Mike Tyus is…
an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and creative director hailing from the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience, he has become a celebrated figure in the world of dance, captivating audiences on both stage and screen.
As a performer, Tyus has graced the stages of renowned productions, including Cirque Du Soleil's "IRIS" at the iconic Kodak Theater in LA and "KOOZA," where he mesmerized audiences as "The Trickster," a devilish ringleader and the lead character. In 2013, Tyus joined the prestigious Pilobolus Dance Theater, collaborating with visionary choreographers like Sidi Larbi Cherkoui, Penn & Teller, and Israeli choreographers Inbal Pinto and Avshalom Pollack. His contributions to the company's repertory continue to be celebrated today. Tyus has also had the privilege of performing in Ryan Heffington's choreography for Sia and gracing the Oscars stage under the direction of Philipe Decoufle. He is a founding member of Jacob Jonas The Company and served as an Associate Producer for Films.Dance, a platform dedicated to pushing the boundaries of dance film through unconventional collaborations.
Tyus' choreographic style is a captivating fusion of his diverse training, blending elements from circus theater, acrobatics, ballet, and Greco-Roman wrestling to create a truly unique and mesmerizing art form. His choreographic portfolio spans across dance companies, museums, and pop stars,. Notable recent works include creations for SuperBlue Museum in Miami commissioned by Live Arts Miami, a dance film creation and live performance for The Broad Museum in Los Angeles, a creative residency at LA Dance Project, and commissions for Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, Hedwig Dance Chicago, Visceral Dance Chicago and a commission for Joffrey Ballets prestigious Winning Works. Tyus directed and choreographed the stunning dance film "ELSEWHERE" for Whim W'him Contemporary Dance Company, which was showcased on PBS. Tyus' choreography extended to a Facebook commercial directed by FKA Twigs, which has earned a place in the MOMA's archives for its cultural significance. Tyus has further enriched pop culture through his choreography in music videos for Nigerian Pop-Star Adekunle Gold and emerging artist Anna Margo, infusing the art world's sensibilities into mainstream entertainment. In 2020, he established "Mike Tyus & Co," a dance company dedicated to bringing his visionary work to life, with an impressive repertoire of over 13 films and the creation of the compelling piece "Hunger," developed at Orsolina28, a dance residency in Moncalvo, Italy.
Education is a paramount focus for Tyus, where he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with universities and non-profit arts programs, including Utah University, CalArts, Point Park University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, CLI Conservatory, Manhatten Youth Ballet and Lines Ballet.
Beyond his achievements in the realm of dance, Mike Tyus has demonstrated his creative prowess as a director by spearheading branded campaigns for leading brands such as Vaara, Anthropologie, Veuve Clicquot, Club Monaco, SONY, Apple, and Abercrombie & Fitch. He artfully bridges the gap between dance and commerce, leveraging his substantial social media following to share the joy of dance with audiences worldwide. At the heart of Tyus' mission lies a deep commitment to community and creation, which continues to inspire his endeavors in crafting work that nourishes the human spirit and reflects the essence of our times.
