Twyla Tharp
(Dancer and Choreographer)
Twyla Tharp
3
Birthdate: July 1, 1941
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Portland

Twyla Tharp is an American dancer, author, and choreographer. She is credited with founding Twyla Tharp Dance, which she formed in 1966. In 1976, Twyla Tharp choreographed Push Comes to Shove, which is now regarded as the finest example of crossover ballet. Twyla Tharp has received several prestigious awards, including two Emmy Awards and the National Medal of the Arts.

 24 
Khandi Alexander
(Dancer, Actress)
Khandi Alexander
4
Birthdate: September 4, 1957
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 25 
Dianne Buswell
3
Birthdate: May 6, 1989
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bunbury

Dianne Buswell is an Australian dancer best known for showcasing her dancing skills in the popular British TV show, Strictly Come Dancing. After starting her training in ballroom dance at the age of four, Dianne Buswell began participating in shows like So You Think You Can Dance Australia, Burn the Floor, and Dancing with the Stars.

 26 
Rob Marshall
(Director)
Rob Marshall
3
Birthdate: October 17, 1960
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 27 
Sofia Wylie
(American Actress, Dancer and Singer)
Sofia Wylie
3
Birthdate: January 7, 2004
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
 28 
Len Goodman
(English Ballroom Dancer, Dance Coach, and Judge)
Len Goodman
3
Birthdate: April 25, 1944
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bethnal Green

Len Goodman is an English ballroom dancer, dance coach, and judge. He achieved popularity when he started appearing as the head judge on the popular television dance show, Strictly Come Dancing. In addition to his TV work, Len Goodman also operates a ballroom dance school in Kent.

 29 
Shirley Ballas
(English Dance Teacher, Ballroom Dancer, and Dance Adjudicator)
Shirley Ballas
6
Birthdate: September 6, 1960
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Wallasey, Cheshire, England

Shirley Ballas is an English dance teacher, ballroom dancer, and dance adjudicator. Nicknamed The Queen of Latin, Ballas is best known for her achievements in the International Latin division. Shirley Ballas' popularity increased in 2017, when she started appearing as the head judge on the popular TV dance show, Strictly Come Dancing.

 30 
Kenny Ortega
(Director and Choreographer Known for His Films: ‘Newsies’, ‘Hocus Pocus’ and ‘High School Musical’)
Kenny Ortega
3
Birthdate: April 18, 1950
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Palo Alto, California, United States
Emmy-winning choreographer Kenny Ortega is best known for directing and choreographing the High School Musical TV film series and the Descendants trilogy, both for Disney Channel. Ortega has also directed shows for popular artists such as Michael Jackson, Gloria Estefan, and Cher. He is also openly gay. 
 31 
Shura Baryshnikov
(Dancer, Choreographer, Actress)
Shura Baryshnikov
3
Birthdate: March 15, 1981
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Stillwater, Minnesota, United States
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 32 
Sierra Deaton
(Winner of the 3rd Season of 'The X Factor US' Known for Her Album 'It's About Us')
Sierra Deaton
3
Birthdate: February 11, 1991
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
 33 
Jaina Lee Ortiz
3
Birthdate: November 20, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Fort Ord National Monument, California, United States
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 34 
Artem Chigvintsev
(Professional Dancer, Specializing in Latin Dancing)
Artem Chigvintsev
9
Birthdate: June 12, 1982
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Izhevsk, Russia
Dancer Artem Chigvintsev won the eighth season of Strictly Come Dancing, in 2010, with partner Kara Tointon, becoming one of four people to win the show as a first-timer. He has previously been part of the live dance show Burn the Floor and has performed at Broadway and West End.
 35 
Michaela DePrince
(Sierra Leonean-American Ballet Dancer)
Michaela DePrince
4
Birthdate: January 6, 1995
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Kenema, Sierra Leone

Michaela DePrince is a Sierra Leonean-American ballerina and writer. She is credited with co-authoring a book titled Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina. Michaela DePrince achieved popularity in 2011 when she was featured in a documentary titled First Position, which follows her and other ballerinas as they prepare for the upcoming Youth America Grand Prix.

