Desiree Robbins
| Desiree Robbins | |
|---|---|
| File:Desiree Robbins Convention Photo.jpgDesiree Robbins Convention Photo.jpg Robbins teaching at a dance convention | |
| Born | February 10, 1971 Costa Mesa, California, U.S. |
| April 4, 2021 (aged 50)April 4, 2021 (aged 50) | |
| 💼 Occupation | Dancer, choreographer, educator |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | Michael Binikos (m. 2001) |
Desiree Dawn Robbins (February 10, 1971 – April 4, 2021) was an American dancer, choreographer, and educator who specialized in jazz dance. She was recognized within the dance community for her technical instruction, particularly in progressions and turns. Robbins was active on the national dance convention circuit and contributed to both competitive studio training and professional sports dance programs."Desiree Robbins Obituary". Dignity Memorial. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
Early life
Robbins was born in Costa Mesa, California, to Judith and Robert Robbins. She was the second of three children. Her father was employed as a schoolteacher and worked as a lifeguard during the summer months, while her mother managed the household.
At the age of seven, following her parents' divorce, Robbins began formal dance training at the Lynn Vogen School for Dance in California. She studied alongside her sister and cousin and was mentored by studio director Lynn Vogen."Legacy of Desiree Robbins". DancePlug. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
During her teenage years, Robbins regularly traveled to Los Angeles to study with established dance professionals, including choreographer Joe Tremaine. By the age of 16, she was participating as an assistant instructor on the national Tremaine Dance Convention tour.
Career
1990s: Performance and transition to teaching
In the early 1990s, Robbins appeared on the nationally televised talent competition Star Search, performing with her dance company, Peace Posse."Dance League Faculty". Dance League. Retrieved April 26, 2025. While she initially pursued a career as a performer, she later shifted her focus toward dance education.
By the mid-1990s, Robbins had transitioned into full-time teaching. She became known on the national dance convention circuit for her structured and technique-driven jazz classes, emphasizing clarity, discipline, and musicality.
2000s: Convention work and professional affiliations
In the 2000s, Robbins emerged as a leading figure in the American dance convention industry. Her classes—particularly in progressions, turns, and across-the-floor movement—were widely regarded for their technical rigor and instructional clarity.
In addition to her convention work, Robbins provided training and choreographic consultation for several professional sports entertainment teams, including the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and the Golden State Warriors Dance Team.
She also taught with a variety of major national dance conventions including Tremaine, Artists Simply Human, iHollywood, and Dance Teachers’ Summit.
Personal life
On August 25, 2001, Robbins married music producer Michael Binikos in a private ceremony in Kauai, Hawaii. The couple later established their residence in the Hollywood Hills. Robbins was known for her interest in gardening, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Bella.
Significant events
2003 Hyatt Hotel incident: In 2003, Robbins sustained injuries in an accident at a Hyatt hotel. She subsequently filed a lawsuit against the corporation, which was settled in 2005.
2010 Departure from Tremaine Dance Convention: Robbins concluded her long-standing affiliation with the Tremaine Dance Convention, marking the end of a formative chapter in her teaching career.
2014 Founding of Dance League: In 2014, Robbins established Dance League, a national dance convention designed to emphasize both technical excellence and artistic growth.
2020 COVID-19 pandemic response: Amid the global pandemic, Robbins transitioned her instruction to digital platforms, continuing to engage with students through virtual teaching formats.
Death and legacy
Robbins died on April 4, 2021, after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
Her legacy includes contributions to technical jazz instruction, leadership within the national dance convention circuit, and the founding of Dance League, a convention that continues to support the development of young dancers. Former students have credited Robbins with fostering discipline, artistry, and confidence.
Tributes
In the weeks following her death, members of the dance community shared tributes reflecting on her influence. The dance publication DancePlug described her as "an extraordinary technician who made even the most complex progressions accessible with her signature warmth and precision.""Welcome the Jazz Queen: Desiree Robbins". DancePlug. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
Professional colleagues recalled her "relentless passion for excellence" and her ability "to see the potential in every dancer she taught."
See also
References
External links
Interview in Dance Teacher Magazine
Licensing
I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby publish it under the following license:
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Promotional photograph taken by Eric Hyler on July 27, 2009. Uploaded with permission. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Convention photograph taken by Michael Binikos, uploaded with permission.
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