Mia Michaels, a highly acclaimed and accomplished dancer and choreographer, emerged into the world in Coconut Grove, Florida, within a family deeply rooted in the art of dance. Her father, the accomplished dance teacher, Joe Michaels, played a pivotal role in introducing her to the fundamental styles of jazz, tap, and ballet, thus laying the groundwork for her future endeavors. In addition to her father's tutelage, Mia's sister, Dana, also made significant contributions to her development, teaching her the intricacies of contemporary dance.
Despite the strong foundation she established through her family members, Mia further refined her skills through formal training at a multitude of esteemed institutions. These included the Miami Conservatory, where she honed her craft alongside other aspiring artists, the Miami Performing Arts Center, which provided her with a comprehensive education in the performing arts, Interlochen Arts Academy, a renowned institution that fosters artistic growth and development, New World School of the Arts, a prestigious school that offers a rigorous arts education, and the International Dance Festival of Italy, a premier festival that brings together dancers from around the world to share and learn from one another.
Mia's initial foray into the professional realm of dance commenced with her father at the Miami Dance Center, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of her choreographic endeavors at the tender age of 11. Since then, she has continued to collaborate with her father at the esteemed Joe Michaels Miami Dance Center, a testament to their enduring professional partnership.
Beyond her work with her father, Mia has also honed her teaching skills at various esteemed institutions, including the International Dance Festival of Italy, a premier event that showcases the best of global dance talent. Her teaching prowess has also been sought after by the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, a renowned institution dedicated to the preservation and advancement of the performing arts.
Moreover, Mia has also had the distinction of serving as a guest jazz instructor at the iconic Broadway Dance Center in New York City, a hub of creative expression and artistic innovation. Her impressive resume is a testament to her versatility, dedication, and passion for dance, making her a highly sought-after choreographer and educator in her field.
Mia, a highly accomplished choreographer, has had the esteemed privilege of collaborating with an impressive array of renowned clients throughout her illustrious career. Her impressive portfolio boasts an impressive roster of A-list clients, including the iconic Madonna, the versatile Ricky Martin, the incomparable Gloria Estefan, the legendary Prince, the dynamic DK 96, the talented Jon Secada, the captivating PYT, and the charismatic Jimmy Ray.
In addition to her extensive work with these prominent figures, Mia has also had the opportunity to partner with the esteemed Debbie Allen and the innovative Dreamworks on an exciting AMC cable series titled "Cool Women."
Mia, a highly accomplished and renowned choreographer, has had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects, showcasing her exceptional skill and creativity.
Her impressive portfolio includes the creation of award-winning commercials for the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA),a testament to her ability to bring energy and excitement to the world of sports.
Mia has also had the opportunity to collaborate with prominent brands, including Mike's Hard Lemonade, Bacardi, Coldwell Banker, and Ziploc, to name a few. Her work with these companies has resulted in memorable and effective advertisements that have resonated with audiences worldwide.
In addition to her commercial work, Mia has also had the privilege of choreographing for Lady Luck Casino in Las Vegas, a premier entertainment destination in the heart of the city. Her dynamic and engaging choreography has helped to make Lady Luck a go-to spot for entertainment seekers.
Mia's talents have also been showcased on television, with her work featured on MTV's "Hot Properties," a reality show that follows the lives of a group of young professionals living together in a luxurious mansion. Her choreography added an extra layer of excitement and energy to the show, making it a must-watch for fans of reality TV.
Furthermore, Mia has worked with Star TV, a leading media company that produces a wide range of programming, including news, entertainment, and sports. Her expertise in choreography has been invaluable in helping to create engaging and memorable content for Star TV's various shows and programs.
Last but not least, Mia has also had the opportunity to collaborate with VISA, a global leader in the financial services industry. Her work with VISA has resulted in innovative and effective advertisements that have helped to promote the company's brand and products.
Mia Michaels, a visionary artist, took the bold step of establishing her own dance company, Reality At Work, in the year 1997. As the founder, artistic director, and choreographer, she masterfully brought her unique creative vision to life. The company, now known as "Mia Michaels R.A.W.," quickly gained recognition for its innovative and captivating contemporary dance performances.
Throughout its illustrious career, the company has had the privilege of taking the stage at some of the world's most prestigious events and festivals. These esteemed platforms have included the International Dance Festival in Amsterdam, the Jazz World Congress, the Gypsy Project, Jacobs Pillow, and the New York City '99 concert season. The company's impressive repertoire has also been showcased in Seoul, Korea, to great acclaim.
In 2001, Mia Michaels R.A.W. embarked on an extensive 6-week European tour, further solidifying its reputation as a leading force in the world of contemporary dance. With Mia Michaels at the helm, the company continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, captivating audiences worldwide with its dynamic and emotive performances.
Mia's accomplishments continued to flourish as she assumed the esteemed position of Director of Choreography for Cirque du Soleil's critically acclaimed production, "Delirium", in the year 2003.
Mia Michaels, a renowned choreographer and judge, rose to international prominence in 2005 with her appointment as a guest judge and contemporary choreographer for the esteemed television series "So You Think You Can Dance". This milestone marked a significant turning point in her illustrious career, as she brought her unique perspective and expertise to the show's judging panel.
However, Mia's tenure on the show was not without its twists and turns. In 2009, she made the unexpected decision to leave the program after the auditions in New York City, leaving fans and fellow judges alike wondering about the reasons behind her sudden departure.
But Mia's absence from the show was short-lived, as she returned in 2010 to assume the role of resident judge, replacing the iconic Mary Murphy. This marked a new chapter in her career, as she settled into her new position and continued to share her expertise and passion for dance with the world.
