Rikki McKinney

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Rikki McKinney, AKA Mr. Personality was born in St. Petersburg, Florida and began dancing at the age of 12.  At the age of 13, Rikki performed with Chuck Davis' African American Dance Ensemble, which was also the day his father passed away.  On that day Rikki vowed to be one of the most unique African American male dancers in the USA.  He decided to use arts and entertainment as an outlet to express himself and make his dream of performing all over the world into a reality.  He attended Arts Middle School (16th Street Center for the Arts and International Studies), Arts High School (Pinellas County Center for the Arts) and University of the Arts. He was offered full scholarships to attend some of the most prestigious dance facilities including School of American Ballet, The Rock School, Joffery Ballet, The Alvin Ailey School, Debbie Allen School of Dance, Dance Theater of Harlem, Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, Broadway Dance Center, Jacobs Pillow and University of the Arts where he received a full Directors Scholarship and received his B.F.A in Ballet Education. Since then, Rikki has been moving at the Speed of Light!  

 

Rikki's Broadway/Off-Broadway and Stage credits include:  Twist: An American Musical, Directed by Debbie Allen, Tell Hell I Ain’t Coming, The Wiz (The Scarecrow), Swan Lake, Carmina Burena, Pirates of the Phantom Waves, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater "Memoria", Cirque Du Soleil's World of Coca Cola Grand opening (choreographed/danced), Fercos Brothers: Untamed Illusions, Ringling Brothers Circus and Disney Cruise Lines.  RIkki has staged and choreographed halftime shows for NFL/NBA including The Atlanta Falcon Cheerleaders, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Heat, Dallas Cowboys, The Alamo Bowl and recently choreographed a Gymnastics Level 9/10 floor routine for State Championship all around top finalist Niece Butler of Georgia. Rikki has choreographed, was Creative Director, Artist Development, back up dancer, and personal assistant for several recording artists such as Paris Hilton, Jill Scott, Janelle Monae, Black Eye Peas, Tina Pittman, Raven Symone, Destiny's Child, All American Rejects, Chaka Khan, Big Boi of Outkast, Mademoizell, Big Sean, Cherish, Jenna Dray, Creflo Dollar, John P King, Yolanda Adams, Dem Franchise Boys, Trey Songz, Young Joc and Bridge to Grace. 

 

He has dance, choreographed and had roles on many Television Networks and shows including BET: Reed Between The Lines, CW: The Vampire Diaries, Lifetime:  Drop Dead Diva, BET: Bobby Jones Next Generation, MTV: MADE, NICKELODEONS: "Hi-Jinx" & "Tiena", CW: Urban Idol, PBS: Consumerism The Musical, GA Lottery: All Access Music Search, GA Lottery: Salute to America 4th of July Celebration.  Rikki was recently the Host of Dance Grind T.V: The Cypher" Tech Edition.  He has appeared on local, national, and worldwide commercials such as: Rooms to Go, Publix Supermarket, AT&T, Comcast, Cartoon Networks "Adult Swim", Foreman Mills, and Georgia Aquariums "Dolphin Tales".  His on Screen Film credits include Tyler Perry’s "I Can Do It All By Myself", “I Am Bluebird,” “Stomp The Yard” and “The Three Stooges.” Rikki has been featured in magazines such as L'UOMO, Vogue Magazine (10 PG SPREAD), Ebony Magazine, JET, Kontrol Magazine, Peach Magazine, Black Men’s Health and Lowe’s Art Gallery.

 

In June of 2013, Mr. Mckinney received news that the GA Lottery Salutes America "4th of July" Live Broadcast at Centennial Park, (where he was Assistant Choreographer & Dancer) received an Emmy Award for Best Regional Live Coverage. Rikki has trained almost every top booking agency and concert dancer in Atlanta.  He has trained and choreographed for two of the top 10 dancers from the Fox Network’s Emmy Award winning TV show So You Think you Can Dance: (Mitchell Kelley from Season 8 and Jasmine Harper from Season 11.  In 2012, Rikki was awarded the Destined to Dance Best Male Dancer in Atlanta. Rikki continues to teach master classes, judge competitions and mentors and educates young dancers throughout the USA and abroad.