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Michael Schwandt is one of the most dynamic visionaries for movement and creative conceptualization in Los Angeles. His extensive body of work can be seen across the board in commercials, corporate industrials, television, award shows, special events and various recording artist projects, while crossing all genres of dance. As Creative Consultant on many projects, Michael contributes to the overall look of a project influencing style, costume, lighting and set design as well as musical arrangement. He has worked conceptually on a number of projects due to an unparalleled, out of the box, grandiose approach to large-scale productions. Michael is exclusively signed to DDO Artists Agency [www.ddoagency.com] as part of their elite roster of choreographers. Michael attributes early influences to Vincent Patterson, Michael Rooney and Kenny Ortega.
A graduate of The University of Texas' acclaimed Radio-TV-Film department, Michael continues to give back to the dance community by nurturing and educating aspiring dancers through guest master classes all over the world, with yearly visits to Australia, Japan & Europe. He was on faculty at the world-renown EDGE Performing Arts Center in Hollywood for three years and is currently on faculty with the legendary Tremaine Dance Convention Tour where he is able to connect with young dancers across the United States and speak to them about realistic expectations in professional dance.
Michael is also the Founder and Creative Director of FUSION entertainment [www.fusionentertain.com], an LA-based company that provides choreography, dancers and cirque-style specialty acts for live events. FUSION has become a commodity in the event world, creating awe-inspiring production numbers for various corporate industrials and special events across North America.
As a dancer, Michael has worked with Craig David, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Graham Norton. Michael has choreographed/consulted Aerosmith, Mis-Teeq, EnVogue, The Latin Grammy Awards, MGM Mirage, Vh1 and more. He has choreographed live industrials for PUMA, Bravo, Jafra Cosmetics, Charles Schwab and has commercials currently airing for MGM, Palm Treo, Land Rover and Mitsubishi. Most recently, Michael has choreographed the Music Video Production Awards, both The Beach Boys and LeAnn Rimes at the Liberty Bowl, Kristine W’s live appearances, Norwegian Cruise Lines and “Jambalaya” the new live spectacular at the Wyndham/Caesar’s Nassau Resort & Casino (Bahamas). In 2007, Michael choreographed Brian Anthony’s video for “What’s It Gonna Be” from the film Fantastic 4-Rise of the Silver Surfer, Universal recording artist Taxi Doll’s debut video "Be With You,” and directed aerial performers for Sheryl Crow’s one-night concert at the MGM in Las Vegas. In 2008, look for Michael’s work on the Allstate BCS College Championship Bowl halftime show on FOX, in various Skechers live industrials, as a guest choreographer for Big Shot Live on CBS and lastly, the Miss USA & Miss Universe TV specials on NBC – after 13 years of working with the same creative team, the Miss Universe Organization has selected Michael to help re-vamp the shows' image and take them into a new direction.
For booking, please contact Jim Keith jim@ddoagency.com or Bill Bohl bill@ddoagency.com at DDO Artists Agency - Choreography Dept. at 323-782-0070.
