BIOGRAPHY
Shannon Holtzapffel was born in Delft, Holland, to Dutch importer Lee and Australian Ticketek employee Delia, Holtzapffel . The family moved and settled in Brisbane Australia, when Shannon was 4 years old.
What was the first move attempted by Mr. Holtzapffel …. He attempted the Moonwalk but that was even before he learned how to walk. Watching Michael Jackson on MTV with his parents Shannon was inspired by The King copying his moves and wishing one day he could be beside him… A dream that would soon come true for the young 25 year old Holtzapffel. He was hand-picked from more than 5,000 applicants by the man Michael Jackson to be one of 11 principal dancers for Jackson's comeback tour This is it….. which later featured him in This Is It, the highest grossing concert movie and documentary in the history of cinema.
He was also part of the worldwide marketing campaign for the music video game Michael Jackson: The Experience.
He turned down a gig on Britney Spears's Circus tour because it conflicted with This Is It.
Soon after moving to Brisbane Shannon enrolled at the Johnny Young Talent School and by 6 years of age he was cast in his first professional musical 'The King and I'. Later landing his first TV ad at age 7.
At a very young age, he was selected for the Queensland Ballet production of Sleeping Beauty and the Australian Ballet seasons of Manon and Don Quixote.
Shannon was also featured in the Lyric Operas’ 'Madame Butterfly' and later taking a role for the season of 'Eugene Onegin'.
By his teen years Shannon joined the Davidia Lind Dance Centre. Continuing his training in all Genres of Dance.
Not only a Dancer, Shannon was also interested in gymnastics achieving a high level of success, representing his State.
Television mini-series appearances include ‘The Wayne Manifesto' (ABC), 'Medivac' (Nine), and 'Fire II' (Seven)
Graduated from Queensland's Sunnybank State High School before accepting a scholarship at 17 to the prestigious Edge Performing Arts Center in LA.
Taught by Robert Sturrock, Choreographer and dance instructor he was introduced into the professional entertainment industry.
With his experience in dance, acting, modelling and choreography he later moved on to featuring in more than 30 television commercials and numerous video clips including Christina Aguilera and Ne-yo .
Touring in South Korea and Europe with Los Angeles’ Commonality Dance Company.
Choreographing on seasons 1 and 2 of So You Think You Can Dance Australia with Simon Lind as a choreographing Duo Project Moda.
Delta Goodrems first Australian tour ‘The visualize’ was choreographed by Shannon Holtzapffel and Project Moda. Shannon was also one of the Dancers on her tour. Later in 2009 he also choreographed her 2nd Australian tour ‘Believe again’
Shannon also danced with UK’s Will Young on his “Keep on” tour.
In 2008, Shannon featured in Britney Spears’ documentary, For the Record.
While in LA he hired an agent and spent six years shuttling back and forth between jobs in Hollywood and Australia.
In 2010 Shannon was one of 4 Dancers to join Diva Whitney Houston on her final tour ‘Nothing but love’.
While on home soil he worked as a motion-capture performer on the Oscar award winning Happy Feet. Other film features include The Muppets.
Christina Aguilera is an artist Shannon has been dancing with for many years on many different appearances.
Joining Australian Superstar Kylie Minogue in 2011 on her largest concert tour, Aphrodite: Les Folies World Tour and the subsequent 3D theatrical cinema release Aphrodite Les Folies: Live in London. By 2012 Shannon teamed up with Jennifer Lopez, performing in her Dance Again World Tour as well as joining her on multiple awards shows, tv performances and ceremonies. Chime for Change, Womens World cup, AMA and World Music awards not to mention a few.
Soon after that, he starring in the television documentary series A Step Away.
A Step Away delivers an intimate look at the unique journeys of a sexy and ambitious crew of professional dancers performing with global superstar JLo on her first-ever world tour.
Shannon’s television credits include the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards, the Grammys, the American Music Awards, the MTV Movie Awards, American Idol, True Blood, Glee, Dancing With The Stars (US version) and Your Chance To Dance.
He choreographed for the legendary Smokey Robinson Presents Human Nature: The Motown Show, which resides at the Venetian, on the famous Las Vegas Strip.
Shannons Latest works include being a Judge on the reality Dance competition, So you think you can dance Australia after its much anticipated comeback.
Artist Shannon has performed with include Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Leona Lewis, Britney Spears, Jennifer Hudson, Fergie, Kelly Clarkson, OneRepublic, Laura Bell Bundy, Delta Goodrem, The Presets, Sam Sparro, Cassie Davis, Will Young, Danni Minogue, Agnes, Holly Valance, Tina Arena, Darren Hayes, Tina Cousins, Guy Sebastian, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Shannon Noll, TV Rock, Seany B, Marcia Hines, Paulini, Jade Macrae, Sophie Monk, The Potbelleez, Vandalism, Tamara Jaber, Deni Hines, Katie Underwood, Belinda Chapple, Tiffany Wood, S2S, Inaya Day, Girlband, Jerry Deveaux, Anita Spring ,Sirens, Nikki French, Ultra Nate, Niki Haris, Rhonda Burchmore, Rachael Beck, Paul Capsis, Bob Downe, Peter Cousens, Chita, Nasia, Suzy Ray, T Funk, Kath and Kim.
