Shane Sparks
Melvin Shane Sparks is an American hip hop choreographer best known for his work as a choreographer on So [You Think You Can Dance (American TV series)|So You Think You Can Dance] and judge on America's Best Dance Crew.
Early life
Sparks was born on June 25, 1969, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the youngest of three children born to Melvin and Wanda Sparks, both police officers. Sparks spent some time in the hospital after his birth due to scoliosis.Sparks became interested in dance at the age of 11 when he started performing in talent shows. His interest in teaching became apparent when he started offering dance lessons from his own backyard. Dance became extremely important to Sparks after his sister's boyfriend was murdered, as it became a way for him to escape and feel safe.
Career
Dance career
In 1993, Sparks moved to Los Angeles. Three months after his move, he was offered a chance to substitute a hip-hop class at the Millennium Dance Complex, formerly known as Moro Landis, located in the North Hollywood Arts District. He soon became an assistant for this hip-hop class. When the teacher left, he took over the whole class. Due to his skill as a teacher and dancer, his class expanded from only three people to a record high of 175 people.''So You Think You Can Dance''
Sparks is best known for being one of the judges and choreographers on the reality dance competition, So You Think You Can Dance. According to TV Guide, Gaynor accepted the role.The show features a broad variety of American and international dance styles including classical, contemporary, ballroom, hip-hop, street, club, jazz, and musical theatre styles, amongst others, with many subgenres within the categories represented.