Professional Dance Team Choreographer - Michelle Vaughn
The infamous choreographer behind professional dance teams and top collegiate dance teams shares her story and insiders - along with her tips&advice on:
Choreographing, dance team choreography, execution, pro dancers, convention, and more!
Ever wonder who is behind the moves you see on the court or field performed by iconic NBA dancers, NFL cheerleaders, and top collegiate dance teams?
One of the most iconic women behind pro dance game day choreography - Michelle Vaughn.
Not only does she create some of your favorite routines you have seen performed by pro dance teams, but she also runs her own pro dance/cheer development workshop, and hosts virtual pro style dance classes!
“This is their job. I think sometimes pro dancers get looked at as a hobby. Not one individual on the professional level woke up one day and said “hey I want to dance.” The training and discipline start young. Some of these dancers have been dancing their entire life to get to this point. This is the highest point for dancers after College. It is so much more than dance. It is time management, fitness, nutrition, sacrifices, and years of preparation.”
Tell us all about yourself:
Who you are in the dance community, what you do, and how you go to where you are.
It all started when I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my career as a professional dancer, choreographer, director, and artist. I had the pleasure of working with some of the top artists and award shows in the world. From Nicki Minaj, to the Grammys, I learned so much from my experience in LA. Upon graduating high school, I applied to be on staff for UDA. I had the opportunity to travel the country directing summer camps as well as instructing hundreds of dancers. This is where the mesh of the two worlds really happened. It took one director taking a chance on me and that was Jeanine Klum-Thomas from the Orlando Magic. She gave me creative freedom to come in and set work on the dancers and it bloomed from there.
I have had the opportunity to assist and adjudicate for numerous Professional organizations including: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Miami Dolphins, and more.
How would you describe the professional dance team style?
Every organization whether it be pro or college has its own unique aura and style. Understanding the location/area of the team really plays a part in their style. This is what I love most about what I do. Every team is different. Every team presents a different creative challenge therefore I am always having to push and level up my creativity to ensure that it is matching the market of the organization.
How does teaching/choreographing for NBA and NFL dance/cheer teams work?
Usually I fly to the city where the team is located to set choreography. Depending on how many pieces will dictate the amount of time spent. For example, majority of members on the teams have careers and jobs outside of dancing for the organization so practices usually are in the evening. I come in prepared with choreography and formations, work with the team that night, set an entire piece and move on to the next. With COVID it was a big pivot. I transitioned to online rehearsals via ZOOM which was a very interesting challenge. These dancers on the teams are so talented and professional so the material learning virtually was never a problem for them. Conventions are so FUN! Being a part of Pro Action really opened up so many doors for me as a choreographer and creator. Having hundreds of dancers in ONE room is a feeling that is indescribable.
Is the choreography level similar between professional dance teams and top collegiate dance teams?
Once you are on a college or pro level team, the level of skills and talent really do reflect equally across the board. Of course every team has a different style but overall the intricacy and advance movement stays the same.
Do you ever feel intimidated working with these professional organizations, coaches, or dancers?
I’d be lying if I said I was never intimidated. I am human. Getting the calls in the beginning from big organizations I would say made me excited, nervous, and really pushed my creative space to another level. The relationships built with directors and coaches has to be natural and genuine.
How does choreographing routines for each dance team vary?
The director usually has a blueprint of what style they are wanting from you for each routine. Whether it be hip hop, sassy, jazz funk, or props, it is hard to get bored with the amount of diversity each organization brings to their city! You have to be versatile.
How did you become a top choreographer for professional dance and professional cheerleading teams?
It is a little bit of all of everything. The connections made between conventions, word of mouth, or just being in the right place at the right time have really jump started my pro world experience.
How do you come up with routines, how long does it typically take you, and do you ever struggle to come up with new choreography?
My choreography has a specific style but I take pride in knowing the diversity I bring to each routine. Of course I have favorite moves, but that is why I have assistants. Getting in the studio with someone else really helps me push and be accountable to create new material.
I could have 2 weeks to choreograph something and will wait to the last day to get it done. I definitely work better under pressure and deadlines. It could take me 25 minutes or 3 hours. Just depends the day.
Do you ever feel pressure when it comes to choreographing for professional teams?
There is pressure but I know my work speaks for itself and that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
Overall, what is your ideal dancer to work with and to have executing your routines?
I love a dancer with fight. As a choreographer, we can always bring down your energy. It is hard to bring it up. Give me all and then we can find the dynamics and texture needed for that specific routine.
Do you have teams or dancers that stand out to you?
The dancer who is not afraid to own their space always catches my eye. You don’t have to be in the front the entire time but when it was your time to shine OWN IT!
Do you have specific teams that you really enjoy showcasing your routines or working with?
I love the versatility that all of the teams I get to work with bring to the routines given for them. There is something special with every team within their presence, power, and look!
What is it like to see your routines performed by professional and collegiate dance teams all over?
It is the coolest thing ever! I have had the opportunity to see my material live and I cry a little bit every time. I feel so blessed that this is my job and that I get to create for a living.
How do you run your class at pro dance conventions?
I don’t take teaching at conventions lightly at all. I remember my first PAD experience and my class had over 100 dancers from College, NBA, NFL, Pro Hockey, Baseball. Just insanity. I had to take a deep breath and remind myself this is what I have worked so hard for. It is my goal to connect with every single person in my classes. Whether 10 people or 150, it is so important for me to let every dancer there know that I see them. The amount of hard work it takes to get to the level they are in is un-measurable. I hope anyone who has ever took my class felt inspired and challenged when it was over.
What do you expect when your choreography is brought to life and from those that are performing your routines on the court/field?
FIRE! I just want the dancers to take the floor and have fun!
How would you describe professional dancers and professional dance teams from being their choreographer?
This is their job. I think sometimes pro dancers get looked at as a hobby. Not one individual on the professional level woke up one day and said “hey I want to dance.” The training and discipline start young. Some of these dancers have been dancing their entire life to get to this point. This is the highest point for dancers after College. It is so much more than dance. It is time management, fitness, nutrition, sacrifices, and years of preparation.
Do you have any words and advice to dancers executing your choreography?
Always give 100%. Control the things in your power and always be your self.
What has been your favorite routine you choreographed and had executed for a professional dance team?
That is so so hard to pick!!!
Want to learn first hand from a pro dance choreographer?
Follow her on Instagram and take one of her classes from anywhere!
An insiders look into the world of professional dance and cheerleading
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