Doriana Sanchez may be best known for being the girl in the polka dot dress in “Dirty Dancing,” but behind the scenes the actor-turned-choreographer has made her mark on live stage shows, including Cher’s Las Vegas residency, as well as quite a few reality competition series. Most notably, she is “So You Think You Can Dance’s” choreographer. After starting on that Fox series in its first season in 2005, she has gone on to work with finalists on standout numbers, including last season’s “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” performed by Madison Jordan and Ezra Sosa.
Once a song for the show has been cleared for you, what’s your process in working with the dancers?
I’ll go into the studio and create a routine with my assistant. On the first day with the contestant, I’ll spend three hours with them — 90 minutes of interviews and the other 90 minutes is actual dance.
Once a song for the show has been cleared for you, what’s your process in working with the dancers?
I’ll go into the studio and create a routine with my assistant. On the first day with the contestant, I’ll spend three hours with them — 90 minutes of interviews and the other 90 minutes is actual dance.
- 7/6/2020
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Last week on “So You Think You Can Dance” when the Top 8 performed, I feared that contemporary dancer Benjamin Castro and his hip-hop partner Anna Linstruth were going to be in trouble when it was revealed they were doing a Polynesian routine. Such ethnic choreography –including Bollywood and African — doesn’t always feel authentic when done by those who are not familiar with that style.
Sure enough, the pair had to say goodbye by the end of the episode.
But during Top 8 week there was another equally dicey pitfall that was awaiting contemporary contestant Madison Jordan and her ballroom partner Ezra Sosa — namely, disco. This style of choreography not only can it seem dated but also has so many intricate lifts and spins that dancers have been known to be injured and not just by an overdose of sequins.
@madisonrosejord and @ezra_sosa make us feel mighty real! #Sytycd pic.
Sure enough, the pair had to say goodbye by the end of the episode.
But during Top 8 week there was another equally dicey pitfall that was awaiting contemporary contestant Madison Jordan and her ballroom partner Ezra Sosa — namely, disco. This style of choreography not only can it seem dated but also has so many intricate lifts and spins that dancers have been known to be injured and not just by an overdose of sequins.
@madisonrosejord and @ezra_sosa make us feel mighty real! #Sytycd pic.
- 9/5/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Hey, "So You Think You Can Dance" fans. Tonight, September 2,2019, another Live performances/results show did indeed air, and another two unlucky dancers got sent packing at the end of it. The judges: Laurieann Gibson, Dominic “D-Trix” Sandoval, Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe were all on hand to give their critiques. The final 6 dancers were featured tonight. They danced with returning All-Stars from various seasons. Tonight's Live results show kicked off with the final 6 dancers doing another group routine. It featured them dressed up as zombie's and doing a spooky dance number from choreographers Pharside & Phoenix. Right after that, Bailey Munoz and All-Star Koine Iwasaki hit the stage to perform a Broadway routine by choreographer Al Blackstone. Afterwards, Dominic said, "Bailey is an amazing dancer. So, I believed the character and performance." Laurieann said, "I would buy a ticket to any show that Bailey is in." Nigel said, "Bailey is...
- 9/3/2019
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
And just like that — insert dramatic finger-snap here — we’ve reached the home stretch of So You Think You Can Dance‘s 14th season.
It might feel like we were just watching Kaylee Millis slay her New York City audition, or cringing as Kiki Nyemchek fumbled his way through a hip-hop routine at The Academy. But in reality, we’re thisclose to learning who will become the Season 14 victor. (Time flies when Jason Derulo isn’t on the judging panel, eh?)
On Monday’s broadcast, the six remaining contestants made their last case for a spot in the finale — but for two of the dancers,...
It might feel like we were just watching Kaylee Millis slay her New York City audition, or cringing as Kiki Nyemchek fumbled his way through a hip-hop routine at The Academy. But in reality, we’re thisclose to learning who will become the Season 14 victor. (Time flies when Jason Derulo isn’t on the judging panel, eh?)
On Monday’s broadcast, the six remaining contestants made their last case for a spot in the finale — but for two of the dancers,...
- 9/12/2017
- TVLine.com
Season 11 of the dance reality show So You Think You Can Dance (Sytycd) featured not one but three Bollywood pieces by the Bollytastic choreographer Nakul Dev Mahajan! We were lucky enough to talk with him about Ricky and Valerie’s wonderful piece to ‘Dilliwali Girlfriend’. Now we get the scoop on the other two numbers because the fabulous choreographer took time out of his busy schedule not only after the Bollywood Disco number but also last week’s Ghagra to chat with us! With the Sytycd finale tonight we present Nakul Dev Mahajan on all things Sytycd Bollywood in this exclusive interview!
