Travis Wall
An American choreographer who transformed from a TV dance contestant into an Emmy-winning visionary, shaping contemporary movement for stage and screen.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American dancer and choreographer·Birthday: September 16·Millennials
Biography
Travis Wall’s life has been a continuous dance, beginning in Virginia where he trained under his mother from childhood. His early promise led him to Broadway and film, but it was his appearance as a finalist on 'So You Think You Can Dance' that provided a national platform. Rather than fading after the competition, Wall executed a masterful pivot behind the scenes. He returned to the show as a choreographer, and with his first piece, revealed a profound gift for emotional storytelling through movement. His work, characterized by fluid athleticism and raw vulnerability, earned him a staggering string of Emmy nominations and two wins. He co-founded the dance company Shaping Sound, which evolved into touring productions that showcased his narrative-driven style. Wall didn't just create steps; he crafted visceral short stories for bodies, influencing a generation of dancers and redefining what commercial contemporary choreography could communicate.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Travis was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Travis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Travis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography for his work on 'So You Think You Can Dance'.
- Received ten consecutive Emmy nominations for choreography from 2011 through 2020.
- Co-founded and serves as Artistic Director for the contemporary dance company Shaping Sound.
- Choreographed for major artists like Demi Lovato and for events including the Academy Awards.
Did You Know?
He began dancing at the age of three and was taught by his mother, a dance studio owner.
Wall made his Broadway debut as a child in the musical 'The Music Man'.
He was a runner-up on the second season of 'So You Think You Can Dance'.
His choreography for the 'SYTYCD' piece 'Fix You' became an instant viral sensation and fan favorite.
“I don't want to just do tricks. I want to tell a story.”
