Norman Maen

Norman Maen (1932-2008) was a choreographer and dancer who staged dance sequences on The Muppet Show. The episodes he choreographed included episode 213, handling the "Swine Lake" ballet and other dances for Rudolf Nureyev, and episode 501, showcasing another famous dancer, Gene Kelly.

Born in Northern Island, Maen began his dance career in Canada, on stage and for the CBC. A move to New York followed, playing the principal dancer in the 1961 musical Donnybrook!. Returning to the United Kingdom, Maen choreographed the variety series This Is Tom Jones (1969-1971), earning a 1970 Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography. His troupe, the Norman Maen Dancers, were used on several specials and series, including the Royal Variety Performance. Other choreography credits included The Morecombe and Wise Show, The Paul Daniels Magic Show, multiple Petula Clark specials, and the special Bob Hope at the London Palladium.