Cholly Atkins, born Charles Sylvan Atkinson on September 13, 1913, in Pratt City, Alabama, was a pioneering American dancer and choreographer renowned for his contributions to the world of dance, particularly in the realm of Motown. Atkins began his dance career in the late 1930s, gaining initial fame as part of the vaudeville dance duo Atkins & Coles, alongside Charles "Honi" Coles. The duo captivated audiences at venues like the Apollo Theater in Harlem and performed with major jazz and swing bands, including those led by Louis Armstrong and Count Basie.

Atkins's career evolved as he became a choreographer for vocal groups in the mid-1950s, developing a style known as "vocal choreography," which integrated stylish dance moves with vocal performances. His work with The Miracles led to his hiring by Berry Gordy in 1964 as Motown's house choreographer. Atkins crafted the iconic dance routines for Motown acts such as The Supremes, The Temptations, and Gladys Knight & the Pips, significantly shaping the visual and performance style of the label.

In addition to his work with Motown, Atkins choreographed for artists like The Cadillacs and The O'Jays, and in 1989, he won a Tony Award for his choreography in the Broadway show "Black and Blue." He continued to influence dance through teaching and workshops, including a fellowship with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Atkins passed away on April 19, 2003, in Las Vegas, Nevada, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the landscape of performance choreography and set a standard for future generations.