The power of dance and its influence on the culture should never be underestimated, and Dave Scott was at the forefront of crafting beloved moments that would last a lifetime. The famed choreographer passed away on Monday (June 16, 2025) at 52 years old but his influence will continue to live far and wide through his work.
“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,” the statement read. “The weight of this loss will send ripples through time. But his memory and legacy will continue to live on.” His cause of death was not revealed.
The dance icon famously had his hand in several classic films over the past two decades as well as competition TV shows. His contributions created a ripple effect not only across just the dance community, as his pieces have been revered, referenced, and recreated endlessly by many others.
His immense talent was innate. Scott began dancing as a hobby and never had any formal training prior his professional career. He cited Michael Jackson and the Nicholas Brothers as his inspirations, and booked tour and music video gigs before eventually choreographing for film and TV. In 2004, he won an American Choreography Award for Best Choreography in a Feature Film (You Got Served).
In a 2008 interview with Dance.com, he said, “I would like for them to feel everything, all the emotions, all of the characteristics, everything that I bring to the table on stage. I would like the audience to feel the aggression and the energy because my style is tangent. It is aggressive; it’s melodic and very energetic. I want the crowd to walk away feeling that they want some more, but they got to prepare for it.”
Check out a list of Dave Scott’s best choreographed pieces below.
-
‘You Got Served’ – Opening Dance Scene
Image Credit: Everett Collection Things were never the same after You Got Served dropped in 2004, as the dance battle movie hit home for B2K and IMX fans, real-life dancers, and everybody in between. Although the filmmakers deserve bragging rights for its elite soundtrack, perfect casting choices, and compelling storyline, the heart of the movie is undeniably the inventive choreography, and that is thanks to Dave Scott.
With too many special dance sequences to even count, one in particular that stands out is the opening number. The high-energy scene thrusts the viewer right into the middle of the madness without a second to catch our breath, setting the tone for the and the greatness to unfold. It’s set to the incomparable dance record “Drop” by Timbaland and the late Magoo, which was already a well-loved song on its own, but now it’s safe to say the tune is most synonymous with this opening scene.
On his Instagram, he said about working on the movie: “Celebrating 20 years since ‘You Got Served’ – a journey of gratitude, creativity, and dance that changed lives. This cinematic gem not only profoundly influenced my life but also sparked a revolution in the dance-on-film realm. A heartfelt acknowledgment to all the artists who played a role in this phenomenon! Here’s to the magic we made and the movement we ignited. Forever thankful!”
[youtube
-
Janet Jackson’s Michael Jackson Tribute – 2009 VMAs
Image Credit: Ian Gavan/Getty Images Following Michael Jackson’s tragic death in 2009, Janet Jackson paid tribute to him at the VMAs that same year and delivered an incredible set that only she would be able to do justice. Emotions were as high as the stakes for this legacy celebration, with the task at hand setting out to honor the greatest entertainer to ever live. Dave Scott rose to the occasion and helped craft one of the most memorable VMA’s performances in the award show’s history.
Janet performed a stellar medley that included “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Smooth Criminal,” and of course, their duet “Scream.” There were several world-renowned choreographers involved with the production alongside Scott, including Cris Judd, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, Tyce Diorio, Travis Payne, Jeri Slaughter, Laurie Ann Gibson, Mia Michaels, and Tina Landon, with Janet’s personal creative director, Gil Duldulao, coordinating the performance.
[youtube
-
‘Step Up 2’ Final Dance
Image Credit: YouTube screenshot. The success of the first Step Up movie set expectations sky high. However, Step Up 2 surely satisfied the dance-obsessed fans and became one of the rare movies where the sequel was turned out to be just as good as the original. That’s thanks to Scott and his ultra-creative choreography in the film, which sticks out due to its unique use of props, unlikely settings, and even the weather.
Arguably the most enticing moment out of the entire film was the final battle scene, where the entire crew spontaneously takes it “to the streets” and performs outside in the middle of an intense rain shower. The addictive basslines pulsating through the storm, paired with Scott’s meticulously crafted moves resulted in one of the best finales in any dance film.
[youtube
-
“Good Kisser” By Usher – ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ (Season 11)
Image Credit: YouTube screenshot. In order to be the best, you have to be guided by the best, and that was exactly the case when Scott lent his talents to the cast of So You Think You Can Dance. He has choreographed a plethora of dances, but one of his fan-favorites is from season 11 for Tanisha and Rudy as they delivered a seductive and tasteful routine to “Good Kisser” by Usher.
[youtube
-
‘Stomp The Yard’ Final Step Competition
Image Credit: Everett Collection The magic of You Got Served was enhanced through a special technique Scott used, which was keeping each respective crews dances a secret until it was time to film, therefore capturing everybody’s genuine reactions on-camera. He brought this back for Stomp The Yard, only this time, the stages were bigger and the performances fused stepping, dancing, and humor — with each respective crew taking constant jabs at the other.
The movie’s boiling point came with the final tie-breaker duel between the Thetas and the Gammas. The unforgettable scene had all the theatrics, perfect-pacing, and creativity one could ever ask for. The Thetas were impossible to not root for, and Scott’s intentional storytelling through his God-given gift of choreographing got the job done yet again.
[youtube
Leave a comment