Bollywood Disco
I think for them to make it more interesting or different they added a disco phrase to it, as So You Think You Can Dance’s first disco Bollywood number. I think not for the Bollywood fans out there but for the rest of America, the general public,...
Bollywood Disco
I think for them to make it more interesting or different they added a disco phrase to it, as So You Think You Can Dance’s first disco Bollywood number. I think not for the Bollywood fans out there but for the rest of America, the general public,...
- 9/3/2014
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Spoiler ahead. Two more dancers have left the competition after the Tuesday, Aug. 13, performance show, which featured the season 10 finalists paired up with 10 of the most beloved So You Think You Can Dance All-Stars (like sparklin’ Brandon Bryant, pictured). I’ll post my full recap of tonight’s performances later on; in the meantime, discuss!
Nico Greetham and Makenzie Dustman have been eliminated.
Tucker Knox and Jenna Johnson also landed in the bottom four but were saved by the votes of a group of 15 judges/choreographers (I believe this is the first time we’ve heard this number acknowledged,...
Nico Greetham and Makenzie Dustman have been eliminated.
Tucker Knox and Jenna Johnson also landed in the bottom four but were saved by the votes of a group of 15 judges/choreographers (I believe this is the first time we’ve heard this number acknowledged,...
- 8/14/2013
- by Annie Barrett
- EW.com - PopWatch
Silent screams pierced the So You Think You Can Dance stage this week, and it had nothing to do with Mary Murphy’s voice giving out during a Hot Tamale Train boarding call, or young female dancers responding to lascivious feedback from Nigel Lythgoe.
Au contraire, Mia Michaels and Tyce Diorio separately concocted routines that respectively found Eliana and Cole miming howls of rage and aggression, and Chehon and his All-Star partner Kathryn releasing their agony into the wind. In both instances, the unintentional homages to Edvard Munch proved deeply moving, so much so, in fact, that I worry the...
Au contraire, Mia Michaels and Tyce Diorio separately concocted routines that respectively found Eliana and Cole miming howls of rage and aggression, and Chehon and his All-Star partner Kathryn releasing their agony into the wind. In both instances, the unintentional homages to Edvard Munch proved deeply moving, so much so, in fact, that I worry the...
- 9/6/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Mary Murphy is blogging for EW.com this season! Catch up with her and her thoughts on the most recent episodes of So You Think You Can Dance.
The show started off with a bang with a fabulous disco from Doriana Sanchez starring Tiffany and all-star Brandon Bryant. Yes they get big points for such a difficult routine and how about that leap-split into his arms? I love that move! Tiffany was full of fire tonight. Other highlights – and there were many – were Whitney and all-star Nick Lazzarini in a Travis Wall piece that sent the thermometer off the charts,...
The show started off with a bang with a fabulous disco from Doriana Sanchez starring Tiffany and all-star Brandon Bryant. Yes they get big points for such a difficult routine and how about that leap-split into his arms? I love that move! Tiffany was full of fire tonight. Other highlights – and there were many – were Whitney and all-star Nick Lazzarini in a Travis Wall piece that sent the thermometer off the charts,...
- 8/23/2012
- by Mary Murphy
- EW.com - PopWatch
After last week's So You Think You Can Dance elimination, we're down to our Top 10! Of course, that's not going to last long, because before we know it two more dancers - one woman and one man - are going to be leaving us. It's getting brutal... Before all that, though, we've got a night of great dancing ahead as the contestants perform with some Sytycd all-stars, plus Natalie Portman's new husband, Black Swan choreographer Benjamin Millepied, is here as a guest judge. So, after a Tyce Diorio-choreographed tribute to Gene Kelly (whose widow Patricia is in the audience), let's get things going with Tiffany... Tiffany & Brandon (season 5) - Disco Tiffany is performing a "straight up, fun, party" routine choreographed by Doriana Sanchez, but it's not going to be easy - there are eleven lifts. Tiffany's (more)...
- 8/23/2012
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
The So You Think You Can Dance All-Stars returned to dance with the Top 10 contestants Wednesday night — and look who we have here! Season 7 standout Alex Freaking Wong, who exited early because of an Achilles tendon injury and had to sit out last summer, after being invited back as an All-Star, because he’d hurt the Other Achilles tendon. I would guess that Alex Wong’s abs positively loathe his Achilles tendons for denying them their rightful opportunity to glisten on national television whenever possible.
Spoilers Ahead: The two dancers heading home are….
Audrey Case and George Lawrence II.
