Emmy-winning choreographer who transformed So You Think You Can Dance with emotionally devastating contemporary routines and founded Shaping Sound dance company.
SYTYCD Origins
Competed: Season 2 (2006), didn’t win but showcased raw talent
Resident choreographer (2010-present): Created SYTYCD’s most iconic routines, 4x Emmy winner
Signature Choreography
Emotional storytelling: Addiction, loss, mental health, relationships
Partner work: Lifts, trust-based connection, masculine vulnerability
Music: Sia, Florence + The Machine, indie/alternative (Bon Iver, The xx)
Iconic SYTYCD Pieces
“Fix You” (2011): Addiction narrative, Robert + Allison, 20M+ YouTube views
“Falling Slowly” (2011): Amy & Travis duet, raw intimacy
“Mad World” (2009): Kent Boyd solo, isolation and despair
“Gravity” (2015): Contemporary meets hip-hop, Paul Karmiryan & Jasmine Harper
Shaping Sound
Founded: 2012 with Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance, Kyle Robinson
Tours: After the Curtain (2014-2016), theatrical contemporary dance shows
Evolution: Members rotated, Travis continued as director
Emmy Awards
Won 4 Emmys for Outstanding Choreography (SYTYCD 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Cultural Impact
- Elevated contemporary dance on mainstream TV
- Normalized male vulnerability in choreography
- Launched dancers’ careers (Kathryn McCormick, Robert Roldan)
Beyond SYTYCD
- Choreographed for Carrie Underwood, P!nk, Florence Welch
- Broadway: Escape to Margaritaville (2017-2018)
Related
- #SYTYCD, #ContemporaryDance, #ShapingSound, #EmotionalChoreography