Dave Scott, So You Think You Can Dance and Step Up 2: The Streets choreographer, dies at 52 tram

Dave Scott, the choreographer for films such as You Got Served and Step Up 2: The Streets and shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With the Stars, died on Monday. He was 52.

A statement posted on the late choreographer's Instagram page announced the news on Tuesday.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Dave Scott, who touched so many lives with his warmth, kindness, and spirit," the statement read.

No cause of death was revealed.

"During this difficult time we are doing our best to honor his memory in the way he deserves with love, dignity, and respect," the statement continued. "In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to contribute towards memorial arrangements and helping us celebrate Dave Scott's life in a meaningful way, with a celebration of life."

The post featured three videos of Scott at work, including a clip of him with dancers from the Pulse on Tour, an international traveling dance convention and workshop focused on noncompetitive training.

It was captioned, "Today we have lost an icon, a legend, a father, and a dear friend. The weight of this loss will send ripples through time. But his memory and legacy will continue to live on."

"We love you Dave Scott and everything you've accomplished, and the joy and comfort you've brought to people will never be forgotten," the caption continued. "Everyone is invited to share this post and let it reach everyone around the world. Show your love and support for this amazing individual and share the footprint he has left on this earth."

Scott was born on Aug. 15, 1972, and raised in Compton, Calif., before he moved to Ogden, Utah, to attend Weber State University on a basketball scholarship, earning an associate's degree in business.

Although Scott never had any formal dance training, his admiration for Michael Jackson and the films Beat Street and Breakin' inspired him to pursue a professional dance career.

While Scott had a dance crew in high school, it wasn't until he moved to Utah that he scored his first professional job. Hip-hop artist Rob Base's manager discovered the young dancer in a club and asked him to replace a dancer on a concert tour. He would later return to California, where he began dancing on tours and in music videos, jump-starting his career.

Scott has worked with singers such as Ginuwine, Tyrese, Brian McKnight, Jon B, and rapper Bow Wow. He formed teen R&B group B2K in 2012, and was the choreographer and co-creator of teen R&B group Mindless Behavior and in 2012, co-choreographed the Ubisoft video game The Hip Hop Dance Experience with Laurieann Gibson and b-boy David "Kid David" Shreibman.

He choreographed for various films, including You Got Served (2004), Step Up 2 (2008), Stomp the Yard (2007), Dance Flick (2009), House Party 4 (2001), Coach Carter (2005), and the 2013 film Battle of the Year: The Dream Team which is based on the 2007 documentary Planet B-Boy.

Scott was also behind several TV productions, working as a guest choreographer on The Wade Robson Project in 2003,  a guest choreographer on Step It Up and Dance in 2008, and on season 7 of Dancing with the Stars. He was also the recurring hip-hop choreographer from season 3 on of So You Think You Can Dance.

A renown instructor, Scott served as the director of the Los Angeles Hip Hop Intensive in conjunction with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. He was also a faculty member with PULSE dance convention, Millennium Dance Complex, and Broadway Dance Center.

Several of Scott's famous dance students and peers shared their condolences for his family and paid tribute to the late choreographer in the post's comments and on their own pages.

Choreographer Sean Bankhead, known for working with musicians such as Normani and Victoria Monét, wrote, "My first real class was from Dave… been inspired by you my entire journey. A pioneer for me and so many others."

Dancing With the Stars' Derek Hough and dancer Maddie Ziegler posted broken heart emojis in the post's comments.

So You Think You Can Dance judge Mia Michaels shared the announcement to her Instagram page on Tuesday, writing, "My heart is broken and [I] have no words. My Dave was a friend, brother, laugh buddy, and a beautiful creator."

Her caption continued, "His smile and laugh [were] contagious. Boy, did we have fun!!! Until I see you again... RIP and enjoy the other side dancin' on down those streets of gold. I love you forever, Dave."

Filmmaker and producer Will Packer also shared a post in honor of Scott on Instagram on Tuesday, writing, "This man was the choreographer on the classic film Stomp the Yard. It was my first box office success largely because Dave not only gave us incredible performances but infused it with his infectious energy, enthusiasm, and authenticity. Beyond his incredible talent he was a kind, gracious, top-notch HUMAN. Rest in power, Dave 🙏🏾🕊️."

So You Think You Can Dance alum Comfort Fedoke posted a heartfelt tribute to Scott on her page, sharing several behind-the-scenes photos of her time with the late choreographer on the show. "My heart is heavy... really heavy... but I'm beyond blessed to have gotten to know the man who was one of the people that first inspired me to dance," she wrote. "His work moved me before I ever met him."

Fedoke concluded her post, "Forever in my spirit. Forever thankful for your talent and our bond. Forever in our hearts. Sending an abundance of love and strength to his family. Your legacy lives on in every step 🕊️❤️."

A GoFundMe page created by Neko Scott is fundraising for the late choreographer's memorial services.