Brian Friedman facts for kids

Brian L. Friedman (born May 28, 1977) is an American dancer and choreographer. He is famous for creating dance routines for many popular music artists like Britney Spears, Beyoncé Knowles, and Mariah Carey. He has also choreographed for music videos, concert tours, and TV shows.

Early Life and Dance Beginnings

Brian Friedman was born in Highland Park, Illinois, United States. He started dancing when he was 11 years old in Scottsdale, Arizona. As a young dancer, he appeared in different dance shows, including Newsies and Kids Incorporated. By the time he was 16, he was already in charge of his own dance studio.

Brian learned from famous dance teachers like Joe Tremaine, Kenny Ortega, and Twyla Tharp. Early in his career, he worked with big music stars such as Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Celine Dion.

He also helped create the dance moves for movies like Charlie's Angels and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. Brian even sang in a group called "Blessed With Soul" with Brittany Murphy before deciding to focus completely on his dance career. He used to own a dance studio called The Dance Source with his mother, Judi Friedman, but it closed in 2000 so he could spend all his time on choreography.

Career in Dance and TV

Choreography Work

Brian Friedman has choreographed, directed, and performed in many music videos and live shows. Some of his well-known work includes dance routines for Britney Spears' songs like "Toxic", "Me Against the Music", and "I'm a Slave 4 U". He also choreographed her "The Dream Within a Dream Tour" and Onyx Hotel Tour. Other artists he has worked with include Mýa for "My Love Is Like...Wo" and *NSYNC for their song "Pop".

He has also choreographed for TV shows such as Will & Grace, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and the Billboard Music Awards.

From 2004 to 2016, Brian was the creative director for The PULSE on Tour. This meant he traveled around the world, teaching and guiding dance students.

In 2011, he worked with Britney Spears again, choreographing her music videos and performances for hit songs like "Hold It Against Me" and "Till the World Ends".

In 2019, he created all the dance numbers for Melanie Martinez' first movie, K–12. His more recent work includes choreography for the South Korean girl group Itzy's song “Icy.”

Television Appearances

Brian Friedman has been a judge and choreographer on several TV shows. He appeared on So You Think You Can Dance? for two seasons.

Later, he was offered a role by Simon Cowell to be on his show, Grease Is the Word. In 2007, Brian became a judge on the British version of The X Factor for its fourth series. He judged alongside Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, and Dannii Minogue. After a short time, he stepped down as a judge but took on a new role as the show's creative director. In this role, he worked closely with the contestants and the judges.

Brian left the British X Factor in 2010 and then worked on the American version of the show, The X Factor. He worked with contestants and judges like Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, and Paula Abdul.

He also directed, choreographed, and danced on Dancing with the Stars. He was a producer and creative director for America's Got Talent and also for The X Factor USA.

In 2012, Brian returned to The X Factor UK for a short time before going back to Los Angeles to work on the second season of the American version with judges like Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, and Britney Spears. He later left the show.

Brian also choreographed the stage performance for the Irish pop duo Jedward at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. In 2014, he returned to The X Factor UK as creative director.

In 2015, Brian took part in the reality TV show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in the UK. He finished in 11th place.

Brian lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and London with his husband, Daniel Porter Friedman.

Personal Life

Brian Friedman married his partner, Daniel Porter Friedman, in February 2020.

He also supports the Urdang Academy, which is a performing arts college.

Awards and Nominations

Brian Friedman has been recognized for his amazing choreography. He has been nominated for 4 MTV Video Music Awards, 2 Music Video Production Awards, and 5 American Choreography Awards.