You Should Know: Lior Melnikov

January 29, 2017

Though he says his favorite style is hip hop—and he can definitely hit hard when he needs to—Lior Melnikov’s onstage charisma brings to mind old-school entertainers like Fred Astaire. Thanks to that singular performance quality, 12-year-old Melnikov has been popping up more and more frequently in the commercial world: He made it to the Top 20 on “So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation,” and was named a 2016/2017 PULSE Elite Protégé. His Nickelodeon credits include “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn” and “LSB (Lip Sync Battle).”

Fast Facts!

Birthday:
December 29, 2003

Hometown:
Houston, TX

Studio:
Dancezone in Houston, TX

Song he’s listening to right now:
“Wicked,” by Future

Favorite food:
“My mom’s home cooking.”

Hidden talent:
“I speak three languages!”

Performer he’s dying to work with:
Jason Derulo

Three words that describe his dancing:
“Passionate, entertaining and dedicated”

Nondance hobbies:
Playing basketball and video games

Advice for
Dance Spirit
readers:
“Never give up on your dreams and always stay humble.”