Professional Portrait: Nigel Lythgoe

Nigel Lythgoe is a television and film director and producer. He is a former dancer and choreographer. He is noted for being the producer of the shows Pop Idol and American Idol as well as creating, executive producing and being a regular judge for So You Think You Can Dance. He was also creator of the 2009 competition Superstars of Dance.

Born in England, he became interested in dance at the age of 10. He began with tap and then went on to become a student at the Hylton-Bromley School of Dance and Rama on Merseyside where he studied classical ballet, modern jazz, ballroom, character, classical Greek and National dance from various countries.

He danced with Gene Kelly. He also choreographed for the Muppets.