Michael Peters (choreographer)

Michael Douglas Peters (August 6, 1948 – August 29, 1994) was an American choreographer, dancer and director who is best known for his innovative choreography in music videos.

Michael Peters
Portrait by Martha Swope, 1984 (Billy Rose Theatre Division T-VIM 2010-048, New York Public Library)
Born	Michael Douglas Peters (1948-08-06)August 6, 1948 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died	August 29, 1994(1994-08-29) (aged 46) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Choreographer, dancer, director
Years active	1970s−1994

Early

Michael Peters was born on August 8, 1948 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended the Fiorello H. La Guardia High School in Manhattan, one of nine specialized schools in New York City, which focuses on visual and performing arts. However, he disliked school and never graduated.^[1]

Instead, he learned to dance at the Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center in Queens.^[1]

Career

Michael choreographed some of the most memorable videos during the 80s. His most well-known choreography is the “Thriller” video.^[2] He worked again with Michael Jackson on “Beat It” where he also served as one of two gang leaders in the video.^[3]

Michael won a 1982 Tony Award for his choreography in the stage version of “Dreamgirls.” He was nominated for and won two Primetime Emmy Awards for “Liberty Weekend 1986 — Closing Ceremonies” and “The Jacksons: An American Dream” (1993).^[4]

He also won American Video and MTV awards for choreography for both Jackson videos.^[1]

Death

Michael died on August 29, 1994 of HIV/AIDS.^[5]

Awards and nominations

• 1982 Tony Award for Best Choreography – Dreamgirls
• 1987 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography – Liberty Weekend
• 1993 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography – The Jacksons: An American Dream
• 1994 American Choreography Award for Outstanding Achievement in a Feature Film – What's Love Got to Do with It