Crescendo Ward

Personal Bio

Crescendo Ward is a multi-talented performer and producer with a career that spans acting, choreography, dancing, editing, and production across film, television, stage, and video. Known for his deep-rooted connection to street dance culture, Crescendo is regarded as a leading figure in the dance world, particularly in street dancing, where his insight is unmatched. A visionary producer, Crescendo helped pioneer televised street dance competitions. He produced and directed the American Street Dance Championship on Fox Sports Net in 2001.

As a producer, Crescendo has collaborated with some of the most respected names in the industry, including Kevin Bright (Friends), Chris Bearde (Sherman Oaks), Carl Franklin (Devil in a Blue Dress), and many others. His extensive work as a choreographer includes collaborations with iconic recording artists such as Lionel Richie, Paula Abdul, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Diana Ross, and many more. As an actor, Crescendo’s film credits include “Sinbad & The War of The Furies”, “Maul Dogs”, The Rock Presents: “Ascendance”, “Naked Gun 33 1/3”, with Leslie Nielsen, “I’ll Do Anything”, with Nick Nolte and “Cell Block Four”, with Chris Rock. Crescendo did double duty as an actor and choreographer for Robert Townsend’s film “The Five Heartbeats” and “Earth Girls Are Easy” with Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, Jim Carrey and Damon Wayans. In the latter film, Crescendo received rave reviews for the hot dance battle scene he co-directed, choreographed and performed with Wayans.

Crescendo has left his mark on television as well, appearing in shows like In Living Color, The George Burns Special, and The Diana Ross Special. His comedic choreography for HBO’s Harry Shearer: The Magic Of Live and the music video spoof “Shredding Party” received praise for its originality. Crescendo’s journey in the spotlight began as a Grand Finalist on Star Search ‘85 as half of the dynamic dance duo Crescendo & Diamond. Spotted by producer Chris Bearde, Crescendo was hired to star in and choreograph the TV series FTV, a parody of MTV, and was later given opportunities to write and direct sketches for the show.

In 1999, he launched Wardance Entertainment, a multimedia production company specializing in live, video, and post-production. Driven by his passion for dance and education, Crescendo founded the Dance For Education Foundation, a non-profit organization that uses music and dance to promote education among youth. “It’s important that we all do our share and give back, especially if you’re in a position to do so,” says Crescendo says.