Title: Dave Scott, ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Choreographer and ‘Wicked’ Director Collaborator, Dies at 52

Choreographer Dave Scott, Known for Dancing With the Stars and Step Up 2, Dies at 52

Dave Scott, the acclaimed choreographer and former resident choreographer for Dancing With the Stars (Season 8) and So You Think You Can Dance, has passed away at age 52. His family announced his death on his Instagram page this week, though no cause was disclosed.

[Insert Image 1: Dave Scott in 2023]

Born in Compton, California, Scott built a prolific career, blending hip-hop with mainstream entertainment. He choreographed films like Step Up 2: The Streets (directed by Jon M. Chu) and Stomp the Yard, as well as TV shows such as Bones. His work extended to music videos for artists like Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Bow Wow, and he even orchestrated a viral dance-off between Miley Cyrus and AC/DC at the Teen Choice Awards.

[Insert Image 2: Scene from Step Up 2: The Streets]

Scott’s family shared a heartfelt tribute online: “We’ve lost an icon, a legend, a father, and a dear friend. His memory and legacy will live on through the joy he brought to countless lives.” They requested donations for memorial arrangements in lieu of flowers.

Tributes poured in from peers, including Dancing With the Stars pro Derek Hough (who shared prayer and heartbreak emojis) and Mariah Carey’s ex Bryan Tanaka, who wrote, “You inspired so many, including me.” Glee stars Kevin McHale and Harry Shum Jr. praised Scott’s mentorship, with Shum noting, “He gave me confidence as a performer and welcomed me into his world.”

[Insert Image 3: Social media tributes from Derek Hough and others]

Scott’s passion for dance began in his teens in Compton, where he taught himself moves inspired by Michael Jackson. In a 2008 interview, he recalled starting with B-boy stunts on cardboard mats: “I watched [Jackson’s] videos, redid the choreography, and added my own flair.” He later became head of hip-hop at Debbie Allen’s Los Angeles dance academy.

Describing his creative process, Scott said choreography was a “triple reward”: “I create to ‘wow’ the audience, dance harder than my team, and see my vision come alive.” His dynamic style left a lasting mark on pop culture, from film to live performances.

[Insert Image 4: Scott teaching a dance class in 2022]

Scott is survived by loved ones and a legacy of innovation in dance. As his family emphasized, “The weight of this loss will ripple through time, but his spirit remains in every step he inspired.”

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