Spoilers Ahead: The two dancers heading home are….
Audrey Case and George Lawrence II.
- 8/23/2012
- by Annie Barrett
- EW.com - PopWatch
Washington, Nov 4: Choreographer Doriana Sanchez insists that pop star Cher saved her life.
Sanchez had recently slipped and fell onstage while working with Cher during her Las Vegas tour, but the choreographer realised something was terribly wrong with her after she fainted in the singer's house.
She further stated that Cher wanted her to visit her personal medic, neurosurgeon Dr. Neil Martin at the Ucla hospital, and it was only then that the dancer got to know that her health woes were much worse than she had expected.
"As the months went by, it got worse. I started losing the use of my whole left side. Cher told.
Sanchez had recently slipped and fell onstage while working with Cher during her Las Vegas tour, but the choreographer realised something was terribly wrong with her after she fainted in the singer's house.
She further stated that Cher wanted her to visit her personal medic, neurosurgeon Dr. Neil Martin at the Ucla hospital, and it was only then that the dancer got to know that her health woes were much worse than she had expected.
"As the months went by, it got worse. I started losing the use of my whole left side. Cher told.
- 11/4/2011
- by Lohit Reddy
- RealBollywood.com
Cher helped save the life of her friend after she suffered a 'terrible seizure' at the star's home. Doriana Sanchez - who has been close to the Turn Back Time hitmaker for the past 26 years - was experiencing back pain for a number of months before Cher sent her on a private jet to Los Angeles to visit a spine specialist. She said: 'As the months went by, it got worse. Cher told me she wanted me to see her spine specialist.' However, after suffering from a seizure while staying at Cher's Los Angeles home, UCLA neurosurgeon Dr. Neil Martin discovered a...
- 11/3/2011
- Virgin Media - Celebrity
UCLA Neurosurgery will tonight host the Visionary Ball 2011, with guests including Michael Caine and John Stamos.
Honorees of the event will include Jones Apparel Group chairman Sidney Kimmel, whose Foundation for Cancer Research has supported the work of countless researchers and physicians fighting the battle against cancer, as well as Bob Saget, Dr Louis J. Ignarro and choreographer and brain tumor survivor Doriana Sanchez.
The inaugural Visionary Ball was held in 2005 to celebrate patient successes and provide guests with a first-hand view of innovative technologies used by UCLA neurosurgeons. The Department has been fortunate to welcome local celebrities as performers and honorees, including Jay Leno, Jim Carrey and Jamie Lee Curtis. Since the first Ball, this stunning event has been held bi-annually in 2007 and 2009, and is now an annual occasion.
Read more...
Honorees of the event will include Jones Apparel Group chairman Sidney Kimmel, whose Foundation for Cancer Research has supported the work of countless researchers and physicians fighting the battle against cancer, as well as Bob Saget, Dr Louis J. Ignarro and choreographer and brain tumor survivor Doriana Sanchez.
The inaugural Visionary Ball was held in 2005 to celebrate patient successes and provide guests with a first-hand view of innovative technologies used by UCLA neurosurgeons. The Department has been fortunate to welcome local celebrities as performers and honorees, including Jay Leno, Jim Carrey and Jamie Lee Curtis. Since the first Ball, this stunning event has been held bi-annually in 2007 and 2009, and is now an annual occasion.
Read more...
- 10/6/2011
- Look to the Stars
Oh Katie, how do you book these gigs?
I'm not sure Katie Holmes topped her previous utterly useless appearance on So You Think You Can Dance (The one where she performed a totally out of context pre-taped and lip-synced version of "Get Happy"). But last night on the judges' panel she fell almost equally flat.
I'm sure the woman is very sweet and, as my sister remarked last night, she actually seems to get prettier as she gets older. But what the hell? She just rambled on all night with obsequious and often nonsensical comments like... "I loved it when you jumped up" or "I love your outfits. If everyone could dance the way you can in an outfit, boy, fashion would be even more beautiful."
Not a critical or incisive word to say to anyone - making her endless effusive praise sorta meaningless. Kenny Ortega seemed to fare better as a judge,...
I'm not sure Katie Holmes topped her previous utterly useless appearance on So You Think You Can Dance (The one where she performed a totally out of context pre-taped and lip-synced version of "Get Happy"). But last night on the judges' panel she fell almost equally flat.
I'm sure the woman is very sweet and, as my sister remarked last night, she actually seems to get prettier as she gets older. But what the hell? She just rambled on all night with obsequious and often nonsensical comments like... "I loved it when you jumped up" or "I love your outfits. If everyone could dance the way you can in an outfit, boy, fashion would be even more beautiful."
