10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Dave Scott, ‘Step Up 2' and ‘So You Think You Can Dance' choreographer, dead at 52
Choreographer Dave Scott, who worked on 'Step Up 2,' 'So You Think You Can Dance' and 'Dancing with the Stars,' has died. He was 52.
Scott's death was announced on his Instagram account Tuesday.
'Today we have lost an icon, a legend, a father and a dear friend,' the post's caption began. 'The weight of this loss will send ripples through time. But his memory and legacy will continue to live on.'
9 Dave Scott attends the SINE launch party in West Hollywood in 2016.
Rochelle Brodin
9 Dave Scott attends MSA Agency's 'Watch Me Dance Live' live dance competition in June 2022.
Getty Images
'We love you Dave Scott and everything you've accomplished and the joy and comfort you've brought to people will never be forgotten,' the statement continued.
'Everyone is invited to share this post and let it reach everyone around the world,' the caption added. 'Show your love and support for this amazing individual and share the footprint he has left on this earth.'
9 Tribute to Dave Scott on his Instagram account.
theofficialdavescott/Instagram
The post, which featured multiple videos of Scott teaching dance, also included a message that read, 'It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Dave Scott, who touched so many lives with his warmth, kindness and spirit.'
'During this difficult time we are doing our best to honor his memory in the way he deserves with love, dignity and respect,' the post added.
9 Dave Scott attends a dance party in Bel Air, Calif. in 2014.
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Celebrities who paid tribute to Scott in the comments section included 'DWTS' judge Derek Hough and 'Glee' alums Kevin McHale and Harry Shum Jr.
'Dave was like a big brother to so many of us,' said McHale, 67. 'When I felt reallllly out of place amongst so many great performers, he always made me comfortable and confident. Watching him dance and teach was a gift.'
Shum Jr., 43, wrote, 'This one hits hard. You gave me so much confidence as a performer and welcomed me with open arms to your dance world that many were inspired by. Thank you for spreading so much joy with your love of dance. May you rest in peace brother Dave.'
9 Dave Scott arrives at Chloe Arnold's Syncopated Ladies LA concert in 2017.
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Former 'So You Think You Can Dance' contestant Comfort Fedoke paid tribute to Scott in her own Instagram post, writing, 'My heart is heavy… really heavy …but I'm beyond blessed to have gotten to know the man who was one of the people that first inspired me to dance. His work moved me before I ever met him.'
9 Dave Scott, Marcus Emanuel Mitchell, Keenan Kampa; Comfort Fodoke at the 2016 Industry Dance Awards and Cancer Benefit Show.
WireImage
Dance choreographer and 'Grey's Anatomy' star Debbie Allen remembered Scott on Instagram as well, calling him 'one of the most gifted and influential choreographers and creative directors in the Film, Television, and Hip Hop worlds.'
'His light, laughter, and legacy will forever live in our hearts. We will always speak his name,' Allen, 75, added.
9 Dave Scott in an Instagram photo from 2023.
theofficialdavescott/Instagram
Scott was born on Aug. 15, 1972, in Compton, Calif. He went to Weber State University in Ogden, Utah where he began to pursue his passion for dance. He was discovered by Rob Base's manager and joined the hip-hop star's tour.
Scott worked on the films 'You Got Served' (2004) and 'Step Up 2: The Streets' (2008), the former of which became Scott's calling card for its innovative mix of classic steps and breakdancing.
9 Christopher Scott, Mari Koda, Robert Hoffman, LaJon Dantzler, Janelle Cambridge, Harry Shum Jr. in 'Step Up 2.'
©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection
9 Kida Burns and Fik-Shun on 'So You Think You Can Dance.'
FOX Image Collection via Getty Images
'It was the first time on film you were seeing a mix of B-boys and choreographed dancing in a battle mode,' Scott told The Post in 2013.
Scott was also the choreographer behind Season 8 of 'Dancing with the Stars,' which was won by Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, and 'So You Think You Can Dance' from Season 3 onwards.
