Katie Schaar ’06 Teaches Dance Moves on Hit TV Show “So You Think You Can Dance”

Do you think you have what it takes to be one of America’s favorite dancers? Alumna Katie Schaar ’06 may be able to help you accomplish that. She is an assistant choreographer on the hit television show “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Each week, contestants on the television show compete to be named America’s Favorite Dancer. The competitors are taught different choreography, ranging in everything from hip-hop to krumping and popping to ballroom, salsa, quickstep and jive, from professional choreographers. Then they are judged on their performance.

Schaar is the assistant choreographer for Mia Michaels, one of the show’s head choreographer. She teaches Michaels’ choreography to the contestants and also creates some of her own.

“Mia Michaels is very inventive, and her style can be challenging to the dancers who come from various dance backgrounds,” Schaar said. “My job is to get the dancers to execute Mia’s vision the best they can.”

Working with Michaels has always been a goal for Schaar, who began dancing at the age of 4.

“It’s a great privilege to be involved in the creative process with a genius like Michaels,” Schaar said. “She pulls inspiration from everywhere and is one of a kind in current times.”

Schaar credits LMU with helping her develop more confidently as an artist and with speaking about dance articulately as a teacher. She says that the small, intimate size of LMU allowed her to speak with her professors on a daily basis and to directly draw upon the resources around her.

“The people who have longevity in the entertainment business are not only brilliant performers but are well-informed about the craft and have good communication skills,” Schaar said. “LMU taught me to speak up and defend my opinion.”

In addition to working on the show, Schaar has been teaching master dance classes and judging dance competitions around the country. She plans to make her dance career last as long as possible and hopes to be cast in a tour with a recording artist, dance company or musical.

As for those who would like to compete on her show, Schaar offers the following advice:

“Know your voice as a dancer and performer,” Schaar said. “All styles of dance are performed but the brilliance of individuality is what’s really appreciated.”