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Talented and creative, Ray Leeper is quickly rising through the ranks and establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s leading creative directors, producers, choreographers, and master educators. His provocative and powerful style, his innovative vision and outgoing character, makes him highly sought after in this field.
Ray’s work spans the spectrum from television, movies, and commercials to off –Broadway and music videos. He has choreographed some for some of the most popular televisions shows, most recently on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance, where he managed to win the love of millions of viewers each week. He has worked past seasons of Dancing With The Stars, American Idol, All My Children, One Life to Live, Big Bang Theory, X-Factor UK, and America’s Got Talent. His big screen credits include, They Shoot Divas, Don’t They starring Jennifer Beals the short film, This Island, as well as starring himself in the films, Move, and I Dream of Dance.
Originally from Los Angeles, Ray always knew he wanted to be a choreographer. At 9 years old, he was cast as the Artful Dodger in the musical “Oliver!” and the choreographer suggested dance training to his mom. There weren’t many boys training at that time so he desperately tried to keep it a secret and continued to play sports. At 13, the kids found out and he was bullied, but preserved and started to focus on his dance training and love of choreography.
His long career has including working with such artist as Elton John, Snoop Dogg, Nick Cannon, Nile Rodgers, Kelly Rowland, Kathryn Jenkins and Geri Halliwell. His favorites include Cher because of her willingness to collaborate & humbleness and Matthew Morrison for his professionalism. Creative Director credits include Franco Dragone’s INDIA and One Love, So You Think You Can Dance, Matthew Morrison’s Where It All Began tour and NKOTB/BSD tour, IL DIVO World Tour, X-Factor European Tour.
All the components combined are what Ray appreciates most about the creative process and has collected a vast of commercial credits for international brands as Pepsi and Levis, working with Hollywood notables like famed director, Nigel Dick for Sierra Mist and BAFTA award-winning director Phil Heyes for American Idol & X-Factor UK.
Ray has recently directed and choreographed the critically-acclaimed Off-Broadway musical, One Day, as well as the Off-Broadway show Mental – the Musical and also other notable Off- Broadway shows, Inappropriate and Nightlife. He was awarded the esteemed “Best Choreography Award” for his work on Common Grounds in the New York Musical Theater Festival and the prestigious “Gold Leo Award” for Excellence in Choreography at the Kennedy Center.
After 30 years to contributing to teaching world, and being one of the most sought after choreographers and master teachers in the United States, Ray now spends his time dedicated to his new creative endeavors, producing original content and choreographing for television and film.
This California native enjoys reading autobiographies, interior decorating, entertaining at his house and going to museums to enjoy art.