As a film actor and talent Judge on hit television shows around the world, Dan Karaty is one of the busiest entertainers working today. Karaty’s brutally honest and thought-provoking critiques have made him a worldwide viewer favorite. The long list of current and past projects includes: Holland’s Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance, Dance Dance Dance, Idols, X Factor, SYTYCD The Next Generation, Battle on the Dance Floor, Belgium’s Got Talent, Everybody Dance Now, The Ultimate Dance Battle, My Name Is Michael, Best of Dance and Dans Date. Everybody Dance Now was named Best Show at the TV Image Awards. Previously, Karaty served as Producer on NBC’s hit America’s Got Talent. Karaty’s choreography for Evacuate The Dance Floor earned Cascada an MTV VMA “Best Video” nomination.

On the big screen, Karaty made his feature acting debut with co-star Lies Visschedijk in the romantic comedy Soof, the highest grossing Dutch film in 2013. Soof II premiered in December 2016, breaking numerous box office records, and a TV spin-off will launch later this year on RTL, the Netherland’s most successful network group.  Karaty also expertly choreographed major feature films including Disney’s Prom, Music & Lyrics with Drew Barrymore, Did You Hear About The Morgans with Hugh Grant.

Karaty was born just outside New York City to Broadway veterans Tom and Jane Karaty so it’s no surprise dance is a huge part of his life. Although his theater roots remain a tremendous influence on his work, Karaty initially chose sneakers and hip-hop over a career on the stage. His unique path allowed Karaty to infuse his work with the spirit of classic inspirations like Gene Kelly, Fred Astaireand trailblazers in the hip-hop and pop culture like Michael Jackson.

During college at New York University, Karaty taught at the popular Tremaine Dance Conventions where he met friend and collaborator Wade Robson. During his junior year, Karaty made his Broadway debut in the smash hit Footloose and soon began dancing with Britney Spears on the MTV VMAs and Billboard Awards. After graduating from NYU with a B.A. in journalism, Karaty moved to Hollywood where he and Robson continued to collaborate. Their rise was fast and furious, including high-profile projects like Spears’ first Pepsi commercial and the *NSYNC world tour.

Karaty then branched out on his own, choreographing Jessica Simpson’s Irresistible and Little Bit music videos and serving as Artistic Director for Simpson’s 2001 world tour. He also worked with Kylie Minogue on many television appearances, and many of the world’s most popular artists, including Justin Timberlake and Usher. Although he quickly became known for his work in pop music, Karaty broadened his reach by choreographing or appearing in ground-breaking commercials for iPod, Best Buy, Mattel, Dance Central 2, Miller, Xbox Kinect and many more.

Beyond his role as Judge and Producer, Karaty has his sights set on directing film, television and theater projects, including a Broadway production of his own.