Not a critical or incisive word to say to anyone - making her endless effusive praise sorta meaningless. Kenny Ortega seemed to fare better as a judge,...
- 8/11/2011
- by Dennis Ayers
- The Backlot
So You Think You Can Dance kicked off its two-night finale for season eight with Katie Holmes and Kenny Ortega serving as special guest judges alongside Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, as our finalists Melanie Moore, Sasha Mallory, Tadd Guaddang and Marko Germar performed once more. Melanie, Sasha, Tadd and Marko each performed a solo, a routine with each other, and then another routine with an All-Star in the hopes of taking home the $$250,000 prize and being crowned America's Favorite Dancer during the Thursday results show. > So You Think You Can Dance's Mary Murphy talks Top 4 Melanie and Marko - Disco Dance: The first disco routine of the season, choreographed by Doriana Sanchez, requires Melanie and Marko to be "human mirrorballs" bursting with passion and smiles. Kenny says they looked like they jumped out of the screen of (more)...
- 8/11/2011
- by By Lara Martin
- Digital Spy
Fox Janette Manrara and Marko Germar on “So You Think You Can Dance”
We’re down to the top four, and the final two shows! The four will dance solos, partner with All-Stars, dance with each other, and have mini-interviews with Cat.
Who will be crowned America’s favorite dancer? Tonight’s your last chance to vote!
Cat’s in a strapless, blingy, sparkly dress, with her hair up and red lipstick. And, for once, even the hemline is very nice.
We’re down to the top four, and the final two shows! The four will dance solos, partner with All-Stars, dance with each other, and have mini-interviews with Cat.
Who will be crowned America’s favorite dancer? Tonight’s your last chance to vote!
Cat’s in a strapless, blingy, sparkly dress, with her hair up and red lipstick. And, for once, even the hemline is very nice.
- 8/11/2011
- by Gwen Orel
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
The obvious person to play straight man on Conan.
Miss Coco Peru is back in my consciousness, and I couldn't be happier . It started with a cameo on How I Met Your Mother this week. Now she's declaring Team Coco. And how fabulous would it be if Conan were to add Miss Coco Peru to his new late night show on TBS? It would certainly class up the joint.
Seriously.. I need to be a part this. Right? @TeamCoco http://twitpic.com/2zaaqnless than a minute ago via TwitpicMiss Coco Peru
themisscocoperu
But drag queens aren't the only folks getting dressed up these days. Halloween is coming up, and there are those folks who are just creative or adventurous. Eric Stonestreet's mother wants him to bring her a special piece of clothing while he's in Australia. Of course he later discovered the vest in question was from New Zealand.
Miss Coco Peru is back in my consciousness, and I couldn't be happier . It started with a cameo on How I Met Your Mother this week. Now she's declaring Team Coco. And how fabulous would it be if Conan were to add Miss Coco Peru to his new late night show on TBS? It would certainly class up the joint.
Seriously.. I need to be a part this. Right? @TeamCoco http://twitpic.com/2zaaqnless than a minute ago via TwitpicMiss Coco Peru
themisscocoperu
But drag queens aren't the only folks getting dressed up these days. Halloween is coming up, and there are those folks who are just creative or adventurous. Eric Stonestreet's mother wants him to bring her a special piece of clothing while he's in Australia. Of course he later discovered the vest in question was from New Zealand.
- 10/21/2010
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
Cher will close her three-year show at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace on February 5, Popeater.com is reporting. Officials from the hotel-casino have confirmed the singer-actress’ headline show on the Vegas strip will end after about 200 performances. Tickets for the last month of the show will be released to the public on September 25, officials have also confirmed. The show, titled ‘Cher at the Colosseum’ and which showcases the singer’s iconic over-the-top costumes, will end about a month before Celine Dion returns on March 15 for her second engagement at the 4,300-seat theater. Cher’s show features choreography by Doriana Sanchez and costumes created by Bob Mackie, her long-time designer. The news comes [...]...
- 9/25/2010
- by karen
- ShockYa
After three years of headlining her show in Vegas, Cher has announced the final curtain for her shows. The multi-award-winning performer will end her three-year residency at The Caesars Palace's The Colosseum on February 5, 2011.
The show, simply titled "Cher," boasts the talents of choreographer and director Doriana Sanchez, who brings the singer's vision to life using 16 dancers and aerialists, videos, special effects, and grand set designs.
Cher will have performed around 200 shows during the course of her three-year residency, which began on May 6, 2009.
