Born on August 15, 1972, David Lee Scott Jr, better known as Dave Scott, sadly passed away on June 16, 2025, according to a post on his Instagram page. The dancing icon was 52 years old. A cause of death was not revealed in the social media reveal.

“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,” read the heartbreaking official statement. “During this difficult time we are doing our best to honour his memory in the way he deserves with love, dignity respect.”

Those who shared the devastating post, also wrote in the caption, “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.”

Expressing love for the choreographer, the post requested Instagram users to spread the word so that incoming donations could support his family with memorial arrangements and help them plan a proper send off for the artist.

Who was Dave Scott?

According to his personal Instagram account, Scott was a choreographer, director and producer. He was also the brain behind the “#1 Virtual Dance Experience” Liver Than Live. The two-time Fred & Adele Astaire Awards recipient, as the platform celebrates excellence in dance on Broadway and in Film. Given his life’s work, the beloved dancer had even won three American Choreography Awards.

The respected icon in the dance industry was also responsible for crafting masterful choreographies for a good number of early 2000s films. Dave’s dancing career took flight due to his contributions to movies like You Got Served, its sequel You Got Serves: Take It to the Streets and Good Burger.

Eventually, the Hollywood choreographer and dance teacher came onboard the Samuel L Jackson-starrer Coach Carter team in 2005. His other credits include Stomp the Yard, Prom Night, Bones, Fresh, Battle of the Year: The Dream Team and Accepted. The famed choreographer was prominently known for his work on Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up 3 and Dancing With the Stars Season 8 So You Thing You Can Dance (from S3 onwards).

Dave Scott: Self-taught dancer who formed a boy band

Amid his boosting popularity as the go-to choreographer for blockbusters, Scott co-formed the American boy band B2K (Boys of the New Millenium). As per a years-old interview with ClutchMagOnline, the Compton-born self-taught dancer was originally on a basketball scholarship (Weber State University) in Utah. According to a the New York Post, he received an Associate’s Degree in business. Scott got his first break after a local dance troupe asked him to replace one of their dancers for a 10-minute showcase during a rap concert.

Dismissing any beliefs that he got his dancing streak passed on to him by his parents, he revealed how his love for watching TV paid off in the long run. “I used to watch different videos and old school musicals – the Nicholls Brothers, Danny Kaye and Fred Astaire – and I always wanted to perform so I used to mimic them and I just taught myself how to dance,” he said in the 2012 interview. The late choreographer was also inspired by Michael Jackson.

Fans mourn dear friends, SYTYCD colleagues Dave Scott and Twitch

Having grown up in Compton’s notorious 80’s era, he divulged that despite a lot of things being thrown in his face, “a lot of temptation, a lot of bad stuff,” and the challenges in his path, he didn’t regret anything as it made him a strong person.

Dave Scott even crossed path with the late Stephen Boss aka “tWitch” during his time as a recurring choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance. A year after the American dancer’s death in 2022, Scott again took to his Instagram to celebrate his friend’s memory. “1 year. Still doesn’t feel real. Miss you bro. @sir_twitch_alot dance 4ever my friend,” he captioned the post.

Ever since the news of Dave’s passing hit the Internet, devastated fans have been remembering both dancing legends and leaving comments like “Dance together in the skies,” and “Dave Scott… is now dancing with Twitch in Heaven.”

Tributes pour in for Dave Scott

Dancer and former So You Think You Can Dance contestant Comfort Fedoke took to her own IG account to write: “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. His work moved me before I ever met him.”

Fellow dancer Sank Bankhead, who was a judge on Becoming A Popstar commented on the original remembrance post: “my first real class was from dave…been inspired by you my entire journey. a pioneer for me and so many others.”

Actor-dancer-choreographer-director Ian Eastwood added: “your talent. your kindness. your smile. your hugs. your excitement. your light. your encouragement. i’m not the me i am without you. i love you. it won’t be the same without you.”

American actor and comedian Affion Crockett wrote: “Rest well, Legend, fellow Leo, long time neighbor, and solid human being. Love bro.”

American actress Jade Chynoweth, who played Odalie Allen on the Step Up TV series said: “Mannnnnn…… Dave….you were one of the first people to believe in me when I was 8 at The Pulse. You radiate love, kindness, and humor. You made me love dance and believe I could go out and do anything. You made me feel so cool to be your assistant and friend. Your legacy lives on in every child you taught, in all of your family and friends, and in me. I’m so beyond grateful. I wish I could’ve danced with you one last time and heard that contagious laugh. You were my dance childhood and I can’t thank you enough.”

Kevin McHale, best known for his role in Glee, commented: “Dave was like a big brother to so many of us. When I felt reallllly out of place amongst so many great performers, he always made me comfortable and confident. Watching him dance and teach was a gift.”

Harry Shum Jr, who also appeared in Step Up 2 and Step Up 3, also mourned Scott’s death: “This one hits hard. You gave me so much confidence as a performer and welcomed me with open arms to your dance world that many were inspired by. Thank you for spreading so much joy with your love of dance. May you rest in peace brother Dave.”

Meanwhile, famed actress and dancer Maddie Ziegler commented two broken hearts.

In addition to commenting, producer Will Packer also shared his own post, saying, “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 judge Mia Michaels also joined in: “My heart is broken and have no words. My Dave was a friend, brother, laugh buddy and a beautiful creator. His smile and laugh was 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.”

Emmy and Tony-nominated actress Debbie Allen also shared a post in his honour: “Dave Scott, one of the most gifted and influential choreographers and creative directors in the Film, Television, and Hip Hop worlds, breathed his last 5 6 7 8 yesterday and joined God’s crew. His light, laughter, and legacy will forever live in our hearts. We will always speak his name. Rest well, my dear friend.”

These are just some of the many people Dave Scott has impacted over the years on his dancing journey.