 36 
Lindsay Arnold
(Professional Dancer)
Lindsay Arnold
3
Birthdate: January 11, 1994
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Provo, Utah, United States
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 37 
Lola Falana
(Singer)
Lola Falana
3
Birthdate: September 11, 1942
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Camden, New Jersey, United States
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 38 
Savion Glover
(American Actor, Choreographer and Dancer)
Savion Glover
3
Birthdate: November 19, 1973
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States
 39 
Paula Abdul
(Her Album 'Forever Your Girl' was One of The Most Successful Albums in 1988)
Paula Abdul
17
Birthdate: June 19, 1962
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: San Fernando, California, United States

Starting her career as a cheerleader, Paula Abdul went on to choreograph music videos for Janet Jackson. She then tried her hand at singing-songwriting and released a highly successful debut studio album. Also an award-winning actress, Paula was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has also appeared in TV shows like American Idol.

 40 
Bonnie Langford
(English Actress, Singer, and Dancer)
Bonnie Langford
4
Birthdate: July 22, 1964
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Hampton Court, Surrey, England

Bonnie Langford is an English actress, singer, and dancer. She achieved popularity as a child actress in the 1970s, when she portrayed Violet Elizabeth Bott in a television series titled Just William. From 2015 to 2018, Bonnie Langford played Carmel Kazemi on the popular soap opera EastEnders, which earned her the 2016 British Soap Award.

 41 
Johnny Rivers
(Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Record producer)
Johnny Rivers
3
Birthdate: November 7, 1942
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: New York City
 42 
Craig Revel Horwood
(Australian-British Dancer, Choreographer, Author, Theatre Director, Conductor, and Former Drag Queen)
Craig Revel Horwood
5
Birthdate: January 4, 1965
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Ballarat, Australia

Craig Revel Horwood is an Australian-British dancer, choreographer, author, theatre director, conductor, and former drag queen. Also a TV personality, Horwood is best known for appearing as a judge on the British television dance contest, Strictly Come Dancing. Craig Revel Horwood has also released three autobiographies by joining hands with Michael O'Mara Books.

 43 
Karina Smirnoff
(Ballroom dancer who won the 13th season of Dancing with the Stars)
Karina Smirnoff
3
Birthdate: January 2, 1978
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Kharkiv, Ukraine
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 44 
Shane Harper
(Singer and Actor Known for Playing 'Spencer' on Disney's Show ‘Good Luck Charlie’)
Shane Harper
3
Birthdate: February 14, 1993
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: La Jolla, California, United States

Shane Harper is an American actor, dancer, songwriter, and singer. As an actor, Harper is best known for portraying Spencer Walsh in the popular sitcom series Good Luck Charlie. As a singer-songwriter, he released his self-titled studio album in 2011. The album peaked at number 17 on the Top Heatseekers chart.

 45 
Valentin Chmerkovskiy
(Professional Dancer and Choreographer)
Valentin Chmerkovskiy
5
Birthdate: March 24, 1986
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Odesa, Ukraine

Ukrainian-American professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy is best known for his appearances in the US version of the reality dance competition TV show Dancing with the Stars, which he won twice. A versatile and brilliant dancer, he is also a 14-time US National Latin Dance champion. He is the co-owner of nine social dance studios as well. 

 46 
Joey Heatherton
(Actress)
Joey Heatherton
3
Birthdate: September 14, 1944
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York, USA
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 47 
Sheree North
(Actress)
Sheree North
3
Birthdate: January 17, 1932
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: November 4, 2005
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 48 
Raoul Trujillo
(Choreographer)
Raoul Trujillo
3
Birthdate: May 8, 1955
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
 49 
Sergei Polunin
(Ballet Dancer)
Sergei Polunin
4
Birthdate: November 20, 1989
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Kherson, Ukraine

Sergei Polunin is a Soviet-born ballet dancer, model, and actor. He is of mixed ethnicity, but has "always regarded himself as Russian". He started training in gymnastics at the age of four and then switched to ballet. At 19, he became the Royal Ballet's youngest ever principal dancer. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Prix de Lausanne. 

 50 
John Densmore
(Musician)
John Densmore
3
Birthdate: December 1, 1944
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, USA
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)