Shane Sparks

Shane Sparks
Shane Sparks for the 2013 KARtv Dance Awards
Born	Melvin Shane Sparks (1969-06-25) June 25, 1969 (age 47) Cincinnati, Ohio
Occupation	Hip-hop choreographer
Parent(s)	Wanda and Melvin Sparks

Shane Sparks (born June 25, 1969) is a hip-hop choreographer best known for his work as a choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance and judge on America's Best Dance Crew.

Shane Sparks was born on June 25, 1969 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the youngest of three children born to Melvin and Wanda Sparks, both officers in the police force. Sparks spent some time in the hospital after his birth due to scoliosis. He became interested in dance at the age of eleven, 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.

Sparks has been recognized in the industry by receiving many awards for projects such as the “Best Choreography in a Feature Film” award for "You Got Served" at the 2004 American Choreography Awards and the “2005 BET Award” for co-choreographing with Omarion on the same film.

Sparks was featured as a judge in the hit MTV series America's Best Dance Crew. Along with Shane Sparks, JC Chasez (*NSYNC) and "Lil" Mama judged the crews, and Mario Lopez (Dancing with the Stars) hosted the show.

In 1993, Shane Sparks left his hometown of Cincinnati, OH to move to Los Angeles, California. Here, Sparks began making a name for himself as a choreographer. Several projects such as the feature film "You Got Served" and Fox's hit TV show "So You Think You Can Dance" made Sparks a force to be reckoned with. His solid resume of credits and awards today reflect his deep passion for dance and people of all ages and races admire his style of dance and suave attitude.

From a young age, Sparks knew his talent and gift was dance. No more than three months after his move to Los Angeles, Sparks began substituting at a hip - hop class at the Millennium Dance Complex, formerly known as Moro Landis, located in the North Hollywood Arts District. Due to his ability as a teacher and dancer, his class expanded from only three people to a record high of one hundred and seventy-five people.

Shane Sparks has worked with stars including Lindsay Lohan, Aaliyah, Monica, and Benji Schwimmer.

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.