Kirstie Alley and the choreographers of “Dancing With the Stars” have something in common — they have each contended for eight Emmy Awards. However, while Kirstie Alley took home Best Comedy Actress for “Cheers” in 1992 and Best TV Movie/Mini Actress for “David’s Mother” in 1994, the dance designers have never waltzed off with an Emmy.
In 2006 — its first year of eligiblity — “Dancing With the Stars” earned three bids for Cheryl Burke, Tony Dovolani and Nick Kosovich but they were all bested by the team of Charles Kaplow, Kenny Ortega and Bonnie Story who choreographed “High School Musical.”
In 2007, there was a three-way tie as both Mia Michaels and Wade Robson won for separate routines on “So You Think You Can Dance” while John DeLuca and Rob Marshall prevailed for “Tony Bennett: An American Classic” leaving Louis van Amstel of “Dancing With the Stars” the sole loser.
In 2008, Wade Robson repeated for “SYTYCD,” edging out two of his colleagues from the Fox hit, as well as Julianne Hough of “DWTS” and those “High School Musical” Emmy champs who were contending for the sequel.
In 2009, there was another tie as Tyce Diroio won for “SYTYCD” as did Rob Ashford for the Oscars hosted by Hugh Jackman. The also-rans were three other routines from “SYTYCD” as well as Derek and Julianne Hough who shared a nomination for “DWTS.”
Last year, Mia Michaels won her second Emmy for “SYTYCD” while Derek Hough lost two separate bids for “DWTS,” sharing the second of those with Chelsea Hightower. The other nominees were Adam Shankman for the Oscars and Stacey Tookey from “SYTYCD.”
