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Mia Michaels was born into a family of dancers on Febuary 23rd, 1966 in Coconut Grove, Florida.
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Joe Michaels, Mia's father, started teaching dance to Mia when she was three years old. At her father's very own dance studio, Joe Michaels Dance Studio, Mia started learning the dance styles of ballet, tap, and jazz while her sister, Dana Michaels, introduced her to contemporary.
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Throughout much of Mia's life as a young dancer, she was put down because her body type. Mia was constantly told that she would never make it as a dancer because of her thick build. However, because Mia's love for dance was so strong she had to pursue it one way or another. Mia first started creating her very own shows at age of eight for the kids in her neighborhood.
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Mia first really started choreographing when she was eleven for her father's teen dance company. Her pieces would then be used at various competitions. Meanwhile, Mia also tried to make a name for herself in New York City. Later, she was hired as a sub dance teacher at Broadway Dance Center where she taught Jazz.
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In 1997, Mia founded the New York based dance company, RAW. RAW stood for Reality At Work and only lasted for two years. Even though her company lasted for only a short time, she found the experience to be helpful in understanding her own style. She labled herslef and her work as non-commercial. In creating her work, Mia stayed true to her visions and instincts.
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In 2003 Mia was Director of Choreography for Cirque du Soleil's "Delirium" and was an American Choreography Award Nominee and an Outstanding Choreography Emmy Nominee.Throughout her years, Mia also choreographed for Madonna, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, Anna Vissi, and Prince. One of Mia's most favorite choreographing experieces was when she choreographed for the Celine Dion show, "A New Day". Later, she also choreographed for Celine Dion's World Tour.
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In 2004, Mia was a American Choreography Award Nominee.
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In 2005, Mia Michaels became a guest judge and contemporary choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance.
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In 2007, Mia won and Emmy for Outstanding Choreography for her piece "Calling You" on So You Think You Can Dance.
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In 2009, Mia was yet again another Outstanding Choreography Emmy Nominee for her piece "Mercy" on So You Think You Can Dance.
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Mia was a 2010 Emmy winner for Outstanding Choreography in her pieces "Gravity/Addiction & Koop Island Blues & One" on So You Think You Can Dance.
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Mia was a 2011 Emmy winner for Outstanding Choreography in her pieces "Alice in Mia-Land Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,”
“When We Dance” and“This Bitter Earth – On The Nature of Daylight” on So You Think You Can Dance. -
Mia Michaels was director and choreographer of Blake McGraths Relax video. In 2011, this video was nominated for Video of the Year at the 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards.
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Mia Michaels choreography is showcased in the premiere of the new movie "Rock Of Ages", adaption of a Broadway musical.
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Mia Michaels is featured in the new movie "Step Up 4: Revolution" where she performs her first acting debut.
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In 2013, Mia Michaels was named one of the most innovative women in Variety Magazine.
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Mia Michaels choreography has been most recently showcased in the new Broadway Musical "Finding Neverland".