John Meglen, co-ceo of Aeg Live/Concerts West said, "Cher is an entertainment legend. We are delighted that she has called The Colosseum at Caesars Palace home for three years. We wish her luck in future endeavors and thank her and the cast and crew for their dedication."...
The show, simply titled "Cher," boasts the talents of choreographer and director Doriana Sanchez, who brings the singer's vision to life using 16 dancers and aerialists, videos, special effects, and grand set designs.
Cher will have performed around 200 shows during the course of her three-year residency, which began on May 6, 2009.
John Meglen, co-ceo of Aeg Live/Concerts West said, "Cher is an entertainment legend. We are delighted that she has called The Colosseum at Caesars Palace home for three years. We wish her luck in future endeavors and thank her and the cast and crew for their dedication."...
- 9/22/2010
- icelebz.com
Pop superstar Cher will bring the curtain down on her Las Vegas residency for the final time on February 5, 2011. The "Believe" singer has been a regular fixture at the Caesars Palace hotel and casino's Colosseum theater since signing a three-year deal with venue bosses in 2008.
But, after performing around 200 shows at the arena, she will wrap her "Cher at the Colosseum" show for good next year, with the last leg of concerts kicking off in January next year. The singer's final performance will take place weeks before Celine Dion is due to return to begin her second residency in Sin City on March 15.
"Cher at the Colosseum" has also featured dancers choreographed by Doriana Sanchez and costumes designed by Bob Mackie, the star's longtime designer.
But, after performing around 200 shows at the arena, she will wrap her "Cher at the Colosseum" show for good next year, with the last leg of concerts kicking off in January next year. The singer's final performance will take place weeks before Celine Dion is due to return to begin her second residency in Sin City on March 15.
"Cher at the Colosseum" has also featured dancers choreographed by Doriana Sanchez and costumes designed by Bob Mackie, the star's longtime designer.
- 9/22/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
In an exclusive interview, "Extra's" Lauren Sanchez caught up with Cher backstage at her Colosseum concert at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace. The star dished about her new film, "Burlesque" with Christina Aguilera, and talked about her body -- and the possibility of a new concert tour.
When asked if she thinks she'll ever tour again, Cher got a little tongue-tied, telling Lauren, "Oy... oy... please oy, oy, um... I keep hoping 'Burlesque' is...
When asked if she thinks she'll ever tour again, Cher got a little tongue-tied, telling Lauren, "Oy... oy... please oy, oy, um... I keep hoping 'Burlesque' is...
- 5/20/2010
- Extra
[brightcoveplayer 31214953001]As So You Think You Can Dance moves into the home stretch with the top six dancers taking the stage Wednesday, judge Lil C said before the show, "it's all about preference now," implying that fans have their favorites picked out. "They've got to bring personality out now," Nigel said, because the dancing has been of an "equal standard [and someone needs] to come through and standout!" Well, someone did. Realizing that it's never too late to shine even brighter, Brandon stole the show with a jaw-dropping solo. Midway through the episode, dawning nothing but muscles and short shorts, he utilized the passion and power of Carmina Burana to give a memorable one-man piece that not only garnered a standing ovation from all three judges but had Nigel calling it "one of the best solos we’ve ever seen on the show!” But he didn't stop there, also nailing a challenging and emotional...
- 7/30/2009
- by StyleWatch
- People.com - TV Watch
The remaining 6 people of "So You Think You Can Dance" were fighting for their survival on Wednesday, July 29. Jeanine Mason, Ade Obayomi, Melissa Sandvig, Evan Kasprzak, Kayla Radomski and Brandon Bryant performed three types of dance: group, pair and solo.
First up was the Top 3 boys group routine choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. It was described as "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and Evan got the praise from guest judge Lil C for not being swallowed in between Ade and Brandon.
The show continued with the first duo of the night, Jeanine and Ade, doing samba choreographed by Louis Van Amstel. The judges generally disliked the routine which was supposed to be sexy and hot. Mary Murphy pointed out that the samba roll failed and it felt novice.
The next couple, Melissa and Evan, performed a Broadway dance to "Get Me to Church on Time". Again, the judges did not...
First up was the Top 3 boys group routine choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. It was described as "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and Evan got the praise from guest judge Lil C for not being swallowed in between Ade and Brandon.
The show continued with the first duo of the night, Jeanine and Ade, doing samba choreographed by Louis Van Amstel. The judges generally disliked the routine which was supposed to be sexy and hot. Mary Murphy pointed out that the samba roll failed and it felt novice.
The next couple, Melissa and Evan, performed a Broadway dance to "Get Me to Church on Time". Again, the judges did not...
- 7/30/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
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