Famous American Choreographers

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 1 
Fred Astaire
(The Greatest Dancer in Film History)
Fred Astaire
6
Birthdate: May 10, 1899
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Died: June 22, 1987

Fred Astaire was an American actor, television presenter, dancer, choreographer, and singer. Widely regarded as the most influential dancer in film history, Astaire was known for his innovation, perfectionism, and an uncanny sense of rhythm. Also known for his fashion sense, Fred Astaire remained a male fashion icon throughout his career, which spanned more than seven decades.

 2 
Bob Fosse
(American Choreographer and Director Known for His Works ‘The Pajama Game’ and ‘Damn Yankees’)
Bob Fosse
4
Birthdate: June 23, 1927
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: September 23, 1987
Legendary dancer, choreographer, and director Bob Fosse is best remembered for his Academy Award-winning direction in the musical film Cabaret. Renowned for his signature “jazz hands” style, he also earned the Palme D'Or for All That Jazz and nine Tony Awards for various stage productions, eight of them for choreography. 
 3 
Mikhail Baryshnikov
(One of the Greatest Ballet Dancers of the 20th Century)
Mikhail Baryshnikov
6
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.

 4 
Gregory Hines
(Actor, Choreographer and One of the Most Celebrated Tap Dancers of All Time)
Gregory Hines
6
Birthdate: February 14, 1946
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Died: August 9, 2003
Gregory Hines is remembered as one of the greatest tap dancers in the world. His performance in the Broadway play Jelly's Last Jam won him a Tony and a Drama Desk award. He also won an Emmy for his voice role in Little Bill and hosted his own show.
 5 
Isadora Duncan
(American Dancer and Choreographer)
Isadora Duncan
8
Birthdate: May 26, 1877
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States
Died: September 14, 1927

Isadora Duncan was a dancer acclaimed in USA, Europe, and the Soviet Union. Raised by a single mother, she grew up in poverty and started teaching dance to children to earn some money. She later joined Augustin Daly's theater company. Eventually, she opened her own dance schools to teach her unique philosophy and techniques to her students. 

 6 
Julianne Hough
(Judge on Dancing with the Stars)
Julianne Hough
10
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.
 7 
Derek Hough
(Professional Dancer and Six Times Winner of the Dance Competition Series 'Dancing with the Stars')
Derek Hough
4
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.

 8 
Abby Lee Miller
(Dancer, Choreographer and Founder of ‘Abby Lee Dance Company’)
Abby Lee Miller
10
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.

 9 
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.
 10 
Allison Holker
(American Dancer, Choreographer, and Actress Known for Her TV Dance Competition ‘So You Think You Can Dance’)
Allison Holker
4
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.

 11 
Martha Graham
(Modern Dancer and Choreographer Known for Her 'Graham Technique' Style)
Martha Graham
5
Birthdate: May 11, 1894
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Allegheny, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: April 1, 1991

Martha Graham was a modern dancer and choreographer who revolutionized American dance. She developed what later became known as the Graham technique, a modern dance movement style and pedagogy. She had an extensive career spanning over 70 years. The Martha Graham School, founded in 1926, is the oldest school of dance in USA.  

 12 
Witney Carson
(Dancer. Choreographer)
Witney Carson
4
Birthdate: October 17, 1993
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: American Fork, Utah, United States
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 13 
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.

 14 
Khandi Alexander
(Dancer, Actress)
Khandi Alexander
3
Birthdate: September 4, 1957
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 15 
Michael Flatley
(Irish-American Dancer and Choreographer Known for His Work in Shows: 'Lord of the Dance' and 'Riverdance')
Michael Flatley
4
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.

 16 
Jerome Robbins
(Dance Choreographer)
Jerome Robbins
5
Birthdate: October 11, 1918
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Manhattan
Died: July 29, 1998
 17 
Rob Marshall
(Director)
Rob Marshall
3
Birthdate: October 17, 1960
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 18 
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. 
 19 
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)
 20 
Valentin Chmerkovskiy
(Professional Dancer and Choreographer)
Valentin Chmerkovskiy
4
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. 

 21 
Savion Glover
(American Actor, Choreographer and Dancer)
Savion Glover
3
Birthdate: November 19, 1973
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States
 22 
Merce Cunningham
(Dancer and Choreographer)
Merce Cunningham
3
Birthdate: April 16, 1919
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Centralia, Washington
Died: July 26, 2009
American dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham was at the forefront of American modern dance for more than 50 years.  Cunningham was honoured with Japan's Praemium Imperiale and a British Laurence Olivier Award. He was also named Officier of the Légion d'honneur in France. A documentary titled Cunningham was made on his life in 2019.
 23 
Katherine Dunham
(One of the Most Successful Dancers of the 20th Century)
Katherine Dunham
3
Birthdate: June 22, 1909
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Glen Ellyn, Illinois, United States
Died: May 21, 2006

Dancer, choreographer, and social activist Katherine Dunham was also a qualified anthropologist. She experimented with various ritual dances, and her innovations included a ballet performance based on Caribbean dance. She also pioneered the Dunham Technique of dance pedagogy and used the pen-name Kaye Dunn to write several works.

 24 
Paula Abdul
(Her Album 'Forever Your Girl' was One of The Most Successful Albums in 1988)
Paula Abdul
4
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.

