Daniel Karaty

Dan Karaty currently serves as a talent Judge on numerous versions of "So You Think You Can Dance" around the world and as a Jury Member or Mentor on "Everybody Dance Now," "X Factor," "Holland's Got Talent," "The Ultimate Dance Battle," "My Name Is," "Idols," "SYTYCD: The Next Generation" and "Best of Dance" in Europe. Karaty's brutally honest and thought-provoking critiques have made him a worldwide viewer favorite. Previously, Karaty served as Producer and Choreographer on NBC's top-rated "America's Got Talent" and his music video choreography helped Cascada earn an MTV Video Music Award nomination for "Best Dance Video" for Evacuate The Dance Floor. On the big screen, Karaty made his feature acting debut in the #1 box office hit "Soof," starring with Lies Visschedijk. Karaty has also expertly choreographed major feature films including Disney's "Prom," "Music & Lyrics" with Drew Barrymore and "Did You Hear About The Morgans with" Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker. Karaty was born just outside New York City to Broadway veterans Tom and Jane Karaty so it's no surprise dance is a huge part of his life. Although his theater roots remain a tremendous influence on his work, Karaty initially chose sneakers and hip-hop over a career in theater. His unique path allows Karaty to infuse his work with the spirit of classic inspirations like Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and trailblazers in the hip-hop and pop culture like Michael Jackson. During college at New York University, Karaty spent his free time teaching at the popular Tremaine Dance Conventions where he met friend and collaborator Wade Robson. During his junior year, Karaty made his Broadway debut in the smash hit "Footloose" and soon began dancing with Britney Spears on the MTV Video Music Awards and The Billboard Awards. After graduating from NYU with a B.A. in journalism, Karaty decided it was time to make the move to Hollywood where he and Robson continued to collaborate. Their rise was fast and furious; including high-profile projects like Spears' first Pepsi commercial and the *NSYNC world tour. Karaty then branched out on his own, choreographing Jessica Simpson's Irresistible and Little Bit music videos and serving as Artistic Director for Simpson's 2001 world tour. He also worked with Kylie Minogue on many of her television appearances, as well as a long list of cutting edge artists like Justin Timberlake and Usher. Although he quickly became known for his work in pop music, Karaty broadened his reach by choreographing or appearing in ground-breaking commercials for iPod, Best Buy, Mattel, Miller, Dance Central 2, Xbox Kinect and many more. Beyond his role as a Judge on numerous television series around the world, Karaty has his sights set on producing and directing films, television and theater. He is currently in development on several film and television projects and even a Broadway production of his own.