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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 & 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 & 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 & Kenny Ortega.
As a dancer, Michael has worked with Craig David, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Graham Norton. Michael has conceptually consulted Aerosmith/ABC Live, The Latin Grammy Awards & Avril Lavigne. He has choreographed live corporate industrials for PUMA, Skechers, Bravo!, Jafra Cosmetics, Charles Schwab, Whole Foods & has worked on commercials for MGM Mirage, Palm Treo, Land Rover & Mitsubishi. Most recently, Michael directed aerial performers for Sheryl Crow’s concert at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, choreographed the Music Video Production Awards, both The Beach Boys and LeAnn Rimes televised halftime show performances, the Allstate BCS College Championship Bowl, the Alamo Bowl on FOX, promo performances for Cyndi Lauper, Lucy Lawless & Kristine W, Norwegian Cruise Lines, “Jambalaya” a live spectacular at the Wyndham Bahamas & as a guest choreographer on the CBS reality series Big Shot Live. Michael has choreographed music videos for UK sensation Mis-Teeq, BMI’s Latin crossover Roselyn Sanchez, Universal Records’ Taxi Doll, Brian Anthony’s soundtrack videos from the films Garfield 2, Fantastic 4-Silver Surfer, Dragonball: Evolution & many up-and-coming artists. In 2008, Michael became the new choreographer/stage director for the Miss USA & Miss Universe TV specials & and most importantly, was the co-choreographer and stage director for Lady GaGa's first major live TV performance of "Just Dance." He has since gone on to work with The Veronicas ("Untouched"), Flo Rida ("Jump" & "Right Round"), Kelly Rowland & David Guetta ("When Love Takes Over"), Heidi Montag ("Body Language"), Kevin Rudolph ("Let It Rock") & Finger Eleven ("Paralyzer") on televised promo performances.
Michael is also the Founder and Creative Director of FUSION entertainment, an LA-based company that provided choreography, dancers & cirque-style specialty acts for live events from 2003-2008. FUSION was known in the event world for creating awe-inspiring production numbers for corporate industrials & special events across North America & Europe.
A graduate of The University of Texas' acclaimed Radio-TV-Film department, Michael continues gives back to the dance community by nurturing and educating aspiring dancers via guest master classes all over the world at acclaimed facilities such as Sydney Dance Co. & Broadway Dance Ctr. Japan. He was on faculty at the world-renown EDGE Performing Arts Ctr. in Hollywood for three years & is currently a guest faculty with the legendary Tremaine Dance Convention tour where he connects with young dancers across the US, mentoring about realistic expectations in professional dance. Other guest faculty credits include: Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Hollywood Connection Convention, Melbourne Ministry of Dance, Sydney ED5, Manila School of Film & TV, Western Australian University of Performing Arts, Pineapple Studios London, Harbour Dance Vancouver, MBS Toronto and many more.
For booking, please contact Jim Keith jim@ddoagency.com or Bill Bohl bill@ddoagency.com at DDO Artists Agency - Choreography Dept. at 323-462-8000.
