Chris Tyler and Shane Sparks

MTV'a newest dance reality show, "America's Best Dance Crew" features dance troups in amazing hip hop performances. Shane Sparks is the head judge for this show - and is one of the choreographers on Merrimack Hall's wish list of artists we hope to bring to Huntsville for master classes!

Shane is often assisted by Chris Tyler, the Nashville-based hip hop artist and choreographer who is returning to Merrimack Hall on March 29 for a day of master classes. On last week's episode of "American's Best Dance Crew," Shane Sparks told a dancer who was dancing with an injury, "my best friend and favorite assistant is a guy named Chris Tyler. Chris has terrible knees but dances through the pain and kills it every time." Shane continued to praise Chris for his professionalism, his talent and for not letting his injuries affect his performance as a dancer.

My daughter, Emma, and I were watching the show and were so excited to hear Shane speak of Chris on national television! We just loved Chris when he was here in January and can't wait to see him again next month. He is a tremendous teacher, a brilliant dancer and an all around great guy! I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about offering a hip hop dance class to six-year-olds, but what Shane taught these babies was so age appropriate and adorable - he had them hip hop dancing to a rap version of "Pop Goes the Weasel!" From beginner to advanced, Chris' classes were action packed, fun, unique and all the dancers who came enjoyed themselves so much! We can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve for us next!