 25 
Raoul Trujillo
(Choreographer)
Raoul Trujillo
3
Birthdate: May 8, 1955
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
 26 
Loie Fuller
(Actor, Lighting designer, Choreographer, Artist, Dancer, Stage actor, Model)
Loie Fuller
3
Birthdate: January 15, 1862
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Illinois
Died: January 1, 1928
 27 
Alvin Ailey
(Dancer)
Alvin Ailey
3
Birthdate: January 5, 1931
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Rogers, Texas, United States
Died: December 1, 1989
 28 
Flex Alexander
(Actor)
Flex Alexander
3
Birthdate: April 15, 1970
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 29 
Patsy Swayze
(Choreographer)
Patsy Swayze
3
Birthdate: February 7, 1927
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Harris County, Texas, United States
Died: September 16, 2013
 30 
Columbus Short
(Choreographer)
Columbus Short
4
Birthdate: September 19, 1982
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 31 
Mayte Garcia
(Actress & Dancer Known as the World’s Youngest Professional Belly Dancer)
Mayte Garcia
4
Birthdate: November 12, 1973
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Fort Rucker, Alabama, United States

Mayte Garcia is an American dancer, singer, and actress. She has worked with popular artists like Britney Spears. Mayte Garcia was married to record producer and musician, Prince, from 1996 to 2000. Mayte Garcia has also written a book titled The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince which was published in 2017.

 32 
Agnes de Mille
(American dancer and choreographer)
Agnes de Mille
3
Birthdate: September 18, 1905
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: New York City
Died: October 7, 1993
 33 
Stanley Donen
(American film and dance director)
Stanley Donen
3
Birthdate: April 13, 1924
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Columbia, South Carolina,USA
Died: February 21, 2019
 34 
Kenny Wormald
(Actor, Dancer, Choreographer, Television producer)
Kenny Wormald
3
Birthdate: July 27, 1984
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Boston
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 35 
Maksim Chmerkovskiy
(Ukrainian-American Dancer and Choreographer Who Specializes in Latin Ballroom Dance)
Maksim Chmerkovskiy
4
Birthdate: January 17, 1980
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Odesa, Ukraine

Ukrainian-American dancer and choreographer Maksim Chmerkovskiya is an expert in Latin ballroom dance. He is best known for his stint on ABC's Dancing with the Stars and his pairing with Kirstie Alley in 2 seasons of the show. He has also appeared in the Broadway productions of dance shows such as Burn the Floor.

 36 
Chachi Gonzales
(Choreographer & Dancer)
Chachi Gonzales
3
Birthdate: January 23, 1996
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 37 
Carrie Ann Inaba
(Television personality, dancer, choreographer best known for her work on ABC TV's Dancing with the Stars for which she has served as a judge since 2005)
Carrie Ann Inaba
0
Birthdate: January 5, 1968
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 38 
Michael Kidd
(Choreographer, Ballet Dancer)
Michael Kidd
2
Birthdate: August 12, 1915
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: New York City
Died: December 23, 2007
 39 
Peta Murgatroyd
(Dancer)
Peta Murgatroyd
4
Birthdate: July 14, 1986
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 40 
Marge Champion
(American Dancer and Actress)
Marge Champion
3
Birthdate: September 2, 1919
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: October 21, 2020
 41 
Teyana Taylor
(Singer-Songwriter Who Appeared on MTV's 'My Super Sweet 16')
Teyana Taylor
0
Birthdate: December 10, 1990
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Harlem, New York, United States

R&B and hip-hop singer Teyana Taylor gained fame with MTV's My Super Sweet 16. She signed with Kanye West’s label and also appeared on the reality show Teyana and Iman, with her husband, NBA player Iman Shumpert. In December 2020, she announced her retirement from music through Instagram.

 42 
Frankie Manning
(Dancer and choreographer)
Frankie Manning
3
Birthdate: May 26, 1914
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Died: April 27, 2009
 43 
Robin Antin
(Ballet dancer, Choreographer, Television presenter, Actor, Dancer)
Robin Antin
3
Birthdate: July 6, 1961
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Los Angeles

Robin Antin is an American dancer, actress, singer, entrepreneur, clothing designer, and choreographer. Antin is credited with founding the Pussycat Dolls, a modern burlesque troupe that went on to become famous. She is also credited with creating other popular girl groups like the Paradiso Girls, Girlicious, and G.R.L. As a choreographer, she has worked with well-known personalities like Paris Hilton.

 44 
Busby Berkeley
(Film director)
Busby Berkeley
3
Birthdate: November 29, 1895
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: March 14, 1976
 45 
Travis Wall
(American Dancer, Instructor and Choreographer)
Travis Wall
3
Birthdate: September 16, 1987
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
 46 
Paul Taylor
(One of the foremost American choreographers of the 20th century)
Paul Taylor
4
Birthdate: July 29, 1930
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died: August 29, 2018
 47 
Mark Ballas
(Singer, Dancer, Choreographer, Stage actor, Guitarist)
Mark Ballas
0
Birthdate: May 24, 1986
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Houston
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 48 
George Balanchine
(The Father of American Ballet)
George Balanchine
0
Birthdate: January 22, 1904
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: St. Petersburg, Russia
Died: April 30, 1983
George Balanchine was a Georgian-American ballet choreographer. One of the most prominent choreographers of the 20th century, Balanchine won several prestigious awards like the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983. Referred to as the father of American ballet, Balanchine is credited with co-founding the New York City Ballet. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1988.
 49 
Alyssa Edwards
(Drag Performer & Choreographer Best Known As a Contestant of 'RuPaul's Drag Race')
Alyssa Edwards
2
Birthdate: January 16, 1980
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Mesquite, Texas, United States

Alyssa Edwards is an American choreographer, drag performer, and businessperson. She gained international prominence after participating in the reality competition TV series RuPaul's Drag Race in 2013. In June 2019, she was ranked fifth in New York magazine's most powerful drag queens in America list. Alyssa Edwards’ life and career inspired the 2018 docuseries Dancing Queen which premiered on Netflix.

 50 
Gene Anthony Ray
(Actor, Choreographer, Television actor)
Gene Anthony Ray
3
Birthdate: May 24, 1962
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: New York City
Died: November 14, 2003