Mia Michaels, American Choreographer

Artist, Choreographer, Teacher, and Inspiration

Oct 22, 2009 Terah Talley

Best known for her appearance on "So You Think You Can Dance," Mia Michaels has inspired thousands with her emotional and unique dance routines.

Fox Broadcasting states that "from stage to screen, Mia has turned dance into inspired and unique works of passion and beauty. She has rendered her unique style and vision of the craft, which is sought after by other innovators, from celebrities and recording artists to dance companies and educational institutions."

Mia Michaels Early Life

Mia Michaels was born in Coconut Grove, Florida in 1966. Her father, Joe Michaels, and her sister, Dana, were also dancers and taught Mia jazz, tap, and ballet at an early age. Mia attended Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan during the summer sessions in her early years. She also studied dance at the New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida.

Mia's Work With Esteemed Artists

Ms. Michaels has worked with a variety of artists in the entertainment industry. She choreographed for Cirque du Soleil’s first touring show, Delirium, which premiered in March of 2006. Celine Dion's Las Vegas Show and World Tour were both choreographed by Michaels. Mia has also created dance pieces for a number of musical artists such as Prince, Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, and Madonna.

Instructor/Founder for Prestigious Dance Institutions

This inspirational choreographer and dancer has held faculty positions at esteemed dance institutions around the globe. Mia has taught at Alvin Ailey, American Dance Theater, in New York City, the Joffrey Ballet Company in Chicago, and the International Dance Festival in Italy. She is also founder, artistic director, and choreographer for the New York based dance company RAW (Reality at Work).

"So You Think You Can Dance" Judge / Choreographer

Mia is probably best known for her appearance as judge and choreographer for the hit television series, "So You Think You Can Dance," on Fox. She has used her dances as instruments for discussing important issues on this show, such as breast cancer awareness and drug addiction. Her work with this show has produced award-winning dance numbers. The "bench dance" during season two, danced to the Celine Dion song "Calling You," earned Mia an Emmy Award in 2007.

After five years with this unique dance reality show, the public recently learned that Michaels is leaving "So You Think You Can Dance." Executive producer and lead judge, Nigel Lythgoe, explained that Mia just wants other challenges and added that if Michaels’ does return, it will most likely be as judge instead of choreographer.

Mia As An Artist

From her work as dance teacher in prestigious schools to her appearance in mainstream television, Mia's unique use of dance will continue to inspire thousands. She has influenced the world of dance in a very powerful way with her emotional and thought-provoking pieces

References/Sources

TV Guide Magazine article, Mia Michaels Might Return to SYTYCD, by Debbie Emery
Fox Broadcasting Company, So You Think You Can Dance website

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