Famous Black Choreographers

Vote for Your Favourite Choreographers

This ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

Michael Jackson

(One of the Most Significant Cultural Figures of the 20th Century Popularly Known as the 'King of Pop')

Birthdate: August 29, 1958

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Gary, Indiana, United States

Died: June 25, 2009

The King of Pop and an international superstar, Michael Jackson was a musical entertainer whose work – both with Jackson 5 and solo – won accolades and hearts worldwide. Equally popular were his unique dance moves that created sensation and shaped future dance styles. Amongst the most successful entertainers of all time, Jackson was later accused of child molestation.

Teyana Taylor

(Singer-Songwriter Who Appeared on MTV's 'My Super Sweet 16')

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.

Debbie Allen

(Actress Best Known for Her Work in the Musical-Drama Television Series 'Fame')

Birthdate: January 16, 1950

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States

Debbie Allen is an actress, dancer, choreographer, and singer-songwriter. She appeared in the musical-drama TV series Fame and also worked as the series’ principal choreographer. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including three Emmy Awards. She runs the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles and is a former member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

MC Hammer

(One of the Most Significant Rappers and Dancers of All Time)

Birthdate: March 30, 1962

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States

Rap legend MC Hammer, a pioneer of the pop-rap genre, became the first hip-hop artist to earn the “diamond” status. He is also known for his chartbusting tracks such as U Can't Touch This and his signature "Hammer pants." He later became a preacher and hosted his own reality show.

Alvin Ailey

(Dancer)

Birthdate: January 5, 1931

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Rogers, Texas, United States

Died: December 1, 1989

Geoffrey Holder

(Actor)

Birthdate: August 1, 1930

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Died: October 5, 2014

Height: 6'6" (198 cm)

Flex Alexander

(Actor)

Birthdate: April 15, 1970

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA

Height: 6'3" (190 cm)

Frankie Manning

(Dancer and choreographer)

Birthdate: May 26, 1914

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Died: April 27, 2009

Willdabeast Adams

(Dancer)

Birthdate: September 6, 1988

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

Judith Jamison

(Dancer)

Birthdate: May 10, 1943

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cholly Atkins

(Dancer)

Birthdate: September 30, 1913

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Pratt City, Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Died: April 19, 2003

Bill T. Jones

(Choreographer)

Birthdate: February 15, 1952

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Bunnell, Florida, United States

William King

(Singer)

Birthdate: January 30, 1949

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

Janet Collins

(Ballet Dancer)

Birthdate: March 7, 1917

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Died: May 28, 2003

Pearl Primus

(Dancer)

Birthdate: November 29, 1919

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Died: October 29, 1994

Donald McKayle

(American Dancer and Choreographer)

Birthdate: July 6, 1930

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States

Died: April 6, 2018

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

Werrason

(Singer)

Birthdate: December 25, 1965

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Kwilu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Rex Nettleford

(Scholar)

Birthdate: February 3, 1933

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Falmouth, Jamaica

Died: February 2, 2010

Kyle Abraham

(Choreographer)

Birthdate: August 14, 1977

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Germaine Acogny

(Dancer, Choreographer)

Birthdate: 1944 AD

Birthplace: Allahé, Benin

Rosita Baltazar

(Co-founder of the Belize National Dance Company)

Birthdate: August 16, 1960

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Livingston, Guatemala

Died: July 6, 2015

Mary Hinkson

(Dancer)

Birthdate: March 16, 1930

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Died: November 26, 2014

Dianna Williams

(American Dancer, Choreographer and Reality TV Star)

Birthdate: November 29, 1978

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Jackson, Mississippi, United States

Height: 5'3" (160 cm)

Eboni Nichols

(Choreographer)

Birthdate: May 12, 1978

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: California