Princeton Perez Honors Mentor Dave Scott in Heartfelt Tribute

Princeton Perez Mourns Mentor Dave Scott

Mindless Behavior alum Princeton Perez has paid a moving tribute to his longtime mentor, Dave Scott, who passed away on June 16, 2025. In an Instagram post shared under the handle @princetonperez, the singer‐dancer expressed profound gratitude for Scott’s unwavering support over nearly two decades.

A Lifelong Bond Forged In Dance

In his caption, Perez recalls first meeting Scott on his seventh birthday. “He & Kristi would let me take their Millennium Classes every Friday for free, even tho it was 18+, because they saw me for real & he 🤍BELIEVED🤍in me!” Perez wrote. He describes how Scott’s encouragement led him to ask for an autograph—”which he signed ‘Never Stop Dancing’”—and ultimately changed the course of his life.

Scott didn’t stop there. According to Perez, he introduced the young dancer to Debbie Allen and advocated for Perez to earn a scholarship at Allen’s Dance Academy, enabling him to train intensively each summer. Perez credits Scott’s belief in him for landing an audition with the boy band Mindless Behavior: “My Mom then got a call from them asking me to audition for this new group called Mindless Behavior, but to not tell me because they knew how much I hated auditions, because he 🤍BELIEVED🤍in me…”

Celebrating A Legacy Of Influence

Scott continued to support Perez’s career behind the scenes, choreographing performances with “no Budget, No Team, No Hype,” Perez noted. The tribute post features images of a smiling Perez in studio sessions with Scott, alongside performance snapshots that capture Scott’s dynamic energy onstage.

Perez highlights the impact of having a Black mentor who traveled the world dancing and inspiring others: “My first Representation of a Black Man who lived his life being able to Dance around the world & inspire people?…because he & so many 🤍BELIEVED🤍IN ME!🤍”

From Child Dancer To Pop Artist

Born November 14, 1999, Jacob Anthony “Princeton” Perez rose to fame in 2008 when he joined Mindless Behavior at age eight. The boy band went on to score hits like “My Girl” and toured internationally before disbanding in 2017. Beyond his work with the group, Perez has pursued solo music, acting and continued to champion dance as a core part of his identity.

Perez’s Instagram carousel also includes candid studio shots and performance stills that trace his journey from a dance‐obsessed kid to a multi‐talented entertainer. By sharing these personal moments, he underlines Scott’s role in every major step of his career.

Perez closed the caption with a poignant farewell: “Dancing has saved my life. & I thank him for that. Rest In Peace 🤍 Never Stop Dancing. Love You D! Miss You!”

While the dance community mourns the loss of Dave Scott, Perez’s tribute ensures that Scott’s belief in emerging talent will never be forgotten.

Perez’s post has already drawn support from fans and fellow artists, many echoing his sentiment that Scott’s guidance left an indelible mark on their own journeys. As tributes continue to pour in, Perez’s words remind us that a mentor’s faith can spark a lifetime of possibility.

Perez will carry Scott’s legacy forward every time he takes the stage, embodying the very message Scott once wrote: Never Stop Dancing.

Trivia

Jacob Perez was only 11 years old when he joined Mindless Behavior, contributing his talents as a vocalist and dancer.

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Ratika Pai

 

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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